CARTRIDGE AND AEROSOL-GENERATING DEVICE INCLUDING THE SAME

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0108370, filed on Aug. 13, 2024, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

One or more embodiments relate to a cartridge and an aerosol-generating device including the same.

2. Description of the Related Art

Research on non-combusted cigarettes is being carried out. An aerosol-generating device generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol-generating article.

An aerosol-generating device that generates an aerosol from a cartridge and induces the aerosol into an aerosol-generating article is being developed. Research to induce the generated aerosol to the outside of the aerosol-generating article is being conducted.

The above description is information the inventor(s) acquired during the course of conceiving the present disclosure, or already possessed at the time, and is not necessarily art publicly known before the present application was filed.

SUMMARY

Embodiments provide a cartridge for effectively determining whether an aerosol-generating article is being reused and an aerosol-generating device including the cartridge.

Embodiments provide a cartridge for inducing an aerosol to a side surface of an insertion space in which an aerosol-generating article is inserted and an aerosol-generating device including the cartridge.

Embodiments provide a cartridge for evenly inducing an aerosol to a side surface of an insertion space in which an aerosol-generating article is inserted and an aerosol-generating device including the cartridge.

Embodiments provide a cartridge that does not cause difficulty in inhaling an aerosol and an aerosol-generating device including the cartridge.

Embodiments provide a cartridge for providing a mark to prevent reuse on an aerosol-generating article after use and an aerosol-generating device including the cartridge.

According to an aspect, there is provided a cartridge for an aerosol-generating device including a container with an insertion hole into which an aerosol-generating article is inserted formed in one surface, a chamber accommodated in the container and configured to store an aerosol-generating substance, an insertion space accommodated in the container, partitioned from the chamber, and communicating with the insertion hole, and a blocker disposed in an end region of the insertion space that is positioned on an opposite side of the insertion hole and configured to block a portion of the insertion space.

According to another aspect, there is provided an aerosol-generating device including a housing including a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a side surface between the first surface and the second surface, in which an insertion hole into which an aerosol-generating article is inserted is formed in the first surface, a chamber accommodated in the housing and configured to store an aerosol-generating substance, an insertion space accommodated in the housing, partitioned from the chamber, and communicating with the insertion hole, and a blocker disposed in an end region of the insertion space that is positioned on an opposite side of the insertion hole and configured to block a portion of the insertion space in a direction in which the insertion space is viewed from the insertion hole.

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

According to one embodiment, it may be effectively determined whether an aerosol-generating article is being reused.

According to one embodiment, an aerosol may be evenly induced to a side surface of an insertion space in which an aerosol-generating article is inserted.

According to one embodiment, unwanted aerosol inhalation resistance may not occur during aerosol inhalation.

According to one embodiment, a mark to prevent reuse may be provided on an aerosol-generating article after use.

The effects of the cartridge and the aerosol-generating device including the same according to one embodiment may not be limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other unmentioned effects may be clearly understood from the following description by one of ordinary skill in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and/or other aspects, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which:

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

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

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an aerosol-generating device according to one embodiment;

FIG. 3B is an exploded view of an aerosol-generating device according to one embodiment;

FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a structure of an aerosol-generating article, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 5 illustrates an upper body of an aerosol-generating device in a state in which an aerosol-generating article is inserted into an insertion space, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a cartridge according to one embodiment;

FIG. 6B is a plan view of a cartridge according to one embodiment;

FIGS. 6C and 6D are cross-sectional views of the cartridge taken along line A-A of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7 illustrates a flow of an aerosol in a cartridge, according to one embodiment; and

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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., an aerosol-generating device 1). For example, a processor (e.g., a 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 1 according to one 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 PCM.

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 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.

FIG. 2 shows the aerosol-generating device 1 according to one embodiment.

According to one embodiment, the aerosol-generating device 1 may include a housing 10, the power supply 11, the controller 12, the sensor unit 13, and/or a heater 183 and 24 (e.g., the heater 18 and 24 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 and that some of the components may be omitted or new components may be further included. 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 an aerosol-generating article 2 to be inserted thereinto (hereinafter, 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 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.

Unlike the configuration shown in the drawings, a cartridge 19 may provide an insertion space for receiving the aerosol-generating article 2. In this case, the insertion space may be formed so as to be depressed in the cartridge 19 to a predetermined depth so that at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article 2 may be inserted thereinto. The lower end of the aerosol-generating article 2 may be inserted into the cartridge 19, and the upper end of the aerosol-generating article 2 may protrude outside the cartridge 19. In this case, the aerosol-generating device 1 may not include the heater 183.

According to one embodiment, 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. A user may inhale air while holding the externally exposed upper end of the aerosol-generating article 2 in the mouth.

According to one embodiment, the heater 183 may heat the aerosol-generating article 2. The heater 183 may be elongated upwardly around the space into which the aerosol-generating article 2 is inserted (i.e., the insertion space). In an example, the heater 183 may have a tube shape (e.g., a cylindrical shape) with a cavity formed therein. The heater 183 may include a shape including a cavity formed therein and surrounding the cavity. In this case, the heater 183 may be supported by a polyimide film. The heater supported by this film may be referred to as a film heater. The heater 183 may be disposed so as to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. The heater 183 may heat the outer side of the aerosol-generating article 2 inserted into the cavity. In the present disclosure, the heater 183 may be referred to as an external heating-type heater, which heats the outer side of the aerosol-generating article 2. Meanwhile, a thermally insulating material may be disposed outside the heater 183. 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 include an electro-resistive heater and/or an induction heater.

For example, the electro-resistive heater may include an electro-resistive material, 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.

For example, in the case of an induction heater, the aerosol-generating device 1 may further include an induction coil (not shown) surrounding at least a portion of the heater 183 (e.g., disposed outside the heater 183 so as to correspond to the length of at least a portion of the heater 183). In this case, a magnetic flux concentrator may be further provided outside the induction coil (not shown) 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 (not shown).

According to one embodiment, the heater 183 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 183 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 183 in the longitudinal direction, respectively. In addition, three or more heaters and/or three or more induction coils may be included.

Unlike the configuration shown in the drawings, the aerosol-generating device 1 may not include the heater 183. The aerosol-generating article 2 may be directly or indirectly heated by the cartridge heater 24 or may not be substantially heated. Indirect heating may mean that the aerosol-generating article 2 is heated by receiving heat contained in the aerosol during the process in which the aerosol generated by the cartridge heater 24 passes through the aerosol-generating article 2. In this case, the aerosol-generating device 1 may be referred to as a non-heating-type (or indirect heating-type) aerosol-generating device. An additive such as an alkaline substance may be contained in the aerosol-generating rod of the aerosol-generating article 2. Based on the alkaline substance, nicotine contained in the aerosol-generating rod may have an alkaline pH (e.g., pH 7.0 or higher). This alkaline nicotine may flow to the user's oral cavity together with the aerosol introduced into the aerosol-generating article 2 from the cartridge 19 to be described later.

Unlike the configuration shown in the drawings, the heater 183 may include an internal heating-type heater. For example, the internal heating-type heater may include various heating elements, such as a rod-shaped heating element, a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, or a needle-shaped heating element. The internal heating-type heater may be inserted through the lower portion of the aerosol-generating article 2, and may be set to heat the inner side of the aerosol-generating article 2.

According to one embodiment, the cartridge 19 may be removably coupled to the housing 10. For example, a space may be formed in one side of the housing 10, and at least a portion of the cartridge 19 may be inserted into the space formed in one side of the housing 10 so that the cartridge 19 is mounted to the housing 10. Alternatively, the cartridge 19 may be integrally formed with the housing 10.

According to one embodiment, the aerosol-generating device 1 and/or the cartridge 19 may be provided with an airflow channel through which air flows. For example, the housing 10 may include a structure allowing outside air to be introduced into the housing 10 in the state in which the cartridge 19 is inserted thereinto. The introduced air may pass through the cartridge 19, may be introduced into the insertion space through the airflow channel CN, and then may flow to the user's oral cavity. The airflow channel CN may include various structures for reducing residual droplets or making the flow of air smooth.

Although it is illustrated in FIG. 2 that the cartridge 19 is located beside the aerosol-generating article 2 and the airflow channel CN is formed from the side surface of the aerosol-generating article 2 to the lower end (i.e., upstream side) of the aerosol-generating article 2, the positions of the cartridge 19 and the airflow channel CN are not limited thereto. For example, the cartridge 19 may be located adjacent to the lower end (i.e., upstream side) of the aerosol-generating article 2. In this case, the airflow channel CN may be formed in a substantially straight shape to connect the cartridge 19 to the lower end (i.e., upstream side) of the aerosol-generating article 2.

According to one embodiment, the cartridge 19 may include a storage part C0 that contains an aerosol-generating substance, the cartridge heater 24, and/or a liquid delivery part that is impregnated with (contains) the aerosol-generating substance. A liquid delivery part may be impregnated with the aerosol-generating substance supplied from a chamber C0. For example, the liquid delivery part may include a wick formed of, e.g., cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic.

According to one embodiment, the cartridge heater 24 may heat the aerosol-generating substance contained in the cartridge 19. For example, the cartridge heater 24 may include an electro-resistive heater and/or an induction heater.

In an example, the electro-resistive heater may include an electro-resistive material, and may generate heat as current flows through the electro-resistive material. In another example, in the case of an induction heater, the aerosol-generating device 1 may further include an induction coil (not shown) provided around the induction heater. The induction heater may include a susceptor, and may generate heat based on a magnetic field generated by the induction coil (not shown). The cartridge heater 24 may be formed in a coil shape surrounding (or wound around) the liquid delivery part and/or in a shape (e.g., a patterned shape) contacting one side of the liquid delivery part.

Unlike the configuration shown in the drawings, the cartridge heater 24 may be included in the aerosol-generating device 1. For example, the cartridge heater 24 may be included inside the housing 10. In this case, the cartridge 19 and the cartridge heater 24 may be separated by removal of the cartridge 19.

According to one embodiment, an aerosol may be generated based on generation of heat by the cartridge heater 24. For example, as the aerosol-generating substance impregnated in the liquid delivery part is heated by the cartridge heater 24, vapor may be generated from the aerosol-generating substance, and an aerosol may be generated as the generated vapor is mixed with the outside air introduced into the cartridge 19. The aerosol generated by the cartridge heater 24 may be introduced into the aerosol-generating article 2 through the airflow channel CN. While the aerosol passes through the aerosol-generating article 2, tobacco or a flavoring substance may be added to the aerosol, and the aerosol containing the tobacco or the flavoring substance may be inhaled into the user's oral cavity through one end of the aerosol-generating article 2.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the aerosol-generating device 1 according to one embodiment, and FIG. 3B is an exploded view of the aerosol-generating device 1 according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the aerosol-generating device 1 may include at least one of a lower body 110, an upper body 120, the cartridge 19, and a cap 130.

The lower body 110 may accommodate various components required for power supply or control, such as a power supply (e.g., the power supply 11 of FIG. 2) and a controller (e.g., the controller 12 of FIG. 2). The lower body 110 may form the exterior of the aerosol-generating device 1. The upper body 120 may be disposed on the upper side (e.g., a side in the +Z direction in FIG. 3B) of the lower body 110. The cartridge 19 may be coupled to the upper body 120.

The upper body 120 may include at least one of a mount 123 and a column 124. The mount 123 may be disposed on the upper side (e.g., a side in the +Z direction in FIG. 3B) of the lower body 110. The mount 123 may provide a cartridge accommodating space 1234 into which the lower portion of the cartridge 19 may be inserted. The mount 123 may surround the lower portion of the cartridge 19, which is inserted into the cartridge accommodating space 1234 by an inner sidewall 1231. The mount 123 may be fastened to the cartridge 19.

The column 124 may be disposed on the upper side (e.g., a side in the +Z direction in FIG. 3B) of the lower body 110. The column 124 may extend upwardly from one side of the mount 123. The column 124 may face one sidewall of the cartridge 19. The column 124 may have a shape that surrounds one sidewall of the cartridge 19. The column 124 may support one sidewall of the cartridge 19.

The cartridge 19 may include a container 191. The container 191 may include at least one of a first container 1911 and a second container 1912. The first container 1911 may be coupled to the upper side (e.g., a side in the +Z direction in FIG. 3B) of the second container 1912. The first container 1911 may provide a space C0 (see FIG. 6D) for storing liquid therein. The first container 1911 may provide an insertion space 192 (see FIG. 6D), which has an open upper side and elongates vertically. The aerosol-generating article 2 may be inserted into the insertion space 192. One sidewall of the first container 1911 may face the column 124.

The second container 1912 may be coupled to the lower side (e.g., a side in the −Z direction in FIG. 3B) of the first container 1911. The second container 1912 may provide a space in which a wick 195 (e.g., the liquid delivery part) (see FIG. 6D) and a heater 194 (e.g., the cartridge heater 24) (see FIG. 6D) are installed. The second container 1912 may be inserted into the cartridge accommodating space 1234. The mount 123 may surround the second container 1912. The second container 1912 may be coupled to the mount 123.

The cap 130 may be coupled to the upper side of the lower body 110. The cap 130 may cover the upper body 120 and the cartridge 19. The sidewall of the cap 130 may surround the side portion of the cartridge 19 and the side portion of the upper body 120. The upper wall of the cap 130 may cover the upper portion of the cartridge 19 and the upper portion of the column 124.

The cap 130 may have an opening 132. The opening 132 may be formed at a position corresponding to the insertion space 192 (see FIG. 6D). The opening 132 may communicate with one end or the upper end of the insertion space 192. The cap 130 may have a cap inlet 133. One side of the cap 130 may be open, forming the cap inlet 133. Air may flow into the inside of the aerosol-generating device 1 through the cap inlet 133.

FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a structure of the aerosol-generating article 2, according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 4, the aerosol-generating article 2 according to one embodiment may include a first filter segment S1, a medium segment S2, a second filter segment S3, and a wrapper S5.

In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating article 2 may be wrapped with at least one wrapper S5. The wrapper S5 may have at least one hole through which external air is introduced or internal gas flows out. The wrapper S5 may include a material with high thermal conductivity.

For example, the first filter segment S1 may be wrapped with a first wrapper S51, the medium segment S2 may be wrapped with a second wrapper S52, and the second filter segment S3 may be wrapped with a third wrapper S53. Additionally, the aerosol-generating article 2 may be entirely wrapped again with a fifth wrapper S55.

In one embodiment, the first wrapper S51, the second wrapper S52, and the third wrapper S53 may be formed with of porous wrapping paper. For example, the porosity of each of the first wrapper S51, the second wrapper S52, and the third wrapper S53 may be about 35000 CU but is not limited thereto. In addition, the thickness of each of the first wrapper S51, the second wrapper S52, and the third wrapper S53 may be in the range of 70 μm to 80 μm. In addition, the basis weight of each of the first wrapper S51, the second wrapper S52, and the third wrapper S53 may be in the range of 20 g/m² to 25 g/m².

In one embodiment, the fifth wrapper S55 may be formed of sterile paper (e.g., MFW). For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper S55 may be in the range of 57 g/m² to 63 g/m². Also, the thickness of the fifth wrapper S55 may be in the range of 64 um to 70 um.

In one embodiment, the first filter segment S1 may include a cellulose acetate filter. In addition, the first filter segment S1 may include a paper filter and a porous molding. The first filter segment S1 may be colored or flavored.

In one embodiment, the medium segment S2 may be filled with a medium. For example, the medium segment S2 may include a cavity, and the cavity may be filled with a medium. In another example, the medium segment S2 may include a cellulose acetate filter or a paper filter and may be filled with a medium as the medium is inserted into the cellulose acetate filter or the paper filter.

For example, the medium used to fill the medium segment S2 may include at least one component of granular tobacco (tobacco granules), reconstituted tobacco, or cut tobacco leaves. Generally, tobacco granules have a significantly lower content of moisture and/or aerosol former than other types of tobacco materials (e.g., cut tobacco leaves, reconstituted tobacco, and the like) and may thus greatly reduce the generation of visible smoke, which may facilitate the implementation of a smokeless function of the aerosol-generating device 1. However, the tobacco granules may vary in diameter, density, filling rate, composition ratio of constituent materials, heating temperature, and the like, etc. depending on the embodiment. The diameter of the tobacco granules may be about 0.3 mm to 1.2 mm. Within this numerical range, the proper hardness and ease of manufacture of the tobacco granules may be guaranteed, and the probability of vortex airstream in the cavity may be increased.

Furthermore, the medium segment S2 may include other additives such as a flavoring agent, a humectant, and/or organic acid. In addition, the medium segment S2 may include a flavoring liquid such as menthol or a moisturizing agent that is added as being sprayed onto the medium segment S2.

In one embodiment, the medium used to fill the medium segment S2 may be pH-treated. For example, the medium may be pH-treated by a pH control agent to have basicity. The pH control agent may be basic and may include, for example, at least one of potassium carbonate (K₂CO₃), sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃), and calcium oxide (CaO). However, the material included in the pH control agent is not limited to the above examples, and a material that generates less negative odor during smoking may be used. A basic pH control agent may increase the pH of the medium included in the medium segment S2. Compared to a medium not treated with a basic pH control agent, a medium pH-treated with a basic pH control agent may increase the amount of nicotine released therefrom. That is, a medium pH-treated with a basic pH control agent may achieve a sufficient nicotine yield from the medium segment S2, even at a low temperature.

In one embodiment, the medium segment S2 may include slurry or paper-like reconstituted tobacco sheets having a pH adjusted to a range of 7.0 to 9.5 or may be filled with tobacco granules having a pH adjusted to a range of 7.0 to 9.5. The medium may include nicotine, and when the medium is pH-treated, free nicotine (e.g., nicotine gas) may be transferred from the medium, even under non-heating conditions or relatively low-temperature conditions. That is, by adjusting the pH of the medium in the medium segment S2 to a range of 7.0 to 9.5, volatile-free nicotine may be transferred under non-heating conditions (or low-temperature conditions), and a sufficient level of intensity of smoking taste may be implemented.

In one embodiment, the second filter segment S3 may include a cellulose acetate filter. In addition, the second filter segment S3 may include at least one flavor capsule. For example, the second filter segment S3 may be a cellulose acetate filter into which at least one flavor capsule is inserted. In addition, the second filter segment S3 may include a cellulose acetate filter mixed with a flavored substance.

In one embodiment, nicotine may be adsorbed onto at least any one of the first filter segment S1 and the second filter segment S3. As the medium segment S2 is pH-treated to the range of 7.0 to 9.5, nicotine in the medium segment S2 may vigorously become free nicotine, even under non-heating conditions, and be transferred to the first filter segment S1 or the second filter segment S3, and the nicotine transferred from the medium segment S2 may be adsorbed onto at least one of the first filter segment S1 and the second filter segment S3. As the first filter segment S1 or the second filter segment S3 also includes nicotine along with the medium segment S2, the aerosol-generating article 2 may be used, even without preheating the aerosol-generating device 1. This may not only increase the convenience of the user but also implement a transfer of sufficient nicotine, even under non-heating (or low-temperature heating) conditions, thereby providing smoking taste satisfaction accordingly.

In one embodiment, a cooling segment (not shown) may be included between the medium segment S2 and the second filter segment S3. The cooling segment may cool an aerosol that passes through the medium segment S2. For example, the cooling segment may be made of cellulose acetate and may be a tubular structure including a hollow therein. For example, the cooling segment may be manufactured by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. For example, the cooling segment may be made of paper and may be a tubular structure including a hollow therein.

FIG. 5 illustrates the upper body 120 of the aerosol-generating device 1 in a state in which the aerosol-generating article 2 is inserted into the insertion space 192, according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 5, a first sensor 13-1 and a second sensor 13-2 may be disposed along the longitudinal direction (e.g., a +/−X direction in FIG. 5) of the column 124. For example, the first sensor 13-1 and the second sensor 13-2 may be disposed sequentially from an upper portion 1243 of the column 124.

At least a portion of the first sensor 13-1 may be exposed from a side portion 1242 of the column 124 toward the insertion space 192 and may detect the state of the aerosol-generating article 2 that is inserted into the insertion space 192. At least a portion of the second sensor 13-2 may be exposed from the side portion 1242 of the column 124 toward the insertion space 192 and may detect the state of the aerosol-generating article 2 that is inserted into the insertion space 192.

In one embodiment, the first sensor 13-1 may include a first capacitance sensor, and the second sensor 13-2 may include a second capacitance sensor. The first capacitance sensor and/or the second capacitance sensor may include a conductor. The first capacitance sensor and/or the second capacitance sensor may output a signal corresponding to the capacitance of a segment (compartment) of the aerosol-generating article 2 that is adjacent thereto. For example, if the moisture content of each segment of the aerosol-generating article 2 is different, electromagnetic characteristics around the conductor may vary, and the first capacitance sensor and the second capacitance sensor may indicate capacitance values respectively corresponding to segments.

When the aerosol-generating article 2 is fully inserted into the insertion space 192, the first sensor 13-1 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the medium segment S2 of the aerosol-generating article 2. For example, the first sensor 13-1 may be disposed at a position (e.g., along an XY plane in FIG. 5) horizontally away from the medium segment S2. When the aerosol-generating article 2 is fully inserted into the insertion space 192, the second sensor 13-2 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the first filter segment S1 of the aerosol-generating article 2. For example, the second sensor 13-2 may be disposed at a position (e.g., along an XY plane in FIG. 5) horizontally away from the first filter segment S1.

When the first sensor 13-1 (e.g., the sensor unit 13 of FIG. 1) includes the first capacitance sensor and the second sensor 13-2 (e.g., the sensor unit 13 of FIG. 1) includes the second capacitance sensor, the first sensor 13-1 may detect the degree of wetness (over-wetting) of the medium segment S2, and the second sensor 13-2 may detect the degree of wetness (over-wetting) of the first filter segment S1. In an example, the area of the first sensor 13-1 exposed toward the insertion space 192 may be the same as the area of the second sensor 13-2 exposed toward the side surface of the insertion space 192. By having the exposed area of the first sensor 13-1 be identical to the exposed area of the second sensor 13-2, interference between the two sensors may be minimized.

In one embodiment, the controller 12 may determine whether the aerosol-generating article 2 is over-humidified, based on first information (e.g., a variance in the capacitance of the medium segment S2) received from the first sensor 13-1. The controller 12 may determine whether the aerosol-generating article 2 is being reused, based on second information (e.g., a variance in the capacitance of the first filter segment S1) received from the second sensor 13-2.

In one embodiment, when the first sensor 13-1 includes the first capacitance sensor and the second sensor 13-2 includes the second capacitance sensor, electric fields of different frequency bands may be applied to the first sensor 13-1 and the second sensor 13-2.

For example, an electric field of a first frequency band sensitive to moisture detection may be applied to the first sensor 13-1. For example, an electric field of a second frequency band sensitive to detection of an aerosol-generating substance (e.g., glycerin or propylene glycol) may be applied to the second sensor 13-2.

Depending on the frequency of an electric field applied to a capacitance sensor, a capacitance value may be measured differently. If an electric field of the same frequency is applied to the first sensor 13-1 and the second sensor 13-2, there may be an overlapping portion between a range between maximum and minimum capacitance values measured for the aerosol-generating article 2 in an over-humidified state and a range between maximum and minimum capacitance values measured for the aerosol-generating article 2 in a reused state. In this case, it may not be clear whether the aerosol-generating article 2 is in an over-humidified state or a reused state.

To prevent this, the controller 12 may apply an electric field of the first frequency band sensitive to moisture detection to the first sensor 13-1 and an electric field of the second frequency band sensitive to the detection of the aerosol-generating substance to the second sensor 13-2 such that a range between maximum and minimum capacitance values measured by the first sensor 13-1 may not overlap a range between maximum and minimum capacitance values measured by the second sensor 13-2.

For example, in an environment, such as the rainy season, with high humidity, the aerosol-generating article 2 may be in an over-humidified state. The wetness degree of the aerosol-generating article 2 may change due to over-humidity. When the wetness degree of the aerosol-generating article 2 changes, a dielectric constant may also change. Thus, the measured capacitance value may vary. In an over-humidification state, the first filter segment S1, the medium segment S2, and the second filter segment S3 of the aerosol-generating article 2 may be all wet with moisture and may exhibit a capacitance value that converges to a corresponding humidity.

For example, an aerosol generated by a wick (e.g., the wick 195 of FIG. 6D) and a heater (e.g., the heater 194 of FIG. 6D) may enter the first filter segment S1 of the aerosol-generating article 2 and move to the second filter segment S3 through the medium segment S2. As the aerosol moves in the downstream direction (e.g., a Z direction in FIG. 5) of the aerosol-generating article 2, the upstream of the aerosol-generating article 2 may be wet more than the downstream by the aerosol. In the used aerosol-generating article 2, the first filter segment S1, which is upstream of the aerosol-generating article 2, may be wet more by an aerosol-generating substance (e.g., glycerin or propylene glycol) than the medium segment S2, which is downstream of the aerosol-generating article 2.

The controller 12 may determine that the aerosol-generating article 2 is in an over-humidified state if a capacitance variance between a first timepoint (before the aerosol-generating article 2 is inserted into the insertion space 192) and a second timepoint (after the aerosol-generating article 2 is inserted into the insertion space 192) measured by the first sensor 13-1 is greater than a first set value. The first set value may be the maximum value of a capacitance variance in the aerosol-generating article 2 in a normal state. Here, the normal state may be defined as a non-over-humidified state rather than an over-humidified state.

When the aerosol-generating article 2 is determined to be in an over-humidified state, the controller 12 may determine that the aerosol-generating article 2 is in an over-humidified reused state if a capacitance variance between the first timepoint and the second timepoint measured by the second sensor 13-2 is greater than a second set value. The second set value may be the maximum value of a capacitance variance in the aerosol-generating article 2 in an over-humidified unused state.

When the aerosol-generating article 2 is determined to be in a normal state (non-over-humidified state), the controller 12 may determine that the aerosol-generating article 2 is in a normal reused state if the capacitance variance between the first timepoint and the second timepoint measured by the second sensor 13-2 is greater than a third set value. The third set value may be the maximum value of a capacitance variance in the aerosol-generating article 2 in a normal unused state.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the cartridge 19 according to one embodiment, FIG. 6B is a plan view of the cartridge 19 according to one embodiment, and FIGS. 6C and 6D are cross-sectional views of the cartridge 19 taken along line A-A of FIG. 6A.

Referring to FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, and 6D, the cartridge 19 may include the container 191, the chamber C0, the insertion space 192, a blocker 193, the heater 194, and the wick 195.

The container 191 may include the first container 1911 and the second container 1912. An insertion hole 1920 into which the aerosol-generating article 2 may be inserted may be formed in the first container 1911. The insertion space 192 connected to the insertion hole 1920 may be disposed in the first container 1911. The chamber C0 may be accommodated in the first container 1911 to be partitioned from the insertion space 192, and an aerosol-generating substance may be stored in the chamber C0. For example, the aerosol-generating substance may be in a liquid state. The insertion space 192 and the chamber C0 may be partitioned by an inner wall.

Accordingly, the chamber C0 of the first container 1911 in which an aerosol-generating substance in a liquid state is stored may be disposed to surround the aerosol-generating article 2 and/or the insertion space 192, so space efficiency for storing the aerosol-generating substance may be increased.

The heater 194 and the wick 195 may be disposed in the second container 1912. The wick 195 may be connected to the chamber C0. The wick 195 may receive the aerosol-generating substance in a liquid state from the chamber C0. The heater 194 (e.g., the cartridge heater 24) may heat the wick 195. The heater 194 may wind around the wick 195 multiple times.

External air may flow into the aerosol-generating device 1 through a cap inlet (e.g., the cap inlet 133 of FIG. 3B). The air introduced from the cap inlet 133 may pass through a cartridge inlet (e.g., a cartridge inlet 196 of FIG. 3B) and may flow into the cartridge 19. The air that has passed through the cartridge inlet 196 may flow toward the insertion space 192 after being introduced into the second container 1912. The air may pass through the aerosol-generating article 2 accompanied by an aerosol generated in the second container 1912.

In one embodiment, the blocker 193 may be disposed in the end region of the insertion space 192 positioned on the opposite side of the insertion hole 1920 and may block a portion of the insertion space 192. For example, the blocker 193 may be disposed in one region of the insertion space 192 between the insertion hole 1920 and the wick 195. For example, the blocker 193 may be disposed at a position where a stick stopper is formed to stop the aerosol-generating article 2 from entering the insertion space 192.

In particular, referring to FIG. 6B, in a direction (−Z direction) in which the insertion space 192 is viewed from the insertion hole 1920, the blocker 193 may be disposed at the center of the insertion space 192. The blocker 193 may be disposed to overlap the central region of the insertion space 192, thereby blocking a partial path, which corresponds to the central region, among the paths of the aerosol passing through the insertion space 192. The aerosol generated by the wick 195 and the heater 194 may not move along the central path of the insertion space 192 at the point where the aerosol meets the blocker 193. The aerosol may be induced toward the edge of the insertion space 192 by the blocker 193.

In particular, referring to FIGS. 6C and 6D, the blocker 193 may include a base 1931 and a bridge 1932. The base 1931 may be connected to a side surface 1923 of the insertion space 192 by the bridge 1932. The base 1931 may have a circular shape in a direction (−Z direction) in which the insertion space 192 is viewed from the insertion hole 1920. For example, the base 1931 may have a disk shape. In another example, the base 1931 may have a cylindrical shape. In this case, a recess may be formed in the central portion of the cylindrical shape.

The bridge 1932 may connect the base 1931 to the side surface 1923 of the insertion space 192 so that the base 1931 may maintain its position inside the insertion space 192. The base 1931 may be disposed in the central region of the insertion space 192 by the bridge 1932, and a space through which an aerosol may flow to the outside of the base 1931 may be provided.

For example, two bridges 1932 may be connected to the base 1931 at opposite positions. Alternatively, three or more bridges 1932 may be applied for rigid fixation of the base 1931.

In one embodiment, the blocker 193 may further include a pillar 1933. The pillar 1933 may protrude from the base 1931 toward the insertion hole 1920. The pillar 1933 may have a sharp tip 1933A facing the insertion hole 1920.

When the aerosol-generating article 2 is inserted into the insertion space 192, the end portion (e.g., the first filter segment S1 of FIG. 4) of the aerosol-generating article 2 may be stuck in the pillar 1933 of the blocker 193. The pillar 1933 may fix the aerosol-generating article 2 in a proper position in the insertion space 192 when the aerosol-generating device 1 is in operation.

In addition, the pillar 1933 may provide a mark on the end portion of the aerosol-generating article 2. For example, when the aerosol-generating article 2 is pulled out of the insertion space 192 after smoking, a recessed groove having a shape corresponding to the pillar 1933 may be formed in the end surface of the aerosol-generating article 2. The mark by the pillar 1933 may be used to check whether the aerosol-generating article 2 has been used, so the blocker 193 may contribute to preventing the reuse of the aerosol-generating article 2.

In one embodiment, a height H of the pillar 1933 may be less than the length of a first filter segment (e.g., the first filter segment S1 of FIG. 4). Here, the height H of the pillar 1933 may be defined from the base 1931 to the tip 1933A. Through this, the pillar 1933 may not penetrate a medium segment (e.g., the medium segment S2 of FIG. 4) of the aerosol-generating article 2. This may prevent the front end of the medium segment S2 from being unintentionally opened, thereby preventing the medium from escaping to the outside of the aerosol-generating article 2.

In one embodiment, the pillar 1933 may be disposed in the end surface of the insertion space 192, and the blocker 193 may not include the base 1931 and the pillar 1933. For example, unlike FIGS. 6B, 6C, and 6D, the insertion space 192 may extend to the second container 1912, and the wick 195 and the heater 194 may be disposed adjacent to the end surface of the insertion space 192 (e.g., adjacent in an −X direction). In this case, the pillar 1933 may be disposed inside the insertion space 192 without the help of the bridge 1932.

Referring back to FIG. 6B, in a direction in which the insertion space 192 is viewed from the insertion hole 1920, the area of the base 1931 (or the pillar 1933) may be less than or equal to half of the area of the insertion space 192. When the area of the base 1931 exceeds half of the area of the insertion space 192, the fluidity of an aerosol may be affected, causing difficulty for a user to inhale the aerosol. Furthermore, the area of the base 1931 may be set to sufficiently induce the aerosol to the side surface 1923 of the insertion space 192.

FIG. 7 illustrates a flow P of an aerosol in the cartridge 19, according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 7, in the cartridge 19 according to one embodiment, an aerosol may be generated in the heater 194 and the wick 195. The flow P of the generated aerosol may flow into the insertion space 192 and move to the lower end of the blocker 193. The flow P of the aerosol to the insertion hole 1920 may be blocked by the blocker 193. The flow P of the aerosol may be induced to the outside of the blocker 193 while avoiding the blocker 193. The flow P of the aerosol induced to the side surface 1923 of the insertion space 192 by the blocker 193 may flow into the aerosol-generating article 2, and here, a first wrapper (e.g., the first wrapper S51 of FIG. 4) surrounding a first filter segment (e.g., the first filter segment S1 of FIG. 4) of the aerosol-generating article 2 may be sufficiently wet by the aerosol.

The first wrapper S51 of the aerosol-generating article 2 is sufficiently wet, so the recognition rate of a second sensor (e.g., the second sensor 13-2 of FIG. 5) including a capacitance sensor may be increased. Through this, the recognition rate of whether the aerosol-generating article 2 is over-humidified or reused may be increased.

If there is no blocker 193, the flow P of the aerosol may be evenly formed in the insertion space 192, and the first wrapper S51 of the aerosol-generating article 2 may not be sufficiently wet by the flow P of the aerosol. This may be a factor that impedes the recognition rate of the second sensor 13-2.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a cartridge 29 according to one embodiment.

Among the components of the cartridge 29 illustrated in FIG. 8, a description of components identical and/or similar to those of the cartridge 19 illustrated in FIGS. 6A to 6D is omitted for simplicity.

Referring to FIG. 8, the cartridge 29 may include a first container 2911, a second container 2912, a chamber C1, an insertion space 292, a blocker 293, a heater 294, and a wick 295. An insertion hole 2920 into which the aerosol-generating article 2 may be inserted may be formed in the first container 2911, and the insertion hole 2920 may communicate with the insertion space 292.

In one embodiment, the blocker 293 may include a base 2931 in a plate shape, which is connected to a side surface 2923 of the insertion space 292, and a plurality of through holes formed in the base 2931. The plurality of through holes may serve as passages through which an aerosol may pass.

The plurality of through holes may include inner through holes 2933-1 disposed in the inner side of the base 2931 and outer through holes 2933-2 disposed in the outer side of the base 2931, based on half of the radius of the base 2931. Alternatively, the blocker 293 may only have the outer through holes 2933-2, by omitting the inner through holes 2933-1.

In one embodiment, the area of the outer through holes 2933-2 may be greater than the area of the inner through holes 2933-1. The aerosol may flow more through the outer through holes 2933-2. Through this, the first wrapper S51 of the first filter segment S1 of the aerosol-generating article 2 may be sufficiently wet by the aerosol.

According to one embodiment, the cartridges 19 and 29 and the aerosol-generating device 1 including the same may evenly induce an aerosol to the side surfaces 1923 and 2923 of the insertion spaces 192 and 292 into which the aerosol-generating article 2 is inserted and may effectively determine whether the aerosol-generating article 2 is over-humidified or reused. In addition, unwanted aerosol inhalation resistance may not occur during aerosol inhalation, and a mark for preventing the reuse may be provided on the aerosol-generating article 2 after use.

According to one embodiment, a cartridge (19, 29) for an aerosol-generating device (1) may include a container (191, 291) with an insertion hole (1920, 2920) into which an aerosol-generating article (2) is inserted formed on one surface, a chamber (C0, C1) accommodated in the container (191, 291) and configured to store an aerosol-generating substance, an insertion space (192, 292) accommodated in the container (191, 291), partitioned from the chamber (C0, C1), and communicating with the insertion hole (1920, 2920), and a blocker (192, 293) disposed in an end region of the insertion space (192, 292) that is positioned on an opposite side of the insertion hole (1920, 2920) and configured to block a portion of the insertion space (192, 292).

In one embodiment, the blocker (193) may be disposed at the center of the insertion space (192) in a direction in which the insertion space (192) is viewed from the insertion hole (1920).

In one embodiment, the blocker (193) may include a base (1931) and a bridge (1932) connecting the base (1931) to a side surface (1923) of the insertion space (192).

An area of the base (1931) may be less than or equal to half of an area of the insertion space (192) in a direction in which the insertion space (192) is viewed from the insertion hole (1920).

The blocker (193) may further include a pillar (1933) protruding from the base (1931) toward the insertion hole (1920).

The pillar (1933) may have a sharp tip (1933A) facing the insertion hole (1920).

In one embodiment, the blocker (293) may include a base (2931) in a plate shape, which is connected to a side surface (2923) of the insertion space (292), and a plurality of through holes (2933-1, 2933-2) formed in the base (2931).

An area of the plurality of through holes (2933-2) disposed on the outer side of the base (2931) may be greater than an area of the plurality of through holes (2933-1) disposed on the inner side of the base (2931), based on half the radius of the base (2931).

In one embodiment, the cartridge (19, 29) may further include a wick (195, 295) accommodated in the container (191, 291), and connected to the chamber (C0, C1) and provided with the aerosol-generating substance in a liquid state, and a heater (194, 294) configured to heat the wick (195, 295).

The blocker may be disposed between the wick (195) and the insertion hole (1920).

The blocker (193) may include a pillar (1933) protruding from the end surface of the insertion space (192) that faces the insertion hole (1920).

According to one embodiment, an aerosol-generating device (1) may include a housing (10) including a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a side surface between the first surface and the second surface, in which an insertion hole into which an aerosol-generating article is inserted may be formed in the first surface, a chamber (C0) accommodated in the housing (10) and configured to store an aerosol-generating substance, an insertion space accommodated in the housing (10) to be partitioned from the chamber (C0) and communicating with the insertion hole, and a blocker (193) disposed in the end region of the insertion space positioned on the opposite side of the insertion hole and configured to block a portion of the insertion space in a direction in which the insertion space is viewed from the insertion hole.

The blocker (193) may include a base (1931) including a plate, a bridge (1932) connecting the base (1931) to a side surface of the insertion space, and a pillar (1933) protruding from the base (1931) toward the insertion hole.

The pillar (1933) may have a sharp tip (1933A) facing the insertion hole.

The housing (10) may include a lower body (110) in which a power supply (11) or a controller (12) is accommodated, an upper body (120) disposed on one side of the lower body (110), a cartridge (19) coupled to the upper body (120), and a cap (130) coupled to the lower body (110) to cover at least one of the upper body (120) or the cartridge (19), in which the chamber (C0), the insertion space, and the blocker (193) may be disposed in the cartridge (19).

Some embodiments of the disclosure described above or other embodiments are not mutually exclusive or distinct from each other. Some embodiments of the disclosure described above or other embodiments may be used jointly or combined with each other in configuration or function.

For example, a configuration A described in one embodiment and/or drawing and a configuration B described in another embodiment and/or drawing may be combined with each other. Namely, although the combination between the configurations is not directly described, the combination is possible except in cases where it is described that the combination is impossible.

The above detailed description should not be construed in all aspects as limiting and should be considered illustrative. The scope of the present disclosure should be determined by rational interpretation of the appended claims, and all variations within the scope of equivalents of the present disclosure are included in the scope of the present disclosure.