Patent Application
20240415197
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 research on aerosol-generating devices has been conducted.
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 capable of rapidly determining whether a stick is inserted thereinto.
It is still another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating device capable of determining at least one of whether a stick is inserted thereinto or whether an inserted stick is a used stick.
It is still another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating device capable of improving the accuracy of determination of a stick.
It is still another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating device capable of minimizing the amount of power consumed for determination of an insertion space into which a stick is inserted.
An aerosol-generating device according to an aspect of the present disclosure for accomplishing the above and other objects may include a housing having an insertion space defined therein so as to be elongated, a door configured to open and close the insertion space, a magnetic sensor configured to detect a magnetic field corresponding to the door, a capacitance sensor disposed adjacent to the insertion space, and a controller. The controller may determine whether an object is inserted into the insertion space using the magnetic sensor, and may determine whether the object inserted into the insertion space is a stick using the capacitance sensor.
According to at least one of embodiments of the present disclosure, it may be possible to rapidly determine whether a stick is inserted.
According to at least one of embodiments of the present disclosure, it may be possible to determine at least one of whether a stick is inserted or whether an inserted stick is a used stick.
According to at least one of embodiments of the present disclosure, the accuracy of determination of a stick may be improved.
According to at least one of embodiments of the present disclosure, the amount of power consumed for determination of an insertion space into which a stick is inserted may be minimized.
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.
The above and other objects, features and other advantages of the present disclosure will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
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. The “module” and “unit” are 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 the terms “first”, “second”, etc., may be used herein to describe various components. However, 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. However, it will be understood that 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.
Referring to
In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating device 10 may be composed only of a main body. In this case, components included in the aerosol-generating device 10 may be located in the main body. In another embodiment, the aerosol-generating device 10 may be composed of a cartridge, which contains an aerosol-generating substance, and a main body. In this case, the components included in the aerosol-generating device 10 may be located in at least one of the main body or the cartridge.
The communication interface 11 may include at least one communication module for communication with an external device and/or a network. For example, the communication interface 11 may include a communication module for wired communication, such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB). For example, the communication interface 11 may include a communication module for wireless communication, such as Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), ZigBee, or nearfield communication (NFC).
The input/output interface 12 may include an input device (not shown) for receiving a command from a user and/or an output device (not shown) for outputting information to the user. For example, the input device may include a touch panel, a physical button, a microphone, or the like. For example, the output device may include a display device for outputting visual information, such as a display or a light-emitting diode (LED), an audio device for outputting auditory information, such as a speaker or a buzzer, a motor for outputting tactile information such as haptic effect, or the like.
The input/output interface 12 may transmit data corresponding to a command input by the user through the input device to another component (or other components) of the aerosol-generating device 100. The input/output interface 12 may output information corresponding to data received from another component (or other components) of the aerosol-generating device 10 through the output device.
The aerosol-generating module 13 may generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating substance. Here, the aerosol-generating substance may be a substance in a liquid state, a solid state, or a gel state, which is capable of generating an aerosol, or a combination of two or more aerosol-generating substances.
According to an embodiment, the liquid aerosol-generating substance may be a liquid including a tobacco-containing material having a volatile tobacco flavor component. According to another embodiment, the liquid aerosol-generating substance may be a liquid including a non-tobacco material. For example, the liquid aerosol-generating substance may include water, solvents, nicotine, plant extracts, flavorings, flavoring agents, vitamin mixtures, etc.
The solid aerosol-generating substance may include a solid material based on a tobacco raw material such as a reconstituted tobacco sheet, shredded tobacco, or granulated tobacco. In addition, the solid aerosol-generating substance may include a solid material having a taste control agent and a flavoring material. For example, the taste control agent may include calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, calcium oxide, etc. For example, the flavoring material may include a natural material such as herbal granules, or may include a material such as silica, zeolite, or dextrin, which includes an aroma ingredient.
In addition, the aerosol-generating substance may further include an aerosol-forming agent such as glycerin or propylene glycol.
The aerosol-generating module 13 may include at least one heater (not shown).
The aerosol-generating module 13 may include an electro-resistive heater. For example, the electro-resistive heater may include at least one electrically conductive track. The electro-resistive heater may be heated as current flows through the electrically conductive track. At this time, the aerosol-generating substance may be heated by the heated electro-resistive heater.
The electrically conductive track may include an electro-resistive material. In one example, the electrically conductive track may be formed of a metal material. In another example, the electrically conductive track may be formed of a ceramic material, carbon, a metal alloy, or a composite of a ceramic material and metal.
The electro-resistive heater may include an electrically conductive track that is formed in any of various shapes. For example, the electrically conductive track may be formed in any one of a tubular shape, a plate shape, a needle shape, a rod shape, and a coil shape.
The aerosol-generating module 13 may include a heater that uses an induction-heating method. For example, the induction heater may include an electrically conductive coil. The induction heater may generate an alternating magnetic field, which periodically changes in direction, by adjusting the current flowing through the electrically conductive coil. At this time, when the alternating magnetic field is applied to a magnetic body, energy loss may occur in the magnetic body due to eddy current loss and hysteresis loss. In addition, the lost energy may be released as thermal energy. Accordingly, the aerosol-generating substance located adjacent to the magnetic body may be heated. Here, an object that generates heat due to the magnetic field may be referred to as a susceptor.
Meanwhile, the aerosol-generating module 13 may generate ultrasonic vibrations to thereby generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating substance.
The aerosol-generating device 10 may be referred to as a cartomizer, an atomizer, or a vaporizer.
The memory 14 may store programs for processing and controlling each signal in the controller 17. The memory 14 may store processed data and data to be processed.
For example, the memory 14 may store applications designed for the purpose of performing various tasks that can be processed by the controller 17. The memory 14 may selectively provide some of the stored applications in response to the request from the controller 17.
For example, the memory 14 may store data on the operation time of the aerosol-generating device 100, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, the number of uses of battery 16, at least one temperature profile, the user's inhalation pattern, and data about charging/discharging. Here, “puff” means inhalation by the user. “inhalation” means the user's act of taking air or other substances into the user's oral cavity, nasal cavity, or lungs through the user's mouth or nose.
The memory 14 may include at least one of volatile memory (e.g. dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), or synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM)), nonvolatile memory (e.g. flash memory), a hard disk drive (HDD), or a solid-state drive (SSD).
The sensor module 15 may include at least one sensor.
For example, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor for sensing a puff (hereinafter referred to as a “puff sensor”). In this case, the puff sensor may be implemented as a proximity sensor such as an IR sensor, a pressure sensor, a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, a magnetic field sensor, or the like.
For example, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor for sensing a puff (hereinafter referred to as a “puff sensor”). In this case, the puff sensor may be implemented by a pressure sensor, a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, a magnetic field sensor, or the like.
For example, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor for sensing the temperature of the heater included in the aerosol-generating module 13 and the temperature of the aerosol-generating substance (hereinafter referred to as a “temperature sensor”). In this case, the heater included in the aerosol-generating module 13 may also serve as the temperature sensor. For example, the electro-resistive material of the heater may be a material having a predetermined temperature coefficient of resistance. The sensor module 15 may measure the resistance of the heater, which varies according to the temperature, to thereby sense the temperature of the heater.
For example, in the case in which the main body of the aerosol-generating device 10 is formed to allow a stick to be inserted thereinto, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor for sensing insertion of the stick (hereinafter referred to as a “stick detection sensor”).
For example, in the case in which the aerosol-generating device 10 includes a cartridge, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor for sensing mounting/demounting of the cartridge and the position of the cartridge (hereinafter referred to as a “cartridge detection sensor”).
In this case, the stick detection sensor and/or the cartridge detection sensor may be implemented as an inductance-based sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistance sensor, or a Hall sensor (or Hall IC) using a Hall effect.
For example, the sensor module 15 may include a voltage sensor for sensing a voltage applied to a component (e.g. the battery 16) provided in the aerosol-generating device 10 and/or a current sensor for sensing a current.
The battery 16 may supply electric power used for the operation of the aerosol-generating device 10 under the control of the controller 17. The battery 16 may supply electric power to other components provided in the aerosol-generating device 100. For example, the battery 16 may supply electric power to the communication module included in the communication interface 11, the output device included in the input/output interface 12, and the heater included in the aerosol-generating module 13.
The battery 16 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 16 may be a lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery or a lithium polymer (Li-polymer) battery. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, when the battery 16 is rechargeable, the charging rate (C-rate) of the battery 16 may be 10 C, and the discharging rate (C-rate) thereof may be 10 C to 20 C. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Also, for stable use, the battery 16 may be manufactured such that 80% or more of the total capacity may be ensured even when charging/discharging is performed 2000 times.
The aerosol-generating device 10 may further include a battery protection circuit module (PCM) (not shown), which is a circuit for protecting the battery 16. The battery protection circuit module (PCM) may be disposed adjacent to the upper surface of the battery 16. For example, in order to prevent overcharging and overdischarging of the battery 16, the battery protection circuit module (PCM) may cut off the electrical path to the battery 16 when a short circuit occurs in a circuit connected to the battery 16, when an overvoltage is applied to the battery 16, or when an overcurrent flows through the battery 16.
The aerosol-generating device 10 may further include a charging terminal to which electric power supplied from the outside is input. For example, the charging terminal may be formed at one side of the main body of the aerosol-generating device 100. The aerosol-generating device 10 may charge the battery 16 using electric power supplied through the charging terminal. In this case, the charging terminal may be configured as a wired terminal for USB communication, a pogo pin, or the like.
The aerosol-generating device 10 may further include a power terminal (not shown) to which electric power supplied from the outside is input. For example, a power line may be connected to the power terminal, which is disposed at one side of the main body of the aerosol-generating device 100. The aerosol-generating device 10 may use the electric power supplied through the power line connected to the power terminal to charge the battery 16. In this case, the power terminal may be a wired terminal for USB communication.
The aerosol-generating device 10 may wirelessly receive electric power supplied from the outside through the communication interface 11. For example, the aerosol-generating device 10 may wirelessly receive electric power using an antenna included in the communication module for wireless communication. The aerosol-generating device 10 may charge the battery 16 using the wirelessly supplied electric power.
The controller 17 may control the overall operation of the aerosol-generating device 100. The controller 17 may be connected to each of the components provided in the aerosol-generating device 100. The controller 17 may transmit and/or receive a signal to and/or from each of the components, thereby controlling the overall operation of each of the components.
The controller 17 may include at least one processor. The controller 17 may control the overall operation of the aerosol-generating device 10 using the processor included therein. Here, the processor may be a general processor such as a central processing unit (CPU). Of course, the processor may be a dedicated device such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or may be any of other hardware-based processors.
The controller 17 may perform any one of a plurality of functions of the aerosol-generating device 100. For example, the controller 17 may perform any one of a plurality of functions of the aerosol-generating device 10 (e.g. a preheating function, a heating function, a charging function, and a cleaning function) according to the state of each of the components provided in the aerosol-generating device 10 and the user's command received through the input/output interface 12.
The controller 17 may control the operation of each of the components provided in the aerosol-generating device 10 based on data stored in the memory 14. For example, the controller 17 may control the supply of a predetermined amount of electric power from the battery 16 to the aerosol-generating module 13 for a predetermined time based on the data on the temperature profile, the user's inhalation pattern, which is stored in the memory 14.
The controller 17 may determine the occurrence or non-occurrence of a puff using the puff sensor included in the sensor module 15. For example, the controller 17 may check a temperature change, a flow change, a pressure change, and a voltage change in the aerosol-generating device 10 based on the values sensed by the puff sensor. The controller 17 may determine the occurrence or non-occurrence of a puff based on the value sensed by the puff sensor.
The controller 17 may control the operation of each of the components provided in the aerosol-generating device 10 according to the occurrence or non-occurrence of a puff and/or the number of puffs. For example, the controller 17 may perform control such that the temperature of the heater is changed or maintained based on the temperature profile stored in the memory 14.
The controller 17 may perform control such that the supply of electric power to the heater is interrupted according to a predetermined condition. For example, the controller 17 may perform control such that the supply of electric power to the heater is interrupted when the stick is removed, when the cartridge is demounted, when the number of puffs reaches the predetermined maximum number of puffs, when a puff is not sensed during a predetermined period of time or longer, or when the remaining capacity of the battery 16 is less than a predetermined value.
The controller 17 may calculate the remaining capacity with respect to the full charge capacity of the battery 16. For example, the controller 17 may calculate the remaining capacity of the battery 16 based on the values sensed by the voltage sensor and/or the current sensor included in the sensor module 15.
The controller 17 may perform control such that electric power is supplied to the heater using at least one of a pulse width modulation (PWM) method or a proportional-integral-differential (PID) method.
For example, the controller 17 may perform control such that a current pulse having a predetermined frequency and a predetermined duty ratio is supplied to the heater using the PWM method. In this case, the controller 17 may control the amount of electric power supplied to the heater by adjusting the frequency and the duty ratio of the current pulse.
For example, the controller 17 may determine a target temperature to be controlled based on the temperature profile. In this case, the controller 17 may control the amount of electric power supplied to the heater using the PID method, which is a feedback control method using a difference value between the temperature of the heater 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.
Although the PWM method and the PID method are described as examples of methods of controlling the supply of electric power to the heater, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and may employ any of various control methods, such as a proportional-integral (PI) method or a proportional-differential (PD) method.
Meanwhile, the controller 17 may perform control such that electric power is supplied to the heater according to a predetermined condition. For example, when a cleaning function for cleaning the space into which the stick is inserted is selected in response to a command input by the user through the input/output interface 12, the controller 17 may perform control such that a predetermined amount of electric power is supplied to the heater.
According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device 10 may include a main body 100 and/or a cartridge 200.
Referring to
The stick 20 may be similar to a general combustive cigarette. For example, the stick 20 may be divided into a first portion including an aerosol generating material and a second portion including a filter and the like. Alternatively, an aerosol generating material may be included in the second portion of the stick 20. For example, a flavoring substance made in the form of granules or capsules may be inserted into the second portion.
The entire first portion is inserted into the insertion space of the aerosol-generating device 10, and the second portion may be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a portion of the first portion may be inserted into the insertion space of the aerosol-generating device 10, or a portion of the first portion and the second portion may be inserted. In this case, the aerosol may be generated by passing external air through the first portion, and the generated aerosol may be delivered to the user's mouth through the second portion.
The main body 100 may be structured such that external air is introduced into the main body 100 in the state in which the stick 20 is inserted thereinto. In this case, the external air introduced into the main body 100 may flow into the mouth of the user via the stick 20.
The heater may be disposed in the main body 100 at a position corresponding to the position at which the stick 20 is inserted into the main body 100. Although it is illustrated in the drawings that the heater is an electrically conductive heater 110 including a needle-shaped electrically conductive track, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.
The heater may heat the interior and/or exterior of the stick 20 using the electric power supplied from the battery 16. An aerosol may be generated from the heated stick 20. At this time, the user may hold one end of the stick 20 in the mouth to inhale the aerosol containing a tobacco material.
Meanwhile, the controller 17 may perform control such that electric power is supplied to the heater in the state in which the stick 20 is not inserted into the main body according to a predetermined condition. For example, when a cleaning function for cleaning the space into which the stick 20 is inserted is selected in response to a command input by the user through the input/output interface 12, the controller 17 may perform control such that a predetermined amount of electric power is supplied to the heater.
The controller 17 may monitor the number of puffs based on the value sensed by the puff sensor from the point in time at which the stick 20 was inserted into the main body.
When the stick 20 is removed from the main body, the controller 17 may initialize the current number of puffs stored in the memory 14.
Referring to
According to one embodiment, the cartridge 200 may be configured so as to be detachably mounted to the main body 100. According to another embodiment, the cartridge 200 may be integrally configured with the main body 100. For example, the cartridge 200 may be mounted to the main body 100 in a manner such that at least a portion of the cartridge 200 is inserted into the insertion space formed by a housing 101 of the main body 100.
The main body 100 may be formed to have a structure in which external air can be introduced into the main body 100 in the state in which the cartridge 200 is inserted thereinto. Here, the external air introduced into the main body 100 may flow into the user's mouth via the cartridge 200.
The controller 17 may determine whether the cartridge 200 is in a mounted state or a detached state using a cartridge detection sensor included in the sensor module 15. For example, the cartridge detection sensor may transmit a pulse current through a first terminal connected with the cartridge 200. In this case, the controller 17 may determine whether the cartridge 200 is in a connected state, based on whether the pulse current is received through a second terminal.
The cartridge 200 may include a heater 210 configured to heat the aerosol-generating substance and/or a reservoir 220 configured to contain the aerosol-generating substance. For example, a liquid delivery element impregnated with (containing) the aerosol-generating substance may be disposed inside the reservoir 220. The electrically conductive track of the heater 210 may be formed in a structure that is wound around the liquid delivery element. In this case, when the liquid delivery element is heated by the heater 210, an aerosol may be generated. Here, the liquid delivery element may include a wick made of, for example, cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic.
The cartridge 200 may include an insertion space 230 configured to allow the stick 20 to be inserted. For example, the cartridge 200 may include the insertion space formed by an inner wall extending in a circumferential direction along a direction in which the stick 20 is inserted. In this case, the insertion space may be formed by opening the inner side of the inner wall up and down. The stick 20 may be inserted into the insertion space formed by the inner wall.
The insertion space into which the stick 20 is inserted may be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of a portion of the stick 20 inserted into the insertion space. For example, when the stick 20 is formed in a cylindrical shape, the insertion space may be formed in a cylindrical shape.
When the stick 20 is inserted into the insertion space, the outer surface of the stick 20 may be surrounded by the inner wall and contact the inner wall.
A portion of the stick 20 may be inserted into the insertion space, the remaining portion of the stick 20 may be exposed to the outside.
The user may inhale the aerosol while biting one end of the stick 20 with the mouth. The aerosol generated by the heater 210 may pass through the stick 20 and be delivered to the user's mouth. At this time, while the aerosol passes through the stick 20, the material contained in the stick 20 may be added to the aerosol. The material-infused aerosol may be inhaled into the user's oral cavity through the one end of the stick 20.
Referring to
The aerosol-generating device 10 may include a first heater for heating the aerosol-generating substance stored in the cartridge 200. For example, when the user holds one end of the stick 20 in the mouth to inhale the aerosol, the aerosol generated by the first heater may pass through the stick 20. At this time, while the aerosol passes through the stick 20, a flavor may be added to the aerosol. The aerosol containing the flavor may be drawn into the user's oral cavity through one end of the stick 20.
Alternatively, according to another embodiment, the aerosol-generating device 10 may include a first heater for heating the aerosol-generating substance stored in the cartridge 200 and a second heater for heating the stick 20 inserted into the main body 100. For example, the aerosol-generating device 10 may generate an aerosol by heating the aerosol-generating substance stored in the cartridge 200 and the stick 20 using the first heater and the second heater, respectively.
Referring to
A diameter of the stick 20 may be within a range of 5 mm to 9 mm, and a length of the stick 20 may be about 48 mm, but embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, a length of the tobacco rod 21 may be about 12 mm, a length of a first segment of the filter rod 22 may be about 10 mm, a length of a second segment of the filter rod 22 may be about 14 mm, and a length of a third segment of the filter rod 22 may be about 12 mm, but embodiments are not limited thereto.
The stick 20 may be wrapped using at least one wrapper 24. The wrapper 24 may have at least one hole through which external air may be introduced or internal air may be discharged. For example, the stick 20 may be wrapped using one wrapper 24. As another example, the stick 20 may be double-wrapped using at least two wrappers 24. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be wrapped using a first wrapper 241. For example, the filter rod 22 may be wrapped using wrappers 242, 243, 244. The tobacco rod 21 and the filter rod 22 wrapped by wrappers may be combined. The stick 20 may be re-wrapped by a single wrapper 245. When each of the tobacco rod 21 and the filter rod 22 includes a plurality of segments, each segment may be wrapped using wrappers 242, 243, 244. The entirety of stick 20 composed of a plurality of segments wrapped by wrappers may be re-wrapped by another wrapper
The first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be formed of general filter wrapping paper. For example, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be porous wrapping paper or non-porous wrapping paper. Also, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be made of an oil-resistant paper sheet and an aluminum laminate packaging material.
The third wrapper 243 may be made of a hard wrapping paper. For example, a basis weight of the third wrapper 243 may be within a range of 88 g/m2 to 96 g/m2. For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper 243 may be within a range of 90 g/m2 to 94 g/m2. Also, a total thickness of the third wrapper 243 may be within a range of 1200 μm to 1300 μm. For example, the total thickness of the third wrapper 243 may be 125 μm.
The fourth wrapper 244 may be made of an oil-resistant hard wrapping paper. For example, a basis weight of the fourth wrapper 244 may be within a range of about 88 g/m2 to about 96 g/m2. For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 244 may be within a range of 90 g/m2 to 94 g/m2. Also, a total thickness of the fourth wrapper 244 may be within a range of 1200 μm to 1300 μm. For example, the total thickness of the fourth wrapper 244 may be 125 μm.
The fifth wrapper 245 may be made of a sterilized paper (MFW). Here, the MFW refers to a paper specially manufactured to have enhanced tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, and the like, compared to ordinary paper. For example, a basis weight of the fifth wrapper 245 may be within a range of 57 g/m2 to 63 g/m2. For example, a basis weight of the fifth wrapper 245 may be about 60 g/m2. Also, the total thickness of the fifth wrapper 245 may be within a range of 64 μm to 70 μm. For example, the total thickness of the fifth wrapper 245 may be 67 μm.
A predetermined material may be included in the fifth wrapper 245. Here, an example of the predetermined material may be, but is not limited to, silicon. For example, silicon exhibits characteristics like heat resistance with little change due to the temperature, oxidation resistance, resistances to various chemicals, water repellency, electrical insulation, etc. However, any material other than silicon may be applied to (or coated on) the fifth wrapper 245 without limitation as long as the material has the above-mentioned characteristics.
The fifth wrapper 245 may prevent the stick 20 from being burned. For example, when the tobacco rod 21 is heated by the heater 110, there is a possibility that the stick 20 is burned. In detail, when the temperature is raised to a temperature above the ignition point of any one of materials included in the tobacco rod 21, the stick 20 may be burned. Even in this case, since the fifth wrapper 245 include a non-combustible material, the burning of the stick 20 may be prevented.
Furthermore, the fifth wrapper 245 may prevent the aerosol generating device 100 from being contaminated by substances formed by the stick 20. Through puffs of a user, liquid substances may be formed in the stick 20. For example, as the aerosol formed by the stick 20 is cooled by the outside air, liquid materials (e.g., moisture, etc.) may be formed. As the fifth wrapper 245 wraps the stick 20, the liquid materials formed in the stick 20 may be prevented from being leaked out of the stick 20.
The tobacco rod 21 may include an aerosol generating material. For example, the aerosol generating material may include at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol, but it is not limited thereto. Also, the tobacco rod 21 may include other additives, such as flavors, a wetting agent, and/or organic acid. Also, the tobacco rod 21 may include a flavored liquid, such as menthol or a moisturizer, which is injected to the tobacco rod 21.
The tobacco rod 21 may be manufactured in various forms. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be formed as a sheet or a strand. Also, the tobacco rod 21 may be formed as a pipe tobacco, which is formed of tiny bits cut from a tobacco sheet. Also, the tobacco rod 21 may be surrounded by a heat conductive material. For example, the heat-conducting material may be, but is not limited to, a metal foil such as aluminum foil. For example, the heat conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 may uniformly distribute heat transmitted to the tobacco rod 21, and thus, the heat conductivity applied to the tobacco rod may be increased and taste of the tobacco may be improved. Also, the heat conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 may function as a susceptor heated by the induction heater. Here, although not illustrated in the drawings, the tobacco rod 21 may further include an additional susceptor, in addition to the heat conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21.
The filter rod 22 may include a cellulose acetate filter. Shapes of the filter rod 22 are not limited. For example, the filter rod 22 may include a cylinder-type rod or a tube-type rod having a hollow inside. Also, the filter rod 22 may include a recess-type rod. When the filter rod 22 includes a plurality of segments, at least one of the plurality of segments may have a different shape.
The first segment of the filter rod 22 may be a cellulous acetate filter. For example, the first segment may be a tube-type structure having a hollow inside. The first segment may prevent an internal material of the tobacco rod 21 from being pushed back when the heater 110 is inserted into the tobacco rod 21 and may also provide a cooling effect to aerosol. A diameter of the hollow included in the first segment may be an appropriate diameter within a range of 2 mm to 4.5 mm but is not limited thereto.
The length of the first segment may be an appropriate length within a range of 4 mm to 30 mm but is not limited thereto. For example, the length of the first segment may be 10 mm but is not limited thereto.
The second segment of the filter rod 22 cools the aerosol which is generated when the heater 110 heats the tobacco rod 21. Therefore, the user may puff the aerosol which is cooled at an appropriate temperature.
The length or diameter of the second segment may be variously determined according to the shape of the stick 20. For example, the length of the second segment may be an appropriate length within a range of 7 mm to 20 mm. Preferably, the length of the second segment may be about 14 mm but is not limited thereto.
The second segment may be manufactured by weaving a polymer fiber. In this case, a flavoring liquid may also be applied to the fiber formed of the polymer. Alternatively, the second segment may be manufactured by weaving together an additional fiber coated with a flavoring liquid and a fiber formed of a polymer. Alternatively, the second segment may be formed by a crimped polymer sheet.
For example, a polymer may be formed of a material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PLA), cellulous acetate (CA), and aluminum coil.
As the second segment is formed by the woven polymer fiber or the crimped polymer sheet, the second segment may include a single channel or a plurality of channels extending in a longitudinal direction. Here, a channel refers to a passage through which a gas (e.g., air or aerosol) passes.
For example, the second segment formed of the crimped polymer sheet may be formed from a material having a thickness between about 5 μm and about 300 μm, for example, between about 10 μm and about 250 μm. Also, a total surface area of the second segment may be between about 300 mm2/mm and about 1000 mm2/mm. In addition, an aerosol cooling element may be formed from a material having a specific surface area between about 10 mm2/mg and about 100 mm2/mg.
The second segment may include a thread including a volatile flavor component. Here, the volatile flavor component may be menthol but is not limited thereto. For example, the thread may be filled with a sufficient amount of menthol to provide the second segment with menthol of 1.5 mg or more.
The third segment of the filter rod 22 may be a cellulous acetate filter. The length of the third segment may be an appropriate length within a range of 4 mm to 20 mm. For example, the length of the third segment may be about 12 mm but is not limited thereto.
The filter rod 22 may be manufactured to generate flavors. For example, a flavoring liquid may be injected onto the filter rod 22. For example, an additional fiber coated with a flavoring liquid may be inserted into the filter rod 22.
Also, the filter rod 22 may include at least one capsule 23. Here, the capsule 23 may generate a flavor. The capsule 23 may generate an aerosol. For example, the capsule 23 may have a configuration in which a liquid including a flavoring material is wrapped with a film. The capsule 23 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape but is not limited thereto.
Referring to
The filter rod 32 may include a first segment 321 and a second segment 322. The first segment 321 may correspond to the first segment of the filter rod 22 of
A diameter and a total length of the stick 30 may correspond to the diameter and a total length of the stick 20 of
The stick 30 may be wrapped using at least one wrapper 35. The wrapper 35 may have at least one hole through which external air may be introduced or internal air may be discharged. For example, the front-end plug 33 may be wrapped using a first wrapper 351, the tobacco rod 31 may be wrapped using a second wrapper 352, the first segment 321 may be wrapped using a third wrapper 353, and the second segment 322 may be wrapped using a fourth wrapper 354. Also, the entire stick 30 may be re-wrapped using a fifth wrapper 355.
In addition, the fifth wrapper 355 may have at least one perforation 36 formed therein. For example, the perforation 36 may be formed in an area of the fifth wrapper 355 surrounding the tobacco rod 31 but is not limited thereto. For example, the perforation 36 may transfer heat formed by the heater 210 illustrated in
Also, the second segment 322 may include at least one capsule 34. Here, the capsule 34 may generate a flavor. The capsule 34 may generate an aerosol. For example, the capsule 34 may have a configuration in which a liquid including a flavoring material is wrapped with a film. The capsule 34 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape but is not limited thereto.
The first wrapper 351 may be formed by combining general filter wrapping paper with a metal foil such as an aluminum coil. For example, a total thickness of the first wrapper 351 may be within a range of 45 μm to 55 μm. For example, the total thickness of the first wrapper 351 may be 50.3 μm. Also, a thickness of the metal coil of the first wrapper 351 may be within a range 6 μm to 7 μm. For example, the thickness of the metal coil of the first wrapper 351 may be 6.3 μm. In addition, a basis weight of the first wrapper 351 may be within a range of 50 g/m2 to 55 g/m2. For example, the basis weight of the first wrapper 351 may be 53 g/m2.
The second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 may be formed of general filter wrapping paper. For example, the second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 may be porous wrapping paper or non-porous wrapping paper.
For example, porosity of the second wrapper 352 may be 35000 CU but is not limited thereto. Also, a thickness of the second wrapper 352 may be within a range of 70 μm to 80 μm. For example, the thickness of the second wrapper 352 may be 78 μm. A basis weight of the second wrapper 352 may be within a range of 20 g/m2 to 25 g/m2. For example, the basis weight of the second wrapper 352 may be 23.5 g/m2.
For example, porosity of the third wrapper 353 may be 24000 CU but is not limited thereto. Also, a thickness of the third wrapper 353 may be in a range of about 60 μm to about 70 μm. For example, the thickness of the third wrapper 353 may be 68 μm. A basis weight of the third wrapper 353 may be in a range of about 20 g/m2 to about 25 g/m2. For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper 353 may be 21 g/m2.
The fourth wrapper 354 may be formed of PLA laminated paper. Here, the PLA laminated paper refers to three-layer paper including a paper layer, a PLA layer, and a paper layer. For example, a thickness of the fourth wrapper 353 may be in a range of 100 μm to 1200 μm. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 353 may be 110 μm. Also, a basis weight of the fourth wrapper 354 may be in a range of 80 g/m2 to 100 g/m2. For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 354 may be 88 g/m2.
The fifth wrapper 355 may be formed of sterilized paper (MFW). Here, the sterilized paper (MFW) refers to paper which is particularly manufactured to improve tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, and the like more than ordinary paper. For example, a basis weight of the fifth wrapper 355 may be in a range of 57 g/m2 to 63 g/m2. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 355 may be 60 g/m2. Also, a thickness of the fifth wrapper 355 may be in a range of 64 μm to 70 μm. For example, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 355 may be 67 μm.
The fifth wrapper 355 may include a preset material added thereto. An example of the material may include silicon, but it is not limited thereto. Silicon has characteristics such as heat resistance robust to temperature conditions, oxidation resistance, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency to water, and electrical insulation, etc. Besides silicon, any other materials having characteristics as described above may be applied to (or coated on) the fifth wrapper 355 without limitation.
The front-end plug 33 may be formed of cellulous acetate. For example, the front-end plug 33 may be formed by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulous acetate tow. Mono-denier of filaments constituting the cellulous acetate tow may be in a range of 1.0 to 10.0. For example, the mono-denier of filaments constituting the cellulous acetate tow may be within a range of 4.0 to 6.0. For example, the mono-denier of the filaments of the front-end plug 33 may be 5.0. Also, a cross-section of the filaments constituting the front-end plug 33 may be a Y shape. Total denier of the front-end plug 33 may be in a range of 20000 to 30000. For example, the total denier of the front-end plug 33 may be within a range of 25000 to 30000. For example, the total denier of the front-end plug 33 may be 28000.
Also, as needed, the front-end plug 33 may include at least one channel. A cross-sectional shape of the channel may be manufactured in various shapes.
The tobacco rod 31 may correspond to the tobacco rod 21 described above with reference to
The first segment 321 may be formed of cellulous acetate. For example, the first segment 321 may be a tube-type structure having a hollow inside. The first segment 321 may be manufactured by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulous acetate tow. For example, mono-denier and total denier of the first segment 321 may be the same as the mono-denier and total denier of the front-end plug 33.
The second segment 322 may be formed of cellulous acetate. Mono denier of filaments constituting the second segment 322 may be in a range of 1.0 to 10.0. For example, the mono denier of the filaments of the second segment 322 may be within a range of about 8.0 to about 10.0. For example, the mono denier of the filaments of the second segment 322 may be 9.0. Also, a cross-section of the filaments of the second segment 322 may be a Y shape. Total denier of the second segment 322 may be in a range of 20000 to 30000. For example, the total denier of the second segment 322 may be 25000.
Referring to
The medium portion 410 may include a medium 411. The medium portion 410 may include a first medium cover 413. The medium portion 410 may include a second medium cover 415. The medium 411 may be disposed between the first medium cover 413 and the second medium cover 415. The first medium cover 413 may be disposed at one end of the stick 40. The medium portion 410 may have a length of 24 mm.
The medium 411 may contain a multicomponent substance. The substance contained in the medium may be a multicomponent flavoring substance. The medium 411 may be composed of a plurality of granules. Each of the plurality of granules may have a size of 0.4 mm to 1.12 mm. The granules may account for approximately 70% of the volume of the medium 411. The length L2 of the medium 411 may be 10 mm. The first medium cover 413 may be made of an acetate material. The second medium cover 415 may be made of an acetate material. The first medium cover 413 may be made of a paper material. The second medium cover 415 may be made of a paper material. At least one of the first medium cover 413 or the second medium cover 415 may be made of a paper material, and may be crumpled so as to be wrinkled, and a plurality of gaps may be formed between the wrinkles so that air flows therethrough. Each of the gaps may be smaller than each of the granules of the medium 411. The length L1 of the first medium cover 413 may be shorter than the length L2 of the medium 411. The length L3 of the second medium cover 415 may be shorter than the length L2 of the medium 411. The length L1 of the first medium cover 413 may be 7 mm. The length L2 of the second medium cover 415 may be 7 mm.
Accordingly, each of the granules of the medium 411 may be prevented from being separated from the medium portion 410 and the stick 40.
The cooling portion 420 may have a cylindrical shape. The cooling portion 420 may have a hollow shape. The cooling portion 420 may be disposed between the medium portion 410 and the filter portion 430. The cooling portion 420 may be disposed between the second medium cover 415 and the filter portion 430. The cooling portion 420 may be formed in the shape of a tube that surrounds a cooling path 424 formed therein. The cooling portion 420 may be thicker than the wrapper 440. The cooling portion 420 may be made of a paper material thicker than that of the wrapper 440. The length L4 of the cooling portion 420 may be equal or similar to the length L2 of the medium 411. The length L4 of each of the cooling portion 420 and the cooling path 424 may be 10 mm. When the stick 40 is inserted into the aerosol-generating device, at least part of the cooling portion 420 may be exposed to the outside of the aerosol-generating device.
Accordingly, the cooling portion 420 may support the medium portion 410 and the filter portion 430 and may secure the rigidity of the stick 40. In addition, the cooling portion 420 may support the wrapper 440 between the medium portion 410 and the filter portion 430 and may provide a portion to which the wrapper 440 is adhered. In addition, the heated air and aerosol may be cooled while passing through the cooling path 424 in the cooling portion 420.
The filter portion 430 may be composed of a filter made of an acetate material. The filter portion 430 may be disposed at the other end of the stick 40. When the stick 40 is inserted into the aerosol-generating device, the filter portion 430 may be exposed to the outside of the aerosol-generating device. The user may inhale air in the state of holding the filter portion 430 in the mouth. The length L5 of the filter portion 430 may be 14 mm.
The wrapper 440 may wrap or surround the medium portion 410, the cooling portion 420, and the filter portion 430. The wrapper 440 may form the external appearance of the stick 40. The wrapper 440 may be made of a paper material. An adhesive portion 441 may be formed along one edge of the wrapper 440. The wrapper 440 may surround the medium portion 410, the cooling portion 420, and the filter portion 430, and the adhesive portion 441 formed along one edge of the wrapper 440 and the other edge thereof may be adhered to each other. The wrapper 440 may surround the medium portion 410, the cooling portion 420, and the filter portion 430, but may not cover one end or the other end of the stick 40.
Accordingly, the wrapper 440 may fix the medium portion 410, the cooling portion 420, and the filter portion 430, and may prevent these components from being separated from the stick 40.
A first thin film 443 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the first medium cover 413. The first thin film 443 may be disposed between the wrapper 440 and the first medium cover 413, or may be disposed outside the wrapper 440. The first thin film 443 may surround the first medium cover 413. The first thin film 443 may be made of a metal material. The first thin film 443 may be made of an aluminum material. The first thin film 443 may be in close contact with the wrapper 440 or may be coated thereon.
A second thin film 445 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the second medium cover 415. The second thin film 445 may be disposed between the wrapper 440 and the second medium cover 415 or may be disposed outside the wrapper 440. The second thin film 445 may be made of a metal material. The second thin film 445 may be made of an aluminum material. The second thin film 445 may be in close contact with the wrapper 440 or may be coated thereon.
Hereinafter, the directions of the aerosol-generating device 10 may be defined based on the orthogonal coordinate system shown in
Referring to
An outer wall 102 of the body 100 may extend in the upward-downward direction. The outer wall 102 of the body 100 may extend along the outer periphery of the body 100. The outer wall 102 of the body 100 may extend in the circumferential direction to form a cylindrical shape. The body 100 may be elongated. The longitudinal direction of the body 100 may refer to the direction in which the body 100 is elongated. The longitudinal direction of the body 100 may be the upward-downward direction.
An inner wall 103 of the body 100 may extend in the upward-downward direction. The inner wall 103 of the body 100 may extend along the inner periphery of the body 100. The inner wall 103 of the body 100 may extend in the circumferential direction to form a cylindrical shape.
The inner wall 103 of the body 100 may form an insertion space 130 into which the stick 20 is inserted. The insertion space 130 in the body 100 may be a space that is recessed to a predetermined depth into the aerosol-generating device 10 for insertion of at least a portion of the stick 20 thereinto.
The body 100 may be formed such that the upper side of the outer wall 102 and the upper side of the inner wall 103 are connected to each other. The outer wall 102 and the inner wall 103 of the body 100 may constitute the housing 101 of the aerosol-generating device 10.
The body 100 may include a door 310 for opening and closing the insertion space 130 with respect to the outside. The door 310 may be disposed adjacent to a portion at which the upper side of the outer wall 102 and the upper side of the inner wall 103 of the body 100 are connected to each other. The door 310 may have a shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the insertion space 130 in the leftward-rightward direction.
The door 310 and the outer wall 102 of the body 100 may form a continuous surface.
A hinge member 311 may be disposed at the portion at which the upper side of the outer wall 102 and the upper side of the inner wall 103 of the body 100 are connected to each other. The hinge member 311 may be referred to as a pivot shaft or a shaft.
The door 310 may be connected to the hinge member 311. The door 310 may be connected to the hinge member 311 so as to be pivotable into the insertion space 130. When the stick 20 is inserted into the insertion space 130, the door 310 may be pivoted in the downward direction, in which the stick 20 is inserted.
The hinge member 311 may include at least one elastic member, which provides elastic restoring force in a direction opposite the direction in which the door 310 is pivoted. For example, the hinge member 311 may include at least one spring. For example, when the rotational restoring force of the elastic member is applied to the door 310 in the state in which the door 310 is pivoted, the door 310 may return to the position at which a continuous surface is formed with the outer wall 102 of the body 100 (hereinafter referred to as an original position).
When the door 310 is pivoted into the insertion space 130, the insertion space 130 may be exposed to the outside. When the door 310 is located at the position at which the continuous surface is formed with the outer wall 102 of the body 100, the insertion space 130 may be isolated from the outside.
The inner wall 103 of the body 100 may have a recessed region 104, which is recessed in the body 100. Specifically, the recessed region 104 of the inner wall 103 may be recessed in the radially outward direction of the body 100. The depth of the recessed region 104 of the inner wall 103 may correspond to the height of the door 310 in the upward-downward direction. The cross-sectional shape of the recessed region 104 of the inner wall 103 may correspond to the cross-sectional shape of the door 310 in the leftward-rightward direction.
When the door 310 is pivoted into the insertion space 130, the door 310 may be located in an inner space 131 defined by the recessed region 104 of the inner wall 103. The lower surface of the pivoted door 310 may be in contact with the recessed region 104 of the inner wall 103. The upper surface of the pivoted door 310 may form a continuous surface with the remaining region of the inner wall 103 other than the recessed region 104.
When the stick 20 is inserted into the insertion space 130, the outer peripheral surface of the stick 20 may be surrounded by the inner wall 103 and the upper surface of the pivoted door 310.
The door 310 may include a magnetic body 315 having a magnetic property. The magnetic body 315 may be implemented as a magnet. For example, the magnetic body 315 may be disposed inside the door 310.
At least one sensor may be disposed in the body 100.
A first sensor 154 may be disposed between the outer wall 102 and the inner wall 103 of the body 100. The first sensor 154 may be disposed adjacent to the insertion space 130, into which the stick 20 is inserted. The first sensor 154 may be disposed so as to face the insertion space 130. The first sensor 154 may be elongated in the upward-downward direction along the insertion space 130.
The first sensor 154 may detect a change in the electromagnetic characteristics of the insertion space 130 to obtain information about the insertion space 130. The first sensor 154 may detect a change in the electromagnetic characteristics caused by a neighboring object. For example, the first sensor 154 may be a capacitance sensor. For example, the first sensor 154 may be a magnetic proximity sensor. However, the present disclosure is not limited to any specific type of first sensor 154. For example, when the stick 20 is inserted into the insertion space 130, there occurs a change in electromagnetic characteristics that are detected by the first sensor 154. In this case, the first sensor 154 may obtain information about the insertion space 130 based on the change in the electromagnetic characteristics.
The first sensor 154 may include a conductive body. The conductive body may be formed to have a length corresponding to the insertion space 130 in the direction in which the insertion space 130 extends.
The first sensor 154 may generate and output a signal. The first sensor 154 may generate a signal while current flows through the conductive body. The first sensor 154 may generate a signal corresponding to the electromagnetic characteristics of the surroundings, for example, the capacitance around the conductive body.
A second sensor 155 may be disposed between the outer wall 102 and the inner wall 103 of the body 100. The second sensor 155 may be disposed adjacent to the inner space 131 defined by the recessed region 104 of the inner wall 103. The second sensor 155 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the position at which the magnetic body 315 included in the door 310 is located when the door 310 is located in the inner space 131.
The second sensor 155 may be implemented as a magnetic sensor. The magnetic sensor may sense magnetization of the magnetic body 315, the direction or intensity of a magnetic field, or a change in the magnetic field. The magnetic sensor may output a signal corresponding to the sensed value. The magnetic sensor may be, for example, a Hall sensor, a rotating coil, a magnetoresistor, or a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.
A heater 115 may be disposed adjacent to the insertion space 130, and may heat the stick 20 inserted into the insertion space 130. The heater 115 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the position at which the tobacco rod 12 of the stick 20 is located when the stick 20 is inserted into the insertion space 130.
Although the heater 115 is illustrated in the drawings as being an induction heater, which generates an alternating magnetic field, which periodically changes in direction, by adjusting the current flowing through an electrically conductive coil, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.
A terminal 121, a battery 16, and/or a controller 17 may be disposed in the interior of the body 100, which is surrounded by the outer wall 102 and the inner wall 103 of the body 100.
The terminal 121 may be disposed in the bottom portion of the body 100. The terminal 121 may be electrically connected to an external power source to receive power therefrom, and may transmit the power to the battery 16. The terminal 121 may be disposed below the battery 16. The terminal 121 may be implemented as a wired terminal for USB communication, a pogo pin, or the like.
The controller 17 may determine the position of the door 310 based on the signal received from the second sensor 155. For example, the controller 17 may determine whether the door 310 is located in the inner space 131 based on the signal output from the second sensor 155. Upon determining that the door 310 is located in the inner space 131, the controller 17 may determine that an object has been inserted into the insertion space 130.
The controller 17 may determine whether the stick 20 is inserted into the insertion space 130 based on the signal received from the first sensor 154. For example, the controller 17 may determine whether the stick 20 is inserted into the insertion space 130 based on a change in the level of the signal from the first sensor 154.
The controller 17 may determine whether the stick 20 inserted into the insertion space 130 is a used stick based on the signal received from the first sensor 154. For example, the controller 17 may determine whether the stick 20 is inserted into the insertion space 130 based on the extent to which the level of the signal from the first sensor 154 changes.
Referring to
The cartridge 200 may include an outer wall 202 and an inner wall 203. The outer wall 202 may extend in the upward-downward direction. The outer wall 202 may extend along the outer periphery of the cartridge 200. The outer wall 202 may extend in the circumferential direction to form a cylindrical shape. The cartridge 200 may be elongated. The longitudinal direction of the cartridge 200 may refer to the direction in which the cartridge 200 is elongated. The longitudinal direction of the cartridge 200 may be the upward-downward direction.
The inner wall 203 may extend in the upward-downward direction. The inner wall 203 may extend along the inner periphery of the cartridge 200. The inner wall 203 may extend in the circumferential direction to form a cylindrical shape.
The inner wall 203 may be spaced inwards apart from the outer wall 202. The inner wall 203 may be spaced apart from the outer wall 202 in the radially inward direction. The upper side of the outer wall 202 and the upper side of the inner wall 203 may be connected to each other.
The inner wall 203 may extend both in the upward-downward direction and in the circumferential direction to define an insertion space 230 therein. The insertion space 230 may be defined such that the interior of the inner wall 203 is open in the upward-downward direction. The inner wall 203 may be disposed between a chamber 220 and the insertion space 230. The inner wall 203 may define the insertion space.
The insertion space 230 may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the portion of the stick 20 that is inserted thereinto. The insertion space 230 may be elongated in the upward-downward direction. The insertion space 230 may have a cylindrical shape. When the stick 20 is inserted into the insertion space 230, the stick 20 may be surrounded by the inner wall 203, and may be in close contact with the inner wall 203.
The chamber 220 may be defined by the outer wall 202, the inner wall 203, and the lower portion 205 of the cartridge 200.
The chamber 220 may be formed between the outer wall 202 and the inner wall 203. The chamber 220 may extend in the upward-downward direction. The chamber 220 may extend in the circumferential direction along the outer wall 202 and the inner wall 203. The chamber 220 may have a cylindrical shape. A pre-vaporized aerosol material may be stored in the chamber 220. The pre-vaporized aerosol material may be liquid.
A flow path 235 may be formed in the lower portion of the inner wall 203. The suctioned air may pass through the flow path 235.
The flow path 235 may be formed between the insertion space 230 and a wick 211. The aerosol generated from the wick 211 may flow toward the insertion space 230 through the flow path 235. The flow path 235 may have a shape that narrows at the middle and widens at the end in the direction in which the aerosol flows. The direction in which the aerosol flows may be the upward direction.
The wick 211 may be connected to the interior of the chamber 220. The wick 211 may absorb the pre-vaporized aerosol material stored in the chamber 220. The wick 211 may be adjacent to one end of the insertion space 230 in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 200.
The wick 211 may be disposed below the insertion space 230. The wick 211 may be disposed below the flow path 235. The wick 211 may be connected to the chamber 220 to absorb the pre-vaporized aerosol material stored in the chamber 220. The wick 211 may be inserted into the space between the inner wall 203 and the lower portion 205 of the cartridge 200. The wick 211 may extend in one direction. The wick 211 may be elongated in the leftward-rightward direction. The two end portions of the wick 211 may be connected to the interior of the chamber 220.
The heater 210 may be disposed around the wick 211. The heater 210 may be wound around the wick 211 in the direction in which the wick 211 extends. The heater 210 may apply heat to the wick. The heater 210 may generate an aerosol from the pre-vaporized aerosol material absorbed in the wick 211 using an electrical resistance heating method. The heater 210 may be connected to the controller 17, and the supply of power to the heater 210 may be controlled by the controller 17.
The stick 20 may be elongated in the upward-downward direction. The stick 20 may be inserted into the cartridge 200. The stick 20 may be inserted into the space defined by the inner wall 203 of the cartridge 200. The aerosol generated from the wick 211 may be transferred to the stick 20 through the flow path 235.
Accordingly, the chamber 220 of the cartridge 200, in which the pre-vaporized aerosol material is stored, may be disposed so as to surround the stick 20, thus making it possible to efficiently increase the amount of space for storing the pre-vaporized aerosol material in a liquid state.
Accordingly, the distance from the heater 210, which generates an aerosol by heating the wick 211, which is connected to the chamber 220 storing the pre-vaporized aerosol material, and the pre-vaporized aerosol material, to the stick 20 may be short, thus making it possible to increase the efficiency of transfer of heat from the aerosol to the stick 20.
The cartridge 200 may include a door 310 for opening and closing the insertion space 230 with respect to the outside. The door 310 may be disposed adjacent to a portion at which the upper side of the outer wall 202 and the upper side of the inner wall 203 of the cartridge 200 are connected to each other. The door 310 may have a shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the insertion space 230 in the leftward-rightward direction.
A hinge member 311, which is connected to the door 310, may be disposed at the upper side of the outer wall 202 of the cartridge 200.
When the rotational restoring force of the elastic member is applied to the door 310 in the state in which the door 310 is pivoted into the insertion space, the door 310 may return to the original position thereof, at which a continuous surface is formed with the outer wall 202 of the cartridge 200.
When the door 310 is pivoted into the insertion space 230, the insertion space 230 may be exposed to the outside. When the door 310 is located at the position at which the continuous surface is formed with the outer wall 202 of the cartridge 200, the insertion space 230 may be isolated from the outside.
The inner wall 203 of the cartridge 200 may have a recessed region 204, which is recessed in the cartridge 200. The depth of the recessed region 204 of the inner wall 203 may correspond to the height of the door 310 in the upward-downward direction. The cross-sectional shape of the recessed region 204 of the inner wall 203 may correspond to the cross-sectional shape of the door 310 in the leftward-rightward direction.
When the door 310 is pivoted into the insertion space 230, the door 310 may be located in an inner space 231 defined by the recessed region 204 of the inner wall 203. The lower surface of the pivoted door 310 may be in contact with the recessed region 204 of the inner wall 203. The upper surface of the pivoted door 310 may form a continuous surface with the remaining region of the inner wall 203 other than the recessed region 204.
When the stick 20 is inserted into the insertion space 230, the outer peripheral surface of the stick 20 may be surrounded by the inner wall 203 and the upper surface of the pivoted door 310.
A first sensor 154 may be disposed between the outer wall 202 and the inner wall 203 of the cartridge 200. The first sensor 154 may be disposed adjacent to the insertion space 230, into which the stick 20 is inserted. The first sensor 154 may be disposed so as to face the insertion space 230. The first sensor 154 may be elongated in the upward-downward direction along the insertion space 230.
The first sensor 154 may detect a change in the electromagnetic characteristics of the insertion space 230 to obtain information about the insertion space 230. The first sensor 154 may detect a change in the electromagnetic characteristics caused by a neighboring object. A second sensor 155 may be disposed between the outer wall 202 and the inner wall 203 of the cartridge 200.
The second sensor 155 may be disposed adjacent to the inner space 231 defined by the recessed region 204 of the inner wall 203. The second sensor 155 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the position at which the magnetic body 315 included in the door 310 is located when the door 310 is located in the inner space 231.
The length in the upward-downward direction of the portion of the chamber 220 that is disposed below the second sensor 155 may be shorter than the length of the remaining portion of the chamber 220 in the upward-downward direction.
The cartridge 200 and the body 100 may be connected to each other. The cartridge 200 may be disposed on the body 100. The cartridge 200 may be detachably coupled to the body 100. The outer wall 202 of the cartridge 200 and the outer wall 102 of the body 100 may form a continuous surface. The body 100 and the cartridge 200 may constitute the housing of the aerosol-generating device 10.
The controller 17 may be disposed in the body 100. The controller 17 may control the on/off operation of the device. The controller 17 may be electrically connected to the heater 210 to control the supply of power to the heater 210 so that the heater 210 heats the wick. The controller 17 may be disposed below the heater 210. The controller 17 may be disposed adjacent to the heater 210.
Referring to
The body 100 may include at least one of a lower body 1100 or an upper body 1200. The lower body 1100 may accommodate various components necessary for power supply or control, such as a battery or a controller. The lower body 1100 may form the external appearance of the aerosol-generating device. The upper body 1200 may be disposed on the lower body 1100. The cartridge 200 may be coupled to the upper body 1200. The body 100 may be referred to as a main body 100.
The upper body 1200 may include at least one of a mount 1300 or a column 14000. The mount 1300 may be disposed on the lower body 1100. The mount 1300 may provide a space 1340 into which the lower portion of the cartridge 200 is inserted. The mount 1300 may have an open upper side, and may define therein the space 1340. The mount 1300 may surround the lower portion of the cartridge 200 inserted into the space 1340. The mount 1300 may fix the cartridge 200. The mount 1300 may support the lower portion of the cartridge 200.
The column 14000 may be disposed on the lower body 1100. The column 14000 may have an elongated shape. The column 14000 may extend upwards from one side of the mount 1300. The column 14000 may face one side wall of the cartridge 200. The column 14000 may be disposed parallel to the cartridge 200. The column 14000 may have a shape that covers the side wall of the cartridge 200. The column 14000 may support the side wall of the cartridge 200.
A first chamber C1 may be formed in a portion of the inside of a first container 2100, and an insertion space 21400 may be formed in another portion of the inside of the first container 2100. The insertion space 21400 may be disposed adjacent to the column 14000. The column 14000 may be disposed adjacent to the other portion of the inside of the first container 2100 in which the insertion space 21400 is formed.
The cartridge 200 may be detachably coupled to the body 100. The cartridge 200 may provide space for storing liquid therein. The cartridge 200 may have the insertion space 21400 formed therein. One end of the insertion space 21400 may be open to form an opening. The insertion space 21400 may be exposed to the outside through the opening. The opening may be defined as one end of the insertion space 21400.
The cartridge 200 may include at least one of a first container 2100 or a second container 2200. The second container 2200 may be coupled to the first container 2100.
The first container 2100 may be coupled to the upper side of the second container 2200. The first container 2100 may provide space for storing liquid therein. The first container 2100 may have an open upper side, and may have formed therein the insertion space 21400, which is elongated in the vertical direction. A stick 40 may be inserted into the insertion space 21400. One side wall of the first container 2100 may face the column 14000. The column 14000 may cover the side wall of the first container 2100. The first container 2100 may be disposed on the mount 1300.
The second container 2200 may be coupled to the lower side of the first container 2100. The second container 2200 may provide space for mounting a wick 26100 and a heater 26200 therein. The second container 2200 may be inserted into the space 1340 provided by the mount 1300. The space 1340 in the mount 1300 may be referred to as a cartridge accommodation space 1340. The mount 1300 may surround the second container 2200. The second container 2200 may be coupled to the mount 1300.
The cap 300 may be detachably coupled to the body 100. The cap 300 may cover the cartridge 200. The cap 300 may cover at least a portion of the body 100. The cap 300 may protect the cartridge 200 and/or at least a portion of the body 100 from the outside. A user may separate the cap 300 from the body 100 in order to replace the cartridge 200.
The cap 300 may be coupled to the upper portion of the body 100. The cap 300 may be coupled to the upper side of the lower body 1100. The cap 300 may cover the upper body 1200. The cap 300 may cover the cartridge 200. A side wall 3010 of the cap 300 may surround the side portion of the cartridge 200. The side wall 3010 of the cap 300 may surround the side portion of the upper body 1200. An upper wall 3030 of the cap 300 may cover the upper portion of the cartridge 200. The upper wall 3030 of the cap 300 may cover the upper portion of the column 14000.
The cap 300 may have an insertion hole 30400 formed therein. The upper wall 3030 of the cap 300 may be open to form the insertion hole 30400. The insertion hole 30400 may be formed at a position corresponding to the insertion space 21400. The insertion hole 30400 may communicate with one end or the upper end of the insertion space 21400.
The cap 300 may have a cap inlet 30400a formed therein. One side of the cap 300 may be open to form the cap inlet 30400a. For example, the upper wall 3030 of the cap 300 may be open to form the cap inlet 30400a. For example, the side wall 3010 of the cap 300 may be open to form the cap inlet 30400a. The cap inlet 30400a may communicate with the outside. Air may be introduced into the aerosol-generating device through the cap inlet 30400a.
The first container 2100 may include an outer wall 2110, which surrounds an inner space formed therein. The first container 2100 may include an inner wall 2120, which partitions the space surrounded by the outer wall 2110 into the first chamber C1 on one side and the elongated insertion space 2140 on another side. The insertion space 2140 may have a shape that is elongated in the vertical direction. The inner wall 2120 of the first container 2100 may be formed inside the first container 2100. A stick 40 may be inserted into the insertion space 2140.
The second container 2200 may be coupled to the first container 2100. The second container 2200 may include a second chamber C2 communicating with the insertion space 2140. The second chamber C2 may be formed in the second container 2200. The second chamber C2 may be connected to the opposite end or the lower end of the insertion space 2140.
One side of the cartridge 200 may be open to form a cartridge inlet 2240. The outer wall of the second container 2200 may be open to form the cartridge inlet 2240. The cartridge inlet 2240 may communicate with the insertion space 2140. The cartridge inlet 2240 may communicate with the second chamber C2. The cartridge inlet 2240 may be formed in a side wall 2210 of the second container 2100.
The wick 2610 may be disposed in the second chamber C2. The wick 2610 may be connected to the first chamber C1. The wick 2610 may receive liquid from the first chamber C1. The heater 2620 may heat the wick 2610. The heater 2620 may be disposed in the second chamber C2. The heater 2620 may be wound around the wick 2610 multiple times. The heater 2620 may be electrically connected to a battery 16 and/or a control device. The heater 2620 may be a resistive coil. When the heater 2620 generates heat and thus the wick 2610 is heated, the liquid supplied to the wick 2610 is atomized, and accordingly, an aerosol may be generated in the second chamber C2.
Accordingly, the first chamber C1 in the first container 2100, in which the liquid is stored, may be disposed so as to surround the stick 40 and/or the insertion space 2140, into which the stick 40 is inserted, with the result that the efficiency of use of space for storing the liquid may be improved.
In addition, the distance from the stick 40 to the wick 2610, which is connected to the first chamber C1, and the heater 2620 may be reduced, thus making it possible to increase the efficiency of transfer of heat from the aerosol.
A printed circuit board (PCB) assembly 1500 may be mounted in the column 1400. At least one of a light source 1530 or a sensor 154 may be mounted on a PCB 1510 of the PCB assembly 1500. The PCB assembly 1500 may be mounted so as to face the side portion of the cartridge 200. The light source 1530 of the PCB assembly 1500 may provide light to the cartridge 200. The sensor 154 of the PCB assembly 1500 may sense information about the inside and the outside of the cartridge 200. The sensor 154 mounted on the PCB assembly 1500 may be referred to as a first sensor 154.
A sensor 1800 may be mounted on one side of the upper portion of the lower body 1100. The sensor 1800 may be disposed above a partition wall 1120 of the lower body 1100. The sensor 1800 may sense the flow of air that is introduced into the cartridge 200. The sensor 1800 may be an airflow sensor or a pressure sensor. The sensor 1800 may be referred to as a second sensor 1800.
The sensor 1800 may be inserted into the mount 130. The sensor 1800 may be disposed so as to face the side portion of the mount. The sensor 1800 may be disposed adjacent to the cartridge inlet 2240. The sensor 1800 may be disposed so as to face the cartridge inlet 2240.
The lower body 1100 may accommodate the battery 16 therein. The lower body 1100 may accommodate various control devices therein. The battery 16 may supply power to various components of the aerosol-generating device. The battery 16 may be charged through a charging port 115, which is formed in one side or the lower portion of the lower body 1100. A door 3100 may open and close the insertion space 2140. The door 3100 may open and close an opening that exposes the insertion space 2140 to the outside. The door 3100 may be mounted adjacent to the opening in the insertion space 2140. The door 3100 may be mounted adjacent to one end or the upper end of the insertion space 2140. For example, the door 3100 may be mounted to the upper end of the first container 2100 at a position adjacent to the insertion space 2140. For example, the door 3100 may be mounted to the cap 300 at a position adjacent to the insertion space 2140.
The door 3100 may be pivotably mounted. The door 3100 may be pivoted to open and close the insertion space 2140. The door 3100 may be pivoted toward the inside of the insertion space 2140 to open the insertion space 2140. The direction in which the door 3100 is pivoted to open the insertion space 2140 may be referred to as a first direction. The door 3100 may be pivoted toward the outside of the insertion space 2140 to close the insertion space 2140. The direction in which the door 3100 is pivoted to close the insertion space 2140 may be referred to as a second direction.
When an end of the stick 40 is brought into contact with the door 3100 and pushes the door 3100, the door 3100 may be pivoted in the first direction to open the insertion space 2140. The stick 40 may push the door 3100, and may be inserted into the insertion space 2140. When the stick 40 is separated from the insertion space 2140, the door 3100 may be pivoted in the second direction to close the insertion space 2140.
A spring 3120 (refer to
When the stick 40 is inserted into the insertion space 2140, one end of the stick 40 may be exposed to the outside of the cap 300, and the other end of the stick 40 may be disposed above the second chamber C2 at a position adjacent to the second chamber C2. The user may hold the exposed end of the stick 40 in the mouth, and may inhale air.
Air may be introduced into the aerosol-generating device through the cap inlet 3040a. The air introduced through the cap inlet 3040a may flow into the cartridge inlet 2240. The air may flow into the cartridge 200 through the cartridge inlet 2240. The air that has passed through the cartridge inlet 2240 may be introduced into the second chamber C2, and may then flow toward the insertion space 2140. The air may pass through the stick 40 together with the aerosol generated in the second chamber C2.
As described above, when the stick 40 is inserted into the insertion space 2140, the insertion space 2140 may be opened by the pivoting movement of the door 3100. In addition, simultaneously with separation of the stick 40 from the insertion space 2140, the insertion space 2140 may be automatically closed by the pivoting movement of the door 3100. In addition, the inside of the insertion space 2140 may be protected from external foreign substances.
The hinge member 3110 of the door 31000 may be disposed above the insertion space 21400. The hinge member 3110 of the door 31000 may be disposed between the insertion space 21400 and the insertion hole 30400.
When the door 3100 is pivoted in the first direction to open the insertion space 2140, the door 3100 may be received in the cover recess 2150. When the door 3100 opens the insertion space 2140, the door 3100 may be received in the cover recess 2150, and may overlap the inner wall 2120 of the first container 2100, which is disposed below the cover recess 2150. When the door 3100 opens the insertion space 2140, the door 3100 may be disposed parallel to the inner wall 2120 of the first container 2100, which is located below the cover recess 2150.
The first guide 2160 may be formed so as to be inclined from the bottom of the cover recess 2150 toward the lower side of the insertion space 2140. The first guide 2160 may be formed so as to be inclined such that the insertion space 2140 is gradually narrowed toward the lower side thereof. When the door 3100 opens the insertion space 2140, the first guide 2160 may be disposed adjacent to one end of the door 3100 at a position below the door 3100. When the door 3100 opens the insertion space 2140, the first guide 2160 may protrude toward the insertion space 2140 further than the end of the door 3100.
The second guide 3060 may be formed so as to be inclined such that the inner space is gradually narrowed toward the lower side thereof. The second guide 3060 may be disposed adjacent to the pivoting radius of the door 3100. The second guide 3060 may be disposed outside the pivoting radius of the door 3100. The second guide 3060 may extend so as to be inclined along the pivoting radius of the door 3100.
One end of the second guide 3060 may be adjacent to the insertion hole 3040. The end of the second guide 3060 may be disposed outside the insertion hole 3040. The end of the second guide 3060 may be disposed below the insertion hole wall 3050. The insertion hole wall 3050 may protrude further inwards than the end of the second guide 3060. When the door 3100 is pivoted in the second direction to close the insertion space 2140, the door 3100 may be brought into contact with the insertion hole wall 3050, and thus movement thereof may be restricted.
Referring to
The third sensor 1800 may be disposed on one side of the upper portion of the lower body 1100. A sensor support portion 1850 may have a shape that extends upwards from the upper portion of the lower body 1100. The sensor support portion 1850 may support the third sensor 1800. The third sensor 1800 may be coupled to the sensor support portion 1850. The third sensor 1800 may be coupled to the sensor support portion 1850 so as to be oriented in the lateral direction. The sensor accommodation portion 137 of the mount 13000 may accommodate and cover the third sensor 1800 and the sensor support portion 1850.
The upper body 1200 may include the column 1400, which extends upwards. The column 1400 may extend upwards from one side of the mount 1300. The side walls 1410 and 1420 of the column 1400 may be connected to the side walls 1310 and 1320 of the mount 1300. The column 1400 may cover a portion of the space 1340 provided by the mount 1300. The inner wall 1410 of the column 1400 may have a shape that is concavely recessed outwards. The column 1400 may face the side portion of the cartridge 200 (refer to
The column 1400 may accommodate the PCB assembly 1500. The PCB assembly 1500 may provide light to the cartridge 200, or may sense information about the cartridge 200. For example, the information about the cartridge 200 may include at least one of information about a change in the remaining amount of liquid stored in the first chamber C1 in the cartridge 200, information about the type of liquid stored in the first chamber C1 in the cartridge 200, information about whether the stick 40 is inserted into the insertion space 2140 in the cartridge 200, information about the type of stick 40 inserted into the insertion space 2140 in the cartridge 200, information about the extent of use or the availability of the stick 40 inserted into the insertion space 2140 in the cartridge 200, information about whether the cartridge 200 having the stick 40 inserted into the insertion space 2140 is coupled to the body 100, or information about the type of cartridge 200 coupled thereto. The information about the cartridge 200 is not limited to the aforementioned information.
The column 1400 may accommodate a light source 1530 configured to emit light. The column 1400 may accommodate the first sensor 154 and the second sensor 155 configured to sense information about the cartridge 200.
The column 1400 may provide a mounting space 1440 therein. The mounting space 1440 may have a shape that extends vertically along the column 1400. The inner side wall 1410 of the column 1400 may surround the mounting space 1440. The mounting space 1440 may be open toward the space 1340 in the mount 1300. The mounting space 1440 may be open toward one side portion of the cartridge 200.
The PCB assembly 1500 may be mounted in the mounting space 1440. A plate 1600 may cover the PCB assembly 1500, and may be disposed in the mounting space 1440.
The window 170 may cover the PCB assembly 1500 and the mounting space 1440. The PCB assembly 1500, the plate 1600, and the window 1700 may be sequentially stacked. The mounting space 1440 may be referred to as an assembly accommodation space 1440.
The PCB assembly 1500 may include at least one of a printed circuit board (PCB) 1510, a light source 1530, or a first sensor 154. The light source 1530 may be mounted on the PCB 1510. At least one light source 1530 may be provided. The first sensor 154 may be mounted on the PCB. The light source 1530 and the first sensor 154 may be mounted at different positions on a single PCB. The first sensor 154 may be mounted in a region avoiding the at least one light source 1530.
The PCB assembly 1500 may be disposed inside the column 1400 so as to face the cartridge 200. The PCB assembly 1500 may face the first container 2100, which is provided with the first chamber C1 and the insertion space 2140. The PCB assembly 1500 may be elongated vertically along the column 1400. A connector 1520 for electrical connection may be formed at one end of the PCB assembly 1500.
The PCB 1510 may be elongated vertically along the column 1400. The PCB 1510 may be a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). The connector 1520 may be formed at one end of the PCB 1510. A plurality of light sources 1530 may be arranged on the PCB 1510. The first sensor 154 may be located at the center of the PCB 1510. The first sensor 154 may be located between the light sources 1530, and at least one light source 1530 may be disposed on each side of the first sensor 154. The plurality of light sources 1530 may be arranged vertically along the PCB 1510. The plurality of light sources 1530 may be arranged in the longitudinal direction of the column 1400. The first sensor 154 may be disposed so as to face the insertion space 2140. The light sources 1530 may be disposed so as to face the outside of the insertion space 2140. The light sources 1530 may emit light toward the outside of the insertion space 2140 so that the light is provided to the first chamber C1. The light source L 1530 may be disposed to irradiate the light toward the chamber C1 through the outside of the insertion space 2140 while facing the first container 1100. The light sources 1530 may be Light Emitting Diodes.
Accordingly, the light sources 1530 may provide uniform light to the first chamber C1.
In addition, it is possible to prevent the paths of light provided by the light sources 1530 from being blocked by the stick 40 inserted into the insertion space 2140.
The first sensor 154 may be elongated vertically along the PCB 1510. The first sensor 154 may be elongated along the first container 2100 or the insertion space 2140. The second sensor 155 may be disposed adjacent to the upper center of the PCB 1510.
The first sensor 154 and the second sensor 155 may face the insertion space 21400. The first sensor 154 and the second sensor 155 may sense information about the cartridge 200.
For example, the first sensor 154 and the second sensor 155 may sense at least one of information about a change in the remaining amount of liquid stored in the first chamber C1 in the cartridge 200, information about the type of liquid stored in the first chamber C1 in the cartridge 200, information about whether the stick 40 is inserted into the insertion space 2140 in the cartridge 200, information about the type of stick 40 inserted into the insertion space 2140 in the cartridge 200, information about the extent of use or the availability of the stick 40 inserted into the insertion space 2140 in the cartridge 200, information about whether the cartridge 200 having the stick 40 inserted into the insertion space 2140 is coupled to the body 100, or information about the type of cartridge 200 coupled thereto. The information about the cartridge 200 is not limited to the aforementioned information.
The first sensor 154 may sense a change in the electromagnetic characteristics of the cartridge 200 to sense information about the cartridge 200. The first sensor 154 may sense a change in electromagnetic characteristics caused by a neighboring object. For example, when the stick 40 is inserted into the insertion space 2140 in the cartridge 200 or when there is a change in the volume of the liquid stored in the first chamber C1, the electromagnetic characteristics sensed by the first sensor 154 may change, and the first sensor 154 may measure the change to sense information about the cartridge 200.
The first sensor 154 may include a conductor. The conductor may be formed to have a length corresponding to the insertion space 2140 in the direction in which the insertion space 2140 of the cartridge 200 extends. For example, the conductor may be formed to have a maximum length adjacent to the upper and lower sides of the PCB 1510 in the longitudinal direction of the column 1400, respectively.
The second sensor 155 may sense magnetization of the magnetic body 315 disposed inside the door 3100, the direction or intensity of a magnetic field, or a change in the magnetic field. For example, the second sensor 155 may sense the change in the magnetic field when the door 3100 is pivoted in the first direction or the second direction.
The window 1700 may be coupled to the column 1400. The window 1700 may be formed of a transparent material. The window 1700 may allow light to pass therethrough. The window 1700 may be coupled to the column 1400 to cover the PCB assembly 1500.
The plate 1600 may cover the region in the PCB assembly 1500 that avoids the at least one light source 1530. The plate 1600 may be attached to the PCB assembly 1500 to cover the first sensor 154. The plate 1600 may allow an electromagnetic wave to pass therethrough. The plate 1600, through which an electromagnetic wave passes, may not allow visible light to pass therethrough, or may be translucent.
Printed circuits, which are connected to the light sources 1530, may be printed on the region in the PCB 1510 that is adjacent to the light sources 1530. The plate 1600 may cover the printed circuits printed on the PCB 1510 in the vicinity of the light sources 1530. Printed circuits, which are connected to the second sensor 155, may be printed on the region in the PCB 1510 that is adjacent to the light sources 1530. The plate 1600 may cover the printed circuits printed on the PCB 1510 in the vicinity of the second sensor 155.
The plate 1600 may expose the light sources 1530, rather than covering the same. The light sources 1530 may be disposed on both sides of the first sensor 154, with the first sensor 154 interposed therebetween, and may be arranged in the vertical direction. Portions of the plate 1600 that correspond to the positions of the light sources 1530 may be open. When the plate 1600 is attached to the PCB assembly 1500, the light sources 1530 may be exposed through the open portions of the plate 1600.
Accordingly, light emitted from the light sources 1530 may not be blocked, and the first sensor 154 and/or the printed circuits printed on the PCB 1510 may not be exposed to the outside, and may be protected from the outside.
In addition, the first sensor 154 may sense a change in the electromagnetic characteristics of the surroundings in the state of being covered by the plate 1600.
Referring to
Referring to
The aerosol-generating device 10 may determine whether insertion of an object into the insertion space (e.g. the insertion space 130 shown in
Upon determining that an object has been inserted into the insertion space, the aerosol-generating device 10 may monitor a signal from the first sensor 154 in operation S2130. For example, upon determining that an object has been inserted into the insertion space, the aerosol-generating device 10 may supply power to the first sensor 154 to activate operation of the first sensor 154.
In this case, the aerosol-generating device 10 may check the level of the signal from the first sensor 154 while monitoring the signal from the first sensor 154. Here, the level of the signal from the first sensor 154 may refer to a value corresponding to the capacitance around the conductive body provided in the first sensor 154.
The aerosol-generating device 10 may determine whether the object inserted into the insertion space is a stick (e.g. the stick 20 shown in
Referring back to
Upon determining that a stick has been inserted into the insertion space, the aerosol-generating device 10 may determine whether the stick inserted into the insertion space is a used stick based on the level of the signal from the first sensor 154 in operation S2030.
When the heater (e.g. the heater 115 shown in
For example, when variation in the level of the signal from the first sensor 154 is equal to or greater than a first threshold but less than a second threshold, the aerosol-generating device 10 may determine that the stick inserted into the insertion space is a new stick. For example, when variation in the level of the signal from the first sensor 154 is equal to or greater than the second threshold, the aerosol-generating device 10 may determine that the stick inserted into the insertion space is a used stick.
For example, the aerosol-generating device 10 may check a level range within which the level of the signal from the first sensor 154 falls with reference to a lookup table. In this case, the aerosol-generating device 10 may determine whether the stick inserted into the insertion space is a new stick based on the checked level range.
When the stick inserted into the insertion space is not a used stick, that is, when a new stick is inserted into the insertion space, the aerosol-generating device 10 may perform control such that power is supplied to the heater in operation S2040.
Upon determining that the stick inserted into the insertion space is a new stick, the aerosol-generating device 10 may deactivate the operation of the first sensor 154. For example, the aerosol-generating device 10 may interrupt the supply of power to the first sensor 154 in order to deactivate the operation of the first sensor 154.
When a stick is not inserted into the insertion space, or when the stick inserted into the insertion space is a used stick, the aerosol-generating device 10 may interrupt the supply of power to the heater in operation S2050.
Referring to
When the stick inserted into the insertion space is a new stick, which has not been used before, the level of the signal from the first sensor 154 may change to a second level Lv2. In this case, variation 2210 in the level of the signal from the first sensor 154 may be equal to or greater than the first threshold but less than the second threshold.
Meanwhile, when the stick inserted into the insertion space is a used stick, the level of the signal from the first sensor 154 may change to a third level Lv3. In this case, variation 2220 in the level of the signal from the first sensor 154 may be equal to or greater than the second threshold, which is greater than when a new stick is inserted.
That is, when the stick inserted into the insertion space is a used stick, variation in the level of the signal from the first sensor 154 may be greater than when a new stick is inserted into the insertion space due to components of the aerosol remaining in the stick, such as moisture and glycerin.
Referring to
The aerosol-generating device 10 may monitor a signal from the first sensor 154 and/or a signal from the second sensor 155 in operation S2302. For example, when coupling of the cartridge 200 to the body 100 is detected, the aerosol-generating device 10 may supply power to the second sensor 155 to activate operation of the second sensor 155. For example, upon determining that an object has been inserted into the insertion space using the second sensor 155, the aerosol-generating device 10 may supply power to the first sensor 154 to activate operation of the first sensor 154.
The aerosol-generating device 10 may determine whether the object inserted into the insertion space is a stick (e.g. the stick 20 shown in
Upon determining that a stick has been inserted into the insertion space, the aerosol-generating device 10 may determine whether the stick inserted into the insertion space is a used stick based on the level of the signal from the first sensor 154 in operation S2304.
When the stick inserted into the insertion space is not a used stick, that is, when a new stick is inserted into the insertion space, the aerosol-generating device 10 may perform control such that power is supplied to the heater in operation S2305. For example, the aerosol-generating device 10 may supply power to the heater based on the temperature profile stored in the memory 15.
Meanwhile, upon determining that the stick inserted into the insertion space is a new stick, the aerosol-generating device 10 may deactivate the operation of the first sensor 154.
The aerosol-generating device 10 may determine whether use of the heater ends in operation S2306. For example, the aerosol-generating device 10 may monitor the number of puffs from the time point at which the first puff was detected through the puff sensor of the sensor module 15. In this case, when the number of puffs reaches the maximum number of puffs, the aerosol-generating device 10 may determine that use of the heater has ended. For example, when the remaining charge of the battery 19 is less than a predetermined value, the aerosol-generating device 10 may determine that use of the heater has ended.
When use of the heater has not ended, the aerosol-generating device 10 may determine whether the stick is removed from the insertion space in operation S2307. The aerosol-generating device 10 may determine whether the stick is removed from the insertion space based on the signal from the second sensor 155 while the heater is being used.
When use of the heater has not ended, and when the stick is not removed from the insertion space, the aerosol-generating device 10 may continue to supply power to the heater.
Meanwhile, the aerosol-generating device 10 may interrupt the supply of power to the heater in operation S2308. For example, when the stick inserted into the insertion space is a used stick, or when use of the heater has ended after supply of power to the heater, the aerosol-generating device 10 may interrupt the supply of power to the heater.
The aerosol-generating device 10 may output a message related to interruption of the supply of power to the heater through the output device of the input/output interface 12 in operation S2309. For example, the aerosol-generating device 10 may output a message indicating that the object inserted into the insertion space is not a stick. For example, the aerosol-generating device 10 may output a message indicating that the stick inserted into the insertion space is a used stick. For example, the aerosol-generating device 10 may output a message indicating that use of the heater has ended.
In the state in which the supply of power to the heater is interrupted, the aerosol-generating device 10 may monitor whether the stick is removed from the insertion space in operation S2310.
When the stick is removed from the insertion space, the aerosol-generating device 10 may determine whether the body 100 and the cartridge 200 are separated from each other in operation S2311.
In the state in which the body 100 and the cartridge 200 are coupled to each other, the aerosol-generating device 10 may continue to monitor the signal from the first sensor 154 and/or the signal from the second sensor 155.
Meanwhile, the aerosol-generating device 10 may deactivate all of the sensors 154 and 155 by interrupting the supply of power to the sensors 154 and 155 in operation S2312.
As described above, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, it may be possible to rapidly determine whether a stick is inserted.
According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, it may be possible to determine at least one of whether a stick is inserted or whether an inserted stick is a used stick.
According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the accuracy of determination of a stick may be improved.
According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the amount of power consumed for determination of an insertion space into which a stick is inserted may be minimized.
Referring to
In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the controller 17 may activate operation of the capacitance sensor 154 in response to insertion of the object.
In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, upon determining that the object inserted into the elongated insertion space 130 is a stick 20, the controller 17 may determine whether the stick 20 is a used stick using the capacitance sensor 154.
In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, when variation in the level of a signal from the capacitance sensor 154 is equal to or greater than a first threshold but less than a second threshold, the controller 17 may determine that the stick 20 inserted into the elongated insertion space 130 is a new stick. When variation in the level of the signal is equal to or greater than the second threshold, the controller 17 may determine that the stick 20 inserted into the elongated insertion space 130 is a used stick.
In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device may further include a heater 115 configured to heat an aerosol-generating substance. Upon determining that the stick 20 inserted into the elongated insertion space 130 is a new stick, the controller 17 may perform control such that power is supplied to the heater 115. Upon determining that the object inserted into the elongated insertion space 130 is not a stick or that the object inserted into the elongated insertion space 130 is a used stick, the controller 17 may perform control such that supply of power to the heater 115 is interrupted.
In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device may further include a heater 115 configured to heat an aerosol-generating substance. Upon determining that the stick 20 inserted into the elongated insertion space 130 is a new stick, the controller 17 may deactivate operation of the capacitance sensor 154.
In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the controller 17 may check a level range within which the level of a signal received from the capacitance sensor 154 falls with reference to a lookup table, and may determine at least one of whether a stick 20 is inserted into the elongated insertion space 130 or whether the stick 20 inserted into the elongated insertion space 130 is a used stick based on the checked level range.
In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device may further include a hinge member 311 connected to the door 310 to allow the door 310 to be pivoted in the direction in which the object is inserted. The hinge member 311 may include an elastic member configured to provide elastic restoring force in a direction opposite the direction in which the door 310 is pivoted.
In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the housing may include an inner wall 103 defining the elongated insertion space 130, and the inner wall 103 may have an inner space 131 defined in a portion thereof to allow the door 310 pivoted in the direction in which the stick 20 is inserted to be located therein.
In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the housing may include a cartridge 200 storing a pre-vaporized aerosol material in a space between an inner wall 203 and an outer wall 202 thereof and a body 100 coupled to the cartridge 200. The inner wall 203 of the cartridge 200 may define the elongated insertion space 130. The cartridge 200 may have an inner space 231 defined such that a portion of the inner wall 203 is recessed in the inward direction of the cartridge 200. The door 310 pivoted in the direction in which the stick 20 is inserted may be located in the inner space 231.
Certain embodiments or other embodiments of the disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct from each other. Any or all elements of the embodiments of the disclosure described above may be combined with another or combined with each other in configuration or function.
For example, a configuration “A” described in one embodiment of the disclosure and the drawings and a configuration “B” described in another embodiment of the disclosure and the drawings may be combined with each other. Namely, although the combination between the configurations is not directly described, the combination is possible except in the case where it is described that the combination is impossible
Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-2021-0139786 | Oct 2021 | KR | national |
| 10-2021-0185399 | Dec 2021 | KR | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/KR2022/015925 | 10/19/2022 | WO |
