WO2023068738A1

WO2023068738A1 - Aerosol generating device

Info

Publication number: WO2023068738A1
Application number: PCT/KR2022/015835
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jongsub Lee; Sangkyu Park; Wooseok CHUNG; Byungsung CHO; Daenam HAN
Original assignee: Kt&G Corporation
Priority date: 2021-10-19
Filing date: 2022-10-18
Publication date: 2023-04-27
Also published as: CA3233717A1

Abstract

An aerosol generating device is provided. The aerosol generating device according to the present disclosure comprises: a main body having a power source; a wick disposed at the main body; a heater connected to the power source and configured to heat the wick; a container detachably coupled to the main body and having a storage space in which an aerosol generating material is contained; a medium having a first end connected to the storage space of the container and a second end in contact with the wick, so as to transfer the aerosol generating material to the wick; a first sensor disposed at the main body and connected to the power source and configured to sense a coupling of the container to the main body; and at least one processor configured to determine whether to replace the heater based on a total number of times that the first sensor senses the coupling of the container to the main body.

Description

AEROSOL GENERATING DEVICE

The following description 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 comprise a nicotine component, an herbal component, and/or a coffee component, and the like. Recently, the aerosol generating device is actively researched.

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

It is another objective of the present disclosure to reduce production costs of a cartridge, in which a liquid is stored, by separating a heater.

It is yet another objective of the present disclosure to inform a user whether it is required to replace a heater.

It is yet another objective of the present disclosure to increase reliability of a coupling detection sensor for detecting coupling between a cartridge and a main body.

It is yet another objective of the present disclosure to prevent a wick from being overheated by a heater.

In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure for accomplishing the above objectives, there is provided an aerosol generating device comprising: a main body having a power source; a wick disposed at the main body; a heater connected to the power source and configured to heat the wick; a container detachably coupled to the main body and having a storage space in which an aerosol generating material is contained; a medium having a first end connected to the storage space of the container and a second end in contact with the wick, so as to transfer the aerosol generating material to the wick; a first sensor disposed at the main body and connected to the power source and configured to sense a coupling of the container to the main body; and at least one processor configured to determine whether to replace the heater based on a total number of times that the first sensor senses the coupling of the container to the main body.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, production costs of a cartridge for storing a liquid may be reduced by separating a heater.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, information on replacement of a heater may be provided to a user.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to increase reliability of a coupling detection sensor.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, by controlling the operation of a heater, it is possible to prevent a wick from being overheated by the heater.

Further scope of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, are given by illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

FIGS. 1 to 12 are diagrams illustrating examples of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same or similar elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and a redundant description thereof will be omitted.

The terms "module" and "unit" for elements used in the following description are given simply in view of the ease of the description, and do not have a distinguishing meaning or role.

In addition, it will be noted that a detailed description of known arts will be omitted if it is determined that the detailed description of the known arts can obscure the embodiments of the present disclosure. Further, the accompanying drawings are used to help easily understand various technical features and it should be understood that the embodiments presented herein are not limited by the accompanying drawings, and the present disclosure should be construed to extend to any alterations, equivalents and substitutes in addition to those which are particularly set out in 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 an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another element, there are no intervening elements present.

As used herein, the singular forms are intended to comprise the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device 1 comprises a casing 30, a cap 20, a mouthpiece 10, a cartridge 40, and a main body 50.

The casing 30 may form the exterior of the aerosol generating device 1 along with the cap 20. The casing 30 may comprise the upper part 31 and the lower part 32. The cartridge 40 and the main body 50 may be disposed in the casing 30. An inner surface of the upper part 31 may be coupled to an outer surface of the cartridge 40. An inner surface of the lower part 32 may be coupled to an outer surface of the main body 50. When the upper part 31 and the lower part 32 are coupled to the cartridge 40 and the main body 50 respectively, the upper part 31 and the lower part 32 may form a continuous surface. A user may hold the aerosol generating device 1 by gripping an outer surface of the casing 30.

The cap 20 may be coupled to the upper part 31. The mouthpiece 10 may be rotatably coupled to the cap 20. The cap 20 may comprise a receiving portion 21 in which the mouthpiece 10 is received. The receiving portion 21 may be recessed into the aerosol generating device 1. The mouthpiece 10 may be rotated to be received in the receiving portion 21. The mouthpiece 10 having a hollow shape may have a passage (not shown) formed therein, through which air flows. A user may inhale aerosols, generated in the cartridge 40, through the mouthpiece 10.

FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 2, the aerosol generating device 1 comprises a sensing unit 60, an output unit 70, a user input unit 80, a controller 90, a memory 91, and a battery 100.

The sensing unit 60 comprises a coupling detection sensor 61, a liquid volume sensor 62, a flow detection sensor 63, and a resistance detection sensor 64. The coupling detection sensor 61 may detect coupling between the cartridge 40 and the main body 50. The liquid volume sensor 62 may detect a volume of an aerosol generating material contained in the cartridge 40. The flow detection sensor 63 may detect an air flow in the aerosol generating device 1. The resistance detection sensor 64 may detect a resistance value of a heater 57. The controller 90 may control operations of the coupling detection sensor 61, the liquid volume sensor 62, the flow detection sensor 63, and the resistance detection sensor 64.

The output unit 70 may output information about a state of the aerosol generating device 1 and may provide the information to a user. For example, the output unit 70 may provide the user with information on whether to replace the heater 57 and whether to charge the battery 100, and information on a remaining amount of the aerosol generating material contained in the container 42.

The output unit 70 may comprise at least one of a display 71, a haptic unit 72, and a sound output unit 73, but is not limited thereto. In the case where the display 71 and a touch pad form a layer structure to be configured as a touch screen, the display 71 may also be used as an input device as well as an output device.

The display 71 may visually provide information about the aerosol generating device 1 to a user. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device 1 may comprise a variety of information, such as a charging/discharging state of the battery 100, a preheating state of the heater 57, an insertion/removal state of an aerosol generating article, or a state in which use of the aerosol generating device 1 is restricted (e.g., detecting an abnormal article), etc., and the display 71 may output the information to the outside. The display 71 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display panel, and the like. In addition, the display 71 may be a light emitting diode (LED).

The haptic unit 72 may tactually provide information about the aerosol generating device 1 to a user by converting an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus or an electrical stimulus. For example, the haptic unit 72 may comprise a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electric stimulator.

The sound output unit 73 may aurally provide information about the aerosol generating device 1 to a user. For example, the sound output unit 73 may convert an electrical signal into a sound signal and may output the signal to the outside.

The user input unit 80 may receive information input by a user or may output information to the user. For example, the user input unit 80 may comprise a keypad, a dome switch, and a touch pad (capacitive overlay, resistive overlay, infrared beam, surface acoustic wave, integral strain gauge, piezoelectric touch screen, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc., but is not limited thereto. Although not illustrated in FIG. 6, the aerosol generating device 1 may further comprise a connection interface, such as a universal serial bus (USB) interface, and may be connected to another external device via the connection interface, such as the USB interface and the like, to transmit and receive information and to charge the battery 100.

The controller 90 may control operations of the coupling detection sensor 61, the liquid volume sensor 62, and the flow detection sensor 63. The controller 90 may store information in the memory 91. The controller 90 may control the heater 57. The controller 90 may control the sensing unit 60, the output unit 70, the user input unit 80, and the heater 57. The controller 90 may comprise at least one processor.

Meanwhile, when the cartridge 40 is separated from the main body 50, the controller 90 may stop the operation of the heater 57. When the cartridge 40 is separated, an amount of liquid supplied to a wick 56 is reduced, such that the wick 56 may be overheated. By stopping the operation of the heater 57, the controller 90 may prevent overheating of the wick 56.

The controller 90 may store information in the memory 91 or may retrieve information from the memory 91. The memory 91 is hardware for storing various data processed in the aerosol generating device 1, and may store data processed by the controller 90 as well as data to be processed by the controller 90. The memory 91 may comprise at least one storage medium having at least one type of a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type (e.g., a SD memory, a XD memory, or the like), a random access memory (RAM) a static random access memory (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disc, and an optical disc. The memory 91 may store an operating time, a maximum number of puffs, a current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and data on a user's smoking pattern, and the like. The memory 91 may store a reference pressure value, a reference resistance value, and a reference number of coupling times.

The battery 100 may supply power to the aerosol generating device 1. The battery 100 may supply electric power to the controller 90. The battery 100 may be connected to an external power source via a terminal 101 (see FIG. 4). The battery 100 may be referred to as a power source. The battery 100 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 100 may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery but is not limited thereto. The battery 100 may be referred to as a power source.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the cartridge 40 comprises a medium 41 and a container 42. The main body 50 comprises a base 51, a column 52, a window 53, a protrusion 54, a through-hole 55, the wick 56, the heater 57, a mounting space 58, and a first flow space 59.

The cartridge 40 may store the aerosol generating material 1. The cartridge 40 may be detachably coupled to the main body 50. The cartridge 40 may have an elongated shape. The cartridge 40 may be covered by the casing 30. Meanwhile, the cartridge 40 and the mouthpiece 10 may be integrally separated from the main body 50. A user may integrally replace the cartridge 40 and the mouthpiece 10.

The medium 41 may be disposed on an outer surface of the cartridge 40. The medium 41 may absorb the aerosol generating material l contained in the container 42. The medium 41 may retain the liquid l. For example, the medium 41 may be made of a felt material or sponge such as polyester foam and the like. The aerosol generating material l may be in a liquid state or a gel state at room temperature. The aerosol generating material l may be referred to as a liquid-type or gel-type material.

The medium 41 may have a hole 411 through which the liquid l passes. The hole 411 of the medium 41 may be a concept that comprises a fine gap formed between substances of the medium 41. For example, the hole 41 may have a diameter ranging from 1 mm to 2 mm or from 0.01 mm to 0.02 mm.

The medium 41 may have a shape corresponding to a shape of the wick 56. The medium 41 may be disposed on a lateral wall 422 of the container 42. When the cartridge 40 is mounted to the main body 50, the medium 41 may come into contact with the wick 56 mounted in the main body 50.

The medium 41 may transfer an aerosol generating material, contained in the container 42, to the wick 56. The medium 41 may mediate movement of the aerosol generating material between the inside of the container 42 and the wick 56. The aerosol generating material l contained in the container 42 may diffuse to the wick 56 through the medium 41.

The container 42 comprises a window 421, a lateral wall 422, a bottom surface 423, and a groove 425. The container 42 may comprise a storage space 424 formed therein. The storage space 424 may contain the liquid l.

The window 421 may be formed of a translucent or transparent material. The window 421 may be disposed on the lateral wall 422 of the container 42. The window 421 may face the window 53 of the main body 50. Meanwhile, the window 421 may be integrally formed with the lateral wall 422. The window 421 may refer to a region of the lateral wall 422.

A volume of the liquid l in the container 42 may be seen with the naked eye through the window 421. The liquid volume sensor 62 may detect the volume of the liquid l, contained in the container 42, through the

windows

421 and 53. The controller 90 may provide information about the volume of the liquid l, which is detected by the liquid volume sensor 62, to the outside of the aerosol generating device 1 through the output unit 70. The liquid volume sensor 62 may be a capacitance sensor.

The lateral wall 422 of the container 42 may have a cylindrical shape. The lateral wall 422 may define the storage space 424. The lateral wall 422 may be elongated. When the cartridge 40 is mounted to the main body 50, the lateral wall 422 which is elongated may have one end disposed inside of the base 51 and another end disposed outside of the base 51. The lateral wall 422 may be formed of a translucent or transparent material.

The groove 425 may be formed in an outer surface of the container 42. The main body 50 may comprise the protrusion 512 coupled to the groove 425 of the container 42. The container 42 may have a plurality of grooves 425, and the main body 50 may have a plurality of protrusions 512. Meanwhile, unlike this embodiment, a protruding portion may be formed on the cartridge 40, and a recessed portion, in which the protruding portion is received, may be formed in the main body 50.

The bottom surface 423 of the container 42 may face a portion of the base 51. When the cartridge 40 is mounted to the main body 50, the bottom surface 423 may come into contact with the coupling detection sensor 61 installed on the base 51. When the groove 425 of the container 42 and the protrusion 512 of the main body 50 are coupled to each other, the bottom surface 423 may be disposed adjacent to the base 51. The bottom surface 423 may press the coupling detection sensor 61.

The main body 50 may comprise the mounting space 58 in which the controller 90 and the battery 100 are disposed. The main body 50 may have a shape which is elongated in a longitudinal direction of the lateral wall 422. The main body 50 may be covered by the casing 30. The protrusion 54 may be formed on an outer surface of the main body 50. The casing 30 may be coupled to the protrusion 54 of the main body 50.

The base 51 may be disposed at an outer end of the main body 50. The base 51 may be recessed into the main body 50. The base 51 may define a space in which the cartridge 40 is mounted. The base 51 may have a protrusion 512. The protrusion 512 may protrude from the base 51 toward the cartridge 40. The column 52 may be formed on one side of the base 51. One end of the lateral wall 422 may be inserted into the base 51.

The base 51 comprises a side wall 511 and a facing surface 513. The side wall 511 of the base 51 may face the lateral wall 422 of the container 42 mounted to the main body 50. The side wall 511 of the base 51 may be connected to the column 52. The facing surface 513 may face the bottom surface 423 of the container 42. The coupling detection sensor 61 may be disposed on the facing surface 513.

The column 52 may be elongated in the longitudinal direction of the lateral wall 422. The column 52 may have a hollow shape. The column 52 may support the lateral wall 422 of the container 42. The liquid volume sensor 62 may be installed in the column 52. The liquid volume sensor 62 may face the window 53. The column 52 may have the flow space 522 and the hole 521.

The hole 521 may communicate with the outside of the aerosol generating device 1. The hole 521 may be disposed at one end of the column 52. The column 52 may have the flow space 522 formed therein. The aerosol generated by the heater 57 may sequentially flow (b and c) through the flow space 522 and the hole 521. The flow detection sensor 63 may be installed at a position adjacent to the hole 521.

The flow detection sensor 63 may be a pressure sensor for measuring ambient atmospheric pressure. When there is a change in air flow around the flow detection sensor 63, the flow detection sensor 63 may detect air flowing around the flow detection sensor 63.

The window 53 may face the lateral wall 422 of the container 42 mounted to the main body 50. The window 53 may be interposed between the container 42 and the liquid volume sensor 62. The window 53 may be formed of a translucent or transparent material. Light may pass through the window 53.

The through-hole 55 may be formed in an outer surface of the main body 50. The through-hole 55 may communicate with the flow space 59 of the main body 50. The through-hole 55 may communicate with the outside of the aerosol generating device 1. Air outside of the aerosol generating device 1 may be introduced into the flow space 59 through the through-hole 55.

A user may inhale the generated aerosol through the mouthpiece 10. The air outside the aerosol generating device 1 may sequentially pass through the through-hole 55, the

flow spaces

59 and 522, the hole 521, and the mouthpiece 10, to be inhaled by the user.

The wick 56 may be disposed in the main body 50. When the cartridge 40 is mounted to the main body 50, the wick 56 may face the medium 41. The wick 56 may come into contact with the medium 41. A portion of the wick 56 may be exposed to the outside of the main body 50. The wick 56 may absorb the liquid l. For example, the wick 56 may be made of a ceramic material. The heater 57 may be disposed around the wick 56.

Meanwhile, the ceramic material, which is a porous material, may absorb and retain the liquid l. The ceramic wick 56 is advantageous in that the wick 56 is capable of being used repeatedly and has a longer replacement period, compared to an existing cotton or silica wick. In this example of the present disclosure in which the wick 56 is mounted in the main body 50, a ceramic wick 56 is used, thereby resolving inconvenience caused by frequent replacement.

The heater 57 may be formed as a wire through which electricity flows. The heater 57 may be wound several times around the wick 56. The heater 57 may heat the liquid absorbed into the wick 56. The heater 57 may extend into the mounting space 58 to be connected to the battery 100 and the controller 90. The heater 57 may be supplied with power from the battery 100.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a portion of the cross-sectional view of FIG. 4. Referring to FIG. 5, the lateral wall 422 comprises a first extended portion 422a, a second extended portion 422b, and a connection portion 422c. The side wall 511 of the base 51 may comprise a close contact portion 511a.

The connection portion 422c of the lateral wall 422 may connect the first extended portion 422a and the second extended portion 422b. The first extended portion 422a and the second extended portion 422b may extend in the longitudinal direction of the lateral wall 422. When the cartridge 40 is mounted to the main body 50, the first extended portion 422a may be disposed inside of the base 51. When the cartridge 40 is mounted to the main body 50, the second extended portion 422b may be disposed outside of the base 51. The connection portion 422c may extend in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the circumferential surface 422. For example, the connection portion 422c may extend in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the lateral wall 422.

The close contact portion 511a may be disposed at a position facing the wick 56. The close contact portion 511a and come into contact with the first extended portion 422a. A thickness of the close contact portion 511a may increase in a direction from one end of the side wall 511 toward the facing surface 513. A thickness W1 of the close contact portion 511a at a position adjacent to the one end of the wide wall 511 may be smaller than a thickness W2 of the close contact portion 511a at a position adjacent to the facing surface 513. When the cartridge 40 is mounted to the main body 50, the container 42 may be in close contact with the wick 56 via the close contact portion 511a.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the medium 41 and the wick 56 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 6, the medium 41 may have a plurality of holes 411. After passing through the holes 411 of the medium 41, the liquid l may be absorbed into the wick 56. The medium 41 and the wick 56 may have shapes corresponding to each other. The medium 41 and the wick 56 may face each other. The medium 41 and the wick 56 may have different sizes. The wick 56 may have a larger size than the medium 41. A portion of the wick 56 may protrude into the column 52. The heater 57 may be wound several times around a protruding portion of the wick 56.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a portion of the aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating pressure values measured by the coupling detection sensor 61 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, when the cartridge 40 is mounted to the main body 50, the bottom surface 423 of the container 42 may press the coupling detection sensor 61. When the cartridge 40 is separated from the main body 50, the coupling detection sensor 61 may be restored. When the coupling detection sensor 61 is pressed against the bottom surface 423 of the container 42, the coupling detection sensor 61 may measure pressure values according to a pressed degree. The coupling detection sensor 61 may transmit information on the measured pressure values to the controller 90.

When the cartridge 40 is mounted to the main body 50 at t1, the coupling detection sensor 61 is pressed against the bottom surface 423 of the container 42, such that a pressure value measured by the coupling detection sensor 61 may increase. When the cartridge 40 is separated from the main body 50 at t2, a pressed degree of the coupling detection sensor 61 that is pressed against the bottom surface 423 of the container 42 decreases, such that a pressure value measured by the coupling detection sensor 61 may decrease.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling the aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 9, the method of controlling the aerosol generating device 1 may comprise powering on the aerosol generating device 1 (S1).

The method of controlling the aerosol generating device 1 may comprise detecting coupling between the cartridge 40 and the main body 50 (S2). The coupling detection sensor 61 may detect coupling between the cartridge 40 and the main body 50. The detecting of coupling (S2) may comprise detecting by the coupling detection sensor 61 (S21) and detecting based on a resistance value of the heater 57 (S22), which will be described in detail below.

The method of controlling the aerosol generating device 1 may comprise determining whether the heater is activated (S3). After coupling between the cartridge 40 and the main body 50 is detected, it is detected whether the heater 57 is activated. For example, the controller 90 may detect whether power is supplied to the heater 57. In this manner, aerosols may be generated and inhaled after the cartridge 40 is mounted to the main body 50, such that it is possible to determine whether the aerosol generating device 1 is activated.

When the heater 57 is not activated after the cartridge 40 is mounted to the main body 50, the controller 90 may not comprise a preceding coupling operation between the cartridge 40 and the main body 50 in a total number of coupling times. When the heater 57 is activated after the cartridge 40 is mounted to the main body 50, the controller 90 may comprise the preceding coupling operation between the cartridge 40 and the main body 50 in the total number of coupling times.

The method of controlling the aerosol generating device 1 may comprise calculating the total number of coupling times (S4). The total number of coupling times may refer to a total number of times that the cartridge 40 is coupled to the aerosol generating device 1. The controller 90 may cumulatively calculate the total number of coupling times.

For example, if the coupling detection sensor 61 detects that the number of times of coupling between the cartridge 40 and the main body 50 is five, the controller 90 may calculate the total number of coupling times to be five. Then, if the coupling detection sensor 61 further detects that the number of times of coupling between the cartridge 40 and the main body 50 is five, the controller 90 may calculate the total number of coupling times to be 10.

The method of controlling the aerosol generating device 1 may comprise comparing the calculated total number of coupling times with a predetermined reference total number of coupling times (S5). The controller 90 may compare the total number of coupling times, which is cumulatively calculated, with the predetermined reference total number of coupling times stored in the memory 91. The controller 90 may determine whether the total number of coupling times, which is cumulatively calculated, is greater than or equal to the predetermined reference total number of coupling times stored in the memory 91.

For example, if the calculated total number of coupling times is 10, and the predetermined reference total number of coupling times is 9, the controller 90 may determine, based on magnitude comparison, that the calculated total number of coupling times is greater than or equal to the predetermined reference total number of coupling times.

For example, if the calculated total number of coupling times is 8, and the predetermined reference total number of coupling times is 9, the controller 90 may determine, based on magnitude comparison, that the calculated total number of coupling times is less than the predetermined reference total number of coupling times.

If the calculated total number of coupling times is greater than or equal to the predetermined reference total number of coupling times, the controller 90 may determine that it is required to replace the heater 57. If the calculated total number of coupling times is less than the predetermined reference total number of coupling times, the controller 90 may determine that it is not required to replace the heater 57.

The method of controlling the aerosol generating device 1 may comprise informing that it is required to replace the heater 57 (S6). Upon determining that it is required to replace the heater 57, the controller 90 may provide information about the need to replace the heater 57 to the outside of the aerosol generating device 1.

For example, upon determining that it is required to replace the heater 57, the controller 90 may visually inform that it is required to replace the heater 57 through the display 71. Upon determining that it is required to replace the heater 57, the controller 90 may tactually inform that it is required to replace the heater 57 through the haptic unit 72. Upon determining that it is required to replace the heater 57, the controller 90 may aurally inform that it is required to replace the heater 57 through the sound output unit 73.

Referring to FIG. 10, the detecting of coupling (S2) may comprise detecting coupling by the coupling detection sensor 61 (S21). The detecting of coupling by the coupling detection sensor 61 may comprise detecting a pressure variation by the coupling detection sensor 61 (S211), comparing the detected pressure variation with a predetermined reference pressure variation (S212), and determining that the cartridge 40 and the main body 50 are coupled (S213).

Referring to FIG. 11, the detecting of coupling (S22) may comprise detecting coupling based on a resistance value of the heater 57 (S22).

The detecting of coupling based on the resistance value of the heater 57 (S22) may comprise detecting a resistance variation of the heater 57 (S221), comparing the detected resistance variation with a predetermined reference resistance variation (S222), and determining that the cartridge 40 and the main body 50 are coupled (S223).

When the cartridge 40 is mounted to the main body 50, the liquid l contained in the container 42 may be absorbed into the wick 56 through the medium 41. The heater 57 is wound around the wick 56 and in contact with the wick 56, such that the resistance value of the heater 57 may be changed by the liquid absorbed into the wick 56. The controller 90 may detect coupling between the cartridge 40 and the main body 50 based on the resistance value of the heater 57 which is detected by the resistance detection sensor 64.

For example, by detecting current values applied to the heater 57 with respect to the same voltage, the controller 90 may detect the resistance value of the heater 57. By comparing a resistance variation of the heater 57 with a resistance variation stored in the memory 91, the controller 90 may detect whether the cartridge 40 and the main body 50 are coupled.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device 1' according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the aerosol generating device 1' according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a stick 10' may be inserted into a column 52'.

The aerosol generating device 1' illustrated in FIG. 12 has the same configuration as the aerosol generating device 1 illustrated in FIG. 4, except the mouthpiece 10 and the column 52'. Accordingly, redundant description thereof will be omitted.

A user may inhale the generated aerosols through the stick 10'. A stopper 200, which serves to fix the position of the stick 10' inserted into the column 52', may be formed on the inside of the column 52'. The stick 10' inserted into the column 52' may be supported by the stopper 200. A plurality of stoppers 200 may be formed on the inside of the column 52.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 12, an aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a main body 50 having a power source 100; a wick 56 disposed in the main body 50; a heater 57 disposed in the main body 50, connected to the power source 100, and heating the wick 56; a container 42 detachably coupled to the main body 50 and having a storage space 424 in which an aerosol generating material 1 is contained; a medium 41 having a first end 412 connected to the storage space 424 and a second end 413 coming into contact with the wick 56, so as to transfer the aerosol generating material l to the wick 56; a sensor 61 disposed in the main body 50 to be connected to the power source 100 and configured to detect a coupling of the container 42 to the main body 50; and a controller 90 configured to determine whether to replace the heater 57 based on a total number of times of coupling between the container 42 and the main body 50 which is sensed by the sensor 61.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the controller 90 may be configured to: calculate the total number of coupling times by calculating a sum total of the number of times of coupling between the main body 50 and the container 42 which is sensed by the first sensor 61; and to determine whether to replace the heater 57 by comparing the total number of coupling times with a predetermined reference total number of coupling times.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device 1 may further comprise an output unit 70 configured to provide information on whether to replace the heater 57 to an outside, wherein in response to the total number of coupling times exceeding the predetermined reference number of coupling times, the controller 90 may provide the information on whether to replace the heater 57 through the output unit 70.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, when the heater 57 is not activated after the first sensor 61 detects coupling between the container 42 and the main body 50, the controller 90 may not comprise the number of coupling times, which is detected by the first sensor 61, in the total number of coupling times.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the main body 50 may comprise a base 51 on which the container 42 is mounted, wherein the first sensor 61 is disposed at the base 51 to come into contact with the container 42 mounted to the main body 50.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the first sensor 61 is a pressure sensor coming into contact with the container 42 to measure a pressure value, wherein the controller may detect coupling between the main body 50 and the container 42 by comparing a pressure variation, detected by the first sensor, with a predetermined reference pressure value.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the main body 50 may comprise a protrusion 512 protruding from the base 51, and the container 52 may comprise a groove 425 which is formed on an outer surface thereof and into which the protrusion 512 is inserted.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the first sensor 61 may protrude toward the container 42 to come into contact with the outer surface of the container 42.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the medium 41 may be provided at one side of the container 42 and may be disposed between the storage space 424 and the wick 56.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the container 42 may comprise a lateral wall 422 which is elongated and defines the storage space 424, wherein the medium 41 may be disposed on the lateral wall 422.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the main body 50 may comprise a flow space 522 formed in the main body 50, extending outside of the lateral wall 422 in a longitudinal direction of the lateral wall 422, and allowing a periphery of the wick 56 to communicate with an outside.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the wick 56 may be partially exposed outside of the main body 50.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device 1 may further comprise a second sensor 64 configured to measure a resistance value of the heater 57, wherein the heater 57 may comprise a wire coming into in contact with the wick 56, wherein the controller 90 may detect coupling between the main body 50 and the container 42 by comparing a resistance variation of the heater 57, which is detected by the second sensor 64, with a predetermined reference resistance value.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, when the container 42 is separated from the main body 50, the controller 90 may stop operation of the heater 57.

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 main body having a power source;

a wick disposed at the main body;

a heater connected to the power source and configured to heat the wick;

a container detachably coupled to the main body and having a storage space in which an aerosol generating material is contained;

a medium having a first end connected to the storage space of the container and a second end in contact with the wick, so as to transfer the aerosol generating material to the wick;

a first sensor disposed at the main body and connected to the power source and configured to sense a coupling of the container to the main body; and

at least one processor configured to determine whether to replace the heater based on a total number of times that the first sensor senses the coupling of the container to the main body.
The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to determine whether to replace the heater by comparing the total number of times that the first sensor senses the coupling with a reference number.
The aerosol generating device of claim 2, further comprising an output unit configured to output information on whether to replace the heater,

wherein in response to the total number of times exceeding the reference number, the at least one processor is further configured to output the information on whether to replace the heater through the output unit.
The aerosol generating device of claim 2, wherein the at least one processor is configured not to comprise, in the total number of times, a number of times in which the coupling of the container to the main body is sensed by the first sensor and the heater is not activated thereafter.
The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the main body comprises a base on which the container is mountable,

wherein the first sensor is disposed at the base and contacts with the container when the container is mounted on the base.
The aerosol generating device of claim 5, wherein the first sensor is a pressure sensor configured to measure a pressure value,

wherein the at least one processor is further configured to determine whether the container is coupled to the main body by comparing a change of the pressure value measured by the first sensor with a reference pressure value.
The aerosol generating device of claim 6, wherein:

the main body further comprises a protrusion protruding from the base; and

the container has a groove disposed on an outer surface of the container and into which the protrusion is insertable.
The aerosol generating device of claim 7, wherein the first sensor protrudes toward the container to contact with the outer surface of the container.
The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the medium is provided at a side of the container and is disposed between the storage space and the wick.
The aerosol generating device of claim 9, wherein the container comprises a lateral wall elongated along a longitudinal direction and defining the storage space, and

wherein the medium is disposed on the lateral wall.
The aerosol generating device of claim 10, wherein the main body has a flow space formed in the main body, extending outside the lateral wall along the longitudinal direction, and providing a path between a space around the wick and an outside of the aerosol generating device.
The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the wick is partially exposed outside of the main body.
The aerosol generating device of claim 1, further comprising a second sensor configured to measure a resistance value of the heater,

wherein the heater comprises a wire in contact with the wick,

wherein the at least one processor is further configured to determine whether the container is coupled to the main body by comparing a variation of the resistance value of the heater measured by the second sensor with a reference resistance value.
The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein, when the container is separated from the main body, the at least one processor is configured to stop operation of the heater.