Aerosol-Generating Device

Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 119 (a), this application claims the benefit of earlier filing date and right of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0073144, filed on Jun. 4, 2024, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating device.

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

In a conventional aerosol-generating device, there may be a case in which an object such as a stick is inserted into the device in a non-mounted state of a cartridge. In this case, the aerosol-generating device is not capable of normally generating an aerosol. The conventional aerosol-generating device has problems in that whether the cartridge is mounted is not checked when an object such as a stick is inserted into the device and that an alarm related to non-mounting of the cartridge is not provided to a user. In addition, in the non-mounting state of the cartridge, power may be applied to a terminal for supply of power to the cartridge or may be applied to a heater for heating of the stick, which may lead to unstable operation or malfunction of the device.

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

It is another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating device in which whether a cartridge is coupled to a body is determined based on an object being received in or approaching the body.

It is still another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating device configured to output a related alarm based on whether the cartridge is coupled to the body with an object received in or approaching the body.

It is still another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating device configured to control allowance or interruption of supply of power to a heater based on whether the cartridge is coupled to the body with an object received in or approaching the body.

It is still another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating device configured to determine whether the cartridge is coupled through a cartridge power supply terminal based on an object being received in or approaching the body.

In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure for accomplishing the above and other objects, there is provided an aerosol-generating device including a body, a cartridge coupled to the body and including a heater configured to heat an aerosol-generating substance, a sensor disposed in the body, and a controller, wherein the controller is configured to determine whether an object is received in or approaches the body based on a signal output from the sensor, and determine whether the cartridge is coupled to the body based on the object being received in or approaching the body.

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

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.

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.

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 sprit 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.

Throughout this specification, the directions of an aerosol-generating devicemay be defined based on an 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. The y-axis direction may be defined as a forward-backward direction of the aerosol-generating device. The z-axis direction may be defined as an upward-downward direction of the aerosol-generating device.

Throughout this specification, “upstream” and “downstream” may be determined based on the direction of an airflow formed such that a generated aerosol is drawn into a user's mouth or lungs when the user inhales. For example, in, because the generated aerosol flows from a part of a stick S inserted into the aerosol-generating device to a part of the stick S not inserted into the aerosol-generating device, the part of the stick S inserted into the aerosol-generating device is located upstream of the part of the stick S not inserted into the aerosol-generating device. “Upstream” and “downstream” may be determined relative to components.

are views showing an aerosol-generating deviceaccording to embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to, an aerosol-generating deviceaccording to embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of a power supply, a controller, a sensor, or a cartridge. At least one of the power supply, the controller, or the sensormay be disposed in a bodyof the aerosol-generating device. The bodymay define a space to allow the cartridgeto be inserted thereinto.

The cartridgemay contain therein an aerosol-generating substance in a liquid state, a solid state, a gas state, or a gel state. The aerosol-generating substance may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid including a tobacco-containing material having a volatile tobacco flavor component or may be a liquid including a non-tobacco material.

The cartridgemay be detachably coupled to the body. The cartridgemay define an insertion spacehaving an open top to allow a stick S, which is an aerosol-generating article, to be inserted thereinto. The insertion spacemay be formed so as to be depressed to a predetermined depth toward the interior of the cartridgeso that the stick S is inserted at least partway thereinto. The depth of the insertion spacemay correspond to the length of the portion of the stick S that contains an aerosol-generating substance and/or medium. The lower end of the stick S may be inserted into the cartridge, and the upper end of the stick S may protrude to the outside of the cartridge. A user may inhale air in a state of holding the upper end of the stick S, which is exposed to the outside, in the mouth.

The cartridgemay be mounted in the bodyin such a manner that at least a portion of the cartridgeis inserted into a space defined in one side of the body. The gasflow channel CN may be defined by a portion of the cartridge and/or a portion of the body, and the gasflow channel CN may communicate with the insertion space.

The bodymay be formed in a structure that allows outside air to be introduced into the bodyin a state in which the cartridgeis inserted thereinto. In this case, the outside air introduced into the bodymay pass through the cartridgeto enter the user's mouth.

The cartridgemay include a storage portion CO containing an aerosol-generating substance and/or a heaterconfigured to heat the aerosol-generating substance in the storage portion CO. The heatermay be referred as a cartridge heater. At least a portion of a liquid delivery element impregnated with (containing) the aerosol-generating substance may be disposed in the storage portion CO. Here, the liquid delivery element may include a wick, such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic. The electrically conductive track of the heatermay be formed in a coil-shaped structure that is wound around the liquid delivery element or a structure that is in contact with one side of the liquid delivery element. The heatermay be a resistive heater. The heatermay include an electrically conductive track and may be heated as current flows through the electrically conductive track. The heatermay be electrically connected to the power supply. The heatermay directly generate heat using current received from the power supply.

The cartridgemay generate an aerosol. As the liquid delivery element is heated by the heater, an aerosol may be generated. While the aerosol generated by the heaterpasses through the stick S, the aerosol may be mixed with a tobacco material, and the aerosol mixed with the tobacco material may be drawn into the user's mouth through one end of the stick S.

The heatermay be disposed adjacent to bottom of the insertion space. Since the heateris disposed adjacent to one end of the stick S accommodated in the insertion space, the heat transfer efficiency of the aerosol may be increased.

The aerosol-generating devicemay include a cap. The cap may be detachably coupled to the bodyso as to cover at least a portion of the cartridgecoupled to the body. The stick S may be inserted into the bodythrough the cap.

The power supplymay supply power so that components of the aerosol-generating deviceoperate. The power supplymay be referred to as a battery. The power supplymay supply power to at least one of the controller, the sensor, or the heater. The power supplymay supply power to the induction coil.

The controllermay control overall operation of the aerosol-generating device. The controller may be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The controllermay control operation of at least one of the power supply, the sensor, or the cartridge. The controllermay control operation of a display, a motor, etc. mounted in the aerosol-generating device. The controllermay check the state of each of the components of the aerosol-generating deviceand may determine whether the aerosol-generating deviceis in an operable state.

The controllermay analyze a result of detection by the sensorand may control subsequent processes. For example, the controllermay control, based on a result of detection by the sensor, power supplied to the heaterso that operation of the heatercommences or ends. For example, the controllermay control, based on a result of detection by the sensor, the amount of power supplied to the heaterand a power supply time so that the heateris heated to a predetermined temperature or is maintained at an appropriate temperature.

The sensormay include at least one of a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, an insertion detection sensor, a color sensor, a cartridge detection sensor, a cap detection sensor, or proximity sensor. For example, the sensormay detect at least one of the temperature of the heater, the temperature of the power supply, or the internal/external temperature of the body. For example, the sensormay detect a user puff. For example, the sensormay detect whether the stick S is inserted into the insertion space. For example, the sensormay detect whether the cartridge is mounted. For example, the sensormay detect whether the cap is mounted.

Referring to, an aerosol-generating deviceaccording to embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of a power supply, a controller, a sensor, a heateror a cartridge. At least one of the power supply, the controller, the sensor, or the heatermay be disposed in a bodyof the aerosol-generating device. The bodymay define an insertion spacehaving an open top to allow a stick S, to be inserted thereinto. The insertion spacemay be formed so as to be depressed to a predetermined depth toward the interior of the bodyso that the stick S is inserted at least partway thereinto. The lower end of the stick S may be inserted into the body, and the upper end of the stick S may protrude to the outside of the body.

The heatermay heat a stick S. The heatermay be disposed around a space into which the stick S is inserted and may be elongated upward. For example, the heatermay be formed in a shape of a tube including a cavity formed therein. The heatermay be disposed around an insertion space. The heatermay be disposed so as to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. The heatermay heat the insertion spaceor the stick S inserted into the insertion space. The heatermay include an electro-resistive heater and/or an induction heater.

For example, the heatermay be a resistive heater. For example, the heatermay include an electrically conductive track and may be heated as current flows through the electrically conductive track. The heatermay be electrically connected to the power supply. The heatermay directly generate heat using current received from the power supply.

For example, the aerosol-generating device may include an induction coil surrounding the heater. The induction coil may cause the heaterto generate heat. The heateras a susceptor may generate heat using a magnetic field generated by alternating current flowing through the induction coil. The magnetic field may pass through the heaterto generate an eddy current in the heater. The current may cause the heaterto generate heat.

Meanwhile, a susceptor may be included in the stick S, and the susceptor in the stick S may generate heat using a magnetic field generated by alternating current flowing through the induction coil.

The cartridgemay be integrally formed with the bodyor may be detachably coupled to the body.

For example, referring to, the cartridgemay be integrally formed with the bodyand may communicate with the insertion space through a gasflow channel CN.

For example, referring to, a space may be defined in one side of the body, and the cartridgemay be mounted in the bodyin such a manner that at least a portion of the cartridgeis inserted into the space defined in one side of the body. The gasflow channel CN may be defined by a portion of the cartridgeand/or a portion of the body, and the cartridgemay communicate with the insertion space through the gasflow channel CN.

The cartridgemay generate an aerosol. As the liquid delivery elementis heated by the cartridge heater, an aerosol may be generated. An aerosol may be generated by heating the stick S using the heater. While the aerosol generated by the cartridge heaterand the heaterpasses through the stick S, the aerosol may be mixed with a tobacco material, and the aerosol mixed with the tobacco material may be drawn into the user's mouth through one end of the stick S.

The controllermay analyze a result of detection by the sensorand may control subsequent processes. For example, the controllermay control, based on a result of detection by the sensor, power supplied to the cartridge heaterandso that operation of the cartridge heaterandcommences or ends. For example, the controllermay control, based on a result of detection by the sensor, the amount of power supplied to the heaterandand a power supply time so that the heaterandis heated to a predetermined temperature or is maintained at an appropriate temperature.

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

Referring to, the aerosol-generating devicemay include at least one of a body A, a cartridge A, or a cap A.

The body A(e.g., the body) may include at least one of a lower body Aor an upper body A. The lower body Amay accommodate various components necessary for supply of power or control, such as a power supply or a controller. The lower body Amay form the external appearance of the aerosol-generating device. The upper body Amay be disposed on the lower body A. The cartridge A(e.g., the cartridge) may be coupled to the upper body A.

The upper body Amay include at least one of a mount Aor a column A. The mount Amay be disposed on the lower body A. The mount Amay define a space Ainto which the lower portion of the cartridge Ais inserted. The space Ain the mount Amay be referred to as a cartridge receiving space. The mount Amay surround the lower portion of the cartridge Ainserted into the receiving space A(hereinafter referred to as a cartridge receiving space). The mount Amay be engaged with the cartridge A.

The column Amay be disposed on the lower body A. The column Amay extend upward from one side of the mount A. The column Amay face one side wall of the cartridge A. The column Amay have a shape surrounding one side wall of the cartridge A. The column Amay support one side wall of the cartridge A.

The cartridge Amay include at least one of a first container Aor a second container A. The first container Amay be coupled to the upper side of the second container A. The first container Amay define a space CO (refer to) for storing liquid. The first container Amay define an insertion space Athat has an open upper side and is elongated in the upward-downward direction. A stick S may be inserted into the insertion space A. One side wall of the first container Amay face the column A.

The second container Amay be coupled to the lower side of the first container A. The second containermay define a space in which a wick A(e.g., a liquid delivery part) (refer to) and a heater A(e.g., the heater) (refer to) are mounted. The second containermay be inserted into the cartridge receiving space A. The mount Amay surround the second container A. The second container Amay be coupled to the mount A.