AEROSOL GENERATING DEVICE COMPRISING A FLAVOR MODULE

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0180359, filed on Dec. 6, 2024, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

Methods and apparatuses consistent with embodiments relate to an aerosol-generating device including a flavor module.

2. Description of the Related Art

Recently, demands for alternative articles to overcome disadvantages of typical cigarettes have increased. For example, there is an increasing demand for a device (e.g., a cigarette-type electronic cigarette) that generates an aerosol by electrically heating a cigarette stick. Accordingly, research is being actively conducted on a cigarette stick (or an aerosol-generating article) and an electrically heated aerosol-generating device into which a cigarette stick is inserted.

For example, an aerosol-generating device may generate an aerosol by atomizing a liquid aerosol-generating substance. The aerosol-generating device may provide a user with a variety of user experiences by adding a flavor to an unflavored aerosol-generating substance or to an aerosol-generating substance not containing a flavor.

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

SUMMARY

As flavor depends on a user preference, it has been difficult to provide a variety of flavors using an aerosol-generating device, and there has been a technical need for an aerosol-generating device that allows a user to add flavors to the aerosol-generating device to their preferences or easily select and replace flavors.

In addition, when a liquid aerosol-generating substance leaks from an aerosol-generating device, the uniformity of an aerosol may be reduced, and the aerosol-generating device may malfunction or fail. Thus, the aerosol-generating device needs to reduce or prevent liquid leakage.

The technical goals obtainable from the embodiments described in this specification are not limited to the above-mentioned technical goals, and other unmentioned technical goals may be clearly understood from the following description by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains.

According to an aspect, there is provided an aerosol-generating device including a body including a chamber configured to store a liquid and a liquid hole communicating with the chamber, a flavor module detachably assembled into the body, and a cap coupled to the flavor module and including an atomization space therein. In one embodiment, the flavor module includes a liquid flow path configured to transfer a liquid from the liquid hole to the atomization space, and a flavor substance provided inside the liquid flow path and configured to add a flavor by contacting a liquid passing through the liquid flow path.

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

According to embodiments, an aerosol-generating device may add a flavor as a liquid passes through a flavor module. Since a user of the aerosol-generating device may easily and simply use or replace the flavor module according to preference, the aerosol-generating device may provide the user with a variety of usage experiences, and the usability of the aerosol-generating device may be improved.

According to embodiments, an aerosol-generating device may reduce or prevent liquid leakage from a chamber.

However, the effects of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiments are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other unmentioned effects can be clearly understood from the following description by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and/or other aspects will be more apparent by describing certain embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

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

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

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

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

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of a second housing portion according to an embodiment;

FIG. 4C is an exploded perspective view of the second housing portion according to an embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a flavor module according to an embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a flavor module according to an embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a flavor module according to an embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a flavor module according to an embodiment; and

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a flavor module according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

According to one embodiment, the aerosol-generating device 1 may include a power supply 11, the controller 12, a sensor unit 13, an output unit 14, an input unit 15, a communication unit 16, the 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 the 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 183 and 24 (e.g., the heater 18 and 24 in FIG. 1). However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art related to the present embodiment that the components included in the aerosol-generating device 1 are not limited to those shown in FIG. 2 and that some of the components may be omitted or new components may be further included. In the drawings below, a description of configurations identical to those shown in FIG. 1 will be omitted.

According to one embodiment, the housing 10 may provide a space that is open upwardly (hereinafter, an insertion space) to allow an aerosol-generating article 2 to be inserted thereinto. The insertion space may be formed so as to be depressed in the housing 10 to a predetermined depth so that at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article 2 may be inserted thereinto. The lower end of the aerosol-generating article 2 may be inserted into the housing 10, and the upper end of the aerosol-generating article 2 may protrude outside the housing 10.

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

According to one embodiment, the depth of the insertion space may be equal to or greater than the length of a region of the aerosol-generating article 2 in which an aerosol-generating substance and/or a medium is contained. A user may inhale an aerosol while holding the externally exposed upper end of the aerosol-generating article 2 in the mouth.

According to one embodiment, the heater 183 may heat the aerosol-generating article 2. The heater 183 may be elongated upwardly in the space into which the aerosol-generating article 2 is inserted (i.e., the insertion space). In an example, the heater 183 may have a tube shape (e.g., a cylindrical shape) with a cavity formed therein. The heater 183 may alternatively include a shape including a cavity formed therein and surrounding the cavity. In this case, the heater 183 may be supported by a polyimide film. The heater 183 supported by this film may be referred to as a film heater. The heater 183 may be disposed so as to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. The heater 183 may heat the outer side of the aerosol-generating article 2 inserted into the cavity. In the present disclosure, the heater 183 may be referred to as an “external heating-type” heater that heats the outer side of the aerosol-generating article 2. Meanwhile, a thermally insulating material may be disposed outside the heater 183. Accordingly, the amount of heat emitted from the heater 183 in the radially outward direction and released outside the housing 10 may be reduced.

According to one embodiment, the heater 183 may include an electro-resistive heater and/or an induction heater.

For example, the electro-resistive heater may include an electro-resistive material and may generate heat as current flows through the electro-resistive material. In this case, the electro-resistive heater may be electrically connected to the power supply 11, and may directly generate heat using current received from the power supply 11.

For example, in the case of an induction heater, the aerosol-generating device 1 may further include an induction coil (not shown) surrounding at least a portion of the heater 183 (e.g., disposed outside the heater 183 so as to correspond to the length of at least a portion of the heater 183). In this case, a magnetic flux concentrator may be further provided outside the induction coil (not shown) in order to increase efficiency of induction heating. The induction heater may include a susceptor, and may generate heat based on a magnetic field generated by the induction coil (not shown).

According to one embodiment, the heater 183 may be a multi-heater. The multi-heater may include a first heater and a second heater, and be inserted into the aerosol-generating article 2. The first heater and the second heater may be disposed side by side in the longitudinal direction. The first heater and the second heater may operate as an electro-resistive heater and/or an induction heater, and may be heated sequentially or simultaneously. In this case, the first heater and the second heater may be disposed at positions corresponding to the positions of two or more aerosol-generating rods in the longitudinal direction, respectively. Alternatively, the first heater and the second heater may be disposed at positions corresponding to the positions of a first portion and a second portion of one aerosol-generating rod in the longitudinal direction, respectively. Meanwhile, if the heater 183 is an induction heater, the aerosol-generating device 1 may include a first induction coil and a second induction coil, and the first induction coil and the second induction coil may be disposed at positions corresponding to the positions of the first heater and the second heater in the longitudinal direction, respectively. Alternatively, the first heater and the second heater may be disposed at positions corresponding to the positions of a first portion and a second portion of one heater 183 in the longitudinal direction, respectively. In addition, three or more heaters and/or three or more induction coils may be included.

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

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

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

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

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

According to one embodiment, the cartridge 19 may include a chamber CO that contains an aerosol-generating substance, a cartridge heater 24, and/or a liquid delivery part that is impregnated with (contains) the aerosol-generating substance. A liquid delivery part 25 may be impregnated with the aerosol-generating substance supplied from the chamber CO. For example, the liquid delivery part 25 may include a wick formed of, e.g., cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic.

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

In an example, the electro-resistive heater may include an electro-resistive material, and may generate heat as current flows through the electro-resistive material. In another example, in the case of an induction heater, the aerosol-generating device 1 may further include an induction coil (not shown) provided around the induction heater. The induction heater may include a susceptor, and may generate heat based on a magnetic field generated by the induction coil (not shown). The cartridge heater 24 may be formed in a coil shape surrounding (or wound around) the liquid delivery part 25 and/or in a shape (e.g., a patterned shape) contacting one side of the liquid delivery part.

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

According to one embodiment, an aerosol may be generated based on generation of heat by the cartridge heater 24. For example, as the aerosol-generating substance impregnated in the liquid delivery part 25 is heated by the cartridge heater 24, vapor may be generated from the aerosol-generating substance, and an aerosol may be generated as the generated vapor is mixed with the outside air introduced into the cartridge 19. The aerosol generated by the cartridge heater 24 may be introduced into the aerosol-generating article 2 through the airflow channel CN. While the aerosol passes through the aerosol-generating article 2, tobacco or a flavoring substance may be added to the aerosol, and the aerosol containing the tobacco or the flavoring substance may be inhaled into the user's oral cavity through one end of the aerosol-generating article 2.

FIG. 3 shows an aerosol-generating device 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, and/or a sensor unit 13. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art related to the present embodiment that the components included in the aerosol-generating device 1 are not limited to those shown in FIG. 3 and that some of the components may be omitted or new components may be further included. In the drawings below, a description of configurations identical to those shown in FIG. 1 will be omitted.

According to one embodiment, the housing 10 may include a structure that allows a cartridge 19 to be inserted into or mounted on one side thereof. In this case, the cartridge 19 may be removably coupled to the housing 10.

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

According to one embodiment, the cartridge 19 may include a chamber CO containing an aerosol-generating substance. The chamber CO may contain an aerosol-generating substance having any one state among a liquid state, a solid state, a gaseous state, and a gel state. The aerosol-generating substance may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance including a volatile tobacco flavor component or may be a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance.

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

According to one embodiment, the housing 10 and/or the cartridge 19 may be provided with an airflow channel through which air flows.

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

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

According to one embodiment, the cartridge heater 24 may heat the aerosol-generating substance contained in the cartridge 19. For example, the cartridge heater 24 may include an electro-resistive heater and/or an induction heater. In an example, the electro-resistive heater may include an electro-resistive material, and may generate heat as current flows through the electro-resistive material. In another example, in the case of an induction heater, the aerosol-generating device 1 may include an induction coil (not shown) provided around the induction heater. The induction heater may include a susceptor, and may generate heat based on a magnetic field generated by the induction coil (not shown). The cartridge heater 24 may be formed in a coil shape surrounding (or wound around) the liquid delivery part 25 included in the cartridge 19 and/or the aerosol-generating device 1 and/or in a shape (e.g., a pattern shape) contacting one side of the liquid delivery part.

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

According to one embodiment, an aerosol may be generated based on generation of heat by the cartridge heater 24. As the liquid delivery part 25 is heated by the cartridge heater 24, an aerosol may be generated. For example, as the aerosol-generating substance impregnated in the liquid delivery part 25 is heated by the cartridge heater 24, vapor may be generated from the aerosol-generating substance, and an aerosol may be generated as the generated vapor is mixed with the outside air introduced into the cartridge 19. The aerosol generated by the cartridge heater 24 may be inhaled into the user's oral cavity through the airflow channel CN.

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

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of an aerosol-generating device 100 according to an embodiment, FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of a second housing portion 150 according to an embodiment, and FIG. 4C is an exploded perspective view of the second housing portion 150 according to an embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the second housing portion 150 in the A-A′ direction of FIG. 4A.

Referring to FIGS. 4A to 4C, the aerosol-generating device 100 (e.g., the aerosol-generating device 1 of FIGS. 1 to 3) may include a housing structure 105 (e.g., the housing 10 of FIGS. 2 and 3).

Hereinafter, any repeated description related to the above description is omitted, and in the aerosol-generating device 100, it is obvious that some components and structures may be replaced, added, or omitted within a range easily understandable to those skilled in the art with reference to the drawings and descriptions below. In addition, at least one component or feature of the embodiments described above may be coupled to the aerosol-generating device 100 unless it is technically and clearly infeasible.

In one embodiment, the housing structure 105 may form an exterior of the aerosol-generating device 100. Alternatively, the housing structure 105 may accommodate other components of the aerosol-generating device 100. Alternatively, the housing structure 105 may be a housing, body, or main body of the aerosol-generating device 100.

In one embodiment, the housing structure 105 may include at least part of a first housing portion 110, the second housing portion 150, and a cover 115. The second housing portion 150 may be connected to the first housing portion 110 and be detachable from the first housing portion 110. The cover 115 may surround, protect, or support the second housing portion 150.

For example, the first housing portion 110 may be a main body or device. The first housing portion 110 may accommodate components for driving the aerosol-generating device 100. For example, at least one of a power supply (e.g., the power supply 11 of FIGS. 1 to 3), a processor (e.g., the controller 12 of FIGS. 1 to 3), or a sensor unit (e.g., the sensor unit 13 of FIGS. 1 to 3) may be provided in the first housing portion 110.

For example, the second housing portion 150 may be a replaceable component or cartridge (e.g., the cartridge 19 of FIGS. 2 and 3). For example, at least one of a chamber 152 (e.g., the chamber CO of FIGS. 2 and 3) or an atomization space 172 may be provided in the second housing portion 150.

In one embodiment, the housing structure 105 may include an intake 113. The intake 113 may be an opening through which an aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating device 100 is discharged. Alternatively, the intake 113 may be an opening through which an aerosol-generating article (e.g., the aerosol-generating article 2 of FIG. 2) is inserted from outside the aerosol-generating device 100.

In one embodiment, the housing structure 105 may include a cavity 114. The cavity 114 may be a flow path through which the aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating device 100 is discharged to the outside of the aerosol-generating device 100. Alternatively, an aerosol-generating article may be inserted into the cavity 114 from outside the aerosol-generating device 100. For example, the cavity 114 may be an elongated cavity, a coupling region, an insertion region, or a heating region into which the aerosol-generating article is inserted.

In one embodiment, the housing structure 105 may include an aerosol flow path 118. The aerosol flow path 118 may be connected from the second housing portion 150 to the cavity 114. An aerosol generated in the second housing portion 150 may be transferred to the cavity 114 via the aerosol flow path 118.

In one embodiment, the second housing portion 150 may include at least one of a body 151, a flavor module 160, an O-ring 157, or a cap 170.

In one embodiment, the body 151 may include the chamber 152 and a liquid hole 153. The chamber 152 may store a liquid L. The liquid hole 153 may communicate with the chamber 152. The liquid L stored in the chamber 152 may be an aerosol-generating substance or raw material. For example, the liquid L may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance including a volatile tobacco-flavoring component, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance.

In an embodiment, the cap 170 may include the atomization space 172 and a connection portion 173. The atomization space 172 may receive the liquid L that passes through the flavor module 160. The liquid L may be aerosolized in the atomization space 172. The generated aerosol may be transferred to the aerosol flow path 118 through the connection portion 173. Although not shown in the drawings, at least one of a heater (e.g., the heater 18 and 24 of FIG. 1, the heater 24 and 183 of FIG. 2, and the heater 24 of FIG. 3), a wick (e.g., the liquid delivery part 25 of FIG. 3), a vibrator, or a heat transfer element may be placed inside the atomization space 172.

In one embodiment, the O-ring 157 may be provided between the flavor module 160 and the body 151. The O-ring 157 may seal a coupling portion between the flavor module 160 and the and the body 151. Alternatively, the O-ring 157 may enhance the coupling strength between the flavor module 160 and the body 151.

In one embodiment, the flavor module 160 may be detachably assembled into the body 151. The flavor module 160 may include a liquid flow path 161 and a flavor substance 165. The liquid flow path 161 may receive the liquid L from the liquid hole 153 and deliver the liquid L to the atomization space 172. The liquid flow path 161 may refer to a space or cavity through which the liquid L passes and may be, for example, a liquid delivery region or a liquid transfer region.

In one embodiment, the liquid flow path 161 may include an inlet 162 communicating with the liquid hole 153 and an outlet 163 communicating with the atomization space 172. In one embodiment, the outlet 163 may have a relatively larger area than the inlet 162. Accordingly, the liquid L introduced through the inlet 162 may pass through the liquid flow path 161 while adding a flavor thereto and be smoothly discharged through the outlet 163. Furthermore, in the case of the liquid flow path 161 with a relatively greater width (e.g., a length along the X-axis or Y-axis) than a height (e.g., a length along the Z-axis), as shown in the drawings, a larger area of the outlet 163 may be advantageous for liquid discharge.

The flavor substance 165 may be provided inside the liquid flow path 161. The flavor substance 165 may add a flavor to the liquid L by contacting the liquid L passing through the liquid flow path 161. For example, the liquid L stored in the chamber 152 may be unflavored, and the liquid L may add a flavor thereto while passing through the flavor module 160. Alternatively, the flavor of the liquid L may change or be enriched as the liquid L passes through the flavor module 160.

In one embodiment of the present specification, the flavor module 160 may add a flavor to the liquid L, thereby allowing the aerosol-generating device 100 to provide usability tailored to the user's preferences and provide the user with a variety of user experiences.

For example, the user may add a flavor to an aerosol according to their preference through the flavor module 160. In addition, the user may select a flavor and easily replace or refill the flavor module 160.

In an embodiment, the flavor substance 165 may include a porous material through which the liquid L passes and a liquid fragrance impregnated in the porous material. For example, the flavor substance 165 may include a sponge impregnated with the liquid fragrance. The liquid L may receive a portion of the fragrance impregnated in the sponge while passing through the sponge.

In one embodiment, the flavor module 160 may prevent leakage of the liquid L. When the liquid L is directly provided to the atomization space 172 without passing through the flavor module 160, the liquid L may be unnecessarily leaked into the atomization space 172, or the liquid L may be excessively transferred to the atomization space 172. The flavor module 160 may be provided in a path through which the liquid L of the chamber 152 is transferred to the atomization space 172 to reduce or prevent leakage of the liquid L or transfer a uniform liquid L to the atomization space 172, thereby improving the usability of the aerosol-generating device 100.

Hereinafter, the flavor module 160 according to various embodiments of the present specification is described. The description is only an example and the structure of the flavor module 160 is not limited thereto. In addition, the embodiments are not independent or exclusive, and some components of one embodiment may be omitted, replaced, modified, or added, or at least two embodiments may be combined.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a flavor module 160a according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 5, the flavor module 160a (e.g., the flavor module 160 of FIGS. 4B and 4C) according to one embodiment may further include an auxiliary flow path 167a.

Hereinafter, any repeated description related to the above description is omitted, and in the flavor module 160a, it is obvious that some components and structures may be replaced, added, or omitted within a range easily understandable to those skilled in the art with reference to the drawings and descriptions below. In addition, at least one component or feature of the embodiments described above may be coupled to the flavor module 160a unless it is technically and clearly infeasible.

In one embodiment, the flavor module 160a may include a liquid flow path 161a (e.g., the liquid flow path 161 of FIGS. 4B and 4C), a flavor substance 165a (e.g., the flavor substance 165 of FIGS. 4B and 4C), an inlet 162a (e.g., the inlet 162 of FIGS. 4B and 4C), and an outlet 163a (e.g., the outlet 163 of FIGS. 4B and 4C).

In one embodiment, the auxiliary flow path 167a may be partitioned from the liquid flow path 161a. In a state in which a connection between the liquid flow path 161a and a liquid hole (e.g., the liquid hole 153 of FIGS. 4B and 4C) is terminated, the auxiliary flow path 167a may be connected to the liquid hole 153. A volume of the auxiliary flow path 167a may be relatively small compared to the liquid flow path 161a.

In one embodiment, the auxiliary flow path 167a may include an auxiliary inlet 168a and an auxiliary outlet 169a. The auxiliary inlet 168a may be disposed spaced apart from the inlet 162a. The auxiliary outlet 169a may be disposed spaced apart from the outlet 163a. An area of the auxiliary outlet 169a may be relatively small compared to the outlet 163a.

In one embodiment, the flavor substance 165a may not be provided in the auxiliary flow path 167a. Alternatively, a flavor substance (not shown) different from the flavor substance 165a provided in the liquid flow path 161a may be provided in the auxiliary flow path 167a. The description below is on an embodiment in which the flavor substance 165a is not provided in the auxiliary flow path 167a.

In one embodiment, the liquid hole 153 may be alternatively connected to one of the liquid flow path 161a and the auxiliary flow path 167a. For example, the flavor module 160a may be assembled into a body (e.g., the body 151 of FIGS. 4B and 4C) so that the liquid hole 153 may be alternatively connected to one of the liquid flow path 161a and the auxiliary flow path 167a.

For example, a user may separate the flavor module 160a from the body 151 and may assemble the flavor module 160a into the body 151 so that the liquid hole 153 may be connected to one of the inlet 162a and the auxiliary inlet 168a.

For example, when the liquid hole 153 is connected to the liquid flow path 161a, a liquid may move through a first path f1. The liquid may contact the flavor substance 165a while passing through the first path f1. The liquid passing through the first path f1 may add a flavor of the flavor substance 165a thereto and be transferred to an atomization space (e.g., the atomization space 172 of FIGS. 4B and 4C).

For example, when the liquid hole 153 is connected to the auxiliary flow path 167a, the liquid may move through a second path f2. The liquid may not contact the flavor substance 165a while passing through the second path f2. The liquid passing through the second path f2 may not add a flavor thereto and be transferred to the atomization space 172.

In one embodiment of the present specification, the user may selectively add flavors to the liquid according to their preference or usage environment, and accordingly, the usability of the aerosol-generating device 100 may be improved.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a flavor module 160b according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 6, the flavor module 160b (e.g., the flavor module 160 of FIGS. 4B and 4C) according to one embodiment may include a liquid flow path 161b (e.g., the liquid flow path 161 of FIGS. 4B and 4C) in plurality.

Hereinafter, any repeated description related to the above description is omitted, and in the flavor module 160b, it is obvious that some components and structures may be replaced, added, or omitted within a range easily understandable to those skilled in the art with reference to the drawings and descriptions below. In addition, at least one component or feature of the embodiments described above may be coupled to the flavor module 160b unless it is technically and clearly infeasible.

In one embodiment, the plurality of liquid flow paths 161b may include a first liquid flow path 161b-1 and a second liquid flow path 161b-2. The first liquid flow path 161b-1 and the second liquid flow path 161b-2 may be partitioned from each other.

In one embodiment, the first liquid flow path 161b-1 may include a first inlet 162b-1 and a first outlet 163b-1. The second liquid flow path 161b-2 may include a second inlet 162b-2 and a second outlet 163b-2. The first inlet 162b-1 and the second inlet 162b-2 may be disposed spaced apart from each other. The first outlet 163b-1 and the second outlet 163b-2 may be disposed spaced apart from each other.

In one embodiment, the flavor module 160b may include a flavor substance 165b (e.g., the flavor substance 165 of FIGS. 4B and 4C) in plurality. The plurality of flavor substances 165b may include a first flavor substance 165b-1 provided in the first liquid flow path 161b-1 and a second flavor substance 165b-2 provided in the second liquid flow path 161b-2.

In one embodiment, the first flavor substance 165b-1 and the second flavor substance 165b-2 may be different from each other. For example, flavors of the first flavor substance 165b-1 and the second flavor substance 165b-2 may be different from each other. Alternatively, concentrations of the flavors of the first flavor substance 165b-1 and the second flavor substance 165b-2 may be different from each other. Alternatively, composition ratios of the first flavor substance 165b-1 and the second flavor substance 165b-2 may be different from each other. Alternatively, types, physical properties, densities, shapes, or structures of porous materials of the first flavor substance 165b-1 and the second flavor substance 165b-2 may be different from each other.

In one embodiment, in a state in which a connection between the second liquid flow path 161b-2 and a liquid hole (e.g., the liquid hole 153 of FIGS. 4B and 4C) is terminated, the first liquid flow path 161b-1 may be connected to the liquid hole 153. Alternatively, in a state in which a connection between the first liquid flow path 161b-1 and the liquid hole 153 is terminated, the second liquid flow path 161b-2 may be connected to the liquid hole 153.

For example, the flavor module 160b may be assembled into a body (e.g., the body 151 of FIGS. 4B and 4C) so that the liquid hole 153 may be alternatively connected to one of the first liquid flow path 161b-1 and the second liquid flow path 161b-2.

For example, a user may separate the flavor module 160b from the body 151 and may assemble the flavor module 160b into the body 151 so that the liquid hole 153 may be connected to one of the first inlet 162b-1 and the second inlet 162b-2.

For example, when the liquid hole 153 is connected to the first liquid flow path 161b-1, a liquid may move through the first path f1. The liquid may contact the first flavor substance 165b-1 while passing through the first path f1. The liquid passing through the first path f1 may add a flavor of the first flavor substance 165b-1 thereto and be transferred to an atomization space (e.g., the atomization space 172 of FIGS. 4B and 4C).

For example, when the liquid hole 153 is connected to the second liquid flow path 161b-2, the liquid may move through the second path f2. The liquid may contact the second flavor substance 165b-2 while passing through the second path f2. The liquid passing through the second path f2 may add a flavor of the second flavor substance 165b-2 thereto and be transferred to the atomization space 172.

In one embodiment of the present specification, the user may select conditions (e.g., type and concentration) of a flavor added to the liquid according to their preference or usage environment, and accordingly, the usability of the aerosol-generating device 100 may be improved.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a flavor module 160c according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 7, a liquid flow path 161c (e.g., the liquid flow path 161 of FIGS. 4B and 4C) of the flavor module 160c (e.g., the flavor module 160 of FIGS. 4B and 4C) according to one embodiment may include a first flow path area 161c-1 and a second flow path area 161c-2.

Hereinafter, any repeated description related to the above description is omitted, and in the flavor module 160c, it is obvious that some components and structures may be replaced, added, or omitted within a range easily understandable to those skilled in the art with reference to the drawings and descriptions below. In addition, at least one component or feature of the embodiments described above may be coupled to the flavor module 160c unless it is technically and clearly infeasible.

In one embodiment, the liquid flow path 161c may include an inlet 162c (e.g., the inlet 162 of FIGS. 4B and 4C). The first flow path area 161c-1 and the second flow path area 161c-2 may be partitioned from each other. The first flow path area 161c-1 may be branched off from the inlet 162c and communicate with an atomization space (e.g., the atomization space 172 of FIGS. 4B and 4C). The second flow path area 161c-2 may be branched off from the inlet 162c separately from the first flow path area 161c-1 and communicate with the atomization space 172.

In one embodiment, the first flow path area 161c-1 may include a first outlet 163c-1. The second flow path area 161c-2 may include a second outlet 163c-2. The first outlet 163c-1 and the second outlet 163c-2 may be disposed spaced apart from each other.

In one embodiment, the flavor module 160c may include a flavor substance 165c (e.g., the flavor substance 165 of FIGS. 4B and 4C) in plurality. The plurality of flavor substances 165c may include a first flavor substance 165c-1 provided in the first flow path area 161c-1 and a second flavor substance 165c-2 provided in the second flow path area 161c-2.

In one embodiment, the first flavor substance 165c-1 and the second flavor substance 165c-2 may be different from each other. For example, flavors of the first flavor substance 165c-1 and the second flavor substance 165c-2 may be different from each other. Alternatively, concentrations of the flavors of the first flavor substance 165c-1 and the second flavor substance 165c-2 may be different from each other. Alternatively, composition ratios of the first flavor substance 165c-1 and the second flavor substance 165c-2 may be different from each other. Alternatively, types, physical properties, densities, shapes, or structures of porous materials of the first flavor substance 165c-1 and the second flavor substance 165c-2 may be different from each other.

In one embodiment, the flavor module 160c may further include a switch 168c. The switch 168c may change a flow route of a liquid passing through the inlet 162c. For example, the switch 168c may be disposed to be movable inside the liquid flow path 161c.

In one embodiment, the switch 168c may be moved automatically by the aerosol-generating device 100 or by a user's manipulation. For example, the switch 168c may be moved by a manipulation element provided on an outer side of the flavor module 160c.

In one embodiment, by the movement of the switch 168c, a liquid hole (e.g., the liquid hole 153 of FIGS. 4B and 4C) may be alternatively connected to one of the first flow path area 161c-1 and the second flow path area 161c-2. A liquid path f0 transferred from the liquid hole 153 may move to one of the first path f1 and the second path f2 by the switch 168c.

For example, when the liquid hole 153 is connected to the first flow path area 161c-1, the liquid may move to the first path f1. The liquid may contact the first flavor substance 165c-1 while passing through the first path f1. The liquid passing through the first path f1 may add a flavor of the first flavor substance 165c-1 thereto and be transferred to the atomization space (e.g., the atomization space 172 of FIGS. 4B and 4C).

For example, when the liquid hole 153 is connected to the second flow path area 161c-2, the liquid may move to the second path f2. The liquid may contact the second flavor substance 165c-2 while passing through the second path f2. The liquid passing through the second path f2 may add a flavor of the second flavor substance 165c-2 thereto and be transferred to the atomization space 172.

In one embodiment of the present specification, the user may select conditions of a flavor (e.g., type, concentration, and composition ratio of a flavoring substance) added to the liquid according to their preference or usage environment, and accordingly, the usability of the aerosol-generating device 100 may be improved.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a flavor module 160d according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 8, a liquid flow path 161d of the flavor module 160d (e.g., the flavor module 160 of FIGS. 4B and 4C) may include a main flow path area 161d-1 and an auxiliary flow path area 161d-2.

Hereinafter, any repeated description related to the above description is omitted, and in the flavor module 160d, it is obvious that some components and structures may be replaced, added, or omitted within a range easily understandable to those skilled in the art with reference to the drawings and descriptions below. In addition, at least one component or feature of the embodiments described above may be coupled to the flavor module 160d unless it is technically and clearly infeasible.

In one embodiment, the liquid flow path 161d may include an inlet 162d (e.g., the inlet 162 of FIGS. 4B and 4C). The main flow path area 161d-1 and the auxiliary flow path area 161d-2 may be partitioned from each other. The main flow path area 161d-1 may be branched off from the inlet 162d and communicate with an atomization space (e.g., the atomization space 172 of FIGS. 4B and 4C). The auxiliary flow path area 161d-2 may be branched off from the inlet 162d separately from the main flow path area 161d-1 and communicate with the atomization space 172.

In one embodiment, the main flow path area 161d-1 may include a first outlet 163d-1. The auxiliary flow path area 161d-2 may include a second outlet 163d-2. The first outlet 163d-1 and the second outlet 163d-2 may be disposed spaced apart from each other.

In one embodiment, the flavor module 160d may further include a switch 168d. The switch 168d may change a flow route of a liquid passing through the inlet 162d. For example, the switch 168d may be disposed to be movable inside the liquid flow path 161d.

In one embodiment, the switch 168d may be moved automatically by the aerosol-generating device 100 or by a user's manipulation. For example, the switch 168d may be moved by a manipulation element provided on an outer side of the flavor module 160d.

In one embodiment, by the movement of the switch 168d, a liquid hole (e.g., the liquid hole 153 of FIGS. 4B and 4C) may be alternatively connected to one of the main flow path area 161d-1 and the auxiliary flow path area 161d-2. The liquid path f0 where a liquid is transferred from the liquid hole 153 may move to one of the first path f1 and the second path f2 by the switch 168d.

In one embodiment, a flavor substance 165d (e.g., the flavor substance 165 of FIGS. 4B and 4C) may be placed only in the main flow path area 161d-1 among the main flow path area 161d-1 and the auxiliary flow path area 161d-2.

For example, when the liquid hole 153 is connected to the main flow path area 161d-1, the liquid may move to the first path f1. The liquid may contact the flavor substance 165d while passing through the first path f1. The liquid passing through the first path f1 may add a flavor of the flavor substance 165d thereto and be transferred to the atomization space (e.g., the atomization space 172 of FIGS. 4B and 4C).

For example, when the liquid hole 153 is connected to the auxiliary flow path area 161d-2, the liquid may move to the second path f2. The liquid may not contact the flavor substance 165d while passing through the second path f2. The liquid passing through the second path f2 may not add a flavor thereto and be transferred to the atomization space 172.

In one embodiment of the present specification, the user may selectively add flavors to the liquid according to their preference or usage environment, and accordingly, the usability of the aerosol-generating device 100 may be improved.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a flavor module 160e according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 9, a flavor substance 165e (e.g., the flavor substance 165 of FIGS. 4B and 4C) of the flavor module 160e (e.g., the flavor module 160 of FIGS. 4B and 4C) according to one embodiment may include a plurality of flavor elements.

Hereinafter, any repeated description related to the above description is omitted, and in the flavor module 160e, it is obvious that some components and structures may be replaced, added, or omitted within a range easily understandable to those skilled in the art with reference to the drawings and descriptions below. In addition, at least one component or feature of the embodiments described above may be coupled to the flavor module 160e unless it is technically and clearly infeasible.

In addition, the descriptions below on the flavor substance 165e may apply to each of the flavor substances 165, 165a, 165b, 165c, and 165d of the various embodiments described above.

In one embodiment, a liquid flow path 161e may include an inlet 162e (e.g., the inlet 162 of FIGS. 4B and 4C) and an outlet 163e (e.g., the outlet 163 of FIGS. 4B and 4C).

For example, when the liquid hole 153 is connected to the inlet 162e, a liquid may move to the first path f1. The liquid may contact the flavor substance 165e while passing through the first path f1. The liquid passing through the first path f1 may add a flavor of the flavor substance 165e thereto and be transferred to an atomization space (e.g., the atomization space 172 of FIGS. 4B and 4C).

In one embodiment, the flavor substance 165e may include a plurality of flavor elements that may be dissolved by the liquid. While the liquid passes through the liquid flow path 161e, the flavor substance 165e may be dissolved as the liquid may contact the flavor substance 165e, and a flavor of the flavor substance 165e may be added to the liquid.

In one embodiment, the flavor substance 165e may include a plurality of flavor elements that may be dissolved by a temperature rise in the atomization space 172. When the aerosol-generating device 100 operates and a temperature of a heater rises, a temperature of the atomization space 172 may rise. As the temperature of the atomization space 172 rises, the flavor substance 165e may be dissolved and the flavor of the flavor substance 165e may be added to the liquid.

In one embodiment, each of the plurality of flavor elements of the flavor substance 165e may be in a form of a flavor capsule. The flavor capsule may be dissolved by the liquid or the temperature rise, and a flavor contained in the flavor capsule may be mixed into the liquid.

In one embodiment, the flavor module 160e may further include a membrane filter 169e. The membrane filter 169e may be provided inside the liquid flow path 161e. The membrane filter 169e may prevent leakage of the liquid.

In one embodiment, the flavor substance 165e may be disposed at a position relatively adjacent to the chamber 152 than to the atomization space 172 in the liquid flow path 161e, based on the membrane filter 169e. The membrane filter 169e may allow penetration of the liquid while restricting penetration of the flavor substance 165e.

In one embodiment, the membrane filter 169e may restrict movement of the liquid. The membrane filter 160e may prevent the liquid from being unnecessarily leaked into the atomization space 172 or being excessively transferred to the atomization space 172.

In one embodiment of the present specification, the flavor module 160e and the membrane filter 169e may prevent leakage of the liquid and transfer a uniform liquid to the atomization space 172, thereby improving the usability of the aerosol-generating device 100.

An aerosol-generating device according to one embodiment may include a body including a chamber configured to store a liquid and a liquid hole communicating with the chamber, a flavor module detachably assembled into the body, and a cap coupled to the flavor module and including an atomization space therein. In one embodiment, the flavor module may include a liquid flow path configured to transfer a liquid from the liquid hole to the atomization space, and a flavor substance provided inside the liquid flow path and configured to add a flavor by contacting a liquid passing through the liquid flow path.

In one embodiment, the flavor module may further include an auxiliary flow path partitioned from the liquid flow path. In one embodiment, the auxiliary flow path may be connected to the liquid hole, in a state in which a connection between the liquid flow path and the liquid hole is terminated, to transfer a liquid from the liquid hole to the atomization space.

In one embodiment, the flavor module may be assembled into the body so that the liquid hole may be alternatively connected to one of the liquid flow path and the auxiliary flow path.

In one embodiment, the flavor module may include the liquid flow path in plurality. In one embodiment, a plurality of liquid flow paths may include a first liquid flow path and a second liquid flow path partitioned from each other.

In one embodiment, the flavor module may include the flavor substance in plurality. In one embodiment, a plurality of flavor substances may include a first flavor substance provided in the first liquid flow path and a second flavor substance provided in the second liquid flow path.

In one embodiment, the flavor module may be assembled into the body so that the liquid hole may be alternatively connected to one of the first liquid flow path and the second liquid flow path.

In one embodiment, the liquid flow path may include an inlet communicating with the liquid hole, a first flow path area branched off from the inlet and communicating with the atomization space, and a second flow path area branched off from the inlet separately from the first flow path area and communicating with the atomization space.

In one embodiment, the flavor module may include the flavor substance in plurality. In one embodiment, a plurality of flavor substances may include a first flavor substance provided in the first flow path area and a second flavor substance provided in the second flow path area.

In one embodiment, the flavor module may further include a switch configured to change a flow route of a liquid passing through the inlet.

In one embodiment, the liquid flow path may include an inlet communicating with the liquid hole, a main flow path area branched off from the inlet and communicating with the atomization space, and an auxiliary flow path area branched off from the inlet separately from the main flow path area and communicating with the atomization space. In one embodiment, the flavor substance may be placed only in the main flow path area among the main flow path area and the auxiliary flow path area.

In one embodiment, the flavor substance may include a porous material through which the liquid passes and a liquid fragrance impregnated in the porous material.

In one embodiment, the flavor substance may include a plurality of flavor elements that may be dissolved by the liquid.

In one embodiment, the flavor substance may include a plurality of flavor elements that may be dissolved by a temperature rise in the atomization space.

In one embodiment, the flavor module may further include a membrane filter, which may be provided in the liquid flow path and through which the liquid may pass.

In one embodiment, the flavor substance may be placed at a position relatively adjacent to the chamber than to the atomization space in the liquid flow path, based on the membrane filter.

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

For example, a configuration A described in one embodiment and/or drawing and a configuration B described in another embodiment and/or drawing may be combined with each other. That is, even in the case that a combination between configurations is not directly described, the combination is feasible except in cases in which it is described that the combination is infeasible.

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