KR20230055925A - Aerosol generating device - Google Patents

Abstract

An aerosol generating device is disclosed. The aerosol generating device of the present disclosure includes: a housing having an elongated insertion space; a first heater that is adjacent to one end of the insertion space in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space and heats an aerosol generating material; a color sensor disposed adjacent to the insertion space and facing the insertion space; and a second heater that heats at least a part of the outer peripheral surface of a stick inserted into the insertion space, wherein the color sensor can be placed on the top of the second heater in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space.

Description

Aerosol generating device {AEROSOL GENERATING DEVICE}

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device.

Aerosol generating devices are for extracting certain components from a medium or substance through an aerosol. The medium may contain materials of various components. Substances included in the medium may be flavor substances of various components. For example, the substance included in the medium may include a nicotine component, an herbal component, and/or a coffee component. Recently, many studies on these aerosol generating devices have been conducted.

The present disclosure aims to solve the foregoing and other problems.

Another object may be to provide an aerosol generating device capable of determining whether an inserted stick is already used and preventing reuse of the previously used stick.

Another object may be to provide an aerosol generating device capable of minimizing a change in aerosol scent by heating a portion of the stick that does not contain a medium at a relatively low temperature to determine whether the stick is used or not.

Another object may be to provide an aerosol generating device capable of determining whether an inserted stick is used regardless of the type of stick used.

Another object may be to provide an aerosol generating device capable of determining the degree of use of a previously used stick.

An aerosol generating device according to one aspect of the present disclosure for achieving the above object includes a housing having a long insertion space; a first heater adjacent to one end of the insertion space in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space and heating an aerosol generating material; a color sensor disposed adjacent to the insertion space and facing the insertion space; and a second heater configured to heat at least a portion of an outer circumferential surface of a stick inserted into the insertion space, wherein the color sensor may be disposed above the second heater in a longitudinal direction of the insertion space.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to determine whether or not the inserted stick has already been used and to prevent reuse of the previously used stick.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a change in aerosol scent may be minimized by heating a portion of the stick that does not contain a medium at a relatively low temperature to determine whether or not the stick is used.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, whether or not the inserted stick is used may be determined regardless of the type of stick used.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the degree of use of a previously used stick may be determined.

Additional scope of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description that follows. However, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific embodiments such as preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are given as examples only.

1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
2 to 4 are views referenced for description of an aerosol generating device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
5 to 7 are views referenced in description of a stick according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
8 to 10 are views referenced for description of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
11 to 13 are flow charts illustrating the operation of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed herein will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Regardless of the reference numerals, the same or similar components are given the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions thereof will be omitted.

The suffixes "module" and "unit" for components used in the following description may be given or used interchangeably in consideration of ease of writing the specification. "Module" and "unit" do not have meanings or roles distinct from each other by themselves.

In addition, in describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known technology may obscure the gist of the embodiment disclosed in this specification, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the accompanying drawings are only for easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical ideas disclosed in this specification are not limited by the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the accompanying drawings include all modifications, equivalents or substitutes included in the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first and second, may be used to describe various components. However, the components are not limited by the terms. These terms are only used for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

When an element is referred to as being “connected” or “connected” to another element, it may be directly connected or connected to the other element. However, it should be understood that other components may exist in the middle. On the other hand, when an element is referred to as “directly connected” or “directly connected” to another element, it should be understood that no other element exists in the middle.

Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

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

Referring to FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device 10 includes a communication interface 11, an input/output interface 12, an aerosol generating module 13, a memory 14, a sensor module 15, a battery 16, and a stick. A usage detection module 18 and/or a control unit 17 may be included.

In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 10 may be composed of only the main body 100. In this case, components included in the aerosol generating device 10 may be located in the main body 100. In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device 10 may be composed of a cartridge 200 holding an aerosol generating material and a main body 100. In this case, components included in the aerosol generating device 10 may be located on at least one of the main body 100 and the cartridge 200.

The communication interface 11 may include at least one communication module for communication with an external device and/or network. For example, the communication interface 11 may include a communication module for wired communication such as universal serial bus (USB). For example, the communication interface 11 may include a communication module for wireless communication such as WiFi (wireless fidelity), Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Zigbee, and NFC (near field communication). can

The input/output interface 12 may include an input device for receiving a command from a user and/or an output device for outputting information to the user. For example, the input device may include a touch panel, physical buttons, and a microphone. For example, the output device outputs tactile information such as a display device, a display device that outputs visual information such as a light emitting diode (LED), an audio device that outputs auditory information such as a speaker and a buzzer, and a haptic effect. It may include a motor that does.

The input/output interface 12 may transfer data corresponding to a command input from a user through an input device to other component(s) of the aerosol generating device 10 . The input/output interface 12 may output information corresponding to data received from the other component(s) of the aerosol generating device 10 through an output device.

The aerosol generating module 13 may generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material. Here, the aerosol-generating material may refer to any one material or a combination of two or more materials in various states such as a liquid state, a solid state, and a gel state capable of generating an aerosol.

The liquid aerosol-generating material may be, according to one embodiment, a liquid comprising a tobacco-containing material comprising a volatile tobacco flavor component. The liquid aerosol generating material may be a liquid comprising a non-tobacco material according to another embodiment. For example, liquid aerosol-generating substances may include water, solvents, nicotine, plant extracts, fragrances, flavoring agents, vitamin mixtures, and the like.

Solid-state aerosol-generating materials may include solid materials based on tobacco raw materials, such as leafy leaf sheets, cut fillers, and granules. In addition, the solid-state aerosol-generating material may include a solid material including a taste control agent, a flavoring material, and the like. For example, the taste control agent may include calcium carbonate, sodium hydrogen carbonate, calcium oxide and the like. For example, the fragrance material may include natural materials such as herbal granules, or silica, zeolite, and dextrin including fragrance components.

In addition, the aerosol generating material may further include an aerosol former such as glycerin or propylene glycol.

The aerosol generating module 13 may include at least one heater 131 .

The aerosol generating module 13 may include an electrical resistive heater. For example, an electrical resistive heater may include at least one electrically conductive track. An electrical resistive heater can be heated by a current flowing through an electrically conductive track. At this time, the aerosol generating material may be heated by the heated electrical resistive heater.

The electrically conductive track may include an electrically resistive material. As an example, the electrically conductive track may be formed of a metallic material. As another example, the electrically conductive tracks may be formed of a ceramic material, carbon, a metal alloy, or a combination of a ceramic material and a metal.

The electrical resistive heater may include electrically conductive tracks formed in various shapes. For example, the electrically conductive track may be formed in any one of a tubular shape, a plate shape, a needle shape, a rod shape, and a coil shape.

The aerosol generating module 13 may include a heater using an induction heating method. For example, an induction heating type heater may include an electrically conductive coil. The induction heating type heater may generate an alternating magnetic field whose direction is periodically changed by adjusting the current flowing through the electrically conductive coil. In this case, when an alternating magnetic field is applied to the magnetic body, energy loss due to eddy current loss and hysteresis loss may occur in the magnetic body. Also, as the energy lost is released as thermal energy, the aerosol generating material adjacent to the magnetic body may be heated. Here, an object generating heat by a magnetic field may be referred to as a susceptor.

Meanwhile, the aerosol generating module 13 may generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material by generating ultrasonic vibrations.

The aerosol generating module 13 may be referred to as a cartomizer, an atomizer, a vaporizer, and the like.

When the aerosol generating device 10 is composed of the cartridge 200 holding the aerosol generating material and the main body 100, the aerosol generating module 13 may be located in at least one of the main body 100 and the cartridge 200. there is.

The memory 14 may store programs for processing and controlling each signal in the control unit 17 . The memory 14 may store data processed by the controller 17 and data to be processed.

For example, the memory 14 may store application programs designed for the purpose of performing various tasks processable by the control unit 17 . The memory 14 may selectively provide some of the stored application programs upon request of the control unit 17 .

For example, the memory 14 may store the operation time of the aerosol generating device 10, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, data on the user's inhalation pattern, data on charging/discharging, and the like. can be stored Here, the puff may mean user's inhalation. Inhalation may refer to a situation in which the user draws into the user's oral cavity, nasal cavity, or lungs through the mouth or nose.

For example, the memory 14 may include range information of a color signal for determining whether a stick is inserted, range information of a color signal for determining whether a stick is already used, and range information of a color signal for determining the extent to which a stick has been used. etc. can be stored.

The memory 14 includes volatile memory (eg, DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, etc.), non-volatile memory (eg, flash memory, hard disk drive (HDD)), solid state drive (Solid-state drive), and the like. state drive; SSD).

The memory 14 may be disposed in at least one of the main body 100 and the cartridge 200 . The memory 14 may be disposed in the main body 100 and the cartridge 200, respectively. For example, the memory of the main body 100 may store information about components disposed inside the main body 100 , for example, information about the total capacity of the battery 190 . For example, the memory of the main body 100 may store cartridge information received from the cartridge 200 previously or currently coupled with the main body 100, and the memory of the cartridge 200 may store identification information of the cartridge. (ID information), cartridge information including cartridge type information, etc. may be stored.

The sensor module 15 may include at least one sensor.

For example, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor for detecting a puff (hereinafter referred to as a puff sensor 151). In this case, the puff sensor 151 may be implemented by a proximity sensor such as an IR sensor, a pressure sensor, a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, a magnetic field sensor, and the like.

For example, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor (hereinafter referred to as a temperature sensor) that detects the temperature of the heater 131 included in the aerosol generating module 13 and the temperature of the aerosol generating material.

At this time, the heater 131 included in the aerosol generating module 13 may serve as a temperature sensor. For example. The electrical resistive material of the heater 131 may be a material having a temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR). The sensor module 15 may sense the temperature of the heater 131 by measuring the resistance of the heater 131 that varies according to the temperature.

For example, when a stick can be inserted into the body of the aerosol generating device 10, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor (hereinafter referred to as a stick detection sensor) for detecting the insertion of the stick.

For example, when the aerosol generating device 10 includes the cartridge 200, the sensor module 15 is a sensor for detecting attachment/detachment, position, etc. , cartridge detection sensor) may be included.

At this time, the stick detection sensor and/or the cartridge detection sensor may be implemented by an inductance-based sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistance sensor, a hall sensor using a hall effect (hall IC), and the like. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the cartridge detection sensor may include a connection terminal. The connection terminal is provided on the main body 100, and as the cartridge 200 is coupled to the main body 100, it may be electrically connected to electrodes provided on the cartridge 200. The connection terminal may also serve as a cartridge detection sensor. For example, the sensor module 15 may detect attachment/detachment of the cartridge 200 to/from the main body 100 based on a current flowing through the connection terminal, a voltage applied to the connection terminal, and the like.

For example, the sensor module 15 may include a voltage sensor for detecting voltage applied to a component (eg, battery 16) provided in the aerosol generating device 10 and/or a current sensor for detecting current. can

For example, the sensor module 15 may include at least one sensor (hereinafter referred to as motion sensor) for detecting the motion of the aerosol generating device 10 . In this case, the motion sensor may be implemented by at least one of a gyro sensor and an acceleration sensor.

The battery 16 may supply power used for the operation of the aerosol generating device 10 under the control of the controller 17 . The battery 16 may supply power to other components included in the aerosol generating device 10 . For example, the battery 16 may supply power to a communication module included in the communication interface 11, an output device included in the input/output interface 12, a heater 131 included in the aerosol generating module 13, and the like. there is.

The battery 16 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 16 may be a lithium ion battery or a lithium polymer (Li-Polymer) battery, but is not limited thereto. For example, when the battery 16 can be charged, the charge rate (C-rate) of the battery 16 may be 10C and the discharge rate (C-rate) may be 10C to 20C, but is not limited thereto. In addition, for stable use, the battery 16 may be manufactured so that 80% or more of the total capacity may be secured even when charging/discharging is performed 2000 times.

The aerosol generating device 10 may further include a battery protection module (PCM), which is a circuit for protecting the battery 16. The battery protection module (PCM) may be disposed adjacent to the upper surface of the battery 16 . For example, the battery protection module (PCM), in order to prevent overcharging and overdischarging of the battery 16, when a short circuit occurs in a circuit connected to the battery 16, when an overvoltage is applied to the battery 16 , in the case where an overcurrent flows through the battery 16, the electric path to the battery 16 can be cut off.

The aerosol generating device 10 may further include a charging terminal into which power supplied from the outside is input. For example, a charging terminal may be formed on one side of the main body of the aerosol generating device 10. The aerosol generating device 10 may charge the battery 16 using power supplied through a charging terminal. At this time, the charging terminal may include a wired terminal for USB communication, a pogo pin, and the like.

The aerosol generating device 10 may wirelessly receive power supplied from the outside through the communication interface 11 . For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may receive power wirelessly using an antenna included in a communication module for wireless communication. The aerosol generating device 10 may charge the battery 16 using power supplied wirelessly.

The stick use detection module 18 may detect a stick inserted into the aerosol generating device 10 . The stick usage detection module 18 may include a second heater 181 and a color sensor 182 . The stick use detection module 18 may be a separate sensing module from the stick detection sensor of the sensor module 15 . Meanwhile, when the aerosol generating device 10 includes the stick use detection module 18, the sensor module 15 may not include the stick detection sensor.

The second heater 181 may be disposed adjacent to an outer circumferential surface of the insertion space formed in the aerosol generating device 10 . The second heater 181 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the support included in the stick inserted into the insertion space. The second heater 181 may heat the outer circumferential surface of the support portion of the stick.

The color sensor 182 may emit light into the insertion space, receive reflected light of which the emitted light is reflected by the stick, and output a color signal corresponding to the received reflected light. The color sensor 182 may output different color signals according to the color of the outer circumferential surface of the stick on which the emitted light is reflected.

The controller 17 may control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 10 . The control unit 17 may be connected to each component provided in the aerosol generating device 10. The control unit 17 may transmit and/or receive signals between each component and control the overall operation of each component.

The controller 17 may include at least one processor. The controller 17 may control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 10 by using a processor. Here, the processor may be a general processor such as a central processing unit (CPU). Of course, the processor may be a dedicated device such as an ASIC or other hardware-based processor.

The controller 17 may perform any one of a plurality of functions of the aerosol generating device 10 . For example, the control unit 17 may perform a plurality of functions of the aerosol generating device 10 ( Example: preheating function, heating function, charging function, cleaning function, etc.) may be performed.

The controller 17 may control the operation of each component provided in the aerosol generating device 10 based on data stored in the memory 14 . For example, the control unit 17 controls the supply of a predetermined power from the battery 16 to the aerosol generating module 13 for a predetermined period of time based on data on the temperature profile, the user's inhalation pattern, etc. stored in the memory 14. You can control it.

The controller 17 may determine whether a puff is present through the puff sensor 151 included in the sensor module 15 . For example, the control unit 17 may check a temperature change, a flow change, a pressure change, a voltage change, and the like in the aerosol generating device 10 based on a value sensed by the puff sensor 151 . The control unit 17 may determine whether or not the puff is present according to a result confirmed based on the sensing value of the puff sensor 151 .

The control unit 17 may control the operation of each component provided in the aerosol generating device 10 according to whether or not puffs are puffed and/or the number of puffs. For example, the controller 17 may control the temperature of the first heater 131 and/or the second heater 181 to be changed or maintained based on the temperature profile stored in the memory 14 .

The controller 17 may control power supply to the first heater 131 to be cut off according to a predetermined condition. For example, when the stick is removed, when the cartridge 200 is separated, when the number of puffs reaches a preset maximum number of puffs, when no puffs are detected for a preset time or longer, and when the remaining capacity of the battery 16 is reached. In the case of less than the predetermined value, the control unit 17 may control power supply to the first heater 131 to be cut off.

The controller 17 may control power supply to the second heater 181 according to predetermined conditions. For example, when a stick is inserted into the insertion space, when the number of puffs reaches a preset maximum number of puffs, and between puffs, the control unit 17 controls power to be supplied to the second heater 131. can do.

The controller 17 may calculate the remaining capacity of power stored in the battery 16 . For example, the controller 17 may calculate the amount of remaining power of the battery 16 based on a sensing value of a voltage sensor and/or a current sensor included in the sensor module 15 .

The controller 17 supplies power to the heater 131 using at least one of a pulse width modulation (PWM) method and a proportional-integral-differential (PID) method. can be controlled as much as possible.

For example, the control unit 17 may control current pulses having a predetermined frequency and duty ratio to be supplied to the first heater 131 and/or the second heater 181 using a PWM method. At this time, the controller 17 may control the power supplied to the first heater 131 and/or the second heater 181 by adjusting the frequency and duty ratio of the current pulse.

For example, the control unit 17 can determine a target temperature serving as a control target based on the temperature profile. At this time, the control unit 17 calculates the difference value between the temperature of the first heater 131 and/or the second heater 181 and the target temperature, a value obtained by integrating the difference value over time, and a difference value over time. Power supplied to the first heater 131 and/or the second heater 181 may be controlled by using the PID method, which is a feedback control method through a differential value according to .

For example, the controller 17 may control power supplied to the first heater 131 and/or the second heater 181 based on the temperature profile. The controller 17 may control the length of the heating section for heating the first heater 131 and/or the second heater 181, the amount of power supplied to the heater 131 during the heating section, and the like. The controller 17 may control power supplied to the first heater 131 and/or the second heater 181 based on the target temperature of the first heater 131 and/or the second heater 181. there is.

On the other hand, the PWM method and the PID method have been described as examples of control methods for supplying power to the first heater 131 and/or the second heater 181, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the proportional-integral ( Various control methods such as a proportional-integral (PI) method and a proportional-differential (PD) method may be used.

The control unit 17 may determine the temperature of the first heater 131 and/or the second heater 181, and according to the temperature of the first heater 131 and/or the second heater 181, the first Power supplied to the heater 131 and/or the second heater 181 may be adjusted. For example, the controller 17 controls the resistance value of the first heater 131 and/or the second heater 181, the current flowing through the first heater 131 and/or the second heater 181, the first The temperature of the first heater 131 and/or the second heater 181 may be determined by checking the voltage applied to the heater 131 and/or the second heater 181 .

Meanwhile, the controller 17 may control power to be supplied to the first heater 131 according to a preset condition. For example, when a cleaning function for cleaning a space into which a stick is inserted is selected according to a command input from a user through the input/output interface 12, the controller 17 controls the supply of predetermined power to the first heater 131. can do.

2 to 4 are views referenced for description of an aerosol generating device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

According to various embodiments of the present invention, the aerosol generating device 10 may include a main body 100 and/or a cartridge 200.

Referring to FIG. 2 , the aerosol generating device 10 according to an embodiment may include a main body 100 configured to allow the stick 20 to be inserted into a space formed by the housing 101 .

The stick 20 may be similar to a conventional combustible cigarette. For example, the stick 20 may be divided into a first part containing an aerosol generating material and a second part including a filter. Alternatively, the aerosol generating material may also be included in the second part of the stick 20 . An aerosol generating material, eg in the form of granules or capsules, may be inserted into the second part.

The entire first part may be inserted into the aerosol generating device 10, and the second part may be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a part of the first part may be inserted into the aerosol generating device 10, or parts of the first part and the second part may be inserted. The user may inhale the aerosol while opening the second portion. At this time, the aerosol is generated by passing the external air through the first portion, and the generated aerosol may pass through the second portion and be delivered to the user's mouth.

The main body 100 may be formed in a structure in which external air may be introduced into the main body 100 in a state in which the stick 20 is inserted. At this time, the outside air introduced into the main body 100 may flow into the user's mouth through the stick 20 .

The heater may be disposed at a position within the body 100 corresponding to a position of the stick 20 when the stick 20 is inserted into the body 100 . In this drawing, the heater is shown as being an electrically conductive heater 110 including a needle-shaped electrically conductive track, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

The heater may heat the inside and/or outside of the stick 20 using power supplied from the battery 16 . At this time, aerosol may be generated from the heated stick 20 . At this time, the user may inhale the tobacco-flavored aerosol by inhaling one end of the stick 20 through the mouth.

Meanwhile, the controller 17 may control power to be supplied to the heater according to a preset condition even when the stick 20 is not inserted. For example, when a cleaning function for cleaning a space into which the stick 20 is inserted is selected according to a command input from a user through the input/output interface 12, the control unit 17 may control a predetermined power to be supplied to the heater. there is.

The controller 17 may monitor the number of puffs based on a value sensed by the puff sensor from the time point when the stick 20 is inserted.

The controller 17 may initialize the current number of puffs stored in the memory 14 when the inserted stick 20 is removed.

Referring to FIG. 3 , an aerosol generating device 10 according to an embodiment may include a main body 100 supporting a cartridge 200 and a cartridge 200 holding an aerosol generating material.

The cartridge 200 may be configured to be detachable from the main body 100 according to one embodiment. The cartridge 200 may be integrally formed with the main body 100 according to another embodiment. For example, at least a portion of the cartridge 200 may be inserted into an inner space formed by the housing 101 of the main body 100, and the cartridge 200 may be mounted on the main body 100.

The main body 100 may be formed in a structure in which external air may be introduced into the main body 100 in a state in which the cartridge 200 is inserted. At this time, outside air introduced into the main body 100 may flow into the user's mouth through the cartridge 200 .

The controller 17 may determine whether the cartridge 200 is mounted/detached through a cartridge detection sensor included in the sensor module 15 . For example, the cartridge detection sensor may transmit a pulse current through one terminal connected to the cartridge 200 . In this case, the cartridge detecting sensor may detect whether or not the cartridge 200 is connected based on whether a pulse current is received through the other terminal.

The cartridge 200 may include a heater 210 that heats the aerosol generating material and/or a reservoir 220 that holds the aerosol generating material. For example, a liquid delivery means that impregnates (contains) an aerosol generating material may be disposed inside the reservoir 220 . The electrically conductive track of the heater 210 may be formed into a structure that winds the liquid delivery means. At this time, as the liquid delivery unit is heated by the heater 210, aerosol may be generated. Here, the liquid delivery means may include a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic.

The cartridge 200 may include an insertion space 230 configured to allow the stick 20 to be inserted. For example, the cartridge 200 may include an insertion space formed by an inner wall (not shown) extending in a circumferential direction along a direction in which the stick 20 is inserted. At this time, the insertion space may be formed by opening the inner side of the inner wall vertically. The stick 20 may be inserted into the insertion space 230 formed by the inner wall.

The insertion space into which the stick 20 is inserted may be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of a portion of the stick 20 inserted into the insertion space. For example, when the stick 20 is formed in a cylindrical shape, the insertion space may be formed in a cylindrical shape.

When the stick 20 is inserted into the insertion space, the outer circumferential surface of the stick 20 is surrounded by an inner wall and may be in contact with the inner wall.

A portion of the stick 20 is inserted into the insertion space 230 of the cartridge 200, and the remaining portion may be exposed to the outside.

The user may inhale the aerosol while holding one end of the stick 20 in the mouth. The aerosol generated by the heater 210 may pass through the stick 20 and be delivered to the user's mouth. At this time, while the aerosol passes through the stick 20, the substance contained in the stick 20 may be added to the aerosol, and the aerosol with the substance added may be inhaled into the user's mouth through one end of the stick 20 there is.

Referring to FIG. 4 , an aerosol generating device 10 according to an embodiment may include a main body 100 supporting a cartridge 200 and a cartridge 200 holding an aerosol generating material. The main body 100 may be configured such that the stick 20 can be inserted into the insertion space 130 .

The aerosol generating device 10 may include a first heater for heating the aerosol generating material stored in the cartridge 200 . For example, when a user inhales one end of the stick 20 through the mouth, aerosol generated by the first heater may pass through the stick 20 . At this time, while the aerosol passes through the stick 20, a flavor may be added to the aerosol. The flavored aerosol may be inhaled into the user's mouth through one end of the stick 20 .

Meanwhile, according to another embodiment, the aerosol generating device 10 may include a heater for heating the aerosol generating material stored in the cartridge 200 and a heater for heating the stick 20 inserted into the main body 100, respectively. may be For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may generate an aerosol by heating the aerosol generating material stored in the cartridge 200 and the stick 20, respectively, through a plurality of heaters.

5 to 7 are views referenced in description of a stick according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Detailed descriptions of overlapping contents in FIGS. 5 to 7 will be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 5 , a stick 20 according to an embodiment may include a tobacco rod 21 and a filter rod 22 . The first part described above with reference to FIG. 2 may include a tobacco rod 21 . The second part described above with reference to FIG. 2 may include the filter rod 22 .

Although filter rod 22 is shown as a single segment in FIG. 5, it is not limited thereto. In other words, the filter rod 22 may be composed of a plurality of segments. For example, filter rod 22 may include a first segment that cools the aerosol and a second segment that filters certain components contained in the aerosol. Also, if necessary, the filter rod 22 may further include at least one segment performing other functions.

The diameter of the stick 20 is within the range of 5mm to 9mm, and the length may be about 48mm, but is not limited thereto. For example, the length of the tobacco rod 21 is about 12 mm, the length of the first segment of the filter rod 22 is about 10 mm, the length of the second segment of the filter rod 22 is about 14 mm, the length of the filter rod 22 The length of the third segment of may be about 12 mm, but is not limited thereto.

The stick 20 may be wrapped by at least one wrapper 24 . At least one hole through which external air is introduced or internal gas is discharged may be formed in the wrapper 24 . As an example, the stick 20 may be wrapped by one wrapper 24 . As another example, the stick 20 may be overlappingly wrapped by two or more wrappers 24 . For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be wrapped by the first wrapper 241 . For example, the filter rod 22 may be wrapped by wrappers 242 , 243 , and 244 . The tobacco rod 21 and the filter rod 22 wrapped by individual wrappers may be combined. The entire stick 20 may be re-wrapped by the third wrapper 245 . When each of the filter rods 22 is composed of a plurality of segments, each segment may be wrapped by individual wrappers 242, 243, and 244. The entire stick 20 in which segments wrapped by individual wrappers are combined may be re-wrapped by another wrapper.

The first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be made of general filter paper. For example, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be porous wrappers or non-porous wrappers. In addition, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be made of oil-resistant paper and/or aluminum laminate packaging material.

The third wrapper 243 may be made of hard paper. For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper 243 may be within a range of 88 g/m 2 to 96 g/m 2 . For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper 243 may be within a range of 90 g/m 2 to 94 g/m 2 . Also, the thickness of the third wrapper 243 may be within a range of 120 um to 130 um. For example, the thickness of the third wrapper 243 may be 125um.

The fourth wrapper 244 may be made of oil-resistant hard paper. For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 244 may be within a range of 88 g/m 2 to 96 g/m 2 . For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 244 may be within a range of 90 g/m 2 to 94 g/m 2 . In addition, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 244 may be included in the range of 120um to 130um. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 244 may be 125um.

The fifth wrapper 245 may be made of sterile paper (MFW). Here, the sterilized paper (MFW) may refer to paper specially manufactured to improve tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, and the like compared to general paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 245 may be within a range of 57 g/m 2 to 63 g/m 2 . For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 245 may be 60 g/m 2 . Also, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 245 may be within a range of 64um to 70um. For example, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 245 may be 67um.

A predetermined material may be internally added to the fifth wrapper 245 . Here, an example of the predetermined material may be silicon, but is not limited thereto. For example, silicon may have properties such as heat resistance with little change with temperature, oxidation resistance without being oxidized, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency, or electrical insulation. However, even if it is not silicon, any material having the above characteristics may be coated or coated on the fifth wrapper 245 without limitation.

The fifth wrapper 245 may prevent the stick 20 from burning. For example, when the tobacco rod 21 is heated by the heater 110, there is a possibility that the stick 20 is burned. Specifically, when the temperature rises above the ignition point of any one of the materials included in the tobacco rod 21, the stick 20 may be burned. Even in this case, since the fifth wrapper 245 includes an incombustible material, burning of the stick 20 can be prevented.

In addition, the fifth wrapper 245 may prevent the main body 100 from being contaminated by substances produced in the stick 20 . Liquid substances may be created in the stick 20 by the user's puff. For example, liquid substances (eg, moisture, etc.) may be generated by cooling the aerosol generated in the stick 20 by external air. As the fifth wrapper 245 wraps the stick 20 , liquid substances generated in the stick 20 may be prevented from leaking out of the stick 20 .

The tobacco rod 21 may contain an aerosol generating material. For example, the aerosol generating material may include, but is not limited to, at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol and oleyl alcohol. In addition, the tobacco rod 21 may contain other additive substances such as flavoring agents, humectants and/or organic acids. In addition, a flavoring liquid such as menthol or a moisturizer can be added to the tobacco rod 21 by spraying it to the tobacco rod 21 .

The tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be made of a sheet. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be made of a strand. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be made of a cut filler in which a tobacco sheet is chopped. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be surrounded by a heat conducting material. For example, the thermal conduction material may be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited thereto. For example, the heat conduction material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can improve the thermal conductivity applied to the tobacco rod by evenly distributing the heat transmitted to the tobacco rod 21 . This can improve the taste of tobacco. A heat conduction material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 may function as a susceptor to be heated by an induction heating type heater. At this time, although not shown in the drawing, the tobacco rod 21 may further include an additional susceptor in addition to the heat conducting material surrounding the outside.

The filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. On the other hand, the shape of the filter rod 22 is not limited. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a cylindrical rod. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a tubular rod having a hollow inside. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a recess type rod. When the filter rod 22 is composed of a plurality of segments, at least one of the plurality of segments may be manufactured in a different shape.

The first segment of filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the first segment may be a tube-shaped structure including a hollow therein. When the heater 110 is inserted by the first segment, the internal material of the tobacco rod 21 may be prevented from being pushed back, and a cooling effect of the aerosol may be generated. The diameter of the hollow included in the first segment may be appropriately employed within a range of 2 mm to 4.5 mm, but is not limited thereto.

The length of the first segment may be appropriately employed within a range of 4 mm to 30 mm, but is not limited thereto. For example, the length of the first segment may be 10 mm, but is not limited thereto.

The second segment of the filter rod 22 cools the aerosol produced by the heater 110 heating the tobacco rod 21 . Thus, the user can inhale the aerosol cooled to an appropriate temperature.

The length or diameter of the second segment may be variously determined according to the shape of the stick 20 . For example, the length of the second segment may be appropriately employed within a range of 7 mm to 20 mm. Preferably, the length of the second segment may be about 14 mm, but is not limited thereto.

The second segment may be fabricated by weaving polymer fibers. In this case, flavoring liquid may be applied to fibers made of polymer. Alternatively, the second segment may be manufactured by weaving a separate fiber coated with flavoring liquid and a fiber made of a polymer together. Alternatively, the second segment may be formed by a crimped polymer sheet.

For example, the polymer is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PLA), cellulose acetate (CA) and aluminum foil. material can be made.

As the second segment is formed by woven polymer fibers or crimped polymer sheets, the second segment may include one or more longitudinally extending channels. Here, the channel may refer to a passage through which gas (eg, air or aerosol) passes. .

For example, the second segment of a crimped polymer sheet may be formed from a material having a thickness between about 5 μm and about 300 μm, such as between about 10 μm and about 250 μm. Also, the total surface area of the second segment may be between about 300 mm 2 /mm and about 1000 mm 2 /mm. Additionally, the aerosol-cooling element may be formed from a material having a specific surface area between about 10 mm 2 /mg and about 100 mm 2 /mg.

Meanwhile, the second segment may include a thread containing a volatile flavor component. Here, the volatile flavor component may be menthol, but is not limited thereto. For example, the thread may be loaded with sufficient menthol to provide at least 1.5 mg of menthol to the second segment.

The third segment of filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. The length of the third segment may be appropriately employed within a range of 4 mm to 20 mm. For example, the length of the third segment may be about 12 mm, but is not limited thereto.

The filter rod 22 may be manufactured to generate flavor. As an example, flavoring liquid may be sprayed onto the filter rod 22 . As an example, a separate fiber coated with flavoring liquid may be inserted into the filter rod 22 .

In addition, at least one capsule 23 may be included in the filter rod 22 . Here, the capsule 23 may perform a function of generating flavor. The capsule 23 may also function to generate an aerosol. For example, the capsule 23 may have a structure in which a liquid containing a fragrance is wrapped with a film. The capsule 23 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

Referring to FIG. 6 , the stick 30 according to one embodiment may further include a shear plug 33 . The front end plug 33 is located on one side opposite to the filter rod 32 in the tobacco rod 31 . The shear plug 33 can prevent the tobacco rod 31 from escaping to the outside. The shear plug 33 can prevent the aerosol liquefied from the tobacco rod 31 from flowing into the aerosol generating device 10 during smoking.

The filter rod 32 may include a first segment 321 and a second segment 322 . The first segment 321 may correspond to the first segment of the filter rod 22 of FIG. 5 . The second segment 322 may correspond to the third segment of the filter rod 22 of FIG. 5 .

The diameter and total length of the stick 30 may correspond to the diameter and total length of the stick 20 of FIG. 5 . For example, the length of the shear plug 33 is about 7 mm, the length of the tobacco rod 31 is about 15 mm, the length of the first segment 321 is about 12 mm, and the length of the second segment 322 is about 14 mm. may, but is not limited thereto.

The stick 30 may be wrapped by at least one wrapper 35 . At least one hole through which external air is introduced or internal gas is discharged may be formed in the wrapper 35 . For example, the shear plug 33 is wrapped by the first wrapper 351, the tobacco rod 31 is wrapped by the second wrapper 352, and the first segment by the third wrapper 353 ( 321) may be wrapped, and the second segment 322 may be wrapped by the fourth wrapper 354. Also, the entire stick 30 may be re-wrapped by the fifth wrapper 355 .

In addition, at least one perforation 36 may be formed in the fifth wrapper 355 . For example, the perforation 36 may be formed in an area surrounding the tobacco rod 31, but is not limited thereto. For example, the perforation 36 may serve to transfer heat generated by the heater 210 shown in FIG. 3 to the inside of the tobacco rod 31.

In addition, at least one capsule 34 may be included in the second segment 322 . Here, the capsule 34 may also perform a function of generating flavor. The capsule 34 may also perform the function of generating an aerosol. For example, the capsule 34 may have a structure in which a liquid containing a fragrance is wrapped with a film. The capsule 34 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

The first wrapper 351 may be a metal foil such as aluminum foil coupled to a general filter wrapper. For example, the total thickness of the first wrapper 351 may be within a range of 45um to 55um. For example, the total thickness of the first wrapper 351 may be 50.3um. In addition, the thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper 351 may be included in the range of 6um to 7um. For example, the thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper 351 may be 6.3um. In addition, the basis weight of the first wrapper 351 may be included in the range of 50 g/m 2 to 55 g/m 2 . For example, the basis weight of the first wrapper 351 may be 53 g/m2.

The second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 may be made of general filter wrappers. For example, the second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 may be porous wrappers or non-porous wrappers.

For example, the porosity of the second wrapper 352 may be 35000 CU, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the thickness of the second wrapper 352 may be included in the range of 70um ~ 80um. For example, the thickness of the second wrapper 352 may be 78um. In addition, the basis weight of the second wrapper 352 may be within the range of 20 g/m 2 to 25 g/m 2 . For example, the basis weight of the second wrapper 352 may be 23.5 g/m2.

For example, the porosity of the third wrapper 353 may be 24000 CU, but is not limited thereto. Also, the thickness of the third wrapper 353 may be within a range of 60um to 70um. For example, the thickness of the third wrapper 353 may be 68um. In addition, the basis weight of the third wrapper 353 may be within the range of 20 g/m 2 to 25 g/m 2 . For example, the basis weight of the 3 wrappers 353 may be 21 g/m2.

The fourth wrapper 354 may be made of PLA laminate. Here, the PLA laminate may refer to three layers of paper including a paper layer, a PLA layer, and a paper layer. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 354 may be included in the range of 100um to 120um. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 354 may be 110um. In addition, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 354 may be included in the range of 80 g/m 2 to 100 g/m 2 . For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 354 may be 88 g/m2.

The fifth wrapper 355 may be made of sterile paper (MFW). Here, the sterilized paper (MFW) may refer to paper specially manufactured to improve tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, and the like compared to general paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 355 may be within a range of 57 g/m 2 to 63 g/m 2 . For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 355 may be 60 g/m2. In addition, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 355 may be included in the range of 64um to 70um. For example, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 355 may be 67um.

A predetermined material may be internally added to the fifth wrapper 355 . Here, an example of the predetermined material may be silicon, but is not limited thereto. For example, silicon has properties such as heat resistance with little change with temperature, oxidation resistance that does not oxidize, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency, or electrical insulation. However, even if it is not silicon, any material having the above characteristics may be applied (or coated) to the fifth wrapper 355 without limitation.

The shear plug 33 may be made of cellulose acetate. As an example, the shear plug 33 may be fabricated by adding a plasticizer (eg, triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. The mono denier of the filaments constituting the cellulose acetate tow may be included in the range of 1.0 to 10.0. For example, the monodenier of the filament constituting the cellulose acetate tow may be included in the range of 4.0 to 6.0. For example, the mono denier of the filament of the shear plug 33 may be 5.0. In addition, the cross section of the filaments constituting the front end plug 33 may be Y-shaped. The total denier of the shear plug 33 may be included in the range of 20000 to 30000. For example, the total denier of the front end plug 33 may be included in the range of 25000 to 30000. For example, the total denier of the shear plug 33 may be 28000.

Also, if necessary, the front end plug 33 may include at least one channel. The shape of the cross section of the channel of the shear plug 330 can be manufactured in various ways.

The tobacco rod 31 may correspond to the tobacco rod 21 described above with reference to FIG. 5 . Therefore, a detailed description of the tobacco rod 31 will be omitted below.

The first segment 321 may be made of cellulose acetate. For example, the first segment may be a tube-shaped structure including a hollow therein. The first segment 321 may be manufactured by adding a plasticizer (eg, triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. For example, the mono denier and total denier of the first segment 321 may be the same as the mono denier and total denier of the shear plug 33 .

The second segment 322 may be made of cellulose acetate. The mono denier of the filaments constituting the second segment 322 may be included in the range of 1.0 to 10.0. For example, the mono denier of the filament of the second segment 322 may be included in the range of 8.0 to 10.0. For example, the mono denier of the filament of the second segment 322 may be 9.0. In addition, the cross section of the filament of the second segment 322 may be Y-shaped. The total denier of the second segment 322 may be included in the range of 20000 to 30000. For example, the total denier of the second segment 322 may be 25000.

Referring to FIG. 7 , the stick 40 may include a medium part 410 . The stick 40 may include a cooling unit 420 . The stick 40 may include a filter unit 430 .

The cooling unit 420 may be disposed between the medium unit 410 and the filter unit 430 . Stick 40 may include wrapper 440 . The wrapper 440 may cover the medium unit 410 . The wrapper 440 may cover the cooling unit 420 . The wrapper 440 may cover the filter unit 430 . The stick 40 may have a cylindrical shape.

The medium unit 410 may include a medium 411 . The medium part 410 may include a first support part 413 . The medium part 410 may include a second support part 415 . The medium 411 may be disposed between the first support part 413 and the second support part 415 . The first support part 413 may be disposed at one end of the stick 40 . The medium part 410 may have a length of 24 mm.

The medium 411 may include materials of various components. Substances included in the medium may be flavor substances of various components. Medium 411 may be composed of a plurality of granules. Each of the plurality of granules may have a size of 0.4 mm to 1.12 mm. The medium 411 may be filled with about 70% of granules therein. The medium 411 may have a length L2 of 10 mm. The first support part 413 may be made of a paper material. The second support part 415 may be made of a paper material. The first support part 413 may be made of an acetate material. The second support part 415 may be made of an acetate material. At least one of the first support part 413 and the second support part 415 may be made of paper and formed into a corrugated shape, forming a plurality of gaps for air to flow therebetween. The gap may be smaller than the size of each granule of the medium 411 . The length L1 of the first support part 413 may be shorter than the length L2 of the medium 411 . The length L3 of the second support part 413 may be shorter than the length L2 of the medium 411 . The length L1 of the first support part 413 may be 7 mm. The length L2 of the second support part 413 may be 7 mm.

Accordingly, each granule of the medium 411 may not be separated from the medium part 410 and the stick 40 .

The cooling unit 420 may have a cylindrical shape. The cooling unit 420 may have a hollow shape. The cooling unit 420 may be disposed between the medium unit 410 and the filter unit 430 . The cooling unit 420 may be disposed between the second support unit 415 and the filter unit 430 . The cooling unit 420 may be formed in a tubular shape surrounding an internal cooling path 424 . The cooling unit 420 may be thicker than the wrapper 440 . The cooling unit 420 may be made of a thicker paper material than the wrapper 440 . The length L4 of the cooling unit 420 may be the same as or similar to the length L2 of the medium 411 . The length L4 of the cooling part 420 and the cooling path 424 may be 10 mm. When the stick 40 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 10, at least a portion of the cooling unit 420 may be exposed to the outside of the aerosol generating device 10.

Accordingly, the cooling unit 420 supports the medium unit 410 and the filter unit 430, and the rigidity of the stick 40 can be secured. In addition, the cooling unit 420 may support the wrapper 440 between the medium unit 410 and the filter unit 430 and secure an area to which the wrapper 440 may be adhered. In addition, the heated air and aerosol may be cooled while passing through the cooling path 424 inside the cooling unit 420 .

The filter unit 430 may be composed of a filter made of an acetate material. The filter unit 430 may be disposed at the other end of the stick 40. When the stick 40 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 10, the filter unit 430 may be exposed to the outside of the aerosol generating device 10. A user may inhale air while holding the filter unit 430 in his/her mouth. The length L5 of the filter unit 430 may be 14 mm.

The wrapper 440 may surround or surround the medium unit 410 , the cooling unit 420 and the filter unit 430 . The wrapper 440 may configure the outer shape of the stick 40 . The wrapper 440 may be made of a paper material. The adhesive portion 441 may be formed on one edge of the wrapper 440 . The wrapper 440 surrounds the medium unit 410, the cooling unit 420, and the filter unit 430, and the adhesive unit 441 formed on one edge and the other edge may be adhered to each other. The wrapper 440 covering the medium unit 410, the cooling unit 420, and the filter unit 430 may not cover one end and the other end of the stick 40.

Accordingly, the wrapper 440 may fix the medium unit 410, the cooling unit 420, and the filter unit 430, and prevent separation from the stick 40.

The first thin film 443 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the first support part 413 . The first thin film 443 may be disposed between the wrapper 440 and the first support 413 or disposed outside the wrapper 440 . The first thin film 443 may surround the first support 413 . The first thin film 443 may be made of a metal material. The first thin film 443 may be made of an aluminum material. The first thin film 443 may adhere to or be coated on the wrapper 440 .

The second thin film 445 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the second support part 415 . The second thin film 445 may be disposed between the wrapper 440 and the second support 415 or disposed outside the wrapper 440 . The second thin film 445 may be made of a metal material. The second thin film 445 may be made of aluminum. The second thin film 445 may adhere to or be coated on the wrapper 440 .

8 to 10 are views referenced for description of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Throughout this specification, “upstream” and “downstream” may be determined relative to the direction of airflow such that when a user inhales with an aerosol-generating article, the generated aerosol is drawn into the user's mouth or lungs. For example, in FIG. 10 , since the aerosol generated in the medium unit 511 is directed to the cooling unit 520 and the filter unit 530, the medium unit 511 is the cooling unit 520 and the filter unit 530. It is located upstream of , and the cooling unit 520 and the filter unit 530 are located downstream of the medium unit 511 . “Upstream” and “downstream” may be determined relative to components.

Throughout this specification, the direction of the aerosol generating device 10 may be defined based on a Cartesian coordinate system. In the Cartesian coordinate system, the x-axis direction may be defined as the left-right direction of the aerosol generating device 10. In this case, based on the origin, a direction toward +x may mean a right direction, and a direction toward -x may mean a left direction. The y-axis direction may be defined as a vertical direction of the aerosol generating device 10. In this case, a direction toward +y based on the origin may mean an upward direction, and a direction toward -y may mean a downward direction. The z-axis direction may be defined as a forward and backward direction of the aerosol generating device 10. A direction toward +z based on the origin may mean a forward direction, and a direction toward -z may mean a rearward direction.

8 to 10, the aerosol generating device 10 includes an insertion space 330, a first heater 131, a second heater 181, a color sensor 182, a controller 17, and a battery ( 16) may be included.

A long insertion space 330 may be formed in the housing of the aerosol generating device 10 . The insertion space 330 may be formed by an inner wall (not shown) extending in a circumferential direction along a direction in which the stick 50 is inserted. The insertion space 330 may be formed by vertically opening an inner side of an inner wall. The stick 50 may be inserted into the insertion space 330 formed by the inner wall.

The insertion space 330 into which the stick 50 is inserted may be formed in a shape corresponding to a shape of a portion of the stick 50 inserted into the insertion space 330 . For example, when the stick 50 is formed in a cylindrical shape, the insertion space 330 may be formed in a cylindrical shape. When the stick 50 is inserted into the insertion space 330, the outer circumferential surface of the stick 50 is surrounded by an inner wall and may come into contact with the inner wall.

The first heater 131 may be positioned adjacent to one end of the insertion space 330 in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 330 . For example, the first heater 131 may be positioned adjacent to a lower end of the insertion space 330 . For example, the first heater 131 may be located adjacent to one end located farthest from the entrance of the insertion space 330 based on the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 330 . For example, the first heater 131 may be located adjacent to a portion where an upstream end of the stick 50 inserted into the insertion space 330 is located.

The first heater 131 may be connected to the chamber C1 holding the aerosol generating material through the flow path P1. The first heater 131 may have a structure that winds a liquid transfer unit (not shown). The first heater 131 may heat the aerosol generating material impregnated in the liquid delivery means. As the liquid delivery unit is heated by the first heater 131, aerosol may be generated. The generated aerosol may flow in a downstream direction of the stick 50 (towards the entrance of the insertion space 330) through the inside/outside of the stick 50 inserted into the insertion space 330.

The second heater 181 may be disposed adjacent to the outer circumferential surface of the insertion space 330 . The second heater 181 has an annular shape and may be disposed to surround at least a portion of an outer circumferential surface of the insertion space 330 . When the insertion space 330 has a cylindrical shape, the second heater 181 may have an annular shape surrounding a portion of an outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical insertion space 330 .

The second heater 181 may be disposed at a height adjacent to a height at which at least one support part 513 or 515 of the stick 50 inserted into the insertion space 330 is disposed. For example, the stick 50 may include a first support part 513 at an upstream end. The second heater 181 may be disposed at a height adjacent to a height at which the first support part 513 of the stick 50 inserted into the insertion space 330 is disposed. For example, the stick 50 may include a second support part 515 connected to the medium 511 at a downstream side of the medium 511 . The second heater 181 may be disposed at a height adjacent to a height at which the second support portion 515 of the stick 50 inserted into the insertion space 330 is disposed. For example, the stick 50 may include a first support part 513 and a second support part 515 . The second heater 181 is disposed at a height adjacent to at least one of the height at which the first support part 513 of the stick 50 inserted into the insertion space 330 is disposed and the height at which the second support part 515 is disposed. It can be.

The stick 50 may include a medium 511 and support parts 513 and 515 connected to an upstream end and/or a downstream end of the medium 511 . The support portions 513 and 515 may be made of a paper material. The support portions 513 and 515 may be made of paper and formed in a corrugated shape, and may form a plurality of gaps for air to flow therebetween.

The stick 50 may include a cooling unit 520 . The stick 40 may include a filter unit 530 . The medium 511 of the stick, the supports 513 and 515, the cooling unit 520 and the filter unit 530 are the medium unit 511, the first and second support units 413 and 415, and the cooling unit ( 420) and the filter unit 430.

The second heater 181 may heat at least a portion of an outer circumferential surface of the stick 50 inserted into the insertion space 330 . When the stick 50 is inserted into the insertion space 330, the second heater 181 may heat the outer peripheral surfaces of the support portions 413 and 415 of the stick 50.

The first heater 131 and the second heater 181 may be at least one of an electric resistive heater and a heater for induction heating.

For example, the first heater 131 and the second heater 181 may be electrical resistive heaters. The first heater 131 and the second heater 181 include electrically conductive tracks, and may be heated by current flowing through the electrically conductive tracks.

For example, the first heater 131 and the second heater 181 may be induction heating type heaters. The aerosol generating device 10 may include an electrically conductive coil positioned to be spaced apart from the first heater 131 and the second heater 181 and to surround the first heater 131 and the second heater 181, respectively. there is. The first heater 131 and the second heater 181 may include a magnetic material. The first heater 131 and the second heater 181 can generate heat by an alternating magnetic field formed by the electrically conductive coil. The first heater 131 and the second heater 181 may be referred to as a susceptor.

The color sensor 182 may include a light emitting unit 1821 and a light receiving unit 1822 . The light emitting unit 1821 may emit light toward the insertion space 330 . For example, the light emitting unit 1821 may include a light source such as an LED and emit white light into the insertion space 330 . The light receiving unit 1822 may receive reflected light reflected by an object. For example, the light receiving unit 1822 may include an optical sensor and may receive light reflected by the stick 50 inserted into the insertion space 330 . The light receiving unit 1822 may obtain color information from reflected light. The light receiver 1822 may output a color signal corresponding to the reflected light.

Meanwhile, the light emitting unit 1821 may include an infrared LED, and in this case, the light receiving unit 1822 may include an IR sensor. However, the types of the light emitting unit 1821 and the light receiving unit 1822 are not limited thereto.

The color sensor 182 is disposed adjacent to the insertion space 330 and may be disposed toward the insertion space 330 . The color sensor 182 may be disposed on top of the second heater 181 in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 330 . For example, the color sensor 182 may be located around the end of the inlet side of the insertion space 330 . For example, the color sensor 182 may be disposed at a position higher than the height at which the support portions 513 and 515 of the stick 50 inserted into the insertion space 330 are disposed.

When the color sensor 182 is disposed at the lower end of the second heater 181, even if the previously used stick is reinserted into the insertion space 330, the outer circumference of the stick whose color is changed by the second heater 181 It does not reach the point where this color sensor 182 is located. Therefore, the color sensor 182 cannot detect a color-changed part.

The controller 17 may determine whether the stick 50 is inserted and whether the stick 50 is a previously used stick, based on the color signal output from the color sensor 182 . The controller 17 determines whether or not the stick 50 is inserted and whether the stick 50 has already been used will be described later in detail with reference to FIG. 11 .

The battery 16 may supply power to the first heater 131 and/or the second heater 181 based on the control of the controller 17 .

11 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 11 , the aerosol generating device 10 may determine insertion of the stick 50 in operation S1110.

For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine insertion of the stick 50 based on a color signal output from the color sensor 182 .

The color sensor 182 may periodically emit light toward the insertion space 330 . In a state in which the stick 50 is not inserted into the insertion space 330, the emitted light is reflected in the insertion space 330 by a part of the inner circumferential surface on the opposite side where the color sensor 182 is located, and the color sensor 182 can be received as When the stick 50 is inserted into the insertion space 330 , the emitted light may be reflected by the outer circumferential surface of the stick 50 and received by the color sensor 182 .

The memory 14 of the aerosol generating device 10 may store first color information within a certain range in relation to the color of the reflected light reflected from the outer circumferential surface of the stick. For example, the first color information may include information about a color (eg, white) of an unused outer circumferential surface of the stick and a color within a certain range similar to the corresponding color. For example, the first color information may include at least one of hue, saturation, and brightness information. The aerosol generating device 10 may compare a color signal periodically output from the color sensor 182 with first color information stored in the memory 14 and determine whether the color signal corresponds to the first color information. . When the color signal corresponds to the first color information, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine that the stick 50 is inserted into the insertion space 330 .

Meanwhile, the aerosol generating device 10 may include a stick detection sensor. The aerosol generating device 10 may determine insertion of the stick 50 based on the output signal of the stick detection sensor.

When it is determined that the stick 50 is inserted, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine whether the color signal output from the color sensor 182 corresponds to specific color information in operation S1120.

The color sensor 182 may periodically emit light toward the insertion space 330 during or after the stick 50 is inserted. An upstream end of the stick 50 may be inserted into the insertion space 330 so as to be adjacent to or in contact with the lower end of the insertion space 330 .

Second color information within a certain range may be stored in the memory 14 of the aerosol generating device 10 in relation to the color of the reflected light reflected on the outer circumferential surface of the previously used stick. For example, the second color information may include information about the color (eg, ocher) of the outer circumferential surface of the stick burnt by heat and a color within a certain range similar to the corresponding color. For example, the second color information may include at least one of hue, saturation, and brightness information. After detecting the insertion of the stick 50, the aerosol generating device 10 compares the color signal periodically output from the color sensor 182 with the second color information stored in the memory 14, It may be determined whether the signal corresponds to the second color information.

The aerosol generating device 10 may determine whether a color signal periodically output from the color sensor 182 corresponds to the second color information for a predetermined time after the insertion of the stick 50 is detected. . For example, the aerosol generating device 10 transmits a color signal received by the color sensor 182 from the time the stick 50 is inserted until the puff sensor 151 detects the puff signal. 2 It can be determined whether it corresponds to color information. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 controls the color signal received by the color sensor 182 from the point at which the stick 50 is inserted until a set time (eg, 0.5 second) elapses. 2 It can be determined whether it corresponds to color information.

The aerosol generating device 10 may determine whether the stick 50 is a previously used stick based on the color signal output from the color sensor 182 in operation S1130. When the color signal corresponds to the second color information, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine that the stick 50 is a previously used stick.

When it is determined that the stick 50 is a previously used stick, the aerosol generating device 10 may control power not to be supplied to the first heater 131 . The aerosol generating device 10 may display information informing that the stick 50 inserted into the output device cannot be used.

The aerosol generating device 10 may determine whether the stick 50 is an unused stick based on the color signal output from the color sensor 182 in operation S1140. When the color signal does not correspond to the second color information, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine that the stick 50 is an unused stick. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine that the stick 50 is an unused stick when the color signal corresponds to the first color information confirmed in the previous operation S1110.

When it is determined that the stick 50 is an unused stick, the aerosol generating device 10 may be controlled to supply power to the first heater 131 . The aerosol generating device 10 may control the first heater 131 to be heated to a first target temperature based on the temperature profile stored in the memory 14 . Here, the first target temperature may be equal to or higher than the vaporization temperature of the aerosol-generating material. An aerosol may be generated by heating the aerosol generating material impregnated in the liquid delivery means by the first heater 131 .

12 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 12 , the aerosol generating device 10 may be controlled to supply power to the second heater 181 . The aerosol generating device 10 may control to supply power to the second heater 181 based on the fact that the inserted stick 50 is an unused stick.

The aerosol generating device 10 may detect a puff from the puff sensor 151 in operation S1210. The puff sensor 151 of the aerosol generating device 10 may periodically detect puffs and output a puff signal corresponding to the puffs generated.

When a puff is detected, the aerosol generating device 10 may count the number of puffs based on the puff signal in operation S1220.

When a puff is sensed, the aerosol generating device 10 may supply power to the first heater 131 . For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may supply power to the first heater 131 for a predetermined time (eg, 2 seconds) from the point at which the puff is sensed. For example, when a puff is detected, the aerosol generating device 10 may supply power to the first heater 131 until the next puff is detected. On the other hand, if it is determined that the inserted stick 50 is an unused stick, even before a puff is detected for the first time, the aerosol generating device 10 supplies power to the first heater 131 so that when a puff is first detected The first heater 131 may be preheated up to

In operation S1230, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine whether or not the number of puffs counted is the set number N. The set number of times N may be the maximum number of puffs allocated to the inserted unused stick 50 . For example, the set number of times N may be 14 times. However, the set number of times (N) is not limited thereto, and may be set to have different values depending on the type of stick 50.

When the counted number of puffs is the set number (N), the aerosol generating device 10 may control power to be supplied to the second heater 181 in operation S1240. When the counted number of puffs is smaller than the set number N, the aerosol generating device 10 may repeatedly detect puffs from the puff sensor 151 .

When the counted number of puffs is the set number (N), the aerosol generating device 10 can control the second heater 181 to heat to the second target temperature based on the temperature profile stored in the memory 14. there is. The aerosol generating device 10 may control the second heater 181 to heat for a set time based on the temperature profile stored in the memory 14 .

The second heater 181 may heat at least one of the first support part 513 and the second support part 515 of the inserted stick 50 . The outer circumferential surfaces of the support portions 513 and 515 may be scorched by heat and may change color.

The second target temperature may be a temperature lower than the vaporization temperature of the aerosol generating material. Since the second heater 181 is located at a predetermined distance from the medium part 511 of the inserted stick 50, it may not come into contact with the medium part 511 of the inserted stick 50. Since the second heater 181 is heated to a temperature lower than the evaporation temperature of the aerosol generating material and is spaced apart from the medium part 511, the heat energy transferred to the medium part 511 by the second heater 181 can be extremely small.

The aerosol generating device 10 heats the second heater 181 by heating a portion of the inserted stick 50 that does not contain a medium to a relatively low temperature and determining whether or not the stick 50 is already used. The influence of the medium part 511 by the can be minimized. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the aerosol fragrance from being changed by heating of the second heater 181 .

13 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 13 , the aerosol generating device 10 may be controlled to supply power to the second heater 181 . The aerosol generating device 10 may control to supply power to the second heater 181 based on the fact that the inserted stick 50 is an unused stick.

The aerosol generating device 10 may detect a puff from the puff sensor 151 in operation S1310. The puff sensor 151 of the aerosol generating device 10 may periodically detect puffs and output a puff signal corresponding to the puffs generated.

When a puff is detected, the aerosol generating device 10 may count the number of puffs based on the puff signal in operation S1320.

When a puff is sensed, the aerosol generating device 10 may supply power to the first heater 131 . For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may supply power to the first heater 131 for a predetermined time (eg, 2 seconds) from the point at which the puff is sensed. For example, when a puff is detected, the aerosol generating device 10 may supply power to the first heater 131 until the next puff is detected. On the other hand, if it is determined that the inserted stick 50 is an unused stick, even before a puff is detected for the first time, the aerosol generating device 10 supplies power to the first heater 131 so that when a puff is first detected The first heater 131 may be preheated up to

When the puff is detected, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine whether a set time has elapsed from the point at which the puff is detected in operation S1330. The set time may be set to correspond to an average time for users to maintain inhalation during one puff. For example, the set time may be 1.5 seconds to 2.5 seconds.

When a set time has elapsed from the time when the puff is detected, the aerosol generating device 10 may control the second heater 181 to be supplied with power in operation S1340. The aerosol generating device 10 may control the second heater 181 to heat to a second target temperature based on the temperature profile stored in the memory 14 . The aerosol generating device 10 may control the second heater 181 to heat for a set time based on the temperature profile stored in the memory 14 .

The second heater 181 may heat at least one of the first support part 513 and the second support part 515 of the inserted stick 50 . The outer circumferential surfaces of the support portions 513 and 515 may be scorched by heat and may change color.

In operation S1350, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine whether or not the number of puffs counted is the set number N. The set number of times N may be the maximum number of puffs allocated to the inserted unused stick 50 . For example, the set number of times N may be 14 times. However, the set number of times (N) is not limited thereto, and may be set to have different values depending on the type of stick 50.

When the counted number of puffs is the set number N, the aerosol generating device 10 may end the power control operation of the second heater 181 . When the counted number of puffs is less than the set number N, the aerosol generating device 10 may repeat operations S1310 to S1340.

The aerosol generating device 10 may be controlled to heat the second heater 181 for every puff until a set number of puffs (N) are generated after the stick 50 is inserted. For every puff, the second heater 181 may heat at least one of the first support part 513 and the second support part 515 of the inserted stick 50 .

The outer circumferential surfaces of the support portions 513 and 515 may change to a darker color in proportion to the time heated by the second heater 181. The outer circumferential surfaces of the support portions 513 and 515 may have different degrees of burning in correspondence to the number of puffs. The outer circumferential surfaces of the support portions 513 and 515 may be severely burned as the number of puffs increases, and the color may change to a darker color.

The aerosol generating device 10 may determine the extent to which the inserted stick 40 is used based on the color signal output by the color sensor 182 .

A plurality of color information classified into a plurality of ranges may be stored in the memory 14 of the aerosol generating device 10 in relation to the color of the reflected light reflected on the outer circumferential surface of the previously used stick. The plurality of color information may be matched with the number of times of heating the outer circumferential surface of the stick by the second heater 181 and stored. For example, the 2-1 color information may include information about the color of the outer circumferential surface of the stick burnt by heat by one-time heating and a color within a certain range similar to the corresponding color. For example, the 2-2nd color information may include information about the color of the outer circumferential surface of the stick burnt by the heat caused by heating twice and the color within a certain range similar to the corresponding color. For example, the 2nd-14th color information may include information about the color of the outer circumferential surface of the stick burnt by the 14th heating and the color within a certain range similar to the corresponding color. For example, the plurality of color information may include at least one of hue, saturation, and brightness information.

The aerosol generating device 10 compares the color signal periodically output from the color sensor 182 with a plurality of color information stored in the memory 14 after the insertion of the stick 50 is detected, and the color signal is Corresponding color information may be determined. The aerosol generating device 10 may determine the number of times of heating that matches the color information corresponding to the color signal. The aerosol generating device 10 may determine the extent to which the inserted stick 40 has been used based on the matched number of times of heating. The aerosol generating device 10 may determine the extent to which the stick 40 is used in proportion to the number of times of heating.

When the aerosol generating device 10 determines that the number of times of heating is smaller than the maximum number of puffs (eg, 14 times) allocated to an unused stick, even if it is determined that the inserted stick 50 is a used stick, the first heater ( 131) can be supplied with power. The aerosol generating device 10 may count the number of puffs whenever puffs are generated based on the number of times of heating. The aerosol generating device 10 may control the second heater 181 to be heated for every puff until the number of counts reaches a set number N.

As described above, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to determine whether the inserted stick is already used and to prevent reuse of the previously used stick.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a change in aerosol scent may be minimized by heating a portion of the stick that does not contain a medium at a relatively low temperature to determine whether or not the stick is used.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, whether or not the inserted stick is used may be determined regardless of the type of stick used.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the degree of use of a previously used stick may be determined.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 13 , an aerosol generating device 10 according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a housing in which an elongated insertion space 330 is formed; a first heater 131 adjacent to one end of the insertion space 330 in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 330 and heating an aerosol generating material; a color sensor 182 disposed adjacent to the insertion space 330 and facing the insertion space 330; and a second heater 181 for heating at least a portion of an outer circumferential surface of the stick 50 inserted into the insertion space 330, wherein the color sensor 182 operates in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 330. In, it may be disposed on top of the second heater 181.

Also, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the second heater 181 may be arranged in an annular shape to surround at least a portion of an outer circumferential surface of the insertion space 330 .

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the second heater 181, when the stick 50 is inserted into the insertion space 330, the support portion 513, 515 of the stick 50 ) may be arranged at a height adjacent to the height at which it is arranged.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the stick 50 includes a medium unit 511; and support parts 513 and 515 connected to an upstream end and/or a downstream end of the medium part 511, and in a state in which the stick 50 is inserted into the insertion space 330, the second The heater 181 may heat the outer circumferential surfaces of the support parts 513 and 515 .

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit 17 further includes, and the color sensor 182 emits light into the insertion space 330, and the emitted light is transmitted to the stick. Receives reflected light reflected by 50 and outputs a color signal corresponding to the received reflected light, and the controller 17 controls the stick 50 based on the color signal output from the color sensor 182 It is possible to determine whether the insertion of the stick 50 is a previously used stick.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, a puff sensor 151 for detecting a puff; further comprising the controller 17, based on the insertion of the stick 50, the puff sensor It is determined whether a puff signal is received from 151, and among the color signals output by the color sensor 182, the color received between the time when the insertion of the stick 50 is detected and the time when the puff signal is received Based on the signal, it may be determined whether the stick 50 is a previously used stick.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, a puff sensor 151 for detecting a puff; further comprising the controller 17, based on the insertion of the stick 50, the puff sensor Determining whether a puff signal is received from 151, counting the number of puffs based on the reception of the puff signal, and supplying power to the second heater 181 based on the number of puffs being the set number can be controlled as much as possible.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, a puff sensor 151 for detecting a puff; further comprising the controller 17, based on the insertion of the stick 50, the puff sensor It may be determined whether a puff signal is received from 151, and based on the received puff signal, power may be supplied to the second heater 181 for a predetermined period of time.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the outer circumferential surface of the support parts 513 and 515 heated by the second heater 181 changes color based on the heating time, and the controller 17 ) can determine the degree of use of the stick 50 based on the color signal output from the color sensor 182 .

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the controller 17 controls the first heater 131 based on the fact that the stick 50 inserted into the insertion space 330 is an unused stick. , and based on that the stick 50 inserted into the insertion space 330 is a previously used stick, the supply of power to the first heater 131 may be controlled to be cut off. .

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit 17 supplies the second heater 181 to the second heater 181 so that the second heater 181 is heated to a temperature lower than the vaporization temperature of the aerosol generating material. power can be controlled.

Certain or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct from each other. Certain or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above may be combined or used in combination with each component or function.

For example, it means that configuration A described in a specific embodiment and/or drawing may be combined with configuration B described in another embodiment and/or drawing. That is, even if the combination between the components is not directly explained, it means that the combination is possible except for the case where the combination is impossible.

The above detailed description should not be construed as limiting in all respects and should be considered illustrative. The scope of the present invention should be determined by reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all changes within the equivalent scope of the present invention are included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims (11)

a housing formed with a long insertion space;
a first heater adjacent to one end of the insertion space in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space and heating an aerosol generating material;
a color sensor disposed adjacent to the insertion space and facing the insertion space; and
A second heater for heating at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the stick inserted into the insertion space,
The color sensor is disposed on top of the second heater in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space.
According to claim 1,
The second heater,
An aerosol generating device arranged in an annular shape to surround at least a portion of an outer circumferential surface of the insertion space.
According to claim 1,
The second heater,
When the stick is inserted into the insertion space, the aerosol generating device is disposed at a height adjacent to a height at which the support portion of the stick is disposed.
According to claim 3,
The stick,
medium unit; and
Includes; support connected to the upstream end and / or the downstream end of the medium unit,
In a state in which the stick is inserted into the insertion space, the second heater heats an outer circumferential surface of the support part.
According to claim 1,
A controller; further comprising,
The color sensor,
emitting light into the insertion space, receiving reflected light reflected from the emitted light by the stick, and outputting a color signal corresponding to the received reflected light;
The control unit,
An aerosol generating device for determining whether the stick is inserted and whether the stick is a previously used stick, based on a color signal output from the color sensor.
According to claim 5,
A puff sensor for detecting a puff; further comprising,
The control unit,
Based on the insertion of the stick, determining whether a puff signal is received from the puff sensor;
Among the color signals output by the color sensor, based on a color signal received between the time when the stick is inserted and the time when the puff signal is received, it is determined whether the stick is a previously used aerosol generation. Device.
According to claim 5,
A puff sensor for detecting a puff; further comprising,
The control unit,
Based on the insertion of the stick, determining whether a puff signal is received from the puff sensor;
Counting the number of puffs based on reception of the puff signal;
An aerosol generating device for controlling power to be supplied to the second heater based on the set number of puffs.
According to claim 5,
A puff sensor for detecting a puff; further comprising,
The control unit,
Based on the insertion of the stick, determining whether a puff signal is received from the puff sensor;
An aerosol generating device for controlling power to be supplied to the second heater for a predetermined time based on the puff signal being received.
According to claim 8,
The outer circumferential surface of the support portion heated by the second heater changes color based on the heating time,
The control unit,
An aerosol generating device for determining a degree of use of the stick based on a color signal output by the color sensor.
According to claim 5,
The control unit,
Based on the fact that the stick inserted into the insertion space is an unused stick, controlling power to be supplied to the first heater;
An aerosol generating device that controls supply of electric power to the first heater to be cut off based on that the stick inserted into the insertion space is a previously used stick.
According to claim 5,
The control unit,
An aerosol generating device that controls power supplied to the second heater so that the second heater is heated to a temperature lower than the vaporization temperature of the aerosol generating material.

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