Aerosol generator

Abstract

An aerosol generating apparatus is disclosed. The aerosol generating apparatus of this disclosure includes a body, an upper case detachably coupled to the body and having an inlet, a guide rail provided on the upper case and extending elongated in one direction, and a cap movably coupled to the guide rail and sliding along the guide rail to open and close the inlet, wherein the guide rail may include a projection projecting toward the path through which the cap slides, and extensions extending on both sides of the projection and inclined with respect to the projection.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] An aerosol generating device is for extracting a predetermined component from a medium or substance via aerosol. The medium may contain substances of various components. The substances contained in the medium may be flavor substances of various components. For example, the substances contained in the medium may include a nicotine component, a herbal component and / or a coffee component, etc. In recent years, many studies have been conducted on such aerosol generating devices.

[0003] An aerosol generating device into which a stick is inserted may include a cap that opens and closes a stick insertion port. In conventional aerosol generating devices, a structure using a spring or a magnet or the like is used for sliding movement of the cap. However, the structure using a spring or a magnet or the like has a complicated structure, and has the problem that the volume of the device increases. [Summary of Invention] [Problem to be Solved by Invention]

[0004] The present disclosure aims to solve the above-described problems and other problems.

[0005] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device including a guide rail including a protruding portion protruding on a sliding path of a cap that opens and closes an insertion opening, and an extension portion inclined with respect to the protruding portion.

[0006] Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device that guides movement of a cap by an elastic restoring force of a guide rail.

[0007] Another objective is to provide an aerosol generating device in which rails supporting the upper and lower sides of the cap are inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction to guide the movement of the cap.

[0008] Another objective is to provide an aerosol generating device that includes a projection and a stopper for fixing the slider of the cap in both the position where the cap closes the insertion opening and the position where it opens.

[0009] Another objective is to provide an aerosol generating device that has ribs that are separated from the guide rails, project upward, and extend in the longitudinal direction of the guide rails. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] According to one aspect of the present disclosure for achieving the above-mentioned objectives, an aerosol generating apparatus is provided, comprising: a body; an upper case detachably coupled to the body and having an insertion opening; a guide rail provided on the upper case and extending elongated in one direction; and a cap movably coupled to the guide rail and sliding along the guide rail to open and close the insertion opening, wherein the guide rail includes a projection that protrudes toward the path through which the cap slides, and extensions that extend on both sides of the projection and are inclined with respect to the projection. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the slide guide structure of the cap can be simplified by providing a guide rail consisting of a protruding portion that protrudes onto the slide path of the cap that opens and closes the insertion opening and an extended portion that is inclined with respect to the protruding portion.

[0012] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the movement of the cap is guided by the elastic restoring force of the guide rail, thereby eliminating the need for structures such as springs or magnets, and reducing the volume of the device.

[0013] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the rails supporting the upper and lower sides of the cap are inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction to guide the movement of the cap, thereby improving the user experience related to the opening and closing operation of the cap.

[0014] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, by providing a projection and a stopper that fix the slider of the cap in the position where the cap closes the insertion opening and in the position where it opens, the position of the cap can be fixed when the insertion opening is closed or open, and the movement of the cap can be prevented.

[0015] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, by providing ribs that are separated from the guide rail, project upward, and extend in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail, it is possible to minimize the inflow of foreign matter into the device through the structure for sliding the cap.

[0016] Any additional applicable scope of this disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description. However, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of this disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, the detailed description and specific embodiments, such as preferred embodiments of this disclosure, should be understood to be given only as examples. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] This figure shows an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This figure shows an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] This figure shows an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] This is a front perspective view of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view showing the upper case of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6]It is an exploded perspective view of an upper case of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] It is a view showing a cap of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] It is a view showing a structure in which a cap is disposed on a guide rail in an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] It is a view showing a structure in which a cap is disposed on a guide rail in an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] It is a cross-sectional view showing a coupling structure of a cap and a guide rail achieved by sliding movement of the cap in an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] It is a cross-sectional view showing a coupling structure of a cap and a guide rail achieved by sliding movement of the cap in an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] It is a cross-sectional view showing a coupling structure of a cap and a guide rail achieved by sliding movement of the cap in an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] It is a cross-sectional view showing a coupling structure of a cap and a guide rail achieved by sliding movement of the cap in an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] It is a perspective view showing a rib structure of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] It is a cross-sectional view showing a rib structure of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] It is a bottom view showing a coupling structure of an upper case of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 17] It is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] The embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Identical or similar components will be given the same reference numerals even if they are shown in different drawings, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0019] The suffixes "module" and "part" used in the following description are used solely for the sake of clarity in the description. "Module" and "part" do not have any distinct meaning or role from each other.

[0020] Furthermore, in subsequent descriptions of the embodiments disclosed herein, detailed explanations of related known technologies will be omitted if such explanations could obscure the essence of the embodiments disclosed herein. The accompanying drawings are provided for the purpose of facilitating the understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein, and the accompanying drawings do not limit the technical ideas disclosed herein. Therefore, the accompanying drawings should be construed as including all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions included in the ideas and scope of this disclosure.

[0021] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as "first," "second," etc., can be used to describe a variety of components, but it should be understood that the components are not limited by such terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0022] When we say that one component is "linked" to another, it is understandable that other components may exist in between. On the other hand, when we say that one component is "directly linked" to another, it is understandable that there are no other components in between.

[0023] A singular expression includes plural expressions unless explicitly indicated otherwise in the context.

[0024] Throughout this specification, the orientation of the aerosol generator 1 may be defined with respect to a Cartesian coordinate system. In the Cartesian coordinate system, the x-axis direction may be defined as the left-right direction of the aerosol generator 1. The y-axis direction may be defined as the front-back direction of the aerosol generator 1. The z-axis direction may be defined as the up-down direction of the aerosol generator 1.

[0025] Figures 1 to 3 show aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0026] Referring to Figure 1, the aerosol generator 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one of a power supply 11, a control unit 12, a sensor 13, and a heater 18. At least one of the power supply 11, the control unit 12, the sensor 13, and the heater 18 may be located inside the body 10 of the aerosol generator 1. The body 10 may provide an upwardly opening space into which a stick S, which is an aerosol product, can be inserted. The upwardly opening space may be called an insertion space 191. The insertion space 191 may be formed by recessing into the body 10 to a predetermined depth so that at least a portion of the stick S can be inserted. The depth of the insertion space 191 may correspond to the length of the region in the stick S that contains the aerosol generating material and / or medium. The lower end of the stick S is inserted into the body 10, and the upper end of the stick S may protrude outside the body 10. The user can inhale air by putting the exposed upper end of the stick S in their mouth.

[0027] The heater 18 can heat the stick S. The heater 18 may extend upward in the space into which the stick S is inserted. For example, the heater 18 may include a tubular heating element, a plate heating element, a needle heating element, or a rod heating element. The heater 18 may be inserted into the bottom of the stick S. The heater 18 may include an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heating heater.

[0028] For example, referring to Figure 1, the heater 18 may be a resistive heater. For example, the heater 18 may be electrically connected to the power supply 11. The heater 18 can directly generate heat by receiving current from the power supply 11.

[0029] For example, a hollow space may be formed inside the heater 18. An electrically conductive track and / or a temperature sensor may be mounted in the hollow space of the heater 18. The electrically conductive track receives an electric current from the power supply 11 and generates heat, and the heater 18 may be heated by the heat generated by the electrically conductive track.

[0030] For example, the heater 18 may be a multi-heater. The heater 18 may include a first heater 18A and a second heater 18B. The first and second heaters 18A and 18B may be arranged side by side along the longitudinal direction. The first and second heaters 18A and 18B may be heated sequentially or simultaneously.

[0031] For example, referring to Figure 2, the aerosol generator 1 may include an induction coil 181 surrounding a heater 18. The induction coil 181 can cause the heater 18 to heat up. The heater 18 is a susceptor, and the heater 18 can heat up due to the magnetic field generated by the AC current flowing through the induction coil 181. The magnetic field can penetrate the heater 18 and generate eddy currents within the heater 18. The current can generate heat in the heater 18.

[0032] For example, referring to Figure 3, a susceptor SS can be included inside the stick S, and the susceptor SS inside the stick S can be heated by the magnetic field generated by the AC current flowing through the induction coil 181. The susceptor SS is located inside the stick S and does not need to be electrically connected to the aerosol generator 1. The susceptor SS can be inserted into the insertion space 191 together with the stick S and can be removed from the insertion space 191 together with the stick S. The stick S can be heated by the susceptor SS inside the stick S.

[0033] The power supply 11 can supply power to the components of the aerosol generator 1 so that they can operate. The power supply 11 can be described as a battery. The power supply 11 can supply power to at least one of the control unit 12, the sensor 13, and the heater 24. The power supply 11 can supply power to the induction coil 181.

[0034] The control unit 12 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator. The control unit 12 can be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The control unit 12 can control the operation of at least one of the power supply 11, sensor 13, and heater 18. The control unit 12 can control the operation of the induction coil 181. The control unit 12 can control the operation of the display, motor, etc., installed in the aerosol generator 1. The control unit 12 can check the status of each component of the aerosol generator 1 and determine whether the aerosol generator 1 is in an operational state.

[0035] The control unit 12 can analyze the results sensed by the sensor 13 and control the processes to be performed thereafter. For example, based on the results sensed by the sensor 13, the control unit 12 can control the power supplied to the heater 18 so that the heater 18 starts or stops operating. For example, based on the results sensed by the sensor 13, the control unit 12 can control the amount of power supplied to the heater 18 and the duration of power supply so that the heater 18 is heated to a predetermined temperature or maintains an appropriate temperature.

[0036] Sensor 13 may include at least one of a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, an insertion sensor, and an acceleration sensor. For example, sensor 13 can sense at least one of the temperature of the heater 18, the temperature of the power supply 11, and the internal and external temperatures of the body 10. For example, sensor 13 can sense the user's puff. For example, sensor 13 can sense whether the stick S has been inserted into the insertion space 191. For example, sensor 13 can sense the movement of the aerosol generator 1.

[0037] Figure 4 is a front perspective view of an aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Referring to Figure 4, the upper case 30 may be detachably coupled to the body 10. The upper case 30 may be coupled to the upper side of the body 10. The upper case 30 may cover the upper perimeter of the body 10. The upper case 30 may have an insertion opening 54. The stick S may be inserted into the insertion opening 54. The upper case 30 may include a cap 40 for opening and closing the insertion opening 54. The cap 40 can slide laterally to open and close the insertion opening 54.

[0039] The upper case 30 may include an upper case swing 302. The upper case swing 302 may extend downward from both sides of the upper case body 301.

[0040] The body 10 may include body wings 161. The body wings 161 may extend upward from the upper edge of the body 10. The body wings 161 may be formed as a pair facing each other, centered on the upper part of the body 10. The body wings 161 may be formed in a position offset from the upper case swing 312.

[0041] When the upper case 30 is coupled to the body 10, the upper case 30 can form the upper exterior of the aerosol generator 1. When the upper case 30 is coupled to the body 10, the body wings 161 can cover the exposed sides of the upper case 30 between the upper case swings 302. When the upper case 30 is coupled to the body 10, the upper case swings 302 can cover the outer walls of the body 10.

[0042] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the upper case of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the upper case of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Referring to Figures 5 and 6 together with Figures 1 to 4, the aerosol generator 1 may include a body 10 and an upper case 30. The body 10 may be elongated. For example, the body 10 may be elongated in the vertical direction (e.g., the z direction).

[0044] The body 10 may have an insertion space 191. The insertion space 191 may open on one side of the body 10. For example, the insertion space 191 may open on the upper side of the body 10. The insertion space 191 may be elongated. The longitudinal direction of the insertion space 191 may correspond to the longitudinal direction of the body 10. For example, the insertion space 191 and the body 10 may extend elongated in the vertical direction.

[0045] The body 10 may be equipped with a heater 18. The heater 18 is located within the insertion space 191 and can heat the insertion space 191. The heater 18 can heat the stick S inserted into the insertion space 191.

[0046] The upper case 30 can be detachably coupled to the body 10. Both ends of the upper case 30 may extend in the longitudinal direction of the body 10. The upper case 30 can be coupled to the body 10 to form one surface of the body 10. The upper case 30 can cover one open side of the body 10.

[0047] The upper case 30 may be provided with an insertion opening 54. The insertion opening 54 may open toward the upper side of the upper case 30. When the upper case 30 is coupled to the body 10, the insertion opening 54 may be aligned with the insertion space 191 of the body 10.

[0048] The upper case 30 may be equipped with a cap 40. The cap 40 may cover the insertion opening 54 and / or the insertion space 191. The cap 40 may be positioned above the insertion opening 54 and / or the insertion space 191. The cap 40 may move in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 191. For example, the cap 40 may move in the left-right direction (e.g., the x-direction). The cap 40 may open and close the insertion opening 54 and / or the insertion space 191. For example, the cap 40 may open and close the insertion opening 54 and / or the insertion space 191 in a sliding manner.

[0049] The upper case 30 may include a first upper case 31 and a second upper case 32. The first upper case 31 may include a first upper cover 311. The first upper cover 311 may form one surface of the body 10. The first upper cover 311 may extend in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the body 10. For example, the first upper cover 311 may extend long in the left-right direction.

[0050] The first upper case 31 may include first side covers 312 that are bent from the edge or both ends of the first upper cover 311 and extend in the longitudinal direction of the body 10. The first side covers 312 can form at least a portion of the side of the body 10. For example, the first side covers 312 can extend downward from the left and right ends of the first upper cover 321 and form at least a portion of the side of the body 10.

[0051] A slot 313 into which a cap 40 is inserted may be formed in the first upper case 31. The slot 313 may penetrate the first upper cover 311 in the vertical direction. The slot 313 may extend elongated in the longitudinal direction of the first upper cover 311. The cap 40 can be inserted into the slot 313 and moved. The cap 40 can slide between a first position and a second position. The first position may correspond to a position in which the cap 40 closes the insertion opening 54. The second position may correspond to a position in which the cap 40 opens the insertion opening 54.

[0052] The second upper case 32 may include a second upper cover 321. The second upper cover 321 may be positioned below the first upper cover 311. The second upper cover 321 may extend in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the body 10. The first upper cover 311 may cover the second upper cover 321. The first upper cover 311 may be fixed to the second upper cover 321.

[0053] The second upper case 32 may include second side covers 322 that are bent from the edges or both ends of the second upper cover 321 and extend longitudinally along the body 10. For example, the second side covers 322 may extend downward from the left and right ends of the second upper cover 321. The second side covers 322 may be coupled with the first side cover 312.

[0054] The extractor 60 may be coupled to the upper case 30. The extractor 60 may be coupled to the second upper cover 321. The extractor 60 may be inserted into an extractor coupling portion 326 formed in the second upper cover 321.

[0055] The extractor 60 may extend longitudinally in the insertion space 191. The extractor 60 may have a cylindrical pipe with open sides. The extractor 60 may include a side wall 61 that extends vertically and a bottom 62 formed at the lower end of the side wall 61. A vertically extending slit may be formed in the side wall 61. A through hole 64 into which the heater 18 is inserted may be formed in the bottom 62. The side wall 61 may form a stick insertion space 63 on its interior. The stick S may be inserted into the stick insertion space 63 and come into contact with the bottom 62. At least a portion of the heater 18 may be inserted into the through hole 64 and into the stick S located within the stick insertion space 63.

[0056] The upper case 30 may be equipped with guide rails 314 and 51. The guide rails 314 and 51 can guide the sliding movement of the cap 40. The guide rails 314 and 51 may include a first rail 314 that covers the upper side of the slider 43 (see Figure 7) of the cap 40, and a second rail 51 that supports the lower side of the slider 43. The first rail 314 can be called a case rail. The second rail 51 can be called a plate rail.

[0057] The case rail 314 may be formed in the first upper case 31. The case rail 314 may be formed by recessing one side of the first upper cover 311. For example, the case rail 314 may be formed by recessing the lower surface of the first upper cover 311 upwards. The case rail 314 may extend along the direction of movement of the cap 40 or along the longitudinal direction of the slot 313. The case rail 314 may extend along the longitudinal direction of the slot 313 from both side edges of the slot 313 that extend along the longitudinal direction of the slot 313.

[0058] Plate rails 51 may be provided on both sides of the plate 50. The plate 50 may extend along the direction of movement of the cap 40. The plate rails 51 may extend along the direction of movement of the cap 40 at both ends of the plate 50 in the width direction. An insertion opening 54 may be formed in the plate 50. At least a portion of the upper surface of the plate 50 and the insertion opening 54 may be exposed to the outside. The plate 50 may be positioned between the first upper case 31 and the second upper case 32. The position of the plate 50 can be fixed by being supported by the first upper cover 311 and the second upper cover 321.

[0059] Figure 7 shows the cap of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0060] Referring to Figure 7, the cap 40 may include an upper cap 41 and a lower cap 42. The upper cap 41 may form part of the top and side surfaces of the cap 40. The upper cap 41 may protrude upwards. The lower cap 42 may form part of the bottom and side surfaces of the cap 40. The lower cap 42 may be joined to the upper cap 41. The upper cap 41 and the lower cap 42 may be joined by a cap screw 411. The cap screw 422 may be fused. The cap screw 422 may pass through a hole formed in the recess 421 of the lower cap 42 and be fused. The cap screw 422 may be fused to form a rounded end and cover part of the recess 421 and be fixed to the recess 421.

[0061] The cap 40 may be equipped with a slider 43. The slider 43 may project from one end of the lower cap 42 in a direction intersecting the direction of movement of the cap 40 or in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the guide rails 314, 51, and may extend lengthwise in the direction of movement of the cap 40 or in the longitudinal direction of the guide rails 314, 51. The slider 43 may include a first leg 431 and a second leg 432 extending in the longitudinal direction of the guide rails 314, 51. The first leg 431 and the second leg 432 may become narrower towards their longitudinal ends. The lower surfaces of the first leg 431 and the second leg 432 that contact the plate rail 51 may have inclined surfaces formed at both ends.

[0062] The slider 43 can be mounted on the plate rail 51. The slider 43 can move along the guide rails 314 and 51. The cap 40 can move along the guide rails 314 and 51 via the slider 43.

[0063] Figures 8 and 9 show an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, in which the cap is arranged on a guide rail.

[0064] Referring to Figures 8 and 9, the cap 40 can be mounted on the guide rails 314 and 51. The slider 43 of the cap 40 can be positioned on the plate rail 51.

[0065] The plate rail 51 may include a protruding portion 513 and extensions 511 and 512. The protruding portion 513 may be connected to the extensions 511 and 512.

[0066] The upper surfaces of the protruding portion 513 and the extensions 511 and 512 can be connected to each other to form a single rail. The protruding portion 513 can protrude in a direction intersecting the direction of movement of the cap 40. The protruding portion 513 can protrude along the path on which the cap 40 slides. For example, the protruding portion 513 can protrude upward.

[0067] The extensions 511 and 512 may extend on both sides of the projection 513. The extensions 511 and 512 may include a first extension 511 extending along the longitudinal direction of the plate 50 on one side of the projection 513 and a second extension 512 extending along the other side of the projection 513. The first extension 511 may be positioned in the width direction (e.g., the y-direction) of the plate 50, corresponding to the insertion opening 54. The first extension 511 may form a predetermined angle with respect to the projection 513. The first extension 511 may extend diagonally downward from the projection 513. The first extension 511 may extend diagonally upward in the longitudinal direction of the plate 50. The second extension 512 may be positioned in the width direction of the plate 50, not overlapping with the insertion opening 54. The second extension 512 may form a predetermined angle with respect to the projection 513. The second extension 512 may extend diagonally downward from the projection 513. The second extension 512 may extend diagonally upward in the longitudinal direction of the plate 50. The first extension 511 and the second extension 512 may be positioned opposite each other with respect to the projection 513.

[0068] The projection 513 may include a support surface 516 and inclined surfaces 514, 515. The inclined surfaces 514, 515 may include a first inclined surface 514 and a second inclined surface 515. The first inclined surface 514 extends from one side of the projection 513 and may be connected to a first extension 511. The first inclined surface 514 may be formed obliquely downward from one side of the projection 513. The first inclined surface 514 may extend inclined with respect to the first extension 511. The first inclined surface 514 may be inclined upward with respect to the direction in which the first extension 511 extends. The angle that the first inclined surface 514 makes with respect to the longitudinal direction of the plate 50 may be greater than the angle that the first extension 511 makes with respect to the longitudinal direction of the plate 50.

[0069] The second inclined surface 515 extends from the other side of the projection 513 and can be connected to the second extension 512. The second inclined surface 515 may be formed obliquely downward from the other side of the projection 513. The second inclined surface 515 may extend inclined with respect to the second extension 512. The second inclined surface 515 may be inclined upward with respect to the direction in which the second extension 512 extends. The angle that the second inclined surface 515 makes with respect to the longitudinal direction of the plate 50 may be greater than the angle that the second extension 512 makes with respect to the longitudinal direction of the plate 50.

[0070] The support surface 516 can connect the first inclined surface 514 and the second inclined surface 515. The support surface 516 can extend flat along the longitudinal direction of the plate 50 or project upwards.

[0071] The slider 43 is positioned on the plate rail 51 and can move along the plate rail 51. The slider 43 can move along the first extension 511, the projection 513, and the second extension 512. The slider 43 may be positioned on the first extension 511 in a first position in which the cap 40 closes the insertion opening 54. The slider 43 may be positioned on the second extension 512 in a second position in which the cap 40 opens the insertion opening 54.

[0072] Figures 10 to 13 are cross-sectional views showing the coupling structure between the cap and the guide rail, which is formed by the sliding movement of the cap, in an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0073] Referring to Figure 10, the guide rails 314 and 51 may include a case rail 314 that covers the upper side of the slider 43 of the cap 40 and a plate rail 51 that supports the lower side of the slider 43. A space or path may be formed between the case rail 314 and the plate rail 51 through which the cap 40 can move.

[0074] The case rail 314 may be formed in the first upper case 31. The case rail 314 may be formed by recessing one side of the first upper cover 311. For example, the case rail 314 may be formed by recessing the lower surface of the first upper cover 311 upwards. The case rail 314 may be formed by rounding the recess upwards with respect to the longitudinal direction of the guide rails 314, 51. The portion of the case rail 314 facing the first extension 511 may be formed obliquely with respect to the longitudinal direction of the guide rails 314, 51 in accordance with the inclination of the first extension 511. The portion of the case rail 314 facing the second extension 512 may be formed obliquely with respect to the longitudinal direction of the guide rails 314, 51 in accordance with the inclination of the second extension 512.

[0075] The case rail 314 may have stoppers 315 and 316 formed at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the guide rails 314 and 51. The stoppers 315 and 316 may refer to steps at both ends of the case rail 314 that are recessed on the upper side. The stoppers 315 and 316 may include a first stopper 315 formed at one end of the case rail 314 and a second stopper 316 formed at the other end of the case rail 314. The stoppers 315 and 316 can restrict the movement of the slider 43 that moves in contact with the upper surface of the case rail 314. The stoppers 315 and 316 can restrict the range over which the slider 43 slides in the longitudinal direction of the guide rails 314 and 51.

[0076] The plate rail 51 is positioned below the case rail 314 and may face the case rail 314 in the vertical direction. The projection 513 may project upward toward the central part of the case rail 314 or an adjacent part thereof.

[0077] The cap 40 can move along the plate rail 51. The slider 43 is positioned on the plate rail 51 and can move along the plate rail 51. The slider 43 may be positioned on the first extension 511 in a first position in which the cap 40 closes the insertion opening 54.

[0078] The distance between the first stopper 315 and the projection 513 in the direction in which the first extension 511 extends may correspond to the length of the slider 43. In the first position, the slider 43 can be fixed in place by the case rail 314 and the plate rail 51. The upper surface of the slider 43 is in contact with the case rail 314, and one side edge of the upper surface may be in contact with the first stopper 315. The upper edge of the first leg 431 of the slider 43 may be in contact with the first stopper 315. The lower surface of the slider 43 is positioned on the first extension 511, and the other side edge of the lower surface may be in contact with the first inclined surface 514 of the projection 513. The lower edge of the second leg 432 of the slider 43 may be in contact with the first inclined surface 514.

[0079] The slider 43 can be restricted from moving to the right or in the x-direction by the first stopper 315. The slider 43 can be restricted from moving to the left or in the opposite direction of the x-direction by the first inclined surface 514 of the protrusion 513. In other words, the slider 43 can be fixed in the first position when no external force is applied.

[0080] Referring to Figure 11, the slider 43 is positioned on the plate rail 51 and can move along the plate rail 51. When an external force is applied to the cap 40 while the slider 43 is positioned on the first extension 511, the slider 43 can move. The slider 43 can move toward the projection 513. As the slider 43 moves, the projection 513 may be pushed downward by the slider 43. The projection 513 and the extensions 511, 512 connected to the projection 513 may be pushed downward. Elastic restoring forces may be generated in the projection 513 and the extensions 511, 512, causing them to return to their original positions. The elastic restoring forces of the projection 513 and the extensions 511, 512 may generate a force that moves the slider 43 to the first position. In other words, even if a certain level of external force is applied to the cap 40, the cap 40 can naturally return to the first position along the longitudinal direction of the guide rails 314, 51 due to the elastic restoring force.

[0081] Referring to Figure 12, while an elastic restoring force is acting to return the cap 40 to its first position, an external force greater than this force can be applied to the cap 40. In this case, the slider 43 can move toward the second extension 512 via the projection 513. As the slider 43 moves, the projection 513 may be pushed downward by the slider 43. The projection 513 and the extensions 511 and 512 connected to the projection 513 may be pushed downward. An elastic restoring force may be generated in the projection 513 and the extensions 511 and 512, causing them to return to their original positions. When the center of the slider 43 passes through the center of the projection 513 in the longitudinal direction of the slider 43, the elastic restoring forces of the projection 513 and the extensions 511 and 512 may generate a force that moves the slider 43 to the second position. In other words, when an external force causes the slider 43 to pass through the center of the projection 513, the cap 40 can naturally move to the second position along the longitudinal direction of the guide rails 314 and 51 due to its elastic restoring force.

[0082] Therefore, the rails 314 and 51 that support the upper and lower sides of the cap 40 are inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction to guide the movement of the cap 40, thereby improving the user experience related to the opening and closing operation of the cap 40.

[0083] The length of the protrusion 513 may be shorter than the length of the slider 43. The length of the protrusion 513 may be approximately 2 mm to 3 mm. If the length of the protrusion 513 is longer than the length of the slider 43, a greater external force may be required to move the slider 43 from the first position to the second position or from the second position to the first position. Alternatively, the slider 43 may stop on the upper side of the protrusion 513 without moving naturally.

[0084] A support portion 323 may be positioned below the plate rail 51. The support portion 323 may be formed in the second upper case 32. The support portion 323 may project upward from the second upper cover 321 toward the projection 513. The support portion 323 may be spaced apart from the projection 513.

[0085] The distance at which the support portion 323 separates from the protrusion portion 513 may be greater than the maximum distance the protrusion portion 513 moves downward due to the slider 43. In other words, even if the slider 43 passes over the protrusion portion 513 while pushing it downward, the support portion 323 will not come into contact with the protrusion portion 513. However, if an external force is generated that pushes the cap 40 downward, causing the slider 43 to move abnormally downward, the support portion 323 can come into contact with the protrusion portion 513, thereby preventing the protrusion portion 513 from being pushed downward and preventing damage to the protrusion portion 513.

[0086] Referring to Figure 13, the distance between the second stopper 316 and the projection 513 in the direction in which the second extension 512 extends may correspond to the length of the slider 43. In the second position, the slider 43 can be fixed in place by the case rail 314 and the plate rail 51. The upper surface of the slider 43 is in contact with the case rail 314, and the other edge of the upper surface may be in contact with the second stopper 316. The upper edge of the second leg 432 of the slider 43 may be in contact with the second stopper 316. The lower surface of the slider 43 is positioned on the second extension 512, and one edge of the lower surface may be in contact with the second inclined surface 515 of the projection 513. The lower edge of the first leg 431 of the slider 43 may be in contact with the second inclined surface 515. The slider 43 can be restricted from moving to the left or in the opposite direction of the x-direction by the second stopper 316. The slider 43 can be restricted from moving to the right or in the x-direction by the second inclined surface 515 of the protrusion 513. In other words, the slider 43 can be fixed in the second position when no external force is applied.

[0087] Therefore, by providing the cap 40 with a protruding portion 513 and stoppers 315 and 316 that fix the slider 43 of the cap 40 in the position where the cap 40 closes the insertion opening 54 and in the position where it opens, the position of the cap 40 can be fixed when the insertion opening 54 is closed or open, and the shaking of the cap 40 can be prevented.

[0088] Furthermore, by providing guide rails 314 and 51 consisting of a protruding portion 513 that protrudes onto the slide path of the cap 40 that opens and closes the insertion opening 54, and extensions 511 and 512 that are inclined relative to it, the slide guide structure of the cap 40 can be simplified, and by guiding the movement of the cap 40 with the elastic restoring force of the guide rails 314 and 51, structures such as springs or magnets can be omitted, and the volume of the device can be reduced.

[0089] Figure 14 is a perspective view showing the rib structure of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the rib structure of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0090] Referring to Figures 14 and 15, ribs 52 and 53 may be formed on plate 50. The ribs 52 and 53 may project onto the upper side of plate 50. The ribs 52 and 53 may extend along the perimeter of plate 50.

[0091] The ribs 52 and 53 may include a first rib 52 and a second rib 53. The first rib 52 may extend along the longitudinal direction of the plate 50 or along the longitudinal direction of the guide rails 314 and 51 on both sides of the plate 50. The first rib 52 may be spaced apart from the guide rails 314 and 51 in the width direction of the plate 50. A slit 55 may be formed between the plate rail 51 and the first rib 52. The slit 55 may extend along the longitudinal direction of the plate 50 or along the longitudinal direction of the guide rails 314 and 51. The first rib 52 may be located above the plate rail 51 in the vertical direction. At least a portion of the first rib 52 may be obstructed in the vertical direction by a slot 313 in the first upper cover 311.

[0092] The second rib 53 may be connected to the first rib 52. The second rib 53 may extend along the perimeter of the plate 50. The second rib 53 may be located above the plate rail 51 in the vertical direction. At least a portion of the second rib 53 may be obstructed in the vertical direction by the slot 313 of the first upper cover 311.

[0093] By providing ribs 52 and 53 that protrude upward at a distance from the guide rails 314 and 51 and extend in the longitudinal direction of the guide rails 314 and 51, it is possible to minimize the inflow of foreign matter into the inside of the device through the structure for sliding the cap 40.

[0094] Figure 16 is a bottom view showing the coupling structure of the upper case of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0095] Referring to Figure 16 together with Figure 15, the first side cover 312 may be folded from the edge or both ends of the first upper cover 311 and extend along the longitudinal underside of the body 10. The second side cover 322 may be folded from the edge or both ends of the second upper cover 321 and extend along the longitudinal underside of the body 10.

[0096] The second side cover 322 can be coupled to the first side cover 312. The first side cover 312 may be formed by folding both ends of the first side cover 312 in the width direction (e.g., the y-direction) inward and include hooks 318 extending in the longitudinal direction (e.g., the z-direction) of the first side cover 312. Both ends of the second side cover 322 in the width direction can be coupled to the hooks 318. The second side cover 322 may be coupled to the first side cover 312 by sliding both ends of the second side cover 322 along the hooks 318 in the longitudinal direction of the first side cover 312.

[0097] The second upper cover 321 can be coupled to the first upper cover 311. The first upper cover 311 may have a cover groove 317 formed by a portion of its outer surface being recessed inward. The cover groove 317 may include a plurality of grooves spaced apart from each other along the periphery of the outer surface of the first upper cover 311. The second upper cover 321 may have a circumferential wall 324 extending upward along its periphery. Cover projections 325 may be formed by a portion of the inner surface of the circumferential wall 324 projecting inward. The cover projections 325 may include a plurality of projections spaced apart from each other along the periphery of the inner surface of the circumferential wall 324. The cover projections 325 may be positioned in a location corresponding to the cover groove 317. When both widthwise ends of the second side cover 322 slide along the hooks 318 in the longitudinal direction of the first side cover 312, the cover projections 325 are inserted into the cover groove 317, and the second upper cover 321 can be coupled to the first upper cover 311.

[0098] Therefore, the first upper case 31 and the second upper case 32 can be firmly joined together. Furthermore, by firmly supporting the position of the plate 50 with the first and second upper cases 31 and 32, the positions of the guide rails 314 and 51 can be fixed in a constant position without shifting even if the cap 40 is moved repeatedly.

[0099] Figure 17 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0100] The aerosol generator 1 may include a power supply 11, a control unit 12, a sensor 13, an output unit 14, an input unit 15, a communication unit 16, a memory 17, and at least one heater 18, 24. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generator 1 is not limited to that shown in Figure 17. In other words, it will be understood by those with ordinary skill in the art relating to this embodiment that the design of the aerosol generator 1 may allow for the omission of some of the components shown in Figure 17 or the addition of new components.

[0101] The sensor 13 can sense the state of the aerosol generator 1 or the state of the area around the aerosol generator 1, and transmit the sensed information to the control unit 12. Based on the sensed information, the control unit 12 can control the aerosol generator 1 to perform various functions such as controlling the operation of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, restricting smoking, determining whether a stick S and / or cartridge 19 has been inserted, and displaying notifications.

[0102] Sensor 13 may include at least one of the following: temperature sensor 131, puff sensor 132, insertion sensor 133, reuse sensor 134, cartridge sensor 135, cap sensor 136, and motion sensor 137.

[0103] The temperature sensor 131 can sense the temperature at which the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 are heated. The aerosol generator 1 may include a separate temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, or the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 themselves may act as a temperature sensor.

[0104] The temperature sensor 131 can output a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may include a resistive element whose resistance changes in response to temperature changes in the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. The temperature sensor 131 can be implemented using a thermistor or other element that utilizes the property that resistance changes with temperature. Here, the temperature sensor 131 can 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 heater 18. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may be configured as a sensor that detects the resistance value of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. Here, the temperature sensor 131 can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

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

[0106] The temperature sensor 131 is located inside the body 10 and can sense the internal temperature of the body 10.

[0107] The puff sensor 132 can detect a user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow path. The puff sensor 132 can output a signal corresponding to the puff. For example, the puff sensor 132 may be a pressure sensor. The puff sensor 132 can output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generator. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol generator 1 may correspond to the pressure of the airflow path through which the gas flows. The puff sensor 132 may be positioned in the aerosol generator 1 corresponding to the airflow path through which the gas flows.

[0108] The insertion sensing sensor 133 can detect the insertion and / or removal of the stick S. The insertion sensing sensor 133 can detect the signal change caused by the insertion and / or removal of the stick S. The insertion sensing sensor 133 may be provided around the insertion space. The insertion sensing sensor 133 can detect the insertion and / or removal of the stick S by the change in dielectric constant inside the insertion space. For example, the insertion sensing sensor 133 may be an inductive sensor and / or a capacitance sensor.

[0109] An induction sensor may include at least one coil. The coil of the induction sensor may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space. For example, if the 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 the frequency of the alternating current, the current value, the voltage value, the inductance value, the impedance value, etc.

[0110] Induction sensors can output signals that correspond to the characteristics of the current flowing through a coil. For example, an induction sensor can output a signal that corresponds to the inductance value of a coil.

[0111] A capacitance sensor may include a conductor. The conductor of the capacitance sensor may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space. The capacitance sensor can output a signal corresponding to the surrounding electromagnetic properties, such as the capacitance around the conductor. For example, if a stick S including a metal wrapper is inserted into the insertion space, the wrapper of the stick S may alter the electromagnetic properties around the conductor.

[0112] The reuse detection sensor 134 can detect whether the stick S has been reused. The reuse detection sensor 134 may also be a color sensor. The color sensor can detect the hue of the stick S. The color sensor can detect the hue of a portion of the wrapper surrounding the outside of the stick S. The color sensor can detect a value for an optical property corresponding to the hue of an object based on light reflected from the object. For example, the optical property may be the wavelength of light. The color sensor may be implemented as an integrated configuration with the proximity sensor, or as a separate configuration separated from the proximity sensor.

[0113] At least a portion of the wrapper constituting the stick S can change hue due to aerosols. The reuse sensing sensor 134 may be positioned corresponding to the location where at least a portion of the wrapper whose hue changes due to aerosols is located when the stick S is inserted into the insertion space. For example, before the stick S is used by the user, at least a portion of the wrapper may have a first hue. Here, as the aerosol generated by the aerosol generator 1 passes through the stick S, at least a portion of the wrapper becomes wet with the aerosol, causing the hue of at least a portion of the wrapper to change to a second hue. On the other hand, after the hue of at least a portion of the wrapper has changed from the first hue to the second hue, it may be maintained at the second hue.

[0114] The cartridge sensing sensor 135 can detect the insertion and / or removal of the cartridge 19. The cartridge sensing sensor 135 can be implemented as an inductance-based sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, or a Hall sensor (Hall IC) using the Hall effect.

[0115] The cap sensing sensor 136 can detect the attachment and / or removal of the cap. When the cap is separated from the body 10, a portion of the cartridge 19 and body 10 that was covered by the cap may be exposed to the outside. The cap sensing sensor 136 can be implemented by a contact sensor, a Hall sensor (Hall IC), an optical sensor, or the like.

[0116] The motion sensor 137 can detect the movement of the aerosol generator. The motion sensor 137 can be implemented using at least one of an accelerometer and a gyroscope.

[0117] Sensor 13 may further include at least one of the following, in addition to the sensors 131 to 137 described above: a humidity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a GPS position sensor, and a proximity sensor. The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by a person skilled in the art from its name, so a detailed explanation can be omitted.

[0118] The output unit 14 can output and provide to the user information about the status of the aerosol generator 1. The output unit 14 may include, but is not limited to, a display 141, a haptic unit 142, and an acoustic output unit 143. If the display 141 and the touchpad form a layered structure and constitute a touchscreen, the display unit 141 can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0119] The display 141 can visually provide the user with information about the aerosol generator 1. For example, the information about the aerosol generator 1 can include various types of information such as the charging / discharging status of the power supply 11 of the aerosol generator 1, the preheating status of the heater 18, the insertion / removal status of the stick S and / or cartridge 19, the attachment / removal status of the cap, or a state in which the use of the aerosol generator 1 is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal object), and the display 141 can output this information to the outside. For example, the display 141 may be in the form of an LED light-emitting element. For example, the display 141 may be a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), etc.

[0120] The haptic unit 142 can convert electrical signals into mechanical or electrical stimuli, providing the user with tactile information about the aerosol generator 1. For example, if initial power is supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 during a set time, the haptic unit 142 can generate vibrations corresponding to the completion of initial preheating. The haptic unit 142 may include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulator.

[0121] The acoustic output unit 143 can provide the user with auditory information about the aerosol generator 1. For example, the acoustic output unit 143 can convert electrical signals into acoustic signals and output them externally.

[0122] The power supply 11 can supply the power used to operate the aerosol generator 1. The power supply 11 can supply power so that the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 can be heated. The power supply 11 can also supply the power necessary for the operation of other components provided in the aerosol generator 1, namely the sensor 13, output unit 14, input unit 15, communication unit 16, and memory 17. The power supply 11 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the power supply 11 may be, but is not limited to, a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery.

[0123] Although not shown in Figure 17, the aerosol generator 1 may further include a power protection circuit. The power protection circuit is electrically connected to the power supply 11 and may include a switching element.

[0124] The power protection circuit can shut off the circuit to the power supply 11 under predetermined conditions. For example, the power protection circuit can shut off the circuit to the power supply 11 if the voltage level of the power supply 11 is equal to or greater than a first voltage corresponding to overcharging. For example, the power protection circuit can shut off the circuit to the power supply 11 if the voltage level of the power supply 11 is less than a second voltage corresponding to over-discharge.

[0125] The heater 18 receives power from the power supply 11 and can heat the medium or aerosol-generating material inside the stick S. Although not shown in Figure 10, the aerosol generator 1 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power from the power supply 11 and supplies it to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. Furthermore, if the aerosol generator 1 generates aerosols using an induction heating method, the aerosol generator 1 may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power supply of the power supply 11 to AC power.

[0126] The control unit 12, sensor 13, output unit 14, input unit 15, communication unit 16, and memory 17 can function by receiving power from the power supply 11. Although not shown in Figure 17, a power conversion circuit, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a constant voltage circuit, may be further included to convert the power from the power supply 11 and supply it to each component. Also, although not shown in Figure 17, 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 the high-frequency switching current applied from the power supply 11 to the heater 18. The low-pass filter prevents high-frequency noise components from being applied to the sensor 13, such as the insertion sensing sensor 133.

[0127] In one embodiment, the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 may be formed from any suitable electrical resistant material. For example, suitable electrical resistant materials may be, but are not limited to, metals or metal alloys including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc. Also, the heater 18 may be, but is not limited to, a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate on which an electrically conductive track is arranged, a ceramic heating element, etc.

[0128] In other embodiments, the heater 18 may be an induction heating type heater. For example, the heater 18 may include a susceptor that generates heat by a magnetic field applied by a coil and heats the aerosol-generating material.

[0129] The input unit 15 can receive information input from the user or 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 that senses touch. For example, the touch sensor may include, but is not limited to, a capacitive touch sensor, a resistive touch sensor, an ultrasonic touch sensor (surface acoustic wave touch sensor), or an infrared touch sensor.

[0130] The display 141 and the touch panel can be realized by a single panel. For example, the touch panel can be embedded within the display 141 (on-cell type or in-cell type). For example, the touch panel may be added on top of the display panel 141 (add-on type).

[0131] On the other hand, the input section 15 may include, but is not limited to, buttons, keypads, dome switches, jog wheels, jog switches, etc.

[0132] Memory 17 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generator 1, and can store data processed by the control unit 12 and data to be processed. Memory 17 can include at least one type of storage medium from among flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia card micro type, card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), RAM (random access memory), SRAM (static random access memory), ROM (read-only memory), EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), PROM (programmable read-only memory), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk. Memory 17 can store data such as the operating time of the aerosol generator 1, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and the user's smoking pattern.

[0133] 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 and a wireless communication unit.

[0134] The short-range wireless communication unit may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth® communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth® Low Energy) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee® communication unit, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, a UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, and the like.

[0135] The wireless communication unit may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN) communication unit.

[0136] Although not shown in Figure 17, the aerosol generator 1 further includes a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and can connect to other external devices via such a connection interface to send and receive information or charge the power supply 11.

[0137] The control unit 12 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator 1. In one embodiment, the control unit 12 may include at least one processor. The processor can also be realized by an array of numerous logic gates, or by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and memory storing a program executable by this microprocessor. It is also understandable to those with ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment belongs that it can be realized by other forms of hardware.

[0138] The control unit 12 can control the temperature of the heater 18 by controlling the supply of power from the power supply 11 to the heater 18. The control unit 12 can control the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 sensed by the temperature sensor 131. The control unit 12 can adjust the power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. For example, the control unit 12 can determine a target temperature for the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 based on a temperature profile stored in the memory 17.

[0139] The aerosol generator 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 heater 18. The power supply circuit may be electrically connected to the cartridge heater 24, heater 18, or induction coil 181. The power supply circuit may include at least one switching element. The switching element can be embodied by a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), a field-effect transistor (FET), or the like. The control unit 12 can control the power supply circuit.

[0140] The control unit 12 can control the power supply by controlling the switching of the switching elements of the power supply circuit. The power supply circuit may be an inverter that converts the DC power output from the power supply 11 into AC power. For example, the inverter can be configured as a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit that includes multiple switching elements.

[0141] The control unit 12 can turn on the switching element so that power is supplied from the power supply 11 to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. The control unit 12 can turn off the switching element so that power is cut off to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. The control unit 12 can adjust the current supplied from the power supply 11 by adjusting the frequency and / or duty cycle of the current pulse input to the switching element.

[0142] The control unit 12 can control the voltage output from the power supply 11 by controlling the switching of the switching elements in the power supply circuit. The power conversion circuit can convert the voltage output from the power supply 11. For example, the power conversion circuit may include a buck converter that steps down the voltage output from the power supply 11. For example, the power conversion circuit can be implemented using a buck-boost converter, a Zener diode, or the like.

[0143] The control unit 12 can adjust the voltage level output from the power conversion circuit by controlling the on / off operation of the switching element included in the power supply circuit. When the switching element remains in the on state, the voltage level output from the power conversion circuit may correspond to the voltage level output from the power supply 11. The duty cycle for the on / off operation of the switching element may correspond to the ratio of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit to the voltage output from the power supply 11. The lower the duty cycle for the on / off operation of the switching element, the lower the voltage level output from the power conversion circuit can be. The heater 18 may be heated based on the voltage output from the power conversion circuit.

[0144] The control unit 12 can control the supply of power to the heater 18 using at least one of the following methods: pulse width modulation (PWM) and proportional-integral-differential (PID).

[0145] For example, the control unit 12 can use a PWM method to control the supply of current pulses having a predetermined frequency and duty cycle to the heater 18. The control unit 12 can control the power supplied to the heater 18 by adjusting the frequency and duty cycle of the current pulses.

[0146] For example, the control unit 12 can determine a target temperature for control based on the temperature profile. The control unit 12 can control the power supplied to the heater 18 using a PID method, which is a feedback control method that uses the difference between the heater temperature 18 and the target temperature, the integral of the difference over time, and the derivative of the difference over time.

[0147] The control unit 12 can prevent the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 from overheating. For example, the control unit 12 can control the operation of the power conversion circuit to interrupt the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 if the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 exceeds a previously set limit temperature. For example, the control unit 12 can reduce the amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 by a certain ratio if the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 exceeds a previously set limit temperature. For example, if the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeds the limit temperature, the control unit 12 can determine that the aerosol-generating material contained in the cartridge 19 has been exhausted and can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 24.

[0148] The control unit 12 can control the charging and discharging of the power supply 11. The control unit 12 can check the temperature of the power supply 11 according to the output signal of the temperature sensor 131.

[0149] When a power line is connected to the battery terminal of the aerosol generator 1, the control unit 12 can check whether the temperature of the power supply 11 is equal to or above a first limiting temperature, which is the criterion for shutting off the charging of the power supply 11. If the temperature of the power supply 11 is below the first limiting temperature, the control unit 12 can control the charging of the power supply 11 based on a previously set charging current. If the temperature of the power supply 11 is equal to or above the first limiting temperature, the control unit 12 can shut off the charging of the power supply 11.

[0150] With the aerosol generator 1 powered on, the control unit 12 can check whether the temperature of the power supply 11 is above the second limiting temperature, which is the criterion for shutting off the discharge of the power supply 11. If the temperature of the power supply 11 is below the second limiting temperature, the control unit 12 can control the system to use the power stored in the power supply 11. If the temperature of the power supply 11 is above the second limiting temperature, the control unit 12 can interrupt the use of the power stored in the power supply 11.

[0151] The control unit 12 can calculate the remaining capacity of the power supply 11 relative to the power stored in the power supply 11. For example, the control unit 12 can calculate the remaining capacity of the power supply 11 based on the voltage and / or current sensing values ​​of the power supply 11.

[0152] The control unit 12 can determine whether the stick S is inserted into the insertion space using the insertion sensing sensor 133. The control unit 12 can determine that the stick S has been inserted based on the output signal from the insertion sensing sensor 133. If it determines that the stick S has been inserted into the insertion space, the control unit 12 can control the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. For example, the control unit 12 can supply power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 based on the temperature profile stored in the memory 17.

[0153] The control unit 12 can determine whether the stick S has been removed from the insertion space. For example, the control unit 12 can determine whether the stick S has been removed from the insertion space using the insertion sensing sensor 133. For example, the control unit 12 can determine that the stick S has been removed from the insertion space if the temperature of the heater 18 is above a limit temperature or if the temperature change gradient of the heater 18 is above a set gradient. If the control unit 12 determines that the stick S has been removed from the insertion space, it can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

[0154] The control unit 12 can control the power supply time and / or power supply amount to the heater 18 based on the state of the stick S sensed by the sensor 13. The control unit 12 can check the level range that includes the level of the capacitance sensor signal based on a lookup table. The control unit 12 can determine the amount of moisture in the stick S based on the checked level range.

[0155] If the stick S is in an over-humidified state, the control unit 12 can control the power supply time to the heater 18, thereby increasing the preheating time of the stick S compared to normal conditions.

[0156] The control unit 12 can determine whether the stick S inserted into the insertion space has been reused by the reuse sensing sensor 134. For example, the control unit 12 can compare the sensing value of the reuse sensing sensor signal with a first reference range that includes a first hue, and if the sensing value falls within the first reference range, it can determine that the stick S has not been used. For example, the control unit 12 can compare the sensing value of the reuse sensing sensor signal with a second reference range that includes a second hue, and if the sensing value falls within the second reference range, it can determine that the stick S has been used. If it is determined that the stick S has been used, the control unit 12 can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

[0157] The control unit 12 can determine the coupling and / or removal of the cartridge 19 based on the cartridge sensing sensor 135. For example, the control unit 12 can determine the coupling and / or removal of the cartridge 19 based on the sensing value of the signal from the cartridge sensing sensor.

[0158] The control unit 12 can determine whether the aerosol-generating material in the cartridge 19 has been depleted. For example, the control unit 12 can preheat the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 by applying power, and determine whether the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeds a limit temperature during the preheating period. If the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeds the limit temperature, the control unit 12 can determine that the aerosol-generating material in the cartridge 19 has been depleted. If the control unit 12 determines that the aerosol-generating material in the cartridge 19 has been depleted, it can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

[0159] The control unit 12 can determine whether the cartridge 19 has been used. For example, based on the data stored in the memory 17, the control unit 12 can determine that the cartridge 19 cannot be used if the current number of puffs is greater than or equal to the maximum number of puffs set for the cartridge 19. For example, the control unit 12 can determine that the cartridge 19 cannot be used if the total time the heater 24 has been heated is greater than or equal to a previously set maximum time, or if the total amount of power supplied to the heater 24 is greater than or equal to a previously set maximum amount of power.

[0160] The control unit 12 can make decisions regarding the user's inhalation based on the puff sensor 132. For example, the control unit 12 can determine whether a puff has occurred based on the sensing value of the signal from the puff sensor. For example, the control unit 12 can determine the intensity of the puff based on the sensing value of the signal from the puff sensor 132. If the number of puffs reaches a pre-set maximum number of puffs or if no puff is detected for a period of time longer than a pre-set time, the control unit 12 can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

[0161] The control unit 12 can determine whether the cap is attached and / or removed based on the cap sensing sensor 136. For example, the control unit 12 can determine whether the cap is attached and / or removed based on the sensing value of the signal from the cap sensing sensor.

[0162] The control unit 12 can control the output unit 14 based on the results sensed by the sensor 13. For example, when the number of puffs counted by the puff sensor 132 reaches a pre-set number, the control unit 12 can notify the user that the aerosol generator 1 will immediately shut off via at least one of the display 141, the haptic unit 142, and the acoustic output unit 143. For example, if the control unit 12 determines that there is no stick S in the insertion space, it can notify the user via the output unit 14. For example, if the control unit 12 determines that the cartridge 19 and / or cap has not been installed, it can notify the user via the output unit 14. For example, the control unit 12 can transmit information about the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 to the user via the output unit 14.

[0163] The control unit 12 can save and update a history of the event in the memory 17 when a predetermined event occurs. Events can include operations performed by the aerosol generator 1, such as detection of stick S insertion, start of stick S heating, puff detection, end of puffing, detection of overheating of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, detection of overvoltage application to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, end of stick S heating, on / off of the aerosol generator 1, start of charging of the power supply 11, detection of overcharge of the power supply 11, and end of charging of the power supply 11. The history of an event can include the date and time the event occurred, log data corresponding to the event, etc. For example, if a predetermined event is the detection of stick S insertion, the log data corresponding to the event can include data such as the sensing value of the insertion detection sensor 133. For example, if a predetermined event is the detection of overheating of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, the log data corresponding to the event may include data such as the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, the voltage applied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, and the current flowing through the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

[0164] The control unit 12 can be controlled to form a communication link with an external device, such as the user's mobile terminal. Upon receiving authentication data from the external device via the communication link, the control unit 12 can remove the restriction on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generator 1. Here, the authentication data may include data indicating the completion of user authentication for the user corresponding to the external device. The user can perform user authentication via the external device. The external device can determine whether the user data is valid based on the user's date of birth, a unique number identifying the user, etc., and can receive data regarding the right to use the aerosol generator 1 from an external server. Based on the data regarding the right to use, the external device can transmit data indicating the completion of user authentication to the aerosol generator 1. Once user authentication is complete, the control unit 12 can remove the restriction on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generator 1. For example, once user authentication is complete, the control unit 12 can remove the restriction on the use of the heating function that supplies power to the heater 18.

[0165] The control unit 12 can transmit data about the status of the aerosol generator 1 to the external device via a communication link formed with the external device. Based on the received status data, the external device can output the remaining capacity of the power supply 11 of the aerosol generator 1, the operating mode, and other information via the external device's display.

[0166] An external device can transmit a location search request to the aerosol generator 1 based on an input that initiates a location search for the aerosol generator 1. When the control unit 12 receives a location search request from the external device, it can control at least one of the output devices to perform an operation corresponding to the location search based on the received location search request. For example, the haptic unit 142 can generate vibrations in response to the location search request. For example, the display 141 can output an object corresponding to the location search and the end of the search in response to the location search request.

[0167] The control unit 12 can control the aerosol generator 1 to perform a firmware update when it receives firmware data from an external device. The external device can check the current firmware version of the aerosol generator 1 and determine if a new firmware version is available. When the external device receives an input requesting a firmware download, it can receive the new firmware data and transmit the new firmware data to the aerosol generator 1. When the control unit 12 receives the new firmware data, it can control the aerosol generator 1 to perform a firmware update.

[0168] The control unit 12 can transmit data about the sensing values ​​of at least one sensor 13 to an external server (not shown) via the communication unit 16, learn the sensing values ​​from the server via machine learning such as deep learning, and receive and store the generated learning model. Using the learning model received from the server, the control unit 12 can perform operations such as determining the user's inhalation pattern and generating a temperature profile. The control unit 12 can store the sensing value data of at least one sensor 13 and data for training an artificial neural network (ANN) in the memory 17. For example, the memory 17 can store a database of each component provided in the aerosol generator 1, weights and biases that make up the artificial neural network (ANN) structure, etc., for training the artificial neural network (ANN). The control unit 12 can learn the data about the sensing values ​​of at least one sensor 13, the user's inhalation pattern, the temperature profile, etc., stored in the memory 17, and generate at least one learning model used for determining the user's inhalation pattern and generating a temperature profile.

[0169] As described above, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the slide guide structure of the cap can be simplified by providing a guide rail consisting of a protruding portion that protrudes onto the slide path of the cap that opens and closes the insertion opening and an extended portion that is inclined thereto.

[0170] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the movement of the cap is guided by the elastic restoring force of the guide rail, thereby eliminating the need for structures such as springs or magnets, and reducing the volume of the device.

[0171] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the rails supporting the upper and lower sides of the cap are inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction to guide the movement of the cap, thereby improving the user experience related to the opening and closing operation of the cap.

[0172] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, by providing a projection and a stopper that fix the slider of the cap in the position where the cap closes the insertion opening and in the position where it opens, the position of the cap can be fixed when the insertion opening is closed or open, and the movement of the cap can be prevented.

[0173] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, by providing ribs that project upward away from the guide rail and extend in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail, it is possible to minimize the inflow of foreign matter into the device through the structure for sliding the cap.

[0174] Referring to Figures 1 to 17, an aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a body 10, an upper case 30 detachably coupled to the body 10 and having an inlet 54, guide rails 314, 51 provided on the upper case 30 and extending elongated in one direction, and a cap 40 movably coupled to the guide rails 314, 51 and sliding along the guide rails 314, 51 to open and close the inlet 54, wherein the guide rails 314, 51 may include a projection 513 projecting toward the path through which the cap 40 slides, and extensions 511, 512 extending on both sides of the projection 513 and inclined with respect to the projection 513.

[0175] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, as the cap 40 moves along the guide rails 314 and 51, the projection 513 is pushed downward by the cap 40 with respect to the longitudinal direction of the guide rails 314 and 51, and the cap 40 can be guided by the elastic restoring force of the projection 513 and the extensions 511 and 512 to move along the longitudinal direction of the guide rails 314 and 51.

[0176] Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the cap 40 includes a slider 43 that moves on the guide rails 314, 51, and the extensions 511, 512 include a first extension 511 on which the slider 43 is positioned in a first position where the cap 40 closes the insertion opening 54, and a second extension 512 on which the slider 43 is positioned in a second position where the cap 40 opens the insertion opening 54, and the protruding portion 513 can protrude at a predetermined angle relative to the first extension 511 and the second extension 512.

[0177] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, the projection 513 may include a first inclined surface 514 extending inclined with respect to the first extension 511, a second inclined surface 515 extending inclined with respect to the second extension 512, and a support surface 516 connecting the first inclined surface 514 and the second inclined surface 515.

[0178] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the first extension 511 and the second extension 512 extend diagonally upward with respect to the longitudinal direction of the guide rails 314 and 51, and the first inclined surface 514 and the second inclined surface 515 may each be inclined upward with respect to the respective directions in which the first extension 511 and the second extension 512 extend.

[0179] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the guide rails 314, 51 include a case rail 314 formed by recessing a portion of the upper case 30, and a plate rail 51 formed on a plate 50 coupled to the upper case 30, and having the protrusion 513 and the extensions 511, 512, wherein the case rail 314 may be rounded and recessed upward with respect to the longitudinal direction of the guide rails 314, 51.

[0180] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the case rail 314 may include stoppers 315, 316 provided at both ends to restrict the movement of the slider 43.

[0181] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, in the first position, the slider 43 may have one upper edge that contacts the case rail 314 in contact with the stoppers 315 and 316, and the other lower edge that contacts the plate rail 51 in contact with the protrusion 513; and in the second position, the other upper edge that contacts the case rail 314 in contact with the stoppers 315 and 316, and one lower edge that contacts the plate rail 51 in contact with the protrusion 513.

[0182] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, at least one of the distances between the stoppers 315, 316 and the protrusion 513 in the direction in which the first extension 511 extends, and the distances between the stoppers 315, 316 and the protrusion 513 in the direction in which the second extension 512 extends, may correspond to the length of the slider 43.

[0183] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the length of the projection 513 may be shorter than the length of the slider 43.

[0184] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, a first rib 52 may be included that is spaced apart from the guide rails 314, 51, extends longitudinally along the guide rails 314, 51, and projects upward relative to the longitudinal direction of the guide rails 314, 51.

[0185] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, a support portion 323 may be included that is spaced apart from the projection 513, positioned below the projection 513, and projecting toward the projection 513.

[0186] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the upper case 30 may include a first upper case 31 that covers the guide rails 314, 51 from above and has a slot 313 into which the cap 40 is movably inserted, and a second upper case 32 that is coupled to the first upper case 31 and supports the guide rails 314, 51 from below.

[0187] Furthermore, according to other aspects of the present disclosure, the first upper case 31 includes first side covers 312 extending downward at both ends with respect to the longitudinal direction of the guide rails 314, 51, and the second upper case 32 includes second side covers 322 extending downward at both ends with respect to the longitudinal direction of the guide rails 314, 51, wherein the first side cover 312 is formed by bending both ends in the width direction of the first side cover 312 inward to form hooks 318 extending in the longitudinal direction of the first side cover 312, and the second side cover 322 is formed so that both ends in the width direction of the second side cover 322 can be connected to the hooks 318.

[0188] Furthermore, according to other aspects of the present disclosure, the body 10 includes an insertion space 191 that opens to one side and is aligned with the insertion port 54, and a heater 18 disposed within the insertion space 191 for heating the insertion space 191, and the upper case 30 may include an extractor 60 that extends and is inserted into the insertion space 191 and houses the heater 18 inside.

[0189] The specific or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinguishable. The specific or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above may be used in combination or in combination with each other in terms of their respective configurations or functions.

[0190] For example, this means that configuration A described in a particular embodiment and / or drawing can be combined with configuration B described in other embodiments and / or drawings. In other words, even if a combination of configurations is not directly described, it means that such a combination is possible unless it is explicitly stated that such a combination is not possible.

[0191] The foregoing detailed description should not be interpreted restrictively in any way and should be considered illustrative. The scope of the invention should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the invention are included within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. The body and, An upper case detachably connected to the body and having an insertion opening, The upper case is provided with a guide rail that extends long in one direction, Includes a cap that is movably coupled to the guide rail and slides along the guide rail to open and close the insertion opening, The aforementioned guide rail is A protruding portion that extends toward the path through which the cap slides, An aerosol generating apparatus comprising extensions extending from both sides of the aforementioned protrusion and inclined with respect to the aforementioned protrusion.

2. As the cap moves along the guide rail, the protruding portion is pushed downward by the cap with respect to the longitudinal direction of the guide rail. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cap is guided to move in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail by the elastic restoring force of the protrusion and the extension.

3. The cap is equipped with a slider that moves along the guide rail, The aforementioned extension is The first extension portion on which the slider is positioned in the first position where the cap closes the insertion opening, The cap includes a second extension in which the slider is positioned at a second position that opens the insertion opening, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the protruding portion protrudes at a predetermined angle with respect to the first extension and the second extension.

4. The aforementioned protrusion is A first inclined surface extending in an inclination with respect to the first extension, A second inclined surface extending in an inclination relative to the second extension, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 3, comprising a support surface connecting the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface.

5. The first extension and the second extension extend diagonally upward with respect to the longitudinal direction of the guide rail, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 4, wherein each of the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface is inclined upward with respect to the respective directions in which the first extension and the second extension extend.

6. The aforementioned guide rail is A case rail is formed by a recess in a part of the upper case, A plate rail formed on a plate coupled to the upper case, comprising the protruding portion and the extended portion, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the case rail is rounded and recessed upward with respect to the longitudinal direction of the guide rail.

7. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 6, comprising stoppers provided at both ends of the case rail to restrict the movement of the slider.

8. The aforementioned slider is In the first position, one edge of the upper surface that contacts the case rail contacts the stopper, and the other edge of the lower surface that contacts the plate rail contacts the protruding portion. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 7, wherein, at the second position, the other edge of the upper surface that contacts the case rail contacts the stopper, and the one edge of the lower surface that contacts the plate rail contacts the protruding portion.

9. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 7, wherein at least one of the distances at which the stopper and the protrusion are separated in the direction in which the first extension extends, and the distances at which the stopper and the protrusion are separated in the direction in which the second extension extends, corresponds to the length of the slider.

10. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the length of the protruding portion is shorter than the length of the slider.

11. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 3, comprising a first rib that is spaced apart from the guide rail, extends for a long distance in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail, and protrudes upward relative to the longitudinal direction of the guide rail.

12. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a support portion disposed below the protrusion and spaced apart from the protrusion, and protruding toward the protrusion.

13. The aforementioned upper case is A first upper case that covers the guide rail from above and has a slot formed therein into which the cap is movably inserted, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a second upper case coupled to the first upper case and supporting the guide rail from below.

14. The first upper case includes first side covers that extend downward with respect to the longitudinal direction of the guide rail at both ends, The second upper case includes second side covers that extend downward with respect to the longitudinal direction of the guide rail at both ends, The first side cover is formed by folding both ends of the first side cover in the width direction inward, and a hook extending in the longitudinal direction of the first side cover is formed therein. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 13, wherein both ends of the second side cover in the width direction are connected to the hook.

15. The aforementioned body is An insertion space that opens on one side and is aligned with the insertion opening, Includes a heater disposed within the insertion space for heating the insertion space, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the upper case extends for a long distance and is inserted into the insertion space, and includes an extractor that houses the heater inside.

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