AEROSOL-GENERATING DEVICE

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the priority benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0035338, filed on Mar. 19, 2025, and No. 10-2024-0161148, filed on Nov. 13, 2024 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the invention

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating device.

2. Description of the Related Art

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

An aerosol-generating device for heating an aerosol-generating substance by an external heating method is configured such that a stainless steel tube is disposed inside a hollow heater track, and heat generated from a heater is transmitted to the aerosol-generating substance through the stainless steel tube to heat the aerosol-generating substance. In the heating method via the stainless steel tube, since the heat generated from the heater is transmitted to the aerosol-generating substance through the stainless steel tube, there is a problem in that heat efficiency is reduced.

To address the problem of reduced thermal efficiency caused by the stainless steel tube, a structure in which the heater is in direct contact with the aerosol-generating substance may be considered. According to such a direct-contact structure, since the heat generated by the heater does not pass through the stainless steel tube, a reduction in thermal efficiency can be suppressed. However, there is a problem in that, during the process of inserting or removing the aerosol-generating product, the aerosol-generating product may become caught on a protruding structure of the heat generation track of the heater or the like, which may result in damage to the aerosol-generating product.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

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

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol-generating device in which a heat generator surrounding an insertion space includes a projection which projects toward the opening of the insertion space from a heat generation track and is inclined outwards.

Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol-generating device in which the heat generation track extends in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space and the projection projects from the connecting portion between elongated tracks in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space.

Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol-generating device in which the projection is spaced apart from the inner surface of an upper case.

Still yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol-generating device in which a hollow support portion surrounds the outer side of the heat generation track and the projection projects upwards and/or downwards farther than the support portion.

In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure for accomplishing the above objects, there is provided an aerosol-generating device including a body having an insertion space open at one end and extending in one direction, and a heat generator disposed in the body and surrounding the insertion space, wherein the heat generator includes a heat generation track, and a first projection projecting toward an opening of the insertion space from one side of the heat generation track and inclined in a radial outward direction of the insertion space.

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

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

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

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate the aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 a perspective view of a heater according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 5 and 6 are exploded perspective views of the heater according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 illustrates the developed state of the a heat generator of the heater according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating the state in which the heat generator and a support portion according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are coupled to each other;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the heater according to an embodiment of the present disclosure when viewed from the front;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the heater according to an embodiment of the present disclosure when viewed from above;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating the arrangement of the heat generator, an upper case and a support portion according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating the arrangement of the heat generator, a lower case and the support portion according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, the embodiments disclosed in the present specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. 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. FIG. 3 shows an aerosol-generating device 1 according to an embodiment.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a heater 30 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 4, the heater 30 (for example, the heater 18 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) may be an assembly equipped therein with a heat generator 31. The heater 30 may be referred to as a heater assembly 30.

The heater 30 may have a tube or cylindrical shape having a cavity therein. The heater 30 may be disposed in the body 10 (for example, the housing 10 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3) of the aerosol-generating device 1 having an insertion space 43 (for example, the insertion space 43 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3). The heater 30 may surround the insertion space 43. The heater 30 may have the insertion space 43. The insertion space 43 and/or the aerosol-generating product 2 (for example, the aerosol-generating product 2 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3) inserted into the insertion space 43 may be heated by the heater 30. The aerosol-generating product 2 may be referred to as an aerosol-generating article. The heater 30 may include the heat generator 31 surrounding the insertion space 43. The heat generator 31 may generate heat by the power source 11 (for example, the power source 11 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3) or power applied from the outside. The heater 30 may include an upper case 34, a lower case 35 and 36 and a heat insulation portion 33. The upper case 34, the lower case 35 and 36 and the heat insulation portion 33 may define at least a portion of the appearance of the heater 30. The upper case 34, the lower case 35 and 36 and the heat insulation portion 33 may respectively surround the upper portion, the lower portion and the lateral portion of the heat generator 33.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are exploded perspective views of the heater 30 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the heater 30 may include the heat generator 31, a support portion 32, the heat insulation portion 33, the upper case 34, and the lower case 35 and 36.

The support portion 32 may have the form of a cylinder having a cavity therein. The support portion 32 may surround the outer portion of the heat generator 31. At least a portion of the heat generator 31 may be inserted into the support portion 32. The inner surface of the support portion 32 may support the heat generator 31 inserted into the support portion 32, in a radial direction of the insertion space 43.

The heat insulation portion 33 may have the form of a cylinder having a cavity therein. The heat insulation portion 33 may be referred to as an insulation portion. The heat insulation portion 33 may surround the outer portion of the support portion 32. At least a portion of the support portion 32 may be inserted into the heat insulation portion 33. At least portions of the support portion 32 and the heat generator 31 may be received in the heat insulation portion 33. The heat insulation portion 33 may include a vacuum region 33V (see FIGS. 12 and 13) therein. The heat insulation portion 33 may surround the outer portions of the heat generator 31 and the support portion 32, and may suppress transmission of the heat generated by the heat generator 31 to the outside in the radial direction of the insertion space 43.

Although the support portion 32 and the heat insulation portion 33 may be made of stainless steel, aluminum or an alloy, the material of the support portion 32 and the heat insulation portion 33 are not limited thereto.

The upper case 34 may be coupled to at least one of the support portion 32 and the heat insulation portion 33. The upper case 34 may surround the upper portion of the heat generator 31. An insertion port 34H may be formed in the upper case 34. The insertion port 34H may communicate with the insertion space 43.

The lower case 35 and 36 may be coupled to at least one of the support portion 32 and the heat insulation portion 33. The lower case 35 and 36 may surround the lower portion of the heat generator 31. The lower case 35 and 36 may include a first lower case 45 coupled to at least one of the support portion 32 and the heat insulation portion 33 and a second lower case 36 coupled to the lower portion of the first lower case 35. An insertion port 35H may be formed in the first lower case 35. An insertion groove 36H may be formed in the second lower case 36. The insertion port 35H and the insertion groove 36H may communicate with the insertion space 43. The insertion port 35H and the insertion groove 36H may form a portion of the insertion space 43.

Although the upper case 34 and the lower case 35 and 36 may be made of polyetheretherketone (PEEk) or the like, the material of the upper case 34 and the lower case 35 and 36 are not limited thereto.

FIG. 7 illustrates the developed state of the heat generator 31 of the heater 30 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 7, the heat generator 31 may include conductive track 311. The conductive track 311 may be referred to as a heat generation track 311. The heat generation track 311 may generate heat by receiving power from the power source 11 or the outside. The heat generated by the heat generation track 311 may heat the medium and/or the humectant in the aerosol-generating product 2 inserted into the insertion space 43, thus creating an aerosol. The heat generation track 311 may be made of stainless steel, copper, aluminum or an alloy, without being limited thereto.

The heat generation track 311 may have a shape in which an elongated track is bent at least once. The heat generation track 311 may have a shape which extends in one direction and is bent to be zigzag. When the heat generation track 311 is developed, the heat generation track 311 may have an overall rectangular shape.

The heat generation track 311 may include a main track 3111, a first connecting track 3112 and a second connecting track 3113. The main track 3111, the first connecting track 3112 and the second connecting track 3113 may be formed integrally with one another. The main track 3111, the first connecting track 3112 and the second connecting track 3113 may form a single track which extends and is bent at least once.

The main track 3111 may include a plurality of tracks which extend in one direction or in a longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43. The plural tracks may extend in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43 and may be arranged parallel to each other.

The first connecting track 3112 may connect first ends or upper ends of adjacent main tracks 3111 to each other. The second connecting track 3113 may connect second ends or lower ends of adjacent main tracks 3111 to each other. The first connecting track 3112 and the second connecting track 3113 may form the bent portions of the heat generation track 311.

A projection 312 may project from the first or second side of the heat generation track 311. The projection 312 may be formed integrally with the heat generation track 311. The projection 312 may include at least one of a first projection 3121 and a second projection 3122. When the heat generation track 311 generates heat by power input from the outside, the projection 312 may also generate heat.

Accordingly, the heating area of the heat generator 31 may be increased by virtue of the projection 312.

The first projection 3121 may project from the first side or the upper side of the heat generation track 311. The first projection 3121 may project from the bent portion of the heat generation track 311. The first projection 3121 may project from the first connecting track 3112 of the heat generation track 311. The direction in which the first projection 3121 projects may correspond to the direction in which the main track 3111 extends. The direction in which the first projection 3121 projects may correspond to the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43.

The second projection 3122 may project from the second side or the lower side of the heat generation track 311. The second projection 3122 may project from the bent portion of the heat generation track 311. The second projection 3122 may project from the second connecting track 3113 of the heat generation track 311. The direction in which the second projection 3122 projects may correspond to the direction in which the main track 3111 extends. The direction in which the second projection 3122 projects may correspond to the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43.

Two ends 313 of the heat generation track 311 may include a first end 3131 and a second end 3122. The first end 3131 may be a first end of one track which extends meanderingly. The second end 3132 may be a second end of the one track which extends meanderingly. The two ends 313 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the first projection 3121 or the second projection 3122. For example, the two ends 313 of the heat generation track 311 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the second projection 3122. In the hollow heat generator 31, the first end 3131 and the second end 3132 may be disposed adjacent to each other at the second end or the lower end of the heat generator 31 (see FIG. 8).

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the structure in which the heat generator 31 of the heater 30 and the support portion 32 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are coupled to each other.

Referring to FIG. 8, at least a portion of the heat generator 31 may be inserted into the support portion 32. The support portion 32 may surround the outer portion of the heat generator 31. The upper and lower ends of the heat generator 31 may be exposed to the outside of the support portion 32. For example, at least a portion of the first projection 3121 of the heat generator 31 may be exposed to the outside or upper side of the support portion 32. For example, at least a portion of the second projection 3122 of the heat generator 31 may be exposed to the outside or lower side of the support 31. For example, at least portions of the two ends 313 of the heat generator 31 may be exposed to the outside or lower side of the support portion 32.

Each of the first projection 3121 may include a plurality of projections which are disposed along the periphery of the heat generator 31 or the insertion space 43 so as to be spaced apart from each other.

The first projection 3121 may be bent in the radial direction of the heat generator 31 or the insertion space 43 so as to be inclined. For example, the first projection 3121 may extend upwards from the heat generation track 311 by a predetermined distance in a direction parallel to the heat generation track 311, and the end portion of the first projection 3121 may be bent in a radial outward direction of the insertion space 43. In another example, the first projection 3121 may be bent from the heat generation track 311 in the radial outward direction without extending upwards from the heat generation track 311 by a predetermined distance in a direction parallel to the heat generation track 311.

The portion of the first projection 3121 that is bent in the radial outward direction may include a sloping surface which is inclined at a predetermined angle based on the longitudinal direction of the heat generation track 311 or the insertion space 43. In another example, the portion of the first projection 3121 that is bent in the radial outward direction may include a plurality of sloping surfaces which are bent at least once and inclined at different angles based on the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43. In a further example, the portion of the first projection 3121 that is bent in the radial outward direction may be bent so as to be convex upwards.

The second projection 3122 may extend in the longitudinal direction of the heat generation track 311. Although not illustrated in the drawings, the second projection 3122 may also be bent in the radial outward direction of the heat generator 31 or the insertion space 43 so as to be inclined, like the first projection 3121.

The heat generation track 311 of the heat generator 31 may be disposed in the support portion 32. The inner surface of the heat generation track 311 may be exposed to the insertion space 43. The inner surface of the heat generation track 311 may be formed along the periphery of the insertion space 43. When the aerosol-generating product 2 is received in the insertion space 43, the inner surface of the heat generation track 311 may be in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the aerosol-generating product 2. An insulator 37 may be disposed between the inner surface of the support portion 32 and the heat generation track 311 (see FIGS. 11 and 12). The inner surface of the support portion 32 may support the heat generation track 311 inserted into the support portion 32, in the radial direction of the insertion space 43.

Accordingly, the support portion 32 may prevent the heat generation track 311 from being warped outwards in the radial direction of the insertion space 43, and the heat generation track 311 may be in direct contact with the aerosol-generating product, thus improving efficiency of heat transfer.

A connecting hole 32H may be formed in a lateral side of the support portion 32. At least a portion of the heat generation track 311 of the heat generator 31 may be exposed to the outside of the support portion 32 through the connecting hole 32H. Among the plural main tracks 3111 constituting the heat generation track 311, two main tracks 3111 each having the end 313 may be exposed to the outside of the support portion 32 through the connecting hole 32H. A conductive wire or a PCB pattern (not shown) may be connected to the power source 11 and/or a power conversion circuit connected to the power source 11. The conductive wire or the PCB pattern may be electrically connected to the main track 3111 through the connecting hole 32H. Consequently, by virtue of the two main tracks 3111 each having the end 313, the heat generator 31 may be connected to the power source 11 and/or the power conversion circuit so as to receive power from the power source 11.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the heater 30 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure when viewed from the front. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the heater 30 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure when viewed from above. FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating the arrangement of the heat generator 31, the upper case 34 and the support portion 32 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating the arrangement of the heat generator 31, the lower case 35 and 36 and the support portion 32 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, in the heater 30, the heat generator 31, the support portion 32 and the heat insulation portion 33 may be arranged in a radial outward direction of the insertion space 43 in that order. The insulator 37 may be disposed between the support portion 32 and the insertion space 31. The support portion and the heat generator 31 may be electrically isolated from each other by means of the insulator 37. The heat insulation portion 33 may surround the outer side of the support portion 32, and may be spaced apart from the support portion 32 in the radial direction of the insertion space 43. An air gap G3 may be defined between the heat insulation portion 33 and the support portion 32. A heat insulation layer 33V may be formed in the heat insulation portion 33. The heat insulation layer 33V may be the space defined between an inner wall 332 having a cavity formed therein and an outer wall 331 surrounding the outer side of the inner wall 332, and may be in a vacuum state. In the radial direction of the insertion space 43, the insulator 37, the support portion 32, the air gap G3 and the heat insulation portion 33 may be disposed outside the heat generator 31. By virtue of the air gap G3 and the heat insulation layer 33V in the heat insulation portion 33, it is possible to prevent the heat generated by the heat generator 31 from being transmitted in a radial outward direction of the insertion space 43.

The heat insulation portion 33 and the support portion 32 may be respectively coupled to the upper case 34 and the first lower case 35 so as to be maintained in place.

The upper end of the support portion 32 may be coupled to the upper case 34. The upper end of the support portion 32 may be coupled to a second part 342 of the upper case 34. The second part 342 of the upper case 34 may extend in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43, and may extend along the periphery of the insertion space 43. The upper end of the support portion 32 may be inserted into the second part 342 of the upper case 34, and may be fixed to the upper case 34.

The lower end of the support portion 32 may be coupled to the first lower case 35. The lower end of the support portion 32 may be coupled to a second part 352 of the first lower case 35. The second part 352 of the first lower case 35 may extend in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43, and may extend along the periphery of the insertion space 43. The lower end of the support portion 32 may be inserted into the second part 352 of the first lower case 35, and may be fixed to the first lower case 35.

The upper end of the heat insulation portion 33 may be coupled to the upper case 34. The upper end of the heat insulation portion 33 may be coupled to a first part 341 of the upper case 34. The first part 341 of the upper case 34 may extend in a radial outward direction of the insertion space 43, and may extend along the periphery of the insertion space 43. The first part 341 may be formed integrally with the second part 342.

The lower end of the heat insulation portion 33 may be coupled to the first lower case 35. The lower end of the heat insulation portion 33 may be coupled to a first part 351 of the first lower case 35. The first part 351 of the first lower case 35 may extend in a radial outward direction of the insertion space 43, and may extend along the periphery of the insertion space 43. The first part 351 may be formed integrally with the second part 352.

The second lower case 36 may be coupled to the lower portion of the first lower case 35. The insertion port 35H in the first lower case 35 and the insertion groove 36H in the second lower case 36 may communicate with the insertion space 43. The insertion port 35H and the insertion groove 36H may form a portion of the insertion space 43. The diameter of the insertion port 35H in the first lower case 35 and the diameter of the insertion groove 36H in the second lower case 36 may be equal to each other.

A support protrusion 363 may be provided between the inner surface 361 of the second lower case 36 and the bottom 362 of the second lower case 36. The support protrusion 363 may include a plurality of support protrusions which are spaced apart from each other along the periphery of the inner surface 361 of the second lower case 36. The upper surface of the support protrusion 363 may be flat. The upper surface of the support protrusion 363 may come into contact with the lower end of the aerosol-generating product 2 received in the insertion space 43. The plane connected between the upper surfaces of the plural support protrusions 363 may be a plane supporting the lower end of the aerosol-generating product 2 received in the insertion space 43.

A communication hole 363H may be formed through the support protrusion 363. The communication hole 363H may be provided in each of the support protrusions 363. The communication hole 363H may be formed in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43. The communication hole 363H may allow the insertion space 43 to communicate with the outside of the heater 30. External air may be introduced into the insertion space 43 through the communication hole 363H.

A connecting hole 351H may be formed through the first lower case 35. The connecting hole 351H may be formed in the first part 351 of the first lower case 35. The connecting hole 351H may be formed in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43.

A connecting groove 364 may be formed in the upper end of the second lower case 36. The connecting groove 364 may be formed by depressing a portion of the upper end of the second lower case 36 having a cavity therein downwards. The connecting groove 364 may be positioned so as to correspond to the connecting hole 351H in the first lower case 35 in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43. The conductive wire or the PCB pattern or the like, which is connected to the power source 11 and/or the power conversion circuit connected to the power source 11, may be electrically connected to the heat generation track 311 through the connecting groove 364, the connecting hole 351H in the first lower case 35 and the connecting hole 32H in the support portion 32.

Referring to FIG. 11 together with FIG. 9, the insertion port 34H in the upper case 34 may surround the outer side of the first projection 3121. The inner surface 34S of the insertion port 34H may be sloped in the radial direction of the insertion space 43. A second angle A2 defined between the inner surface 34S of the insertion port 34H and the longitudinal direction of the heat generator 311 or the insertion space 43 may be an acute angle.

The first projection 3121 may be inclined in the radial direction of the insertion space 43. A first angle A1 defined between the first projection 3121 and the longitudinal direction of the heat generation track 311 or the insertion space 43 may be an acute angle.

The first angle A1 may correspond to the second angle A2. For example, the first angle A1 may be equal to the second angle A2. In another example, the first angle A1 may be smaller than the second angle A2.

Accordingly, because insertion of the aerosol-generating product 2 is guided by the first projection 3121 and the inner surface 34S of the insertion port 34H, it is possible to prevent the aerosol-generating product 2 from being damaged during insertion thereof.

The upper case 34 may include a first recess 347. The first recess 347 may be formed at a lower side of the insertion port 34H. The first recess 347 may define a portion of the lower side of the insertion port 34H. The first recess 347 may be formed by depressing the inner surface 34S of the insertion port 34H in the radial outward direction of the insertion port 34H or the insertion space 43. The first recess 347 may be formed in the second part 342 of the upper case 34.

The upper case 34 may include a second recess 348. The second recess 348 may be formed below the first recess 347. The second recess 348 may be formed by depressing the inner surface 344 of the first recess 347 in the radial outward direction of the insertion port 34H or the insertion space 43. The second recess 348 may be formed in the second part 342 of the upper case 34.

At least a portion of the first projection 3121 may be received in the first recess 347. The depressed shape of the first recess 347 may correspond to the shape in which the first projection 3121 that is bent in the radial outward direction of the insertion space 43. The first projection 3121 may be spaced apart from the inner surface 344 of the first recess 347. The first projection 3121 may be spaced apart from the upper surface 343 of the first recess 347. The first projection 3121 may be spaced apart from the inner surface 344 of the first recess 347 in a radial inward direction. The first projection 3121 may be spaced downwards apart from the upper surface 343 of the first recess 347.

The upper end of the support portion 32 may be fixed to the upper case 34. The upper end of the support portion 32 may be received in the second recess 348 of the upper case 34. The outer surface of the support portion 32 may be in contact with the inner surface 346 of the second recess 348. The upper surface of the support portion 32 may be in contact with the upper surface 345 of the second recess 348. The inner surface of the support portion 32 may be disposed parallel to the inner surface 344 of the first recess 347. The distance D1 by which the first projection 3121 is spaced apart from the inner surface 344 of the first recess 347 may correspond to the thickness TH1 of the insulator 37.

Because the heater 30 is constructed such that the first projection 3121 is spaced apart from the inner surface 344 of the upper case 34, the first projection 3121 may be elastically bent during insertion or removal of the aerosol-generating product 2. Consequently, the insertion or the removal of the aerosol-generating product 2 can be efficiently guided by means of the first projection 3121.

Referring to FIG. 12 together with FIG. 9, the insertion port 35H in the first lower case 35 may surround the outer side of the second projection 3122. The first lower case 35 may include a third recess 358. The third recess 358 may be formed above than the insertion port 35H. The third recess 358 may define a portion of the upper side of the insertion port 54H. The third recess 358 may be formed by depressing the inner surface 357 of the insertion port 35H in the radial outward direction of the insertion port 35H or the insertion space 43. The third recess 358 may be formed in the second part 352 of the first lower case 35.

The first lower case 35 may include a fourth recess 359. The fourth recess 359 may be formed above the third recess 358. The fourth recess 359 may be formed by depressing the inner surface 355 of the third recess 358 in the radial outward direction of the insertion port 35H or the insertion space 43. The fourth recess 359 may be formed in the second part 352 of the first lower case 35.

At least a portion of the second projection 3122 may be received in the third recess 358. The depressed shape of the third recess 358 may correspond to the shape in which the second projection 3122 projects in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43 or the shape in which the second projection 3122 is bent in the radial outward direction of the heat generator 31 or the insertion space 43.

The second projection 3122 may be spaced apart from the inner surface 355 of the third recess 358. The second projection 3122 may be spaced apart from the inner surface 355 of the third recess 358 in the radial direction.

The lower end of the support portion 32 may be fixed to the first lower case 35. The lower end of the support portion 32 may be received in the fourth recess 359 in the first lower case 35. The outer surface of the support portion 32 may be in contact with the inner surface 353 of the fourth recess 359. The inner surface of the support portion 32 may be disposed parallel to the inner surface 355 of the third recess 358. The distance D2 by which the second projection 3122 is spaced apart from the inner surface 355 of the third recess 358 may correspond to the thickness TH1 of the insulator 37.

Because the heater 30 is constructed such that the second projection 3122 is spaced apart from the inner surface 355 of the first lower case 35, the second projection 3122 may be elastically bent during insertion or removal of the aerosol-generating product 2. Consequently, the insertion or removal of the aerosol-generating product 2 may be efficiently guided by means of the second projection 3122.

As described above, according to at least one of embodiments of the present disclosure, because the heat generator surrounding the insertion space includes the projection which projects toward the opening of the insertion space from the heat generation track and is inclined outwards to guide the insertion of the aerosol-generating product, it is possible to prevent the aerosol-generating product from being damaged during insertion or removal thereof.

According to at least one of embodiments of the present disclosure, because the heat generation track extends in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space and the projection projects from the connecting portion between the elongated tracks in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space, the heat generation track and the projection may be parallel to the direction in which the aerosol-generating product is inserted or removed, and it is possible to prevent the aerosol-generating product from being damaged during insertion or removal.

According to at least one of embodiments of the present disclosure, because the projection is spaced apart from the inner surface of the upper case such that the projection is elastically bent while the aerosol-generating product is inserted, it is possible to efficiently guide the insertion of the aerosol-generating product.

According to at least one of embodiments of the present disclosure, because the hollow support portion surrounds the outer side of the heat generation track and the projection projects upwards and/or downwards farther than the support portion, it is possible to prevent the heat generation track from being bent in the radial outward direction of the insertion space by means of the support portion and to improve efficiency of heat transfer by virtue of the heat generation track in direct contact with the aerosol-generating product.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 12, according to an aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device may include the body 10 having an insertion space 43 open at one end and extending in one direction, and the heat generator 31 disposed in the body 10 and surrounding the insertion space 43, wherein the heat generator 31 includes the heat generation track 311, and the first projection 3121 projecting toward an opening of the insertion space 43 from one side of the heat generation track 311 and inclined in the radial outward direction of the insertion space 43.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first projection 3121 may include a plurality of projections spaced apart from each other along the periphery of the insertion space 43.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the heat generation track 311 has a shape in which a single elongated track may be bent at least once, and the projection 3121 may project from the bent portion of the heat generation track 311.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the heat generation track may include a plurality of main tracks 3111 projecting in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43, and at least one first connecting track 3112 connecting first ends of adjacent ones of the plurality of main tracks 3111 to each other, wherein the first projection 3121 projects from the first connecting track 3112 in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device may include the insertion port 34H communicating with the opening of the insertion space 43, and the upper case 34 surrounding the outer side of the first projection 3121, wherein the inner surface of the insertion port 34H may be sloped in the radial outward direction of the insertion space 43.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the angle A1 at which the first projection 3121 is inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43 may be equal to or smaller than the angle A2 at which the inner surface 34S is sloped with respect to the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the upper case 34 may include the first recess 347 depressed in the radial outward direction of the insertion port 34H at a level lower than the insertion port 34H, and at least a portion of the first projection 3121 may be received in the first recess 347 and is spaced apart from the inner surface 344 of the first recess 347.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device may include the support portion 32 surrounding the outer side of the heat generation track 311, and the first projection 3121 may project above the upper end of the support portion 32.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device may include the upper case 34 surrounding the outer side of the first projection 3121, and the insulator 37 disposed between the heat generation track 311 and the support portion 32 and contacting the heat generation track 311 and the support portion 32, and the distance D1 by which the first projection 3121 is spaced apart from the inner surface 344 of the upper case 34 may correspond to the thickness TH1 of the insulator 37.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the upper end of the support portion 32 may be inserted into the upper case 34 and fixed thereto.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the heat generator 31 may include the second projection 3122 projecting from the other side of the heat generation track 311 in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device may include the lower case 35 surrounding the outer side of the second projection 3122 and defining a portion of the insertion space 43, and the second projection 3122 may be spaced apart from the inner surface 355 of the lower case 35.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the inner surface of the heat generation track 311 may define the periphery of the insertion space 43, and may contact the outer circumferential surface of the aerosol-generating article 2 received in the insertion space 43.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device may include the support portion 32 surrounding the outer side of the heat generator 31, and the insulation portion 33 surrounding the outer side of the support portion 32, wherein the insulation portion 33 is spaced apart from the support portion 32 in the radial direction of the insertion space 43, and the air gap G3 is formed between the support portion 32 and the heat insulation portion 33.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the insulation portion 33 may include the inner wall 332 having a cavity formed therein, and the outer wall 331 surrounding the outer side of the inner wall 332, wherein a vacuum space is formed between the inner wall 332 and the outer wall 331.

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.