US20240407466A1

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: US20240407466A1
Application number: US18/697,870
Authority: US
Inventors: Byungsung CHO; Sangkyu Park; Jongsub Lee
Original assignee: KT&G Corp
Current assignee: KT&G Corp
Priority date: 2021-10-19
Filing date: 2022-10-19
Publication date: 2024-12-12
Also published as: EP4418949A4; WO2023068791A1; EP4418949A1; JP2024537158A

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device and an operation method thereof are disclosed. The aerosol-generating device of the disclosure includes a heater configured to heat an aerosol-generating substance, a battery configured to supply power to the heater, at least one sensor configured to output a signal corresponding to movement of the aerosol-generating device, an output device including at least one light source, and a controller. The controller determines the type of user input based on a signal received from the at least one sensor in a charging mode of charging the battery. When the determined type is a first type, the controller outputs light corresponding to the amount of power stored in the battery through the output device. When the determined type is a second type, the controller updates settings related to the output device.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating device and an operation method thereof.

BACKGROUND ART

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

DISCLOSURETechnical Problem

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 and an operation method thereof capable of receiving user input in various manners in a charging mode, in which a battery is charged, using movement of the aerosol-generating device.

It is still another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating device and an operation method thereof capable of variously changing settings related to output of information about the amount of power stored in a battery.

Technical Solution

An aerosol-generating device according to an aspect of the present disclosure for accomplishing the above and other objects may include a heater configured to heat an aerosol-generating substance, a battery configured to supply power to the heater, at least one sensor configured to output a signal corresponding to movement of the aerosol-generating device, an output device including at least one light source, and a controller. The controller may determine the type of user input based on a signal received from the at least one sensor in a charging mode of charging the battery. When the determined type is a first type, the controller may output light corresponding to the amount of power stored in the battery through the output device. When the determined type is a second type, the controller may update settings related to the output device.

An operation method of an aerosol-generating device according to an aspect of the present disclosure for accomplishing the above and other objects may include determining the type of user input based on a signal corresponding to movement of the aerosol-generating device, output from at least one sensor in a charging mode of charging a battery, outputting light corresponding to the amount of power stored in the battery through an output device including at least one light source when the determined type is a first type, and updating settings related to the output device when the determined type is a second type.

Advantageous Effects

According to at least one of embodiments of the present disclosure, it may be possible to receive user input in various manners in a charging mode, in which a battery is charged, using movement of an aerosol-generating device.

According to at least one of embodiments of the present disclosure, it may be possible to variously change settings related to output of information about the amount of power stored in a battery.

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.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

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

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

FIGS.2 to4 are views for explaining an aerosol-generating device according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIGS.5 to7 are views for explaining a stick according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG.8 is a view for explaining elements of the aerosol-generating device according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG.9 is a flowchart showing an operation method of the aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS.10 to16 are views for explaining the operation of the aerosol-generating device; and

FIG.17 is a flowchart showing an operation method of the aerosol-generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

BEST MODE

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.

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

Referring toFIG.1, an aerosol-generating device10 may include acommunication interface11, an input/output interface12, an aerosol-generating module13, amemory14, asensor module15, abattery16, and/or acontroller17.

In one embodiment, the aerosol-generatingdevice10 may be composed only of a main body. In this case, components included in the aerosol-generatingdevice10 may be located in the main body. In another embodiment, the aerosol-generatingdevice10 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-generatingdevice10 may be located in at least one of the main body or the cartridge.

Thecommunication interface11 may include at least one communication module for communication with an external device and/or a network. For example, thecommunication interface11 may include a communication module for wired communication, such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB). For example, thecommunication interface11 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 interface12 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 interface12 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 device100. The input/output interface12 may output information corresponding to data received from another component (or other components) of the aerosol-generatingdevice10 through the output device.

The aerosol-generatingmodule13 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-generatingmodule13 may include at least one heater (not shown).

The aerosol-generatingmodule13 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-generatingmodule13 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-generatingmodule13 may generate ultrasonic vibrations to thereby generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating substance.

The aerosol-generatingdevice10 may be referred to as a cartomizer, an atomizer, or a vaporizer.

Thememory14 may store programs for processing and controlling each signal in thecontroller17. Thememory14 may store processed data and data to be processed.

For example, thememory14 may store applications designed for the purpose of performing various tasks that can be processed by thecontroller17. Thememory14 may selectively provide some of the stored applications in response to the request from thecontroller17.

For example, thememory14 may store data on the operation time of the aerosol-generatingdevice100, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, the number of uses ofbattery16, 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.

Thememory14 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).

Thesensor module15 may include at least one sensor.

For example, thesensor module15 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, thesensor module15 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, thesensor module15 may include a sensor for sensing the temperature of the heater included in the aerosol-generatingmodule13 and the temperature of the aerosol-generating substance (hereinafter referred to as a “temperature sensor”). In this case, the heater included in the aerosol-generatingmodule13 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. Thesensor module15 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-generatingdevice10 is formed to allow a stick to be inserted thereinto, thesensor module15 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-generatingdevice10 includes a cartridge, thesensor module15 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, thesensor module15 may include a voltage sensor for sensing a voltage applied to a component (e.g. the battery16) provided in the aerosol-generatingdevice10 and/or a current sensor for sensing a current.

Thebattery16 may supply electric power used for the operation of the aerosol-generatingdevice10 under the control of thecontroller17. Thebattery16 may supply electric power to other components provided in the aerosol-generatingdevice100. For example, thebattery16 may supply electric power to the communication module included in thecommunication interface11, the output device included in the input/output interface12, and the heater included in the aerosol-generatingmodule13.

Thebattery16 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, thebattery16 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 thebattery16 is rechargeable, the charging rate (C-rate) of thebattery16 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, thebattery16 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-generatingdevice10 may further include a battery protection circuit module (PCM) (not shown), which is a circuit for protecting thebattery16. The battery protection circuit module (PCM) may be disposed adjacent to the upper surface of thebattery16. For example, in order to prevent overcharging and overdischarging of thebattery16, the battery protection circuit module (PCM) may cut off the electrical path to thebattery16 when a short circuit occurs in a circuit connected to thebattery16, when an overvoltage is applied to thebattery16, or when an overcurrent flows through thebattery16.

The aerosol-generatingdevice10 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-generatingdevice100. The aerosol-generatingdevice10 may charge thebattery16 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-generatingdevice10 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-generatingdevice100. The aerosol-generatingdevice10 may use the electric power supplied through the power line connected to the power terminal to charge thebattery16. In this case, the power terminal may be a wired terminal for USB communication.

The aerosol-generatingdevice10 may wirelessly receive electric power supplied from the outside through thecommunication interface11. For example, the aerosol-generatingdevice10 may wirelessly receive electric power using an antenna included in the communication module for wireless communication. The aerosol-generatingdevice10 may charge thebattery16 using the wirelessly supplied electric power.

Thecontroller17 may control the overall operation of the aerosol-generatingdevice100. Thecontroller17 may be connected to each of the components provided in the aerosol-generatingdevice100. Thecontroller17 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.

Thecontroller17 may include at least one processor. Thecontroller17 may control the overall operation of the aerosol-generatingdevice10 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.

Thecontroller17 may perform any one of a plurality of functions of the aerosol-generatingdevice100. For example, thecontroller17 may perform any one of a plurality of functions of the aerosol-generating device10 (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-generatingdevice10 and the user's command received through the input/output interface12.

Thecontroller17 may control the operation of each of the components provided in the aerosol-generatingdevice10 based on data stored in thememory14. For example, thecontroller17 may control the supply of a predetermined amount of electric power from thebattery16 to the aerosol-generatingmodule13 for a predetermined time based on the data on the temperature profile, the user's inhalation pattern, which is stored in thememory14.

Thecontroller17 may determine the occurrence or non-occurrence of a puff using the puff sensor included in thesensor module15. For example, thecontroller17 may check a temperature change, a flow change, a pressure change, and a voltage change in the aerosol-generatingdevice10 based on the values sensed by the puff sensor. Thecontroller17 may determine the occurrence or non-occurrence of a puff based on the value sensed by the puff sensor.

Thecontroller17 may control the operation of each of the components provided in the aerosol-generatingdevice10 according to the occurrence or non-occurrence of a puff and/or the number of puffs. For example, thecontroller17 may perform control such that the temperature of the heater is changed or maintained based on the temperature profile stored in thememory14.

Thecontroller17 may perform control such that the supply of electric power to the heater is interrupted according to a predetermined condition. For example, thecontroller17 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 thebattery16 is less than a predetermined value.

Thecontroller17 may calculate the remaining capacity with respect to the full charge capacity of thebattery16. For example, thecontroller17 may calculate the remaining capacity of thebattery16 based on the values sensed by the voltage sensor and/or the current sensor included in thesensor module15.

Thecontroller17 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, thecontroller17 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, thecontroller17 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, thecontroller17 may determine a target temperature to be controlled based on the temperature profile. In this case, thecontroller17 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, thecontroller17 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 interface12, thecontroller17 may perform control such that a predetermined amount of electric power is supplied to the heater.

FIGS.2 to4 are views for explaining an aerosol-generating device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generatingdevice10 may include amain body100 and/or acartridge200.

Referring toFIG.2, the aerosol-generatingdevice10 according to an embodiment may include amain body100, which is formed such that astick20 can be inserted into the inner space formed by ahousing101.

Thestick20 may be similar to a general combustive cigarette. For example, thestick20 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 thestick20. 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-generatingdevice10, 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-generatingdevice10, 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.

Themain body100 may be structured such that external air is introduced into themain body100 in the state in which thestick20 is inserted thereinto. In this case, the external air introduced into themain body100 may flow into the mouth of the user via thestick20.

The heater may be disposed in themain body100 at a position corresponding to the position at which thestick20 is inserted into themain body100. Although it is illustrated in the drawings that the heater is an electricallyconductive heater110 including a needle-shaped electrically conductive track, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

The heater may heat the interior and/or exterior of thestick20 using the electric power supplied from thebattery16. An aerosol may be generated from theheated stick20. At this time, the user may hold one end of thestick20 in the mouth to inhale the aerosol containing a tobacco material.

Meanwhile, thecontroller17 may perform control such that electric power is supplied to the heater in the state in which thestick20 is not inserted into the main body according to a predetermined condition. For example, when a cleaning function for cleaning the space into which thestick20 is inserted is selected in response to a command input by the user through the input/output interface12, thecontroller17 may perform control such that a predetermined amount of electric power is supplied to the heater.

Thecontroller17 may monitor the number of puffs based on the value sensed by the puff sensor from the point in time at which thestick20 was inserted into the main body.

When thestick20 is removed from the main body, thecontroller17 may initialize the current number of puffs stored in thememory14.

Referring toFIG.3, the aerosol-generatingdevice10 according to an embodiment may include amain body100 and acartridge200. Themain body100 may support thecartridge200, and thecartridge200 may contain an aerosol-generating substance.

According to one embodiment, thecartridge200 may be configured so as to be detachably mounted to themain body100. According to another embodiment, thecartridge200 may be integrally configured with themain body100. For example, thecartridge200 may be mounted to themain body100 in a manner such that at least a portion of thecartridge200 is inserted into the insertion space formed by ahousing101 of themain body100.

Themain body100 may be formed to have a structure in which external air can be introduced into themain body100 in the state in which thecartridge200 is inserted thereinto. Here, the external air introduced into themain body100 may flow into the user's mouth via thecartridge200.

Thecontroller17 may determine whether thecartridge200 is in a mounted state or a detached state using a cartridge detection sensor included in thesensor module15. For example, the cartridge detection sensor may transmit a pulse current through a first terminal connected with thecartridge200. In this case, thecontroller17 may determine whether thecartridge200 is in a connected state, based on whether the pulse current is received through a second terminal.

Thecartridge200 may include aheater210 configured to heat the aerosol-generating substance and/or areservoir220 configured to contain the aerosol-generating substance. For example, a liquid delivery element impregnated with (containing) the aerosol-generating substance may be disposed inside thereservoir220. The electrically conductive track of theheater210 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 theheater210, 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.

Thecartridge200 may include aninsertion space230 configured to allow thestick20 to be inserted. For example, thecartridge200 may include the insertion space formed by an inner wall extending in a circumferential direction along a direction in which thestick20 is inserted. In this case, the insertion space may be formed by opening the inner side of the inner wall up and down. Thestick20 may be inserted into the insertion space formed by the inner wall.

The insertion space into which thestick20 is inserted may be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of a portion of thestick20 inserted into the insertion space. For example, when thestick20 is formed in a cylindrical shape, the insertion space may be formed in a cylindrical shape.

When thestick20 is inserted into the insertion space, the outer surface of thestick20 may be surrounded by the inner wall and contact the inner wall.

A portion of thestick20 may be inserted into the insertion space, the remaining portion of thestick20 may be exposed to the outside.

The user may inhale the aerosol while biting one end of thestick20 with the mouth. The aerosol generated by theheater210 may pass through thestick20 and be delivered to the user's mouth. At this time, while the aerosol passes through thestick20, the material contained in thestick20 may be added to the aerosol. The material-infused aerosol may be inhaled into the user's oral cavity through the one end of thestick20.

Referring toFIG.4, the aerosol-generatingdevice10 according to an embodiment may include amain body100 supporting thecartridge200 and acartridge200 containing an aerosol-generating substance. Themain body100 may be formed so as to allow thestick20 to be inserted into aninsertion space1300 therein.

The aerosol-generatingdevice10 may include a first heater for heating the aerosol-generating substance stored in thecartridge200. For example, when the user holds one end of thestick20 in the mouth to inhale the aerosol, the aerosol generated by the first heater may pass through thestick20. At this time, while the aerosol passes through thestick20, 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 thestick20.

Alternatively, according to another embodiment, the aerosol-generatingdevice10 may include a first heater for heating the aerosol-generating substance stored in thecartridge200 and a second heater for heating thestick20 inserted into themain body100. For example, the aerosol-generatingdevice10 may generate an aerosol by heating the aerosol-generating substance stored in thecartridge200 and thestick20 using the first heater and the second heater, respectively.

FIGS.5 to7 are views for explaining a stick according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG.5, thestick20 may include atobacco rod21 and afilter rod22. The first portion described above with reference toFIG.2 may include the tobacco rod. The second portion described above with reference toFIG.2 may include thefilter rod22.

FIG.5 illustrates that thefilter rod22 includes a single segment. However, thefilter rod22 is not limited thereto. In other words, thefilter rod22 may include a plurality of segments. For example, thefilter rod22 may include a first segment configured to cool an aerosol and a second segment configured to filter a certain component included in the aerosol. Also, as necessary, thefilter rod22 may further include at least one segment configured to perform other functions.

A diameter of thestick20 may be within a range of 5 mm to 9 mm, and a length of thestick20 may be about 48 mm, but embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, a length of thetobacco rod21 may be about 12 mm, a length of a first segment of thefilter rod22 may be about 10 mm, a length of a second segment of thefilter rod22 may be about 14 mm, and a length of a third segment of thefilter rod22 may be about 12 mm, but embodiments are not limited thereto.

Thestick20 may be wrapped using at least onewrapper24. Thewrapper24 may have at least one hole through which external air may be introduced or internal air may be discharged. For example, thestick20 may be wrapped using onewrapper24. As another example, thestick20 may be double-wrapped using at least twowrappers24. For example, thetobacco rod21 may be wrapped using afirst wrapper241. For example, thefilter rod22 may be wrapped using

wrappers

242,243,244. Thetobacco rod21 and thefilter rod22 wrapped by wrappers may be combined. Thestick20 may be re-wrapped by asingle wrapper245. When each of thetobacco rod21 and thefilter rod22 includes a plurality of segments, each segment may be wrapped using

wrappers

242,243,244. The entirety ofstick20 composed of a plurality of segments wrapped by wrappers may be re-wrapped by another wrapper

Thefirst wrapper241 and thesecond wrapper242 may be formed of general filter wrapping paper. For example, thefirst wrapper241 and thesecond wrapper242 may be porous wrapping paper or non-porous wrapping paper. Also, thefirst wrapper241 and thesecond wrapper242 may be made of an oil-resistant paper sheet and an aluminum laminate packaging material.

Thethird wrapper243 may be made of a hard wrapping paper. For example, a basis weight of thethird wrapper243 may be within a range of 88 g/m2 to 96 g/m2. For example, the basis weight of thethird wrapper243 may be within a range of 90 g/m2 to 94 g/m2. Also, a total thickness of thethird wrapper243 may be within a range of 1200 μm to 1300 μm. For example, the total thickness of thethird wrapper243 may be 125 μm.

Thefourth wrapper244 may be made of an oil-resistant hard wrapping paper. For example, a basis weight of thefourth wrapper244 may be within a range of about 88 g/m2 to about 96 g/m2. For example, the basis weight of thefourth wrapper244 may be within a range of 90 g/m2 to 94 g/m2. Also, a total thickness of thefourth wrapper244 may be within a range of 1200 μm to 1300 μm. For example, the total thickness of thefourth wrapper244 may be 125 μm.

Thefifth wrapper245 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 thefifth wrapper245 may be within a range of 57 g/m2 to 63 g/m2. For example, a basis weight of thefifth wrapper245 may be about 60 g/m2. Also, the total thickness of thefifth wrapper245 may be within a range of 64 μm to 70 μm. For example, the total thickness of thefifth wrapper245 may be 67 μm.

A predetermined material may be included in thefifth wrapper245. 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) thefifth wrapper245 without limitation as long as the material has the above-mentioned characteristics.

Thefifth wrapper245 may prevent thestick20 from being burned. For example, when thetobacco rod21 is heated by theheater110, there is a possibility that thestick20 is burned. In detail, when the temperature is raised to a temperature above the ignition point of any one of materials included in thetobacco rod21, thestick20 may be burned. Even in this case, since thefifth wrapper245 include a non-combustible material, the burning of thestick20 may be prevented.

Furthermore, thefifth wrapper245 may prevent theaerosol generating device100 from being contaminated by substances formed by thestick20. Through puffs of a user, liquid substances may be formed in thestick20. For example, as the aerosol formed by thestick20 is cooled by the outside air, liquid materials (e.g., moisture, etc.) may be formed. As thefifth wrapper245 wraps thestick20, the liquid materials formed in thestick20 may be prevented from being leaked out of thestick20.

Thetobacco rod21 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, thetobacco rod21 may include other additives, such as flavors, a wetting agent, and/or organic acid. Also, thetobacco rod21 may include a flavored liquid, such as menthol or a moisturizer, which is injected to thetobacco rod21.

Thetobacco rod21 may be manufactured in various forms. For example, thetobacco rod21 may be formed as a sheet or a strand. Also, thetobacco rod21 may be formed as a pipe tobacco, which is formed of tiny bits cut from a tobacco sheet. Also, thetobacco rod21 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 thetobacco rod21 may uniformly distribute heat transmitted to thetobacco rod21, 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 thetobacco rod21 may function as a susceptor heated by the induction heater. Here, although not illustrated in the drawings, thetobacco rod21 may further include an additional susceptor, in addition to the heat conductive material surrounding thetobacco rod21.

Thefilter rod22 may include a cellulose acetate filter. Shapes of thefilter rod22 are not limited. For example, thefilter rod22 may include a cylinder-type rod or a tube-type rod having a hollow inside. Also, thefilter rod22 may include a recess-type rod. When thefilter rod22 includes a plurality of segments, at least one of the plurality of segments may have a different shape.

The first segment of thefilter rod22 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 thetobacco rod21 from being pushed back when theheater110 is inserted into thetobacco rod21 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 thefilter rod22 cools the aerosol which is generated when theheater110 heats thetobacco rod21. 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 thestick20. 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 thefilter rod22 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.

Thefilter rod22 may be manufactured to generate flavors. For example, a flavoring liquid may be injected onto thefilter rod22. For example, an additional fiber coated with a flavoring liquid may be inserted into thefilter rod22.

Also, thefilter rod22 may include at least one capsule23. Here, the capsule23 may generate a flavor. The capsule23 may generate an aerosol. For example, the capsule23 may have a configuration in which a liquid including a flavoring material is wrapped with a film. The capsule23 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape but is not limited thereto.

Referring toFIG.6, a stick30 may further include a front-end plug33. The front-end plug33 may be located on a side of atobacco rod31, the side not facing a filter rod32. The front-end plug33 may prevent thetobacco rod31 from being detached and prevent liquefied aerosol from flowing into theaerosol generating device10 from thetobacco rod31, during smoking.

The filter rod32 may include afirst segment321 and asecond segment322. Thefirst segment321 may correspond to the first segment of thefilter rod22 ofFIG.4. Thesegment322 may correspond to the third segment of thefilter rod22 ofFIG.4.

A diameter and a total length of the stick30 may correspond to the diameter and a total length of thestick20 ofFIG.4. For example, a length of the front-end plug33 may be about 7 mm, a length of thetobacco rod31 may be about 15 mm, a length of thefirst segment321 may be about 12 mm, and a length of thesecond segment322 may be about 14 mm, but embodiments are not limited thereto.

The stick30 may be wrapped using at least onewrapper35. Thewrapper35 may have at least one hole through which external air may be introduced or internal air may be discharged. For example, the front-end plug33 may be wrapped using afirst wrapper351, thetobacco rod31 may be wrapped using asecond wrapper352, thefirst segment321 may be wrapped using athird wrapper353, and thesecond segment322 may be wrapped using afourth wrapper354. Also, the entire stick30 may be re-wrapped using afifth wrapper355.

In addition, thefifth wrapper355 may have at least one perforation36 formed therein. For example, the perforation36 may be formed in an area of thefifth wrapper355 surrounding thetobacco rod31 but is not limited thereto. For example, the perforation36 may transfer heat formed by theheater210 illustrated inFIG.3 into thetobacco rod31.

Also, thesecond segment322 may include at least onecapsule34. Here, thecapsule34 may generate a flavor. Thecapsule34 may generate an aerosol. For example, thecapsule34 may have a configuration in which a liquid including a flavoring material is wrapped with a film. Thecapsule34 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape but is not limited thereto.

Thefirst wrapper351 may be formed by combining general filter wrapping paper with a metal foil such as an aluminum coil. For example, a total thickness of thefirst wrapper351 may be within a range of 45 μm to 55 μm. For example, the total thickness of thefirst wrapper351 may be 50.3 μm. Also, a thickness of the metal coil of thefirst wrapper351 may be within a range 6 μm to 7 μm. For example, the thickness of the metal coil of thefirst wrapper351 may be 6.3 μm. In addition, a basis weight of thefirst wrapper351 may be within a range of 50 g/m2 to 55 g/m2. For example, the basis weight of thefirst wrapper351 may be 53 g/m2.

Thesecond wrapper352 and thethird wrapper353 may be formed of general filter wrapping paper. For example, thesecond wrapper352 and thethird wrapper353 may be porous wrapping paper or non-porous wrapping paper.

For example, porosity of thesecond wrapper352 may be 35000 CU but is not limited thereto. Also, a thickness of thesecond wrapper352 may be within a range of 70 μm to 80 μm. For example, the thickness of thesecond wrapper352 may be 78 μm. A basis weight of thesecond wrapper352 may be within a range of 20 g/m2 to 25 g/m2. For example, the basis weight of thesecond wrapper352 may be 23.5 g/m2.

For example, porosity of thethird wrapper353 may be 24000 CU but is not limited thereto. Also, a thickness of thethird wrapper353 may be in a range of about 60 μm to about 70 μm. For example, the thickness of thethird wrapper353 may be 68 μm. A basis weight of thethird wrapper353 may be in a range of about 20 g/m2 to about 25 g/m2. For example, the basis weight of thethird wrapper353 may be 21 g/m2.

Thefourth wrapper354 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 thefourth wrapper353 may be in a range of 100 μm to 1200 μm. For example, the thickness of thefourth wrapper353 may be 110 μm. Also, a basis weight of thefourth wrapper354 may be in a range of 80 g/m2 to 100 g/m2. For example, the basis weight of thefourth wrapper354 may be 88 g/m2.

Thefifth wrapper355 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 thefifth wrapper355 may be in a range of 57 g/m2 to 63 g/m2. For example, the basis weight of thefifth wrapper355 may be 60 g/m2. Also, a thickness of thefifth wrapper355 may be in a range of 64 μm to 70 μm. For example, the thickness of thefifth wrapper355 may be 67 μm.

Thefifth wrapper355 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) thefifth wrapper355 without limitation.

The front-end plug33 may be formed of cellulous acetate. For example, the front-end plug33 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 plug33 may be 5.0. Also, a cross-section of the filaments constituting the front-end plug33 may be a Y shape. Total denier of the front-end plug33 may be in a range of 20000 to 30000. For example, the total denier of the front-end plug33 may be within a range of 25000 to 30000. For example, the total denier of the front-end plug33 may be 28000.

Also, as needed, the front-end plug33 may include at least one channel. A cross-sectional shape of the channel may be manufactured in various shapes.

Thetobacco rod31 may correspond to thetobacco rod21 described above with reference toFIG.4. Therefore, hereinafter, the detailed description of thetobacco rod31 will be omitted.

Thefirst segment321 may be formed of cellulous acetate. For example, thefirst segment321 may be a tube-type structure having a hollow inside. Thefirst segment321 may be manufactured by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulous acetate tow. For example, mono-denier and total denier of thefirst segment321 may be the same as the mono-denier and total denier of the front-end plug33.

Thesecond segment322 may be formed of cellulous acetate. Mono denier of filaments constituting thesecond segment322 may be in a range of 1.0 to 10.0. For example, the mono denier of the filaments of thesecond segment322 may be within a range of about 8.0 to about 10.0. For example, the mono denier of the filaments of thesecond segment322 may be 9.0. Also, a cross-section of the filaments of thesecond segment322 may be a Y shape. Total denier of thesecond segment322 may be in a range of 20000 to 30000. For example, the total denier of thesecond segment322 may be 25000.

Referring toFIG.7, theaforementioned stick40 may include amedium portion410. Thestick40 may include a coolingportion420. Thestick40 may include afilter portion430. The coolingportion420 may be disposed between themedium portion410 and thefilter portion430. Thestick40 may include awrapper440. Thewrapper440 may wrap themedium portion410. Thewrapper440 may wrap thecooling portion420. Thewrapper440 may wrap thefilter portion430. Thestick40 may have a cylindrical shape.

Themedium portion410 may include a medium411. Themedium portion410 may include a firstmedium cover413. Themedium portion410 may include a secondmedium cover415. The medium411 may be disposed between the firstmedium cover413 and the secondmedium cover415. The firstmedium cover413 may be disposed at one end of thestick40. Themedium portion410 may have a length of 24 mm.

The medium411 may contain a multicomponent substance. The substance contained in the medium may be a multicomponent flavoring substance. The medium411 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 medium411. The length L2 of the medium411 may be 10 mm. The firstmedium cover413 may be made of an acetate material. The secondmedium cover415 may be made of an acetate material. The firstmedium cover413 may be made of a paper material. The secondmedium cover415 may be made of a paper material. At least one of the firstmedium cover413 or the secondmedium cover415 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 medium411.

The length L1 of the firstmedium cover413 may be shorter than the length L2 of the medium411. The length L3 of the secondmedium cover415 may be shorter than the length L2 of the medium411. The length L1 of the firstmedium cover413 may be 7 mm. The length L2 of the secondmedium cover415 may be 7 mm.

Accordingly, each of the granules of the medium411 may be prevented from being separated from themedium portion410 and thestick40.

Accordingly, the coolingportion420 may support themedium portion410 and thefilter portion430 and may secure the rigidity of thestick40. In addition, the coolingportion420 may support thewrapper440 between themedium portion410 and thefilter portion430 and may provide a portion to which thewrapper440 is adhered. In addition, the heated air and aerosol may be cooled while passing through thecooling path424 in the coolingportion420.

Thefilter portion430 may be composed of a filter made of an acetate material. Thefilter portion430 may be disposed at the other end of thestick40. When thestick40 is inserted into the aerosol-generating device, thefilter portion430 may be exposed to the outside of the aerosol-generating device. The user may inhale air in the state of holding thefilter portion430 in the mouth. The length L5 of thefilter portion430 may be 14 mm.

Thewrapper440 may wrap or surround themedium portion410, the coolingportion420, and thefilter portion430. Thewrapper440 may form the external appearance of thestick40. Thewrapper440 may be made of a paper material. Anadhesive portion441 may be formed along one edge of thewrapper440. Thewrapper440 may surround themedium portion410, the coolingportion420, and thefilter portion430, and theadhesive portion441 formed along one edge of thewrapper440 and the other edge thereof may be adhered to each other. Thewrapper440 may surround themedium portion410, the coolingportion420, and thefilter portion430, but may not cover one end or the other end of thestick40.

Accordingly, thewrapper440 may fix themedium portion410, the coolingportion420, and thefilter portion430, and may prevent these components from being separated from thestick40.

A firstthin film443 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the firstmedium cover413. The firstthin film443 may be disposed between thewrapper440 and the firstmedium cover413, or may be disposed outside thewrapper440. The firstthin film443 may surround the firstmedium cover413. The firstthin film443 may be made of a metal material. The firstthin film443 may be made of an aluminum material. The firstthin film443 may be in close contact with thewrapper440 or may be coated thereon.

A secondthin film445 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the secondmedium cover415. The secondthin film445 may be disposed between thewrapper440 and the secondmedium cover415 or may be disposed outside thewrapper440. The secondthin film445 may be made of a metal material. The secondthin film445 may be made of an aluminum material. The secondthin film445 may be in close contact with thewrapper440 or may be coated thereon.

Referring toFIG.8, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generatingdevice10 may include at least one of abody100, acartridge200, or acap300. Thebody100, thecartridge200, and/or thecap300 may constitute the housing of the aerosol-generatingdevice10.

Thebody100 may include at least one of alower body1100 or anupper body1200. Thelower body1100 may accommodate various components necessary for power supply or control, such as a battery or a controller. Thelower body1100 may form the external appearance of the aerosol-generating device. Theupper body1200 may be disposed on thelower body1100. Thecartridge200 may be coupled to theupper body1200. Thebody100 may be referred to as amain body100.

Asensor1500 may be disposed in thebody100. Thesensor1500 may be disposed in thelower body1100. Thesensor1500 may output a signal corresponding to movement of the aerosol-generatingdevice10. Thesensor1500 may be implemented as at least one of a gyro sensor or an acceleration sensor. Thesensor1500 may be referred to as a motion sensor.

Theupper body1200 may include at least one of amount1300 or acolumn1400. Themount1300 may be disposed on thelower body1100. Themount1300 may provide aspace1340 into which the lower portion of thecartridge200 is inserted. Themount1300 may have an open upper side, and may define therein thespace1340. Themount1300 may surround the lower portion of thecartridge200 inserted into thespace1340. Themount1300 may fix thecartridge200. Themount1300 may support the lower portion of thecartridge200.

Thecolumn1400 may be disposed on thelower body1100. Thecolumn1400 may have an elongated shape. Thecolumn1400 may extend upwards from one side of themount1300. Thecolumn1400 may face one side wall of thecartridge200. Thecolumn1400 may be disposed parallel to thecartridge200. Thecolumn1400 may have a shape that covers the side wall of thecartridge200. Thecolumn1400 may support the side wall of thecartridge200.

Anoutput device1600 may be mounted in the column14000. Theoutput device1600 may include at least one light source. The light source may be a light-emitting diode (LED). Theoutput device1600 may be mounted so as to face the side portion of thecartridge200. Theoutput device1600 may output light to thecartridge200. Theoutput device1600 may variously change the color of light. Theoutput device1600 may variously change the brightness of light.

Theoutput device1600 may be disposed so as to face the outer side of aninsertion space2140. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the path of the light output from theoutput device1600 from being blocked by thestick20 inserted into theinsertion space2140.

Thecartridge200 may be detachably coupled to thebody100. Thecartridge200 may provide space for storing liquid therein. Thecartridge200 may have theinsertion space2140 formed therein. One end of theinsertion space2140 may be open to form an opening. Theinsertion space2140 may be exposed to the outside through the opening. The opening may be defined as one end of theinsertion space2140.

Thecartridge200 may include at least one of afirst container2100 or asecond container2200. Thesecond container2200 may be coupled to thefirst container210.

Thefirst container2100 may be coupled to the upper side of thesecond container2200. Thefirst container2100 may provide space for storing liquid therein. Thefirst container2100 may have an open upper side, and may have formed therein theinsertion space2140, which is elongated in the vertical direction. Astick40 may be inserted into theinsertion space2140. One side wall of thefirst container2100 may face thecolumn1400. Thecolumn1400 may cover the side wall of thefirst container210. Thefirst container2100 may be disposed on themount1300.

Thesecond container2200 may be coupled to the lower side of thefirst container210. Thesecond container2200 may provide space for mounting a wick and a heater therein. Thesecond container2200 may be inserted into thespace1340 provided by themount1300. Thespace1340 in themount1300 may be referred to as acartridge accommodation space1340. Themount1300 may surround thesecond container2200. Thesecond container2200 may be coupled to themount1300.

Thecap300 may be detachably coupled to thebody100. Thecap300 may cover thecartridge200. Thecap300 may cover at least a portion of thebody100. Thecap300 may protect thecartridge200 and/or at least a portion of thebody100 from the outside. A user may separate thecap300 from thebody100 in order to replace thecartridge200.

Thecap300 may have aninsertion hole3040 formed therein. Theinsertion hole3040 may be formed at a position corresponding to theinsertion space2140. Theinsertion hole3040 may communicate with one end or the upper end of theinsertion space2140. Adoor3100 may open and close the insertion space214. Thedoor3100 may open and close an opening that exposes theinsertion space2140 to the outside. Thedoor3100 may be pivotably mounted. Thedoor3100 may be pivoted to open and close theinsertion space2140.

Thecap300 may have acap inlet3040aformed therein. One side of thecap300 may be open to form thecap inlet3040a. For example, theside wall3010 of thecap300 may be open to form thecap inlet3040a. Thecap inlet3040amay communicate with the outside. Air may be introduced into the aerosol-generating device through thecap inlet3040a.

One side of thecartridge200 may be open to form acartridge inlet2240. The outer wall of thesecond container2200 may be open to form thecartridge inlet2240. Thecartridge inlet2240 may communicate with theinsertion space2140.

Air may be introduced into the aerosol-generating device through thecap inlet3040a. The air introduced through thecap inlet3040amay flow into thecartridge inlet2240. The air may flow into thecartridge200 through thecartridge inlet2240. The air that has passed through thecartridge inlet2240 may then flow toward theinsertion space2140. The air may pass through thestick40 together with the aerosol generated by the heater.

A portion of theside wall3010 of thecap300 may be formed of a material through which light passes. Thecap300 may include a diffusion sheet. The diffusion sheet may be included in at least a portion of thecap300. The diffusion sheet may be disposed along the periphery of at least a portion of theside wall3010 of thecap300. The diffusion sheet may face or surround at least a portion of thefirst container2100. The diffusion sheet may be disposed outside thefirst container210. The diffusion sheet may be disposed between theside wall3010 of thecap300 and thefirst container210.

The diffusion sheet may serve to diffuse light. The diffusion sheet may make at least a portion of the surface of thecap300 hazy. The diffusion sheet may receive light from theoutput device1600, and may diffuse the light toward the outside of thecap300. The diffusion sheet may diffuse the external light introduced into thecap300 from the outside of thecap300.

Accordingly, it is possible to minimize the introduction of light, such as ultraviolet radiation, into thecartridge200 from the outside, thus preventing the liquid stored in thefirst container2100 from deteriorating. In addition, when theoutput device1600 radiates light, the light radiated from theoutput device1600 may diffuse to the outside of thecap300.

FIG.9 is a flowchart showing an operation method of an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG.9, the aerosol-generatingdevice10 may determine whether the mode of the aerosol-generatingdevice10 is a charging mode in operation S910. Here, the charging mode may be a mode in which thebattery16 is charged using power supplied from the outside. For example, the aerosol-generatingdevice10 may set the mode thereof to the charging mode when a power line for supplying power is connected to a charging terminal disposed on one side of themain body100.

When the mode of the aerosol-generatingdevice10 is the charging mode, the aerosol-generatingdevice10 may determine the type of user input in operation S920. The aerosol-generatingdevice10 may receive user input through themotion sensor1500, which outputs a signal corresponding to movement of the aerosol-generatingdevice10. For example, the aerosol-generatingdevice10 may receive tap input, which is performed by tapping the aerosol-generatingdevice10, based on a signal from the acceleration sensor and/or the gyro sensor.

The aerosol-generatingdevice10 may determine the direction in which the aerosol-generatingdevice10 is oriented through themotion sensor1500. In the present disclosure, the direction in which the aerosol-generatingdevice10 is oriented may be a direction in which the upper end of the aerosol-generatingdevice10, e.g. theinsertion hole3040 in thecap300, is oriented.

Upon determining that the type of user input is the first type, the aerosol-generatingdevice10 may output light corresponding to the amount of power stored in thebattery16 through theoutput device1600 in operations S930 and S940.

Referring toFIG.10, in the state in which the aerosol-generatingdevice10 is oriented in the predetermined reference direction, that is, in the state in which the upper end of the aerosol-generatingdevice10 is oriented in the upward direction, the user may perform predetermined input into the aerosol-generatingdevice10 throughtap input1010 by tapping the body100 a predetermined number of times (e.g. two times). The aerosol-generatingdevice10 may receive thetap input1010 through themotion sensor1500 in the state of being oriented in the predetermined reference direction. The aerosol-generatingdevice10 may determine the type oftap input1010, which is received in the state in which the aerosol-generatingdevice10 is oriented in the predetermined reference direction, to be the first type.

Referring toFIGS.11 and12, upon receiving the first-type tap input1010, the aerosol-generatingdevice10 may output light corresponding to the amount of power stored in thebattery16 through theoutput device1600. The light output from theoutput device1600 may travel toward the outer side of theinsertion space2140. In addition, the light output from theoutput device1600 may sequentially pass through thefirst container2100 and theside wall3010 of thecap300, and then may diffuse to the outside of thecap300.

Since the light output from theoutput device1600 diffuses to the outside through thefirst container2100 and theside wall3010 of thecap300, the inside1110 of thefirst container2100 may become visible from the outside. Accordingly, the user may intuitively check the state inside thefirst container2100. In addition, the user may accurately check thevolume1115 of the liquid stored in thefirst container2100 in a dark environment.

According to an embodiment, the aerosol-generatingdevice10 may change the color of the light output from theoutput device1600 depending on the amount of power stored in thebattery16. For example, when the amount of power stored in thebattery16 is 70% or more of the maximum amount of power, the aerosol-generatingdevice10 may output white light through theoutput device1600. For example, when the amount of power stored in thebattery16 is 50% or more and less than 70% of the maximum amount of power, the aerosol-generatingdevice10 may output blue light through theoutput device1600. For example, when the amount of power stored in thebattery16 is 30% or more and less than 50% of the maximum amount of power, the aerosol-generatingdevice10 may output orange light through theoutput device1600. For example, when the amount of power stored in thebattery16 is less than 30% of the maximum amount of power, the aerosol-generatingdevice10 may output red light through theoutput device1600.

According to an embodiment, the aerosol-generatingdevice10 may change the number of blinks of the light output from theoutput device1600 depending on the amount of power stored in thebattery16. For example, when the amount of power stored in thebattery16 is 70% or more of the maximum amount of power, the aerosol-generatingdevice10 may blink the light once through theoutput device1600. For example, when the amount of power stored in thebattery16 is 50% or more and less than 70% of the maximum amount of power, the aerosol-generatingdevice10 may blink the light twice through theoutput device1600. For example, when the amount of power stored in thebattery16 is 30% or more and less than 50% of the maximum amount of power, the aerosol-generatingdevice10 may blink the light three times through theoutput device1600. For example, when the amount of power stored in thebattery16 is less than 30% of the maximum amount of power, the aerosol-generatingdevice10 may blink the light four times through theoutput device1600.

Meanwhile, upon determining that the type of user input is the second type, the aerosol-generatingdevice10 may update settings related to theoutput device1600 in operations S950 and S960. For example, upon receiving the second-type user input, the aerosol-generatingdevice10 may change settings related to the color, brightness, and number of blinks of the light output from theoutput device1600. In this case, the settings related to theoutput device1600, which are to be updated, may be determined depending on the direction in which the aerosol-generatingdevice10 is oriented.

Referring toFIG.13, in the state in which the aerosol-generatingdevice10 is oriented in a direction different from the predetermined reference direction, for example, in the state in which the upper end of the aerosol-generatingdevice10 is oriented in the leftward direction, the user may perform predetermined input into the aerosol-generatingdevice10 throughtap input1310 by tapping the body100 a predetermined number of times (e.g. two times). The aerosol-generatingdevice10 may receive thetap input1310 through themotion sensor1500 in the state in which the upper end thereof is oriented in the leftward direction. The aerosol-generatingdevice10 may determine the type oftap input1310, which is received in the state in which the upper end of the aerosol-generatingdevice10 is oriented in the leftward direction, to be the second type.

In this case, the aerosol-generatingdevice10 may update the setting corresponding to the leftward direction, among the settings related to theoutput device1600, in response to thetap input1310 received in the state in which the upper end thereof is oriented in the leftward direction.

Referring toFIG.14, when the orange color, among the colors of light, corresponds to the leftward direction, the aerosol-generatingdevice10 may change the setting related to the brightness of the orange light in response to thetap input1310 received in the state in which the upper end thereof is oriented in the leftward direction. For example, upon receiving thetap input1310 in the state in which the brightness of the orange light is set tolevel1, the aerosol-generatingdevice10 may change the brightness of the orange light tolevel2. For example, upon receiving thetap input1310 in the state in which the brightness of the orange light is set tolevel2, the aerosol-generatingdevice10 may change the brightness of the orange light tolevel3.

Meanwhile, referring toFIG.15, in the state in which the aerosol-generatingdevice10 is oriented in a direction different from the predetermined reference direction, for example, in the state in which the upper end of the aerosol-generatingdevice10 is oriented in the rightward direction, the user may perform predetermined input into the aerosol-generatingdevice10 throughtap input1510 by tapping the body100 a predetermined number of times (e.g. two times). The aerosol-generatingdevice10 may receive thetap input1510 through themotion sensor1500 in the state in which the upper end thereof is oriented in the rightward direction. The aerosol-generatingdevice10 may determine the type oftap input1510, which is received in the state in which the upper end of the aerosol-generatingdevice10 is oriented in the rightward direction, to be the second type.

In this case, the aerosol-generatingdevice10 may update the setting corresponding to the rightward direction, among the settings related to theoutput device1600, in response to thetap input1510 received in the state in which the upper end thereof is oriented in the rightward direction.

Referring toFIG.16, when the blue color, among the colors of light, corresponds to the rightward direction, the aerosol-generatingdevice10 may change the setting related to the brightness of the blue light in response to thetap input1510 received in the state in which the upper end thereof is oriented in the rightward direction. For example, upon receiving thetap input1510 in the state in which the brightness of the blue light is set tolevel1, the aerosol-generatingdevice10 may change the brightness of the blue light tolevel2.

Meanwhile, the aerosol-generatingdevice10 may update the settings related to theoutput device1600 in response to a signal received from an external device through thecommunication interface11. For example, the aerosol-generatingdevice10 may change the settings related to the color, brightness, and number of blinks of the light output from theoutput device1600 in response to a signal received from an external device communicated therewith via Bluetooth.

FIG.17 is a flowchart showing an operation method of an aerosol-generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. A detailed description of the same content as that described with reference toFIGS.9 to16 will be omitted.

Referring toFIG.17, the aerosol-generatingdevice10 may set the mode thereof to the charging mode in operation S1701. For example, the aerosol-generatingdevice10 may set the mode thereof to the charging mode when a power line for supplying power is connected to a charging terminal disposed on one side of themain body100.

When the mode thereof is set to the charging mode, the aerosol-generatingdevice10 may output light corresponding to the amount of power stored in thebattery16 through theoutput device1600 in operation S1702.

The aerosol-generatingdevice10 may determine the type of user input corresponding to movement of the aerosol-generatingdevice10 in operation S1703.

Upon determining that the type of user input is the first type, the aerosol-generatingdevice10 may output light corresponding to the amount of power stored in thebattery16 through theoutput device1600 in operations S1704 and S1705.

Upon determining that the type of user input is the second type, the aerosol-generatingdevice10 may update the settings related to theoutput device1600 in operations S1706 and S1707.

The aerosol-generatingdevice10 may output light corresponding to the update through theoutput device1600 in operation S1708. For example, when the brightness of the orange light is set tolevel2 in response to thetap input1310 received in the state in which the upper end of the aerosol-generatingdevice10 is oriented in the leftward direction, the aerosol-generatingdevice10 may output the orange light with the brightness oflevel2 through theoutput device1600.

The aerosol-generatingdevice10 may determine whether the charging mode is released in operation S1709. For example, the aerosol-generatingdevice10 may release the charging mode when the power line for supplying power is separated from the charging terminal disposed on one side of themain body100.

The aerosol-generatingdevice10 may output light corresponding to the amount of power stored in thebattery16 through theoutput device1600 in response to the release of the charging mode in operation S1710.

As described above, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, it may be possible to receive user input in various manners in a charging mode, in which thebattery16 is charged, using movement of the aerosol-generatingdevice10.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, it may be possible to variously change settings related to output of information about the amount of power stored in thebattery16.

Referring toFIGS.1 to17, an aerosol-generatingdevice10 in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure may include a heater configured to heat an aerosol-generating substance, abattery16 configured to supply power to the heater, at least onesensor1500 configured to output a signal corresponding to movement of the aerosol-generatingdevice10, anoutput device1600 including at least one light source, and acontroller17. Thecontroller17 may determine the type of user input based on a signal received from the at least onesensor1500 in a charging mode of charging thebattery16. When the determined type is a first type, thecontroller17 may output light corresponding to the amount of power stored in thebattery16 through theoutput device1600. When the determined type is a second type, thecontroller17 may update settings related to theoutput device1600.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, upon receiving the user input through the at least onesensor1500 in the state in which the aerosol-generatingdevice10 is oriented in a predetermined reference direction, thecontroller17 may determine the type of the user input to be the first type. Upon receiving the user input through the at least onesensor1500 in the state in which the aerosol-generatingdevice10 is oriented in a direction different from the reference direction, thecontroller17 may determine the type of the user input to be the second type.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, upon receiving the user input through the at least onesensor1500 in the state in which the aerosol-generatingdevice10 is oriented in a first direction different from the reference direction, thecontroller17 may change a setting related to a color corresponding to the first direction. Upon receiving the user input through the at least onesensor1500 in the state in which the aerosol-generatingdevice10 is oriented in a second direction different from the reference direction, thecontroller17 may change a setting related to a color corresponding to the second direction.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, when the amount of power stored in thebattery16 is less than a first amount of power, thecontroller17 may output light having a first color through theoutput device1600. When the amount of power stored in thebattery16 is equal to or greater than the first amount of power, thecontroller17 may output light having a second color through theoutput device1600.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, when an update is performed on the settings related to theoutput device1600, thecontroller17 may output light corresponding to the update through theoutput device1600.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, thecontroller17 may output light corresponding to the amount of power stored in thebattery16 through theoutput device1600 during a predetermined time period in response to activation or deactivation of the charging mode.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, thecontroller17 may deactivate the at least onesensor1500 in response to deactivation of the charging mode.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the user input may be tap input performed by tapping the aerosol-generatingdevice10.

An operation method of an aerosol-generatingdevice10 in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure may include determining the type of user input based on a signal corresponding to movement of the aerosol-generatingdevice10, output from at least onesensor1500 in a charging mode of charging abattery16, outputting light corresponding to the amount of power stored in thebattery16 through anoutput device1600 including at least one light source when the determined type is a first type, and updating settings related to theoutput device1600 when the determined type is a second type.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the determining the type of user input may include determining the type of the user input to be the first type upon receiving the user input through the at least onesensor1500 in the state in which the aerosol-generatingdevice10 is oriented in a predetermined reference direction, and determining the type of the user input to be the second type upon receiving the user input through the at least onesensor1500 in the state in which the aerosol-generatingdevice10 is oriented in a direction different from the reference direction.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the updating settings related to theoutput device1600 may include changing, upon receiving the user input through the at least onesensor1500 in the state in which the aerosol-generatingdevice10 is oriented in a first direction different from the reference direction, a setting related to a color corresponding to the first direction, and changing, upon receiving the user input through the at least onesensor1500 in the state in which the aerosol-generatingdevice10 is oriented in a second direction different from the reference direction, a setting related to a color corresponding to the second direction.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the outputting light corresponding to the amount of power stored in thebattery16 may include outputting light having a first color through theoutput device1600 when the amount of power stored in thebattery16 is less than a first amount of power, and outputting light having a second color through theoutput device1600 when the amount of power stored in thebattery16 is equal to or greater than the first amount of power.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the method may further include outputting, based on an update performed in the updating settings related to theoutput device1600, light corresponding to the update through theoutput device1600.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the method may further include outputting light corresponding to the amount of power stored in thebattery16 through theoutput device1600 during a predetermined time period in response to activation or deactivation of the charging mode.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the method may further include deactivating the at least onesensor1500 in response to deactivation of the charging mode.

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.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An aerosol-generating device comprising:

a heater configured to heat an aerosol-generating substance;

a battery configured to supply power to the heater to enable the heater to heat the aerosol-generating substance;

at least one sensor configured to provide an output corresponding to movement of the aerosol-generating device;

an output device comprising at least one light source; and

a controller configured to:

determine a type of user input based on the output received from the at least one sensor while in a charging mode of charging the battery;

cause the output device to output light corresponding to an amount of power stored in the battery, based the determined type being a first type; and

update settings related to the output device in response to the determined type being a second type.

2. The aerosol-generating device according toclaim 1, wherein the controller is configured to:

determine the type of the user input to be the first type based on receiving the user input through the at least one sensor in a state in which the aerosol-generating device is oriented in a defined reference direction; and

determine the type of the user input to be the second type based on receiving the user input through the at least one sensor in a state in which the aerosol-generating device is oriented in a first direction different from the reference direction.

3. The aerosol-generating device according toclaim 2, wherein the controller is configured to:

change a setting related to a first color among colors of light based on the user input and the aerosol-generating device being oriented in the first direction; and

change a setting related to a second color among the colors of light based on the user input and the aerosol-generating device being oriented a second direction different from the reference direction, wherein the first color is different from the second color.

4. The aerosol-generating device according toclaim 1, wherein the controller is configured to:

cause the output device to output light having a first color, based on an amount of power stored in the battery being less than a first amount of power; and

cause the output device to output light having a second color, based on an amount of power stored in the battery being equal to or greater than the first amount of power.

5. The aerosol-generating device according toclaim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to cause the output device to output light in response to the updating of the settings.

6. The aerosol-generating device according toclaim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to cause the output device to output light corresponding to an amount of power stored in the battery during a defined time period, in response to activation or deactivation of the charging mode.

7. The aerosol-generating device according toclaim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to deactivate the at least one sensor in response to deactivation of the charging mode.

8. The aerosol-generating device according toclaim 1, wherein the user input is a tap input performed by tapping the aerosol-generating device.

9. A method for operating an aerosol-generating device having a battery and an output device, the method comprising:

determining a type of user input based on an output received from at least one sensor of the aerosol-generating device while the aerosol-generating device is in a charging mode of charging the battery, wherein the output corresponds to movement of the aerosol-generating device;

outputting light by the output device corresponding to an amount of power stored in the battery, based the determined type being a first type; and

updating settings related to the output device in response to the determined type being a second type.

10. The method according toclaim 9, wherein the determining the type of user input comprises:

determining the type of the user input to be the first type based on receiving the user input through the at least one sensor in a state in which the aerosol-generating device is oriented in a defined reference direction; and

determining the type of the user input to be the second type based on receiving the user input through the at least one sensor in a state in which the aerosol-generating device is oriented in a first direction different from the reference direction.

11. The method according toclaim 10, wherein the updating the settings related to the output device comprises:

changing a setting related to a first color among colors of light based on the user input and the aerosol-generating device being oriented in the first direction; and

changing a setting related to a second color among the colors of light based on the user input and the aerosol-generating device being oriented in a second direction different from the second direction, wherein the first color is different from the second color.

12. The method according toclaim 9, wherein the outputting the light comprises:

outputting light having a first color by the output device, based on an amount of power stored in the battery being less than a first amount of power; and

outputting light having a second color by the output device, based on an amount of power stored in the battery being equal to or greater than the first amount of power.

13. The method according toclaim 9, further comprising:

outputting the light, by the output device, in response to the updating of the settings.

14. The method according toclaim 9, further comprising:

outputting light, by the output device, corresponding to an amount of power stored in the battery during a defined time period, in response to activation or deactivation of the charging mode.

15. The method according toclaim 9, further comprising:

deactivating the at least one sensor in response to deactivation of the charging mode.