AEROSOL-GENERATING DEVICE

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0097681, filed on Jul. 24, 2024, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

1. Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating device.

2. Description of the Related Art

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

In an aerosol-generating device configured to receive a stick, a cap may be provided to open and close an insertion hole through which the stick is inserted. In conventional aerosol-generating devices, a structure employing a spring or a magnet is used to enable sliding movement of the cap. However, such a structure tends to be mechanically complicated and undesirably increases the overall size of the device.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

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

It is another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating device including a guide rail, which is composed of a protruding portion protruding toward a sliding path of a cap for opening and closing an insertion hole and extending portions inclined relative to the protruding portion.

It is still another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating device in which movement of the cap is guided by the elastic restoring force of the guide rail.

It is still another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating device in which the guide rail supporting upper and lower sides of the cap is inclined with respect to a longitudinal direction to guide movement of the cap.

It is still another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating device including a protruding portion and stoppers, which fix a slider of the cap at a position at which the cap closes the insertion hole and a position at which the cap opens the insertion hole.

It is still another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating device including ribs that are spaced apart from the guide rail, protrude upward, and extend in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail.

In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure for accomplishing the above and other objects, there is provided an aerosol-generating device including a body, an upper case detachably coupled to the body and having an insertion hole formed therein, a guide rail provided in the upper case and elongated in one direction, and a cap movably coupled to the guide rail and configured to open and close the insertion hole by sliding along the guide rail, wherein the guide rail includes a protruding portion protruding toward a sliding path of the cap and extending portions extending from both sides of the protruding portion and inclined with respect to the protruding portion.

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

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

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

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

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an upper case of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the upper case of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure;

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

FIGS. 8 and 9 are views showing a structure in which the cap is disposed on a guide rail in the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 10 to 13 are cross-sectional views showing a coupling structure of the cap and the guide rail according to sliding movement of the cap in the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a rib structure of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the rib structure of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 is a bottom view showing a coupling structure of the upper case of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 17 is a block diagram of an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Referring to FIG. 1, the aerosol-generating device 1 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of a power supply 11, a controller 12, a sensor 13, or a heater 18. At least one of the power supply 11, the controller 12, the sensor 13, or the heater 18 may be disposed in a body 10 of the aerosol-generating device 1. The body 10 may define a space having an open top to allow a stick S, which is an aerosol-generating article, to be inserted thereinto. The space having an open top may be referred to as an insertion space 191. The insertion space 191 may be formed so as to be depressed to a predetermined depth toward the interior of the body 10 so that the stick S is inserted at least partway thereinto. The depth of the insertion space 191 may correspond to the length of the portion of the stick S that contains an aerosol-generating substance and/or medium. The lower end of the stick S may be inserted into the body 10, and the upper end of the stick S may protrude to the outside of the body 10. A user may inhale air by holding the upper end of the stick S, which is exposed to the outside, in the mouth.

The heater 18 may heat the stick S. The heater 18 may be elongated upward in the space into which the stick S is inserted. For example, the heater 18 may include a tube-type heating element, a plate-type heating element, a needle-type heating element, or a rod-type heating element. The heater 18 may be inserted into a lower portion of the stick S. The heater 18 may include an electro-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 be electrically connected to the power supply 11. The heater 18 may directly generate heat using current received from the power supply 11.

For example, a hollow portion may be defined in the heater 18. An electrically conductive track and/or a temperature sensor may be mounted in the hollow portion in the heater 18. The electrically conductive track may generate heat using current received from the power supply 11, and the heater 18 may be heated by the heat generated from the electrically conductive track.

For example, the heater 18 may be a multi-heater. The heater 18 may include a first heater 18A and a second heater 18B. The first and second heaters 18A and 18B may be disposed in a row in a longitudinal direction. The first and second heaters 18A and 18B may be heated sequentially or simultaneously.

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 cause the heater 18 to generate heat. The heater 18 as a susceptor may generate heat using a magnetic field generated by alternating current flowing through the induction coil 181. The magnetic field may pass through the heater 18 to generate an eddy current in the heater 18. The current may cause the heater 18 to generate heat.

For example, referring to FIG. 3, a susceptor SS may be included in the stick S. The susceptor SS in the stick S may generate heat using a magnetic field generated by alternating current flowing through the induction coil 181. The susceptor SS may be disposed in the stick S and may not be electrically connected to the aerosol-generating device 1. The susceptor SS may be inserted into the insertion space 191 together with the stick S and may be removed from the insertion space 191 together with the stick S. The stick S may be heated by the susceptor SS in the stick S.

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

The controller 12 may control overall operation of the aerosol-generating device. The controller 12 may be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The controller 12 may control operation of at least one of the power supply 11, the sensor 13, or the heater 18. The controller 12 may control operation of the induction coil 181. The controller 12 may control operation of a display, a motor, etc. mounted in the aerosol-generating device 1. The controller 12 may check the state of each of the components of the aerosol-generating device 1 and may determine whether the aerosol-generating device 1 is in an operable state.

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

The sensor 13 may include at least one of a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, an insertion detection sensor, or an acceleration sensor. For example, the sensor 13 may detect at least one of the temperature of the heater 18, the temperature of the power supply 11, or the internal/external temperature of the body 10. For example, the sensor 13 may detect a user puff. For example, the sensor 13 may detect whether the stick S is inserted into the insertion space 191. For example, the sensor 13 may detect movement of the aerosol-generating device 1.

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of an aerosol-generating device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 4, an upper case 30 may be detachably coupled to the body 10. The upper case 30 may be coupled to an upper side of the body 10. The upper case 30 may cover an upper peripheral portion of the body 10. The upper case 30 may include an insertion hole 54. A stick S may be inserted into the insertion hole 54. The upper case 30 may include a cap 40 that opens and closes the insertion hole 54. The cap 40 may slide in a lateral direction to open and close the insertion hole 54.

The upper case 30 may include upper case wings 302. The upper case wings 302 may extend downward from both sides of an upper case body 301.

The body 10 may include a body wing 161. The body wing 161 may extend upward from an edge of an upper portion of the body 10. The body wing 161 may be formed in a pair, and the pair of body wings 161 may be opposite each other with respect to the upper portion of the body 10. The body wings 161 may be formed at a position offset from the upper case wings 302.

If the upper case 30 is coupled to the body 10, the upper case 30 may define the upper appearance of the aerosol-generating device 1. If the upper case 30 is coupled to the body 10, the body wings 161 may cover side portions of the upper case 30 exposed between the upper case wings 302. If the upper case 30 is coupled to the body 10, the upper case wings 302 may cover an outer wall of the body 10.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the upper case of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the upper case of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6 together with FIGS. 1 to 4, the aerosol-generating device 1 may include the body 10 and the upper case 30. The body 10 may be formed to be elongated. For example, the body 10 may be elongated in an upward-downward direction (e.g., the z-direction).

The insertion space 191 may be defined in the body 10. The insertion space 191 may be open at one side of the body 10. For example, the insertion space 191 may be open at an upper side of the body 10. The insertion space 191 may be formed to be elongated. The longitudinal direction of the insertion space 191 may correspond to the longitudinal direction of the body 10. For example, the insertion space 191 and the body 10 may be elongated in the upward-downward direction.

The heater 18 may be provided in the body 10. The heater 18 may be disposed in the insertion space 191 and may heat the insertion space 191. The heater 18 may heat the stick S inserted into the insertion space 191.

The upper case 30 may be detachably coupled to the body 10. Two opposite end portions of the upper case 30 may extend in the longitudinal direction of the body 10. The upper case 30 may be coupled to the body 10 to define one surface of the body 10. The upper case 30 may cover an open side surface of the body 10.

The insertion hole 54 may be formed in the upper case 30. The insertion hole 54 may be open toward an upper side of the upper case 30. In a state in which the upper case 30 is coupled to the body 10, the insertion hole 54 may be aligned with the insertion space 191 in the body 10.

The cap 40 may be provided in the upper case 30. The cap 40 may cover the insertion hole 54 and/or the insertion space 191. The cap 40 may be disposed above the insertion hole 54 and/or the insertion space 191. The cap 40 may be movable in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 191. For example, the cap 40 may be movable in a leftward-rightward direction (e.g., the x-direction). The cap 40 may open and close the insertion hole 54 and/or the insertion space 191. For example, the cap 40 may open and close the insertion hole 54 and/or the insertion space 191 in a sliding manner.

The upper case 30 may include a first upper case 31 and a second upper case 32. The first upper case 31 may include a first upper cover 311. The first upper cover 311 may define one surface of the body 10. The first upper cover 311 may extend in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the body 10. For example, the first upper cover 311 may be elongated in the leftward-rightward direction.

The first upper case 31 may include first side covers 312, which are bent from an edge or two opposite ends of the first upper cover 311 and extend in the longitudinal direction of the body 10. The first side covers 312 may define at least a portion of the side surface of the body 10. For example, the first side covers 312 may extend downward from the left end and the right end of the first upper cover 311 to define at least a portion of the side surface of the body 10.

The first upper case 31 may include a slot 313 defined therein to allow the cap 40 to be inserted thereinto. The slot 313 may be formed to penetrate the first upper cover 311 in the upward-downward direction. The slot 313 may be elongated in the longitudinal direction of the first upper cover 311. The cap 40 may be inserted into the slot 313 and may be movable therein. The cap 40 may slide between a first position and a second position. The first position may correspond to a position at which the cap 40 closes the insertion hole 54. The second position may correspond to a position at which the cap 40 opens the insertion hole 54.

The second upper case 32 may include a second upper cover 321. The second upper cover 321 may be disposed below the first upper cover 311. The second upper cover 321 may extend in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the body 10. The first upper cover 311 may cover the second upper cover 321. The first upper cover 311 may be secured to the second upper cover 321.

The second upper case 32 may include second side covers 322, which are bent from an edge or two opposite ends of the second upper cover 321 and extend in the longitudinal direction of the body 10. For example, the second side covers 322 may extend downward from the left end and the right end of the second upper cover 321. The second side covers 322 may be coupled to the first side covers 312.

An extractor 60 may be coupled to the upper case 30. The extractor 60 may be coupled to the second upper cover 321. The extractor 60 may be inserted into an extractor coupling portion 326 formed in the second upper cover 321.

The extractor 60 may be elongated in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 191. The extractor 60 may have a form in which a side surface of a cylindrical pipe is open. The extractor 60 may include a sidewall 61 elongated in the upward-downward direction and a bottom 62 formed at a lower end of the sidewall 61. The sidewall 61 may include a slit defined therein so as to be elongated in the upward-downward direction. The bottom 62 may include a through-hole 64 formed therein to allow the heater 18 to be inserted thereinto. A stick insertion space 63 may be defined by an inner side of the sidewall 61. The stick S may be inserted into the stick insertion space 63 and may come into contact with the bottom 62. At least a portion of the heater 18 may be inserted into the through-hole 64 and may be inserted into the stick S located in the stick insertion space 63.

A guide rail 314 and 51 may be provided in the upper case 30. The guide rail 314 and 51 may guide sliding movement of the cap 40. The guide rail 314 and 51 may include a first rail 314 that covers an upper side of a slider 43 of the cap 40 (see FIG. 7) and a second rail 51 that supports a lower side of the slider 43. The first rail 314 may be referred to as a case rail. The second rail 51 may be referred to as a plate rail.

The case rail 314 may be formed in the first upper case 31. The case rail 314 may be formed by a portion of the first upper cover 311 being recessed. For example, the case rail 314 may be formed by a lower surface of the first upper cover 311 being recessed upward. The case rail 314 may be elongated in the moving direction of the cap 40 or in the longitudinal direction of the slot 313. The case rail 314 may be elongated in the longitudinal direction of the slot 313 at each of both edges of the slot 313 that extend in the longitudinal direction of the slot 313.

The plate rail 51 may be provided on each of both sides of a plate 50. The plate 50 may be elongated in the moving direction of the cap 40. The plate rail 51 may be elongated in the moving direction of the cap 40 at each of both ends of the plate 50 in the width direction. The plate 50 may include an insertion hole 54 formed therein. At least a portion of the upper surface of the plate 50 and the insertion hole 54 may be exposed to the outside. The plate 50 may be disposed between the first upper case 31 and the second upper case 32. The plate 50 may be supported by the first upper cover 311 and the second upper cover 321 so as to be fixed in position.

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

Referring to FIG. 7, the cap 40 may include an upper cap 41 and a lower cap 42. The upper cap 41 may form an upper surface and a portion of a side surface of the cap 40. The upper cap 41 may convexly protrude upward. The lower cap 42 may form a lower surface and a portion of a side surface of the cap 40. The lower cap 42 may be coupled to the upper cap 41. The upper cap 41 and the lower cap 42 may be coupled using a cap screw 411. The cap screw 411 may be fused. The cap screw 411 may penetrate a hole formed in a recess 421 in the lower cap 42 and may be melted. The cap screw 411 may be fused such that an end thereof is blunted and may cover a portion of the recess 421 to be fixed to the recess 421.

The cap 40 may include a slider 43. The slider 43 may protrude from one end of the lower cap 42 in a direction intersecting the moving direction of the cap 40 or in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 314 and 51, and may be elongated in the moving direction of the cap 40 or the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 314 and 51. The slider 43 may include a first leg 431 and a second leg 432 that extend in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 314 and 51. The first leg 431 and the second leg 432 may gradually decrease in width toward both ends of the slider 43 in the longitudinal direction. The lower surface of the first leg 431 and the lower surface of the second leg 432 that are in contact with the plate rail 51 may have inclined surfaces formed at both end portions thereof.

The slider 43 may be seated on the plate rail 51. The slider 43 may move along the guide rail 314 and 51 within the guide rail 314 and 51. The cap 40 may move along the guide rail 314 and 51 through the slider 43.

FIGS. 8 and 9 are views showing a structure in which the cap is disposed on the guide rail in the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the cap 40 may be seated on the guide rail 314 and 51. The slider 43 of the cap 40 may be disposed on the plate rail 51.

The plate rail 51 may include a protruding portion 513 and extending portions 511 and 512. The protruding portion 513 may be connected to the extending portions 511 and 512.

The upper surface of the protruding portion 513 and the upper surfaces of the extending portions 511 and 512 may be connected to form a single rail. The protruding portion 513 may protrude in a direction intersecting the moving direction of the cap 40. The protruding portion 513 may protrude toward a path along which the cap 40 slides. For example, the protruding portion 513 may protrude upward.

The extending portions 511 and 512 may extend from both sides of the protruding portion 513. The extending portions 511 and 512 may include a first extending portion 511 that extends from one side of the protruding portion 513 in the longitudinal direction of the plate 51 and a second extending portion 512 that extends from the opposite side of the protruding portion 513 in the longitudinal direction of the plate 51. The first extending portion 511 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the insertion hole 54 in the width direction of the plate 51 (e.g., the y-direction). The first extending portion 511 may form a predetermined angle with the protruding portion 513. The first extending portion 511 may extend from the protruding portion 513 to be inclined downward. The first extending portion 511 may extend to be inclined upward in the longitudinal direction of the plate 50. The second extending portion 512 may be disposed at a position that does not overlap the insertion hole 54 in the width direction of the plate 50. The second extending portion 512 may form a predetermined angle with the protruding portion 513. The second extending portion 512 may extend from the protruding portion 513 to be inclined downward. The second extending portion 512 may extend to be inclined upward in the longitudinal direction of the plate 50. The first extending portion 511 and the second extending portion 512 may be disposed opposite each other with respect to the protruding portion 513.

The protruding portion 513 may include a support surface 516 and inclined surfaces 514 and 515. The inclined surfaces 514 and 515 may include a first inclined surface 514 and a second inclined surface 515. The first inclined surface 514 may extend from one side of the protruding portion 513 and may be connected to the first extending portion 511. The first inclined surface 514 may be formed to be inclined downward from one side of the protruding portion 513. The first inclined surface 514 may extend at an incline with respect to the first extending portion 511. The first inclined surface 514 may be inclined upward with respect to the extending direction of the first extending portion 511. An angle formed by the first inclined surface 514 with respect to the longitudinal direction of the plate 50 may be greater than an angle formed by the first extending portion 511 with respect to the longitudinal direction of the plate 50.

The second inclined surface 515 may extend from the opposite side of the protruding portion 513 and may be connected to the second extending portion 512. The second inclined surface 515 may be formed to be inclined downward from the opposite side of the protruding portion 513. The second inclined surface 515 may extend at an incline with respect to the second extending portion 512. The second inclined surface 515 may be inclined upward with respect to the extending direction of the second extending portion 512. An angle formed by the second inclined surface 515 with respect to the longitudinal direction of the plate 50 may be greater than an angle formed by the second extending portion 512 with respect to the longitudinal direction of the plate 50.

The support surface 516 may interconnect the first inclined surface 514 and the second inclined surface 515. The support surface 516 may extend flat in the longitudinal direction of the plate 50 or may convexly protrude upward.

The slider 43 may be disposed on the plate rail 51 and may move along the plate rail 51. The slider 43 may move along the first extending portion 511, the protruding portion 513, and the second extending portion 512. The slider 43 may be disposed on the first extending portion 511 at the first position at which the cap 40 closes the insertion hole 54. The slider 43 may be disposed on the second extending portion 512 at the second position at which the cap 40 opens the insertion hole 54.

FIGS. 10 to 13 are cross-sectional views showing a coupling structure of the cap and the guide rail according to sliding movement of the cap in the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 10, the guide rail 314 and 51 may include a case rail 314 that covers an upper side of the slider 43 of the cap 40 and a plate rail 51 that supports a lower side of the slider 43. A space or a path in which the cap 40 is movable may be defined between the case rail 314 and the plate rail 51.

The case rail 314 may be formed in the first upper case 31. The case rail 314 may be formed by a portion of the first upper cover 311 being recessed. For example, the case rail 314 may be formed by a lower surface of the first upper cover 311 being recessed upward. The case rail 314 may be recessed upward in a rounded shape with respect to the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 314 and 51. A portion of the case rail 314 that faces the first extending portion 511 may be inclined at an angle corresponding to the inclination of the first extending portion 511 with respect to the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 314 and 51. A portion of the case rail 314 that faces the second extending portion 512 may be inclined at an angle corresponding to the inclination of the second extending portion 512 with respect to the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 314 and 51.

The case rail 314 may include stoppers 315 and 316 formed at both ends thereof in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 314 and 51. The stoppers 315 and 316 may be stepped portions that are upwardly recessed at both ends of the case rail 314. The stoppers 315 and 316 may include a first stopper 315 formed at one end of the case rail 314 and a second stopper 316 formed at the other end of the case rail 314. The stoppers 315 and 316 may restrict movement of the slider 43, which moves in contact with the top surface of the case rail 314. The stoppers 315 and 316 may limit a sliding range of the slider 43 in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 314 and 51.

The plate rail 51 may be disposed below the case rail 314 and may face the case rail 314 in the upward-downward direction. The protruding portion 513 may protrude upward toward the central portion of the case rail 314 or a portion adjacent thereto.

The cap 40 may move along the plate rail 51. The slider 43 may be disposed on the plate rail 51 and may move along the plate rail 51. The slider 43 may be disposed on the first extending portion 511 at the first position at which the cap 40 closes the insertion hole 54.

A distance between the first stopper 315 and the protruding portion 513 in the extending direction of the first extending portion 511 may correspond to the length of the slider 43. At the first position, the slider 43 may be fixed in place by the case rail 314 and the plate rail 51. The upper surface of the slider 43 may be in contact with the case rail 314, and one edge of the upper surface of the slider 43 may be in contact with the first stopper 315. An upper edge of the first leg 431 of the slider 43 may be in contact with the first stopper 315. The lower surface of the slider 43 may be disposed on the first extending portion 511, and the opposite edge of the lower surface of the slider 43 may be in contact with the first inclined surface 514 of the protruding portion 513. A lower edge of the second leg 432 of the slider 43 may be in contact with the first inclined surface 514.

Movement of the slider 43 in the rightward direction or the x-direction may be restricted by the first stopper 315. Movement of the slider 43 in the leftward direction or a direction opposite the x-direction may be restricted by the first inclined surface 514 of the protruding portion 513. That is, the slider 43 may be fixed at the first position if no external force is applied thereto.

Referring to FIG. 11, the slider 43 may be disposed on the plate rail 51 and may move along the plate rail 51. If external force is applied to the cap 40 with the slider 43 positioned on the first extending portion 511, the slider 43 may be caused to move. The slider 43 may move toward the protruding portion 513. As the slider 43 moves, the protruding portion 513 may be pressed downward by the slider 43. The protruding portion 513 and the extending portions 511 and 512 connected to the protruding portion 513 may be pressed downward. Elastic restoring force that tends to return the protruding portion 513 and the extending portions 511 and 512 to their original positions may be generated. Force for moving the slider 43 to the first position may be generated by the elastic restoring force of the protruding portion 513 and the extending portions 511 and 512. That is, even when a certain level of external force is applied to the cap 40, the cap 40 may naturally return to the first position in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 314 and 51 due to the elastic restoring force.

Referring to FIG. 12, while force generated by the elastic restoring force acts to return the cap 40 to the first position, external force greater than the corresponding force may be applied to the cap 40. In this case, the slider 43 may move past the protruding portion 513 toward the second extending portion 512. As the slider 43 moves, the protruding portion 513 may be pressed downward by the slider 43. The protruding portion 513 and the extending portions 511 and 512 connected to the protruding portion 513 may be pressed downward. Elastic restoring force that tends to return the protruding portion 513 and the extending portions 511 and 512 to their original positions may be generated. If the center of the slider 43 passes the center of the protruding portion 513 in the longitudinal direction of the slider 43, force for moving the slider 43 to the second position may be generated by the elastic restoring force of the protruding portion 513 and the extending portions 511 and 512. That is, if the slider 43 passes the center of the protruding portion 513 due to external force, the cap 40 may naturally move to the second position in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 314 and 51 due to the elastic restoring force.

Accordingly, the guide rail 314 and 51 that supports the upper and lower sides of the cap 40 may be inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction and guide the movement of the cap 40, thereby improving user operability related to opening and closing of the cap 40.

The length of the protruding portion 513 may be less than the length of the slider 43. The length of the protruding portion 513 may be about 2 mm to about 3 mm. If the length of the protruding portion 513 is greater than the length of the slider 43, a greater external force may be required to move the slider 43 from the first position to the second position or from the second position to the first position. Alternatively, the slider 43 may stop, rather than naturally moving over the protruding portion 513.

A support portion 323 may be disposed below the plate rail 51. The support portion 323 may be formed in the second upper case 32. The support portion 323 may protrude upward from the second upper cover 321 toward the protruding portion 513. The support portion 323 may be spaced apart from the protruding portion 513.

A distance between the support portion 323 and the protruding portion 513 may be greater than a maximum distance by which the protruding portion 513 is moved downward by the slider 43. That is, even when the slider 43 passes while pressing the protruding portion 513 downward, the support portion 323 does not come into contact with the protruding portion 513. However, if external force that presses the cap 40 downward is applied and causes the slider 43 to move downward abnormally, the support portion 323 may come into contact with the protruding portion 513, thereby restricting further downward movement of the protruding portion 513 and preventing damage to the protruding portion 513.

Referring to FIG. 13, a distance between the second stopper 316 and the protruding portion 513 in the extending direction of the second extending portion 512 may correspond to the length of the slider 43. At the second position, the slider 43 may be fixed in place by the case rail 314 and the plate rail 51. The upper surface of the slider 43 may be in contact with the case rail 314, and the opposite edge of the upper surface of the slider 43 may be in contact with the second stopper 316. An upper edge of the second leg 432 of the slider 43 may be in contact with the second stopper 316. The lower surface of the slider 43 may be disposed on the second extending portion 512, and one edge of the lower surface of the slider 43 may be in contact with the second inclined surface 515 of the protruding portion 513. A lower edge of the first leg 431 of the slider 43 may be in contact with the second inclined surface 515. Movement of the slider 43 in the leftward direction or a direction opposite the x-direction may be restricted by the second stopper 316. Movement of the slider 43 in the rightward direction or the x-direction may be restricted by the second inclined surface 515 of the protruding portion 513. That is, the slider 43 may be fixed at the second position if no external force is applied thereto.

Accordingly, due to the protruding portion 513 and the stoppers 315 and 316, which fix the slider 43 of the cap 40 at the position at which the cap 40 closes the insertion hole 54 and the position at which the cap 40 opens the insertion hole 54, the position of the cap 40 may be fixed in a state in which the insertion hole 54 is closed or opened, and shaking of the cap 40 may be prevented.

In addition, due to the guide rail 314 and 51, which is composed of the protruding portion 513 protruding toward the sliding path of the cap 40 for opening and closing the insertion hole 54 and the extending portions 511 and 512 inclined relative to the protruding portion 513, the structure for guiding sliding movement of the cap 40 may be simplified. Furthermore, because movement of the cap 40 is guided by the elastic restoring force of the guide rail 314 and 51, a structure such as a spring or a magnet may be omitted, thereby reducing the overall size of the device.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a rib structure of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the rib structure of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, the plate 50 may include ribs 52 and 53. The ribs 52 and 53 may protrude upward from the plate 50. The ribs 52 and 53 may extend along the periphery of the plate 50.

The ribs 52 and 53 may include a first rib 52 and a second rib 53. The first rib 52 may be elongated in the longitudinal direction of the plate 50 or the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 314 and 51 at each of both sides of the plate 50. The first rib 52 may be spaced apart from the guide rail 314 and 51 in the width direction of the plate 50. A slit 55 may be defined between the plate rail 51 and the first rib 52. The slit 55 may be elongated in the longitudinal direction of the plate 50 or the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 314 and 51. The first rib 52 may be located above the plate rail 51 in the upward-downward direction. At least a portion of the first rib 52 may be covered by the slot 313 of the first upper cover 311 in the upward-downward direction.

The second rib 53 may be connected to the first rib 52. The second rib 53 may extend along the periphery of the plate 50. The second rib 53 may be located above the plate rail 51 in the upward-downward direction. At least a portion of the second rib 53 may be covered by the slot 313 of the first upper cover 311 in the upward-downward direction.

Because the ribs 52 and 53 are spaced apart from the guide rail 314 and 51, protrude upward, and extend in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 314 and 51, it may be possible to minimize introduction of foreign matter into the device through the structure for sliding movement of the cap 40.

FIG. 16 is a bottom view showing a coupling structure of the upper case of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 16 together with FIG. 15, the first side covers 312 may be bent from an edge or two opposite ends of the first upper cover 311 and may extend downward in the longitudinal direction of the body 10. The second side covers 322 may be bent from an edge or two opposite ends of the second upper cover 321 and may extend downward in the longitudinal direction of the body 10.

The second side covers 322 may be coupled to the first side covers 312. Each of the first side covers 312 may include hooks 318, which are formed by both end portions of the first side cover 312 in the width direction (e.g., the y-direction) being bent inward and extending in the longitudinal direction of the first side cover 312 (e.g., the z-direction). Both end portions of the second side cover 322 in the width direction may be engaged with the hooks 318. Both end portions of the second side cover 322 in the width direction may slide in the longitudinal direction of the first side cover 312 along the hooks 318, whereby the second side cover 322 may be coupled to the first side cover 312.

The second upper cover 321 may be coupled to the first upper cover 311. The first upper cover 311 may include a cover recess 317 formed by a portion of the outer side surface of the first upper cover 311 being recessed inward. The cover recess 317 may include a plurality of recesses spaced apart from each other along the periphery of the outer surface of the first upper cover 311. The second upper cover 321 may include a peripheral wall 324 extending upward along the periphery thereof. A cover protrusion 325 may be formed by a portion of the inner side surface of the peripheral wall 324 protruding inward. The cover protrusion 325 may include a plurality of protrusions spaced apart from each other along the periphery of the inner side surface of the peripheral wall 324. The cover protrusion 325 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the cover recess 317. If both end portions of the second side cover 322 in the width direction slide in the longitudinal direction of the first side cover 312 along the hooks 318, the cover protrusion 325 may be inserted into the cover recess 317, and the second upper cover 321 may be coupled to the first upper cover 311.

Accordingly, the first upper case 31 and the second upper case 32 may be firmly coupled. In addition, because the plate 50 is firmly supported in position by the first and second upper cases 31 and 32, the position of the guide rail 314 and 51 may remain consistently fixed without misalignment even when the cap 40 is repeatedly moved.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Although not shown in FIG. 17, the aerosol-generating device 1 may further include a power supply protection circuit. The power supply protection circuit may be electrically connected to the power supply 11 and may include a switching element.

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

The heater 18 may receive power from the power supply 11 to heat the medium or the aerosol-generating substance in the stick S. Although not shown in FIG. 17, the aerosol-generating device 1 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., DC-to-DC converter) configured to convert the power of the power supply 11 and supply the converted power to the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18. In addition, if the aerosol-generating device 1 generates an aerosol in an induction heating way, the aerosol-generating device 1 may further include a DC-to-AC converter configured to convert direct current power of the power supply 11 into alternating current power.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Although not shown in FIG. 17, the aerosol-generating device 1 may further include a connection interface such as a universal serial bus (USB) interface, and may be connected to other external devices through the connection interface such as a USB interface to transmit and receive information or charge the power supply 11.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As described above, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, due to the guide rail, which is composed of the protruding portion protruding toward the sliding path of the cap for opening and closing the insertion hole and the extending portions inclined relative to the protruding portion, the structure for guiding sliding movement of the cap may be simplified.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, because movement of the cap is guided by the elastic restoring force of the guide rail, a structure such as a spring or a magnet may be omitted, thereby reducing the overall size of the device.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the guide rail that supports the upper and lower sides of the cap may be inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction and guide the movement of the cap, thereby improving user operability related to opening and closing of the cap.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, due to the protruding portion and the stoppers, which fix the slider of the cap at the position at which the cap closes the insertion hole and the position at which the cap opens the insertion hole, the position of the cap may be fixed in a state in which the insertion hole is closed or opened, and shaking of the cap may be prevented.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, because the ribs are spaced apart from the guide rail, protrude upward, and extend in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail, it may be possible to minimize introduction of foreign matter into the device through the structure for sliding movement of the cap.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 17, an aerosol-generating device 1 in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure may include a body 10, an upper case 30 detachably coupled to the body 10 and having an insertion hole 54 formed therein, a guide rail 314 and 51 provided in the upper case 30 and elongated in one direction, and a cap 40 movably coupled to the guide rail 314 and 51 and configured to open and close the insertion hole 54 by sliding along the guide rail 314 and 51. The guide rail 314 and 51 may include a protruding portion 513 protruding toward a sliding path of the cap 40 and extending portions 511 and 512 extending from both sides of the protruding portion 513 and inclined with respect to the protruding portion 513.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the protruding portion 513 may be pressed downward with respect to the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 314 and 51 by the cap 40 as the cap 40 moves along the guide rail 314 and 51, and movement of the cap 40 may be guided in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 314 and 51 by the elastic restoring force of the protruding portion 513 and the extending portions 511 and 512.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the cap 40 may include a slider 43 configured to move along the guide rail 314 and 51. The extending portions 511 and 512 may include a first extending portion 511, on which the slider 43 is disposed when the cap 40 is located at a first position to close the insertion hole 54, and a second extending portion 512, on which the slider 43 is disposed when the cap 40 is located at a second position to open the insertion hole 54. The protruding portion 513 may protrude at a predetermined angle with respect to the first extending portion 511 and the second extending portion 512.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the protruding portion 513 may include a first inclined surface 514 extending at an incline with respect to the first extending portion 511, a second inclined surface 515 extending at an incline with respect to the second extending portion 512, and a support surface 516 interconnecting the first inclined surface 514 and the second inclined surface 515.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the first extending portion 511 and the second extending portion 512 may be inclined upward with respect to the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 314 and 51, and the first inclined surface 514 and the second inclined surface 515 may be inclined upward with respect to the extending direction of the first extending portion 511 and the extending direction of the second extending portion 512, respectively.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the guide rail 314 and 51 may include a case rail 314 formed by a portion of the upper case 30 being recessed and a plate rail 51 formed in a plate 50 coupled to the upper case 30 and including the protruding portion 513 and the extending portions 511 and 512. The case rail 314 may be recessed upward in a rounded shape with respect to the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 314 and 51.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device may include a stopper 315 or 316 provided at each of both ends of the case rail 314 to restrict movement of the slider 43.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, at the first position, one edge of an upper surface of the slider 43 contacting the case rail 314 may be in contact with the stopper 315 or 316, and the opposite edge of a lower surface of the slider 43 contacting the plate rail 51 may be in contact with the protruding portion 513. At the second position, the opposite edge of the upper surface of the slider 43 contacting the case rail 314 may be in contact with the stopper 315 or 316, and one edge of the lower surface of the slider 43 contacting the plate rail 51 may be in contact with the protruding portion 513.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, at least one of a distance between the stopper 315 or 316 and the protruding portion 513 in the extending direction of the first extending portion 511 or a distance between the stopper 315 or 316 and the protruding portion the extending direction of the second extending portion 512 may correspond to the length of the slider 43.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the protruding portion 513 may have a length less than the length of the slider 43.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device may include a first rib 52 spaced apart from the guide rail 314 and 51, elongated in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 314 and 51, and protruding upward with respect to the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 314 and 51.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device may include a support portion 323 disposed below the protruding portion 513, spaced apart from the protruding portion 513, and protruding toward the protruding portion 513.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the upper case 30 may include a first upper case 31 covering the guide rail 314 and 51 from above and having a slot 313 formed therein to allow the cap 40 to be movably inserted thereinto and a second upper case 32 coupled to the first upper case 31 to support the guide rail 314 and 51 from below.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the first upper case 31 may include a first side cover 312 extending downward from each of two opposite ends thereof with respect to the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 314 and 51, and the second upper case 32 may include a second side cover 322 extending downward from each of two opposite ends thereof with respect to the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 314 and 51. The first side cover 312 may include hooks 318 formed by both end portions of the first side cover 312 in the width direction being bent inward and extending in the longitudinal direction of the first side cover 312, and the second side cover 322 may be coupled to the first side cover 312 by both end portions of the second side cover 322 in the width direction being engaged with the hooks 318.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the body 10 may include an insertion space 191 with one side open and aligned with the insertion hole 54 and a heater 18 disposed in the insertion space 191 and configured to heat the insertion space 191. The upper case 30 may include an extractor 60 elongated to be inserted into the insertion space 191 and configured to accommodate the heater 18.

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

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

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