Aerosol generation device

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device is disclosed. The aerosol-generating device of the present disclosure includes a body, a strip-shaped aerosol-generating article detachably coupled to the body, the aerosol-generating article comprising a plurality of pouches connected to each other, each of the pouches containing an aerosol-generating substance therein, and a heater provided in a heating chamber, the heater being configured to heat the aerosol-generating substance contained in a pouch to be heated among the plurality of pouches, the pouch to be heated being disposed in the heating chamber.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating device.[Background Art]

[0002] An aerosol-generating device is a device that extracts certain components from a medium or a substance by forming an aerosol. The medium may contain a multicomponent substance. The substance contained in the medium may be a multicomponent flavoring substance. For example, the substance contained in the medium may include a nicotine component, an herbal component, and / or a coffee component. Recently, various studies on aerosol-generating devices have been conducted.

[0003] In the case of a user who inhales more aerosol than a general user, even if the user inhales an aerosol for the number of times or for a period of time set in the aerosol-generating device, the user may not inhale a sufficient amount of aerosol.

[0004] In this case, the user uses a plurality of aerosol-generating devices in order to inhale a sufficient amount of aerosol. That is, the user needs to inhale an additional amount of aerosol by sequentially using the plurality of aerosol-generating devices.

[0005] As described above, an aerosol-generating device of the related art has a drawback in that a sufficient amount of aerosol is not provided to a user.[Disclosure][Technical Problem]

[0006] It is an object of the present disclosure to solve the above and other problems.

[0007] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating device having a structure capable of accommodating therein a strip-shaped aerosol-generating article including a plurality of pouches connected to each other, each of the pouches containing an aerosol-generating substance therein.

[0008] It is still another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating device capable of moving a pouch to be heated into a heating chamber.

[0009] It is still another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating device capable of identifying a pouch to be heated and setting a heating profile.

[0010] It is still another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating device capable of moving a heater and pressurizing a pouch to be heated.

[0011] It is still another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating device capable of cutting a heated pouch after heating of the heater is completed.

[0012] It is still another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating device including a replaceable mouthpiece having a filter provided therein.[Technical Solution]

[0013] In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure for accomplishing the above objects, there is provided an aerosol-generating device including a body, a strip-shaped aerosol-generating article detachably coupled to the body, the aerosol-generating article comprising a plurality of pouches connected to each other, each of the pouches containing an aerosol-generating substance therein, and a heater provided in a heating chamber, the heater being configured to heat the aerosol-generating substance contained in a pouch to be heated among the plurality of pouches, the pouch to be heated being disposed in the heating chamber.[Advantageous effects]

[0014] According to at least one of embodiments of the present disclosure, a sufficient amount of aerosol may be provided to a user by accommodating and heating a strip-shaped aerosol-generating article including a plurality of pouches connected to each other, in which each of the pouches contains an aerosol-generating substance therein.

[0015] According to at least one of embodiments of the present disclosure, various flavors may be provided to a user by heating a plurality of pouches containing different aerosol-generating substances.

[0016] According to at least one of embodiments of the present disclosure, a pouch to be heated is identified, and then a heating profile is set, thereby appropriately controlling and heating a heater according to the characteristics of the aerosol-generating substance.

[0017] According to at least one of embodiments of the present disclosure, since the heater is movable to pressurize the pouch to be heated, a contact area between the heater and the aerosol-generating substance is increased, thereby having an effect of improving heating efficiency.

[0018] According to at least one of embodiments of the present disclosure, since a heated pouch is cut after heating of the heater is completed, the used aerosol-generating substance may be easily removed.

[0019] According to at least one of embodiments of the present disclosure, a replacement cycle of a filter may be increased by including a replaceable mouthpiece having the filter provided therein.

[0020] 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]

[0021] FIG. 1 is a view showing an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a view showing an unfolded state of an aerosol-generating article coupled to the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a view showing a rolled state of the aerosol-generating article coupled to the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a flowchart related to a pouch heating operation of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a view showing pouch movement of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a view showing pouch pressurization by a heater of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a view showing pouch cutting by a cutting unit of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a view showing removal of a pouch of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a block diagram of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Mode for Invention]

[0022] Hereinafter, the embodiments disclosed in the present specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and 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.

[0023] In the following description, with respect to constituent elements used in the following description, the suffixes "module" and "unit" are used only in consideration of facilitation of description, and do not have mutually distinguished meanings or functions.

[0024] 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.

[0025] It will be understood that although the terms "first", "second", and the like may be used herein to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another component.

[0026] It will be understood that when a component is referred to as being "connected to" or "coupled to" another component, it may be directly connected to or coupled to another component, or intervening components may be present. On the other hand, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected to" or "directly coupled to" another component, there are no intervening components present.

[0027] As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0028] Throughout the present specification, the direction of an aerosol-generating device and a cartridge may be defined based on an orthogonal coordinate system. In the orthogonal coordinate system, the x-axis direction may be defined as the left-and-right direction of the aerosol-generating device and the cartridge. Here, with respect to the origin of the orthogonal coordinate system, a +x direction may mean the right direction, and a -x direction may mean the left direction. The y-axis direction may be defined as the forward-and-rearward direction of the aerosol-generating device and the cartridge. Here, with respect to the origin of the orthogonal coordinate system, a +y direction may mean the rearward direction, and a -y direction may mean the forward direction. The z-axis direction may be defined as the upward-and-downward direction of the aerosol-generating device and the cartridge. With respect to the origin of the orthogonal coordinate system, a +z direction may mean the upward direction, and a -z direction may mean the downward direction.

[0029] Throughout the present specification, "upstream" and "downstream" may be determined based on the flow direction of a generated aerosol being drawn into the mouth or the lungs of a user when the user inhales. For example, in FIG. 1, since a generated aerosol flows from a heating chamber 44 to a mouthpiece 6, the heating chamber 44 is located upstream of the mouthpiece 6. "Upstream" and "downstream" may be determined by the relative positions between components.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a view showing an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 1, an aerosol-generating device 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one of a power supply 11, a controller 12, a sensor 13, or a heater 18. At least one of the power supply 11, the controller 12, the sensor 13, or the heater 18 may be disposed in a body 10 of the aerosol-generating device 1.

[0032] The body 10 may provide an accommodation space, one side of which is open to allow an aerosol-generating article 2 to be inserted into the accommodation space. The accommodation space having an open one side may be referred to as an accommodation chamber 43. The aerosol-generating article 2 may include an aerosol-generating substance M. The aerosol-generating article 2 may be formed to have a strip shape including a plurality of pouches 21 (refer to FIGs. 2 and 3) connected to each other. Here, each of the pouches contains the aerosol-generating substance M therein.

[0033] The accommodation chamber 43 may be formed to be recessed toward the inside of the body 10 by a predetermined depth so as to accommodate the aerosol-generating article 2 therein. For example, the depth of the accommodation chamber 43 may correspond to the height of a strip serving as the aerosol-generating article 2 in a state in which the strip is rolled up.

[0034] A rotation shaft 41 may be disposed in the accommodation chamber 43. The rotation shaft 41 may be disposed at a central portion of the accommodation chamber 43 or at a position adjacent thereto. The rotation shaft 41 may be disposed in the longitudinal direction of the accommodation chamber 43. The rotation shaft 41 may be inserted into a hollow formed in the aerosol-generating article 2 accommodated in the accommodation chamber 43. The rotation shaft 41 may rotate the aerosol-generating article 2.

[0035] One end of the rotation shaft 41 may be coupled with a motor 42. The motor 42 may be disposed at one side of the accommodation chamber 43. For example, the motor 42 may be disposed at the lower side of the accommodation chamber 43. The motor 42 may rotate the rotation shaft 41. The motor 42 may be operated by receiving power from the power supply 11 under the control of the controller 12.

[0036] The body 10 may provide the heating chamber 44. The heating chamber 44 may be disposed adjacent to the accommodation chamber 43. The heating chamber 44 may communicate with the accommodation chamber 43. The heating chamber 44 may communicate with the accommodation chamber 43 via a connection chamber 45. The connection chamber 45 may be disposed between the heating chamber 44 and the accommodation chamber 43, thereby enabling the heating chamber 44 and the accommodation chamber 43 to communicate with each other. The heating chamber 44 may communicate with a discharge port 491. The discharge port 491 may face the connection chamber 45 with respect to the heating chamber 44. The discharge port 491 may communicate with the outside of the body 10.

[0037] The heater 18 may be provided in the heating chamber 44. The heater 18 may heat a pouch disposed in the heating chamber 44. The heater 18 may heat the aerosol-generating substance M contained in a pouch to be heated.

[0038] The heater 18 may include a first heater plate 18A and a second heater plate 18B. The first heater plate 18A may have a flat plate shape. The first heater plate 18A may be disposed on one side of the heating chamber 44. For example, the first heater plate 18A may be disposed in the longitudinal direction (z-axis direction) of the heating chamber 44. The second heater plate 18B may have a flat plate shape. The second heater plate 18B may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the first heater plate 18A. The second heater plate 18B may be disposed on the other side of the heating chamber 44. For example, the second heater plate 18B may be disposed in the longitudinal direction of the heating chamber 44. The second heater plate 18B may face the first heater plate 18A. The second heater plate 18B may be disposed parallel to the first heater plate 18A in the heating chamber 44.

[0039] The first heater plate 18A and the second heater plate 18B may be disposed spaced apart from each other in the depth direction (y-axis direction) of the heating chamber 44. A space formed between the first heater plate 18A and the second heater plate 18B may communicate with the accommodation chamber 43. The space formed between the first heater plate 18A and the second heater plate 18B may communicate with the accommodation chamber 43 through the connection chamber 45. The space formed between the first heater plate 18A and the second heater plate 18B may communicate with a cartridge 19 and the mouthpiece 6. The space formed between the first heater plate 18A and the second heater plate 18B may communicate with the cartridge 19 and the mouthpiece 6 through a first flow path 47A on the lower side of the heating chamber 44 and a second flow path 47B on the upper side of the heating chamber 44.

[0040] Meanwhile, the first heater plate 18A and the second heater plate 18B may be disposed in the width direction (x-axis direction) or the depth direction (y-axis direction) of the heating chamber 44. In this case, the first heater plate 18A and the second heater plate 18B may be disposed spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the heating chamber 44.

[0041] The heater 18 may include an electro-resistive heater and / or an induction heater.

[0042] For example, each of the first heater plate 18A and the second heater plate 18B may be a resistive heater. For example, each of the first heater plate 18A and the second heater plate 18B may include an electrically conductive track, and each of the first heater plate 18A and the second heater plate 18B may be heated as current flows through the electrically conductive track. Each of the first heater plate 18A and the second heater plate 18B may be electrically connected to the power supply 11. Each of the first heater plate 18A and the second heater plate 18B may directly generate heat using current received from the power supply 11.

[0043] For example, the aerosol-generating device 1 may include an induction coil surrounding at least one of the first heater plate 18A or the second heater plate 18B. The induction coil may cause the surrounded heater plate to generate heat. The heater plate surrounded by the induction coil is a susceptor. The heater plate may generate heat using a magnetic field generated by alternating current flowing through the induction coil. The magnetic field may pass through the heater plate to generate an eddy current in the heater plate. The current may cause the heater plate to generate heat.

[0044] Meanwhile, a susceptor may be included in the plurality of pouches 21 of the aerosol-generating article 2. The susceptor may generate heat using a magnetic field generated by alternating current flowing through the induction coil.

[0045] The cartridge 19 may be coupled to the body 10. The cartridge 19 may contain therein an aerosol-generating substance in a liquid state, a solid state, a gas state, or a gel state. The aerosol-generating substance may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid including a tobacco-containing material having a volatile tobacco flavor component or may be a liquid including a non-tobacco material.

[0046] The cartridge 19 may be detachably coupled to the body 10, accommodated therein, or mounted thereon. The cartridge 19 may include a first chamber C1 and a second chamber C2. The first chamber C1 may be disposed on the upper side of the second chamber C2. The first chamber C1 may store an aerosol-generating substance therein. The aerosol-generating substance may include a flavoring substance. The first chamber C1 may be formed of a transparent plastic or a glass material.

[0047] The second chamber C2 may be disposed on the lower side of the first chamber C1. The second chamber C2 may communicate with the first chamber C1. A hole through which fluid may flow is provided between the first chamber C1 and the second chamber C2, thereby enabling the first chamber C1 to the second chamber C2 to communicate with each other.

[0048] The second chamber C2 may be provided with a wick 25 and a cartridge heater 24. The wick 25 may be connected to the first chamber C1 to receive liquid from the first chamber C1. The wick 25 may be impregnated with liquid. The wick 25 may be fixed in the second chamber C2. The wick 25 may be formed of a material such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, porous ceramic, or the like.

[0049] The cartridge heater 24 may be wound around the periphery of the wick 25. An electrically conductive track of the cartridge heater 24 may be formed to have a coil-shaped structure that winds around the periphery of the wick 25 or a structure that contacts one side of the wick 25. The cartridge heater 24 may generate heat to heat the wick 25. The end of the cartridge heater 24 may extend to one side of the second chamber C2 so as to be electrically connected to an electrode disposed on one side of the cartridge 19.

[0050] The mouthpiece 6 may be detachably coupled to one side of the body 10. The mouthpiece 6 may communicate with the heating chamber 44. The mouthpiece 6 may communicate with the heating chamber 44 through the second flow path 47B on the upper side of the heating chamber 44.

[0051] The mouthpiece 6 may have at least one filter 61 provided therein. The filter 61 may be formed of a plurality of segments. For example, the filter 61 may include a first segment configured to cool an aerosol and a second segment configured to filter a predetermined component contained in the aerosol. If necessary, the filter 61 may further include at least one segment configured to perform another function. The filter 61 may be a cellulose acetate filter.

[0052] When the cartridge heater 24 generates heat to heat the wick 25, an aerosol may be generated in the second chamber C2 from the wick 25. Air passing through the cartridge 19 may flow into the heating chamber 44 through the first flow path 47A disposed on the upper end of the cartridge 19 with the aerosol generated in the second chamber C2.

[0053] The aerosol generated in the cartridge 19 may be mixed with the aerosol generated by heating, using the heater 18, the pouch to be heated that is disposed in the heating chamber 44. The mixed aerosol may flow to the mouthpiece 6 through the second flow path 47B on the upper side of the heating chamber 44. The aerosol passing through the mouthpiece 6 may be drawn into the user's mouth.

[0054] In this manner, since the aerosol generated from the cartridge 19 is additionally supplied to the user, a large amount of aerosol may be supplied to the user, thereby increasing user satisfaction.

[0055] In addition, since the aerosol-generating device of the present disclosure includes the mouthpiece 6 that has the filter 61 provided therein and is detachable from the body 10, the mouthpiece 6 may be replaced separately from the aerosol-generating article 2, thereby increasing a replacement cycle of the filter.

[0056] A first door 48 may be provided on one side of the body 10. The first door 48 may open and close an opening of the accommodation chamber 43. The first door 48 may open and close the opening of the accommodation chamber 43 through hinged movement or sliding movement thereof. Since the first door 48 opens and closes the opening of the accommodation chamber 43, the aerosol-generating article 2 may be easily inserted into the accommodation chamber 43, and foreign substances may be prevented from entering the accommodation chamber 43 from the outside.

[0057] A second door 492 may be provided on the other side of the body 10. The second door 492 may open and close the discharge port 491. The second door 492 may open and close the discharge port 491 through hinged movement or sliding movement thereof. Since the second door 492 opens and closes the discharge port 491, the pouch in the heating chamber 44 may be easily removed to the outside of the body 10.

[0058] The power supply 11 may supply power to operate components of the aerosol-generating device. The power supply may be referred to as a battery. The power supply 11 may supply power to at least one of the controller 12, the sensor 13, the heater 18, or the cartridge 19. The power supply 11 may supply power to the motor 42. When the aerosol-generating device 1 includes an induction coil, the power supply 11 may supply power to the induction coil.

[0059] The controller 12 may control the overall operation of the aerosol-generating device 1. The controller 12 may control the operation of at least one of the power supply 11, the sensor 13, the heater 18, or the cartridge 19. The controller 12 may control the operation of the motor 42. The controller 12 may control the operation of a display or the like installed in the aerosol-generating device.

[0060] The sensor 13 may include a pouch detection sensor 138. The pouch detection sensor 138 may sense an identification code 22 (refer to FIGs. 2 and 3) provided on a pouch disposed in the connection chamber 45. The pouch detection sensor 138 may be implemented as an optical sensor capable of recognizing a barcode, a two-dimensional code, and the like.

[0061] The controller 12 may analyze the result detected by the sensor 13 and may control processes to be performed thereafter. For example, the controller 12 may control the power supplied to the heater 18 based on the result detected by the sensor 13. For example, the controller 12 may control, based on the result detected by the sensor 13, the amount of power supplied to the heater 18 and / or the time during which the power is supplied so as to enable the heater 18 to be heated to a predetermined temperature or to be maintained at an appropriate temperature.

[0062] FIG. 2 is a view showing an unfolded state of the aerosol-generating article coupled to the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 3 is a view showing a rolled state of the aerosol-generating article coupled to the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0063] Referring to FIGs. 2 and 3, the aerosol-generating article 2 may have an elongated strap shape. The aerosol-generating article 2 may be formed to have a strap shape including a plurality of pouches 21 connected to each other. The pouches 21A, 21B, and 21C may be sequentially connected to each other. The pouches 21A, 21B, and 21C may respectively contain aerosol-generating substances M1, M2, and M3 therein.

[0064] For example, each of the aerosol-generating substances M1, M2, and M3 may contain at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, or oleyl alcohol, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In addition, each of the pouches 21A, 21B, and 21C may contain therein other additives such as a flavoring agent, a wetting agent, and / or an organic acid. Further, each of the pouches 21A, 21B, and 21C may contain therein an aromatic liquid such as a menthol or a moisturizer.

[0065] The aerosol-generating substances M1, M2, and M3 contained in the respective pouches 21A, 21B, and 21C may contain different substances. The aerosol-generating substances M1, M2, and M3 contained in the respective pouches 21A, 21B, and 21C may contain different flavoring agents.

[0066] The plurality of pouches 21 may be manufactured using a flexible material. The plurality of pouches 21 may be manufactured using general filter wrapping paper. For example, the plurality of pouches 21 may be manufactured using porous wrapping paper, non-porous wrapping paper, PLA composite paper, sterilization paper, and the like.

[0067] The identification code 22 may be provided on one side of each of the pouches 21A, 21B, and 21C. The identification code 22 may be printed on the surface of each of the pouches or may adhere to the surface of each of the pouches. The identification code 22 may be a general barcode, a two-dimensional code, or the like. The identification code 22 may be provided for each of the pouches. The identification code 22 may be disposed on the upper end of one side of each pouch. The identification code 22 may be disposed closer to the end of the strip than the aerosol-generating substance in a state in which the pouch is located at the end of the strip.

[0068] The identification code 22 may include identification information related to the pouch. For example, the identification code 22 may include at least one of the type of the aerosol-generating substance contained in the pouch, the volume of the aerosol-generating substance contained in the pouch, or the order of disposition of the pouch disposed on the strip.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 3, the aerosol-generating article 2 may be rolled into a roll shape. The plurality of pouches 21 may have elasticity and may be rolled into a roll shape. In a state in which the aerosol-generating article 2 is dried, the aerosol-generating article 2 may be inserted into the accommodation chamber 43 of the body 10.

[0070] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 4, the aerosol-generating article 2 may be inserted into the accommodation chamber 43 of the body 10. In the aerosol-generating article 2, a part of the pouch 21A located at the distal end of the strip may be inserted into the connection chamber 45 of the body 10, and the remaining pouches 21 in the dried state may be inserted into the accommodation chamber 43 of the body 10.

[0072] The connection chamber 45 may extend in the left-and-right direction. The width of the connection chamber 45 in the left-and-right direction may correspond to the width of one pouch in the left-and-right direction. The pouch 21A located at the distal end of the strip may be disposed in the connection chamber 45 in a flat unfolded state.

[0073] The first heater plate 18A and the second heater plate 18B may be moved within the heating chamber 44. The heater movement circuit 182 may move, under the control of the controller 12, at least one of the first heater plate 18A or the second heater plate 18B. For example, the heater movement circuit 182 may include a motor, a rail, a gear, and the like. However, the heater movement circuit 182 is not limited thereto. The heater movement circuit 182 may be implemented in any form as long as at least one of the first heater plate 18A or the second heater plate 18B is movable by the heater movement circuit.

[0074] The first heater plate 18A and the second heater plate 18B may be moved in a direction away from each other or toward each other in the forward-and-rearward direction (y-axis direction) within a set separation distance range. In a state in which the pouch is not disposed in the heating chamber 44, the first heater plate 18A and the second heater plate 18B may be spaced apart from each other by a distance equal to or greater than a depth of the connection chamber 45 in the forward-and-rearward direction. In a state in which the pouch is not disposed in the heating chamber 44, the first heater plate 18A and the second heater plate 18B may be spaced apart from each other by a distance equal to or greater than a depth in the forward-and-rearward direction of the discharge port 491. In a state in which the pouch is disposed in the heating chamber 44, the first heater plate 18A and the second heater plate 18B may be spaced apart from each other by a distance less than the depth of the connection chamber 45 in the forward-and-rearward direction.

[0075] The cutting unit 46 may be disposed adjacent to the heating chamber 44. The cutting unit 46 may be provided between the accommodation chamber 43 and the heating chamber 44. The cutting unit 46 may be disposed on one side of the connection chamber 45. The cutting unit 46 may include a cutter 46A having a sharp end and a cutter drive circuit 46B configured to move the cutter 46A in the forward-and-rearward direction of the connection chamber 45. The cutter drive circuit 46B may include a motor, a rail, a gear, and the like. However, the cutter drive circuit 46B is not limited thereto. The cutter drive circuit 46B may be implemented in any form as long as the cutter 46A is movable by the cutter drive circuit.

[0076] The cutting unit 46 may be disposed adjacent to the heating chamber 44 within the connection chamber 45. The cutting unit 46 may cut, from the strip, the pouch to be heated disposed within the heating chamber 44.

[0077] The pouch detection sensor 138 may be disposed adjacent to the heating chamber 44. The pouch detection sensor 138 may be disposed adjacent to the heating chamber 44 within the connection chamber 45. The pouch detection sensor 138 may face the cutting unit 46 with the connection chamber 45 interposed therebetween. The pouch detection sensor 138 may be disposed to be misaligned with the cutter 46A of the cutting unit 46 in the left-and-right direction. The pouch detection sensor 138 may sense the identification code 22 provided on one side of each of the plurality of pouches 21.

[0078] FIG. 5 is a flowchart related to a pouch heating operation of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 6 is a view showing pouch movement of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 7 is a view showing pouch pressurization by the heater of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 8 is a view showing pouch cutting by the cutting unit of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 9 is a view showing removal of the pouch of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the controller 12 may control movement of the aerosol-generating article 2 accommodated in the accommodation chamber 43. The controller 12 may move the pouch 21A located at the end of the strip among the plurality of pouches 21 of the aerosol-generating article 2 into the heating chamber 44 (S510).

[0080] The controller 12 may control the operation of the motor 42. The controller 12 may control the power supply 11 so that power is supplied to the motor 42 from the power supply 11. The motor 42 may be rotated by a predetermined angle under the control of the controller 12. Through rotation of the motor 42, the pouch 21A of the aerosol-generating article 2 in the connection chamber 45 may be moved into the heating chamber 44. The pouch 21A to be moved into the heating chamber 44 may be referred to as a pouch to be heated 21A. The pouch to be heated 21A may be moved into a space between the first heater plate 18A and the second heater plate 18B within the heating chamber 44. The pouch to be heated 21A may be moved thereinto such that the aerosol-generating substance M contained in the pouch to be heated is located between the first heater plate 18A and the second heater plate 18B.

[0081] The controller 12 may identify the pouch to be heated 21A (S520). The controller 12 may identify the pouch to be heated 21A based on a signal received from the pouch detection sensor 138. The controller 12 may identify at least one of the type of the aerosol-generating substance M contained in the pouch to be heated 21A, the capacity of the aerosol-generating substance M, or the order of disposition of the pouch to be heated 21A disposed on the strip.

[0082] The pouch detection sensor 138 may sense the identification code 22 provided on the pouch to be heated 21A. The pouch detection sensor 138 may sense the identification code 22 in a state in which the pouch to be heated 21A is accommodated in the connection chamber 45, or may sense the identification code 22 in a state in which the pouch to be heated 21A is moving into the heating chamber 44.

[0083] The controller 12 may determine a heating profile based on the identification result (S530). The controller 12 may determine the heating profile for heating of the aerosol-generating substance M contained in the pouch to be heated 21A. The heating profile may include at least one of a preheating section or at least one heating section. The preheating section and the at least one heating section may include target heating temperature and heating time information of the section. The controller 12 may determine the target heating temperature and the heating time information of each section based on the type of the identified aerosol-generating substance M, the capacity of the aerosol-generating substance M, and the like.

[0084] Accordingly, the heater may be controlled to appropriately generate heat according to the characteristics of the aerosol-generating substance by identifying the pouch to be heated and setting the heating profile.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 7 together with FIG. 5, the controller 12 may control the power supplied to the heater 18 based on the determined heating profile (S540). The controller 12 may control movement of at least one of the first heater plate 18A or the second heater plate 18B. The controller 12 may control the heater movement circuit 182 to move at least one of the first heater plate 18A or the second heater plate 18B.

[0086] In a state in which the pouch to be heated 21A is disposed in the heating chamber 44, at least one of the first heater plate 18A or the second heater plate 18B may be moved in the forward-and-rearward direction so as to reduce a distance therebetween. When at least one of the first heater plate 18A or the second heater plate 18B is moved, the pouch to be heated 21A may be pressurized by the first heater plate 18A and the second heater plate 18B in the forward-and-rearward direction and may come into contact with the first heater plate 18A and the second heater plate 18B.

[0087] The controller 12 may control power supplied to the heater 18 from the power supply 11. When the first heater plate 18A and the second heater plate 18B generate heat, an aerosol may be generated from the aerosol-generating substance M in the pouch to be heated 21A.

[0088] In this case, the heater is movable to pressurize the pouch to be heated so as to increase a contact area between the heater and the aerosol-generating substance, thereby having an effect of improving heating efficiency.

[0089] Referring to FIGs. 8 and 9 together with FIG. 5, the controller 12 may perform a control operation to cut the pouch to be heated 21A after heating of the pouch to be heated 21A is completed (S550). The controller 12 may control the cutting unit 46 to cut the pouch to be heated 21A by the cutter 46A.

[0090] The cutter drive circuit 46B may move the cutter 46A under the control of the controller 12. The cutter drive circuit 46B may move the cutter 46A such that the cutter 46A crosses the connection chamber 45 in the depth direction of the connection chamber 45. Through movement of the cutter 46A in the depth direction, a sharp portion of one side of the cutter 46A may cut a portion between the pouch to be heated 21A and the pouch 21B connected to the pouch to be heated 21A.

[0091] The controller 12 may control, after heating of the pouch to be heated 21A is completed, movement of at least one of the first heater plate 18A or the second heater plate 18B. The controller 12 may control the heater movement circuit 182 to move at least one of the first heater plate 18A or the second heater plate 18B.

[0092] At least one of the first heater plate 18A or the second heater plate 18B may be moved in the forward-and-rearward direction so that a distance therebetween is increased. Through movement of at least one of the first heater plate 18A or the second heater plate 18B, the pouch to be heated 21A may be spaced apart from the first heater plate 18A and the second heater plate 18B in the forward-and-rearward direction.

[0093] The pouch to be heated 21A cut from the strip of the aerosol-generating article 2 may be removed from the body 10. After the pouch to be heated 21A is cut, the controller 12 may control an output unit 14 (refer to FIG. 10) so as to output information for inducing a user to remove the pouch. Here, the user may open the second door 492 to remove the cut pouch 21A from the body 10.

[0094] Accordingly, since the heated pouch is cut after heating of the heater is completed, the used aerosol-generating substance may be readily removed from the body.

[0095] After the pouch to be heated 21A is removed, the controller 12 may control movement of the aerosol-generating article 2 accommodated in the accommodation chamber 43. The controller 12 may move, into the heating chamber 44, the pouch 21B located at the end of the strip among the plurality of pouches 21 of the aerosol-generating article 2.

[0096] The controller 12 may control the operation of the motor 42. The controller 12 may control the operation of the motor 42 based on the identification information of the pouch 21A identified in the previous step S520. The controller 12 may control the rotation angle of the motor 42 based on order information of the pouch 21A disposed on the strip. The controller 12 may perform a control operation to increase the rotation angle of the motor 42 as the order of disposition of the pouch disposed on the strip increases.

[0097] A memory 17 (refer to FIG. 10) may previously store therein information obtained by matching the rotation angle of the motor with the order information of the pouch disposed on the strip. The controller 12 may compare the matching information stored in the memory 17 with the order information of the pouch 21A disposed on the strip, and may control the rotation angle of the motor 42 based on the comparison result.

[0098] In the strip of the aerosol-generating article 2, as the pouch is located closer to the inside of the roll, the roll needs to be rotated at a greater angle in order to move the corresponding pouch into the heating chamber 44. The controller 12 may accurately move the pouch into the heating chamber 44 by controlling the rotation angle of the motor 42 based on the order information of the pouch 21A disposed on the strip.

[0099] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an aerosol-generating device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0100] The aerosol-generating device 1 may include a power supply 11, a controller 12, a sensor 13, an output unit 14, an input unit 15, a communication unit 16, a memory 17, and one or more heaters 18 and 24. However, the internal structure of the aerosol-generating device 1 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 10. That is, it is to be understood by those skilled in the art that some of the components shown in FIG. 10 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol-generating device 1.

[0101] The sensor 13 may detect the state of the aerosol-generating device 1 or the state of the surrounding of the aerosol-generating device 1 and may transmit information about the detected state to the controller 12. Based on the information about the detected state, the controller 12 may control the aerosol-generating device 1 to perform various functions, such as control of operation of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18, smoking restriction, determination as to whether the stick S and / or the cartridge 19 is inserted, and notification display.

[0102] The sensor 13 may include at least one of a temperature sensor 131, a puff sensor 132, an insertion detection sensor 133, a reuse detection sensor 134, a cartridge detection sensor 135, an upper case detection sensor 136, a movement detection sensor 137, or a pouch detection sensor 138.

[0103] The temperature sensor 131 may detect temperature to which the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 is heated. The aerosol-generating device 1 may include a separate temperature sensor configured to detect the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18, or the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 itself may serve as a temperature sensor.

[0104] The temperature sensor 131 may output a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may include a resistive element that changes in resistance value according to a change in temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. The temperature sensor may be implemented as a thermistor, which is an element characterized in that the resistance thereof changes with temperature. In this case, the temperature sensor 131 may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistive element as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may be configured as a sensor configured to detect the resistance value of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. In this case, the temperature sensor 131 may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18.

[0105] The temperature sensor 131 may be disposed around the power supply 11 to monitor the temperature of the power supply 11. The temperature sensor 131 may be disposed adjacent to the power supply 11. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may be attached to one surface of the battery, which is the power supply 11. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may be mounted on one surface of a printed circuit board.

[0106] The temperature sensor 131 may be disposed in the body 10 to detect the internal temperature of the body 10. The temperature sensor 131 may be disposed on the outside of the body 10 or in a space communicating with the outside of the body 10 to detect the external temperature of the body 10 or the surrounding temperature of the body 10.

[0107] The puff sensor 132 may detect a user puff based on various physical changes in a gasflow path. The puff sensor 132 may output a signal corresponding to a puff. For example, the puff sensor 132 may be a pressure sensor. The puff sensor 132 may output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol-generating device. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol-generating device 1 may correspond to the pressure of the gasflow path through which gas flows. The puff sensor 132 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the gasflow path through which gas flows in the aerosol-generating device 1.

[0108] The stick detection sensor 133 may detect insertion and / or removal of the stick S. The stick detection sensor may be referred to as an insertion detection sensor. The insertion detection sensor 133 may detect a signal change caused by insertion and / or removal of the stick S. The insertion detection sensor 133 may be mounted around the insertion space. The insertion detection sensor 133 may detect insertion and / or removal of the stick S according to a change in dielectric constant in the insertion space. For example, the insertion detection sensor 133 may be an inductive sensor and / or a capacitance sensor.

[0109] The inductive sensor may include at least one coil. The coil of the inductive sensor may be disposed adjacent to the insertion space. For example, if a magnetic field changes around a coil through which current flows, the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil may change according to Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction. Here, the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil may include a frequency of alternating current, a current value, a voltage value, an inductance value, an impedance value, and the like.

[0110] The inductive sensor may output a signal corresponding to the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil. For example, the inductive sensor may output a signal corresponding to the inductance value of the coil.

[0111] The capacitance sensor may include a conductive body. The conductive body of the capacitance sensor may be disposed adjacent to the insertion space. The capacitance sensor may output a signal corresponding to the electromagnetic characteristics of the surroundings, for example, the capacitance around the conductive body. For example, if the stick S including a metallic wrapper is inserted into the insertion space, the electromagnetic characteristics around the conductive body may change due to the wrapper of the stick S.

[0112] The reuse detection sensor 134 may detect whether the stick S is being reused. The reuse detection sensor 134 may be a color sensor. The color sensor may detect the color of the stick S. The color sensor may detect the color of a portion of the wrapper surrounding the outer side of the stick S. The color sensor may detect, based on light reflected from an object, a value for the optical characteristic corresponding to the color of the object. For example, the optical characteristic may be the wavelength of light. The color sensor may be implemented as a component integrated with a proximity sensor or may be implemented as a component provided separately from a proximity sensor.

[0113] At least a portion of the wrapper constituting the stick S may change in color due to an aerosol. The reuse detection sensor 134 may be disposed at a position corresponding to a position at which at least a portion of the wrapper, which changes in color due to an aerosol, is disposed when the stick S is inserted into the insertion space. For example, before the stick S is used by the user, the color of at least a portion of the wrapper may be a first color. In this case, while the aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating device 1 passes through the stick S, at least a portion of the wrapper may become wet due to the aerosol, and accordingly, the color of at least a portion of the wrapper may change to a second color. After changing from the first color to the second color, the color of at least a portion of the wrapper may be maintained in the second color.

[0114] The cartridge detection sensor 135 may detect mounting and / or removal of the cartridge 19. The cartridge detection sensor 135 may be implemented as an inductance-based sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistance sensor, a Hall sensor (or Hall IC) using the Hall effect, etc.

[0115] The upper case detection sensor 136 may detect mounting and / or removal of the upper case. When the upper case is separated from the body 10, the cartridge 19 and the portion of the body 10 that have been covered by the upper case may be exposed to the outside. The upper case detection sensor 136 may be implemented as a contact sensor, a Hall sensor (or Hall IC), an optical sensor, etc.

[0116] The movement detection sensor 137 may detect movement of the aerosol-generating device. The movement detection sensor 137 may be implemented as at least one of an acceleration sensor or a gyro sensor.

[0117] The pouch detection sensor 138 may detect an identification code provided on the pouch. The pouch detection sensor 138 may be implemented as an optical sensor capable of recognizing a barcode, a two-dimensional code, etc.

[0118] In addition to the sensors 131 to 138 described above, the sensor 13 may further include at least one of a humidity sensor, a position sensor (GPS), a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, or a proximity sensor. The functions of the sensors could be intuitively deduced by those skilled in the art from the names thereof, and thus detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0119] The output unit 14 may output information about the state of the aerosol-generating device 1 and may provide the information to the user. The output unit 14 may include at least one of a display 141, a haptic unit 142, or a sound output unit 143. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto. If the display 141 and a touchpad form a touchscreen together in a layered structure, the display 141 may be used as not only an output device but also an input device.

[0120] The display 141 may visually provide information about the aerosol-generating device 1 to the user. For example, the information about the aerosol-generating device 1 may include various pieces of information, such as a charging / discharging state of the power supply 11 of the aerosol-generating device 1, a preheating state of the heater 18, an insertion / removal state of the stick S and / or the cartridge 19, a mounting / removal state of the upper case, and a use restriction state of the aerosol-generating device 1 (e.g., detection of an abnormal article), and the display 141 may output the information to the outside. For example, the display 141 may be in the form of a light-emitting diode (LED) device. For example, the display 141 may be a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), or the like.

[0121] The haptic unit 142 may convert an electrical signal into mechanical stimulation or electrical stimulation to haptically provide the information about the aerosol-generating device 1 to the user. For example, if initial power is supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 for a predetermined amount of time, the haptic unit 142 may generate vibration corresponding to completion of initial preheating. The haptic unit 142 may include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0122] The sound output unit 143 may audibly provide information about the aerosol-generating device 1 to the user. For example, the sound output unit 143 may convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and may output the acoustic signal to the outside.

[0123] The power supply 11 may supply power used for operation of the aerosol-generating device 1. The power supply 11 may supply power so that the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 is heated. In addition, the power supply 11 may supply power necessary for operation of the other components provided in the aerosol-generating device 1, such as the sensor 13, the output unit 14, the input unit 15, the communication unit 16, and the memory 17. The power supply 11 may include at least one of a super capacitor 111 or a battery 112. The battery 112 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the power supply 11 may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0124] Although not shown in FIG. 10, the aerosol-generating device 1 may further include a power supply protection circuit. The power supply protection circuit may be electrically connected to the power supply 11 and may include a switching element.

[0125] The power supply protection circuit may block an electric path to the power supply 11 according to a predetermined condition. For example, the power supply protection circuit may block the electric path to the power supply 11 when the voltage level of the power supply 11 is equal to or higher than a first voltage corresponding to overcharge. For example, the power supply protection circuit may block the electric path to the power supply 11 when the voltage level of the power supply 11 is lower than a second voltage corresponding to overdischarge.

[0126] The heater 18 may receive power from the power supply 11 to heat the medium or the aerosol-generating substance in the stick S. Although not shown in FIG. 10, the aerosol-generating device 1 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., DC-to-DC converter) configured to convert the power of the power supply 11 and supply the converted power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. In addition, if the aerosol-generating device 1 generates an aerosol in an induction heating way, the aerosol-generating device 1 may further include a DC-to-AC converter configured to convert direct current power of the power supply 11 into alternating current power.

[0127] The controller 12, the sensor 13, the output unit 14, the input unit 15, the communication unit 16, and the memory 17 may perform functions using power received from the power supply 11. Although not shown in FIG. 10, the aerosol-generating device may further include a power conversion circuit configured to convert the power of the power supply 11 and supply the converted power to the respective components, for example, a low dropout (LDO) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit. In addition, although not shown in FIG. 10, a noise filter may be provided between the power supply 11 and the heater 18. The noise filter may be a low-pass filter. The low-pass filter may include at least one inductor and a capacitor. The cutoff frequency of the low-pass filter may correspond to the frequency of a high-frequency switching current applied from the power supply 11 to the heater 18. The low-pass filter may prevent high-frequency noise components from being applied to the sensor 13, for example, the insertion detection sensor 133.

[0128] In an embodiment, the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 may be formed of any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, the suitable electrically resistive material may be a metal or a metal alloy including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, or nichrome. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto. In addition, the heater 18 may be implemented as a metal wire, a metal plate on which an electrically conductive track is disposed, or a ceramic heating element. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0129] In another embodiment, the heater 18 may be an induction heater. For example, the heater 18 may include a susceptor configured to generate heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil, thereby heating the aerosol-generating substance.

[0130] The input unit 15 may receive information input from the user or may output information to the user. For example, the input unit 15 may be a touch panel. The touch panel may include at least one touch sensor configured to detect touch. For example, the touch sensor may include a capacitive touch sensor, a resistive touch sensor, a surface acoustic wave touch sensor, an infrared touch sensor, etc. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the input unit 15 may include a biometric sensor. The biometric sensor may detect user-identifiable information, such as the user's fingerprint or iris.

[0131] The display 141 and the touch panel may be implemented as an integrated panel. For example, the touch panel may be inserted into the display 141 (on-cell type touch panel or in-cell type touch panel). For example, the touch panel may be added onto the display 141 (add-on type touch panel).

[0132] Meanwhile, the input unit 15 may include a button, a keypad, a dome switch, a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0133] The memory 17 may be hardware storing various pieces of data processed in the aerosol-generating device 1. The memory 17 may store data processed and to be processed by the controller 12. The memory 17 may include at least one type of storage medium among a flash memory type memory, a hard disk type memory, a multimedia card micro type memory, a card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), a random access memory (RAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disc. The memory 17 may store data on an operation time of the aerosol-generating device 1, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and the user's smoking pattern.

[0134] The communication unit 16 may include at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 16 may include at least one of a short-range communication unit or a wireless communication unit.

[0135] The short-range communication unit may include a Bluetooth communication unit, a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) communication unit, a near-field communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared data association (IrDA) communication unit, a Wi-Fi direct (WFD) communication unit, an ultra-wideband (UWB) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0136] The wireless communication unit may include a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0137] Although not shown in FIG. 10, the aerosol-generating device 1 may further include a connection interface such as a universal serial bus (USB) interface, and may be connected to other external devices through the connection interface such as a USB interface to transmit and receive information or charge the power supply 11.

[0138] The controller 12 may control overall operation of the aerosol-generating device 1. In an embodiment, the controller 1 may include at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of a plurality of logic gates or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executable in the microprocessor is stored. Also, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the processor can be implemented in other forms of hardware.

[0139] The controller 12 may control the supply of power from the power supply 11 to the heater 18 to control the temperature of the heater 18. The controller 12 may control the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 detected by the temperature sensor 131. The controller 12 may control the power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. For example, the controller 12 may determine a target temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 based on the temperature profile stored in the memory 17.

[0140] The aerosol-generating device 1 may include a power supply circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the power supply 11 between the power supply 11 and the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. The power supply circuit may be electrically connected to the cartridge heater 24, the heater 18, or the induction coil 181. The power supply circuit may include at least one switching element. The switching element may be implemented as a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), a field effect transistor (FET), or the like. The controller 12 may control the power supply circuit.

[0141] The controller 12 may control switching of the switching element of the power supply circuit to control the supply of power. The power supply circuit may be an inverter configured to convert direct current power output from the power supply 11 into alternating current power. For example, the inverter may be composed of a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit including a plurality of switching elements.

[0142] The controller 12 may turn on the switching element so that power is supplied from the power supply 11 to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. The controller 12 may turn off the switching element so that the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 is interrupted. The controller 12 may control the frequency and / or the duty ratio of the current pulse input to the switching element to control the current supplied from the power supply 11.

[0143] The controller 12 may control switching of the switching element of the power supply circuit to control the voltage output from the power supply 11. The power conversion circuit may convert the voltage output from the power supply 11. For example, the power conversion circuit may include a buck-converter configured to step down the voltage output from the power supply 11. For example, the power conversion circuit may be implemented as a buck-boost converter, a Zener diode, or the like.

[0144] The controller 12 may control on / off operation of the switching element included in the power conversion circuit to control the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit. If the switching element is maintained in an on state, the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit may correspond to the level of the voltage output from the power supply 11. The duty ratio for the on / off operation of the switching element may correspond to a ratio of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit to the voltage output from the power supply 11. As the duty ratio for the on / off operation of the switching element decreases, the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit may decrease. The heater 18 may be heated based on the voltage output from the power conversion circuit.

[0145] The controller 12 may control the supply of power to the heater 18 using at least one of a pulse width modulation (PWM) scheme or a proportional-integral-differential (PID) scheme.

[0146] For example, the controller 12 may perform control using the PWM scheme such that a current pulse having a predetermined frequency and a predetermined duty ratio is supplied to the heater 18. The controller 12 may control the frequency and the duty ratio of the current pulse to control the power supplied to the heater 18.

[0147] For example, the controller 12 may determine, based on the temperature profile, a target temperature to be controlled. The controller 12 may control the power supplied to the heater 18 using the PID scheme, which is a feedback control scheme using a difference value between the temperature of the heater 18 and the target temperature, a value obtained by integrating the difference value with respect to time, and a value obtained by differentiating the difference value with respect to time.

[0148] The controller 12 may prevent the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 from overheating. For example, the controller 12 may control operation of the power conversion circuit such that the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 is interrupted when the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 exceeds a predetermined limit temperature. For example, the controller 12 may reduce the amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 by a predetermined ratio when the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 exceeds a predetermined limit temperature. For example, when the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeds a limit temperature, the controller 12 may determine that the aerosol-generating substance contained in the cartridge 19 has been exhausted and may interrupt the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24.

[0149] The controller 12 may control charging / discharging of the power supply 11. The controller 12 may check the temperature of the power supply 11 based on an output signal from the temperature sensor 131.

[0150] If a power line is connected to a battery terminal of the aerosol-generating device 1, the controller 12 may determine whether the temperature of the power supply 11 is equal to or higher than a first limit temperature, which is a reference temperature at which charging of the power supply 11 is interrupted. When the temperature of the power supply 11 is lower than the first limit temperature, the controller 12 may perform control such that the power supply 11 is charged based on a predetermined charging current. When the temperature of the power supply 11 is equal to or higher than the first limit temperature, the controller 12 may interrupt charging of the power supply 11.

[0151] When the aerosol-generating device 1 is in an on state, the controller 12 may determine whether the temperature of the power supply 11 is equal to or higher than a second limit temperature, which is a reference temperature at which discharging of the power supply 11 is interrupted. When the temperature of the power supply 11 is lower than the second limit temperature, the controller 12 may perform control such that the power stored in the power supply 11 is used. When the temperature of the power supply 11 is equal to or higher than the second limit temperature, the controller 12 may interrupt use of the power stored in the power supply 11.

[0152] The controller 12 may calculate or determine the remaining amount of power stored in the power supply 11. For example, the controller 12 may calculate or determine the remaining capacity of the power supply 11 based on a voltage and / or current detection value of the power supply 11.

[0153] The controller 12 may determine whether the stick S is inserted into the insertion space using the insertion detection sensor 133. The controller 12 may determine that the stick S has been inserted based on an output signal from the insertion detection sensor 133. Upon determining that the stick S has been inserted into the insertion space, the controller 12 may perform control such that power is supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. For example, the controller 12 may supply power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 based on the temperature profile stored in the memory 17.

[0154] The controller 12 may determine whether the stick S is removed from the insertion space. For example, the controller 12 may determine whether the stick S is removed from the insertion space using the insertion detection sensor 133. For example, the controller 12 may determine that the stick S has been removed from the insertion space when the temperature of the heater 18 is equal to or higher than a limit temperature or when the temperature change slope of the heater 18 is equal to or greater than a predetermined slope. Upon determining that the stick S has been removed from the insertion space, the controller 12 may interrupt the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18.

[0155] The controller 12 may control a power supply time and / or the amount of power supplied to the heater 18 depending on the state of the stick S detected by the sensor 13. The controller 12 may check, based on a look-up table, a level range within which the level of a signal from the capacitance sensor is included. The controller 12 may determine the amount of moisture in the stick S based on the checked level range.

[0156] When the stick S is in a highly humid state, the controller 12 may control a time during which power is supplied to the heater 18 to increase a preheating time of the stick S compared to when the stick S is in a normal state.

[0157] The controller 12 may determine whether the stick S inserted into the insertion space is a reused stick using the reuse detection sensor 134. For example, the controller 12 may compare a sensing value of a signal from the reuse detection sensor with a first reference range within which the first color is included, and may determine that the stick S is not a reused stick when the sensing value is within the first reference range. For example, the controller 12 may compare a sensing value of a signal from the reuse detection sensor with a second reference range within which the second color is included, and may determine that the stick S is a reused stick when the sensing value is within the second reference range. Upon determining that the stick S is a reused stick, the controller 12 may interrupt the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18.

[0158] The controller 12 may determine whether the cartridge 19 is coupled and / or removed using the cartridge detection sensor 135. For example, the controller 12 may determine whether the cartridge 19 is coupled and / or removed based on a sensing value of a signal from the cartridge detection sensor.

[0159] The controller 12 may determine whether the aerosol-generating substance in the cartridge 19 is exhausted. For example, the controller 12 may apply power to preheat the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18, and may determine whether the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeds a limit temperature in a preheating section. When the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeds the limit temperature, the controller 12 may determine that the aerosol-generating substance in the cartridge 19 has been exhausted. Upon determining that the aerosol-generating substance in the cartridge 19 has been exhausted, the controller 12 may interrupt the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18.

[0160] The controller 12 may determine whether use of the cartridge 19 is possible. For example, upon determining, based on the data stored in the memory 17, that the current number of puffs is equal to or greater than the maximum number of puffs set for the cartridge 19, the controller 12 may determine that use of the cartridge 19 is impossible. For example, when a total time period during which the cartridge heater 24 is heated is equal to or longer than a predetermined maximum time period or when the total amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 is equal to or greater than a predetermined maximum amount of power, the controller 12 may determine that use of the cartridge 19 is impossible.

[0161] The controller 12 may make a determination as to a user puff using the puff sensor 132. For example, the controller 12 may determine, based on a sensing value of a signal from the puff sensor, whether a puff occurs. For example, the controller 12 may determine the intensity of a puff based on a sensing value of a signal from the puff sensor 132. When the number of puffs reaches a predetermined maximum number of puffs or when no puff is detected for a predetermined time period or longer, the controller 12 may interrupt the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18.

[0162] The controller 12 may determine whether the upper case is coupled and / or removed using the upper case detection sensor 136. For example, the controller 12 may determine, based on a sensing value of a signal from the upper case detection sensor, whether the upper case is coupled and / or removed.

[0163] The controller 12 may control the output unit 14 based on a result of detection by the sensor 13. For example, when the number of puffs counted through the puff sensor 132 reaches a predetermined number, the controller 12 may notify the user that operation of the aerosol-generating device 1 will end soon through at least one of the display 141, the haptic unit 142, or the sound output unit 143. For example, upon determining that the stick S is not present in the insertion space, the controller 12 may notify the user of the determination result through the output unit 14. For example, upon determining that the cartridge 19 and / or the upper case has not been mounted, the controller 12 may notify the user of the determination result through the output unit 14. For example, the controller 12 may transmit information about the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 to the user through the output unit 14.

[0164] Upon determining that a predetermined event has occurred, the controller 12 may store a history of the corresponding event in the memory 17 and may update the history. The event may include events performed in the aerosol-generating device 1, such as detection of insertion of the stick S, commencement of heating of the stick S, detection of puff, termination of puff, detection of overheating of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18, detection of application of overvoltage to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18, termination of heating of the stick S, on / off operation of the aerosol-generating device 1, commencement of charging of the power supply 11, detection of overcharging of the power supply 11, and termination of charging of the power supply 11. The history of the event may include the occurrence date and time of the event and log data corresponding to the event. For example, when the predetermined event is detection of insertion of the stick S, the log data corresponding to the event may include data on a value detected by the insertion detection sensor 133. For example, when the predetermined event is detection of overheating of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18, the log data corresponding to the event may include data on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18, the voltage applied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18, and the current flowing through the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18.

[0165] The controller 12 may perform control for formation of a communication link with an external device such as a user's mobile terminal. Upon receiving data on authentication from an external device via the communication link, the controller 12 may release restriction on use of at least one function of the aerosol-generating device 1. Here, the data on authentication may include data indicating completion of user authentication for the user corresponding to the external device. The user may perform user authentication through the external device. The external device may determine, based on the user's birthday or an identification number indicating the user, whether the user data is valid, and may receive data on the authority for use of the aerosol-generating device 1 from an external server. The external device may transmit data indicating completion of user authentication to the aerosol-generating device 1 based on the data on the use authority. When the user authentication is completed, the controller 12 may release restriction on use of at least one function of the aerosol-generating device 1. For example, when the user authentication is completed, the controller 12 may release restriction on use of a heating function for supplying power to the heater 18.

[0166] The controller 12 may transmit data on the state of the aerosol-generating device 1 to the external device through the communication link established with the external device. Based on the received state data, the external device may output the remaining capacity of the power supply 11 or the operation mode of the aerosol-generating device 1 through a display of the external device.

[0167] The external device may transmit a location search request to the aerosol-generating device 1 based on an input for commencement of search for the location of the aerosol-generating device 1. Upon receiving the location search request from the external device, the controller 12 may perform control, based on the received location search request, such that at least one of the output devices performs operation corresponding to location search. For example, the haptic unit 142 may generate vibration in response to the location search request. For example, the display 141 may output objects corresponding to location search and termination of search in response to the location search request.

[0168] Upon receiving firmware data from the external device, the controller 12 may perform control such that the firmware is updated. The external device may check the current version of the firmware of the aerosol-generating device 1 and may determine whether there is a new version of firmware. Upon receiving an input requesting firmware download, the external device may receive new version of firmware data and may transmit the new version of firmware data to the aerosol-generating device 1. Upon receiving the new version of firmware data, the controller 12 may perform control such that the firmware of the aerosol-generating device 1 is updated.

[0169] The controller 12 may transmit data on a value detected by the at least one sensor 13 to an external server (not shown) through the communication unit 16, and may receive, from the server, and store a learning model generated by learning the detected value through machine learning such as deep learning. The controller 12 may perform operation of determining the user's puff pattern and operation of generating the temperature profile using the learning model received from the server. The controller 12 may store data on the value detected by the at least one sensor 13 and data for training an artificial neural network (ANN) in the memory 17. For example, the memory 17 may store a database for each of the components provided in the aerosol-generating device 1 and weights and biases constituting the structure of the artificial neural network (ANN) in order to train the artificial neural network (ANN). The controller 12 may learn data on the value detected by the at least one sensor 13, the user's puff pattern, and the temperature profile, which are stored in the memory 17, and may generate at least one learning model used to determine the user's puff pattern and to generate the temperature profile.

[0170] As described above, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a sufficient amount of aerosol may be provided to a user by accommodating and heating a strip-shaped aerosol-generating article including a plurality of pouches connected to each other, in which each of the pouches contains an aerosol-generating substance therein.

[0171] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, various flavors may be provided to a user by heating a plurality of pouches containing different aerosol-generating substances.

[0172] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a pouch to be heated is identified, and then a heating profile is set, thereby appropriately controlling and heating a heater according to the characteristics of the aerosol-generating substance.

[0173] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, since the heater is movable to pressurize the pouch to be heated, a contact area between the heater and the aerosol-generating substance is increased, thereby having an effect of improving heating efficiency.

[0174] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, since a heated pouch is cut after heating of the heater is completed, the used aerosol-generating substance may be easily removed.

[0175] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a replacement cycle of a filter may be increased by including a replaceable mouthpiece having the filter provided therein.

[0176] Referring to FIGs. 1 to 10, an aerosol-generating device 1 in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure may include a body 10, a strip-shaped aerosol-generating article 2 detachably coupled to the body 10, the aerosol-generating article comprising a plurality of pouches 21 connected to each other, each of the pouches containing an aerosol-generating substance therein, and a heater 18 configured to heat the aerosol-generating substance contained in a pouch to be heated 21A among the plurality of pouches 21, the pouch to be heated being disposed in a heating chamber 44.

[0177] In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the body 10 may include an accommodation chamber 43 provided on one side of the heater 18, the accommodation chamber accommodating the aerosol-generating article 2 therein, a rotation shaft 41 disposed in the accommodation chamber 43, the rotation shaft being inserted into a hollow formed in the aerosol-generating article 2, and a motor 42 connected to the rotation shaft 41 and configured to rotate the rotation shaft 41. A pouch 21A disposed at one end of the strip among the plurality of pouches 21 may be moved into the heating chamber 44 by rotation of the aerosol-generating article 2 through driving of the motor 42.

[0178] In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the heater 18 may include a first heater plate 18A and a second heater plate 18B facing the first heater plate 18A, and the first heater plate 18A and the second heater plate 18B may contact the pouch 21A to be heated so as to heat the pouch to be heated 21A.

[0179] In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device may further include a heater movement circuit 182 configured to move at least one of the first heater plate 18A or the second heater plate 18B. At least one of the first heater plate 18A or the second heater plate 18B may be moved by the heater movement circuit 182 to pressurize the pouch to be heated 21A or to be spaced apart from the pouch to be heated 21A.

[0180] In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device may further include a pouch detection sensor 128 disposed adjacent to the heating chamber 44. The pouch detection sensor 138 is configured to sense an identification code 22 provided on one side of each of the plurality of pouches 21.

[0181] In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the identification code 22 may include at least one of a type of the aerosol-generating substance contained in the pouch, a volume of the aerosol-generating substance, or an order of disposition of the pouch disposed on the strip.

[0182] In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device may further include a controller 12. The controller 12 may be configured to identify the pouch to be heated 21A based on a signal received from the pouch detection sensor 138 and to determine, based on an identified result, a heating profile for heating of the aerosol-generating substance contained in the pouch to be heated 21A.

[0183] In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device may further include a cutting unit 46 disposed adjacent to the heating chamber 44, the cutting unit being configured to cut the pouch to be heated 21A from the strip.

[0184] In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device may further include a controller 12.

[0185] The controller 12 may be configured to control power supplied from a power supply 11 to the heater 18 and to control the cutting unit 46 to cut the pouch to be heated 21A based on termination of heating of the pouch to be heated 21A by the heater 18.

[0186] In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device may further include a cartridge 19 coupled to the body 10. The cartridge 19 may include a first chamber C1 containing a liquid aerosol-generating substance therein, and a second chamber C2 communicating with the first chamber C1, the second chamber including a wick 25 and a cartridge heater 24, the wick being impregnated with the liquid aerosol-generating substance, the cartridge heater heating the wick 25.

[0187] In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device may further include a mouthpiece 6 detachably coupled to the body 10, the mouthpiece being disposed between the heating chamber 44 and an exterior of the body 10. The mouthpiece 6 may include at least one filter 61.

[0188] 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.

[0189] 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.

[0190] The above detailed description is not intended to be construed to limit the disclosure in all aspects and is to be considered by way of example. The scope of the disclosure should be determined by reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all equivalent modifications made without departing from the disclosure should be included in the following claims.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0022]Hereinafter, the embodiments disclosed in the present specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and 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.

[0023]In the following description, with respect to constituent elements used in the following description, the suffixes "module" and "unit" are used only in consideration of facilitation of description, and do not have mutually distinguished meanings or functions.

[0024]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 o...

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating device.[Background Art]

[0002] An aerosol-generating device is a device that extracts certain components from a medium or a substance by forming an aerosol. The medium may contain a multicomponent substance. The substance contained in the medium may be a multicomponent flavoring substance. For example, the substance contained in the medium may include a nicotine component, an herbal component, and / or a coffee component. Recently, various studies on aerosol-generating devices have been conducted.

[0003] In the case of a user who inhales more aerosol than a general user, even if the user inhales an aerosol for the number of times or for a period of time set in the aerosol-generating device, the user may not inhale a sufficient amount of aerosol.

[0004] In this case, the user uses a plurality of aerosol-generating devices in order to inhale a sufficient amount of aerosol. That is, the user needs to inhale an additional amount of aerosol by sequentially using the plurality of aerosol-generating devices.

[0005] As described above, an aerosol-generating device of the related art has a drawback in that a sufficient amount of aerosol is not provided to a user.[Disclosure][Technical Problem]

[0006] It is an object of the present disclosure to solve the above and other problems.

[0007] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating device having a structure capable of accommodating therein a strip-shaped aerosol-generating article including a plurality of pouches connected to each other, each of the pouches containing an aerosol-generating substance therein.

[0008] It is still another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating device capable of moving a pouch to be heated into a heating chamber.

[0009] It is still another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating device capable of identifying a pouch to be heated and setting a heating profile.

[0010] It is still another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating device capable of moving a heater and pressurizing a pouch to be heated.

[0011] It is still another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating device capable of cutting a heated pouch after heating of the heater is completed.

[0012] It is still another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating device including a replaceable mouthpiece having a filter provided therein.[Technical Solution]

[0013] In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure for accomplishing the above objects, there is provided an aerosol-generating device including a body, a strip-shaped aerosol-generating article detachably coupled to the body, the aerosol-generating article comprising a plurality of pouches connected to each other, each of the pouches containing an aerosol-generating substance therein, and a heater provided in a heating chamber, the heater being configured to heat the aerosol-generating substance contained in a pouch to be heated among the plurality of pouches, the pouch to be heated being disposed in the heating chamber.[Advantageous effects]

[0014] According to at least one of embodiments of the present disclosure, a sufficient amount of aerosol may be provided to a user by accommodating and heating a strip-shaped aerosol-generating article including a plurality of pouches connected to each other, in which each of the pouches contains an aerosol-generating substance therein.

[0015] According to at least one of embodiments of the present disclosure, various flavors may be provided to a user by heating a plurality of pouches containing different aerosol-generating substances.

[0016] According to at least one of embodiments of the present disclosure, a pouch to be heated is identified, and then a heating profile is set, thereby appropriately controlling and heating a heater according to the characteristics of the aerosol-generating substance.

[0017] According to at least one of embodiments of the present disclosure, since the heater is movable to pressurize the pouch to be heated, a contact area between the heater and the aerosol-generating substance is increased, thereby having an effect of improving heating efficiency.

[0018] According to at least one of embodiments of the present disclosure, since a heated pouch is cut after heating of the heater is completed, the used aerosol-generating substance may be easily removed.

[0019] According to at least one of embodiments of the present disclosure, a replacement cycle of a filter may be increased by including a replaceable mouthpiece having the filter provided therein.

[0020] 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]

[0021] FIG. 1 is a view showing an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a view showing an unfolded state of an aerosol-generating article coupled to the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a view showing a rolled state of the aerosol-generating article coupled to the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a flowchart related to a pouch heating operation of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a view showing pouch movement of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a view showing pouch pressurization by a heater of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a view showing pouch cutting by a cutting unit of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a view showing removal of a pouch of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a block diagram of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Mode for Invention]

[0022] Hereinafter, the embodiments disclosed in the present specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and 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.

[0023] In the following description, with respect to constituent elements used in the following description, the suffixes "module" and "unit" are used only in consideration of facilitation of description, and do not have mutually distinguished meanings or functions.

[0024] 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.

[0025] It will be understood that although the terms "first", "second", and the like may be used herein to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another component.

[0026] It will be understood that when a component is referred to as being "connected to" or "coupled to" another component, it may be directly connected to or coupled to another component, or intervening components may be present. On the other hand, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected to" or "directly coupled to" another component, there are no intervening components present.

[0027] As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0028] Throughout the present specification, the direction of an aerosol-generating device and a cartridge may be defined based on an orthogonal coordinate system. In the orthogonal coordinate system, the x-axis direction may be defined as the left-and-right direction of the aerosol-generating device and the cartridge. Here, with respect to the origin of the orthogonal coordinate system, a +x direction may mean the right direction, and a -x direction may mean the left direction. The y-axis direction may be defined as the forward-and-rearward direction of the aerosol-generating device and the cartridge. Here, with respect to the origin of the orthogonal coordinate system, a +y direction may mean the rearward direction, and a -y direction may mean the forward direction. The z-axis direction may be defined as the upward-and-downward direction of the aerosol-generating device and the cartridge. With respect to the origin of the orthogonal coordinate system, a +z direction may mean the upward direction, and a -z direction may mean the downward direction.

[0029] Throughout the present specification, "upstream" and "downstream" may be determined based on the flow direction of a generated aerosol being drawn into the mouth or the lungs of a user when the user inhales. For example, in FIG. 1, since a generated aerosol flows from a heating chamber 44 to a mouthpiece 6, the heating chamber 44 is located upstream of the mouthpiece 6. "Upstream" and "downstream" may be determined by the relative positions between components.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a view showing an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 1, an aerosol-generating device 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one of a power supply 11, a controller 12, a sensor 13, or a heater 18. At least one of the power supply 11, the controller 12, the sensor 13, or the heater 18 may be disposed in a body 10 of the aerosol-generating device 1.

[0032] The body 10 may provide an accommodation space, one side of which is open to allow an aerosol-generating article 2 to be inserted into the accommodation space. The accommodation space having an open one side may be referred to as an accommodation chamber 43. The aerosol-generating article 2 may include an aerosol-generating substance M. The aerosol-generating article 2 may be formed to have a strip shape including a plurality of pouches 21 (refer to FIGs. 2 and 3) connected to each other. Here, each of the pouches contains the aerosol-generating substance M therein.

[0033] The accommodation chamber 43 may be formed to be recessed toward the inside of the body 10 by a predetermined depth so as to accommodate the aerosol-generating article 2 therein. For example, the depth of the accommodation chamber 43 may correspond to the height of a strip serving as the aerosol-generating article 2 in a state in which the strip is rolled up.

[0034] A rotation shaft 41 may be disposed in the accommodation chamber 43. The rotation shaft 41 may be disposed at a central portion of the accommodation chamber 43 or at a position adjacent thereto. The rotation shaft 41 may be disposed in the longitudinal direction of the accommodation chamber 43. The rotation shaft 41 may be inserted into a hollow formed in the aerosol-generating article 2 accommodated in the accommodation chamber 43. The rotation shaft 41 may rotate the aerosol-generating article 2.

[0035] One end of the rotation shaft 41 may be coupled with a motor 42. The motor 42 may be disposed at one side of the accommodation chamber 43. For example, the motor 42 may be disposed at the lower side of the accommodation chamber 43. The motor 42 may rotate the rotation shaft 41. The motor 42 may be operated by receiving power from the power supply 11 under the control of the controller 12.

[0036] The body 10 may provide the heating chamber 44. The heating chamber 44 may be disposed adjacent to the accommodation chamber 43. The heating chamber 44 may communicate with the accommodation chamber 43. The heating chamber 44 may communicate with the accommodation chamber 43 via a connection chamber 45. The connection chamber 45 may be disposed between the heating chamber 44 and the accommodation chamber 43, thereby enabling the heating chamber 44 and the accommodation chamber 43 to communicate with each other. The heating chamber 44 may communicate with a discharge port 491. The discharge port 491 may face the connection chamber 45 with respect to the heating chamber 44. The discharge port 491 may communicate with the outside of the body 10.

[0037] The heater 18 may be provided in the heating chamber 44. The heater 18 may heat a pouch disposed in the heating chamber 44. The heater 18 may heat the aerosol-generating substance M contained in a pouch to be heated.

[0038] The heater 18 may include a first heater plate 18A and a second heater plate 18B. The first heater plate 18A may have a flat plate shape. The first heater plate 18A may be disposed on one side of the heating chamber 44. For example, the first heater plate 18A may be disposed in the longitudinal direction (z-axis direction) of the heating chamber 44. The second heater plate 18B may have a flat plate shape. The second heater plate 18B may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the first heater plate 18A. The second heater plate 18B may be disposed on the other side of the heating chamber 44. For example, the second heater plate 18B may be disposed in the longitudinal direction of the heating chamber 44. The second heater plate 18B may face the first heater plate 18A. The second heater plate 18B may be disposed parallel to the first heater plate 18A in the heating chamber 44.

[0039] The first heater plate 18A and the second heater plate 18B may be disposed spaced apart from each other in the depth direction (y-axis direction) of the heating chamber 44. A space formed between the first heater plate 18A and the second heater plate 18B may communicate with the accommodation chamber 43. The space formed between the first heater plate 18A and the second heater plate 18B may communicate with the accommodation chamber 43 through the connection chamber 45. The space formed between the first heater plate 18A and the second heater plate 18B may communicate with a cartridge 19 and the mouthpiece 6. The space formed between the first heater plate 18A and the second heater plate 18B may communicate with the cartridge 19 and the mouthpiece 6 through a first flow path 47A on the lower side of the heating chamber 44 and a second flow path 47B on the upper side of the heating chamber 44.

[0040] Meanwhile, the first heater plate 18A and the second heater plate 18B may be disposed in the width direction (x-axis direction) or the depth direction (y-axis direction) of the heating chamber 44. In this case, the first heater plate 18A and the second heater plate 18B may be disposed spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the heating chamber 44.

[0041] The heater 18 may include an electro-resistive heater and / or an induction heater.

[0042] For example, each of the first heater plate 18A and the second heater plate 18B may be a resistive heater. For example, each of the first heater plate 18A and the second heater plate 18B may include an electrically conductive track, and each of the first heater plate 18A and the second heater plate 18B may be heated as current flows through the electrically conductive track. Each of the first heater plate 18A and the second heater plate 18B may be electrically connected to the power supply 11. Each of the first heater plate 18A and the second heater plate 18B may directly generate heat using current received from the power supply 11.

[0043] For example, the aerosol-generating device 1 may include an induction coil surrounding at least one of the first heater plate 18A or the second heater plate 18B. The induction coil may cause the surrounded heater plate to generate heat. The heater plate surrounded by the induction coil is a susceptor. The heater plate may generate heat using a magnetic field generated by alternating current flowing through the induction coil. The magnetic field may pass through the heater plate to generate an eddy current in the heater plate. The current may cause the heater plate to generate heat.

[0044] Meanwhile, a susceptor may be included in the plurality of pouches 21 of the aerosol-generating article 2. The susceptor may generate heat using a magnetic field generated by alternating current flowing through the induction coil.

[0045] The cartridge 19 may be coupled to the body 10. The cartridge 19 may contain therein an aerosol-generating substance in a liquid state, a solid state, a gas state, or a gel state. The aerosol-generating substance may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid including a tobacco-containing material having a volatile tobacco flavor component or may be a liquid including a non-tobacco material.

[0046] The cartridge 19 may be detachably coupled to the body 10, accommodated therein, or mounted thereon. The cartridge 19 may include a first chamber C1 and a second chamber C2. The first chamber C1 may be disposed on the upper side of the second chamber C2. The first chamber C1 may store an aerosol-generating substance therein. The aerosol-generating substance may include a flavoring substance. The first chamber C1 may be formed of a transparent plastic or a glass material.

[0047] The second chamber C2 may be disposed on the lower side of the first chamber C1. The second chamber C2 may communicate with the first chamber C1. A hole through which fluid may flow is provided between the first chamber C1 and the second chamber C2, thereby enabling the first chamber C1 to the second chamber C2 to communicate with each other.

[0048] The second chamber C2 may be provided with a wick 25 and a cartridge heater 24. The wick 25 may be connected to the first chamber C1 to receive liquid from the first chamber C1. The wick 25 may be impregnated with liquid. The wick 25 may be fixed in the second chamber C2. The wick 25 may be formed of a material such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, porous ceramic, or the like.

[0049] The cartridge heater 24 may be wound around the periphery of the wick 25. An electrically conductive track of the cartridge heater 24 may be formed to have a coil-shaped structure that winds around the periphery of the wick 25 or a structure that contacts one side of the wick 25. The cartridge heater 24 may generate heat to heat the wick 25. The end of the cartridge heater 24 may extend to one side of the second chamber C2 so as to be electrically connected to an electrode disposed on one side of the cartridge 19.

[0050] The mouthpiece 6 may be detachably coupled to one side of the body 10. The mouthpiece 6 may communicate with the heating chamber 44. The mouthpiece 6 may communicate with the heating chamber 44 through the second flow path 47B on the upper side of the heating chamber 44.

[0051] The mouthpiece 6 may have at least one filter 61 provided therein. The filter 61 may be formed of a plurality of segments. For example, the filter 61 may include a first segment configured to cool an aerosol and a second segment configured to filter a predetermined component contained in the aerosol. If necessary, the filter 61 may further include at least one segment configured to perform another function. The filter 61 may be a cellulose acetate filter.

[0052] When the cartridge heater 24 generates heat to heat the wick 25, an aerosol may be generated in the second chamber C2 from the wick 25. Air passing through the cartridge 19 may flow into the heating chamber 44 through the first flow path 47A disposed on the upper end of the cartridge 19 with the aerosol generated in the second chamber C2.

[0053] The aerosol generated in the cartridge 19 may be mixed with the aerosol generated by heating, using the heater 18, the pouch to be heated that is disposed in the heating chamber 44. The mixed aerosol may flow to the mouthpiece 6 through the second flow path 47B on the upper side of the heating chamber 44. The aerosol passing through the mouthpiece 6 may be drawn into the user's mouth.

[0054] In this manner, since the aerosol generated from the cartridge 19 is additionally supplied to the user, a large amount of aerosol may be supplied to the user, thereby increasing user satisfaction.

[0055] In addition, since the aerosol-generating device of the present disclosure includes the mouthpiece 6 that has the filter 61 provided therein and is detachable from the body 10, the mouthpiece 6 may be replaced separately from the aerosol-generating article 2, thereby increasing a replacement cycle of the filter.

[0056] A first door 48 may be provided on one side of the body 10. The first door 48 may open and close an opening of the accommodation chamber 43. The first door 48 may open and close the opening of the accommodation chamber 43 through hinged movement or sliding movement thereof. Since the first door 48 opens and closes the opening of the accommodation chamber 43, the aerosol-generating article 2 may be easily inserted into the accommodation chamber 43, and foreign substances may be prevented from entering the accommodation chamber 43 from the outside.

[0057] A second door 492 may be provided on the other side of the body 10. The second door 492 may open and close the discharge port 491. The second door 492 may open and close the discharge port 491 through hinged movement or sliding movement thereof. Since the second door 492 opens and closes the discharge port 491, the pouch in the heating chamber 44 may be easily removed to the outside of the body 10.

[0058] The power supply 11 may supply power to operate components of the aerosol-generating device. The power supply may be referred to as a battery. The power supply 11 may supply power to at least one of the controller 12, the sensor 13, the heater 18, or the cartridge 19. The power supply 11 may supply power to the motor 42. When the aerosol-generating device 1 includes an induction coil, the power supply 11 may supply power to the induction coil.

[0059] The controller 12 may control the overall operation of the aerosol-generating device 1. The controller 12 may control the operation of at least one of the power supply 11, the sensor 13, the heater 18, or the cartridge 19. The controller 12 may control the operation of the motor 42. The controller 12 may control the operation of a display or the like installed in the aerosol-generating device.

[0060] The sensor 13 may include a pouch detection sensor 138. The pouch detection sensor 138 may sense an identification code 22 (refer to FIGs. 2 and 3) provided on a pouch disposed in the connection chamber 45. The pouch detection sensor 138 may be implemented as an optical sensor capable of recognizing a barcode, a two-dimensional code, and the like.

[0061] The controller 12 may analyze the result detected by the sensor 13 and may control processes to be performed thereafter. For example, the controller 12 may control the power supplied to the heater 18 based on the result detected by the sensor 13. For example, the controller 12 may control, based on the result detected by the sensor 13, the amount of power supplied to the heater 18 and / or the time during which the power is supplied so as to enable the heater 18 to be heated to a predetermined temperature or to be maintained at an appropriate temperature.

[0062] FIG. 2 is a view showing an unfolded state of the aerosol-generating article coupled to the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 3 is a view showing a rolled state of the aerosol-generating article coupled to the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0063] Referring to FIGs. 2 and 3, the aerosol-generating article 2 may have an elongated strap shape. The aerosol-generating article 2 may be formed to have a strap shape including a plurality of pouches 21 connected to each other. The pouches 21A, 21B, and 21C may be sequentially connected to each other. The pouches 21A, 21B, and 21C may respectively contain aerosol-generating substances M1, M2, and M3 therein.

[0064] For example, each of the aerosol-generating substances M1, M2, and M3 may contain at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, or oleyl alcohol, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In addition, each of the pouches 21A, 21B, and 21C may contain therein other additives such as a flavoring agent, a wetting agent, and / or an organic acid. Further, each of the pouches 21A, 21B, and 21C may contain therein an aromatic liquid such as a menthol or a moisturizer.

[0065] The aerosol-generating substances M1, M2, and M3 contained in the respective pouches 21A, 21B, and 21C may contain different substances. The aerosol-generating substances M1, M2, and M3 contained in the respective pouches 21A, 21B, and 21C may contain different flavoring agents.

[0066] The plurality of pouches 21 may be manufactured using a flexible material. The plurality of pouches 21 may be manufactured using general filter wrapping paper. For example, the plurality of pouches 21 may be manufactured using porous wrapping paper, non-porous wrapping paper, PLA composite paper, sterilization paper, and the like.

[0067] The identification code 22 may be provided on one side of each of the pouches 21A, 21B, and 21C. The identification code 22 may be printed on the surface of each of the pouches or may adhere to the surface of each of the pouches. The identification code 22 may be a general barcode, a two-dimensional code, or the like. The identification code 22 may be provided for each of the pouches. The identification code 22 may be disposed on the upper end of one side of each pouch. The identification code 22 may be disposed closer to the end of the strip than the aerosol-generating substance in a state in which the pouch is located at the end of the strip.

[0068] The identification code 22 may include identification information related to the pouch. For example, the identification code 22 may include at least one of the type of the aerosol-generating substance contained in the pouch, the volume of the aerosol-generating substance contained in the pouch, or the order of disposition of the pouch disposed on the strip.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 3, the aerosol-generating article 2 may be rolled into a roll shape. The plurality of pouches 21 may have elasticity and may be rolled into a roll shape. In a state in which the aerosol-generating article 2 is dried, the aerosol-generating article 2 may be inserted into the accommodation chamber 43 of the body 10.

[0070] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 4, the aerosol-generating article 2 may be inserted into the accommodation chamber 43 of the body 10. In the aerosol-generating article 2, a part of the pouch 21A located at the distal end of the strip may be inserted into the connection chamber 45 of the body 10, and the remaining pouches 21 in the dried state may be inserted into the accommodation chamber 43 of the body 10.

[0072] The connection chamber 45 may extend in the left-and-right direction. The width of the connection chamber 45 in the left-and-right direction may correspond to the width of one pouch in the left-and-right direction. The pouch 21A located at the distal end of the strip may be disposed in the connection chamber 45 in a flat unfolded state.

[0073] The first heater plate 18A and the second heater plate 18B may be moved within the heating chamber 44. The heater movement circuit 182 may move, under the control of the controller 12, at least one of the first heater plate 18A or the second heater plate 18B. For example, the heater movement circuit 182 may include a motor, a rail, a gear, and the like. However, the heater movement circuit 182 is not limited thereto. The heater movement circuit 182 may be implemented in any form as long as at least one of the first heater plate 18A or the second heater plate 18B is movable by the heater movement circuit.

[0074] The first heater plate 18A and the second heater plate 18B may be moved in a direction away from each other or toward each other in the forward-and-rearward direction (y-axis direction) within a set separation distance range. In a state in which the pouch is not disposed in the heating chamber 44, the first heater plate 18A and the second heater plate 18B may be spaced apart from each other by a distance equal to or greater than a depth of the connection chamber 45 in the forward-and-rearward direction. In a state in which the pouch is not disposed in the heating chamber 44, the first heater plate 18A and the second heater plate 18B may be spaced apart from each other by a distance equal to or greater than a depth in the forward-and-rearward direction of the discharge port 491. In a state in which the pouch is disposed in the heating chamber 44, the first heater plate 18A and the second heater plate 18B may be spaced apart from each other by a distance less than the depth of the connection chamber 45 in the forward-and-rearward direction.

[0075] The cutting unit 46 may be disposed adjacent to the heating chamber 44. The cutting unit 46 may be provided between the accommodation chamber 43 and the heating chamber 44. The cutting unit 46 may be disposed on one side of the connection chamber 45. The cutting unit 46 may include a cutter 46A having a sharp end and a cutter drive circuit 46B configured to move the cutter 46A in the forward-and-rearward direction of the connection chamber 45. The cutter drive circuit 46B may include a motor, a rail, a gear, and the like. However, the cutter drive circuit 46B is not limited thereto. The cutter drive circuit 46B may be implemented in any form as long as the cutter 46A is movable by the cutter drive circuit.

[0076] The cutting unit 46 may be disposed adjacent to the heating chamber 44 within the connection chamber 45. The cutting unit 46 may cut, from the strip, the pouch to be heated disposed within the heating chamber 44.

[0077] The pouch detection sensor 138 may be disposed adjacent to the heating chamber 44. The pouch detection sensor 138 may be disposed adjacent to the heating chamber 44 within the connection chamber 45. The pouch detection sensor 138 may face the cutting unit 46 with the connection chamber 45 interposed therebetween. The pouch detection sensor 138 may be disposed to be misaligned with the cutter 46A of the cutting unit 46 in the left-and-right direction. The pouch detection sensor 138 may sense the identification code 22 provided on one side of each of the plurality of pouches 21.

[0078] FIG. 5 is a flowchart related to a pouch heating operation of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 6 is a view showing pouch movement of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 7 is a view showing pouch pressurization by the heater of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 8 is a view showing pouch cutting by the cutting unit of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 9 is a view showing removal of the pouch of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the controller 12 may control movement of the aerosol-generating article 2 accommodated in the accommodation chamber 43. The controller 12 may move the pouch 21A located at the end of the strip among the plurality of pouches 21 of the aerosol-generating article 2 into the heating chamber 44 (S510).

[0080] The controller 12 may control the operation of the motor 42. The controller 12 may control the power supply 11 so that power is supplied to the motor 42 from the power supply 11. The motor 42 may be rotated by a predetermined angle under the control of the controller 12. Through rotation of the motor 42, the pouch 21A of the aerosol-generating article 2 in the connection chamber 45 may be moved into the heating chamber 44. The pouch 21A to be moved into the heating chamber 44 may be referred to as a pouch to be heated 21A. The pouch to be heated 21A may be moved into a space between the first heater plate 18A and the second heater plate 18B within the heating chamber 44. The pouch to be heated 21A may be moved thereinto such that the aerosol-generating substance M contained in the pouch to be heated is located between the first heater plate 18A and the second heater plate 18B.

[0081] The controller 12 may identify the pouch to be heated 21A (S520). The controller 12 may identify the pouch to be heated 21A based on a signal received from the pouch detection sensor 138. The controller 12 may identify at least one of the type of the aerosol-generating substance M contained in the pouch to be heated 21A, the capacity of the aerosol-generating substance M, or the order of disposition of the pouch to be heated 21A disposed on the strip.

[0082] The pouch detection sensor 138 may sense the identification code 22 provided on the pouch to be heated 21A. The pouch detection sensor 138 may sense the identification code 22 in a state in which the pouch to be heated 21A is accommodated in the connection chamber 45, or may sense the identification code 22 in a state in which the pouch to be heated 21A is moving into the heating chamber 44.

[0083] The controller 12 may determine a heating profile based on the identification result (S530). The controller 12 may determine the heating profile for heating of the aerosol-generating substance M contained in the pouch to be heated 21A. The heating profile may include at least one of a preheating section or at least one heating section. The preheating section and the at least one heating section may include target heating temperature and heating time information of the section. The controller 12 may determine the target heating temperature and the heating time information of each section based on the type of the identified aerosol-generating substance M, the capacity of the aerosol-generating substance M, and the like.

[0084] Accordingly, the heater may be controlled to appropriately generate heat according to the characteristics of the aerosol-generating substance by identifying the pouch to be heated and setting the heating profile.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 7 together with FIG. 5, the controller 12 may control the power supplied to the heater 18 based on the determined heating profile (S540). The controller 12 may control movement of at least one of the first heater plate 18A or the second heater plate 18B. The controller 12 may control the heater movement circuit 182 to move at least one of the first heater plate 18A or the second heater plate 18B.

[0086] In a state in which the pouch to be heated 21A is disposed in the heating chamber 44, at least one of the first heater plate 18A or the second heater plate 18B may be moved in the forward-and-rearward direction so as to reduce a distance therebetween. When at least one of the first heater plate 18A or the second heater plate 18B is moved, the pouch to be heated 21A may be pressurized by the first heater plate 18A and the second heater plate 18B in the forward-and-rearward direction and may come into contact with the first heater plate 18A and the second heater plate 18B.

[0087] The controller 12 may control power supplied to the heater 18 from the power supply 11. When the first heater plate 18A and the second heater plate 18B generate heat, an aerosol may be generated from the aerosol-generating substance M in the pouch to be heated 21A.

[0088] In this case, the heater is movable to pressurize the pouch to be heated so as to increase a contact area between the heater and the aerosol-generating substance, thereby having an effect of improving heating efficiency.

[0089] Referring to FIGs. 8 and 9 together with FIG. 5, the controller 12 may perform a control operation to cut the pouch to be heated 21A after heating of the pouch to be heated 21A is completed (S550). The controller 12 may control the cutting unit 46 to cut the pouch to be heated 21A by the cutter 46A.

[0090] The cutter drive circuit 46B may move the cutter 46A under the control of the controller 12. The cutter drive circuit 46B may move the cutter 46A such that the cutter 46A crosses the connection chamber 45 in the depth direction of the connection chamber 45. Through movement of the cutter 46A in the depth direction, a sharp portion of one side of the cutter 46A may cut a portion between the pouch to be heated 21A and the pouch 21B connected to the pouch to be heated 21A.

[0091] The controller 12 may control, after heating of the pouch to be heated 21A is completed, movement of at least one of the first heater plate 18A or the second heater plate 18B. The controller 12 may control the heater movement circuit 182 to move at least one of the first heater plate 18A or the second heater plate 18B.

[0092] At least one of the first heater plate 18A or the second heater plate 18B may be moved in the forward-and-rearward direction so that a distance therebetween is increased. Through movement of at least one of the first heater plate 18A or the second heater plate 18B, the pouch to be heated 21A may be spaced apart from the first heater plate 18A and the second heater plate 18B in the forward-and-rearward direction.

[0093] The pouch to be heated 21A cut from the strip of the aerosol-generating article 2 may be removed from the body 10. After the pouch to be heated 21A is cut, the controller 12 may control an output unit 14 (refer to FIG. 10) so as to output information for inducing a user to remove the pouch. Here, the user may open the second door 492 to remove the cut pouch 21A from the body 10.

[0094] Accordingly, since the heated pouch is cut after heating of the heater is completed, the used aerosol-generating substance may be readily removed from the body.

[0095] After the pouch to be heated 21A is removed, the controller 12 may control movement of the aerosol-generating article 2 accommodated in the accommodation chamber 43. The controller 12 may move, into the heating chamber 44, the pouch 21B located at the end of the strip among the plurality of pouches 21 of the aerosol-generating article 2.

[0096] The controller 12 may control the operation of the motor 42. The controller 12 may control the operation of the motor 42 based on the identification information of the pouch 21A identified in the previous step S520. The controller 12 may control the rotation angle of the motor 42 based on order information of the pouch 21A disposed on the strip. The controller 12 may perform a control operation to increase the rotation angle of the motor 42 as the order of disposition of the pouch disposed on the strip increases.

[0097] A memory 17 (refer to FIG. 10) may previously store therein information obtained by matching the rotation angle of the motor with the order information of the pouch disposed on the strip. The controller 12 may compare the matching information stored in the memory 17 with the order information of the pouch 21A disposed on the strip, and may control the rotation angle of the motor 42 based on the comparison result.

[0098] In the strip of the aerosol-generating article 2, as the pouch is located closer to the inside of the roll, the roll needs to be rotated at a greater angle in order to move the corresponding pouch into the heating chamber 44. The controller 12 may accurately move the pouch into the heating chamber 44 by controlling the rotation angle of the motor 42 based on the order information of the pouch 21A disposed on the strip.

[0099] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an aerosol-generating device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0100] The aerosol-generating device 1 may include a power supply 11, a controller 12, a sensor 13, an output unit 14, an input unit 15, a communication unit 16, a memory 17, and one or more heaters 18 and 24. However, the internal structure of the aerosol-generating device 1 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 10. That is, it is to be understood by those skilled in the art that some of the components shown in FIG. 10 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol-generating device 1.

[0101] The sensor 13 may detect the state of the aerosol-generating device 1 or the state of the surrounding of the aerosol-generating device 1 and may transmit information about the detected state to the controller 12. Based on the information about the detected state, the controller 12 may control the aerosol-generating device 1 to perform various functions, such as control of operation of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18, smoking restriction, determination as to whether the stick S and / or the cartridge 19 is inserted, and notification display.

[0102] The sensor 13 may include at least one of a temperature sensor 131, a puff sensor 132, an insertion detection sensor 133, a reuse detection sensor 134, a cartridge detection sensor 135, an upper case detection sensor 136, a movement detection sensor 137, or a pouch detection sensor 138.

[0103] The temperature sensor 131 may detect temperature to which the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 is heated. The aerosol-generating device 1 may include a separate temperature sensor configured to detect the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18, or the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 itself may serve as a temperature sensor.

[0104] The temperature sensor 131 may output a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may include a resistive element that changes in resistance value according to a change in temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. The temperature sensor may be implemented as a thermistor, which is an element characterized in that the resistance thereof changes with temperature. In this case, the temperature sensor 131 may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistive element as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may be configured as a sensor configured to detect the resistance value of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. In this case, the temperature sensor 131 may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18.

[0105] The temperature sensor 131 may be disposed around the power supply 11 to monitor the temperature of the power supply 11. The temperature sensor 131 may be disposed adjacent to the power supply 11. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may be attached to one surface of the battery, which is the power supply 11. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may be mounted on one surface of a printed circuit board.

[0106] The temperature sensor 131 may be disposed in the body 10 to detect the internal temperature of the body 10. The temperature sensor 131 may be disposed on the outside of the body 10 or in a space communicating with the outside of the body 10 to detect the external temperature of the body 10 or the surrounding temperature of the body 10.

[0107] The puff sensor 132 may detect a user puff based on various physical changes in a gasflow path. The puff sensor 132 may output a signal corresponding to a puff. For example, the puff sensor 132 may be a pressure sensor. The puff sensor 132 may output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol-generating device. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol-generating device 1 may correspond to the pressure of the gasflow path through which gas flows. The puff sensor 132 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the gasflow path through which gas flows in the aerosol-generating device 1.

[0108] The stick detection sensor 133 may detect insertion and / or removal of the stick S. The stick detection sensor may be referred to as an insertion detection sensor. The insertion detection sensor 133 may detect a signal change caused by insertion and / or removal of the stick S. The insertion detection sensor 133 may be mounted around the insertion space. The insertion detection sensor 133 may detect insertion and / or removal of the stick S according to a change in dielectric constant in the insertion space. For example, the insertion detection sensor 133 may be an inductive sensor and / or a capacitance sensor.

[0109] The inductive sensor may include at least one coil. The coil of the inductive sensor may be disposed adjacent to the insertion space. For example, if a magnetic field changes around a coil through which current flows, the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil may change according to Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction. Here, the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil may include a frequency of alternating current, a current value, a voltage value, an inductance value, an impedance value, and the like.

[0110] The inductive sensor may output a signal corresponding to the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil. For example, the inductive sensor may output a signal corresponding to the inductance value of the coil.

[0111] The capacitance sensor may include a conductive body. The conductive body of the capacitance sensor may be disposed adjacent to the insertion space. The capacitance sensor may output a signal corresponding to the electromagnetic characteristics of the surroundings, for example, the capacitance around the conductive body. For example, if the stick S including a metallic wrapper is inserted into the insertion space, the electromagnetic characteristics around the conductive body may change due to the wrapper of the stick S.

[0112] The reuse detection sensor 134 may detect whether the stick S is being reused. The reuse detection sensor 134 may be a color sensor. The color sensor may detect the color of the stick S. The color sensor may detect the color of a portion of the wrapper surrounding the outer side of the stick S. The color sensor may detect, based on light reflected from an object, a value for the optical characteristic corresponding to the color of the object. For example, the optical characteristic may be the wavelength of light. The color sensor may be implemented as a component integrated with a proximity sensor or may be implemented as a component provided separately from a proximity sensor.

[0113] At least a portion of the wrapper constituting the stick S may change in color due to an aerosol. The reuse detection sensor 134 may be disposed at a position corresponding to a position at which at least a portion of the wrapper, which changes in color due to an aerosol, is disposed when the stick S is inserted into the insertion space. For example, before the stick S is used by the user, the color of at least a portion of the wrapper may be a first color. In this case, while the aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating device 1 passes through the stick S, at least a portion of the wrapper may become wet due to the aerosol, and accordingly, the color of at least a portion of the wrapper may change to a second color. After changing from the first color to the second color, the color of at least a portion of the wrapper may be maintained in the second color.

[0114] The cartridge detection sensor 135 may detect mounting and / or removal of the cartridge 19. The cartridge detection sensor 135 may be implemented as an inductance-based sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistance sensor, a Hall sensor (or Hall IC) using the Hall effect, etc.

[0115] The upper case detection sensor 136 may detect mounting and / or removal of the upper case. When the upper case is separated from the body 10, the cartridge 19 and the portion of the body 10 that have been covered by the upper case may be exposed to the outside. The upper case detection sensor 136 may be implemented as a contact sensor, a Hall sensor (or Hall IC), an optical sensor, etc.

[0116] The movement detection sensor 137 may detect movement of the aerosol-generating device. The movement detection sensor 137 may be implemented as at least one of an acceleration sensor or a gyro sensor.

[0117] The pouch detection sensor 138 may detect an identification code provided on the pouch. The pouch detection sensor 138 may be implemented as an optical sensor capable of recognizing a barcode, a two-dimensional code, etc.

[0118] In addition to the sensors 131 to 138 described above, the sensor 13 may further include at least one of a humidity sensor, a position sensor (GPS), a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, or a proximity sensor. The functions of the sensors could be intuitively deduced by those skilled in the art from the names thereof, and thus detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0119] The output unit 14 may output information about the state of the aerosol-generating device 1 and may provide the information to the user. The output unit 14 may include at least one of a display 141, a haptic unit 142, or a sound output unit 143. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto. If the display 141 and a touchpad form a touchscreen together in a layered structure, the display 141 may be used as not only an output device but also an input device.

[0120] The display 141 may visually provide information about the aerosol-generating device 1 to the user. For example, the information about the aerosol-generating device 1 may include various pieces of information, such as a charging / discharging state of the power supply 11 of the aerosol-generating device 1, a preheating state of the heater 18, an insertion / removal state of the stick S and / or the cartridge 19, a mounting / removal state of the upper case, and a use restriction state of the aerosol-generating device 1 (e.g., detection of an abnormal article), and the display 141 may output the information to the outside. For example, the display 141 may be in the form of a light-emitting diode (LED) device. For example, the display 141 may be a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), or the like.

[0121] The haptic unit 142 may convert an electrical signal into mechanical stimulation or electrical stimulation to haptically provide the information about the aerosol-generating device 1 to the user. For example, if initial power is supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 for a predetermined amount of time, the haptic unit 142 may generate vibration corresponding to completion of initial preheating. The haptic unit 142 may include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0122] The sound output unit 143 may audibly provide information about the aerosol-generating device 1 to the user. For example, the sound output unit 143 may convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and may output the acoustic signal to the outside.

[0123] The power supply 11 may supply power used for operation of the aerosol-generating device 1. The power supply 11 may supply power so that the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 is heated. In addition, the power supply 11 may supply power necessary for operation of the other components provided in the aerosol-generating device 1, such as the sensor 13, the output unit 14, the input unit 15, the communication unit 16, and the memory 17. The power supply 11 may include at least one of a super capacitor 111 or a battery 112. The battery 112 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the power supply 11 may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0124] Although not shown in FIG. 10, the aerosol-generating device 1 may further include a power supply protection circuit. The power supply protection circuit may be electrically connected to the power supply 11 and may include a switching element.

[0125] The power supply protection circuit may block an electric path to the power supply 11 according to a predetermined condition. For example, the power supply protection circuit may block the electric path to the power supply 11 when the voltage level of the power supply 11 is equal to or higher than a first voltage corresponding to overcharge. For example, the power supply protection circuit may block the electric path to the power supply 11 when the voltage level of the power supply 11 is lower than a second voltage corresponding to overdischarge.

[0126] The heater 18 may receive power from the power supply 11 to heat the medium or the aerosol-generating substance in the stick S. Although not shown in FIG. 10, the aerosol-generating device 1 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., DC-to-DC converter) configured to convert the power of the power supply 11 and supply the converted power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. In addition, if the aerosol-generating device 1 generates an aerosol in an induction heating way, the aerosol-generating device 1 may further include a DC-to-AC converter configured to convert direct current power of the power supply 11 into alternating current power.

[0127] The controller 12, the sensor 13, the output unit 14, the input unit 15, the communication unit 16, and the memory 17 may perform functions using power received from the power supply 11. Although not shown in FIG. 10, the aerosol-generating device may further include a power conversion circuit configured to convert the power of the power supply 11 and supply the converted power to the respective components, for example, a low dropout (LDO) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit. In addition, although not shown in FIG. 10, a noise filter may be provided between the power supply 11 and the heater 18. The noise filter may be a low-pass filter. The low-pass filter may include at least one inductor and a capacitor. The cutoff frequency of the low-pass filter may correspond to the frequency of a high-frequency switching current applied from the power supply 11 to the heater 18. The low-pass filter may prevent high-frequency noise components from being applied to the sensor 13, for example, the insertion detection sensor 133.

[0128] In an embodiment, the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 may be formed of any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, the suitable electrically resistive material may be a metal or a metal alloy including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, or nichrome. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto. In addition, the heater 18 may be implemented as a metal wire, a metal plate on which an electrically conductive track is disposed, or a ceramic heating element. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0129] In another embodiment, the heater 18 may be an induction heater. For example, the heater 18 may include a susceptor configured to generate heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil, thereby heating the aerosol-generating substance.

[0130] The input unit 15 may receive information input from the user or may output information to the user. For example, the input unit 15 may be a touch panel. The touch panel may include at least one touch sensor configured to detect touch. For example, the touch sensor may include a capacitive touch sensor, a resistive touch sensor, a surface acoustic wave touch sensor, an infrared touch sensor, etc. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the input unit 15 may include a biometric sensor. The biometric sensor may detect user-identifiable information, such as the user's fingerprint or iris.

[0131] The display 141 and the touch panel may be implemented as an integrated panel. For example, the touch panel may be inserted into the display 141 (on-cell type touch panel or in-cell type touch panel). For example, the touch panel may be added onto the display 141 (add-on type touch panel).

[0132] Meanwhile, the input unit 15 may include a button, a keypad, a dome switch, a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0133] The memory 17 may be hardware storing various pieces of data processed in the aerosol-generating device 1. The memory 17 may store data processed and to be processed by the controller 12. The memory 17 may include at least one type of storage medium among a flash memory type memory, a hard disk type memory, a multimedia card micro type memory, a card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), a random access memory (RAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disc. The memory 17 may store data on an operation time of the aerosol-generating device 1, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and the user's smoking pattern.

[0134] The communication unit 16 may include at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 16 may include at least one of a short-range communication unit or a wireless communication unit.

[0135] The short-range communication unit may include a Bluetooth communication unit, a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) communication unit, a near-field communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared data association (IrDA) communication unit, a Wi-Fi direct (WFD) communication unit, an ultra-wideband (UWB) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0136] The wireless communication unit may include a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0137] Although not shown in FIG. 10, the aerosol-generating device 1 may further include a connection interface such as a universal serial bus (USB) interface, and may be connected to other external devices through the connection interface such as a USB interface to transmit and receive information or charge the power supply 11.

[0138] The controller 12 may control overall operation of the aerosol-generating device 1. In an embodiment, the controller 1 may include at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of a plurality of logic gates or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executable in the microprocessor is stored. Also, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the processor can be implemented in other forms of hardware.

[0139] The controller 12 may control the supply of power from the power supply 11 to the heater 18 to control the temperature of the heater 18. The controller 12 may control the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 detected by the temperature sensor 131. The controller 12 may control the power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. For example, the controller 12 may determine a target temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 based on the temperature profile stored in the memory 17.

[0140] The aerosol-generating device 1 may include a power supply circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the power supply 11 between the power supply 11 and the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. The power supply circuit may be electrically connected to the cartridge heater 24, the heater 18, or the induction coil 181. The power supply circuit may include at least one switching element. The switching element may be implemented as a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), a field effect transistor (FET), or the like. The controller 12 may control the power supply circuit.

[0141] The controller 12 may control switching of the switching element of the power supply circuit to control the supply of power. The power supply circuit may be an inverter configured to convert direct current power output from the power supply 11 into alternating current power. For example, the inverter may be composed of a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit including a plurality of switching elements.

[0142] The controller 12 may turn on the switching element so that power is supplied from the power supply 11 to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. The controller 12 may turn off the switching element so that the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 is interrupted. The controller 12 may control the frequency and / or the duty ratio of the current pulse input to the switching element to control the current supplied from the power supply 11.

[0143] The controller 12 may control switching of the switching element of the power supply circuit to control the voltage output from the power supply 11. The power conversion circuit may convert the voltage output from the power supply 11. For example, the power conversion circuit may include a buck-converter configured to step down the voltage output from the power supply 11. For example, the power conversion circuit may be implemented as a buck-boost converter, a Zener diode, or the like.

[0144] The controller 12 may control on / off operation of the switching element included in the power conversion circuit to control the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit. If the switching element is maintained in an on state, the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit may correspond to the level of the voltage output from the power supply 11. The duty ratio for the on / off operation of the switching element may correspond to a ratio of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit to the voltage output from the power supply 11. As the duty ratio for the on / off operation of the switching element decreases, the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit may decrease. The heater 18 may be heated based on the voltage output from the power conversion circuit.

[0145] The controller 12 may control the supply of power to the heater 18 using at least one of a pulse width modulation (PWM) scheme or a proportional-integral-differential (PID) scheme.

[0146] For example, the controller 12 may perform control using the PWM scheme such that a current pulse having a predetermined frequency and a predetermined duty ratio is supplied to the heater 18. The controller 12 may control the frequency and the duty ratio of the current pulse to control the power supplied to the heater 18.

[0147] For example, the controller 12 may determine, based on the temperature profile, a target temperature to be controlled. The controller 12 may control the power supplied to the heater 18 using the PID scheme, which is a feedback control scheme using a difference value between the temperature of the heater 18 and the target temperature, a value obtained by integrating the difference value with respect to time, and a value obtained by differentiating the difference value with respect to time.

[0148] The controller 12 may prevent the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 from overheating. For example, the controller 12 may control operation of the power conversion circuit such that the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 is interrupted when the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 exceeds a predetermined limit temperature. For example, the controller 12 may reduce the amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 by a predetermined ratio when the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 exceeds a predetermined limit temperature. For example, when the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeds a limit temperature, the controller 12 may determine that the aerosol-generating substance contained in the cartridge 19 has been exhausted and may interrupt the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24.

[0149] The controller 12 may control charging / discharging of the power supply 11. The controller 12 may check the temperature of the power supply 11 based on an output signal from the temperature sensor 131.

[0150] If a power line is connected to a battery terminal of the aerosol-generating device 1, the controller 12 may determine whether the temperature of the power supply 11 is equal to or higher than a first limit temperature, which is a reference temperature at which charging of the power supply 11 is interrupted. When the temperature of the power supply 11 is lower than the first limit temperature, the controller 12 may perform control such that the power supply 11 is charged based on a predetermined charging current. When the temperature of the power supply 11 is equal to or higher than the first limit temperature, the controller 12 may interrupt charging of the power supply 11.

[0151] When the aerosol-generating device 1 is in an on state, the controller 12 may determine whether the temperature of the power supply 11 is equal to or higher than a second limit temperature, which is a reference temperature at which discharging of the power supply 11 is interrupted. When the temperature of the power supply 11 is lower than the second limit temperature, the controller 12 may perform control such that the power stored in the power supply 11 is used. When the temperature of the power supply 11 is equal to or higher than the second limit temperature, the controller 12 may interrupt use of the power stored in the power supply 11.

[0152] The controller 12 may calculate or determine the remaining amount of power stored in the power supply 11. For example, the controller 12 may calculate or determine the remaining capacity of the power supply 11 based on a voltage and / or current detection value of the power supply 11.

[0153] The controller 12 may determine whether the stick S is inserted into the insertion space using the insertion detection sensor 133. The controller 12 may determine that the stick S has been inserted based on an output signal from the insertion detection sensor 133. Upon determining that the stick S has been inserted into the insertion space, the controller 12 may perform control such that power is supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. For example, the controller 12 may supply power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 based on the temperature profile stored in the memory 17.

[0154] The controller 12 may determine whether the stick S is removed from the insertion space. For example, the controller 12 may determine whether the stick S is removed from the insertion space using the insertion detection sensor 133. For example, the controller 12 may determine that the stick S has been removed from the insertion space when the temperature of the heater 18 is equal to or higher than a limit temperature or when the temperature change slope of the heater 18 is equal to or greater than a predetermined slope. Upon determining that the stick S has been removed from the insertion space, the controller 12 may interrupt the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18.

[0155] The controller 12 may control a power supply time and / or the amount of power supplied to the heater 18 depending on the state of the stick S detected by the sensor 13. The controller 12 may check, based on a look-up table, a level range within which the level of a signal from the capacitance sensor is included. The controller 12 may determine the amount of moisture in the stick S based on the checked level range.

[0156] When the stick S is in a highly humid state, the controller 12 may control a time during which power is supplied to the heater 18 to increase a preheating time of the stick S compared to when the stick S is in a normal state.

[0157] The controller 12 may determine whether the stick S inserted into the insertion space is a reused stick using the reuse detection sensor 134. For example, the controller 12 may compare a sensing value of a signal from the reuse detection sensor with a first reference range within which the first color is included, and may determine that the stick S is not a reused stick when the sensing value is within the first reference range. For example, the controller 12 may compare a sensing value of a signal from the reuse detection sensor with a second reference range within which the second color is included, and may determine that the stick S is a reused stick when the sensing value is within the second reference range. Upon determining that the stick S is a reused stick, the controller 12 may interrupt the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18.

[0158] The controller 12 may determine whether the cartridge 19 is coupled and / or removed using the cartridge detection sensor 135. For example, the controller 12 may determine whether the cartridge 19 is coupled and / or removed based on a sensing value of a signal from the cartridge detection sensor.

[0159] The controller 12 may determine whether the aerosol-generating substance in the cartridge 19 is exhausted. For example, the controller 12 may apply power to preheat the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18, and may determine whether the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeds a limit temperature in a preheating section. When the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeds the limit temperature, the controller 12 may determine that the aerosol-generating substance in the cartridge 19 has been exhausted. Upon determining that the aerosol-generating substance in the cartridge 19 has been exhausted, the controller 12 may interrupt the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18.

[0160] The controller 12 may determine whether use of the cartridge 19 is possible. For example, upon determining, based on the data stored in the memory 17, that the current number of puffs is equal to or greater than the maximum number of puffs set for the cartridge 19, the controller 12 may determine that use of the cartridge 19 is impossible. For example, when a total time period during which the cartridge heater 24 is heated is equal to or longer than a predetermined maximum time period or when the total amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 is equal to or greater than a predetermined maximum amount of power, the controller 12 may determine that use of the cartridge 19 is impossible.

[0161] The controller 12 may make a determination as to a user puff using the puff sensor 132. For example, the controller 12 may determine, based on a sensing value of a signal from the puff sensor, whether a puff occurs. For example, the controller 12 may determine the intensity of a puff based on a sensing value of a signal from the puff sensor 132. When the number of puffs reaches a predetermined maximum number of puffs or when no puff is detected for a predetermined time period or longer, the controller 12 may interrupt the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18.

[0162] The controller 12 may determine whether the upper case is coupled and / or removed using the upper case detection sensor 136. For example, the controller 12 may determine, based on a sensing value of a signal from the upper case detection sensor, whether the upper case is coupled and / or removed.

[0163] The controller 12 may control the output unit 14 based on a result of detection by the sensor 13. For example, when the number of puffs counted through the puff sensor 132 reaches a predetermined number, the controller 12 may notify the user that operation of the aerosol-generating device 1 will end soon through at least one of the display 141, the haptic unit 142, or the sound output unit 143. For example, upon determining that the stick S is not present in the insertion space, the controller 12 may notify the user of the determination result through the output unit 14. For example, upon determining that the cartridge 19 and / or the upper case has not been mounted, the controller 12 may notify the user of the determination result through the output unit 14. For example, the controller 12 may transmit information about the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 to the user through the output unit 14.

[0164] Upon determining that a predetermined event has occurred, the controller 12 may store a history of the corresponding event in the memory 17 and may update the history. The event may include events performed in the aerosol-generating device 1, such as detection of insertion of the stick S, commencement of heating of the stick S, detection of puff, termination of puff, detection of overheating of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18, detection of application of overvoltage to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18, termination of heating of the stick S, on / off operation of the aerosol-generating device 1, commencement of charging of the power supply 11, detection of overcharging of the power supply 11, and termination of charging of the power supply 11. The history of the event may include the occurrence date and time of the event and log data corresponding to the event. For example, when the predetermined event is detection of insertion of the stick S, the log data corresponding to the event may include data on a value detected by the insertion detection sensor 133. For example, when the predetermined event is detection of overheating of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18, the log data corresponding to the event may include data on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18, the voltage applied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18, and the current flowing through the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18.

[0165] The controller 12 may perform control for formation of a communication link with an external device such as a user's mobile terminal. Upon receiving data on authentication from an external device via the communication link, the controller 12 may release restriction on use of at least one function of the aerosol-generating device 1. Here, the data on authentication may include data indicating completion of user authentication for the user corresponding to the external device. The user may perform user authentication through the external device. The external device may determine, based on the user's birthday or an identification number indicating the user, whether the user data is valid, and may receive data on the authority for use of the aerosol-generating device 1 from an external server. The external device may transmit data indicating completion of user authentication to the aerosol-generating device 1 based on the data on the use authority. When the user authentication is completed, the controller 12 may release restriction on use of at least one function of the aerosol-generating device 1. For example, when the user authentication is completed, the controller 12 may release restriction on use of a heating function for supplying power to the heater 18.

[0166] The controller 12 may transmit data on the state of the aerosol-generating device 1 to the external device through the communication link established with the external device. Based on the received state data, the external device may output the remaining capacity of the power supply 11 or the operation mode of the aerosol-generating device 1 through a display of the external device.

[0167] The external device may transmit a location search request to the aerosol-generating device 1 based on an input for commencement of search for the location of the aerosol-generating device 1. Upon receiving the location search request from the external device, the controller 12 may perform control, based on the received location search request, such that at least one of the output devices performs operation corresponding to location search. For example, the haptic unit 142 may generate vibration in response to the location search request. For example, the display 141 may output objects corresponding to location search and termination of search in response to the location search request.

[0168] Upon receiving firmware data from the external device, the controller 12 may perform control such that the firmware is updated. The external device may check the current version of the firmware of the aerosol-generating device 1 and may determine whether there is a new version of firmware. Upon receiving an input requesting firmware download, the external device may receive new version of firmware data and may transmit the new version of firmware data to the aerosol-generating device 1. Upon receiving the new version of firmware data, the controller 12 may perform control such that the firmware of the aerosol-generating device 1 is updated.

[0169] The controller 12 may transmit data on a value detected by the at least one sensor 13 to an external server (not shown) through the communication unit 16, and may receive, from the server, and store a learning model generated by learning the detected value through machine learning such as deep learning. The controller 12 may perform operation of determining the user's puff pattern and operation of generating the temperature profile using the learning model received from the server. The controller 12 may store data on the value detected by the at least one sensor 13 and data for training an artificial neural network (ANN) in the memory 17. For example, the memory 17 may store a database for each of the components provided in the aerosol-generating device 1 and weights and biases constituting the structure of the artificial neural network (ANN) in order to train the artificial neural network (ANN). The controller 12 may learn data on the value detected by the at least one sensor 13, the user's puff pattern, and the temperature profile, which are stored in the memory 17, and may generate at least one learning model used to determine the user's puff pattern and to generate the temperature profile.

[0170] As described above, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a sufficient amount of aerosol may be provided to a user by accommodating and heating a strip-shaped aerosol-generating article including a plurality of pouches connected to each other, in which each of the pouches contains an aerosol-generating substance therein.

[0171] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, various flavors may be provided to a user by heating a plurality of pouches containing different aerosol-generating substances.

[0172] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a pouch to be heated is identified, and then a heating profile is set, thereby appropriately controlling and heating a heater according to the characteristics of the aerosol-generating substance.

[0173] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, since the heater is movable to pressurize the pouch to be heated, a contact area between the heater and the aerosol-generating substance is increased, thereby having an effect of improving heating efficiency.

[0174] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, since a heated pouch is cut after heating of the heater is completed, the used aerosol-generating substance may be easily removed.

[0175] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a replacement cycle of a filter may be increased by including a replaceable mouthpiece having the filter provided therein.

[0176] Referring to FIGs. 1 to 10, an aerosol-generating device 1 in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure may include a body 10, a strip-shaped aerosol-generating article 2 detachably coupled to the body 10, the aerosol-generating article comprising a plurality of pouches 21 connected to each other, each of the pouches containing an aerosol-generating substance therein, and a heater 18 configured to heat the aerosol-generating substance contained in a pouch to be heated 21A among the plurality of pouches 21, the pouch to be heated being disposed in a heating chamber 44.

[0177] In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the body 10 may include an accommodation chamber 43 provided on one side of the heater 18, the accommodation chamber accommodating the aerosol-generating article 2 therein, a rotation shaft 41 disposed in the accommodation chamber 43, the rotation shaft being inserted into a hollow formed in the aerosol-generating article 2, and a motor 42 connected to the rotation shaft 41 and configured to rotate the rotation shaft 41. A pouch 21A disposed at one end of the strip among the plurality of pouches 21 may be moved into the heating chamber 44 by rotation of the aerosol-generating article 2 through driving of the motor 42.

[0178] In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the heater 18 may include a first heater plate 18A and a second heater plate 18B facing the first heater plate 18A, and the first heater plate 18A and the second heater plate 18B may contact the pouch 21A to be heated so as to heat the pouch to be heated 21A.

[0179] In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device may further include a heater movement circuit 182 configured to move at least one of the first heater plate 18A or the second heater plate 18B. At least one of the first heater plate 18A or the second heater plate 18B may be moved by the heater movement circuit 182 to pressurize the pouch to be heated 21A or to be spaced apart from the pouch to be heated 21A.

[0180] In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device may further include a pouch detection sensor 128 disposed adjacent to the heating chamber 44. The pouch detection sensor 138 is configured to sense an identification code 22 provided on one side of each of the plurality of pouches 21.

[0181] In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the identification code 22 may include at least one of a type of the aerosol-generating substance contained in the pouch, a volume of the aerosol-generating substance, or an order of disposition of the pouch disposed on the strip.

[0182] In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device may further include a controller 12. The controller 12 may be configured to identify the pouch to be heated 21A based on a signal received from the pouch detection sensor 138 and to determine, based on an identified result, a heating profile for heating of the aerosol-generating substance contained in the pouch to be heated 21A.

[0183] In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device may further include a cutting unit 46 disposed adjacent to the heating chamber 44, the cutting unit being configured to cut the pouch to be heated 21A from the strip.

[0184] In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device may further include a controller 12.

[0185] The controller 12 may be configured to control power supplied from a power supply 11 to the heater 18 and to control the cutting unit 46 to cut the pouch to be heated 21A based on termination of heating of the pouch to be heated 21A by the heater 18.

[0186] In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device may further include a cartridge 19 coupled to the body 10. The cartridge 19 may include a first chamber C1 containing a liquid aerosol-generating substance therein, and a second chamber C2 communicating with the first chamber C1, the second chamber including a wick 25 and a cartridge heater 24, the wick being impregnated with the liquid aerosol-generating substance, the cartridge heater heating the wick 25.

[0187] In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device may further include a mouthpiece 6 detachably coupled to the body 10, the mouthpiece being disposed between the heating chamber 44 and an exterior of the body 10. The mouthpiece 6 may include at least one filter 61.

[0188] 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.

[0189] 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.

[0190] The above detailed description is not intended to be construed to limit the disclosure in all aspects and is to be considered by way of example. The scope of the disclosure should be determined by reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all equivalent modifications made without departing from the disclosure should be included in the following claims.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0022]Hereinafter, the embodiments disclosed in the present specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and 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.

[0023]In the following description, with respect to constituent elements used in the following description, the suffixes "module" and "unit" are used only in consideration of facilitation of description, and do not have mutually distinguished meanings or functions.

[0024]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 o...

Claims

1. An aerosol-generating device comprising: a body; a strip-shaped aerosol-generating article detachably coupled to the body, the aerosol-generating article comprising a plurality of pouches connected to each other, each of the pouches containing an aerosol-generating substance therein; and a heater configured to heat the aerosol-generating substance contained in a pouch to be heated among the plurality of pouches, the pouch to be heated being disposed in a heating chamber.

2. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the body comprises: an accommodation chamber provided on one side of the heater, the accommodation chamber accommodating the aerosol-generating article therein; a rotation shaft disposed in the accommodation chamber, the rotation shaft being inserted into a hollow formed in the aerosol-generating article; and a motor connected to the rotation shaft and configured to rotate the rotation shaft, and wherein a pouch disposed at one end of the strip among the plurality of pouches is moved into the heating chamber by rotation of the aerosol-generating article through driving of the motor.

3. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the heater comprises: a first heater plate; and a second heater plate facing the first heater plate, and wherein the first heater plate and the second heater plate contact the pouch to be heated so as to heat the pouch to be heated.

4. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 3, further comprising a heater movement circuit configured to move at least one of the first heater plate or the second heater plate, wherein at least one of the first heater plate or the second heater plate is moved by the heater movement circuit to pressurize the pouch to be heated or to be spaced apart from the pouch to be heated.

5. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, further comprising a pouch detection sensor disposed adjacent to the heating chamber, wherein the pouch detection sensor is configured to sense an identification code provided on one side of each of the plurality of pouches.

6. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 5, wherein the identification code comprises at least one of a type of the aerosol-generating substance contained in the pouch, a volume of the aerosol-generating substance, or an order of disposition of the pouch disposed on the strip.

7. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 6, further comprising a controller, wherein the controller is configured to: identify the pouch to be heated based on a signal received from the pouch detection sensor, and determine, based on an identified result, a heating profile for heating of the aerosol-generating substance contained in the pouch to be heated.

8. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, further comprising a cutting unit disposed adjacent to the heating chamber, the cutting unit being configured to cut the pouch to be heated from the strip.

9. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 8, further comprising a controller, wherein the controller is configured to: control power supplied from a power supply to the heater, and control the cutting unit to cut the pouch to be heated based on termination of heating of the pouch to be heated by the heater.

10. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, further comprising a cartridge coupled to the body, wherein the cartridge comprises: a first chamber containing a liquid aerosol-generating substance therein; and a second chamber communicating with the first chamber, the second chamber comprising a wick and a cartridge heater, the wick being impregnated with the liquid aerosol-generating substance, the cartridge heater heating the wick.

11. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, further comprising a mouthpiece detachably coupled to the body, the mouthpiece being disposed between the heating chamber and an exterior of the body, wherein the mouthpiece comprises at least one filter.

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