AEROSOL-GENERATING DEVICE

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0155100, filed on Nov. 5, 2024, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

1. Field of the disclosure

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating device.

2. Description of the Related Art

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

In an aerosol-generating device with a replaceable cartridge, a liquid and a heater provided in the cartridge may have different replacement cycles. However, in the conventional aerosol-generating device with a replaceable cartridge, a liquid and a heater are integrally provided in the cartridge. Therefore, when the liquid is consumed, the cartridge also needs to be replaced. Accordingly, there is a problem in that the heater is wasted regardless of a replacement cycle of the heater, leading to an unnecessary increase in replacement costs.

Furthermore, in order to enable a heater module to be replaced separately from a cartridge, a three-stage coupling structure including a body, a heater module, and a cartridge needs to be provided. Meanwhile, in the case of a structure in which a heater module and a cartridge are sequentially coupled to a body in one direction, components provided in a device may not be stably coupled to each other.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

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

It is another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating device configured to detachably couple a heater module to a body and a cartridge by enabling the heater module to be slidably moved in a direction intersecting a direction in which the cartridge is coupled to the body.

It is another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating device having a structure in which, when a heater module is coupled to a body and a cartridge, a wick of the heater module is pressed by an absorbent member of the cartridge.

It is another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating device having a structure in which both ends of an absorbent member of a cartridge are spaced apart from a body hole in a direction in which a heater module is coupled to a body.

It is another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating device having an inclined surface provided on at least a part of both ends of an absorbent member of a cartridge in a direction in which a heater module is coupled to a body.

It is another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating device having a structure in which a connection terminal of a heater module obliquely extends in a direction in which a heater module is coupled to a body.

It is another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating device having a structure including a slit and a rib configured to prevent movement of a cartridge toward the inside of a body beyond a certain distance in a state in which the cartridge is coupled to the body in a longitudinal direction of the body.

It is another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating device having a structure including a fixing groove and a fixing protrusion formed to extend in a direction intersecting a direction in which a cartridge is inserted into a body and coupled to each other.

In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure for accomplishing the above objects, an aerosol-generating device includes an elongated body, a cartridge including a storage chamber containing an aerosol-generating substance and an absorbent member impregnated with the aerosol-generating substance, the cartridge being detachably coupled to the body, and a heater module including a wick and a heater configured to heat the wick, the heater module being detachably coupled to the body and the cartridge by sliding movement in a first direction intersecting a longitudinal direction of the body, wherein the absorbent member is in contact with the wick and presses the wick when the heater module is slidably moved and is coupled to the body.

In accordance with at least one of embodiments of the present disclosure, there is provided a structure in which a heater module is slidably moved in a direction intersecting a direction in which a cartridge is coupled to a body so as to be detachably coupled to the body and the cartridge, whereby it is possible to separate the heater module from the body independently of the cartridge and to improve user convenience.

In accordance with at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, there is provided a structure in which the heater module is slidably moved in the direction intersecting the direction in which the cartridge is coupled to the body so as to be detachably coupled to the body and the cartridge, whereby it is possible to more reliably couple the heater module to the body and the cartridge and to increase durability of a device.

In accordance with at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, there is provided a structure in which, when the heater module is coupled to the body and the cartridge, a wick of the heater module is pressed by an absorbent member of the cartridge, whereby it is possible to allow the absorbent member of the cartridge and the wick of the heater module to reliably contact each other and to stably supply an aerosol-generating substance from the cartridge to the wick.

In accordance with at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, there is provided a structure in which both ends of the absorbent member of the cartridge are spaced apart from a body hole in a direction in which the heater module is coupled to the body, whereby it is possible to prevent damage to the absorbent member of the cartridge in the process of coupling and disassembling the heater module to and from the cartridge.

In accordance with at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, at least a part of both ends of the absorbent member of the cartridge is provided with an inclined surface in the direction in which the heater module is coupled to the body, whereby it is possible to prevent damage to the absorbent member of the cartridge in the process of coupling and disassembling the heater module to and from the cartridge.

In accordance with at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, there is provided a structure in which a connection terminal of the heater module is formed to obliquely extend in the direction in which the heater module is coupled to the body, whereby it is possible to stably connect the heater module to a battery of the body and to prevent damage to the connection terminal in the process of coupling and disassembling the heater module to and from the cartridge.

In accordance with at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, there is provided a structure including a slit and a rib coupled to each other in the longitudinal direction of the body and configured to prevent the cartridge from being moved toward the inside of the body beyond a certain distance, whereby it is possible to stably couple the cartridge to the body regardless of the heater module.

In accordance with at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, there is provided a structure including a fixing groove and a fixing protrusion formed to extend in a direction intersecting a direction in which the cartridge is inserted into the body and coupled to each other, whereby it is possible to stably couple the cartridge to the body and the heater module.

Further scopes of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description. However, those skilled in the art may understand that various modifications and changes may be possible within the concept and scope of the present disclosure, and it should be understood that the detailed description and specific embodiments such as preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be given by way of illustration only.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

FIG. 2 is a view showing the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a cartridge, a heater module, and a body of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the heater module and the body of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the cartridge of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure when viewed from one side;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an opening of the body of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure when viewed from one side;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure when viewed from one side;

FIGS. 9 and 10 are perspective views of the heater module of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure when viewed from one side;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the heater module of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure when viewed from one side;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a connection terminal of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an absorbent member and a wick according to the embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing contact between the absorbent member and the wick when the heater module of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is coupled to the body and the cartridge; and

FIG. 16 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the absorbent member and the wick according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FIG. 2 shows an aerosol-generating device 1 according to an embodiment. According to one embodiment, the aerosol-generating device 1 may include a housing 10, a power supply 11, a controller 12, and/or a sensor unit 13. 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 include a structure that allows a cartridge 19 to be inserted into or mounted on one side thereof. In this case, the cartridge 19 may be removably coupled to the housing 10.

Although not shown in the drawings, the housing 10 and/or the cartridge 19 may include a mouthpiece. A user may inhale an aerosol while holding the mouthpiece in the mouth.

According to one embodiment, the cartridge 19 may include a chamber C0 containing an aerosol-generating substance. The chamber C0 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.

According to one embodiment, a liquid delivery part 25 that is impregnated with (contains) the aerosol-generating substance may be included in the cartridge 19. For example, the liquid delivery part 25 may be impregnated with the aerosol-generating substance supplied from the chamber C0. Here, the liquid delivery part 25 may include a wick formed of, e.g., cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic. Although not shown in the drawings, the aerosol-generating device 1 may further include a liquid delivery part. In this case, at least a portion of the first liquid delivery part of the cartridge 19 and at least a portion of the second liquid delivery part of the aerosol-generating device 1 may be formed in contact with each other. In this case, the first liquid delivery part and the second liquid delivery part may be implemented in different forms. For example, the first liquid delivery part may include cotton fiber, and the second liquid delivery part may include porous ceramic. Alternatively, the cartridge 19 may not include a liquid delivery part, and the aerosol-generating substance in the cartridge 19 may be delivered to the liquid delivery part of the aerosol-generating device 1.

According to one embodiment, the housing 10 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 coupled thereto. In an example, an air inlet through which outside air may be introduced into the housing 10 may be formed in one side surface of the housing 10. The air inlet may also be formed in the lower end surface of the housing 10. Outside air introduced into the housing 10 through the air inlet may pass through the cartridge 19, and then may flow toward the user's oral cavity through the airflow channel CN. The outside air introduced through the air inlet may flow to the user's oral cavity through the airflow channel CN via the cartridge 19.

For example, the airflow channel CN may be included in the cartridge 19. The airflow channel CN may connect the chamber (e.g., an atomization chamber) in which the cartridge heater 24 or the liquid delivery part 25 is disposed to the outside of the housing 10 and/or the cartridge 19. In more detail, one end of the airflow channel CN may be open to the chamber (e.g., the atomization chamber) in which the cartridge heater 24 or the liquid delivery part 25 is disposed, and the other end thereof may communicate with the mouthpiece. The airflow channel CN may be elongated from one side of the chamber C0 of the cartridge 19 in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 19. The airflow channel CN may also be elongated in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 19 through the chamber C0 of the cartridge 19. The airflow channel CN may also communicate with a separate mouthpiece provided at the housing 10.

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 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 included in the cartridge 19 and/or the aerosol-generating device 1 and/or in a shape (e.g., a pattern shape) contacting one side of the liquid delivery part.

According to one embodiment, the cartridge heater 24 may be included in the cartridge 19. If the cartridge 19 is formed to be removable from the housing 10, the cartridge heater 24 may be removed from the aerosol-generating device 1 together with the cartridge 19. 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. Meanwhile, the cartridge heater 24 may be included in a form that is removable from the housing 10 separately from (i.e., independently of) the cartridge 19. In other words, the cartridge heater 24 may or may not be removed from the housing 10 regardless of removal of the cartridge 19.

According to one embodiment, an aerosol may be generated based on generation of heat by the cartridge heater 24. As the liquid delivery part 25 is heated by the cartridge heater 24, an aerosol may be generated. For example, as the aerosol-generating substance impregnated in the liquid delivery part 25 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 inhaled into the user's oral cavity through the airflow channel CN.

According to one embodiment, the cartridge 19 may be integrally formed with the aerosol-generating device 1 (e.g., the housing 10). The cartridge 19 may be formed so as not to be removed from the aerosol-generating device 1 by the user. Even in this case, the cartridge 19 and/or the aerosol-generating device 1 may include at least one liquid delivery part, and an aerosol may be generated based on heating of the liquid delivery part 25 by the cartridge heater 24 included in the aerosol-generating device 1 or the cartridge 19. The generated aerosol may be inhaled into the user's oral cavity through the airflow channel CN.

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a cartridge, a heater module, and a body of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the heater module and the body of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 3, the aerosol-generating device 1 may include a body 300, a heater module 400, and a cartridge 500.

The body 300, the heater module 400, and the cartridge 500 may be detachably coupled to each other. The body 300, the heater module 400, and the cartridge 500 may be coupled to each other so as to form the exterior of the aerosol-generating device 1. The body 300, the heater module 400, and the cartridge 500 may accommodate therein other components of the aerosol-generating device 1.

The body 300 may accommodate at least one of a battery (for example, the power supply 11) or a controller (for example, the controller 12). The heater module 400 may accommodate therein at least one of a heater (for example, the heater 24) or a wick (for example, the liquid delivery element 25). The cartridge (for example, the cartridge 19) may accommodate therein at least one of a storage chamber (for example, the chamber C0) or an airflow channel (for example, the airflow channel CN).

Referring to FIG. 4, the body 300 may include a body housing 310. The body housing 310 may form the exterior of the aerosol-generating device 1. The body housing 310 may be bent in a circumferential direction and may form an internal accommodation space 311 therein. The body housing 310 may extend in one direction (for example, in a z direction).

A first opening 313 may be formed in one end of the body housing 310. The first opening 313 may be open from the upper end of the body housing 310 in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating device 1. The first opening 313 may communicate with the accommodation space 311. A second opening 314 may be formed in one side of the body housing 310. The second opening 314 may be open from the side surface of the body housing 310 in a direction (for example, in an x direction) intersecting the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating device 1. The second opening 314 may communicate with the accommodation space 311.

The body housing 310 may have a guide portion 312 formed in one side thereof and formed to be open in the longitudinal direction or vertical direction of the aerosol-generating device 1. The guide portion 312 may be formed by partially opening the side surface of the body housing 310. The guide portion 312 may be connected to the first opening 313 and the second opening 314. The guide portion 312 may extend lengthwise from the first opening 313 to the second opening 314.

The cartridge 500 may be detachably coupled to the body 300 and the heater module 400. The cartridge 500 may be coupled to the body 300 in the longitudinal direction of the body 300. One end or the lower end of the cartridge 500 may be inserted into the accommodation space 311 in the body 300 through the first opening 313 and may be slidably moved along the guide portion 312 to be coupled to the body 300. The guide portion 312 may guide coupling of the cartridge 500 to the body 300.

A mouthpiece 530 may be disposed on one side of the cartridge 500. The mouthpiece 530 may include an intake hole 535 capable of communicating with the outside of the cartridge 500.

Referring to FIG. 5, the heater module 400 may be detachably coupled to the body 300 and the cartridge 500. The heater module 400 may be coupled to the body 300 in a first direction W1 intersecting the longitudinal direction of the body 300. One end of the heater module 400 may be inserted into the accommodation space 311 in the body 300 through the second opening 314 and may be slidably moved in the first direction W1 to be coupled to the body 300.

The body 300, the heater module 400, and the cartridge 500 may be replaced independently of each other. A user may separately replace at least one of the body 300, the heater module 400, or the cartridge 500.

For example, a consumption cycle of an aerosol-generating substance stored in the cartridge 500 may be shorter than a replacement cycle of the heater module 400. While the cartridge 500 is replaced multiple times, the heater module 400 may be replaced only once. For example, the body 300 may be used without replacement thereof.

Accordingly, unnecessary replacement of the heater module 400 may be prevented, thereby reducing replacement costs of the aerosol-generating device 1.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the cartridge of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure when viewed from one side, FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the opening of the body of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure when viewed from one side, and FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure when viewed from one side.

Referring to FIGS. 6 to 8, the cartridge 500 may be provided with a slit 570. The slit 570 may be referred to as a sliding groove. A part of the side surface of the cartridge 500 may be recessed inwards to form the slit 570. The slit 570 may extend lengthwise in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 500. The cartridge 500 may be accommodated in the accommodation space 311 in the body housing 310 through the first opening 313 in the body housing 310.

The body 300 may be provided with a guide rib 320. The guide rib 320 may protrude from the body housing 310 to the inside of the body 300. The guide rib 320 may extend lengthwise in the longitudinal direction of the body housing 310 or in a direction in which the guide portion 312 extends. In the longitudinal direction of the body housing 310, the upper end of the guide rib 320 may be disposed adjacent to the first opening 313 in the body housing 310. In the circumferential direction of the body 300 or the body housing 310, the guide rib 320 may be disposed adjacent to the guide portion 312.

The slit 570 may be formed to have a shape corresponding to the guide rib 320. The cartridge 500 may be accommodated in the accommodation space 311 in the body housing 310 through the first opening 313 in the body housing 310. When the cartridge 500 is coupled to the body housing 310, the upper end of the guide rib 320 may be inserted into the slit 570 through the lower end of the slit 570. The guide rib 320 may be coupled to the slit 570 while sliding along the slit 570.

The body 300 may be provided with a plurality of guide ribs 320. The guide ribs 320 may include a first rib 321 and a second rib 322. The first rib 321 may be disposed adjacent to one side of the guide portion 312 in the circumferential direction of the body housing 310. The first rib 321 may extend lengthwise in a direction in which the guide portion 312 extends. The first rib 321 may extend lengthwise along the guide portion 312 from one of the opposite ends of the body housing 310, facing the guide portion 312. The second rib 322 may be disposed adjacent to the other side of the guide portion 312 in the circumferential direction of the body housing 310. The second rib 322 may extend lengthwise in the direction in which the guide portion 312 extends. The second rib 322 may extend lengthwise along the guide portion 312 from the other of the opposite ends of the body housing 310, facing the guide portion 312.

The cartridge 500 may be provided with a plurality of slits 570. The slits 570 may include a first slit 571 and a second slit (not shown). The first slit 571 and the second slit may extend lengthwise in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 500. The first slit 571 and the second slit may be spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the cartridge 500. The first slit 571 may be formed at a position corresponding to the first rib 321. The first slit 571 may be coupled to the first rib 321. The second slit may be formed at a position corresponding to the second rib 322. The second slit may be coupled to the second rib 322.

Accordingly, the body 300 is provided with the guide rib 320 protruding inwards and extending in one direction, and the slit 570 is provided in the side surface of the cartridge 500. Here, the cartridge 500 and the body 300 are coupled to each other through coupling between the guide rib 320 and the slit 570, thereby preventing generation of a clearance between the cartridge 500 and the body 300.

Furthermore, the guide portion 312 is formed in the side surface of the body 300, and the guide rib 320 extends in the extension direction of the guide portion 312 and is disposed adjacent to the guide portion 312, thereby enabling the body 300 and the cartridge 500 to be reliably coupled to each other around the periphery of the guide portion 312, in which a clearance is likely to generated.

One end of the slit 570 may be blocked and the other end thereof may be open in the longitudinal direction of the slit 570. For example, the upper end of the slit 570 may be located adjacent to the upper end of the cartridge 500 and may be covered by an upper cover 511 or the upper surface of the cartridge 500. The lower end of the slit 570 may be located adjacent to the lower end of the cartridge 500 and may be open downwards. At a position adjacent to the upper end of the slit 570, the width of the slit 570 may gradually narrow toward the upper side of the slit. At a position adjacent to the lower end of the slit 570, the width of the slit 570 may gradually widen toward the lower side of the slit.

The guide rib 320 may be inserted into the slit 570 and may be slidably moved upwards along the slit 570. The upper end of the guide rib 320 may contact the upper end of the slit 570. In a state in which the upper end of the guide rib 320 contacts the upper end of the slit 570, downward movement of the cartridge 500 may be prevented. When the cartridge 500 is slidable moved and is coupled to the body 300, the upper end of the guide rib 320 and the upper end of the slit 570 may serve as stoppers configured to prevent the cartridge 500 from being moved downwards or moved toward the inside of the body 300 beyond a certain distance.

Accordingly, in a state in which the heater module 400 is not coupled to the body 300, the position of the cartridge 500 may be fixed, and the cartridge 500 may be stably coupled to the body 300.

A fixing protrusion 560 may be formed on the cartridge 500. The fixing protrusion 560 may protrude outwards from the side surface of the cartridge 500. The fixing protrusion 560 may be disposed adjacent to the upper cover 511 or the upper surface of the cartridge 500. The fixing protrusion 560 may extend in the circumferential direction of the cartridge 500. The shape of the fixing protrusion 560 may be formed such that both ends of the fixing protrusion 560 are obliquely curved in the circumferential direction of the cartridge 500. A plurality of fixing protrusions 560 may be provided. The fixing protrusion 560 may include a plurality of fixing protrusions spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the cartridge 500. The fixing protrusion 560 may be disposed spaced apart from the slit 570 in the circumferential direction of the cartridge 500.

Fixing grooves 330 and 340 may be formed in the body housing 310. The fixing grooves 330 and 340 may be formed by recessing a part of the inner surface of the body housing 310 toward the outside of the body housing 310. The fixing grooves 330 and 340 may be disposed adjacent to the first opening 313 in the body 300. The fixing grooves 330 and 340 may be disposed closer to one end of the body housing 310, having the first opening 313 formed therein, than to the other end of the body housing 310 in the longitudinal direction of the body housing 310. The fixing grooves 330 and 340 may extend in the circumferential direction of the body housing 310. The shape of each of the fixing grooves 330 and 340 may be formed such that both ends of each of the fixing grooves 330 and 340 are obliquely recessed in the circumferential direction of the body housing 310. The fixing grooves 330 and 340 may be disposed spaced apart from the guide rib 320 in the circumferential direction of the body housing 310.

The fixing grooves 330 and 340 may include a first fixing groove 330 and a second fixing groove 340. The first fixing groove 330 may include a plurality of fixing grooves spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the body housing 310. The first fixing groove 330 may be disposed to be farther spaced apart from the first opening 313 than the second fixing groove 340. The second fixing groove 340 may include a plurality of fixing grooves spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the body housing 310. The second fixing groove 340 may be disposed closer to the first opening 313 than the first fixing groove 330. The second fixing groove 340 may be disposed between the first opening 313 and the first fixing groove 330 in the longitudinal direction of the body housing 310.

The fixing protrusions 560 may have shapes corresponding to the fixing grooves 330 and 340. The plurality of fixing protrusions may be coupled to the plurality of fixing grooves, respectively. For example, the fixing protrusions 560 may be coupled to the respective second fixing grooves 340. When the cartridge 500 is inserted and moved into the body housing 310 through the first opening 313, the fixing protrusions 560 may be coupled to the respective second fixing grooves 340. In a state in which the fixing protrusions 560 coupled to the respective second fixing grooves 340, the cartridge 500 may be fixed at a second position. When the cartridge 500 is further inserted into the body housing 310 at the second position, the fixing protrusions 560 may be separated from the respective second fixing grooves 340 and may be coupled to the respective first fixing grooves 330. In a state in which the fixing protrusions 560 are coupled to the respective first fixing grooves 330, the cartridge 500 may be fixed at a first position (refer to FIG. 8). The first position may be located farther inside the body housing 310 than the second position or may be located below the second position in the body housing 310. At the first position, the upper end of the guide rib 320 may contact the upper end of the slit 570.

Downward movement of the cartridge 500 may be prevented at the first position. In a state in which the cartridge 500 is disposed at the first position, a space configured for the heater module 400 to be inserted thereinto may be secured at a lower portion of the accommodation space 311. In a state in which the cartridge 500 is disposed at the first position, the lower end of the cartridge 500 may be aligned with the upper end of the second opening 314. In a state in which the cartridge 500 is disposed at the first position, the lower end of the cartridge 500 may form an upper portion of the space into which the heater module 400 is inserted.

Therefore, in a state in which the heater module 400 is not coupled to the body 300, the position of the cartridge 500 may be fixed, and the cartridge 500 may be stably coupled to the body 300.

The cartridge 500 may include a cartridge body 510 and a guide body 520. The cartridge body 510 may include therein at least one of a storage chamber 527, an airflow channel 531, a first aerosol flow path 540, or an absorbent member 550. The storage chamber 527 may store an aerosol-generating substance therein. The airflow channel 531 may communicate with the intake hole 535 and the aerosol flow path 540. The absorbent member 550 may be disposed on the lower side of the storage chamber 527. The absorbent member 550 may absorb the aerosol-generating substance stored in the storage chamber 527. At least a part of the absorbent member 550 may be exposed to the outside through a body hole 513 formed in the lower side of the cartridge body 510. One end of the first aerosol flow path 540 may be exposed to the outside through a hole formed in the lower side of the cartridge body 510.

The guide body 520 may protrude outwards from the side surface of the cartridge body 510. The guide body 520 may be convexly bent outwards. The guide body 520 may extend in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 500. At least a part of the storage chamber 527 may be disposed within the guide body 520.

Boundaries between the guide body 520 and the cartridge body 510 may respectively extend in longitudinal direction of the cartridge 500 from both sides of the guide body 520. The guide body 520 may be formed to be integrated with the cartridge body 510. When the cartridge 500 is coupled to the body housing 310, the guide body 520 may be inserted into the guide portion 312. The guide body 520 may protrude outwards from the body housing 310 after penetrating the guide portion 312. The guide body 520 may be slidably moved along the guide section 312. At least a part of the convexly curved outer surface of the guide body 520 may contain a transparent material. A user may check the remaining amount of the aerosol-generating substance stored in the storage chamber 527 through the outer surface of the guide body 520, protruding outwards from the guide portion 312.

The slit 570 may be disposed adjacent to the boundary between the cartridge body 510 and the guide body 520. The first slit 571 may extend along one boundary between the cartridge body 510 and the guide body 520. The second slit may extend along the other boundary between the cartridge body 510 and the guide body 520.

The mouthpiece 530 may be disposed on one side of the cartridge 500. The mouthpiece 530 may cover at least a part of the upper portion of the cartridge body 510 and/or the guide body 520. The mouthpiece 530 may extend in a direction in which the guide body 520 extends. A part of the outer surface of the mouthpiece 530 may be convexly bent. A part of the convexly bent outer surface of the mouthpiece 530 may be connected to the convexly bent outer surface of the guide body 520. The mouthpiece 530 may be formed to be integrated with the cartridge body 510 and the guide body 520.

The rib 320 may extend in a direction in which the mouthpiece 530 protrudes or in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 500. A direction in which the rib 320 extends may correspond to the direction in which the mouthpiece 530 protrudes.

A user may inhale an aerosol while holding the mouthpiece 530 in the mouth. While the user inhales the aerosol, external force may be applied to the cartridge 500 and the body 300 via the mouthpiece 530. Here, the rib 320 extends in the direction corresponding to the direction in which the mouthpiece 530 protrudes, thereby preventing shaking of the cartridge 500 or generation of a clearance between the cartridge 500 and the body 300 due to external force applied to the cartridge 500 and the body 300 via the mouthpiece 530.

A handling protrusion 521 may be provided on one side of the guide body 520. The handling protrusion 521 may protrude convexly outwards from the convexly bent portion of the guide body 520. The handling protrusion 521 may include a plurality of protrusions spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 500. When the cartridge 500 is coupled to the body 300, the handling protrusion 521 may protrude outwards from the guide portion 312.

A user may slidably move the cartridge 500 into the body housing 310 by pushing the handling protrusion 521 in a state in which the lower end of the cartridge 500 is inserted into the first opening 313 in the body housing 310. Accordingly, the user may easily couple the cartridge 500 to the body 300, thereby improving user convenience.

FIGS. 9 and 10 are perspective views of the heater module of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure when viewed from one side, and FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the heater module of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure when viewed from one side.

Referring to FIGS. 9 to 11, the heater module 400 may include a wick 430 and a heater 490. The heater module 400 may include a module housing 410. An atomization chamber 480 may be formed inside the module housing 410. The wick 430 and the heater 490 may be accommodated in the atomization chamber 480.

The wick 430 may be disposed above the atomization chamber 480. The heater 490 may contact the wick 430. The heater 490 may be disposed to contact the lower side of the wick 430 and may be exposed in the atomization chamber 480.

A wick hole 450 may be formed in the module housing 410. The wick hole 450 may be formed in an upper cover 411 of the module housing 410. The wick hole 450 may be formed to vertically penetrate the upper cover 411. At least a part of the wick 430 may be exposed to the outside or the upper portion of the heater module 400 through the wick hole 450.

The heater module 400 may include a second connection terminal 460. The second connection terminal 460 may be disposed inside the module housing 410. At least a part of the second connection terminal 460 may be exposed to the outside or the lower portion of the heater module 400. The lower end of the second connection terminal 460 may be exposed downwards through a hole formed in a lower cover 412 of the module housing 410. The second connection terminal 460 may include two terminals. The second connection terminal 460 may contact the heater 490. For example, one terminal of the second connection terminal 460 may contact one end of the heater 490, and the other terminal thereof may contact the other end of the heater 490. The second connection terminal 460 may be disposed across the atomization chamber 480. In a state in which the heater module 400 is coupled to the body 300, the second connection terminal 460 may be electrically connected to a first connection terminal 350 (refer to FIG. 12) provided in the body 300.

The heater module 400 may include a handling portion 420. The handling portion 420 may be coupled to one side of the module housing 410. The handling portion 420 may protrude outwards from the side surface of the module housing 410. The handling portion 420 may be convexly bent outwards. The handling portion 420 may extend in the longitudinal direction of the heater module 400. In a state in which the heater module 400 is coupled to the cartridge 500 and the body 300, the handling portion 420 may form a continuous curved surface with the guide body 520 of the cartridge 500.

The user may grip the handling portion 420 to couple the heater module 400 to the body 300 or to separate the heater module 400 from the body 300. Although not shown in the drawing, at least one protrusion may be formed on the handling portion 420.

Accordingly, the user may easily couple or separate the heater module 400 to or from the body 300, thereby improving user convenience.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the connection terminal of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 12 together with FIGS. 4 and 8, the body 300 may include the first connection terminal 350. The first connection terminal 350 may be fixed to an inner housing 315 of the body 300. The inner housing 315 may be disposed inside the body housing 310 and may be fixed to the body housing 310. The inner housing 315 may be formed to be integrated with the body housing 310.

The first connection terminal 350 may protrude toward the accommodation space 311. In the accommodation space 311, the first connection terminal 350 may be disposed on a lower side of the accommodation space 311. Here, the heater module 400 is accommodated in the lower side of the accommodation space 311. A plurality of first connection terminals 350 may be provided. The first connection terminal 350 may include two terminals corresponding to the second connection terminals 460 of the heater module 400. In a state in which the heater module 400 is coupled to the body 300, each of the plurality of first connection terminals 350 may be in contact with a corresponding one of the second connection terminals 460 of the heater module 400 and may be electrically connected thereto.

The first connection terminal 350 may include a first part 351 and a second part 352. The first part 351 may be partially fixed to the inner housing 315. The first part 351 may penetrate the inner housing 315 in the vertical direction and may be fixed to the inner housing 315. The second part 352 may be connected to the first part 351. The second part 352 may be formed to be integrated with the first part 351. The second part 352 may be inclined with respect to the first direction W1. The second part 352 may extend to form an inclination such that the height of the second part 352 gradually increases in a direction away from the second opening 314.

The first connection terminal 350 may further include a third part 353 and a fourth part 354. The third part 353 may be formed to be integrated with the second part 352. The third part 353 may be inclined with respect to the first direction W1. The third part 353 may obliquely extend downwards from one end of the second part 352. The third part 353 may extend to form an inclination such that the height of the third part 353 gradually decreases in the direction away from the second opening 314. A first contact 355 may be formed at a boundary between the second part 352 and the third part 353. The first contact 355 may be in contact with the second connection terminal 460 of the heater module 400 and may be electrically connected thereto.

The fourth part 354 may connect the first part 351 to the second part 352. The fourth part 354 may be formed to be integrated with the first part 351. The fourth part 354 may also be referred to as a partial configuration of the first part 351. The fourth part 354 may be bent from the other end of the second part 352 and may obliquely extend downwards.

The first part 351 may be convexly bent downwards. A convexly bent portion of the first part 351 may be referred to as a second contact 356. The second contact 356 may be in contact with a terminal provided in a battery (not shown) disposed inside the body 300 or a terminal provided in a control circuit that controls the operation of the battery and may be electrically connected thereto.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 14 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the absorbent member and the wick according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing contact between the absorbent member and the wick when the heater module of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is coupled to the body and the cartridge.

Referring to FIG. 13, the cartridge 500 and the heater module 400 may be coupled to the body 300. As described above, the cartridge 500 may be detachably coupled to the body 300 in the longitudinal direction of the body 300. The heater module 400 may be detachably coupled to the body 300 in the first direction W1 intersecting the longitudinal direction of the body 300.

In a state in which the cartridge 500 and the heater module 400 are coupled to the body 300, the cartridge 500 may be disposed above the heater module 400. The absorbent member 550 of the cartridge 500 may be disposed above the wick 430 of the heater module 400 and may be in contact with the wick 430.

In a state in which the cartridge 500 is coupled to the body 300 and the heater module 400, the absorbent member 550 may be in contact with the wick 430 provided in the heater module 400. The first aerosol flow path 540 may communicate with a second aerosol flow path 440 provided in the heater module 400, and the aerosol formed in the atomization chamber 480 provided in the heater module 400 may flow through the first and second aerosol flow paths 540 and 550 to the airflow channel 531.

The absorbent member 550 may include an absorbent body 551 and a leg 552. The absorbent body 551 may extend in one direction (for example, in the z direction). At least a part of the absorbent body 551 may be exposed to the outside of the cartridge body 510. For example, in a direction in which the absorbent body 551 extends, one end or the lower end of the absorbent body 551 may be exposed to the outside of the cartridge body 510. The leg 552 may protrude from the absorbent body 551 to one side. For example, the leg 552 may protrude from the absorbent body 551 in a direction intersecting the direction in which the absorbent body 551 extends (for example, in the x direction).

Referring to FIG. 14, in a state in which the heater module 400 is coupled to the cartridge 500, a portion 551a of the absorbent member 550, protruding toward the outside of the cartridge 500, may be inserted into the wick hole 450. A length D1 of the protruding portion 551a of the absorbent member 550, protruding downwards from the cartridge 500, may be equal to or greater than a height H1 of the wick hole 450. The protruding portion 551a of the absorbent member 550 may press the wick 430 exposed through the wick hole 450 downwards.

Accordingly, the absorbent member 550 of the cartridge 500 and the wick 430 of the heater module 400 may firmly contact each other, and the aerosol-generating substance may be stably supplied from the cartridge 500 to the wick 430.

The protruding portion 551a of the absorbent member 550 may be exposed to the outside through the body hole 513. In the first direction W1, both ends of the protruding portion 551a of the absorbent member 550 may be spaced apart from the body hole 513. Spaces 5131 may be respectively formed between both ends of the protruding portion 551a of the absorbent member 550 and the body hole 513.

Referring to FIG. 15, the heater module 400 may be detachably coupled to the body 300 in the first direction W1 intersecting the longitudinal direction of the body 300.

When the heater module 400 is inserted into the accommodation space 311 through the second opening 314, the protruding portion 551a of the absorbent member 550 may contact the upper portion of the heater module 400. The protruding portion 551a of the absorbent member 550 may be pressed upwards and in the first direction W1 by the upper portion of the heater module 400. While the heater module 400 is slidably moved in the first direction W1, the protruding portion 551a of the absorbent member 550 may be bent in the first direction W1. In this case, the protruding portion 551a may be smoothly bent without interfering with the side surface of the body hole 513 by the separation spaces 5131 respectively formed between both ends of the protruding portion 551a and the body hole 513.

Accordingly, damage to the absorbent member 550 of the cartridge 500 may be prevented in the process of coupling and disassembling the heater module 400 to and from the cartridge 500.

When the heater module 400 is inserted into the accommodation space 311 through the second opening 314, the first connection terminal 350 of the body 300 may contact the lower portion of the heater module 400. The first connection terminal 350 may pass through a terminal groove 470 (refer to FIG. 10) formed in the lower end of one side of the heater module 400 and may contact the second connection terminal 460 of the heater module 400. The first connection terminal 350 may be pressed in the downward direction and the first direction W1 by the lower portion of the heater module 400. While the heater module 400 is slidably moved along the first direction W1, the first connection terminal 350 may be bent in the first direction W1. In this case, the first connection terminal 350 may be smoothly bent by a bent structure of the first connection terminal 350. Furthermore, movement of the heater module 400 in the first direction W1 may be guided by the inclined surface of the second part 352 of the first connection terminal 350.

When the heater module 400 is separated from the accommodation space 311 through the second opening 314, the first connection terminal 350 may be pressed by the lower portion of the heater module 400 in the downward direction and a direction opposite to the first direction W1. While the heater module 400 is slidably moved in the direction opposite to the first direction W1, the first connection terminal 350 may be bent in the direction opposite to the first direction W1. In this case, the first connection terminal 350 may be smoothly bent by the bent structure of the first connection terminal 350. Furthermore, movement of the heater module 400 in the direction opposite to the first direction W1 may be guided by the inclined surface of the third part 353 of the first connection terminal 350.

Accordingly, damage to the connection terminal 350 may be prevented in the process of coupling and disassembling the heater module 400 to and from the cartridge 500.

FIG. 16 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the absorbent member and the wick according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 16 together with FIG. 15, in the first direction W1, an inclined surface 553 may be formed on at least one of both ends of the protruding portion 551a of the absorbent member 550. The inclined surface 553 may include a first inclined surface 5531 formed on one end of the protruding portion 551a of the absorbent member 550 and a second inclined surface 5532 formed on the other end thereof.

When the heater module 400 is inserted into the accommodation space 311 through the second opening 314, the protruding portion 551a of the absorbent member 550 may contact the upper portion of the heater module 400. In this case, the first inclined surface 5531 may first contact the upper portion of the heater module 400, and the protruding portion 551a of the absorbent member 550 may be pressed in the upward direction and the first direction W1 by the upper portion of the heater module 400 without being damaged through the first inclined surface 5531.

When the heater module 400 is separated from the accommodation space 311 through the second opening 314, the protruding portion 551a of the absorbent member 550 may contact the upper portion of the heater module 400. In this case, the second inclined surface 5532 may first contact the upper portion of the heater module 400, and the protruding portion 551a of the absorbent member 550 may be pressed in the upward direction and the direction opposite to the first direction W1 by the upper portion of the heater module 400 without being damaged through the second inclined surface 5532.

Therefore, in the process of coupling and disassembling the heater module 400 to and from the cartridge 500, damage to the absorbent member 550 of the cartridge 500 may be prevented.

Meanwhile, when the heater module 400 and the cartridge 500 are coupled to the body 300, the heater module 400 may be coupled to the body 300 in a state in which the cartridge 500 is not fully inserted into or coupled to the body 300. For example, the cartridge 500 may be slidably moved downwards in the longitudinal direction of the body 300 and may be fixed at the second position. At the second position, the fixing protrusion 560 of the cartridge 500 may be coupled to the second fixing groove 340. The heater module 400 may be coupled to the body 300 by sliding movement thereof in the first direction W1. At the second position, the cartridge 500 is disposed spaced apart from the heater module 400 in the upward direction, so that the wick 430 of the heater module 400 and the absorbent member 550 of the cartridge 500 may not contact each other. In a state in which the heater module 400 is coupled to the body 300, the cartridge 500 may be slidably moved from the second position to the first position. The cartridge 500 may be coupled to the heater module 400 while being slidably moved downwards in the longitudinal direction of the body 300. Here, during downward movement of the protruding portion 551a of the absorbent member 550, the protruding portion 551a of the absorbent member 550 may contact the wick 430 of the heater module 400 and may press the wick 430 downwards.

Accordingly, in the process of coupling the heater module 400 and the cartridge 500 to the body 300, friction between the cartridge 500 and the heater module 400 is maximally reduced, thereby preventing damage to the absorbent member 550 of the cartridge.

Meanwhile, when the heater module 400 and the cartridge 500 are coupled to the body 300, the cartridge 500 may be coupled to the body 300 in a state in which the heater module 400 is coupled to the body 300. The cartridge 500 may be coupled to the body 300 and the heater module 400 while being slidably moved downwards in the longitudinal direction of the body 300. Here, while being moved downwards, the protruding portion 551a of the absorption member 550 may contact the wick 430 of the heater module 400 and may press the wick 430 downwards.

As described above, in accordance with at least one of embodiments of the present disclosure, there is provided a structure in which a heater module is slidably moved in a direction intersecting a direction in which a cartridge is coupled to a body so as to be detachably coupled to the body and the cartridge, whereby it is possible to separate the heater module from the body independently of the cartridge and to improve user convenience.

In accordance with at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, there is provided a structure in which the heater module is slidably moved in the direction intersecting the direction in which the cartridge is coupled to the body so as to be detachably coupled to the body and the cartridge, whereby it is possible to more reliably couple the heater module to the body and the cartridge and to increase durability of a device.

In accordance with at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, there is provided a structure in which, when the heater module is coupled to the body and the cartridge, a wick of the heater module is pressed by an absorbent member of the cartridge, whereby it is possible to allow the absorbent member of the cartridge and the wick of the heater module to reliably contact each other and to stably supply an aerosol-generating substance from the cartridge to the wick.

In accordance with at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, there is provided a structure in which both ends of the absorbent member of the cartridge are spaced apart from a body hole in a direction in which the heater module is coupled to the body, whereby it is possible to prevent damage to the absorbent member of the cartridge in the process of coupling and disassembling the heater module to and from the cartridge.

In accordance with at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, at least a part of both ends of the absorbent member of the cartridge is provided with an inclined surface in the direction in which the heater module is coupled to the body, whereby it is possible to prevent damage to the absorbent member of the cartridge in the process of coupling and disassembling the heater module to and from the cartridge.

In accordance with at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, there is provided a structure in which a connection terminal of the heater module is formed to obliquely extend in the direction in which the heater module is coupled to the body, whereby it is possible to stably connect the heater module to a battery of the body and to prevent damage to the connection terminal in the process of coupling and disassembling the heater module to and from the cartridge.

In accordance with at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, there is provided a structure including a slit and a rib coupled to each other in the longitudinal direction of the body and configured to prevent the cartridge from being moved toward the inside of the body beyond a certain distance, whereby it is possible to stably couple the cartridge to the body regardless of the heater module.

In accordance with at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, there is provided a structure including a fixing groove and a fixing protrusion formed to extend in a direction intersecting a direction in which the cartridge is inserted into the body and coupled to each other, whereby it is possible to stably couple the cartridge to the body and the heater module.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 16, an aerosol-generating device 1 in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure includes an elongated body 300, a cartridge 500 including a storage chamber 527 containing an aerosol-generating substance and an absorbent member 550 impregnated with the aerosol-generating substance, the cartridge being detachably coupled to the body 300, and a heater module 400 including a wick 430 and a heater 490 configured to heat the wick 430, the heater module being slidably moved in a first direction W1 intersecting a longitudinal direction of the body 300 and detachably coupled to the body 300 and the cartridge 500. Here, the absorbent member 550 is in contact with the wick 430 and presses the wick 430 when the heater module 400 is slidably moved and is coupled to the body 300.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the heater module 400 may include a wick hole 450 formed to be open upwards, and exposing at least a part of the wick 430 to the outside of the heater module 400, and the absorbent member 550 may have a portion protruding downwards from the cartridge 500 and the protruding portion may be inserted into the wick hole 450 in a state in which the heater module 400 is coupled to the body 300 so as to press an exposed portion of the wick 430 downwards.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a length D1 of the absorbent member 550 protruding downwards from the cartridge 500 may be equal to or greater than a height H of the wick hole 450.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the cartridge 500 may include a body hole 513 formed in a lower side of the cartridge 500, and exposing a protruding portion of the absorbent member 550 to an outside of the cartridge 500, and both ends of the protruding portion 551a of the absorbent member 550 may be spaced apart from the body hole 513 in the first direction W.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the absorbent member 550 may have a portion protruding downwards from the cartridge 500, and the protruding portion 551a of the absorbent member 500 may have an inclined surface 553 formed on at least one of both ends of the protruding portion in the first direction W.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the heater module 400 may include a second connection terminal 460 in contact with the heater 490, the second connection terminal having one end exposed to a lower side of the heater module 400, and the body 300 may include a first connection terminal 350 formed to protrude toward an accommodation space 311 in which the heater module 400 is accommodated, the first connection terminal contacting the second connection terminal 460.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the first connection terminal 350 may include a first part 351 fixed to the body and a second part 352 connected to the first part 351, wherein at least a part of the second part 352 obliquely extends in a direction away from an opening 314 through which the heater module 400 is inserted into the body 300 and contacts the second connection terminal 460.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the first connection terminal 350 may further include a third part 353 connected to the second part 352, the third part obliquely extending downwards from the second part 352.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the body 300 may include a first opening 313 configured for the cartridge 500 to be inserted thereinto and a second opening 314 configured for the heater module 400 to be inserted thereinto, and the second opening 314 may be open in a direction intersecting a direction in which the first opening 313 is open.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the body 300 may include a guide portion 312 formed in the longitudinal direction of the body 300, the guide portion being connected to the first opening 313 and the second opening 314, one end of the cartridge 500 may be inserted into the body 300 through the first opening 313, and the cartridge 500 may be coupled to the body 300 by sliding movement along the guide portion 312.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the cartridge 500 may include a slit 570 formed by a portion of a side surface of the cartridge 500 being recessed, the slit extending lengthwise in a longitudinal direction of the cartridge 500, and the body 300 may include a guide rib 320 protruding inwards from the body 300, wherein the guide rib 320 extends in a direction in which the guide portion 312 extends and being coupled to the slit 570.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, an upper end of the slit 570 may be closed, a lower end of the slit 570 may be open downwards, and the guide rib 320 may be inserted into the slit 570 and may be slidably moved upwards along the slit 570 such that an upper end of the guide rib 320 contacts the upper end of the slit 570 to prevent downward movement of the cartridge 500.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the body 300 may include fixing grooves 330 and 340 each formed by a portion of an inner surface of the body 300 being recessed, each of the fixing grooves extending in a circumferential direction of the body 300, and the cartridge 500 may include fixing protrusions 560 each protruding outwards from a side surface of the cartridge 500, each of the fixing protrusions extending in a circumferential direction of the cartridge 500 and being coupled to a corresponding one of the fixing grooves 330 and 340.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the fixing grooves 330 and 340 may include a first fixing groove 330 and a second fixing groove 340 disposed adjacent to the first opening 313 in the longitudinal direction of the body 300, and the first fixing groove 330 may be spaced farther apart from the first opening 313 than the second fixing groove 340 in the longitudinal direction of the body 300.

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

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

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