AEROSOL-GENERATING DEVICE

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0104448, filed on Aug. 6, 2024 and No. 10-2024-0147555, filed on Oct. 25, 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 particular, various studies on cleaning and maintenance of aerosol-generating devices have been conducted.

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 that is easy to clean and maintain.

It is still another object of the present disclosure to provide a coupling structure between a heater module and an extractor, which defines an insertion space for an aerosol-generating article.

It is still another object of the present disclosure to provide airflow paths directed toward the aerosol-generating article.

It is still another object of the present disclosure to provide a structure that improves the moldability and strength of the heater module and the extractor.

It is still another object of the present disclosure to provide a structure configured to facilitate removal of remaining cut tobacco from the extractor.

It is still another object of the present disclosure to provide a structure that prevents a user's fingers from touching a heater (susceptor) when the user holds the heater module.

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 housing formed to be elongated, a heater module disposed in an internal space in the housing and including a heater extending in the longitudinal direction of the housing, and an extractor surrounding a portion of a side surface of the heater, wherein the heater module includes a bottom part, on which the heater is disposed, and a pair of inner walls, which protrudes from the bottom part and is opposite each other with respect to the heater, the extractor includes a lower part, which faces the bottom part and through which the heater passes, and a pair of side walls, which protrudes from the lower part, is opposite each other with respect to the heater, and is alternately disposed with the pair of inner walls, and the lower part is spaced apart from the bottom part and the heater to define an airflow path.

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

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

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

FIG. 2 shows an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 shows an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment.

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

FIGS. 5 and 6 are exploded perspective view of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a heater module according to the embodiment;

FIGS. 8 and 9 are cross-sectional views of the heater module according to the embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an extractor according to the embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a longitudinal-sectional view of the extractor according to the embodiment;

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the extractor and the heater module according to the embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the extractor and the heater module according to the embodiment;

FIGS. 14 and 15 are side views of the extractor and the heater module according to the embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the extractor and the heater module according to the embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a longitudinal-sectional view of the extractor and the heater module according to the embodiment;

FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of the extractor and the heater module according to the embodiment; and

FIG. 19 is a cutaway perspective view of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, the embodiments disclosed in the present specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same or similar elements are denoted by the same reference numerals even though they are depicted in different drawings, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. With regard to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to refer to similar or related elements.

In the following description, with respect to constituent elements used in the following description, the suffixes “module” and “unit” are used only in consideration of facilitation of description, and do not have mutually distinguished meanings or functions. As used herein, the suffix “module” or “unit” may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with other terms, for example, “logic,” “logic block,” “part,” or “circuitry.” A “module” or a “unit” may be a single integral component, or a minimum unit or part thereof, adapted to perform one or more functions. For example, the “module” or the “unit” may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

According to one embodiment, the power supply 11 may supply power used for operation of the aerosol-generating device 1. The power supply 11 may include one or more batteries. The power supply 11 may supply power so that the heater 18 and 24 is heated. In addition, the power supply 11 may supply power necessary for operation of the other components included in the aerosol-generating device 1, such as the controller 12, the sensor unit 13, the output unit 14, the input unit 15, the communication unit 16, and the memory 17. The power supply 11 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the power supply 11 may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery without being limited thereto. The power supply 11 may be a replaceable (separation-type) battery (hereinafter referred to as a “removable battery”). The removable battery may be mounted in a battery accommodation portion provided in the aerosol-generating device 1 or may be removed from the battery accommodation portion. The removable battery may be charged in a wired and/or wireless manner.

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

According to one embodiment, the heater 18 and 24 may be an electro-resistive heater. For example, the electro-resistive heater may include an electrically resistive material such as a metal or a metal alloy including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, and nichrome. The electro-resistive heater may be implemented as a metal wire, a metal plate having an electrically conductive track disposed thereon, or a ceramic heating element.

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

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

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

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

According to one embodiment, the communication unit 16 may include at least one component for communication with other electronic devices (e.g., a portable electronic device). For example, the communication unit 16 may include a Bluetooth communication unit, a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) communication unit, a near-field communication unit, a wireless local area network (WLAN) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared data association (IrDA) communication unit, a Wi-Fi direct (WFD) communication unit, an ultra-wideband (UWB) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, and a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN) communication unit.

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

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

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

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may control the frequency and/or duty ratio of a current pulse input to at least one switching element of the power conversion circuit (not shown) to control the current and/or the voltage supplied to the heater 18 and 24. The duty ratio for the on/off operation of the switching element may correspond to a ratio of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit to the voltage output from the power supply 11.

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may control power supplied to the heater 18 and 24 using at least one of a pulse width modulation (PWM) scheme or a proportional-integral-differential (PID) scheme. For example, the controller 12 may perform control using the PWM scheme such that a current pulse having a predetermined frequency and a predetermined duty ratio is supplied to the heater 18 and 24. The controller 12 may control the frequency and duty ratio of the current pulse to control power supplied to the heater 18 and 24. For example, the controller 12 may determine, based on the temperature profile, a target temperature to be controlled. The controller 12 may control power supplied to the heater 18 and 24 using the PID scheme, which is a feedback control scheme using a difference value between the temperature of the heater 18 and the target temperature, a value obtained by integrating the difference value with respect to time, and a value obtained by differentiating the difference value with respect to time.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may control the supply of power to the heater 18 and 24 based on whether use of the cartridge is possible. For example, upon determining, based on data stored in the memory 17, that the current number of puffs is equal to or greater than the maximum number of puffs set for the cartridge, the controller 12 may determine that use of the cartridge is impossible. Alternatively, when a total time period during which the heater 18 and 24 is heated is equal to or longer than a preset maximum time period or when the total amount of power supplied to the heater 18 and 24 is equal to or greater than a preset maximum amount of power, the controller 12 may determine that use of the cartridge is impossible. In this case, the controller 12 may interrupt the supply of power to the heater 18 or 24 or may perform control such that power is not supplied to the heater 18 and 24.

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

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

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

According to one embodiment, based on occurrence of a predetermined event, the controller 12 may store a history of the corresponding event in the memory 17 and may update the history. For example, the event may include events performed in the aerosol-generating device 1, such as detection of insertion of the aerosol-generating article, commencement of heating of the aerosol-generating article, detection of puff, termination of puff, detection of overheating of the heater 18 and 24, detection of application of overvoltage to the heater 18 and 24, termination of heating of the aerosol-generating article, on/off operation of the aerosol-generating device 1, commencement of charging of the power supply 11, detection of overcharging of the power supply 11, and termination of charging of the power supply 11. For example, the history of the event may include the occurrence date and time of the event and log data corresponding to the event. For example, when the predetermined event is detection of insertion of the aerosol-generating article, the log data corresponding to the event may include data on a value detected by the insertion detection sensor (e.g., the sensor unit 13). For example, when the predetermined event is detection of overheating of the heater 18 and 24, the log data corresponding to the event may include data on the temperature of the heater 18 and 24, the voltage applied to the heater 18 and 24, and the current flowing through the heater 18 and 24.

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

According to one embodiment, upon receiving data on authentication from an external device via the communication link, the controller 12 may release restriction on use of at least one function (e.g., a heating function) of the aerosol-generating device 1. For example, the data on authentication may include the user's birthday, an identification number uniquely identifying the user, and whether authentication is completed by the user.

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

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

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

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

Although not shown in FIG. 1, the aerosol-generating device 1 may further include a power supply protection circuit. The power supply protection circuit may include at least one switching element, and may block an electric path to the power supply 11 in response to overcharging and/or overdischarging of the power supply 11. The aerosol-generating device 1 may further include a connection interface such as a universal serial bus (USB) interface, and may be connected to other external devices through the connection interface to transmit and receive information or charge the power supply 11.

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

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

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.

FIG. 2 shows an aerosol-generating device 1 according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 shows an aerosol-generating device 1 according to an embodiment.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 4, the housing 10 of the aerosol-generating device 1 may be elongated in a vertical direction. The power supply 11, the controller 12, and the sensor unit 13 described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 may be disposed in the internal space in the housing 10.

A cap 20 may be coupled to the top of the housing 10, and a hole 21H may be formed in the cap 20. The cap 20 may be referred to as an upper cap 20. The hole 21H may define a part of an opening OP into which the aerosol-generating article 2 is inserted. A portion of the aerosol-generating article 2 may be exposed to the outside of the aerosol-generating device 1. The aerosol-generating article 2 may be referred to as a stick 2. The opening OP may be referred to as an insertion space OP. A cover 20C may be slidably coupled to the cap 20 to cover or open the hole 21H.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are exploded perspective view of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 5, the cap 20 may include an outer body 21 and outer wings 22. The outer body 21 may form a top of the cap 20, and the hole 21H may be formed in the outer body 21 to define a part of the insertion space OP. The outer wings 22 may be formed at both ends of the outer body 21. A first outer wing 22a may protrude downward from one end of the outer body 21. A second outer wing 22b may protrude downward from the other end of the outer body 21. A height by which the second outer wing 22b protrudes from the outer body 21 may be equal to a height by which the first outer wing 22a protrudes from the outer body 21.

An extractor 30 may be disposed between the first outer wing 22a and the second outer wing 22b and may protrude downward from the cap 20. The extractor 30 may be detachably coupled to the cap 20. For example, the extractor 30 may be detachably coupled to the cap 20 using a hook. A height by which the extractor 30 protrudes from the outer body 21 may be greater than a height by which the outer wings 22 protrude from the outer body 21. The extractor 30 may be aligned with the hole 21H in the cap 20 and may define a part of the insertion space OP. The extractor 30 may be positioned closer to the first outer wing 22a than to the second outer wing 22b.

A heater module 40 may be disposed between the first outer wing 22a and the second outer wing 22b, and may include an inner body 41 and inner wings 42. The inner body 41 may face a lower side of the outer body 21 of the cap 20. A hole 41H may be formed in the inner body 41, and the extractor 30 may pass through the hole 41H. The inner wings 42 may be formed at both ends of the inner body 41. A first inner wing 42a may protrude downward from one end of the inner body 41 and may face the first outer wing 22a. A second inner wing 42b may protrude downward from the other end of the inner body 41 and may face the second outer wing 22b. A height by which the second inner wing 42b protrudes from the inner body 41 may be equal to a height by which the first inner wing 42a protrudes from the inner body 41. The heater module 40 may be detachably coupled to the cap 20. For example, the heater module 40 may be detachably coupled to the cap 20 using a hook. For example, the heater module 40 may be detachably coupled to the cap 20 using magnetic attraction of a magnet. The heater module 40 may be referred to as a holder 40 or a bracket 40.

The housing 10 may have an open top. A first groove 10Ga may be formed in a front surface of an upper portion of the housing 10, and may be positioned to correspond to the first inner wing 42a and the first outer wing 22a. A second groove 10Gb may be formed in a rear surface of the upper portion of the housing 10, and may be positioned to correspond to the second inner wing 42b and the second outer wing 22b.

A support 50 may be disposed between the first groove 10Ga and the second groove 10Gb and may occupy an upper portion of the internal space in the housing 10. The support 50 may be fixed to the housing 10. A support surface 51, which is an upper surface of the support 50, may be positioned lower than an upper end of the housing 10. A pair of walls 52 may protrude upward from long sides of the support surface 51 and may face inner side surfaces of the housing 10. The pair of walls 52 may be positioned to face long sides of the outer body 21 of the cap 20. The support 50 may include a cup 53 into which a portion of the extractor 30 and a portion of the heater module 40 are inserted.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the heater module according to the embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 7, the hole 41H in the heater module 40 may be positioned closer to the first inner wing 42a than to the second inner wing 42b.

Inner walls 43 may be adjacent to the hole 41H and may extend downward from the inner body 41. The inner walls 43 may protrude from a boundary of the hole 41H. A height by which the inner walls 43 protrude from the inner body 41 may be greater than a height by which the inner wings 42 protrude from the inner body 41. The inner walls 43 may be opposite each other with respect to the center of the hole 41H. A first inner wall 43a may protrude from the inner body 41 in a direction intersecting the inner body 41. A second inner wall 43b may protrude from the inner body 41 in a direction intersecting the inner body 41 and may be opposite the first inner wall 43a. The first inner wall 43a and the second inner wall 43b may be spaced apart from each other in a first direction, and the first inner wing 42a and the second inner wing 42b may be spaced apart from each other in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The first direction may be a leftward-rightward direction (i.e., an x-axis direction), and the second direction may be a forward-backward direction (i.e., a y-axis direction).

A first gap 43Ga may be defined between the first inner wall 43a and the second inner wall 43b, and the first inner wing 42a may face the first gap 43Ga. The first inner wing 42a may cover a part of the front side of the first gap 43Ga while being spaced apart from the inner walls 43. The first gap 43Ga may be referred to as a first window 43Ga or a first opening 43Ga.

A second gap 43Gb may be defined between the first inner wall 43a and the second inner wall 43b, and the second inner wing 42b may face the second gap 43Gb. The second inner wing 42b may cover a part of the rear side of the second gap 43Gb while being spaced apart from the inner walls 43. The second gap 43Gb may be referred to as a second window 43Gb or a second opening 43Gb.

The first wing 42a, the second inner wing 42b, the first gap 43Ga, and the second gap 43Gb may be positioned in a row. For example, The first wing 42a, the second inner wing 42b, the first gap 43Ga, and the second gap 43Gb may be positioned in a row in the front-rear direction (i.e., in the y-axis direction). The first gap 43Ga and the second gap 43Gb may be positioned between the first inner wing 42a and the second inner wing 42b. The first inner wing 42a and the second inner wing 42b may face each other through the first gap 43Ga and the second gap 43Gb.

A bottom part 44 may be formed at lower ends of the inner walls 43 and may face the hole 41H. The bottom part 44 may intersect the inner walls 43. The bottom part 44 may have a circular shape.

The boundary of the hole 41H may include a first portion 41Ha, a second portion 41Hb, a third portion 41Hc, and a fourth portion 41Hd. The first portion 41Ha and the second portion 41Hb may be opposite each other with respect to the center of the hole 41H and may form parts of a circle (or an ellipse). The third portion 41Hc and the fourth portion 41Hd may be opposite each other with respect to the center of the hole 41H and may form parts of a circle (or an ellipse). The third and fourth portions 41Hc and 41Hd may share a center of curvature with the first and second portions 41Ha and 41Hb. The radius of the circle (or ellipse) defined by the third and fourth portions 41Hc and 41Hd may be greater than that of the circle (or ellipse) defined by the first and second portions 41Ha and 41Hb. The first and second portions 41Ha and 41Hb may be positioned along the short axis of the hole 41H, and the third and fourth portions 41Hc and 41Hd may be positioned along the long axis of the hole 41H.

In other words, the third and fourth portions 41Hc and 41Hd may be inwardly recessed in the inner body 41 with respect to the first and second portions 41Ha and 41Hb. The third and fourth portions 41Hc and 41Hd may be referred to as notches 41Hc and 41Hd or grooves 41Hc and 41Hd. The first inner wall 43a may be formed at the first portion 41Ha, and the second inner wall 43b may be formed at the second portion 41Hb. The third portion 41Hc may be positioned between the first inner wing 42a and the first gap 43Ga, and the groove (notch) defined by the third portion 41Hc may be formed above the first gap 43Ga. The fourth portion 41Hd may be positioned between the second inner wing 42b and the second gap 43Gb, and the groove (notch) defined by the fourth portion 41Hd may be formed above the second gap 43Gb.

FIGS. 8 and 9 are cross-sectional views of the heater module according to the embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the boundary of the hole 41H may form an inclined surface. That is, the first portion 41Ha, the second portion 41Hb, the third portion 41Hc, and the fourth portion 41Hd may be formed as inclined surfaces. The first to fourth portions 41Ha, 41Hb, 41Hc, and 41Hd may be referred to as chamfered portions 41Ha, 41Hb, 41Hc, and 41Hd.

The third portion 41Hc may form a predetermined angle θc with respect to a vertical line V passing through the center of the hole 41H. The angle θc may be an acute angle. The angle θc may be about 10 degrees. The fourth portion 41Hd may form a predetermined angle θd with respect to the vertical line V passing through the center of the hole 41H. The angle θd may be equal to the angle θc. The angle θd may be about 10 degrees.

The first portion 41Ha may form a predetermined angle θa with respect to the vertical line V passing through the center of the hole 41H. The angle θa may be equal to or greater than the angle θc. The second portion 41Hb may form a predetermined angle Ob with respect to the vertical line V passing through the center of the hole 41H. The angle Ob may be equal to or greater than the angle θc.

The inner walls 43 may form acute angles with respect to the vertical line V passing through the center of the hole 41H. Angles between the vertical line V and the inner walls 43 may be less than the angles θc and θd. A first angle θ1 between the first inner wall 43a and the vertical line V may be about 3 degrees. A second angle θ2 between the second inner wall 43b and the vertical line V may be about 3 degrees. The inner walls 43 may be curved in the circumferential direction of the hole 41H. The first inner wall 43a and the second inner wall 43b may be symmetrical with respect to the vertical line V. Accordingly, molding yield of the heater module 40 may be improved, and mold ejection of the heater module 40 may be facilitated.

The heater 18 may be disposed inside the inner walls 43 and may be mounted to the bottom part 44. The heater 18 may include a fixing portion 182a fixed to the bottom part 44 and a protruding portion 182b protruding from the fixing portion 182a. The protruding portion 182b may be elongated in the vertical direction and may have a rod or pin shape. The protruding portion 182b may be positioned on the vertical line V passing through the center of the hole 41H. The height of the protruding portion 182b may be less than that of the inner walls 43. The protruding portion 182b may be referred to as a susceptor 182b.

The protruding portion 182b may be exposed to the outside through the gaps 43Ga and 43Gb defined between the inner walls 43. The first inner wing 42a may cover a portion of the front side of the first gap 43Ga, and the second inner wing 42b may cover a portion of the rear side of the second gap 43Gb. Accordingly, the user may grasp the first inner wing 42a and the second inner wing 42b with his/her fingers, and the first inner wing 42a and the second inner wing 42b may serve to prevent the user's fingers from touching the protruding portion 182b.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the extractor according to the embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 10, the extractor 30 may include an upper part 31, side walls 33, and a lower part 34.

The upper part 31 may have an overall shape of an annular band. The upper part 31 may have a circular shape.

The side walls 33 may extend downward from the upper part 31. The side walls 33 may protrude from a lower side of the upper part 31. A first side wall 33a and a second side wall 33b may protrude from the upper part 31 and may be spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the upper part 31. The first side wall 33a and the second side wall 33b may be opposite each other with respect to the center of the upper part 31. The first side wall 33a and the second side wall 33b may be spaced apart from each other in the second direction. The second direction may be the forward-backward direction (i.e., the y-axis direction).

A first gap 33Ga may be defined between the first side wall 33a and the second side wall 33b. The first gap 33Ga may be referred to as a first window 33Ga or a first opening 33Ga.

A second gap 33Gb may be defined between the first side wall 33a and the second side wall 33b. The second gap 33Gb may be referred to as a second window 33Gb or a second opening 33Gb.

The lower part 34 may be formed at the lower ends of the side walls 33 and may face a center hole 31H in the upper part 31. The lower part 34 may intersect the side walls 33. The lower part 34 may have a ring shape, and a hole 34H may be formed in the lower part 34. The diameter of the hole 34H may be less than that of the center hole 31H. The hole 34H may be aligned with the center hole 31H.

Foreign matter, such as remaining cut tobacco T of the aerosol-generating article 2, may be located on the lower part 34. In order to facilitate removal of the remaining cut tobacco T from the extractor 30, the gaps 33Ga and 33Gb may have a width equal to or greater than a predetermined value. For example, the lower portions of the gaps 33Ga and 33Gb, in which the remaining cut tobacco T is located, may have a width of about 7 mm or greater. The width of the gaps 33Ga and 33Gb may gradually decrease toward the upper part 31 from the lower part 34. In other words, the width Wa of the first side wall 33a may gradually increase toward the upper end of the first side wall 33a, and the width Wb of the second side wall 33b may also gradually increase toward the upper end of the second side wall 33b. Accordingly, the remaining cut tobacco T may be easily removed from the extractor 30, and the extractor 30 may have strength equal to or greater than a predetermined level.

FIG. 11 is a longitudinal-sectional view of the extractor according to the embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 11, the hole 34H may be formed at the center of the lower part 34. The first side wall 33a may form a predetermined angle θ3a with respect to a vertical line W passing through the center of the hole 34H. The angle θ3a may be an acute angle. The angle θ3a may be about 5 degrees. The second side wall 33b may form a predetermined angle θ3b with respect to the vertical line W passing through the center of the hole 34H. The angle θ3b may be substantially equal to the angle θ3a. The angle θ3b may be about 5 degrees. The first side wall 33a and the second side wall 33b may be symmetrical with respect to the vertical line W. Accordingly, molding yield of the extractor 30 may be improved, and mold ejection of the extractor 30 may be facilitated.

Portions 33r where the side walls 33 and the lower part 34 meet may be rounded. The radius of curvature R3 of the portions 33r may be about 0.3 mm.

A side surface of the upper part 31 may be formed in multiple stages. A first part 311 may form a lower portion of the upper part 31, and the side walls 33 may be connected to the first part 311. The outer circumferential surface of the first part 311 may be formed as an inclined surface, and the width of the first part 311 may gradually increase toward an upper side. The first part 311 may have a taper of about 5 degrees. A second part 312 may be connected to the first part 311. A plurality of recessed portions may be formed in the outer circumferential surface of the second part 312. A third part 313 may be connected to the second part 312 and may form an upper portion of the upper part 31. A fourth part 314 and a fifth part 315 may protrude from the outer circumferential surface of the third part 313 and may be spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the third part 313. The fourth part 314 may be positioned to correspond to the first side wall 33a, and the fifth part 315 may be positioned to correspond to the second side wall 33b.

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the extractor and the heater module according to the embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 12, the first side wall 33a may be positioned to correspond to the third portion 41Hc of the hole 41H, and the second side wall 33b may be positioned to correspond to the fourth portion 41Hd of the hole 41H. A distance D4 between the third portion 41Hc and the fourth portion 41Hd may be greater than a distance D3 between the lower end of the first side wall 33a and the lower end of the second side wall 33b. The width W3 of the lower part 34 may be less than a distance between the first portion 41Ha and the second portion 41Hb.

Accordingly, the extractor 30 may be inserted into the heater module 40 through the hole 41H in the heater module 40.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the extractor and the heater module according to the embodiment. FIGS. 14 and 15 are side views of the extractor and the heater module according to the embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 13 to 15, the first side wall 33a may be positioned in the first gap 43Ga (see FIG. 7) between the first inner wall 43a and the second inner wall 43b. The second side wall 33b may be positioned in the second gap 43Gb (see FIG. 7) between the first inner wall 43a and the second inner wall 43b.

The first gap 43Ga may be defined between a first side 43a a of the first inner wall 43a facing the first side wall 33a and a first side 43ba of the second inner wall 43b facing the first side wall 33a. A first side 33a a of the first side wall 33a may extend along and contact the first side 43a a of the first inner wall 43a. The first side 33a a and the first side 43a a may be oblique lines inclined at a predetermined angle θ4a, which is an acute angle, with respect to the vertical line V or W, which may be an axis of the heater 18 in the longitudinal direction. A second side 33ab of the first side wall 33a may extend along and contact the first side 43ba of the second inner wall 43b. The second side 33ab and the first side 43ba may be oblique lines inclined at a predetermined angle θ4b, which is an acute angle, with respect to the vertical line V or W. The angles θ4a and θ4b may be equal to each other. Because the sides 33aa and 43a a and the sides 33ab and 43ba are formed as oblique lines, a clearance between the sides may be minimized, and mold ejection of the extractor 30 and the heater module 40 may be facilitated.

The width of the first gap 43Ga may be a distance between the first side 43a a of the first inner wall 43a and the first side 43ba of the second inner wall 43b. The width of the first gap 43Ga may gradually decrease in a direction from the inner body 41 toward the bottom part 44. The width of the first side wall 33a may be a distance between the first side 33aa and the second side 33ab of the first side wall 33a. The width of the first side wall 33a may gradually decrease in a direction from the upper part 31 toward the lower part 34. The minimum width W3a of the first side wall 33a may be greater than the minimum width W4a of the first gap 43Ga.

Accordingly, the first side wall 33a may be inserted into the first gap 43Ga, and may move only up to a portion of the first gap 43Ga that has a width equal to the minimum width W3a. That is, the inner walls 43a and 43b may restrict the downward movement of the first side wall 33a, and the lower end of the first side wall 33a may be spaced upward from the lower end of the first gap 43Ga.

The second gap 43Gb may be defined between a second side 43ab of the first inner wall 43a facing the second side wall 33b and a second side 43bb of the second inner wall 43b facing the second side wall 33b. A first side 33ba of the second side wall 33b may extend along and contact the second side 43ab of the first inner wall 43a. The first side 33ba and the second side 43ab may be oblique lines inclined at a predetermined angle θ4c, which is an acute angle, with respect to the vertical line V or W, which may be the axis of the heater 18 in the longitudinal direction. A second side 33bb of the second side wall 33b may extend along and contact the second side 43bb of the second inner wall 43b. The second side 33bb and the second side 43bb may be oblique lines inclined at a predetermined angle θ4d, which is an acute angle, with respect to the vertical line V or W. The angles θ4c and θ4d may be equal to each other. Because the sides 33ba and 43ab and the sides 33bb and 43bb are formed as oblique lines, a clearance between the sides may be minimized, and mold ejection of the extractor 30 and the heater module 40 may be facilitated.

The width of the second gap 43Gb may be a distance between the second side 43ab of the first inner wall 43a and the second side 43bb of the second inner wall 43b. The width of the second gap 43Gb may gradually decrease in a direction from the inner body 41 toward the bottom part 44. The width of the second side wall 33b may be a distance between the first side 33ba and the second side 33bb of the second side wall 33b. The width of the second side wall 33b may gradually decrease in a direction from the upper part 31 toward the lower part 34. The minimum width W3b of the second side wall 33b may be greater than the minimum width W4b of the second gap 43Gb.

Accordingly, the second side wall 33b may be inserted into the second gap 43Gb, and may move only up to a portion of the second gap 43Gb that has a width equal to the minimum width W3b. That is, the inner walls 43a and 43b may restrict the downward movement of the second side wall 33b, and the lower end of the second side wall 33b may be spaced upward from the lower end of the second gap 43Gb.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the extractor and the heater module according to the embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 16, the side walls 33 of the extractor 30 and the inner walls 43 of the heater module 40 may be alternately disposed. The first inner wall 43a, the first side wall 33a, the second inner wall 43b, and the second side wall 33b may be alternately disposed in the circumferential direction of the heater 18. The first inner wall 43a and the second inner wall 43b may be spaced apart from and opposite each other in a first direction DR1, and the first side wall 33aa nd the second side wall 33b may be spaced apart from and opposite each other in a second direction DR2 intersecting the first direction DR1. The first direction DR1 may be the leftward-rightward direction (i.e., the x-axis direction), and the second direction DR2 may be the forward-backward direction (i.e., the y-axis direction).

Accordingly, the side walls 33 and the inner walls 43 may be arranged in a cross shape to surround the side surface of the heater 18.

The first inner wall 43a and the second inner wall 43b may be curved in a convex shape in the radial direction of the heater 18. The inner side surface of the first side wall 33aa nd the inner side surface of the second side wall 33b may be curved in a concave shape in the radial direction of the heater 18. The side surface of the hollow cylinder may be divided into the inner walls 43 and the side walls 33.

FIG. 17 is a longitudinal-sectional view of the extractor and the heater module according to the embodiment. FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of the extractor and the heater module according to the embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, the upper part 31 of the extractor 30 may protrude upward from the inner body 41 of the heater module 40. The first part 311 of the upper part 31 may be adjacent to the first and second portions 41Ha and 41Hb (see FIG. 12) of the hole 41H in the heater module 40. The first part 311 may be positioned above the first and second portions 41Ha and 41Hb (see FIG. 12).

The protruding portion 182b of the heater 18 may pass through the hole 34H in the lower part 34 of the extractor 30. The width W10 of the hole 34H may be greater than the width W11 of the protruding portion 182b. That is, the boundary of the hole 34H may be spaced apart from the outer side surface of the protruding portion 182b, and an airflow path P13 may be defined between the hole 34H and the protruding portion 182b.

The lower part 34 of the extractor 30 may be spaced upward from the bottom part 44 of the heater module 40. An airflow path P12 may be defined between the lower part 34 and the bottom part 44. The first gap 43Ga and the second gap 43Gb may form parts of the airflow path P12.

The first side wall 33a may be spaced apart from the third portion 41Hc of the hole 41H in the heater module 40, and an airflow path P10a may be defined between the third portion 41Hc and the first side wall 33a.

The second side wall 33b may be spaced apart from the fourth portion 41Hd of the hole 41H in the heater module 40, and an airflow path P10b may be defined between the fourth portion 41Hd and the second side wall 33b.

FIG. 19 is a cutaway perspective view of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 19, the holes 21H and 31H may define parts of the insertion space OP in the aerosol-generating device 1. The inner walls 43, the side walls 33, and the lower part 34 may define the remaining parts of the insertion space OP. The aerosol-generating article 2 may be inserted into the insertion space OP, and the heater 18 may be inserted into a lower portion of the aerosol-generating article 2 (see FIG. 4) inserted into the insertion space OP. The heater 18 may heat the aerosol-generating article 2. For example, the induction coil 181 (see FIG. 2) may be disposed on a side of the cup 53, which will be described later, and the heater 18 may include a susceptor that generates heat using a magnetic field generated by the induction coil 181. Alternatively, the heater 18 may be electrically connected to the power supply 11 (see FIG. 2) and may generate heat using current supplied from the power supply 11.

The cup 53 of the support 50 may have an open top and may surround the side surfaces of the inner walls 43 and the side walls 33. The inner walls 43 and the side walls 33 may be spaced apart from the inner side surface of the cup 53. An airflow path P11 may be defined between the walls 43 and 33 and the inner side surface of the cup 53. Accordingly, air may sequentially pass through the airflow paths P10, P11, P12, and P13 and may then be supplied to the aerosol-generating article 2 mounted on the heater 18 (see the dashed arrows in FIG. 19).

As a result, the user may inhale air by holding the aerosol-generating article 2, heated by the heater 18, in the mouth. The aerosol-generating article 2 may be referred to as a stick 2.

The heater module 40 may be detachably coupled to the support 50. For example, the heater module 40 may be detachably coupled to the support 50 through hook engagement. A first coupling portion 46a may protrude from the lower end of the first inner wing 42a and may include a first locking recess 45a (see FIG. 5). A second coupling portion 46b may protrude from the lower end of the second inner wing 42b and may include a second recess 45b (see FIG. 5). The first coupling portion 46a may be inserted into a gap 56a defined between the support 50 and the housing 10, and the first locking recess 45a in the first coupling portion 46a may be engaged with a first hook 55a protruding from the housing 10. The second coupling portion 46b may be inserted into a gap 56b defined between the support 50 and the housing 10, and the second locking recess 45b in the second coupling portion 46b may be engaged with a second hook 55b protruding from the housing 10.

In addition, the cap 20 may be detachably coupled to the support 50. For example, the cap 20 may be detachably coupled to the support 50 through hook engagement. A first wall 52a may protrude upward from one side of the support surface 51 of the support 50 and may face one side (left side) of the body 21 (see FIGS. 5 and 6). A first locking recess 52ah may be formed in the first wall 52a, and a first hook 21a protruding from one side of the body 21 may be engaged with the first locking recess 52ah (see FIGS. 5 and 6). A second wall 52b may protrude upward from the opposite side of the support surface 51 of the support 50 and may face the opposite side (right side) of the body 21 (see FIGS. 5 and 6). A second locking recess 52bh may be formed in the second wall 52b, and a second hook 21b protruding from the opposite side of the body 21 may be engaged with the second locking recess 52bh (see FIGS. 5 and 6).

The user may separate the extractor 30 and the cap 20 from the heater module 40 in the state in which the heater module 40 is coupled to the support 50. In this case, foreign matter such as remaining cut tobacco T (see FIG. 10) of the aerosol-generating article 2 may be removed by the lower part 34 of the extractor 30, and thus the area around the heater 18 may be cleaned. Furthermore, the user may also separate the heater module 40 from the support 50 to clean, repair, or replace the heater module 40.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 19, an aerosol-generating device 1 in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure may include a housing 10 formed to be elongated, a heater module 40 disposed in an internal space in the housing 10 and including a heater 18 extending in the longitudinal direction of the housing 10, and an extractor 30 surrounding a portion of a side surface of the heater 18. The heater module 40 may include a bottom part 44, on which the heater 18 is disposed, and a pair of inner walls 43, which protrudes from the bottom part 44 and is opposite each other with respect to the heater 18. The extractor 30 may include a lower part 34, which faces the bottom part 44 and through which the heater 18 passes, and a pair of side walls 33, which protrudes from the lower part 34, is opposite each other with respect to the heater 18, and is alternately disposed with the pair of inner walls 43. The lower part 34 may be spaced apart from the bottom part 44 and the heater 18 to define airflow paths P12 and P13.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the pair of inner walls 43 may be spaced apart from each other in a first direction DR1, and the pair of side walls 33 may be spaced apart from each other in a second direction DR2 intersecting the first direction DR1.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the lower part 34 may include a hole 34H, through which the heater 18 passes, and the hole 34H may have a boundary spaced apart from an outer side surface of the heater 18.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the heater module 40 may further include an inner body 41 including a hole 41H, through which the pair of side walls 33 passes. The pair of inner walls 43 may protrude from the inner body 41 at positions adjacent to the hole 41H and may connect the bottom part 44 to the inner body 41. The hole 41H may have a boundary spaced apart from the pair of side walls 33 to define airflow paths P10a and P10b.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the heater module 40 may further include grooves 41Hc and 41Hd recessed in the boundary of the hole 41H in the inner body 41, and the grooves 41Hc and 41Hd may be spaced apart from the pair of side walls 33 to define the airflow paths P10a and P10b.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the boundary of the hole 41H in the inner body 41 may include first and second portions 41Ha and 41Hb, which are disposed opposite each other and form parts of a circle, and third and fourth portions 41Hc and 41Hd, which are disposed opposite each other, are alternately positioned with the first and second portions 41Ha and 41Hb, and form parts of a circle. The circle formed by the third and fourth portions 41Hc and 41Hd may have a radius greater than the radius of the circle formed by the first and second portions 41Ha and 41Hb.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the third and fourth portions 41Hc and 41Hd may be formed as inclined surfaces forming acute angles Oc and Od with respect to an axis of the heater 18 in the longitudinal direction.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device 1 may further include a cup 53 surrounding the pair of inner walls 43 and the pair of side walls 33. The cup 53 may include an inner side surface spaced apart from the pair of side walls 33 to define an airflow path P11.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the pair of side walls 33 may include sides contacting sides of the pair of inner walls 43 and forming oblique lines.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the pair of inner walls 43 may form acute angles 01 and 02 with respect to the axis of the heater 18 in the longitudinal direction.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, each of the pair of side walls 33 may have a width gradually increasing in a direction away from the lower part 34.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the heater module 40 may further include a first gap 43Ga defined between the pair of inner walls 43, in which one 33a of the pair of side walls 33aa nd 33b is disposed, a second gap 43Gb defined between the pair of inner walls 43, in which the other 33b of the pair of side walls 33aa nd 33b is disposed, an inner body 41 including a hole 41H, through which the pair of side walls 33aa nd 33b passes, a first inner wing 42a bent from one end of the inner body 41 and covering a portion of the first gap 43Ga, and a second inner wing 42b bent from the opposite end of the inner body 41 and covering a portion of the second gap 43Gb.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device 1 may further include a support 50, which is fixed to the housing 10 and includes a cup 53, into which the heater module 40 and the extractor 30 are inserted. The heater module 40 may further include a coupling portion 46a protruding from the first inner wing 42a and coupled to the support 50 through hook engagement.

As is apparent from the above description, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol-generating device that is easy to clean and maintain.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, there is provided a coupling structure between a heater module and an extractor, which defines an insertion space for an aerosol-generating article.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, there are provided airflow paths directed toward the aerosol-generating article.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, there is provided a structure that improves the moldability and strength of the heater module and the extractor.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, there is provided a structure configured to facilitate removal of remaining cut tobacco from the extractor.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, there is provided a structure that prevents a user's fingers from touching a heater (susceptor) when the user holds the heater module.

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

The above detailed description is not intended to be construed to limit the disclosure in all aspects and is to be considered by way of example. The scope of the disclosure should be determined by reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all equivalent modifications made without departing from the disclosure should be included in the following claims.