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. 10-2024-0098060, filed on Jul. 24, 2024, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device, and more particularly, to an aerosol generating device that may be conveniently used with comfortable inhalation operations.

2. Description of the Related Art

Recently, there has been an increasing demand for an alternative method of overcoming the disadvantages of normal cigarettes. For example, there is an increasing demand for a system for generating aerosols by heating an aerosol generating substrate by using an aerosol generating device, rather than by burning cigarettes.

Due to the growing demand for aerosol generating devices, aerosol generating devices capable of generating aerosols by using aerosol generating materials and improving smoking convenience for users have been introduced. There has been suggested, for example, an aerosol generating device capable of detecting a puff operation of a user by using a sensor and operating based on the puff operation that has been detected.

SUMMARY

An aerosol generating device includes a sensor configured to detect puff operations of a user. To detect the puff operations by using the sensor, it is required that a sufficient pressure is generated in an airflow passing through an airflow path.

In addition, for the user to comfortably perform an operation of inhaling aerosols through the aerosol generating device, it is required that an appropriate pressure is generated in the airflow passing through the airflow path. For example, when the pressure of the airflow excessively increases and causes an increase in ‘suction resistance’, that is, a pressure of an airflow the user experiences during the puff operation by the user, the user may feel uncomfortable.

The pressure of the airflow is affected by a size of the airflow path. For example, when the size of the airflow path increases, the pressure of the airflow decreases and causes a reduction in the suction resistance, but the pressure of the airflow needed for operation of the sensor may be insufficient. On the contrary, a decrease in the size of the airflow path may cause an increase in the pressure of the airflow, and thus, the sensor may normally work, but the suction resistance may increase.

An accurate operation of the sensor is required to precisely control the operation of the aerosol generating device. According to operation environments of the aerosol generating device, the sensor may not precisely operate in some situations.

For example, flow of air heated through a preheating operation performed before an inhalation operation by the user may occur. In another example, flow of air heated due to heat generated by a heater of the aerosol generating device, after the inhaling operation by the user ends, may occur.

In addition, flow of air may occur due to shaking delivered to the aerosol generating device in a process of carrying the aerosol generating device. When the sensor operates due to flow of heated air or flow of air due to shaking and falsely senses that the inhalation operation has been performed by the user, the aerosol generating device may operate differently from the intention of the user.

Provided is an aerosol generating device having suction resistance suitable for an inhalation operation by a user.

Provided is an aerosol generating device by which a change in an airflow may be precisely detected.

Provided is an aerosol generating device by which false detection by a sensor may be reduced as much as possible.

Technical goals to be achieved through embodiments are not limited thereto, and technical goals unmentioned above would be clearly understood to those skilled in the art based on the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the presented embodiments of the disclosure.

According to an embodiment, an aerosol generating device includes an aerosol generator configured to generate aerosols; a main path configured to supply air to the aerosol generator or discharge the air or the aerosols generated in the aerosol generator; a diverged path in which a side is connected to an area of the main path and another side is connected to another area of the main path; and a puff sensor connected to the diverged path and configured to detect flow of at least one of the air or the aerosols in the diverged path.

A width of the main path may be greater than a width of the diverged path.

The diverged path may comprise a first path connected to the area of the main path.

The diverged path may further comprise a second path connected to the other area of the main path and to the first path.

The puff sensor may be connected to the first path.

A width of the second path may be greater than a width of the first path.

The width of the main path may be greater than the width of the second path.

At least a portion of the main path may extend to slope with respect to a longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device.

The aerosol generator may comprise an accommodating portion accommodating an aerosol generating article for generating the aerosols.

The aerosol generator may further comprise a heater configured to heat the aerosol generating article.

The main path may be connected to the accommodating portion, and the air may be supplied to the accommodating portion through the main path.

The aerosol generator may further comprise a generation chamber configured to generate the aerosols from an aerosol generating material.

The main path may be connected to the generation chamber.

As one example, the air may be supplied to the generation chamber through the main path. As another example, the air or the aerosols generated in the generation chamber may be discharged through the main path.

The puff sensor may be configured to detect a change in any one of a pressure, an amount of flow, or a flow rate of the flow, or a combination thereof.

The aerosol generating device may further comprise a filtering element located in the diverged path. The filtering element may be configured to filter out droplets or foreign substances included in the air or the aerosols.

The aerosol generating device may further comprise an additional diverged path connected to the main path in parallel to the diverged path.

The aerosol generating device may extend in a direction, and with reference to the direction, the diverged path may be closer to an end portion of the aerosol generating device in the direction than to the main path.

The aerosol generating device may extend in a direction, and with reference to the direction, the main path may be closer to an end portion of the aerosol generating device in the direction than to the diverged path.

At least a portion of the main path and at least a portion of the diverged path may extend in a direction crossing a direction in which the aerosol generating device extends.

The aerosol generating device of may further comprise a supply block located outside the aerosol generating device. At least one of the main path and the diverged path may penetrate the supply block.

The aerosol generator may comprise an accommodating portion accommodating an aerosol generating article.

The main path may be formed by a space between an external surface of the aerosol generating article accommodated in the accommodating portion and an internal wall of the accommodating portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain embodiments of the disclosure 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 front perspective view of an aerosol generating device to which the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 may be applied;

FIG. 5 is a back perspective view of the aerosol generating device illustrated in FIG. 5.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view in a longitudinal direction of a portion of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment;

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of some components of an aerosol generating device with modification of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the components illustrated in FIG. 7 are coupled together;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a portion of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment; and

FIG. 15 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a coupling relationship between elements of an aerosol generating device according to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 14.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With respect to the terms used to describe 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, a term which is not commonly used can be selected. In such a case, the meaning of the term 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, expressions such as “at least one of,” when preceding a list of elements, modify the entire list of elements and do not modify the individual elements of the list. For example, the expression, “at least one of a, b, and c,” should be understood as including only a, only b, only c, both a and b, both a and c, both b and c, or all of a, b, and c.

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 susceptor may be a magnetic body that generates heat by an external magnetic field. As the susceptor is positioned inside the coil and a magnetic field is applied to the susceptor, the susceptor generates heat to heat an aerosol generating article. In addition, optionally, the susceptor 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.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

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

According to an embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device 1 may include at least one of a power source 11, a controller 12, a sensor 13, and a heater 18. At least one of the power source 11, the controller 12, the sensor 13, and the heater 18 may be arranged inside a body 10 of the aerosol-generating device 1. The body 10 may provide a space opened upwards so that a stick S, which is an aerosol generating article, is inserted thereinto. The space opened upwards may be referred to as an insertion space. The insertion space may be formed by being recessed toward the inside of the body 10 by a certain depth so that at least a portion of the stick S may be inserted thereinto. The depth of the insertion space may correspond to a length of a region in the stick S, which includes an aerosol generating material and/or a medium. A lower end of the stick S may be inserted into the body 10, and an upper end of the stick S may protrude to the outside of the body 10. A user may inhale air by holding, in the mouth, the upper end of the stick S exposed to the outside.

The heater 18 is an example of the aerosol generator configured to generate the aerosol from the stick S. The aerosol generator may include an accommodating portion 102p, including an insertion space for accommodating the stick S, and the heater 18 arranged in the accommodating portion 102p and configured to generate heat for heating the stick S.

The heater 18 may heat the stick S. The heater 18 may extend long upwards around a space into which the stick S is inserted. For example, the heater 18 may be in the form of a tube including a hollow therein. The heater 18 may be arranged around the insertion space. The heater 18 may be arranged to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. The heater 18 may heat the insertion space or the stick S inserted into the insertion space. The heater 18 may include an electrically resistive heater and/or an induction heater.

For example, referring to FIG. 1, the heater 18 may be a resistive heater. For example, the heater 18 may include an electrically conductive track and the heater 18 may be heated when currents flow through the electrically conductive track. The heater 18 may be electrically connected to the power source 11. The heater 18 may be provided with a current from the power source 11 and directly generate heat. The heater 18 may be a heater with a cylindrical shape configured to surround at least a portion of the stick S which is inserted into the insertion space and heat an outer surface of the stick S. Alternatively, The heater 18 may include a needle-shaped heating element, a tube-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element, and may heat the inside of the stick which is inserted into the insertion space.

The controller 12 may control an overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1. The controller 12 may be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The controller 12 may control an operation of at least one of the power source 11 and the sensor 13. The controller 12 may control an operation of the heater 18. The controller 12 may control operations of a display, a motor, and the like installed in the aerosol generating device 1. The controller 12 may check a state of each of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 to determine whether or not the aerosol generating device 1 is able to operate.

The controller 12 may analyze a result of detection by the sensor 13 and control processes to be performed subsequently. For example, the controller 12 may control power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18 so that the operation of the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18 is initiated or terminated, on the basis of the result of the detection by the sensor 13. For example, on the basis of the result of the detection by the sensor 13, the controller 12 may control an amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18 and a time for which the power is supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18 so that the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18 may be heated to a certain temperature or maintain an appropriate temperature.

The sensor 13 may include at least one of a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, and an insertion detection sensor. For example, the sensor 13 may sense at least one of a temperature of the heater 18, a temperature of the power source 11, and a temperature inside and outside the body 10. For example, the sensor 13 may sense a puff by a user. For example, the sensor 13 may sense whether or not the stick S is inserted into the insertion space.

For example, the expression that “the sensor 13 includes a puff sensor” may indicate that the sensor 13 illustrated in FIG. 1 may be connected to the puff sensor 132 to perform operations, by the sensor 13, such as providing electricity to the puff sensor 132, receiving a signal generated by the puff sensor 132, and converting the signal of the puff sensor 132 to a ‘puff signal’ to be delivered to the controller 12. The ‘puff signal’ may include a signal indicating that an inhalation operation (a puff operation) performed by the user is sensed.

The aerosol generating device 1 includes a main path 150 and a diverged path 160 connected to the main path 150. Air may be supplied to the aerosol generator through the main path 150. In addition, the aerosol generating device 1 includes an opening 150i open outward for introduction of external air into the aerosol generating device 1.

An end of the main path 150 is connected to the opening 150i of the aerosol generating device 1. The other end of the main path 150 is connected to a supply opening 150d of the accommodating portion 102p. Air may be supplied to the accommodating portion 102p through the supply opening 150d. Accordingly, the air introduced from outside into the aerosol generating device 1 through the opening 150i may be supplied to the accommodating portion 102p through the main path 150.

The diverged path 160 is connected in parallel to the main path 150. The expression “connected in parallel” may be described in terms of flow of fluid flowing through the main path 150. That is, as the diverged path 160 is connected in parallel to the main path 150, the flow of the fluid may also occur in the diverged path 160 when the fluid flows through the main path 150.

For the diverged path 160 to be connected in parallel to the main path 150, a side 160a of the diverged path 160 is connected to an area of the main path 150, and another side 160b of the diverged path 160 is connected to another area of the main path 150.

The puff sensor 132 is connected to the diverged path 160. The puff sensor 132 may be configured to generate a signal by detecting flow of air and/or aerosols passing through the diverged path 160.

The diverged path 160 includes a first path 161 connected to an area of the main path 150 and a second path 162 connected to another area of the main path 150. The puff sensor 132 may be connected to the first path 161.

The first path 161 may extend in a direction (X axis direction) crossing a longitudinal direction (Z axis direction) in which the aerosol generating device 1 extends. The second path 162 may extend in the direction in which the aerosol generating device 1 extends.

A filtering element 180 for filtering out foreign substances, e.g., droplets or dust included in the flow of the fluid, may be arranged in the diverged path 160. The filtering element 180 may be arranged in the second path 162 of the diverged path 160.

The filtering element 180 may include, for example, a mesh material fabricated with any one of metal, plastic, and fiber or combinations thereof. As another example, the filtering element 180 may be implemented as a synthetic fiber through which liquid may be filtered out and air may pass. As another example, the filtering element 180 may be implemented by at least one bump or protruding structure formed to protrude from a wall surface of the second path 162.

A width of the main path 150 may be formed greater than a width of the diverged path 160. More particularly, a width of the second path 162 of the diverged path 160 is greater than a width of the first path 161, and the width of the main path 150 is greater than the width of the second path 162.

The main path 150 includes a first main path 151 and a second main path 152, wherein the first main path 151 slopes with respect to the longitudinal direction (Z axis direction) in which the aerosol generating device 1 extends and the second main path 152 connects the first main path 151 and the supply opening 150d.

An end of the second main path 152 is connected to the first main path 151 and the second path 162 of the diverged path 160. The second main path 152 extends in the direction (X axis direction) crossing the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device 1 to connect the first main path 151 and the supply opening 150d.

The aerosol generating device 1 may extend in a direction (Z axis direction). The aerosol generating device 1 may include one end portion in a direction (Z axis direction) and include the other end portion in another direction (−Z axis direction). The opening 150i and an inlet for the stick S may be formed at the one end portion of the aerosol generating device 1.

With reference to the direction (Z axis direction) in which the aerosol generating device 1 extends, the diverged path 160 may be closer to the one end portion of the aerosol generating device 1 than to the main path 150.

According to the structure in which the diverged path 160 is closer to the one end portion of the aerosol generating device than the main path 150, it is possible to minimize introduction of droplets generated due to cooling of the aerosol in the main path 150 and the like into the puff sensor 132. When the user holds the aerosol generating device 1, a direction of a pose of the aerosol generating device 1 is approximately identical to Z axis direction illustrated in FIG. 1. Accordingly, even when droplets are generated in the main path 150, the diverged path 160, and the like, the droplets are not easily introduced into the puff sensor 132 connected to an upper portion of the first path 161 extending in parallel to a direction of gravity.

According to the aerosol generating device 1 with reference to the embodiments described above, the diverged path 160 is connected in parallel to the main path 150, which connects the accommodating portion 102p accommodating the stick S to the opening 150i, and therefore, as the user performs an inhalation operation, external air may pass through the main path 150 and the diverged path 160 and then be supplied to the stick S. As air is introduced into the stick S that has been heated, aerosol, which is generated as vapor generated in the stick S and the air, may be smoothly supplied to the user.

When the aerosol generating device 1 includes only one path for delivering the air to the stick S, a size of a width of the one path has to be determined in consideration of the operations of the puff sensor 132 and suction resistance regarding inhalation operations of the user. When the width of the one path is smaller, the puff sensor 132 may more precisely operate. However, when the width of the one path is set to be excessively narrow, the suction, which is a sense of resistance of fluid the user feels during inhalation operation, may increase, and thus may cause inconvenience to the user.

On the contrary, when the width of the one path for delivering the air to the stick S is excessively great, there is possibility that the puff sensor 132 fails to precisely operate.

According to the aerosol generating device 1 in the embodiment described above, when the user puffs the aerosol, a sufficient amount of air may be supplied to the stick S through the main path 150 having a great width, and accordingly, ‘suction resistance’ at a sufficient level, at which the user may feel comfortable, may be provided. In addition, while the user inhales the aerosol, the air also flows through the diverged path 160 having a small width, and therefore, the puff sensor 132 may precisely operate.

When only the one path for delivering the air to stick S is used, the puff sensor 132 may perform ‘false operation’ after the inhalation operation (puff operation) of the user ends. The ‘false operation’ of the puff sensor 132 may indicate generating, by the puff sensor 132, a signal indicating that the puff operation of the user has been performed when user does not perform the inhalation operation.

Even when the user does not perform the inhalation operation, air heated due to heat around the stick S may be smoothly discharged to the outside through the one path. For example, the heater 18 may preliminarily heat the stick S before the user performs the inhalation operation, and due to a preheating operation performed by the heater 18, the heated air around the stick S may flow to the outside through the one path.

As another example, even when the inhalation operation of the user ends, the heated air around the stick S or air heated due to residual heat in the heater 18 may flow to the outside through the one path.

As another example, even when the user does not perform the inhalation operation, in a case where the user moves fast holding the aerosol generating device 1 or shakes the aerosol generating device 1, flow of the air may occur in the one path.

Accordingly, when the aerosol generating device 1 includes the one path and the puff sensor 132 connected to the one path, the air flow may occur in the one path even when the user does not perform the inhalation operation, as described above. Due to this, a false operation may be performed, in which a signal is generated to indicate that the puff sensor 132 has detected the inhalation operation even when the user does not perform the inhalation operation.

According to the aerosol generating device 1 with reference to the embodiment described above, the air may be supplied through the main path 150 to the accommodating portion 102p accommodating the stick S, and the diverged path 160 is connected in parallel to the main path 150, and therefore, generation of the false operation by the puff sensor 132 may be reduced as much as possible.

Due to pre-heating or residual heat, heated air may be generated around the stick S, or natural air flow may occur in the main path 150 and the diverged paths 160 as the aerosol generating device 1 is shaken. ‘The natural air flow’ may indicate an air flow through the main path 150, the diverged path 160, and the like when the user does not perform the inhalation operation.

As the width of the main path 150 is set greater than the width of the diverged path 160, flow resistance against the air flow occurs greater in the diverged paths 160 than in the main path 150. A large amount of air in the natural air flow passes through the main path 150 having little flow resistance. A small amount of air in the natural air flow passes through the diverged path 160 having relatively great flow resistance. Accordingly, even when the natural air flow occurs in the main path 150 and the diverged path 160, only a small amount of air passes through the diverged path 160, and therefore, generation of false operation by the puff sensor 132 may be reduced as much as possible.

In the following embodiments, when same names are used for same reference numerals shown in the drawings, elements having corresponding names may be understood as having same functions.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of the aerosol generating device 1 according to another embodiment.

According to another embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the heater 18 of the aerosol generating device 1 may include an induction heater. For example, referring to FIG. 2, the aerosol-generating device 1 may include an induction coil 181 surrounding the heater 18. The induction coil 181 may heat the heater 18. The heater 18 is a susceptor, and may be heated by a magnetic field generated by an AC current flowing through an induction coil. The magnetic field may penetrate the heater 18 and generate eddy currents in the heater 18. The current may generate heat in the heater 18.

Although FIG. 2 illustrates that the heater 18 is arranged outside the accommodating portion 102p, the embodiment is not limited to the structure of the accommodating portion 102p and the heater 18. For example, the accommodating portion 102p may be removed, and the heater 18 configured to function as the susceptor may accommodate the stick S. In this case, a shape of the heater 18 may be transformed in a cup shape like the accommodating portion 102p illustrated in FIG. 2. When the heater 18 is transformed into the cup shape, the heater 18 may accommodate the stick S and supply air to the stick S, and at the same time, may perform a function of heating the stick S.

A susceptor may be included in the stick S, and the susceptor inside the stick S may be heated by a magnetic field generated by an AC current flowing through the induction coil 181.

The power source 11 may supply power so that components of the aerosol generating device 1 operate. The power source 11 may be referred to as a battery. The power source 11 may supply power to at least one of the controller 12, the sensor 13, and the heater 18. When the aerosol generating device 1 includes an induction coil 181, the power supply 11 may supply power to the induction coil 181.

The aerosol generating device 1 includes the main path 150 and the diverged path 160 connected to the main path 150. The air may be supplied to the aerosol generator through the main path 150.

A side 160a of the diverged path 160 is connected to an area of the main path 150, and the other side 160b of the diverged path 160 is connected to another area of the main path 150.

The diverged path 160 includes the first path 161 connected to an area of the main path 150 and the second path 162 connected to another area of the main path 150. The puff sensor 132 may be connected to the first path 161. The filtering element 180 may be arranged in the second path 162 of the diverged path 160.

The first path 161 may extend in the longitudinal direction (Z axis direction) in which the aerosol generating device 1 extends or a direction of extension. The second path 162 may extend the direction (X axis direction) crossing the longitudinal direction (Z axis direction) in which the aerosol generating device 1 extends.

The width of the main path 150 may be formed greater than the width of the diverged path 160. More particularly, the width of the second path 162 of the diverged path 160 is greater than the width of the first path 161, and the width of the main path 150 is greater than the width of the second path 162.

The main path 150 includes the first main path 151 and the second main path 152, wherein the first main path 151 slopes with respect to the longitudinal direction (Z axis direction) in which the aerosol generating device 1 extends and the second main path 152 connects the first main path 151 and the supply opening 150d.

The aerosol generating device 1 may extend in the direction (Z axis direction). With reference to the direction (Z axis direction) in which the aerosol generating device 1 extends, the main path 150 may be closer to the one end portion of the aerosol generating device 1 than to the diverged path 160.

According to the structure in which the main path 150 is closer to the one end portion of the aerosol generating device 1 than to the diverged path 160, it is possible to minimize introduction of the droplets generated due to cooling of the aerosols in the main path 150 and the diverged path 160. When the user holds the aerosol generating device 1, the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device 1 is approximately identical to Z axis direction illustrated in FIG. 1. The droplets generated in the main path 150, the diverged path 160, and the like may be concentrated into the second path 162 at a lowermost portion of FIG. 2. Accordingly, the droplets are not easily introduced into the puff sensor 132 connected to the first path 161 extending in the direction (Z axis direction) in which the aerosol generating device 1 extends.

According to the aerosol generating device 1 with reference to the embodiment described above, the air may be supplied through the main path 150 to the accommodating portion 102p accommodating the stick S, and the diverged path 160 is connected in parallel to the main path 150, and therefore, generation of the false operation by the puff sensor 132 may be reduced as much as possible.

Due to preheating or residual heat, heated air may be generated around the stick S, or the natural air flow may occur in the main path 150 and the diverged path 160 as the aerosol generating device 1 is shaken.

As the width of the main path 150 is set greater than the width of the diverged paths 160, flow resistance against the air flow occurs greater in the diverged path 160 than in the main path 150. A large amount of air in the natural air flow passes through the main path 150 having little flow resistance. A small amount of air in the natural air flow passes through the diverged paths 160 having relatively great flow resistance.

The heated air has a lower density compared to surrounding air, and thus has a property of moving in a direction opposite to the direction of gravity, that is, moving upward. Due to the property of moving upward of the heated air, most of the heated air around the stick S is introduced into the first main path 151 of the main path 150 before reaching the second path 162 of the diverged path 160. A small amount of air in the natural air flow is introduced into the diverged path 160.

Accordingly, even when the natural air flow occurs in the main path 150 and the diverged path 160, only a small amount of air passes through the diverged path 160, and therefore, generation of false operation by the puff sensor 132 may be reduced as much as possible.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of the aerosol generating device 1 according to another embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 3, an aerosol-generating device 1 according to another embodiment may include a body 10, and cartridge 19. The body 10 may include at least one of a power supply 11, a controller 12, and a sensor 13. The at least one of the power supply 11, the controller 12, and the sensor 13 may be arranged inside the body 10. The cartridge 19 may be an aerosol generating article and may be mounted on the body 10. A user may inhale an aerosol through a mouthpiece provided one end of the cartridge 19 by holding the mouthpiece in the mouth.

The cartridge 19 may contain an aerosol-generating substance having any one state among a liquid state, a solid state, a gaseous state, and a gel state inside a chamber C0 of the cartridge 19. The aerosol-generating substance may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance including a volatile tobacco flavor component or may be a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance.

The cartridge 19 may detachably coupled to the body 10. The cartridge 19 may be inserted into the body 10 so that the cartridge 19 may be mounted in the body 10.

The body 10 may be formed in a structure in which external air may be introduced into the body 10 while the cartridge 19 is inserted the body 10. Here, the external air introduced into the body 10 may pass through the cartridge 19 and flow into the mouth of the user through a main path 150.

The cartridge 19 may include a chamber C0 containing the aerosol generating material and/or a heater 24 heating the aerosol generating material in the chamber C0. A liquid delivery element impregnated with (containing) the aerosol generating material may be arranged inside the chamber C0. Here, the liquid delivery element 25 may include a wick or the like such as a cotton fiber, a ceramic fiber, a glass fiber, or porous ceramic. An electrically conductive track of the heater 24 may be formed in a coil-shaped structure that is wound around the liquid delivery element 58 or in a structure in contact with one side of the liquid delivery element. The heater 24 may be referred to as a cartridge heater.

The cartridge 19 may generate an aerosol. When the liquid delivery element 25 is heated by the heater 24, an aerosol may be generated. The aerosol being generated may be inhaled into the mouth of the user through the main path 150.

The heater 24 and the liquid delivery element 25 of the cartridge 19 are other examples of the aerosol generator. The aerosol generator may include an aerosol generating chamber C1 configured to generate the aerosols. At least one of the heater 24 and the liquid delivery element 25 may be in the aerosol generating chamber C1.

The aerosol generating device 1 includes the main path 150 and the diverged path 160 connected to the main path 150. The aerosols generated in the aerosol generator may be discharged to the outside through the main path 150.

An end of the main path 150 may be open toward the outside, and the other end of the main path 150 may be connected to the aerosol generating chamber C1. The main path 150 may extend in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device 1. The aerosols generated in the aerosol generating chamber C1 may be discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device 1 through the main path 150.

A side 160a of the diverged path 160 is connected to an area of the main path 150, and the other side 160b of the diverged path 160 is connected to another area of the main path 150. The width of the main path 150 may be formed greater than the width of the diverged path 160.

The puff sensor 132 is connected to the diverged path 160. The puff sensor 132 may be configured to generate a signal by detecting change in flow of air and/or aerosols passing through the diverged path 160.

According to the aerosol generating device 1 with reference to the embodiment described above, the aerosols generated in the aerosol generator may be discharged outside through the main path 150, and the diverged path 160 is connected in parallel to the main path 150, therefore, as the user performs an inhalation operation, the aerosols generated in the aerosol generator may pass through the main path 150 and the diverged path 160 and then be provided to the user.

According to the aerosol generating device 1 with reference to the embodiments described above, a sufficient amount of aerosols may be provided to the user through the main path 150 having a great width. Accordingly, while the user performs the inhalation operation, the aerosol generating device 1 may provide sufficient ‘suction resistance’ at a level at which the user may feel comfortable. In addition, while the user inhales the aerosol, flow of the aerosols also occurs through the diverged path 160 having a small width, and therefore, the puff sensor 132 may precisely operate.

According to the aerosol generating device 1 with reference to the embodiment described above, as the main path 150 and the diverged path 160 are connected to the aerosol generator, when flow of air heated due to a pre-heating operation by the heater 24 or residual heat after the operation of the heater 24 ends occurs, a large amount of air in the heated air may be discharged outside through the main path 150 with little resistance of flow.

As the width of the main path 150 is set greater than the width of the diverged path 160, flow resistance against the air flow occurs greater in the diverged paths 160 than in the main path 150. A large amount of air in the natural air flow passes through the main path 150 having little flow resistance. A small amount of air in the natural air flow passes through the diverged paths 160 having relatively great flow resistance. Accordingly, even when the natural air flow occurs in the main path 150 and the diverged paths 160, only a small amount of air passes through the diverged path 160, and therefore, generation of a false operation by the puff sensor 132 may be reduced as much as possible.

The main path 150 and the diverged path 160 may extend in the extension direction (Z axis direction) in which the aerosol generating device 1 extends. For example, at least a portion of the main path 150 and at least a portion of the diverged path 160 may extend in parallel to each other in the direction in which the aerosol generating device 1 extends.

According to the structure in which the main path 150 and the diverged path 160 extend in a same direction, introduction of droplets generated as the aerosols are cooled in the main path 150 and the diverged path 160 into the puff sensor 132 may be reduced as much as possible. When the user holds the aerosol generating device 1, the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device 1 is approximately identical in a direction in which a gravity is applied. Droplets generated in the main path 150, the diverged path 160, and the like are likely flow downward, i.e., in a direction of gravity, and droplets will not be easily introduced into the puff sensor 132 connected to the diverged path 160 extending in the direction in which the aerosol generating device 1 extends.

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the aerosol generating device 1 to which the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 may be applied, and FIG. 5 is a back perspective view of the aerosol generating device 1 illustrated in FIG. 4.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the aerosol-generating device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one of the power source 11, the controller 12, or the sensor 13. At least one of the power source 11, the controller 12, or the sensor 13 may be disposed inside the body 10 of the aerosol-generating device 1. The characteristics of the power source 11, the controller 12, and the sensor 13 described above with reference to FIGS. 1-3 may be equally applied to the power source 11, the controller 12, and the sensor 13.

The body 10 may form the overall appearance of the aerosol-generating device 1, and include an inner space in which components of the aerosol-generating device 1 may be disposed. The drawings illustrate only an embodiment in which the body 10 has a semicircular cross section as a whole, but the shape of the body 10 is not limited thereto, and the body 10 may have a cylindrical shape or a polygonal column shape as a whole.

The body 10 may include a first body surface 10A (e.g., a body upper surface), a second body surface 10B (e.g., a body lower surface) opposite the first body surface 10A, and at least one third body surface 10C (e.g., a body side surface) between the first body surface 10A and the second body surface 10B.

Referring to FIG. 5, the body 10 may have an insertion space 102 formed therein. The insertion space 102 may be formed on an upper portion of the body 10. The insertion space 102 may be opened upward. The insertion space 102 may have a cylindrical shape extending longitudinally. At least a part of the stick S may be inserted into the body 10 through an opening 101 in an upper side of the insertion space 102. Although the aerosol generating material may have the form of a cigarette such as the stick S illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 2, the form of the aerosol generating material is not limited thereto. A depth of the insertion space 102 may correspond to a length of a region of the stick S including an aerosol-generating material and/or a medium.

A heater 240 (e.g., the heater 18 of FIGS. 2 and 3) may surround at least a part of the outside of the insertion space 102. The heater 240 may extend longitudinally along the insertion space 102. For example, the heater 240 may be a cylindrical electric resistive heater surrounding at least a part of the insertion space 102. For example, the heater 240 may include a cylindrical susceptor surrounding at least a part of the insertion space 102 and an induction coil surrounding the susceptor. The heater 240 may heat the outside of the stick S accommodated in the insertion space 102. At least one region of the stick S accommodated in the insertion space 102 may be heated by the heater 240, and vaporized particles generated by heating the stick S and air introduced into the inner space of the body 10 through the opening 101 may be mixed to generate an aerosol.

A display 141 may be disposed on one side of the body 10. At least a part of the display 141 may be exposed to the outside of the body 10.

The display 141 may provide a variety of visual information to a user. The display 141 may include a display panel and/or a touch panel. The display 141 may include a cover glass.

The cover glass may form the appearance of the aerosol-generating device 1 together with the body 10. The cover glass may be in contact with a part of a user's body. The cover glass may protect the display panel and/or the touch panel from an external impact.

The display panel may be disposed in a direction toward the inside of the body 10 from the cover glass. The display panel may be disposed parallel to the cover glass.

The touch panel may detect a touch corresponding to the contact of an object. For example, the touch panel may detect a touch corresponding to the contact of a part of the user's body. The touch panel may receive an input of the user.

A cover 104 may be provided on the upper side of the body 10. The cover 104 may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the opening 101 of the body 10. For example, the opening 101 of the body 10 may be circular, and the cover 104 may be circular with a larger diameter than the diameter of the opening 101.

The cover 104 may be movably connected to a guide 103 formed in the body 10. The cover 104 may move along the guide 103. For example, the guide 103 may be a groove formed in one surface of the body 10, and the cover 104 may include a protrusion that slides while being inserted into the groove of the body 10. For another example, the guide 103 may be a protrusion protruding from one surface of the body 10, and the cover 104 may include a groove inserted into the protrusion to be slid along the protrusion.

The cover 104 may open and close the opening 101 of the body 10 by moving along the guide 103. For example, the cover 104 may close the opening 101 at a first position and open the opening 101 at a second position. A position of the cover 104 may be manually moved by the user. In addition, a driving device may be provided in the aerosol-generating device 1 to move the position of the cover 104.

The body 10 may include a connection terminal (not shown). The connection terminal may include a connector through which the aerosol-generating device 1 may be physically connected to an external electronic device. For example, the connection terminal may include at least one of an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector) or a combination thereof.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view in a longitudinal direction of a portion of the aerosol generating device 1 according to another embodiment.

The aerosol generating device 1 with reference to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6 includes an aerosol generator configured to generate aerosols, the main path 150, the diverged path 160 connected to the main path 150, and the puff sensor 132 connected to the diverged path 160 and is configured to change in the flow of air. Air may be supplied to the aerosol generator through the main path 150.

Components such as the aerosol generator, the main path 150, the diverged path 160, the puff sensor 132, and the like may be arranged in the body 10. When a portion of the body 10 is open as the cover 104 moves with respect to the body 10, a portion of the stick S is inserted into the body 10, and another portion of the stick S is exposed to the outside of the body 10.

The aerosol generator includes the accommodating portion 102p including the insertion space into which the stick S may be inserted, a supporting tub 18s for supporting an external surface of the stick S accommodated in the accommodating portion 102p, and the heater 18 arranged on an external surface of the supporting tub 18s and configured to generate heat for heating the stick S.

The stick S is heated by the heater 18 and generates aerosol. The stick S may be referred to as a cigarette. The stick S is an example of the aerosol generating article. The embodiments are not limited to the method with reference to FIG. 6, i.e., the method of generating the aerosols by heating the stick S of the aerosol generator. The aerosol generator may be configured to, for example, generate the aerosols by using a heater inserted into the stick S and generating heat, generate the aerosols by heating the aerosol generating material in a liquid state, or generate the aerosols from the aerosol generating material in the liquid state through ultrasonic vibration.

The accommodating portion 102p includes a supply chamber 102c and an inlet 102i. Air may be supplied to the stick S inserted into the accommodating portion 102p through the supply chamber 102c. The inlet 102i is open toward outside the accommodating portion 102p. The inlet 102i may be formed to protrude outward from the accommodating portion 102p. Air may be supplied to the supply chamber 102c through the inlet 102i.

A supply block 150b is arranged outside the accommodating portion 102p. Air may be supplied to the accommodating portion 102p through the supply block 150b. The aerosol generating device 1 includes the main path 150 and the diverged paths 160 connected to the main path 150. Air may be supplied to the aerosol generator through the main path 150. The width of the main path 150 may be formed greater than the width of the diverged path 160.

The main path 150 and the diverged path 160 may be arranged by a method of forming flow paths in the supply block 150b. For example, the supply block 150b may be formed through an injection molding process in which a resin is injected into a mold and then cured. Through the injection molding process, the main path 150 and the diverged path 160, having pre-designed positions and structures by using moldings, may be formed in the supply block 150b.

A method of forming the main path 150, the diverged path 160, and the like is not limited to the ‘injection molding process’. For example, by manufacturing a block shape using a metal material or a plastic material and then performing a drilling process in the block shape, the supply block 150b including the main path 150 and the diverged path 160 may be completed.

An end of the main path 150 is connected to the opening 150i of the aerosol generating device 1. The other end of the main path 150 includes a supply opening 150d. Air may be supplied to the inlet 102i through the supply opening 150d. The supply opening 150d of the main path 150 may be formed to protrude from the supply block 150b toward the accommodating portion 102p. Accordingly, the air introduced from outside through the main path 150 may be supplied to the accommodating portion 102p.

The supply opening 150d of the main path 150 and inlet 102i of the accommodating portion 102p may be tightly coupled to each other by a sealing unit 160r. ‘Being tightly coupled’ may indicate that a sealed state is implemented to prevent permeation of air, liquid, and the like through a connecting portion between the supply opening 150d and the inlet 102i. The sealing unit 160r may be formed of, for example, rubber or a flexible resin material.

The user may inhale the aerosols in a state of holding, by the mouth, the stick S protruding toward the outside of the body 10. An operation of inhaling of the user in a state of holding the stick S by the mouth may be referred to as ‘puff operation’ or ‘inhalation operation’. Performance of the puff operation causes air flow through the stick S, and thus, the aerosols generated from the stick S may be delivered to the user.

While the puff operation is performed, external air may be supplied to the stick S. A state in which a portion of the stick S is inserted into the body 10, as illustrated in FIG. 6, corresponds to a state where a portion of the body 10 is open by the cover 104. The air outside the body 10 may be introduced into the body 10 through a gap between the cover 104 and the body 10.

The main path 150 and the diverged path 160 are connected in a fluidal manner with the supply chamber 102c of the accommodating portion 102p. The air introduced from the outside of the body 10 passes through the opening 150i, the main path 150, the diverged path 160, the supply opening 150d, the inlet 102i, and the supply chamber 102c, and then is supplied to the stick S.

A side 160a of the diverged path 160 is connected to an area of the main path 150, and another side 160b of the diverged path 160 is connected to another area of the main path 150.

The puff sensor 132 is connected to the diverged path 160. The puff sensor 132 is mounted on a circuit board 132b. The circuit board 132b, on which the puff sensor 132 is applied, is arranged on the supply block 150b to be located outside the diverged path 160.

The circuit board 132b may include a printed circuit board formed of a rigid material or a flexible material. The circuit board 132b may be configured to supply electricity to the puff sensor 132 and deliver a sensing signal, which is generated by the puff sensor 132, to the controller.

The puff sensor 132 may be configured to detect flow of the air and/or aerosols passing through the diverged path 160. The expression that the puff sensor 132 detects the flow may indicate that the puff sensor 132 may be configured to generate a signal based on change in the flow of the air and/or aerosols.

For example, the puff sensor 132 may be configured to detect change in any one of a pressure, an amount of flow, or a flow rate of the air introduced from the outside of the aerosol generating device 1 into the body 10 or generate a signal based on a change caused due to combination of various physical amounts related to the flow of air.

For example the puff sensor 132 may include a pressure sensor. The puff sensor 132 may be configured to generate a signal corresponding to change in the pressure of air in the diverged path 160.

According to the aerosol generating device 1 with reference to the embodiment described above, when the user inhales the aerosol, a sufficient amount of air may be supplied to the stick S through the main path 150 having a great width, and accordingly, ‘suction resistance’ at a sufficient level, at which the user may feel comfortable, may be provided. In addition, while the user inhales the aerosol, the air also flows through the diverged path 160 having a small width, and therefore, the puff sensor 132 may precisely operate.

In addition, according to the aerosol generating device 1 with reference to the embodiment described above, the main path 150 is connected to the accommodating portion 102p for accommodating the stick S. The main path 150 has a great width such that a sufficient amount of air may be supplied to the accommodating portion 102p. As the diverged path 160 having a small width is connected in parallel to the main path 150 having a great width, and the puff sensor 132 is connected to the diverged path 160 having a small width, and therefore, generation of false operation of the puff sensor 132 may be reduced as much as possible.

The main path 150 and the diverged path 160 may extend in the direction in which the aerosol generating device 1 extends. According to a structure in which at least a portion of the main path 150 and at least a portion of the diverged path 160 extend in a same direction, introduction of droplets generated as the aerosols are cooled in the main path 150 and the diverged path 160 into the puff sensor 132 may be reduced as much as possible.

The embodiments are not limited to an arrangement structure of the supply block 150b, the main path 150, and the diverged path 160, which is illustrated in FIG. 6, and various types of arrangement structures may be used. For example, any one of the main path 150 and the diverged path 160 may be formed in the supply block 150b, and the other one of the main path 150 and the diverged path 160 may be arranged outside the supply block 150b. The other one of the main path 150 and the diverged path 160 arranged outside the supply block 150b may be implemented, for example, as a pipe or a tube.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of some components of the aerosol generating device 1 in modification of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, and FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the components illustrated in FIG. 7 are coupled together.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the supply block 150b and a diverged block 160t are used to implement the main path 150 and the diverged path 160.

The main path 150 is supplied in the supply block 150b. The diverged path 160 is formed in the diverged block 160t. The width of the main path 150 may be formed greater than the width of the diverged path 160.

Air may be supplied to the aerosol generator through the main path 150. The main path 150 connects the opening 150i, which is formed at a top end of the supply block 150b, and the supply opening 150d formed at a bottom end of the supply block 150b to protrude from a surface.

The diverged block 160t is coupled to another surface of the supply block 150b. A side 160a of the diverged path 160 and the other side 160b of the diverged path 160 formed to protrude from a surface of the diverged block 160t.

Connection holes 154 and 155 to expose one area and another area of the main path 150 to the outside of the supply block 150b are formed on the other side of the supply block 150b facing the surface of the diverged block 160t.

When the surface of the diverged block 160t is coupled to the other surface of the supply block 150b, the side 160a and the other side 160b of the diverged block 160t are connected to the connection holes 154 and 155 of the supply block 150b. Accordingly, when the diverged block 160t is coupled to the supply block 150b, the side 160a of the diverged path 160 is connected to the area of the main path 150, and the other side 160b of the diverged path 160 is connected to the other area of the main path 150.

The circuit board 132b is coupled to an external side of the diverged block 160t. When the circuit board 132b, onto which the puff sensor 132 is mounted, is coupled to the other surface of the diverged block 160t, the puff sensor 132 is connected to the diverged path 160.

The main path 150 and the diverged path 160 may be arranged in a method of forming flow paths in the supply block 150b and the diverged block 160t. For example, the supply block 150b and the diverged block 106t each may be formed through the injection molding process in which a resin is injected into a mold and then cured. By combining the supply block 150b and the diverged block 160t completed through the injection molding process, the diverged path 160 is connected in parallel to the main path 150.

The embodiments are not limited to the method of forming the main path 150 and the diverged path 160 through the injection molding process, and any one or both of the main path 150 and the diverged path 160 may be implemented by using a separate pipe or tube.

The main path 150 and the diverged path 160 may extend in the direction in which the aerosol generating device 1 extends. According to a structure in which at least a portion of the main path 150 and at least a portion of the diverged path 160 extend in a same direction, introduction of droplets generated as the aerosols are cooled in the main path 150 and the diverged path 160 into the puff sensor 132 may be reduced as much as possible.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device 1 according to another embodiment.

The aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9 includes an aerosol generator 241 configured to generate aerosols, the main path 150, the diverged path 160 connected in parallel to the main path 150, and the puff sensor 132 connected to the diverged path 160 and detect flow of the air. Through the main path 150, the aerosols generated in the aerosol generator 241 or heated air may be discharged outside, or the aerosols and the air may be together discharged outside.

The aerosol generator 241 includes the aerosol generating chamber C1 in which the aerosols are generated, the liquid delivery element 25 in the aerosol generating chamber C1, and the heater 24 configured to heat the liquid delivery element 25 to generate the aerosols.

An end of the main path 150 may be open toward the outside of the aerosol generating device 1, and another end of the main path 150 may be connected to the aerosol generating chamber C1. At least a portion of the main path 150 may extend in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device 1. The aerosols generated in the aerosol generating chamber C1 may be discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device 1 through the main path 150.

A side 160a of the diverged path 160 is connected to an area of the main path 150, and the other side 160b of the diverged path 160 is connected to another area of the main path 150. The width of the main path 150 may be formed greater than the width of the diverged path 160.

The puff sensor 132 is connected to the diverged path 160. The puff sensor 132 may be configured to detect change in flow of the air or aerosols passing through the diverged path 160 and/or change in a physical amount of liquid and generate a signal.

The air outside the aerosol generating device 1 is introduced into the aerosol generating device through an introduction path 158 of the body 10. The air introduced into the introduction path 158 flows to the aerosol generating chamber C1 in which the aerosols are generated, and then is mixed with the aerosols generated in the aerosol generating chamber C1 and discharged to the outside through the main path 150. The user may hold, by mouth, a mouthpiece 10m provided at an end of the aerosol generating device 1 and inhale the aerosols.

According to the aerosol generating device 1 with reference to the embodiments described above, as the user performs the inhalation operation, the aerosols generated in the aerosol generator may flow through the main path 150 and the diverged path 160 and be supplied to the user. Through the main path 150 having a great width, a sufficient amount of aerosols may be provided to the user.

In addition, while the user inhales the aerosol, flow of the aerosols also occurs through the diverged path 160 having a small width, and therefore, the puff sensor 132 may precisely operate.

According to the aerosol generating device 1 with reference to the embodiments described above, as the main path 150 having a great width and the diverged path 160 having a small width are connected in parallel to the aerosol generating device, most of the flow of the air generated due to preheating or residual heat may be discharged to the outside through the main path 150, and thus, false operation of the puff sensor 132 may be reduced as much as possible.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device 1 according to another embodiment.

The aerosol generating device 1 with reference to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10 includes an aerosol generator, the main path 150, the diverged path 160 connected in parallel to the main path 150, and the puff sensor 132 connected to the diverged path 160 and generating a signal regarding the liquid. Air may be supplied to the aerosol generator through the main path 150.

The aerosol generator includes the accommodating portion 102p, which includes an accommodating space for accommodating the stick S, and the heater 18 at least partially located in the accommodating portion 102p and generates heat for heating the stick S. The aerosol generating device 1 may include the power source 11 for supplying power to the heater 18.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, when the stick S is inserted into the accommodating portion 102p, a portion of the heater 18 may be inserted into the stick S. At least one bump 102g protruding toward an end portion of the stick S is formed on a bottom surface of the accommodating space in the accommodating portion 102p. The bump 102g may perform a function to support the end portion of the stick S inserted into the accommodating portion 102p.

In addition, the air introduced from the outside into the accommodating portion 102p may be supplied to the end portion of the stick S through a space between bumps 102g. As the bumps 102g are arranged spaced from each other, the air introduced into the accommodating portion 102p may pass through a space between the bumps 102g and supplied to the end portion of the stick S.

The main path 150 may be formed by a space between an inner wall 102s of the accommodating portion 102p and an external surface of the stick S. An end of the main path 150 is open toward the outside of the aerosol generating device 1, and the other end of the main path 150 is connected to the end portion of the stick S into which the heater 18 is inserted. The main path 150 may extend in the direction in which the aerosol generating device 1 extends. Accordingly, the air introduced from the outside into the accommodating portion 102p may be supplied to the end portion of the stick S through the main path 150.

A side of the diverged path 160 is connected to an area of the main path 150, and the other side of the diverged path 160 is connected to another area of the main path 150. The width of the main path 150 may be formed greater than the width of the diverged path 160.

The puff sensor 132 is connected to the diverged path 160. The puff sensor 132 may be configured to generate a signal by detecting flow of air and/or aerosols passing through the diverged path 160.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device 1 according to another embodiment.

The aerosol generating device 1 with reference to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11 has a configuration similar to a configuration of the aerosol generating device 1 with reference to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10, only with modification in a structure of the main path 150.

In the aerosol generating device 1 with reference to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11, the main path 150 is arranged in the accommodating portion 102p. In a state where the stick S is inserted into the accommodating portion 102p, the inner wall surface of the accommodating portion 102p may support an external surface of the stick S inserted into the accommodating portion 102p. There is no space between the inner wall surface of the accommodating portion 102p and the stick S. Accordingly, unlike in the aerosol generating device 1 with reference to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10, the air does not flow through the space between the inner wall surface of the accommodating portion 102p and the stick S in the aerosol generating device 1 with reference to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11.

The main path 150 is arranged in the accommodating portion 102p and extends in the direction in which the aerosol generating device 1 extends. An end of the main path 150 is open toward the outside of the aerosol generating device 1, and the other end of the main path 150 is open toward the end portion of the stick S into which the heater 18 is inserted. Accordingly, the air outside the aerosol generating device 1 may be supplied to the end portion of the stick S through the main path 150.

A side of the diverged path 160 is connected to an area of the main path 150, and the other side of the diverged path 160 is connected to another area of the main path 150. The width of the main path 150 may be formed greater than the width of the diverged path 160.

The puff sensor 132 is connected to the diverged path 160. The puff sensor 132 may be configured to detect change in flow of the air or aerosols passing through the diverged path 160 and/or change in a physical amount of liquid and generate a signal.

The accommodating portion 102p may be manufactured through an injection molding process in which a resin or a melted metal is injected into a mold and then cured. In the injection molding process, the main path 150 and the diverged path 160 may be formed based on shapes of paths provided in advance in the mold. As another example, to form the main path 150 and the diverged path 160 in the accommodating portion 102p, may use a method of preparing the accommodating portion 102p and then forming the main path 150 and the diverged path 160 by boring the accommodating portion 102p.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device 1 according to another embodiment.

The aerosol generating device 1 with reference to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12 includes an aerosol generator, the main path 150, the diverged path 160 connected to the main path 150, and the puff sensor 132 connected to the diverged path 160 and generating a signal regarding the liquid. Air may be supplied to the aerosol generator through the main path 150.

The aerosol generator includes the accommodating portion 102p, which includes the accommodating portion for accommodating the stick S, and the heater 18 at least partially supported by the accommodating portion 102p and generating heat for heating the stick S. The main path 150 may be formed to penetrate the accommodating portion 102p.

The cartridge 19 may be coupled to a side of the accommodating portion 102p accommodating the stick S. The cartridge 19 may be detachably amounted in the body 10. When the cartridge 19 is mounted in the body 10, an outlet 19e of the cartridge 19 is connected to the main path 150 of the accommodating portion 102p.

An end of the main path 150 is open toward the stick S. The other end of the main path 150 is connected to the outlet 19e of the cartridge 19. Accordingly, at least one of air and aerosols delivered through the outlet 19e of the cartridge 19 may be supplied to the stick S through the main path 150. For example, when the aerosol generating device 1 operates to only heat the stick S in a state where operation of the cartridge 19 stops, the air may be supplied from the cartridge 19 to the main path 150.

The diverged path 160 may be formed in the accommodating portion 102p to be connected in parallel to the main path 150. A side of the diverged path 160 is connected to an area of the main path 150, and another side of the diverged path 160 is connected to another area of the main path 150. The width of the main path 150 may be formed greater than the width of the diverged path 160.

The main path 150 and the diverged path 160 may be arranged by a method of forming flow paths in the accommodating portion 102p. For example, the accommodating portion 102p may be formed through an injection molding process in which a resin is injected into a mold and then cured. During the injection molding process, the main path 150 and the diverged path 160 may be formed in the accommodating portion 102p.

The cartridge 19 may include the chamber C0 therein. The chamber C0 may store the aerosol generating material in any one of various states, e.g., a liquid state, a solid state, a gas state, a gel state, or the like.

In a state where the cartridge 19 is inserted into the body 10, external air may be introduced into the body 10. The external air may be introduced into the aerosol generating chamber C1 in the cartridge 19 through the inlet 19i of the cartridge 19.

The cartridge 19 may include the heater 24 configured to heat the aerosol generating material in the chamber C0 containing the aerosol generating material. A liquid delivery element 25 impregnated with (containing) the aerosol generating material may be arranged in the chamber C0.

The cartridge 19 may be configured to generate aerosols. As the liquid delivery element 25 is heated by the heater 24, the aerosols may be generated. The aerosols generated in the aerosol generating chamber C1 of the cartridge 19 may pass through the outlet 19e, the main path 150, and the diverged path 160 and then be delivered to the stick S.

According to the aerosol generating device 1 with reference to the embodiment described above, as the user performs the inhaling operation, the aerosols generated in the cartridge 19 may pass through the main path 150 and the diverged path 160 and then be supplied to the user. Through the main path 150 having a great path, a sufficient amount of aerosols may be provided to the user through the stick S.

In addition, while the user inhales the aerosol, flow of the aerosols also occurs through the diverged path 160 having a small width, and therefore, the puff sensor 132 may precisely operate.

According to the aerosol generating device 1 with reference to the embodiment described above, as air and/or aerosols may be supplied to the to the aerosol generator through the main path 150, the diverged path 160 is connected in parallel to the main path 150, most part of flow of the air generated due to pre-heating or residual heat may be discharged through the aerosol generating chamber C1 of the cartridge 19 through the main path 150, and therefore, false operation of the puff sensor 132 may be reduced as much as possible.

The embodiments are not limited to arrangement positions of the main path 150, the diverged path 160, and the puff sensor 132 illustrated in FIG. 12. For example, the main path 150, in which the puff sensor 132 and the diverged path 160 are arranged, may be formed at a position between the cartridge 19 and the accommodating portion 102p or in a path for delivering the air to the cartridge 19. That is, the structure illustrated in FIG. 12 may be modified to arrange the main path 150, the diverged path 160, and the puff sensor 132 in any of the outlet 19e or the inlet 19i.

As another example, the puff sensor 132, the diverged path 160, and the main path 150 may be arranged in all or some of the accommodating portion 102p, the outlet 19e, and the inlet 19i.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device 1 according to another embodiment.

The aerosol generating device 1 in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 13 has a structure similar to a structure of the aerosol generating device 1 in the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.

The aerosol generating device 1 with reference to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 13 illustrates an aerosol generator, the main path 150, the diverged path 160 connected to the main path 150, and an additional diverged path 170 connected to the main path 150, in parallel to the diverged path 160. Air may be supplied to the aerosol generator through the main path 150.

The aerosol generator may include the accommodating portion 102p, including an insertion space for accommodating the stick S, and the heater 18 arranged in the accommodating portion 102p and configured to generate heat for heating the stick S.

The main path 150 includes the first main path 151, which slopes with respect to the longitudinal direction (Z axis direction) in which the aerosol generating device 1 extends, and the second main path 152 connecting the first main path 151 and the accommodating portion 102p for accommodating the stick S.

A side of the diverged path 160 is connected to an area of the main path 150, and the other side of the diverged path 160 is connected to another area of the main path 150.

The diverged path 160 includes the first path 161 connected to a first area of the main path 150 and the second path 162 connected to a second area of the main path 150. The puff sensor 132 may be connected to the first path 161.

The first path 161 of the diverged path 160 may extend in the direction (Z axis direction) in which the aerosol generating device 1 extends. The second path 162 may extend the direction (X axis direction) crossing the longitudinal direction (Z axis direction) in which the aerosol generating device 1 extends.

A side of the additional diverged path 170 is connected to a third area of the main path 150, and the other side of the additional diverged path 170 is connected to a fourth area. Accordingly, the additional diverged path 170 and the diverged path 160 are connected in parallel to the main path 150.

The additional diverged path 170 includes a first additional path 171 connected to the third area of the main path 150 and a second additional path 172 connected to the fourth area of the main path 150.

The first additional path 171 of the additional diverged path 170 may extend in the direction (X axis direction) crossing the longitudinal direction (Z axis direction) in which the aerosol generating device 1 extends. The second additional path 172 may extend in the direction (Z axis direction) in which the aerosol generating device 1 extends.

The width of the main path 150 may be formed greater than a width of the additional diverged path 170. In addition, the width of the additional diverged path 170 may be formed greater than the width of the diverged path 160.

The aerosol generating device 1 may extend in a direction (Z axis direction). With reference to the direction (Z axis direction) in which the aerosol generating device 1 extends, the main path 150 may be closer to the one end portion of the aerosol generating device 1 than to the diverged path 160.

In addition, with reference to the direction (Z axis direction) in which the aerosol generating device 1 extends, the additional diverged path 170 may be closer to the one end portion of the aerosol generating device 1 than to the main path 150.

According to an arrangement structure of the main path 150, the additional diverged path 170, and the diverged path 160 as illustrated in FIG. 13, introduction of droplets generated as the aerosols are cooled in the main path 150, the additional diverged path 170, and the diverged path 160, into the puff sensor 132, may be reduced as much as possible.

When the user holds the aerosol generating device, the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device 1 is approximately identical to Z axis direction illustrated in FIG. 1. The droplets generated in the main path 150, the diverged path 160, the additional diverged path 170, and the like may be concentrated into the second path 162 at a lowermost portion. Accordingly, the droplets are not easily introduced into the puff sensor 132 connected to the first path 161 extending in the direction (Z axis direction) in which the aerosol generating device 1 extends.

According to the aerosol generating device 1 with reference to the embodiment described above, the air may be supplied through the main path 150 to the accommodating portion 102p accommodating the stick S, and the diverged path 160 and the additional diverged path 170 are connected in parallel to the main path 150, and therefore, generation of the false operation by the puff sensor 132 may be reduced as much as possible.

Due to preheating or residual heat, heated air may be generated around the stick S, or the natural air flow may be generated in the main path 150, the additional diverged path 170, and the diverged path 160 as the aerosol generating device 1 is shaken.

The widths of the main path 150, the additional diverged path 170, and the diverged path 160 are as follows:

The width of the main path 150>the width of the additional diverged path 170>the width of the diverged path 160.

Accordingly, flow resistance against the flow of air formed in the main path 150, the additional diverged path 170, and the diverged path 160 is as follows:

Resistance of flow in the diverged path 160>resistance of flow in the additional diverged path 170>resistance of flow in the main path 150.

A largest amount of air in the natural air flow is first discharged through the main path 150. A large amount of air in the natural air flow remaining after being discharged through the main path is discharged through the additional diverged path 170. Last, a small amount of air remaining in the natural air flow is discharged through the diverged path 160.

Accordingly, even when the natural air flow occurs in the main path 150, the additional diverged path 170, and the diverged path 160, only a small amount of air flows through the diverged path 160, and therefore, false operation of the puff sensor 132 may be reduced as much as possible.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a portion of the aerosol generating device 1 according to another embodiment.

The aerosol generating device 1 with reference to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14 includes an aerosol generator, the main path 150, the diverged path 160 connected to the main path 150, and the puff sensor 132 connected to the diverged path 160. Air may be supplied to the aerosol generator through the main path 150.

The aerosol generator may include the accommodating portion 102p, including the insertion space for accommodating the stick S, and a heater (not shown) arranged in the accommodating portion 102p and configured to generate heat for heating the stick S.

The main path 150 includes the first main path 151, which is connected to the accommodating portion 102p for accommodating the stick S, and the second main path 152 in which an end is open toward the outside of the accommodating portion 102p and the other end is connected to the first main path 151. External air may be supplied to the first main path 151 through the second main path 152. Air may be supplied to the stick S through the first main path 151.

A side of the diverged path 160 is connected to an area of the second main path 152, and another side of the diverged path 160 is connected to another area of the second main path 152.

The width of the main path 150 may be formed greater than the width of the diverged path 160.

In FIG. 14, the second main path 152, i.e., a portion of the main path 150, extends in the direction (X axis direction) crossing the direction (Z axis direction) in which the aerosol generating device 1 extends. In addition, a portion of the diverged path 160 also extends in the direction crossing the direction in which the aerosol generating device 1 extends. A center of the second main path 152 and a center of the diverged path 160 may extend in parallel in the direction (X axis direction) crossing the direction (Z axis direction) in which the aerosol generating device 1 extends, at a same height with reference to the direction (Z axis direction).

According to the aerosol generating device 1 with reference to the embodiment described above, the air may be supplied through the main path 150 to the accommodating portion 102p accommodating the stick S, and the diverged path 160 is connected in parallel to the main path 150, therefore, as the user performs the inhaling operation, the external air may pass through the main path 150 and the diverged path 160 and then provided to the stick S. As the air is introduced into the stick S that has been heated, the aerosols generated from the stick S may be smoothly supplied to the user.

According to the aerosol generating device 1 with reference to the embodiment described above, when the user inhales the aerosol, a sufficient amount of air may be supplied to the stick S through the main path 150 having a great width, and accordingly, ‘suction resistance’ at a sufficient level, at which the user may feel comfortable, may be provided. In addition, while the user puffs the aerosol, the air also flows through the diverged path 160 having a small width, and therefore, the puff sensor 132 may precisely operate.

According to the aerosol generating device 1 with reference to the embodiment described above, as the main path 150 and the diverged path 160 are connected to the accommodating portion 102p for accommodating the stick S, when the flow of air heated due to pre-heating or residual heat occurs, most of the flow of air may be discharged through the main path 150 having a great width. Even when the natural air flow due to pre-heating or residual heat occurs in the main path 150 and the diverged path 160, only a small amount of air flow passes through the diverged path 160 having a small width, and therefore, false operations of the puff sensor 132 may be reduced as much as possible.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a coupling relationship between elements of the aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 14.

The aerosol generating device 1 shown in FIG. 15 may include a power source 11, a controller 12, a sensor 13, an output unit 14, an input unit 70, a communicator 50, a memory 60, and at least one stick heater 18. However, an internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1 is not limited to that illustrated in FIG. 15. In other words, according to the design of the aerosol generating device 1, some of the components shown in FIG. 15 may be omitted or new components may be added.

The sensor 13 may detect a state of the aerosol generating device 1 or a state around the aerosol generating device 1 and transmit detected information to the controller 12. On the basis of the detected information, the controller 12 may control the aerosol generating device 1 to perform various functions such as control of operations of the cartridge heater 24 (ex. the heater 24 shown in FIG. 3) and/or the stick heater 18, a restriction on smoking, determination of whether or not the stick S and/or the cartridge 19 are inserted, and a notification display.

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

The temperature sensor 131 may detect a temperature at which the cartridge heater 24 and/or the stick heater 18 (ex, the heater 18 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) are heated. The aerosol generating device 1 may include a separate temperature sensor for detecting the temperatures of the cartridge heater 24 and/or the stick heater 18, or the cartridge heater 24 and/or the stick heater 18 may operate as temperature sensors.

The temperature sensor 131 may output a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and/or the stick heater 18. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may include a resistor element whose resistance value changes in correspondence to a change in the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and/or the stick heater 18. The temperature sensor 131 may be implemented by a thermistor or the like, which is an element using a property of changing resistance according to temperature. Here, the temperature sensor 131 may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistor element as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and/or the stick heater 18. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may include a sensor that detects a resistance value of the cartridge heater 24 and/or the stick heater 18. Here, the temperature sensor 131 may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the cartridge heater 24 and/or the stick heater 18 as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and/or the stick heater 18.

The temperature sensor 131 may be arranged around the power source 11 to monitor a temperature of the power source 11. The temperature sensor 131 may be arranged adjacent to the power source 11. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may be attached to one surface of a battery that is the power source 11. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may be mounted on one surface of a PCB (Printed Circuit Board).

The temperature sensor 131 may be arranged inside the body 10 to detect an internal temperature of the body 10.

The puff sensor 132 may detect a puff by a user on the basis of various physical changes in an air flow path. The puff sensor 132 may output a signal corresponding to the puff. For example, the puff sensor 132 may be a pressure sensor. The puff sensor 132 may output a signal corresponding to internal pressure of the aerosol generating device 1. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device 1 may correspond to pressure of the air flow path through which a gas flows. The puff sensor 132 may be arranged in correspondence to the air flow path through which the gas flows in the aerosol generating device 1.

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

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

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

The capacitance sensor may include a conductor. The conductor of the capacitance sensor may be arranged adjacent to the insertion space. The capacitance sensor may output a signal corresponding to an ambient electromagnetic characteristic, e.g., a capacitance around the conductor. For example, when the stick S including a metal wrapper is inserted into the insertion space, the electromagnetic characteristic around the conductor may be changed by the wrapper of the stick S.

The reuse detection sensor 134 may detect whether or not the stick S is reused. The reuse detection sensor 134 may be a color sensor. The color sensor may detect a color of the stick S. The color sensor may detect a color of a portion of the wrapper wrapping the outside of the stick S. The color sensor may detect a value for an optical characteristic corresponding to a color of an object, on the basis of light reflected from the object. For example, the optical characteristic may be a wavelength of light. The color sensor may be implemented as a single component with a proximity sensor or may be implemented as a separate component distinguished from the proximity sensor.

At least a portion of the wrapper constituting the stick S may have a color changing by an aerosol. When the stick S is inserted into the insertion space, the reuse detection sensor 134 may be arranged in correspondence to a location at which at least the portion of the wrapper whose color changes by the aerosol is arranged. For example, before the stick S is used by the user, the color of at least the portion of the wrapper may be a first color. Here, when at least the portion of the wrapper is wetted by the aerosol while the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating device 1 passes through the stick S, the color of at least the portion of the wrapper may be changed to a second color. The color of at least the portion of the wrapper may be maintained in the second color after changing from the first color to the second color.

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

The cap detection sensor 136 may detect mounting and/or removal of a cap. When the cap is detached from the body 10, a portion of the cartridge 19 and the body 10 covered by the cap may be exposed to the outside. The cap detection sensor 136 may be implemented by a contact sensor, a hall sensor (a hall IC), an optical sensor, or the like.

The motion detection sensor 137 may detect a motion of the aerosol generating device 1. The motion detection sensor 137 may be implemented as at least one of an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor.

In addition to the sensors 131 to 137 described above, the sensor 13 may further include at least one of a humidity sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a position sensor (e.g., a global positioning system (GPS)), and a proximity sensor. Functions of the respective sensors may be intuitively inferred from names thereof by one of ordinary skill in the art, and thus, detailed descriptions thereof may be omitted.

The output unit 14 may output information regarding the state of the aerosol generating device 1 and provide the information to the user. The output unit 14 may include at least one of a display 41, a haptic unit 42, and a sound output unit 43, but is not limited thereto. When the display 41 and a touch pad form a layer structure to form a touch screen, the display 41 may be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

The display 41 (ex. the display 130 shown in FIG. 4) may visually provide the user with information regarding the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the information regarding the aerosol generating device 1 may refer to various types of information such as a charging/discharging state of the power source 11 of the aerosol-generating device 1, a preheating state of the stick heater 18, the insertion/removal state of the stick S and/or the cartridge 19, the mounting/removal state of the cap, and the restriction on use of the aerosol generating device 1 (e.g., detection of an abnormal article), and the display 41 may output the information to the outside. For example, the display 41 may be in the form of a light emitting diode (LED) light emitting device. For example, the display 41 may be a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, an organic light emitting display (OLED) panel, or the like.

The haptic unit 42 may tactilely provide the user with the information regarding the aerosol generating device 1 by converting an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus or an electrical stimulus. For example, when initial power is supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and/or the stick heater 18 for a set time, the haptic unit 42 may generate vibration corresponding to completion of initial preheating. The haptic unit 42 may include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

The sound output unit 43 may audibly provide the user with the information regarding the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the sound output unit 43 may convert the electrical signal into a sound signal and output the sound signal to the outside.

The power supply 11 may supply power used to operate the aerosol generating device 1. The power source 11 may supply power so that the cartridge heater 24 and/or the stick heater 18 may be heated. In addition, the power source 11 may supply power needed for operations of the sensor 13, the output unit 14, the input unit 70, the communicator 50, and the memory 60, which are other components provided within the aerosol generating device 1. The power source 11 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the power supply 11 may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

Although not shown in FIG. 15, the aerosol generating device 1 may further include a power protection circuit. The power protection circuit may be electrically connected to the power source 11 and may include a switching element.

The power protection circuit may cut off an electrical path for the power source 11 according to a certain condition. For example, the power protection circuit may cut off the electrical path for the power source 11 when a voltage level of the power source 11 is a first voltage or more corresponding to overcharging. For example, the power protection circuit may cut off the electrical path for the power source 11 when the voltage level of the power source 11 is less than a second voltage corresponding to overdischarge.

The stick heater 18 may be supplied with power from the power source 11 and heat a medium or an aerosol generating material within the stick S. Although not shown in FIG. 15, the aerosol generating device 1 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC/DC converter) that converts power of the power source 11 and supplies the converted power to the cartridge heater 24 and/or the stick heater 18. In addition, when the aerosol generating device 1 generates an aerosol by an induction heating method, the aerosol generating device 1 may further include a DC/AC converter that converts DC power of the power source 11 into AC power.

The controller 12, the sensor 13, the output unit 14, the input unit 70, the communicator 50, and the memory 60 may be supplied with power from the power source 11 to perform functions. Although not shown in FIG. 15, the aerosol generating device 1 may further include a power conversion circuit that converts power of the power source 11 and supplies the power to each of components, e.g., a low-dropout (LDO) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit. Also, although not shown in FIG. 15, a noise filter may be provided between the power source 11 and the stick heater 18. 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 high-frequency switching current applied from the power source 11 to the stick heater 18. The low pass filter may prevent a high-frequency noise component from being applied to the sensor 13, such as the insertion detection sensor 133.

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

In an embodiment, the stick heater 18 may include an induction heater. For example, the stick heater 18 may include a susceptor that generates heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil to heat an aerosol generating material.

The input unit 70 may receive information input from the user or output the information to the user. For example, the input unit 70 may be a touch panel. The touch panel may include at least one touch sensor for detecting a touch. For example, the touch sensor may include a capacitive touch sensor, a resistive touch sensor, a surface acoustic touch sensor, an infrared touch sensor, or the like, but is not limited thereto.

The display 41 and the touch panel may be implemented as one panel. For example, the touch panel may be inserted into the display 41 (e.g., may be an on-cell type or in-cell type). For example, the touch panel may be added on the display 41 (e.g., may be an add-on type).

Meanwhile, the input unit 70 may include a button, a keypad, a dome switch, a jog wheel, a jog switch, or the like, but is not limited thereto.

The memory 60 may be hardware for storing various types of data processed within the aerosol generating device 1 and may store pieces of data processed by the controller 12 and pieces of data to be processed by the controller 12. The memory 60 may include at least one type of storage medium from among a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (e.g., a SD or XD memory or the like), random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. The memory 60 may store data or the like regarding an operation time of the aerosol generating device 1, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and a smoking pattern of the user.

The communicator 50 may include at least one component for communication with another electronic device. For example, the communicator 50 may include at least one of a short-range wireless communication unit and a wireless communication unit.

The short-range wireless communication unit may include a Bluetooth communication unit, a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) communication unit, a near field communication unit, a wireless local area network ((WLAN) (Wi-Fi)) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared data association (IrDA) communication unit, a Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) communication unit, an ultra wideband (UWB) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, and the like, but is not limited thereto.

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

Although not shown in FIG. 15, the aerosol generating device 1 may further include a connection interface such as a universal serial bus (USB) interface, and may connect with another external device through the connection interface such as a USB interface to transmit and receive information or charge the power source 11.

The controller 12 may control an overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1. In an embodiment, the controller 12 may include at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of a plurality of logic gates or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory that stores a program executable by the microprocessor. In addition, one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present embodiment pertains may understand that the processor may be implemented as other types of hardware.

The controller 12 may control the temperature of the stick heater 18 by controlling supply power from the power source 11 to the stick heater 18. The controller 12 may control the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and/or the stick heater 18 on the basis of the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and/or the stick heater 18 sensed by the temperature sensor 131. The controller 12 may adjust power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and/or the stick heater 18, on the basis of the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and/or the stick heater 18. For example, the controller 12 may determine a target temperature for the cartridge heater 24 and/or the stick heater 18, on the basis of a temperature profile stored in the memory 60.

The aerosol generating device 1 may include a power supply circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the power source 11 between the power source 11 and the cartridge heater 24 and/or the stick heater 18. The power supply circuit may be electrically connected to the cartridge heater 24, the stick heater 18, 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 effective transistor (FET), or the like. The controller 12 may control the power supply circuit.

The controller 12 may control power supply by controlling switching of the switching element of the power supply circuit. The power supply circuit may be an inverter that converts DC power output from the power source 11 into AC power. For example, the inverter may include a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit including a plurality of switching elements.

The controller 12 may turn on the switching element so that power is supplied from the power source 11 to the cartridge heater 24 and/or the stick heater 18. The controller 12 may turn off the switching element to cut off the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and/or the stick heater 18. The controller 12 may adjust a current supplied from the power source 11 by adjusting a frequency and/or duty ratio of a current pulse input into the switching element.

The controller 12 may control a voltage output from the power source 11 by controlling switching of the switching element of the power supply circuit. The power conversion circuit may convert the voltage output from the power source 11. For example, the power conversion circuit may include a buck-converter that steps down the voltage output from the power source 11. For example, the power conversion circuit may be implemented through a buck-boost converter, a zener diode, or the like.

The controller 12 may adjust a level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit by controlling an on/off operation of the switching element included in the power conversion circuit. When the switching element continues to be turned on, the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit may correspond to a level of a voltage output from the power source 11. The duty ratio for the on/off operation of the switching element may correspond to a ratio of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit to the voltage output from the power source 11. The level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit may decrease with a decrease in the duty ratio for the on/off operation of the switching element. The stick heater 18 may be heated on the basis of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit.

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

For example, the controller 12 may control a current pulse having a certain frequency and duty ratio to be supplied to the stick heater 18 by using the PWM method. The controller 12 may control the power supplied to the stick heater 18 by adjusting the frequency and duty ratio of the current pulse.

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

The controller 12 may prevent the cartridge heater 24 and/or the stick heater 18 from overheating. For example, on the basis that the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and/or the stick heater 18 exceeds a preset limit temperature, the controller 12 may control an operation of the power conversion circuit so that the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and/or the stick heater 18 stops. For example, on the basis that the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and/or the stick heater 18 exceeds the preset limit temperature, the controller 12 may reduce an amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and/or the stick heater 18 by a certain ratio. For example, on the basis that the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeds the preset limit temperature, the controller 12 may determine that the aerosol generating material accommodated in the cartridge 19 is exhausted and cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 24.

The controller 12 may control charging and discharging of the power source 11. The controller 12 may identify the temperature of the power source 11 on the basis of an output signal of the temperature sensor 131.

When a power line is connected to a battery terminal of the aerosol generating device 1, the controller 12 may identify whether or not the temperature of the power source 11 is a first limit temperature or more which is a reference for blocking charging of the power source 11. When the temperature of the power source 11 is less than the first limit temperature, the controller 12 may control the power source 11 to be charged, on the basis of a preset charging current. The controller 12 may block charging of the power source 11 when the temperature of the power source 11 is the first limit temperature or more.

While the power of the aerosol generating device 1 is turned on, the controller 12 may identify whether or not the temperature of the power source 11 is a second limit temperature or more which is a reference for blocking discharge of the power source 11. The controller 12 may control power stored in the power source 11 to be used when the temperature of the power source 11 is less than the second limit temperature. When the temperature of the power source 11 is the second limit temperature or more, the controller 12 may stop using the power stored in the power source 11.

The controller 12 may calculate a remaining capacity of the power stored in the power source 11. For example, the controller 12 may calculate the remaining capacity of the power source 11 on the basis of a voltage and/or current sensing value of the power source 11.

The controller 12 may determine, through the insertion detection sensor 133, whether or not the stick S is inserted into the insertion space. The controller 12 may determine that the stick S is inserted, on the basis of the output signal of the insertion detection sensor 133. When determining that the stick S is inserted into the insertion space, the controller 12 may control power to be supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and/or the stick heater 18. For example, the controller 12 may supply power to the cartridge heater 24 and/or the stick heater 18, on the basis of the temperature profile stored in the memory 60.

The controller 12 may determine whether or not the stick S is removed from the insertion space. For example, the controller 12 may determine, through the insertion detection sensor 133, whether or not the stick S is removed from the insertion space. For example, when the temperature of the stick heater 18 is the preset limit temperature or more or when a temperature change gradient of the stick heater 18 is a set gradient, the controller 12 may determine that the stick S is removed from the insertion space. When determining that the stick S is removed from the insertion space, the controller 12 may cut off the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and/or the stick heater 18.

The controller 12 may control a power supply time and/or a power supply amount with respect to the stick heater 18, according to a state of the stick S detected by the sensor 13. The controller 12 may identify, on the basis of a look-up table, a level range including a level of a signal of the capacitance sensor. The controller 12 may determine an amount of moisture in the stick S, according to the identified level range.

When the stick S is over-humidified, the controller 12 may increase a preheating time of the stick S compared to a normal state by controlling the power supply time with respect to the stick heater 18.

The controller 12 may determine, through the reuse detection sensor 134, whether or not the stick S inserted into the insertion space is reused. For example, the controller 12 may compare a sensing value of a signal of the reuse detection sensor 134 with a first reference range including a first color and when the sensing value is included in the first reference range, determine that the stick S is not used. For example, the controller 12 may compare the sensing value of the signal of the reuse detection sensor 134 with a second reference range including a second color and when the sensing value is included in the second reference range, determine that the stick S is used. When determining that the stick S is used, the controller 12 may cut off the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and/or the stick heater 18.

The controller 12 may determine, through the cartridge detection sensor 135, whether or not the cartridge 19 is coupled and/or removed. For example, the controller 12 may determine whether or not the cartridge 19 is coupled or removed, on the basis of a sensing value of the signal of the cartridge detection sensor 135.

The controller 12 may determine whether or not the aerosol generating material of the cartridge 19 is exhausted. For example, the controller 12 may apply power to preheat the cartridge heater 24 and/or the stick heater 18, determine whether or not the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeds the limit temperature in a preheating period, and when the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeds the limit temperature, determine that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge 19 is exhausted. When determining that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge 19 is exhausted, the controller 12 may cut off the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and/or the stick heater 18.

The controller 12 may determine whether or not the cartridge 19 may be usable. When the current number of puffs is greater than or equal to the maximum number of puffs set in the cartridge 19, the controller 12 may determine, on the basis of data stored in the memory 60, that the cartridge 19 may not be usable. For example, when the total time for which the heater 24 is heated is a preset maximum time or more or the total amount of power supplied to the heater 24 is a preset maximum amount of power or more, the controller 12 may determine that the cartridge 19 may not be usable.

The controller 12 may determine inhalation by the user through the puff sensor 132. For example, the controller 12 may determine whether or not a puff occurs, on the basis of a sensing value of a signal of the puff sensor 132. For example, the controller 12 may determine an intensity of the puff, on the basis of the sensing value of the signal of the puff sensor 132. When the number of puffs reaches the preset maximum number of puffs or when puffs are not detected for a preset time or more, the controller 12 may cut off the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and/or the stick heater 18.

The controller 12 may determine, through the cap detection sensor 136, whether a cap is coupled and/or removed. For example, the controller 12 may determine whether or not the cap is coupled and/or removed, on the basis of a sensing value of a signal of the cap detection sensor 136.

The controller 12 may control the output unit 14 on the basis of the result of detection by the sensor 13. For example, when the number of puffs counted through the puff sensor 132 reaches a preset number, the controller 12 may notify the user that the aerosol generating device 1 is soon terminated, through at least one of the display 41, the haptic unit 42, and the sound output unit 43. For example, the controller 12 may notify the user through the output unit 14 that the stick S is not present in the insertion space, on the basis of the determination that the stick S is not present in the insertion space. For example, the controller 12 may notify the user through the output unit 14 that the cartridge 19 and/or the cap are not mounted, on the basis of the determination that the cartridge 19 and/or the cap are not mounted. For example, the controller 12 may transmit information regarding the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and/or the stick heater 18 to the user through the output unit 14.

The controller 12 may store and update, in the memory 60, a history of a certain event that occurs, on the basis of the occurrence of the event. The event may include detection of insertion of the stick S, initiation of heating of the stick S, detection of puffs, termination of the puffs, detection of overheating of the cartridge heater 24 and/or the stick heater 18, detection of application of an overvoltage to the cartridge heater 24 and/or the stick heater 18, termination of heating of the stick S, an operation such as power on/off of the aerosol generating device 1, initiation of charging of the power source 11, detection of overcharging of the power source 11, termination of charging of the power source 11, and the like. The history of the event may include a date and time when the event occurs, log data corresponding to the event, and the like. For example, when the certain event is the detection of insertion of the stick S, the log data corresponding to the event may include data regarding the sensing value of the insertion detection sensor 133 and the like. For example, when the certain event is the detection of overheating of the cartridge heater 24 and/or the stick heater 18, the log data corresponding to the event may include data regarding the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and/or the stick heater 18, the voltage applied to the cartridge heater 24 and/or the stick heater 18, a current flowing through the cartridge heater 24 and/or the stick heater 18, and the like.

The controller 12 may control to form a communication link with an external device such as a mobile terminal of the user. When data regarding authentication is received from the external device through the communication link, the controller 12 may release a restriction on use of at least one function of the aerosol generating device 1. Here, the data regarding the authentication may include data indicating completion of user authentication for the user corresponding to the external device. The user may perform the user authentication through the external device. The external device may determine whether or not user data is valid, on the basis of the birthday of the user, a unique number indicating the user, and the like and receive, from an external server, data regarding use authority over the aerosol generating device 1. The external device may transmit the data indicating the completion of the user authentication to the aerosol generating device 1, on the basis of the data regarding the use authority. When the user authentication is completed, the controller 12 may release the restriction on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generating device 1. For example, when the user authentication is completed, the controller 12 may release a restriction on use of a heating function of supplying power to the stick heater 18.

The controller 12 may transmit data regarding the state of the aerosol generating device 1 to the external device through the communication link formed with the external device. On the basis of the received data regarding the state of the aerosol generating device 1, the external device may output the remaining capacity of the power source 11 of the aerosol generating device 1, an operation mode, and the like through a display of the external device.

The external device may transmit a location search request to the aerosol generating device 1, on the basis of an input for initiating a location search of the aerosol generating device 1. When receiving the location search request from the external device, the controller 12 may control at least one of output devices to perform an operation corresponding to the location search, on the basis of the received location search request. For example, the haptic unit 42 may generate vibration in response to the location search request. For example, the display 41 may output an object corresponding to the location search and an end of the search in response to the location search request.

When receiving firmware data from the external device, the controller 12 may control to perform a firmware update. The external device may identify a current version of firmware of the aerosol generating device 1 and determine whether or not a new version of the firmware is present. When an input for requesting firmware download is received, the external device may receive a new version of firmware data and transmit the new version of firmware data to the aerosol generating device 1. When receiving the new version of firmware data, the controller 12 may control the firmware update of the aerosol generating device 1 to be performed.

The controller 12 may transmit data regarding a sensing value of at least one sensor 13 to the external server (not shown) through the communicator 50, and receive from the server and store a learning model generated by learning the sensing value through machine learning such as deep learning. The controller 12 may perform an operation of determining an inhalation pattern of the user, an operation of generating a temperature profile, and the like by using the learning model received from the server. The controller 12 may store, in the memory 60, sensing value data of at least one sensor 13, data for training an artificial neural network (ANN), and the like. For example, the memory 60 may store a database for each component provided in the aerosol generating device 1, which is for training the ANN, and weights and biases constituting the structure of the ANN. The controller 12 may generate at least one learning model used for determining the inhalation pattern of the user, generating the temperature profile, and the like, by learning data regarding the sensing value of the at least one sensor 13, the inhalation pattern of the user, the temperature profile, and the like which are stored in the memory 60.

The aerosol generating device with reference to the embodiments described above may implement a low level of suction resistance such that the user may perform a comfortable puff operation.

In addition, according to the aerosol generating device with reference to the embodiments, the puff sensor may be configured to precisely and rapidly detect flow of the air or aerosols, or flow of the air and aerosols.

In addition, according to the aerosol generating device with reference to the embodiments, the diverged path is connected in parallel to the main path in which flow of the air or aerosols mainly occurs, and the puff sensor is connected to the diverged path. Accordingly, air may be supplied to the aerosol generator through the main path, or the aerosols generated in the aerosol generator may be discharged outside, and at the same time, the puff sensor, which is connected to the diverged path connected in parallel to the main path, may be configured to precisely perform the function of detecting the inhalation operation of the user.

Advantageous effects achieved through the embodiments are not limited thereto, and other unmentioned advantageous effects may be clearly understood to those skilled in the art from the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

Some embodiments or other embodiments of the disclosure described above are not exclusive or distinct from each other. In some embodiments or other embodiments of the disclosure described above, respective components or functions may be used in combination with one another or combined with one another.

For example, a component A described in a particular embodiment and/or drawing and a component B described in another embodiment and/or drawing may be combined with each other. In other words, even when coupling between components is not directly described, the coupling may be made except when the coupling is described as impossible.

The above description should not be construed as being limited in all respects but should be considered illustrative. The scope of the disclosure should be determined by the logical interpretation of appended claims, and all changes within the equivalent scope of the disclosure are included in the scope of the disclosure.