WO2023068640A1

WO2023068640A1 - Aerosol generating device

Info

Publication number: WO2023068640A1
Application number: PCT/KR2022/015430
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sangkyu Park
Original assignee: Kt&G Corporation
Priority date: 2021-10-19
Filing date: 2022-10-12
Publication date: 2023-04-27

Abstract

An aerosol generating device is provided. The aerosol generating device includes: a housing shaped to define an insertion space and extending in an elongated manner; a first heater disposed adjacent to one end of the insertion space in a longitudinal direction of the insertion space and being configured to heat an aerosol generating substance; 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 is disposed relative to an upper side of the second heater along the longitudinal direction of the insertion space.

Description

AEROSOL GENERATING DEVICE

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device.

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

It is an objective of the present disclosure to solve the above and other problems.

It is another objective of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol generating device that can determine reuse or non-use of an inserted stick to prevent the reuse of a used stick.

It is yet another objective of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol generating device that can minimize a change in aerosol flavor by heating a portion of a stick that does not contain a medium at a relatively low temperature to determine whether the stick is a used stick.

It is yet another objective of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol generating device that can determine reuse or non-use of an inserted stick regardless of the type of a stick being used.

It is yet another objective of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol generating device that can determine an extent of use of a used stick.

According to an aspect of the subject matter described in this application, an aerosol generating device includes: a housing shaped to define an insertion space and extending in an elongated manner; a first heater disposed adjacent to one end of the insertion space in a longitudinal direction of the insertion space and being configured to heat an aerosol generating substance; 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 is disposed relative to an upper side of the second heater along the longitudinal direction of the insertion space.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the reuse of a used stick may be prevented by determining whether an inserted stick has been already used.

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

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, reuse or non-use of an inserted stick may be determined regardless of the type of a stick being used.

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

The additional scope of applicability of the present disclosure will be apparent from the following detailed description. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and alterations are possible, without departing from the idea and scope of the present disclosure, and therefore it should be understood that the detailed description and specific embodiments, such as the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, are provided only for illustration.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an aerosol generating device.

FIGS. 2 to 4 are views referenced to describe examples of an aerosol generating device.

FIGS. 5 to 7 are views referenced to describe examples of a stick.

FIGS. 8 to 10 are views referenced to describe examples of an aerosol generating device.

FIGS. 11 to 13 are flowcharts illustrating examples of the operation of an aerosol generating device.

Description will now be given in detail according to exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, with reference to the accompanying drawings. For the sake of brief description with reference to the drawings, the same or equivalent components are provided with the same or similar reference numerals, and description thereof will not be repeated.

In the following description, a suffix such as "module" and "unit" may be used to refer to elements or components. Use of such a suffix herein is merely intended to facilitate description of the specification, and the suffix itself is not intended to give any special meaning or function.

In the present disclosure, that which is well known to one of ordinary skill in the relevant art has generally been omitted for the sake of brevity. The accompanying drawings are used to help easily understand the technical idea of the present disclosure and it should be understood that the idea of the present disclosure is not limited by the accompanying drawings. The idea of the present disclosure should be construed to extend to any alterations, equivalents, and substitutes besides the accompanying drawings.

It will be understood that although the terms "first", "second", etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another.

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

As used herein, a singular representation is intended to include a plural representation unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

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

Referring to FIG. 1, an aerosol generating device 10 may include a communication interface 11, an input/output interface 12, an aerosol generating module 13, a memory 14, a sensor module 15, a battery 16, a stick usage detection module 18, and/or a controller 17.

In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 10 may consist of only a body 100. In this case, components included in the aerosol generating device 10 may be disposed in the body 100. In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device 10 may consist of a cartridge 200, which contains an aerosol generating substance, and a body 100. In this case, components included in the aerosol generating device 10 may be disposed in at least one of the 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 a network. For example, the communication interface 11 may include a communication module for wired communication such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB). For example, the communication interface 11 may include a communication module for wireless communication such as Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), ZigBee, or Near-Field Communication (NFC).

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, a physical button, a microphone, etc. For example, the output device may include a display device for outputting visual information, such as a display or a light-emitting diode (LED), an audio device for outputting auditory information, such as a speaker or a buzzer, a motor for outputting tactile information, such as a haptic effect, etc.

The input/output interface 12 may transmit data corresponding to a command input by the user through the input device to another component (or other components) of the aerosol generating device 10. The input/output interface 12 may output information corresponding to data received from another component (or other components) of the aerosol generating device 10 through the output device.

The aerosol generating module 13 may generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating substance. Here, the aerosol generating substance may be a substance in a liquid state, a solid state, or a gel state, which can produce an aerosol, or a combination of two or more aerosol generating substances.

In one embodiment, the liquid aerosol generating substance may be a liquid including a tobacco-containing material having a volatile tobacco flavor component. In another embodiment, the liquid aerosol generating substance may be a liquid including a non-tobacco material. For example, the liquid aerosol generating substance may include water, solvents, nicotine, plant extracts, flavorings, flavoring agents, vitamin mixtures, etc.

The solid aerosol generating substance may include a solid material based on a tobacco raw material such as a reconstituted tobacco sheet, shredded tobacco, or granulated tobacco. In addition, the solid aerosol generating substance may include a solid material having a taste control agent and a flavoring material. For example, the taste control agent may include calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, calcium oxide, etc. For example, the flavoring material may include a natural material such as herbal granules, or may include a material such as silica, zeolite, or dextrin, which includes an aroma ingredient.

In addition, the aerosol generating substance may further include an aerosol forming agent such as glycerin or propylene glycol.

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

The aerosol generating module 13 may include an electro-resistive heater. For example, the electro-resistive heater may include at least one electrically conductive track. The electro-resistive heater may be heated by the current flowing through the electrically conductive track. Here, the aerosol generating substance may be heated by the heated electro-resistive heater.

The electrically conductive track may include an electro-resistive material. In one example, the electrically conductive track may be formed of a metal material. In another example, the electrically conductive track may be formed of a ceramic material, carbon, a metal alloy, or a composite of a ceramic material and metal.

The electro-resistive heater may include an electrically conductive track that is formed in any of various shapes. For example, the electrically conductive track may have any one of a tubular shape, a plate shape, a needle shape, a rod shape, and a coil shape.

The aerosol generating module 13 may include a heater that uses an induction-heating method, namely, an induction heater. For example, the induction heater may include an electrically conductive coil. The induction heater may generate an alternating magnetic field, which periodically changes in direction, by adjusting the current flowing through the electrically conductive coil. In this case, when the alternating magnetic field is applied to a magnetic body, energy loss may occur in the magnetic body due to eddy current loss and hysteresis loss, and the lost energy may be released as thermal energy. Accordingly, the aerosol generating substance located adjacent to the magnetic body may be heated. Here, an object that generates heat due to the magnetic field may be referred to as a susceptor.

Meanwhile, the aerosol generating module 13 may generate ultrasonic vibrations to thereby produce an aerosol from the aerosol generating substance.

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

When the aerosol generating device 10 consist of a cartridge 200 containing an aerosol generating substance, and a body 100, the aerosol generating module 13 may be disposed in at least one of the body 100 and the cartridge 200.

The memory 14 may store therein a program for processing and controlling each signal in the controller 17. The memory 14 may store therein processed data and data to be processed.

For example, the memory 14 may store therein applications designed for the purpose of performing various tasks that can be processed by the controller 17. For example, the memory 14 may selectively provide some of the stored applications in response to a request from the controller 17.

For example, the memory 14 may store therein data regarding an operation time of the aerosol generating device 10, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and a user's inhalation pattern. Here, the "puff(s)" may refer to inhalation by a user, and the "inhalation" may refer to the user's act of taking air or other substances into the user's oral cavity, nasal cavity, or lungs through the user's mouth or nose.

For example, the memory 14 may include color signal range information for determining insertion or non-insertion of a stick, color signal range information for determining reuse or non-use of a stick, color signal range information for determining an extent of use of a stick in case the stick is a used stick, etc.

The memory 14 may include at least one of volatile memory (e.g., dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), and synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM)), nonvolatile memory (e.g., flash memory), a hard disk drive (HDD), and a solid-state drive (SSD).

The memory 14 may be disposed in at least one of the body 100 and the cartridge 200. The memory 14 may be disposed in each of the body 100 and the cartridge 200. For example, a memory of the body 100 may store information regarding components disposed in the body 100, namely, information regarding the full charge capacity of the battery 16. For example, the memory of the body 100 may store cartridge information received from the cartridge 200 previously or currently coupled to the body 100, and a memory of the cartridge 200 may store cartridge information including cartridge identification information (ID information), a cartridge type, and the like.

The sensor module 15 may include at least one sensor.

For example, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor for sensing a puff (hereinafter referred to as a "puff sensor" 151). Here, the puff sensor 151 may be implemented as a proximity sensor such as an IR sensor, a pressure sensor, a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, a magnetic field sensor, or the like.

For example, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor for sensing a temperature of the heater 131 included in the aerosol generating module 13 and a temperature of the aerosol generating substance (hereinafter referred to as a "temperature sensor").

In this case, the heater 131 included in the aerosol generating module 13 may also serve as the temperature sensor. For example, the electro-resistive material of the heater 131 may be a material having a temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR). The sensor module 15 may measure resistance of the heater 131, which varies according to temperature, to thereby sense the temperature of the heater 131.

For example, when a stick is capable of being inserted into the body 100 of the aerosol generating device 10 and/or the cartridge 200, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor for sensing insertion of the stick (hereinafter referred to as a "stick detection sensor").

For example, when the aerosol generating device 10 includes a cartridge 200, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor for sensing mounting/removal (or attachment/detachment) of the cartridge 200 to/from the body 100 and a position of the cartridge 200 (hereinafter referred to as a "cartridge detection sensor").

In this case, the stick detection sensor and/or the cartridge detection sensor may be implemented as an inductance-based sensor, a capacitance sensor, a resistance sensor, or a Hall sensor using a Hall effect. In some embodiments, the cartridge detection sensor may include a connection terminal. The connection terminal may be provided in the body 100. As the cartridge 200 is coupled to the body 100, the connection terminal may be electrically connected to electrodes disposed in the cartridge 200. The connection terminal may serve as the cartridge detection sensor. For example, the sensor module 15 may detect mounting/removal of the cartridge 200 to/from the body 100 based on a current flowing in the connection terminal, a voltage applied to the connection terminal, or the like.

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

For example, the sensor module 15 may include at least one sensor for sensing the movement of the aerosol generating device 10 (hereinafter referred to as a "motion sensor"). Here, the motion sensor may be implemented as 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 provided in the aerosol generating device 10. For example, the battery 16 may supply power to the communication module included in the communication interface 11, the output device included in the input/output interface 12, and the heater 131 included in the aerosol generating module 13.

The battery 16 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 16 may be a lithium-ion battery or a lithium polymer (Li-polymer) battery, but is not limited thereto. For example, when the battery 16 is rechargeable, a charge rate (C-rate) of the battery 16 may be 10C, and a discharge rate (C-rate) may be 10C to 20C. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In addition, for stable use, the battery 16 may be designed to retain 80% or more of its original capacity at 2,000 full charge and discharge cycles.

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

The aerosol generating device 10 may further include a charging terminal to which power supplied from the outside is input. For example, the charging terminal may be provided at one side of the body 100 of the aerosol generating device 10. The aerosol generating device 10 may charge the battery 16 using the power supplied through the charging terminal. In this case, the charging terminal may be implemented as a wired terminal for USB communication, a pogo pin, or 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 wirelessly receive power using an antenna included in the communication module for wireless communication. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may charge the battery 16 using the wirelessly supplied power.

The stick usage 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 usage detection module 18 may be a sensing module provided separately from the stick detection sensor of the sensor module 15. However, when the stick usage detection module 18 is provided in the aerosol generating device 10, the sensor module 15 may not include a stick detection sensor.

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

The color sensor 182 may emit light to the insertion space, receive reflected light reflected by the stick, and output a color signal corresponding to the received reflected light. A color signal output by the color sensor 182 may vary according to a color of an outer circumferential surface of the stick off which reflected light is reflected.

The controller 17 may control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 10. The controller 17 may be connected to each of the components provided in the aerosol generating device 10. The controller 17 may transmit and/or receive a signal to and/or from each of the components, thereby controlling the overall operation of each of the components.

The controller 17 may include at least one processor. The controller 17 may control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 10 through the processor included therein. Here, the processor may be a general processor such as a central processing unit (CPU). Alternatively, the processor may be a dedicated device such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or any of other hardware-based processors.

The controller 17 may perform any one of a plurality of functions of the aerosol generating device 10. For example, the controller 17 may perform any one of a plurality of functions of the aerosol generating device 10 (e.g., a preheating function, a heating function, a charging function, and a cleaning function) according to the state of each of the components provided in the aerosol generating device 10, a user command received through the input/output interface 12, and the like.

The controller 17 may control the operation of each of the components provided in the aerosol generating device 10 based on data stored in the memory 14. For example, the controller 17 may control such that predetermined power is supplied from the battery 16 to the aerosol generating module 13 for a predetermined time based on data stored in the memory 14 such as the temperature profile and the user's inhalation pattern.

The controller 17 may determine the occurrence or non-occurrence of a puff through the puff sensor 151 included in the sensor module 15. For example, the controller 17 may check a temperature change, a flow change, a pressure change, and a voltage change in the aerosol generating device 10 based on values sensed by the puff sensor 151. For example, the controller 17 may determine the occurrence or non-occurrence of a puff according to the result of checking based on a value sensed by the puff sensor 151.

The controller 17 may control the operation of each of the components provided in the aerosol generating device 10 according to the occurrence or non-occurrence of a puff and/or the number of puffs. For example, the controller 17 may control the temperature of the heater 131 to be changed or maintained based on the temperature profile stored in the memory 14.

The controller 17 may control such that the supply of power to the heater 131 is interrupted according to a predetermined condition. For example, the controller 17 may control such that the supply of power to the heater 131 is cut off when a stick is removed, when the cartridge 200 is separated from the body 100, when the number of puffs reaches the predetermined maximum number of puffs, when a puff is not sensed for a predetermined period of time or longer, or when the remaining capacity of the battery 16 is less than a predetermined value.

The controller 17 may control the supply of power to the second heater 181 according to a predetermined condition. For example, the controller 17 may control such that power is supplied to the second heater 131 when a stick is inserted into the insertion space, when the number of puffs reaches the predetermined maximum number of puffs, between one puff and another (between puffs), or the like.

The controller 17 may calculate the remaining capacity with respect to the full charge capacity of the battery 16. For example, the controller 17 may calculate the remaining capacity of the battery 16 based on a value sensed by the voltage sensor and/or the current sensor included in the sensor module 15.

The controller 17 may control such that power is supplied to the heater 131 using at least one of a pulse width modulation (PWM) method and a proportional-integral-differential (PID) method.

For example, the controller 17 may control such that a current pulse having a predetermined frequency and a predetermined duty ratio is supplied to the heater 131 and/or the second heater 181 using the PWM method. In this case, the controller 17 may control the amount of power supplied to the heater 131 by adjusting the frequency and the duty ratio of the current pulse.

For example, the controller 17 may determine a target temperature to be controlled based on the temperature profile. In this case, the controller 17 may control power supplied to the heater 131 and/or the second heater 181 using the PID method, which is a feedback control method using a difference value between the temperature of the heater 131 and/or the second heater 181 and the target temperature, a value obtained by integrating the difference value with respect to time, and a value obtained by differentiating the difference value with respect to time.

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

Although the PWM method and the PID method are described as exemplary methods of controlling the supply of power to the heater 131, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Other various control methods, such as a proportional-integral (PI) method and a proportional-differential (PD) method, may also be used.

The controller 17 may determine a temperature of the heater 131 and/or the second heater 181, and may adjust the amount of power supplied to the heater 131 and/or the second heater 181 according to the temperature of the heater 131. For example, the controller 17 may determine the temperature of the heater 131 by checking a resistance value of the heater 131, a current flowing through the heater 131 and/or the second heater 181, and/or a voltage applied to the heater 131.

Meanwhile, the controller 17 may control such that power is supplied to the heater 131 according to a predetermined condition. For example, when a cleaning function for cleaning a space into which a stick is inserted is selected according to a command input by the user through the input/output interface 12, the controller 17 may control such that predetermined power is supplied to the heater 131.

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

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

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

The stick 20 may be similar to a typical combustible cigarette. For example, the stick 20 may be divided into a first part including an aerosol generating substance and a second part including a filter and the like. Alternatively, the second part of the stick 20 may also include an aerosol generating substance. For example, an aerosol generating substance made 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 portion of the first part may be inserted into the aerosol generating device 10, or portions of the first part and the second part may be inserted into the aerosol generating device 10. A user may inhale an aerosol while holding the second part in his or her mouth. As outside or external air passes through the first part, an aerosol may be generated, and the generated aerosol may pass through the second part to be delivered to the mouth of the user.

The body 100 may have a structure that allows external air to be introduced therein with the stick 20 inserted. Here, the external air introduced into the body 100 may pass through the stick 20 to flow into the mouth of the user.

A heater may be disposed in the body 100 corresponding to a position of the stick 20 when being inserted into the body 100. Although the heater in FIG. 2 is shown as an electrically conductive heater 110 including an electrically conductive track of a needle-shape, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

The heater may heat an inside and/or outside of the stick 20 by using power supplied from the battery 16. Here, an aerosol may be generated in the heated stick 20. In this case, the user may puff on one end of the stick 20 with his or her mouth to inhale a tobacco-flavored aerosol.

Meanwhile, according to a predetermined condition, the controller 17 may control such that power is supplied to the heater even when the stick 20 is not inserted into the body 100. For example, when a cleaning function for cleaning the space into which the stick 20 is inserted is selected according to a command input from the user through the input/output interface 12, the controller 17 may control such that predetermined power is supplied to the heater.

The controller 17 may monitor the number of puffs upon insertion of the stick 20 into the body 10 based on a value sensed by the puff sensor 151.

When the inserted stick 20 is removed from the body 100, the controller 17 may initialize the current number of puffs stored in the memory 14.

Referring to FIG. 3, the aerosol generating device 10 according to this embodiment may include a body 100 that supports a cartridge 200 and the cartridge 200 that contains an aerosol generating substance.

In one embodiment, the cartridge 200 may be configured to be detachably attached to the body 100. In another embodiment, the cartridge 200 may be integrally formed with the body 100. For example, at least a portion of the cartridge 200 may be inserted into an inner space defined by a housing 101 of the body 100, allowing the cartridge 200 to be mounted to the body 100.

The body 100 may have a structure that allows external air to be introduced therein with the cartridge 200 inserted. Here, the external air introduced into the body 100 may pass through the cartridge 200 to flow into the mouth of the user.

The controller 17 may determine mounting/removal of the cartridge 200 to/from the body 100 through the 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 detection sensor may detect connection or disconnection of the cartridge 200 based on whether the pulse current is received through another terminal.

The cartridge 200 may include a heater 210 that heats an aerosol generating substance and/or a storage portion 220 that contains the aerosol generating substance. For example, a liquid delivery element impregnated with (containing) the aerosol generating substance may be disposed in the storage portion 220. An electrically conductive track of the heater 210 may have a structure wound around the liquid delivery element. As the liquid delivery element is heated by the heater 210, an aerosol may be produced. Here, the liquid delivery element may be 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 a stick 20 to be inserted therein. For example, the cartridge 200 may include an insertion space defined by an inner wall (not shown) extending in a circumferential direction along a direction in which the stick 20 is inserted. Here, an inside of the inner wall may be open vertically to define the insertion space. The stick 20 may be inserted into the insertion space 230 defined by the inner wall.

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

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

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

The user may inhale an aerosol while holding one end of the stick 20 in his or her mouth. An aerosol generated by the heater 210 may pass through the stick 20 to be delivered to the mouth of the user. Here, a material included in the stick 20 may be added to the aerosol while passing through the stick 20, and the material-added aerosol may be inhaled into the mouth of the user through the one end of the stick 20.

Referring to FIG. 4, the aerosol generating device 10 according to this embodiment may include a body 100 that supports a cartridge 200 and the cartridge 200 that contains an aerosol generating substance. The body 100 may be configured such that a stick 20 is insertable into an insertion space 130.

The aerosol generating device 10 may include a first heater configured to heat the aerosol generating substance stored in the cartridge 200. For example, when a user puffs on one end of the stick 20 with his or her mouth, an aerosol generated by the first heater may pass through the stick 20. Here, a flavoring may be added to the aerosol while passing through the stick 20. The flavored aerosol may be inhaled into the mouth of the user through the one end of the stick 20.

In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device 10 may include a heater configured to heat the aerosol generating substance stored in the cartridge 200 and a heater configured to heat the stick 20 inserted into the body 100. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may generate an aerosol by heating the aerosol generating substance stored in the cartridge 200 and the stick 20 through the plurality of heaters, respectively.

FIGS. 5 to 7 are views for explaining a stick according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Overlapping descriptions in FIGS. 5 to 7 will be omitted.

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

The filter rod 22 in FIG. 5 is shown as a single segment but is not limited thereto. In other words, the filter rod 22 may include a plurality of segments. For example, the filter rod 22 may include a first segment for cooling an aerosol and a second segment for filtering a predetermined component included in the aerosol. In addition, when necessary, the filter rod 22 may further include at least one segment performing another function.

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

The stick 20 may be wrapped by at least one wrapper 24. The wrapper 24 may have at least one hole through which external air is introduced or internal gas is discharged. In one example, the stick 20 may be wrapped by one wrapper 24. In another example, the stick 20 may be wrapped by two or more wrappers 24 in an overlapping manner. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be wrapped by a first wrapper 241. For example, the filter rod 22 may be wrapped by

second wrappers

242, 243, and 244. The tobacco rod 21 and the filter rod 22, which are wrapped by the respective wrappers, may be coupled to each other. The entire stick 20 may be rewrapped by a third wrapper 245. When the filter rod 22 consists of a plurality of segments, each of the segments may be wrapped by an individual wrapper (242, 243, 244). In addition, the entire stick 20 in which the segments respectively wrapped by the individual wrappers are coupled to one another may be rewrapped by another wrapper.

The first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be made of general filter wrapping 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 paper and/or an aluminum laminate packaging material with oil resistance.

The third wrapper 243 may be made of hard wrapping paper. For example, a basis weight of the third wrapper 243 may be in a range of 88g/m² to 96g/m². For example, a basis weight of the third wrapper 243 may be in a range of 90g/m² to 94g/m². In addition, a thickness of the third wrapper 243 may be in a range of 120 μm to 130 μm. For example, the thickness of the third wrapper 243 may be 125 μm.

The fourth wrapper 244 may be made of an oil-resistant hard wrapping paper. For example, a basis weight of the fourth wrapper 244 may be in a range of 88 g/m² to 96 g/m². For example, a basis weight of the fourth wrapper 244 may be in a range of 90 g/m² to 94 g/m². In addition, a thickness of the fourth wrapper 244 may be in a range of 120 μm to 130 μm. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 244 may be 125 μm.

The fifth wrapper 245 may be made of sterile paper (MFW). Here, the sterile paper (MFW) may refer to paper specially designed to have improved tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, and the like compared to general paper. For example, a basis weight of the fifth wrapper 245 may be in a range of 57 g/m² to 63 g/m². For example, a basis weight of the fifth wrapper 245 may be 60 g/m². In addition, a thickness of the fifth wrapper 245 may be in a range of 64 μm to 70 μm. For example, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 245 may be 67 μm.

A predetermined material may be added into the fifth wrapper 245. Here, an example of the predetermined material may be silicone, but is not limited thereto. For example, silicone may have properties such as heat resistance having little change with temperature, oxidation resistance, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency to water, electrical insulation, etc. However, other than the silicone, any material having the above-described properties may be applied onto or coated on the fifth wrapper 245.

The fifth wrapper 245 may prevent combustion of the stick 20. For example, when the tobacco rod 21 is heated by the heater 110, there may exist a possibility of combustion of the stick 20. In detail, 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 combustible. However, as the fifth wrapper 245 includes a non-combustible material, the combustion of the stick 20 may be prevented.

In addition, the fifth wrapper 245 may prevent the body 100 from being contaminated by materials generated in the stick 20. Liquid materials may be generated in the stick 20 due to a puff by a user. For example, as an aerosol produced in the stick 20 is cooled by external air, liquids (e.g., moisture, etc.) may be generated. As the stick 20 is wrapped by the fifth wrapper 245, the liquids generated in the stick 20 may be prevented from leaking out of the stick 20.

The tobacco rod 21 may include an aerosol generating substance. For example, the aerosol generating substance 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. Also, the tobacco rod 21 may contain other additives such as a flavoring agent, a wetting agent, and/or an organic acid. In addition, a flavoring liquid, such as menthol or humectant, may be added to the tobacco rod 21 by being sprayed onto the tobacco rod 21.

The tobacco rod 21 may 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 strands. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be made of shredded tobacco obtained by finely cutting a tobacco sheet. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be surrounded by a heat conductive material. For example, the heat conductive material may be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited thereto. For example, the heat conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 may evenly distribute or disperse heat transferred to the tobacco rod 21 to improve thermal conductivity applied to the tobacco rod 21, thereby improving the taste of tobacco. The heat conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 may serve as a susceptor heated by an induction heater. Although not shown in the drawing, the tobacco rod 21 may further include an additional susceptor in addition to the heat conductive material surrounding an outside thereof.

The filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. Moreover, the filter rod 22 is not limited to a particular shape. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a cylinder type rod. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a tube type rod including a hollow therein. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a recess type rod. When the filter rod 22 consists of a plurality of segments, at least one of the plurality of segments may have a different shape from the others.

The first segment of the filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the first segment may be a tube-shaped structure including a hollow therein. The first segment may prevent an inner material of the tobacco rod 21 from being pushed back upon insertion of the heater 110, and may provide the effect of cooling an aerosol. A diameter of the hollow included in the first segment may be appropriately determined or selected in a range of 2 mm to 4.5 mm, but is not limited thereto.

A length of the first segment may be appropriately determined in 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 an aerosol generated when the heater 110 heats the tobacco rod 21. Thus, the user may inhale an aerosol cooled to an appropriate temperature.

A 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 selected in a range of 7 mm to 20 mm. More preferably, the length of the second segment may be about 14 mm, but is not limited thereto.

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

For example, a polymer may be made of a material 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.

As the second segment is made of the woven polymer fiber or the crimped polymer sheet, the second segment may include a single channel or a plurality of channels extending in a longitudinal direction. Here, the "channel" may refer to a passage through which gas (e.g., air or aerosol) passes.

For example, the second segment made of a crimped polymer sheet may be made from a material having a thickness between 5 μm and 300 μm, namely, between 10 μm and 250 μm. Also, a total surface area of the second segment may be between 300 mm²/mm and 1000 mm²/mm. In addition, an aerosol cooling element may be made from a material with a specific surface area between 10 mm²/mg and 100 mm²/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 filled with a sufficient amount of menthol to provide at least 1.5 mg of menthol to the second segment.

The third segment of the filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. A length of the third segment may be appropriately selected in 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. In one example, a flavoring liquid may be sprayed onto the filter rod 22. In another example, a separate fiber coated with a flavoring liquid may be inserted into the filter rod 22.

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

Referring to FIG. 6, a stick 30 according to this embodiment may further include a front-end plug 33. The front-end plug 33 is disposed on one side opposite a filter rod 32 with respect to a tobacco rod 31. The front-end plug 33 may prevent the tobacco rod 31 from being separated to the outside. The front-end plug 33 may prevent a liquefied aerosol from flowing into the aerosol generating device 10 from the tobacco rod 31 while 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.

A diameter and an overall length of the stick 30 may correspond to the diameter and the overall length of the stick 20 of FIG. 5. For example, a length of the front-end plug 33 may be about 7 mm, a length of the tobacco rod 31 may be about 15 mm, a length of the first segment 321 may be about 12 mm, and a length of the second segment 322 may be about 14 mm. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

The stick 30 may be wrapped by at least one wrapper 35. The wrapper 35 may have at least one hole through which external air is introduced or internal gas is discharged. For example, the front-end plug 33 may be wrapped by a first wrapper 351, the tobacco rod 31 may be wrapped by a second wrapper 352, the first segment 321 may be wrapped by a third wrapper 353, and the second segment 322 may be wrapped by a fourth wrapper 354. Then, the entire stick 30 may be rewrapped by a fifth wrapper 355.

In addition, the fifth wrapper 355 may have at least one perforation 36. 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 of FIG. 3 to an inside of the tobacco rod 31.

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

The first wrapper 351 may be made by coupling a metal foil, such as aluminum foil, to general filter wrapping paper. For example, a total thickness of the first wrapper 351 may be in a range of 45 μm to 55 μm. For example, the total thickness of the first wrapper 351 may be 50.3 μm. In addition, a thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper 351 may be in a range of 6 μm to 7 μm. For example, the thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper 351 may be 6.3 μm. In addition, a basis weight of the first wrapper 351 may be in a range of 50 g/m² to 55 g/m². For example, the basis weight of the first wrapper 351 may be 53 g/m².

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

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

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

The fourth wrapper 354 may be made of PLA laminated paper. Here, the PLA laminated paper may refer to a three-layer paper consisting of a paper layer, a PLA layer, and a paper layer. For example, a thickness of the fourth wrapper 354 may be in a range of 100 μm to 120 μm. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 354 may be 110 μm. In addition, a basis weight of the fourth wrapper 354 may be in a range of 80 g/m² to 100 g/m². For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 354 may be 88 g/m².

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

A predetermined material may be added into the fifth wrapper 355. Here, an example of the predetermined material may be silicone, but is not limited thereto. For example, silicone has properties such as heat resistance with little change with temperature, oxidation resistance, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency to water, or electrical insulation. However, other than the silicone, any material having the above-described properties may be applied (or coated) onto the fifth wrapper 355.

The front-end plug 33 may be made of cellulose acetate. In one example, the front-end plug 33 may be made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. A mono denier of a filament constituting the cellulose acetate tow may be in a range of 1.0 to 10.0. For example, the mono denier of the filament constituting the cellulose acetate tow may be in a range of 4.0 to 6.0. For example, a mono denier of a filament of the front-end plug 33 may be 5.0. In addition, a cross section of the filament of the front-end plug 33 may be a Y-shape. A total denier of the front-end plug 33 may be in a range of 20000 to 30000. For example, the total denier of the front-end plug 33 may be in a range of 25000 to 30000. For example, the total denier of the front-end plug 33 may be 28000.

In addition, when necessary, the front-end plug 33 may include at least one channel. A shape of a cross section of the channel of the front-end plug 330 may be formed 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.

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 made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. For example, a mono denier and a total denier of the first segment 321 may be the same as the mono denier and the total denier of the front-end plug 33.

The second segment 322 may be made of cellulose acetate. A mono denier of a filament of the second segment 322 may be in a range of 1.0 to 10.0. For example, the mono denier of the filament of the second segment 322 may be in a 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, a cross section of the filament of the second segment 322 may be a Y-shape. A total denier of the second segment 322 may be in a range of 20000 to 30000. For example, the total denier of the second segment 322 may be 25000.

Referring to FIG. 7, a stick 40 may include a medium portion 410. The stick 400 may include a cooling portion 420. The stick 40 may include a filter portion 430.

The cooling portion 420 may be disposed between the medium portion 410 and the filter portion 430. The stick 400 may include a wrapper 440. The wrapper 440 may wrap the medium portion 410. The wrapper 440 may wrap the cooling portion 420. The wrapper 440 may wrap the filter portion 430. The stick 400 may have a cylindrical shape.

The medium portion 410 may include a medium 411. The medium portion 410 may include a first support 413. The medium portion 410 may include a second support 415. The medium 411 may be disposed between the first support 413 and the second support 415. The first support 413 may be disposed at one end of the stick 400. The medium portion 410 may have a length of 24 mm.

The medium 411 may contain a multicomponent substance. The substance contained in the medium may be a multicomponent flavoring substance. The medium 411 may be composed of a plurality of granules. Each of the plurality of granules may have a size of 0.4 mm to 1.12 mm. The granules may account for approximately 70% of the volume of the medium 411. A length L2 of the medium 411 may be 10 mm. The first support 413 may be made of a paper material. The second support 415 may be made of a paper material. The first support 413 may be made of an acetate material. The second support 415 may be made of an acetate material. At least one of the first support 413 and the second support 415 may be made of a paper material to be crumpled with wrinkles, and a plurality of gaps may be formed between the wrinkles to allow air to flow therethrough. Each of the gaps may be smaller than each of the granules of the medium 411. A length L1 of the first support 413 may be less than the length L2 of the medium 411. A length L3 of the second support 415 may be less than the length L2 of the medium 411. The length L1 of the first support 413 may be 7 mm. The length L2 of the second support 415 may be 7 mm.

Accordingly, each of the granules of the medium 411 may be prevented from being separated from the medium portion 410 and the stick 40.

The cooling portion 420 may have a cylindrical shape. The cooling portion 420 may have a hollow shape. The cooling portion 420 may be disposed between the medium portion 410 and the filter portion 430. The cooling portion 420 may be disposed between the second support 415 and the filter portion 430. The cooling portion 420 may be formed in the shape of a tube that surrounds a cooling path 424 formed therein. The cooling portion 420 may be thicker than the wrapper 440. The cooling portion 420 may be made of a paper material thicker than that of the wrapper 440. A length L4 of the cooling portion 420 may be equal or similar to the length L2 of the medium 411. The length L4, which is the length of the cooling portion 420 and the cooling path 424, may be 10 mm. When the stick 400 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 10, at least a portion of the cooling portion 420 may be exposed to an outside of the aerosol generating device 10.

Accordingly, the cooling portion 420 may support the medium portion 410 and the filter portion 430, and may achieve the rigidity of the stick 400. In addition, the cooling portion 420 may support the wrapper 440 between the medium portion 410 and the filter portion 430, and may provide a portion to which the wrapper 440 is adhered. In addition, heated air and aerosol may be cooled while passing through the cooling path 424 in the cooling portion 420.

The filter portion 430 may be configured as a filter made of an acetate material. The filter portion 430 may be disposed at another end of the stick 400. When the stick 400 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 10, the filter portion 430 may be exposed to the outside of the aerosol generating device 10. A user may inhale air while holding the filter portion 430 in his or her mouth. A length L5 of the filter portion 430 may be 14 mm.

The wrapper 440 may wrap or surround the medium portion 410, the cooling portion 420, and the filter portion 430. The wrapper 440 may define an outer appearance of the stick 400. The wrapper 440 may be made of a paper material. An adhesive portion 441 may be formed along one edge of the wrapper 440. The wrapper 440 may surround the medium portion 410, the cooling portion 420 and the filter portion 430, and the adhesive portion 441 formed along the one edge of the wrapper 440 and another edge of the wrapper 440 may be adhered to each other. The wrapper 440 may surround the medium portion 410, the cooling portion 420, and the filter portion 430, but may not cover one end and another end of the stick 400.

Accordingly, the wrapper 440 may fix the medium portion 410, the cooling portion 420, and the filter portion 430, and may prevent these components from being separated from the stick 400.

A first thin film 443 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the first support 413. The first thin film 443 may be disposed between the wrapper 440 and the first support 413, or may be 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 be in close contact with or coated on the wrapper 440.

A second thin film 445 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the second support 415. The second thin film 445 may be disposed between the wrapper 440 and the second support 415, or may be disposed outside the wrapper 440. The second thin film 445 may be made of a metal material. The second thin film 445 may be made of an aluminum material. The second thin film 445 may be in close contact with or coated on the wrapper 440.

FIGS. 8 to 10 are views for explaining an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present discourse.

Herein, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" may be determined based on a direction of air and/or aerosol flowing into the mouth or lungs of a user when the user puffs on an aerosol generating article to inhale an aerosol. For example, in FIG. 10, since an aerosol generated in a medium portion 511 is directed to a cooling portion 520 and a filter portion 530, it may be described that the medium portion 511 is located at the upper stream side relative to the cooling portion 520 and the filter portion 530, and the cooling portion 520 and the filter portion 530 are located at the downstream side relative to the medium portion 511. The "upstream" and "downstream" may be determined according to the relative position between components.

Herein, the directions of the aerosol generating device 10 may be defined based on the orthogonal coordinate system shown in FIG. 8 to 10. In the orthogonal coordinate system, the x-axis direction may be defined as the left-and-right direction of the aerosol generating device 10. Here, based on the origin, the +x-axis direction may be the right direction, and the -x-axis direction may be the left direction. The y-axis direction may be defined as the up-and-down direction of the aerosol generating device 10. Here, based on the origin, the +y-axis direction may be the up direction, and the -y-axis direction may be the down direction. The z-axis direction may be defined as the front-and-rear direction of the aerosol generating device 10. Here, based on the origin, the +z-axis direction may be the front direction, and the -z-axis direction may be the rear direction.

Referring to FIGS. 8 to 10, the aerosol generating device 10 may include an insertion space 330, a first heater 131, a second heater 181, a color sensor 182, a controller 17, and a battery 16.

The insertion space 330 extending in an elongated manner may be formed in a 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 a stick 50 is inserted. An inside of the inner wall may be open vertically to define the insertion space 330. The stick 50 may be inserted into the insertion space 330 defined by the inner wall.

The insertion space 330 into which the stick 50 is inserted may have 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 has 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, an outer circumferential surface of the stick 50 may be surrounded by the inner wall to be in contact with the inner wall.

The first heater 131 may be disposed adjacent to one end of the insertion space 330 in a longitudinal direction of the insertion space 330. For example, the first heater 131 may be disposed adjacent to a lower end of the insertion space 330. For example, the first heater 131 may be disposed adjacent to one end located farthest from an inlet of the insertion space 330 with respect to the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 330. For example, the first heater 131 may be disposed 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 a chamber C1 that accommodates or stores an aerosol generating substance through a flow path P1. The first heater 131 may have a structure wound around a liquid delivery element (not shown). The first heater 131 may heat an aerosol generating substance impregnated in the liquid delivery element. As the liquid delivery element is heated by the first heater 131, an aerosol may be generated. The generated aerosol may flow in a downstream direction of the stick 50 (an inlet-side direction of the insertion space 330) through an inside/outside of the stick 50 inserted into the insertion space 330.

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

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

The stick 50 may include a medium portion 511 and

support portions

513 and 515 connected to an upstream end and/or a downstream end of the medium portion 511. The

support portions

513 and 515 may be made of a paper material. The

support portions

513 and 515 may be made of a paper material to be crumpled with wrinkles, and a plurality of gaps may be formed between the wrinkles to allow air to flow therethrough.

The stick 50 may include a cooling portion 520. The stick 50 may include a filter portion 530. The medium portion 511, the

support portions

513 and 515, the cooling portion 520, and the filter portion 530 of the stick 50 may correspond to the medium 411, the first/

second supports

413 and 415, the cooling portion 420, and the filter portion 430, respectively.

The second heater 181 may heat at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the stick 50 inserted into the insertion space 330. The second heater 181 may heat an outer circumferential surface of the

support portion

513, 515 of the stick 50 when being inserted into the insertion space 330.

The first heater 131 and the second heater 181 may each be at least one of an electrically resistive heater or an induction heater.

For example, the first heater 131 and the second heater 181 may be electrically resistive heaters. The first heater 131 and the second heater 181 may each include an electrically conductive track to be heated by a current flowing in the electrically conductive track.

For example, the first heater 131 and the second heater 181 may be induction heaters. The aerosol generating device 10 may include electrically conductive coils spaced apart from the first heater 131 and the second heater 181 and disposed to surround the first heater 131 and the second heater 181, respectively. The first heater 131 and the second heater 181 may each include a magnetic material. The first heater 131 and the second heater 181 may generate heat by an alternating magnetic field formed by the electrically conductive coils. The first heater 131 and the second heater 181 may be referred to as susceptors.

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

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

The color sensor 182 may be disposed adjacent to the insertion space 330, and may be disposed to face the insertion space 330. The color sensor 182 may be disposed at an upper side of the second heater 181 along the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 330. For example, the color sensor 182 may be disposed in the vicinity of an end of the inlet-side of the insertion space 330. For example, the color sensor 182 may be disposed at a position higher than a height at which the

support portions

513 and 515 of the stick 50 that are inserted into the insertion space 330 are disposed.

When the color sensor 182 is disposed at a lower end of the second heater 181, although a used stick is re-inserted into the insertion space 330, a portion of an outer circumferential surface of the stick whose color is changed by the second heater 181 does not reach a point where the color sensor 182 is located. Thus, the color sensor 182 may not detect the color changed or discolored portion.

The controller 17 may determine whether the stick 50 is inserted into the insertion space 330 and whether the stick 50 is a used stick based on a color signal output by the color sensor 182. Descriptions of how the controller 17 determines insertion or non-insertion of the stick 50 and reuse or non-use of the stick 50 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 under the control of the controller 17.

FIG. 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 the insertion of the stick 50 based on a color signal output by the color sensor 182.

The color sensor 182 may periodically emit light toward the insertion space 330. When the stick 50 is not inserted into the insertion space 330, emitted light may be reflected off a portion of an inner circumferential surface, which is disposed opposite the color sensor 172, of the insertion space 330 to be received by the color sensor 182. When the stick 50 is inserted into the insertion space 330, emitted light may be reflected off the outer circumferential surface of the stick 50 to be received by the color sensor 182.

First color information in a predetermined range in relation to a color of reflected light reflected off an outer circumferential surface of a stick may be stored in the memory 14 of the aerosol generating device 10. For example, the first color information may include information regarding a color (e.g., white) of an outer circumferential surface of an unused stick and a color in a predetermined range similar to the corresponding color. For example, the first color information may include information regarding at least one of hue, saturation, and brightness. The aerosol generating device 10 may compare a color signal periodically output by the color sensor 182 with the first color information stored in the memory 14 to 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 an output signal of the stick detection sensor.

Based on a determination that the stick 50 is inserted into the insertion space 330, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine whether a color signal output by the color sensor 182 corresponds to predetermined color information in operation S1120.

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

The memory 14 of the aerosol generating device 10 may store second color information in a predetermined range in relation to a color of reflected light reflected off an outer circumferential surface of a used stick. For example, the second color information may include information regarding a color (e.g., ocher) of an outer circumferential surface of a stick burned or scorched by heat and a color in a predetermined range similar to the corresponding color. For example, the second color information may include information regarding at least one of hue, saturation, and brightness. The aerosol generating device 10 may compare a color signal, periodically output by the color sensor 182 upon detecting insertion of the stick 50, with the second color information stored in the memory 14 to determine whether the color signal corresponds to the second color information.

The aerosol generating device 10 may determine whether a color signal, periodically output by the color sensor 182 for a predetermined time upon detecting insertion of the stick 50, corresponds to the second color information. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine whether a color signal received by the color sensor 182, from a time point of detecting insertion of the stick 50 until a puff signal of the puff sensor 151 is detected, corresponds to the second color information. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine whether a color signal received by the color sensor 182, from a time point of detecting insertion of the stick 50 until a predetermined time (e.g., 0.5 seconds) has elapsed, corresponds to the second color information.

The aerosol generating device 10 may determine whether the stick 50 is a used stick based on the color signal output by 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 used stick.

When the stick 50 is determined as a 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, through the output device, information indicating that the inserted stick 50 is not allowed to use.

The aerosol generating device 10 may determine whether the stick 50 is an unused (or new) stick based on the color signal output by 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, when the color signal corresponds to the first color information confirmed in the operation S1110, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine that the stick 50 is an unused stick.

When the stick 50 is determined as an unused stick, the aerosol generating device 10 may control power to be supplied to the first heater 131. The aerosol generating device 10 may control such that the first heater 131 is heated to a first target temperature based on the temperature profile stored in the memory 14. Here, the first target temperature may be greater than or equal to the vaporization temperature of the aerosol generating substance. An aerosol may be generated by heating the aerosol generating substance impregnated in the liquid delivery element by the first heater 131.

FIG. 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 control such that power is supplied to the second heater 181. Based on the stick 50 inserted into the insertion space 330 being an unused stick, the aerosol generating device 10 may control power to be supplied to the second heater 181.

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

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 detected, 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 (e.g., 2 seconds) upon detecting a puff. For example, when a puff is detected, the aerosol generating device 10 may supply power to the first heater 131 until another puff is detected. Meanwhile, when the inserted stick 50 is determined as an unused stick, even before a puff is initially detected, the aerosol generating device 10 may supply power to the first heater 131 to preheat the first heater 131 until a puff is initially detected.

In operation S1230, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine whether the counted number of puffs is the predetermined number N of puffs. Here, the predetermined number N of puffs may be the maximum number of puffs allocated to an inserted unused stick 50. For example, the predetermined number N of puffs may be 14 times. However, the predetermined number N of puffs is not limited thereto, and may vary depending on the type of the stick 50.

When the counted number of puffs is the predetermined number N of puffs, the aerosol generating device 10 may control such that power is supplied to the second heater 181 in operation S1240. When the counted number of puffs is less than the predetermined number N of puffs, the aerosol generating device 10 may repeatedly detect a puff through the puff sensor 151.

When the counted number of puffs is the predetermined number N of puffs, the aerosol generating device 10 may control such that the second heater 181 is heated to a second target temperature based on the temperature profile stored in the memory 14. The aerosol generating device 10 may control such that the second heater 181 is heated for a predetermined time based on the temperature profile stored in the memory 14.

The second heater 181 may heat at least one of the first support portion 513 and the second support portion 515 of the stick 50 inserted into the insertion space 330. The outer circumferential surface of the

support portion

513, 515 may be scorched by heat, causing a change in color.

The second target temperature may be lower than the vaporization temperature of the aerosol generating substance. As the second heater 181 is spaced apart from the medium portion 511 of the inserted stick 50 by a predetermined distance, the second heater 181 may not be in contact with the medium portion 511 of the inserted stick 50. As the second heater 181 is heated at a temperature lower than the vaporization temperature of the aerosol generating substance, and is spaced apart from the medium portion 511, heat energy transferred to the medium portion 511 by the second heater 181 may be extremely small.

As the aerosol generating device 10 heats a portion of the inserted stick 50 that does not contain a medium at a relatively low temperature to determine whether the stick 50 is a used stick, the influence on the medium portion 511 due to heating by the second heater 181 may be minimized. Accordingly, a change in aerosol flavor due to heating by the second heater 181 may be prevented.

FIG. 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 control power to be supplied to the second heater 181. Based on the stick 50 inserted into the insertion space 330 being an unused stick, the aerosol generating device 10 may control power to be supplied to the second heater 181.

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

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

When the predetermined time has elapsed from the time point of detecting the puff, the aerosol generating device 10 may control power to be supplied to the second heater 181 in operation S1340. The aerosol generating device 10 may control such that the second heater 181 is heated to a second target temperature based on the temperature profile stored in the memory 14. The aerosol generating device 10 may control such that the second heater 181 is heated for a predetermined time based on the temperature profile stored in the memory 14.

The second heater 181 may heat at least one of the first support portion 513 and the second support portion 515 of the inserted stick 50. The outer circumferential surface of the

support portion

513, 515 may be scorched by heat, causing a change in color.

In operation S1350, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine whether the counted number of puffs is the predetermined number N of puffs. Here, the predetermined number N of puffs may be the maximum number of puffs allocated to an inserted unused stick 50. For example, the predetermined number N of puffs may be 14 times. However, the predetermined number N of puffs is not limited thereto, and may vary depending on the type of the stick 50.

When the counted number of puffs is the predetermined number N of puffs, 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 predetermined number of N of puffs, the aerosol generating device 10 may repeatedly perform the operation S1310 to the operation S1340.

The aerosol generating device 10 may control such that the second heater 181 is heated for each puff until the predetermined number N of puffs reaches, after insertion of the stick 50. For each puff, the second heater 181 may heat at least one of the first support portion 513 and the second support portion 515 of the inserted stick 50.

A color of the outer circumferential surface of the

support portion

513, 515 may be changed to a darker color in proportion to a time of being heated by the second heater 181. The outer circumferential surface of the

support portion

513, 515 may have a different degree of scorching corresponding to the number of puffs. The outer circumferential surface of the

support portion

513, 515 may be severely scorched as the number of puffs increases, causing the color thereof to be darkened.

The aerosol generating device 10 may determine how much the inserted stick 40 is used, namely, an extend of use of the inserted stick 40 based on a color signal output by the color sensor 182.

A plurality of color information (pieces) divided into a plurality of ranges in relation to colors of reflected light reflected off an outer circumferential surface of a used stick may be stored in the memory 14 of the aerosol generating device 10. The plurality of color information may be stored by matching the number of times of heating of an outer circumferential surface of a stick by the second heater 181. For example, 2-1 color information may include information regarding a color of an outer circumferential surface of a stick scorched by heat due to being heated once and a color in a predetermined range similar to the corresponding color. For example, 2-2 color information may include information regarding a color of an outer circumferential surface of a stick scorched by heat due to being heated twice and a color in a predetermined range similar to the corresponding color. For example, 2-14 color information may include information regarding a color of an outer circumferential surface of a stick scorched by heat due to being heated 14 times and a color in a predetermined range similar to the corresponding color. For example, the plurality of color information may include at least one of hue, saturation, and brightness.

The aerosol generating device 10 may compare a color signal periodically output by the color sensor 182 after a time point of detecting insertion of the stick 50 with the plurality of color information stored in the memory 14 to determine color information corresponding to the color signal. The aerosol generating device 10 may determine the number of times of heating matching to color information corresponding to the color signal. The aerosol generating device 10 may determine an extent of use of the inserted stick 40 based on the matching number of times of heating. The aerosol generating device 10 may determine the extent of use of the stick 40 in proportion to the number of times of heating.

When the number of times of heating is determined to be less than the maximum number of puffs (e.g., 14 times) allocated to an unused stick, although the inserted stick 50 is determined as a used stick, the aerosol generating device 10 may supply power to the first heater 131. Based on the number of times of heating, the aerosol generating device 10 may count the number of puffs each time a puff occurs. The aerosol generating device 10 may control such that the second heater 181 is heated for each puff until the counted number of puffs reaches the predetermined number N of puffs.

As described above, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the reuse of a used stick may be prevented by determining whether an inserted stick has been already used.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 13, an aerosol generating device 10 according to one aspect of the present disclosure may include: a housing having an insertion space 330 extending in an elongated manner; a first heater 131 disposed adjacent to one end of the insertion space 330 in a longitudinal direction of the insertion space 330 and configured to heat an aerosol generating substance; a color sensor 182 disposed adjacent to the insertion space 330 to face the insertion space 330; and a second heater 181 configured to heat at least a portion of an outer circumferential surface of a stick 50 inserted into the insertion space 330, wherein the color sensor 182 is disposed relative to an upper side of the second heater 181 along the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 330.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the second heater 181 may have an annular shape to surround at least a portion of an outer circumferential surface of the insertion space 330.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the second heater 181 may be disposed at a height adjacent to a height at which a

support portion

513, 515 of the stick 50 is disposed when the stick 50 is inserted into the insertion space 330.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the stick 50 may include a medium portion 511; and the

support portion

513, 515 connected to an upstream end and/or a downstream end of the medium portion 511. The second heater 181 may heat an outer circumferential surface of the

support portion

513, 515 while the stick 50 is inserted into the insertion space 330.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device 10 may further include a controller 17. The color sensor 182 may emit light to the insertion space 330 and receive reflected light of the emitted light reflected by the stick 50, so as to output a color signal corresponding to the received reflected light. The controller 17 may be configured to determine, based on the color signal output by the color sensor 182, whether the stick 50 is inserted into the insertion space 330 and whether the stick 50 is a used stick.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device 10 may further include a puff sensor 151 configured to detect a puff. The controller 17 may be configured to: determine, based on the stick 50 being inserted into the insertion space 330, whether a puff signal is received from the puff sensor 151; and determine whether the stick 50 is a used stick based on a color signal, of the color signal output by the color sensor 182, received from a time point of detecting insertion of the stick 50 to a time point of receiving the puff signal.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device 10 may further include a puff sensor 151 configured to detect a puff. The controller 17 may be configured to: determine, based on the stick 50 being inserted into the insertion space 330, whether a puff signal is received from the puff sensor 151; count number of puffs based on the puff signal; and control, based on the number of puffs being predetermined number of puffs, power to be supplied to the second heater 181.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device 10 may further include a puff sensor 151 configured to detect a puff. The controller 17 may be configured to: determine, based on the stick 50 being inserted into the insertion space 330, whether a puff signal is received from the puff sensor 151; and control, based on reception of the puff signal, power to be supplied to the second heater 181 for a predetermined time.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a color of an outer circumferential surface of a

support portion

513, 515 of the stick 50 may be changed in proportion to a time of being heated by the second heater 181. The controller 17 may be configured to determine an extent of use of the stick 50 based on the color signal output by the color sensor 182.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the controller 17 may be configured to: control, based on the stick 50 inserted into the insertion space 330 being an unused stick, power to be supplied to the first heater 131; and control, based on the stick 50 inserted into the insertion space 330 being a used stick, supply of power to the first heater 131 to be cut off.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the controller 17 may be configured to control supply of power to the second heater 181, so that the second heater 181 is heated at a temperature lower than a vaporization temperature of the aerosol generating substance.

Certain embodiments or other embodiments of the disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct from each other. Any or all elements of the embodiments of the disclosure described above may be combined with another or combined with each other in configuration or function.

For example, a configuration "A" described in one embodiment of the disclosure and the drawings, and a configuration "B" described in another embodiment of the disclosure and the drawings may be combined with each other. Namely, although the combination between the configurations is not directly described, the combination is possible except in the case where it is described that the combination is impossible.

Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings, and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

An aerosol generating device comprising:

a housing shaped to define an insertion space and extending in an elongated manner;

a first heater disposed adjacent to one end of the insertion space in a longitudinal direction of the insertion space and being configured to heat an aerosol generating substance;

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 is disposed relative to an upper side of the second heater and along the longitudinal direction of the insertion space.
The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the second heater includes an annular shape and is positioned to surround at least a portion of an outer circumferential surface of the insertion space.
The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the second heater is positioned at a location that is adjacent to a location at which a support portion of the stick is located, when the stick has been inserted into the insertion space.
The aerosol generating device of claim 3, wherein the stick comprises:

a medium portion; and

the support portion connected to an upstream end and/or a downstream end of the medium portion, and

wherein the second heater is configured to heat an outer circumferential surface of the support portion while the stick is inserted in the insertion space.
The aerosol generating device of claim 1, further comprising a controller,

wherein the color sensor emits light to the insertion space and receives reflected light of the emitted light reflected by the stick, so as to output a color signal corresponding to the received reflected light, and

wherein the controller is configured to determine whether or not the stick is inserted into the insertion space and whether or not the stick is a used stick, based on the color signal output by the color sensor.
The aerosol generating device of claim 5, further comprising a puff sensor configured to detect a puff,

wherein the controller is further configured to:

determine whether or not a puff signal identifying a detected puff from the puff sensor is received from the puff sensor, after the stick has been inserted into the insertion space; and

determine whether or not the stick is a used stick based on a color signal provided by the color sensor, wherein the color signal is received during a time period between the determining of the stick being inserted into the insertion space and the receiving the puff signal.
The aerosol generating device of claim 5, further comprising a puff sensor configured to detect a puff,

wherein the controller is further configured to:

determine whether or not a puff signal identifying a detected puff from the puff sensor is received from the puff sensor, after the stick has been inserted into the insertion space; and

identify a number of puffs based on the puff signal; and

control power to be supplied to the second heater, based on the number of puffs being a defined number of puffs.
The aerosol generating device of claim 5, further comprising a puff sensor configured to detect a puff,

wherein the controller is configured to:

determine whether or not a puff signal identifying a detected puff from the puff sensor is received from the puff sensor, after the stick has been inserted into the insertion space; and

control power to be supplied to the second heater for a defined period of time, based on the receiving of the puff signal.
The aerosol generating device of claim 8, wherein a color of an outer circumferential surface of a support portion of the stick is changed in proportion to a time of being heated by the second heater, and

wherein the controller is configured to determine an extent of use of the stick based on the color signal output by the color sensor.
The aerosol generating device of claim 5, wherein the controller is further configured to:

control power to be supplied to the first heater, based on the stick that is inserted into the insertion space being an unused stick; and

control supply of power to the first heater to be terminated, based on the stick that is inserted into the insertion space being a used stick.
The aerosol generating device of claim 5, wherein the controller is further configured to control supply of power to the second heater, so that the second heater is heated at a temperature lower than a vaporization temperature of the aerosol generating substance.
The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the second heater is positioned at a height relative to a lower end of the insertion space and which generally corresponds with a location at which a support portion of the stick is located, when the stick has been inserted into the insertion space.