Patent Description:
Recently, there is an increasing demand for an aerosol-generating apparatus for generating an aerosol in a non-combustion method, instead of generating aerosols by combusting a general aerosol-generating article. For example, studies have been conducted on an aerosol-generating apparatus configured to generate aerosols by a non-combustion method from an aerosol-generating material or provide aerosols with flavors by passing the aerosols, which are generated from the aerosol-generating material, through a flavoring medium. Document <CIT>relates to a flavor assembly for an e-vaping device cartridge which is configured to provide mechanically-adjustable flavorant elution to form a flavored vapor.

There is a need for an aerosol-generating apparatus that provides a convenient user interface that allows a user to easily control various functions of the aerosol-generating apparatus. Technical problems to be addressed by the embodiments are not limited thereto, and other technical problems may be derived from the following embodiments.

According to an aspect, an aerosol-generating apparatus includes: a vaporizer configured to generate an aerosol by heating an aerosol-generating material; a chamber configured to rotate with respect to the vaporizer and store a flavoring material such that the aerosol generated in the vaporizer passes through the flavoring material; an input portion configured to rotate according to a user manipulation and cause the chamber to rotate along; an input circuit comprising: a rotating device coupled to the input portion to rotate with the input portion; and a plurality of connecting devices configured to generate a signal based on a position of the rotating device such that one of the plurality of connecting devices corresponding to a position of the rotating device generates a changed signal; and a processor configured to perform a function corresponding to a connecting device that has generated the changed signal among the plurality of connecting devices.

An aerosol-generating apparatus may perform various functions based on inputs of a user who uses the aerosol-generating apparatus, thereby providing satisfaction and convenience to the user. In addition, the aerosol-generating apparatus may increase a duration of migration of flavoring materials by using at least one chamber.

Advantageous effects of the present disclosure are not limited the above-stated effects, and effects that are not mentioned may be clearly understood by one of ordinary skill in the technical field of the present disclosure from the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

An aerosol-generating apparatus according to present claim <NUM> is provided herein.

In addition, the changed signal is transmitted to the processor as the rotating device is positioned to correspond to the connecting device, and the processor, based on the changed signal, determines that the connecting device corresponds to a position of the rotating device.

In addition, the aerosol-generating apparatus includes a plurality of chambers which are arranged along a rotation direction.

In addition, the processor determines, among the plurality of chambers, a chamber corresponding the connecting device as a chamber in use.

In addition, the vaporizer is in fluid communication with the chamber in use such that the aerosol passes through the chamber in use.

In addition, the processor controls the vaporizer to be heated according to a temperature profile corresponding to the connecting device.

In addition, the aerosol-generating apparatus further includes a puff sensor configured to detect puffs of a user, and the processor counts a number of puffs with respect to the chamber in use by using the puff sensor.

In addition, the processor, when the counted number of puffs is equal to or greater than a threshold value, limits an operation of the vaporizer with respect to the chamber in use.

In addition, the aerosol-generating apparatus further includes a light-emitting portion configured to emit light, and
the processor controls the light-emitting portion such that light corresponding to the connecting device is emitted.

In addition, the aerosol-generating apparatus further includes a vibrator configured to generate vibration, and the processor changes a vibration mode of the vibrator to correspond to the connecting device.

In addition, the aerosol-generating apparatus further includes a memory configured to store information corresponding to each of the plurality of connecting devices, and the processor performs the function based on the information stored in the memory.

In addition, the input portion receives a push input, and the processor performs a function corresponding to the push input.

In addition, the processor initiates preheating or heating of the vaporizer in response to the push input.

In addition, the processor controls the vaporizer to be heated according to a temperature profile corresponding to an intensity of the push input or a number of times of receiving the push input.

In addition, the processor turns on and off the aerosol-generating apparatus in response to the push input.

With respect to the terms used to describe in the various embodiments, the general terms which are currently and widely used are selected in consideration of functions of structural elements in the various embodiments of the present disclosure. However, meanings of the terms can be changed according to intention, a judicial precedence, the appearance of a new technology, and the like.

As used herein, terms including an ordinal number such as "first" or "second" may be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by the terms. The terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from other components.

<FIG> is a diagram of a configuration of an aerosol-generating apparatus according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, an aerosol-generating apparatus <NUM> may include a medium portion <NUM>, a vaporizer <NUM>, a processor <NUM>, a battery <NUM>, a mouthpiece <NUM>, an input portion <NUM>, an input circuit <NUM>, a dial gear <NUM>, and a medium portion gear <NUM>.

<FIG> only illustrates some components of the aerosol-generating apparatus <NUM>, which are particularly related to the present embodiment. Therefore, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that other components may be further included in the aerosol-generating apparatus <NUM>, in addition to the components illustrated in <FIG>.

In addition, an internal structure of the aerosol-generating apparatus <NUM> is not limited to the diagram shown in <FIG>. In other words, according to the design of the aerosol-generating apparatus <NUM>, the medium portion <NUM>, the vaporizer <NUM>, the processor <NUM>, the battery <NUM>, the mouthpiece <NUM>, the input portion <NUM>, the input circuit <NUM>, the dial gear <NUM>, and the medium portion gear <NUM> may be differently arranged. For example, the input circuit <NUM> is shown as combined with the input portion <NUM>, but may also be combined with the dial gear <NUM>.

The aerosol-generating apparatus <NUM> according to the embodiment in <FIG>, which is an apparatus for providing an aerosol to a user, may generate an aerosol by using a resistance heating method, an induction heating method, an ultrasound vibration method, or the like.

The medium portion <NUM> includes a plurality of chambers, the chambers being partitioned to be independent of one another by separators. A chamber may store a flavoring material through which the aerosol is to pass. A single chamber and the plurality of chambers will be described in detail later with reference to <FIG>.

The flavoring material may be in a solid state, and for example, may include a granule, that is, a group of powder or small-sized particles. However, it is not limited thereto. For example, the flavoring material may be in the form of a capsule, and may also be in the form of chopped plant leaves.

The flavoring material may include ingredients that may provide various flavors or savors to the user.

The flavoring material may include, for example, a tobacco-containing material that includes a volatile tobacco-flavored component, additives such as flavors, a wetting agent, and/or organic acid, a flavored material such as menthol or a moisturizer, any one component among plant extract, spices, flavorings, and a vitamin mixture, or a combination thereof.

The spices in the flavoring material may include menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and various fruit-flavored ingredients, but are not limited thereto.

The flavoring material may include a vitamin mixture, and vitamin mixture may include at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E, but are not limited thereto.

The medium portion <NUM> may be arranged to rotate with respect to the vaporizer <NUM>. When the medium portion <NUM> includes the plurality of chambers, the chambers may be sequentially arranged apart from one another, in a rotation direction of the medium portion <NUM>.

One or more chambers may be included in the medium portion <NUM>. For example, the medium portion <NUM> may have a cylindrical shape, and a single cylindrical chamber may be arranged inside the medium portion <NUM>. Alternatively, a plurality of chambers may be arranged on the outside of the medium portion <NUM>. For example, a top surface of the medium portion <NUM> may be partitioned into four chambers. The medium portion <NUM> may rotate in a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction with respect to a longitudinal-direction axis of the aerosol-generating apparatus <NUM>. As the medium portion <NUM> rotates, relative positions of the plurality of chambers <NUM> with respect to the vaporizer <NUM> may be changed.

The vaporizer <NUM> may generate an aerosol by heating an aerosol-generating material (for example, a liquid composition), and the generated aerosol may be provided to the user through the chamber of the medium portion <NUM>. When the medium portion <NUM> includes the plurality of chambers, the aerosol may pass through one of the plurality of chambers. In other words, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer <NUM> may move along an air flow passage of the aerosol-generating apparatus <NUM>, and the air flow passage may be configured such that the aerosol generated by the vaporizer <NUM> may be provided to the user through one of the plurality of chambers included in the medium portion <NUM>.

The vaporizer <NUM> may generate the aerosol by changing a phase of the liquid composition into a gas phase. The aerosol may indicate a mixture of air and particles which are generated by vaporizing the liquid composition.

For example, the liquid storage, the liquid delivery element, and the heating element may also be included in the aerosol-generating apparatus <NUM> as independent modules.

The liquid composition may include a material in a liquid state or a gel state. The liquid composition may be maintained, in the liquid storage, in a state of being immersed into a porous material such as sponge or cotton.

For example, the liquid composition may include a liquid including a tobacco-containing material having a volatile tobacco flavor component, or a liquid including a non-tobacco material. The liquid storage may be formed to be attached/detached to/ from the vaporizer <NUM> or may be formed integrally with the vaporizer <NUM>. When the liquid storage is formed integrally with the vaporizer <NUM>, the vaporizer <NUM> may be combined to the aerosol-generating apparatus <NUM> to be attachable to/detachable from the aerosol-generating apparatus <NUM>.

Also, the liquid composition may include an aerosol-forming substance, such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

For example, the liquid delivery element may include a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic, but is not limited thereto.

For example, the heating element may include a metal heating wire, a metal hot plate, a ceramic heater, or the like, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the heating element may include a conductive filament such as nichrome wire, may be arranged in contact with the liquid delivery element or adjacent to the liquid delivery element, or may be arranged in a structure of being wound around the liquid delivery element. The heating element may be surrounded by the liquid storage.

The heating element may be heated by a current supply, and may transfer heat to the liquid composition that is in contact with the heating element, thereby heating the liquid composition. However, it is not necessarily limited thereto. The vaporizer <NUM> may generate the aerosol, for example, by an ultrasound method or an induction heating method.

The vaporizer <NUM> may be referred to as a cartridge, a cartomizer, or an atomizer, but it is not limited thereto.

The vaporizer <NUM> and the medium portion <NUM> may be combined to be rotatable with respect to each other. For example, the vaporizer <NUM> may be fixed, and the chamber of the medium portion <NUM> may rotate with respect to the vaporizer <NUM>.

The vaporizer <NUM> may be arranged to be in fluid communication with one of the chambers such that the aerosol generated from the vaporizer <NUM> may pass through only one chamber that is in fluid communication with the vaporizer <NUM>, among the plurality of chambers.

The vaporizer <NUM> may include a discharge port, which extends in a longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating apparatus <NUM> and delivers the aerosol to the medium portion <NUM>. The liquid storage included in the vaporizer <NUM> delivers the aerosol, which is generated by the heating element, to the discharge port. Accordingly, the aerosol provided from the liquid storage is delivered to the medium portion <NUM> through the discharge port.

While the vaporizer <NUM> is combined to the medium portion <NUM>, relative positions of the vaporizer <NUM> and the medium portion <NUM> may be changed, and thus, different portions of a single chamber of the medium portion <NUM> may be aligned with the discharge port of the vaporizer <NUM>. Alternatively, as relative positions of the vaporizer <NUM> and the medium portion <NUM> are changed, at least one of the plurality of chambers may be aligned with the discharge port of the vaporizer <NUM>. Therefore, the aerosol sent out of the discharge port of the vaporizer <NUM> passes through a portion corresponding to the discharge port in the single chamber of the medium portion <NUM>, or passes through the flavoring material stored in a chamber corresponding to the discharge port among the plurality of chambers of the medium portion <NUM>. While the aerosol passes through the flavoring material, properties of the aerosol may be changed.

When the discharge port is formed such that the aerosol passes through the bottom surface of the medium portion <NUM>, even when a large amount of flavoring material is included, only a migration amount of the flavoring material may increase and the migration may not continue for a sufficiently long time. Accordingly, the duration of migration of the flavoring material may increase as the discharge port is formed such that the aerosol passes through only a portion of the single chamber. In the case of multiple chambers, as the discharge port is formed such that the aerosol passes through one of the plurality of chambers, the duration of migration of the flavoring material may increase by a factor of the number of the chambers. As the duration of migration of the flavoring material may increase, an amount of the liquid composition that is used with the flavoring material may also increase. Therefore, the flavoring material may continue migration for a long time without the medium portion <NUM> being replaced. Also, when different portions of the single chamber or the plurality of chambers include different flavoring materials, the flavor of the aerosol may be changed.

The aerosol-generating apparatus <NUM> may include a mouthpiece <NUM> to be put in the user's mouth. The aerosol generated from the vaporizer <NUM> may be sent to the outside of the aerosol-generating apparatus <NUM> through the mouthpiece <NUM>. In an example, the mouthpiece <NUM> may be formed at an end portion of the aerosol-generating apparatus <NUM>.

The vaporizer <NUM>, the medium portion <NUM>, and the mouthpiece <NUM> may be integrally combined to form an aerosol-generating assembly. According to embodiments, the aerosol-generating assembly may have various shapes such as a cuboid or a cube. The aerosol-generating assembly may be detachably combined with the aerosol-generating apparatus <NUM>. When the aerosol-generating assembly is inserted into the aerosol-generating apparatus <NUM>, the aerosol-generating apparatus <NUM> may generate the aerosol by operating the vaporizer <NUM>. The aerosol generated by the vaporizer <NUM> is delivered to the user through the medium portion <NUM>.

The processor <NUM> may generally control operations of the aerosol-generating apparatus <NUM>. In detail, the processor <NUM> may control not only operations of the battery <NUM> and the vaporizer <NUM>, but also operations of other components included in the aerosol-generating apparatus <NUM>. Also, the processor <NUM> may check a state of each of the components of the aerosol-generating apparatus <NUM> to determine whether the aerosol-generating apparatus <NUM> is able to operate.

The processor <NUM> may be implemented as an array of a plurality of logic gates or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executable in the microprocessor is stored. In addition, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that implementation in other types is also available.

The battery <NUM> provides power to be used for the aerosol-generating apparatus <NUM> to operate. For example, the battery <NUM> may provide power for the vaporizer <NUM> to be heated, and may provide power for the processor <NUM> to operate. Also, the battery <NUM> may provide power for operations of a display, a sensor, a motor, etc. mounted in the aerosol-generating apparatus <NUM>.

Operations of the input portion <NUM>, the input circuit <NUM>, the dial gear <NUM>, and the medium portion gear <NUM> will be described later with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>.

<FIG> is a diagram for describing a method by which the medium portion according to an embodiment rotates.

Referring to <FIG>, the medium portion <NUM>, the input portion <NUM>, the dial gear <NUM>, and the medium portion gear <NUM> are shown. The medium portion <NUM> in <FIG> may correspond to the medium portion <NUM> in <FIG>. Therefore, repeated descriptions thereof are omitted.

The input portion <NUM>, the dial gear <NUM>, and the medium portion gear <NUM> may rotate the plurality of chambers of the medium portion <NUM> by operating in conjunction with one another.

The dial gear <NUM> may be engaged with the input portion <NUM> and the medium portion gear <NUM>, and may deliver rotation energy, which is applied to the input portion <NUM>, to the medium portion gear <NUM>.

The input portion <NUM> may rotate by the user manipulating the input portion <NUM> by, for example, a rotation input. A rotation input is a user input for rotating the input portion <NUM> while maintaining contact with the input portion <NUM>. Thus, a rotation input may be applied from initiation of the rotation of the input portion <NUM> until release of user contact. The input portion <NUM> may correspond to, for example, a dial, but is not limited thereto. A portion of the input portion <NUM> may protrude to the outside of the aerosol-generating apparatus <NUM>. The input portion <NUM> may be engaged with the dial gear <NUM>, and the rotational force of the input portion <NUM> may be transferred to the dial gear <NUM>.

The medium portion gear <NUM> may be arranged to surround the medium portion <NUM> such that the medium portion <NUM> rotates along with the medium portion gear <NUM>. The medium portion gear <NUM> may rotate the single chamber or the plurality of chambers in the medium portion <NUM>. The plurality of chambers may be physically separated from one another by separators. Although it is shown that the medium portion <NUM> includes four chambers, the number of chambers is not limited thereto.

The input portion <NUM>, the dial gear <NUM>, and the medium portion gear <NUM> have a sawtooth shape in <FIG>, the shape is not limited thereto. Also, the dial gear <NUM>, the input portion <NUM>, and the medium portion gear <NUM> may be arranged in a different manner according to embodiments. In addition, the dial gear <NUM>, the input portion <NUM>, and the medium portion gear <NUM> may have different numbers of sawteeth, and the numbers of sawteeth may be determined according to a certain ratio. For example, a ratio of the numbers of sawteeth of the input portion <NUM>, the dial gear <NUM>, and the medium portion gear <NUM> may be <NUM>:<NUM>:<NUM>, and the numbers of sawteeth of the input portion <NUM>, the dial gear <NUM>, and the medium portion gear <NUM> may be respectively four, eight, and twelve. However, the number of sawteeth and the ratio of the number of sawteeth are not limited thereto.

Rotation directions of the input portion <NUM>, the dial gear <NUM>, and the medium portion gear <NUM> may or may not be the same. For example, when the input portion <NUM> rotates in the clockwise direction, the dial gear <NUM> may rotate in the counterclockwise direction, and the medium portion gear <NUM> may rotate in the clockwise direction. However, embodiments are not limited thereto.

At least one of the input portion <NUM>, the dial gear <NUM>, and the medium portion gear <NUM> may be omitted as necessary. For example, the dial gear <NUM> and the medium portion gear <NUM> may be omitted, and the input portion <NUM> may be directly combined with the medium portion <NUM> and rotate the medium portion <NUM>. Alternatively, the dial gear <NUM> may be omitted, the input portion <NUM> may rotate in response to a rotation input, and the medium portion gear <NUM> directly engaged with the input portion <NUM> may rotate the medium portion <NUM>.

The input portion <NUM>, the dial gear <NUM>, and the medium portion gear <NUM> may include various materials, and may respectively include different materials.

<FIG> is a block diagram of a hardware configuration of an aerosol-generating apparatus according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, the aerosol-generating apparatus <NUM> may include a chamber <NUM>, the vaporizer <NUM>, the input portion <NUM>, the input circuit <NUM>, and the processor <NUM>. The input circuit <NUM> may include a rotating device <NUM> and a plurality of connecting devices <NUM>-<NUM>. The chamber <NUM>, the input portion <NUM>, and the processor <NUM> shown in <FIG> may correspond to the chamber, the input portion <NUM>, and the processor <NUM> in <FIG>. Therefore, repeated descriptions thereof are omitted.

The aerosol-generating apparatus <NUM> may include at least one chamber <NUM>. The chamber <NUM> may store flavoring materials. When there are multiple chambers <NUM>, the chambers may be connected to one another to form an assembly (for example, the medium portion <NUM>), while being separated by separators (e.g., partition walls).

The input portion <NUM> may rotate the chamber <NUM> by a rotating input by the user. The input portion <NUM> may contact the medium portion <NUM> or directly contact the chamber <NUM> and rotate the chamber <NUM>. Alternatively, the input portion <NUM> may indirectly rotate the chamber <NUM> through at least one intervening component (for example, the dial gear <NUM> or the medium portion gear <NUM>) disposed between the input portion <NUM> and the chamber <NUM>.

The input circuit <NUM> may be electrically connected to the processor <NUM>, and may transmit a certain signal to the processor <NUM> in response to rotation of the input portion <NUM>. The input circuit <NUM> may include the rotating device <NUM>, which is combined with the input portion <NUM> and rotates along with the input portion <NUM>. The rotating device <NUM> may be physically or electrically connected to the input portion <NUM>, and may rotate in accordance with the rotation of the input portion <NUM>. The rotating device <NUM> may correspond, for example, to a device, an electric component, a pin, or the like that is arranged to be rotatable on a surface of the input circuit <NUM>. However, this is merely an example, and the type of the rotating device <NUM> is not limited thereto.

The input circuit <NUM> may include a plurality of connecting devices <NUM>-<NUM>. The connecting devices <NUM>-<NUM> may be respectively connected to different portions of the processor <NUM>. For example, the different portions of the processor <NUM>, to which the connecting devices <NUM>-<NUM> are respectively connected, may correspond to different circuits, different terminals, different ports (for example, a general-purpose input/ output port), or the like.

The connecting devices <NUM>-<NUM> may generate a certain signal and transmit the signal to the processor <NUM>. When the rotating device <NUM> rotates and therefore is positioned to correspond to one of the connecting devices, a signal generated from the connecting device may be changed. The connecting device may deliver the changed signal to the processor <NUM>.

The processor <NUM> may receive the changed signal and perform a function corresponding to the connecting device that has generated the changed signal among the connecting devices <NUM>-<NUM>. In other words, the processor <NUM> may perform a function corresponding to a connecting device corresponding to a position of the rotating device <NUM> among the connecting devices <NUM>-<NUM>.

At least one function may correspond to each of the connecting devices <NUM>-<NUM>. Alternatively, when there are multiple chambers <NUM>, the connecting devices <NUM>-<NUM> may respectively correspond to the plurality of chambers <NUM>. In this case, the number of the connecting devices <NUM>-<NUM> may correspond to the number of the chambers <NUM>.

The input portion <NUM> may also receive a push input of the user pushing the input portion <NUM> in a direction from the outside of the aerosol-generating apparatus <NUM> toward the inside, just like pushing a button. In this case, the input portion <NUM> may be configured to receive both the rotation input and the push input. The aerosol-generating apparatus <NUM> may include a push-pull switch, a tact switch, and the like, which are connected to the input portion <NUM> to be able to respond to the push input. A tact switch may refer to a switch that may give a 'clicking' contact sense to the user, and may include, for example, a switch that moves while being elastically supported by an elastic element or a dorm-shaped switch that may be elastically transformed.

The processor <NUM> may perform various functions in response to the push input. For example, the processor <NUM> may perform different functions based on an intensity of the push input, the number of times of receiving the push inputs, or a combination thereof. Alternatively, the processor <NUM> may perform a function corresponding to a total number of times of receiving the push inputs during a preset time period (for example, for three seconds) from a time point at which the push input is first received.

The processor <NUM> may initiate heating or preheating of the vaporizer <NUM> in response to the push input. Alternatively, the processor <NUM> may control the vaporizer <NUM> to be heated according to a temperature profile corresponding to the intensity of the push input, the number of times of receiving the push input, or a combination thereof. For example, the processor <NUM> may apply a temperature profile of a high temperature when the intensity of the push input is relatively high, and may apply a temperature profile of a general temperature when the intensity of the push input is relatively low. Alternatively, the processor <NUM> may apply the temperature profile of a high temperature when the push input is received twice during the preset period, and may apply the temperature profile of a general temperature when the push input is received once during the preset period.

The processor <NUM> may turn on and off the aerosol-generating apparatus in response to the push input. For example, when the push input persists for a certain time period or longer, the processor <NUM> may turn on or turn off the aerosol-generating apparatus.

In an embodiment, the aerosol-generating apparatus <NUM> may include a force sensor connected to the input portion <NUM> to detect the intensity of the push input. The force sensor may sense, for example, an amount of an inductance change of an inner space of the force sensor to detect a pressure applied to the input portion <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram for describing a combination of the input portion with the rotating device according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, the rotating device <NUM> may be combined with the input portion <NUM>. As the input portion <NUM> rotates, the rotating device <NUM> may rotate while the input circuit <NUM> is fixed.

The input portion <NUM> and the rotating device <NUM> may be physically coupled to each other to rotate together. In the embodiment according to <FIG>, the rotating device <NUM> may be convexly formed on the substrate of the input circuit <NUM> and may be inserted into a hole of the input portion <NUM>. Also, a bump may be formed on the rotating device <NUM>, and a groove corresponding to the bump may be formed in the hole of the input portion <NUM> such that the rotating device <NUM> may be inserted. Accordingly, the rotating device <NUM> may rotate along with the input portion <NUM>.

However, a combination of the rotating device <NUM> with the input portion <NUM> is not limited to the above-stated example, and may be variously embodied. For example, the rotating device <NUM> may penetrate the input portion <NUM> through the hole of the input portion <NUM>. Alternatively, the rotating device <NUM> may be concavely formed on the substrate of the input circuit <NUM>, and a convex portion corresponding to the rotating device <NUM> may be formed on the input portion <NUM> to fit in the rotating device <NUM>, and thus, the rotating device <NUM> may be combined with the input portion <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the input portion <NUM> and the rotating device <NUM> may not be in direct contact, but the input portion <NUM> and the rotating device <NUM> may be connected through another component in between. The rotating device <NUM> may rotate along with the input portion <NUM> through the intervening component.

In another embodiment, the input portion <NUM> and the rotating device <NUM> may be electrically connected to each other. An electric signal may be generated as the input portion <NUM> rotates, and the electric signal may be provided to the input portion <NUM>. The input circuit <NUM> may rotate the rotating device <NUM> based on the electric signal.

A ratio between a rotation angle of the input portion <NUM> and a rotation angle of the rotating device <NUM> may be variously set. For example, the rotation angle of the input portion <NUM> may be set equal to the rotation angle of the rotating device <NUM>, and the input portion <NUM> and the rotating device <NUM> may rotate in a ratio of <NUM>:<NUM>. However, this is merely an example, and it is not limited thereto.

<FIG> is a lateral cross-sectional view of a single chamber according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, the aerosol-generating apparatus <NUM> may include a chamber <NUM>, and the chamber <NUM> may store a flavoring material <NUM>.

In <FIG>, the chamber <NUM> surrounds an entire region of the medium portion <NUM> in a circumference direction, but a structure of the chamber <NUM> is not limited thereto. For example, the chamber <NUM> may surround only a partial region of the medium portion <NUM> in the circumference direction.

As the chamber <NUM> is rotated by the input portion <NUM>, a relative rotation position thereof with respect to the vaporizer <NUM> may be changed. A region of the chamber <NUM> corresponding to a discharge port <NUM> of the vaporizer <NUM> may vary according to a rotation position of the chamber <NUM>. The aerosol may pass through a region of the chamber <NUM> corresponding to the discharge port <NUM>.

Although the chamber <NUM> is not visually partitioned, the processor <NUM> may divide the chamber <NUM> into a plurality of regions in the circumference direction of the medium portion <NUM>, considering an area of the flavoring material <NUM> corresponding to a size of the discharge port <NUM>. For example, among the plurality of regions of the chamber <NUM>, when the flavoring material <NUM> in a current region for the aerosol to pass through is exhausted, the processor <NUM> may align a next region among the plurality of regions with the discharge port <NUM> by rotating the chamber <NUM>.

<FIG> is a lateral cross-sectional view of a plurality of chambers according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, the aerosol-generating apparatus <NUM> may include a plurality of chambers <NUM> sequentially arranged in a rotation direction, and the chambers <NUM> may store the flavoring material <NUM>. The chambers <NUM> may be separated from one another by separators <NUM> of the medium portion <NUM>.

As the chambers <NUM> are rotated by the input portion <NUM>, relative positions thereof with respect to the vaporizer <NUM> may be changed. As shown in <FIG>the chambers <NUM> are aligned such that a position of one of the chambers <NUM> corresponds to a position of the discharge port <NUM>. A chamber <NUM> corresponding to the discharge port <NUM> of the vaporizer <NUM> may vary according to the positions of the chambers <NUM>.

As the input portion <NUM> rotates, not only the chambers <NUM> but also the rotating device <NUM> may rotate. As the rotating device <NUM> rotates, a connecting device corresponding to the position of the rotating device <NUM> may be changed. When the position of the rotating device <NUM> corresponds to a connecting device, the chamber <NUM> corresponding to the discharge port <NUM> may be set as a chamber corresponding to the connecting device. For example, in a case where a first chamber <NUM> corresponds to the discharge port <NUM> when the position of the rotating device <NUM> corresponds to a first connecting device, the first chamber <NUM> may be set as a chamber corresponding to the first connecting device. Accordingly, the processor <NUM> may determine the chamber <NUM> as a chamber in use. In this case, the chamber <NUM> may be in fluid communication with the vaporizer <NUM> and the aerosol may pass through the chamber <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram showing connection between the input circuit and the processor, according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, the plurality of connecting devices <NUM>-<NUM>-<NUM> are connected to different portions A, B, C, and D of the processor <NUM>, respectively, and a reference point <NUM> of the rotating device <NUM> may be positioned to correspond to the connecting device <NUM>.

Each of the connecting devices <NUM>-<NUM> may correspond to, for example, an electric device, a common (C) pin, a port, or a switch arranged on the substrate of the input circuit <NUM>, but is not limited thereto.

In an embodiment, the processor <NUM> may control the battery <NUM> such that signals having different voltages are applied to the connecting devices <NUM>-<NUM> and the rotating device <NUM>. For example, when the battery <NUM> applies a signal having a first voltage to the connecting devices <NUM>-<NUM> and applies a signal having a second voltage to the rotating device <NUM>, the signal having the first voltage may be generated in the connecting devices <NUM>-<NUM>, and the signal having the second voltage may be generated in the rotating device <NUM>.

In another embodiment, a basic circuit configured to apply the signal having the first voltage may be connected to the connecting devices <NUM>-<NUM>, and when the rotating device <NUM> rotates and thus is positioned to correspond to the connecting device <NUM> among the connecting devices <NUM>-<NUM> by being electrically connected to the connecting device <NUM>, a voltage of a signal applied to the connecting device <NUM> may be changed to the second voltage. To this end, the rotating device <NUM> may include, for example, a resistor, a capacitor, an amplifier, and a semiconductor such as a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) or a transistor-transistor logic (TTL).

The processor <NUM> may detect voltages applied to the connecting devices <NUM>-<NUM> by receiving the signal, which is applied to the connecting devices <NUM>-<NUM>, from the connecting devices <NUM>.

When the rotating device <NUM> is positioned to correspond to one connecting device <NUM>, the rotating device <NUM> and the connecting device <NUM> may be connected to each other. In place of the signal that is previously applied, the signal applied to the rotating device <NUM> may be applied to the connecting device <NUM> through the rotating device <NUM>. That is, when the rotating device <NUM> rotates to be aligned with the connecting device <NUM>, a signal generated in the connecting device <NUM> may be changed. The processor <NUM> may receive a signal generated from the connecting devices <NUM>-<NUM>, and when a changed signal is received, it may determine that the connecting device <NUM> has generated the changed signal. That is, the processor <NUM> may receive the changed signal and determine that the connecting device <NUM> that has generated the changed signal corresponds to the position of the rotating device <NUM>.

When the signal having the first voltage is applied to the connecting devices <NUM>-<NUM> and the rotating device <NUM> is positioned to correspond to the connecting device <NUM>, a signal applied to the connecting device <NUM> may be changed from the signal having the first voltage to the signal having the second voltage. For example, when the first voltage is a reference voltage (for example, 3V) and the second voltage is a ground voltage, the signal generated in the connecting device <NUM> may be changed from a high signal having the reference voltage to a low signal having the ground voltage. The processor <NUM> may determine a connecting device <NUM>, in which a high signal is detected and then changed into a low signal, as a connecting device <NUM> corresponding to the position of the rotating device <NUM>, among the connecting devices <NUM>-<NUM>. Alternatively, when the first voltage is the ground voltage and the second voltage is the reference voltage, the processor <NUM> may determine the connecting device <NUM>, in which a signal is changed from a low signal to a high signal, as the connecting device <NUM> corresponding to the position of the rotating device <NUM>.

The processor <NUM> may perform a function corresponding to the connecting device <NUM> among the connecting devices <NUM>-<NUM>, which corresponds to the position of the reference point <NUM> of the rotating device <NUM>. The reference point <NUM>, which is a virtual point on the rotating device <NUM>, may be used to determine which connecting device from among the plurality of connecting devices <NUM>-<NUM> corresponds to the rotating device <NUM>. In <FIG>, the processor <NUM> may determine that the connecting device <NUM> corresponds to a position of the reference point <NUM> when the rotating device <NUM> rotated according to a rotation input. The connecting devices <NUM>-<NUM> may transmit different changes to the processor <NUM> according to the position of the reference point <NUM>.

For example, when a direction toward the reference point <NUM> from the rotation axis of the rotating axis <NUM> heads for the position of the connecting device <NUM>, the reference point <NUM> may be positioned to correspond to the connecting device <NUM>.

When the reference point <NUM> of the rotating device <NUM> is positioned to correspond to the connecting device <NUM> among the plurality of connecting devices <NUM>-<NUM>, the processor <NUM> may perform a function corresponding to the connecting device <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the connecting devices <NUM>-<NUM> may respectively correspond to different chambers <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may determine, among the plurality of chambers <NUM>, the chamber <NUM> corresponding to the connecting device <NUM> as a chamber in use. The chamber in use may be in fluid communication with the vaporizer, and the aerosol generated from the vaporizer may pass through the chamber in use. Also, the chamber in use may be aligned with the discharge port <NUM> of the vaporizer <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the connecting devices <NUM>-<NUM> may respectively correspond to different temperature profiles. A temperature profile refers to a temperature change of the vaporizer <NUM> according to time. For example, the temperature profile may refer to a temperature change of the vaporizer <NUM> during a smoking operation. The processor <NUM> may control the vaporizer <NUM> to be heated according to a temperature profile corresponding to the connecting device <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the aerosol-generating apparatus <NUM> may include a puff sensor configured to detect puffs of the user. The puff sensor may detect change in a pressure or a rate of air that is generated when the user puffs the aerosol. The puff sensor may include a pressure sensor, an air flow rate sensor, and the like.

The processor <NUM> may count, by using the puff sensor, the number of puffs with respect to the chamber <NUM> (i.e., chamber in use) corresponding to the connecting device <NUM>. For example, the processor <NUM> may determine the chamber <NUM> corresponding to the connecting device <NUM> as the chamber in use, and may count, by using the puff sensor, the number of puffs in the chamber <NUM>. When the counted number of puffs is equal to or greater than a threshold value, the processor <NUM> may limit the function corresponding to the connecting device <NUM>. For example, when the function is to heat the vaporizer <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may limit an operation of the vaporizer <NUM> with respect to a chamber of which the number of puffs is equal to or greater than the threshold value. As the operation of the vaporizer <NUM> is limited, a burnt taste or the like is not generated in the aerosol, and satisfaction of the user may increase.

When the counted number of puffs is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the aerosol-generating apparatus <NUM> may provide a notification to the user by using a light-emitting portion, a display, a speaker, and the like.

In an embodiment, the aerosol-generating apparatus <NUM> may include the light-emitting portion configured to emit light. The light-emitting portion may emit various colors of light, or may emit light at various cycles, in various brightness, or during various time periods. For example, the light-emitting portion may include a light-emitting diode (LED). However, it is not limited thereto, and may include various configurations emitting light.

The processor <NUM> may control the light-emitting portion such that light corresponding to the connecting device <NUM> is emitted. For example, the light-emitting portion may emit pieces of light of different colors for the respective connecting devices <NUM>-<NUM>, or may blink each time a connecting device <NUM> corresponding to the position of the rotating device <NUM> is changed. Alternatively, the light-emitting portion may emit pieces of light of different brightness or emit light during different time periods for the respective connecting devices <NUM>-<NUM>. When the connecting devices <NUM>-<NUM> correspond to different chambers <NUM>, the user may check the chamber in use based on the light emitted from the light-emitting portion.

In an embodiment, the aerosol-generating apparatus <NUM> may include a vibrator for outputting haptic information. The vibrator may generate vibration at various cycles, various intensities, or during various time periods. As the vibrator vibrates, the aerosol-generating apparatus <NUM> vibrates, and haptic information may be provided to the user.

The processor <NUM> may change a vibration mode of the vibrator to correspond to the connecting device <NUM>. For example, the vibrator may vibrate for a preset time period each time the connecting device <NUM> corresponding to the position of the rotating device <NUM> is changed. Alternatively, the vibrator may vibrate in different intensities or at different cycles for the respectively connecting devices <NUM>. When the connecting devices <NUM> correspond to different chambers <NUM>, the user may identify the chamber in use based on the vibration of the vibrator.

In an embodiment, the aerosol-generating apparatus <NUM> may include a display configured to output visual information. The display may output visual information corresponding to the connecting device <NUM>. For example, the display may output visual information corresponding to the chamber in use. In this case, the user may identify the chamber in use by visual information shown on the display.

In an embodiment, the aerosol-generating apparatus <NUM> may include a memory configured to store information corresponding to each of the connecting devices <NUM>-<NUM>. For example, one memory may store information for each of the connecting devices <NUM>-<NUM> in each of a plurality of regions, or a plurality of memories may each store information for each of the connecting devices <NUM>-<NUM>.

The processor <NUM> may perform a function corresponding to the connecting device <NUM> based on the information stored in the memory. When the connecting devices <NUM> correspond to different chambers <NUM>, the memory may individually store an accumulated number of puffs with respect to each of the chambers <NUM>, and the processor <NUM> may control the operation of the vaporizer <NUM> based on the accumulated number of puffs with respect to the chamber in use.

<FIG> is a flowchart of an example of an operation method of the aerosol-generating apparatus according to <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, an example of an operation method of the aerosol-generating apparatus <NUM> includes operations that are processed in the aerosol-generating apparatus <NUM> shown in <FIG>. Accordingly, even though omitted below, the foregoing descriptions regarding the aerosol-generating apparatus <NUM> shown in <FIG> may be applied to the operation method of the aerosol-generating apparatus <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

In operation S710, the input portion <NUM> may be rotated by the user.

In another embodiment, the input portion <NUM> may be pushed by the user, and in this case, the input portion <NUM> may recognize the push input as well as the rotation input.

In operation S720, the chamber <NUM> and the rotating device <NUM> may rotate in accordance with rotation of the input portion <NUM>.

The input portion <NUM> may rotate the chamber <NUM> by its rotating movement caused by the user. The chamber <NUM> may be arranged to rotate with respect to the vaporizer <NUM> and may store the flavoring material <NUM> such that the aerosol passes through the flavoring material <NUM>. When there are multiple chambers <NUM>, the plurality of chambers <NUM> may be sequentially positioned along the rotation direction of the medium portion <NUM> including the chambers <NUM>. The vaporizer <NUM> may be arranged in fluid communication with one of the plurality of chambers <NUM>, and may generate the aerosol by heating the aerosol-generating material.

The rotating device <NUM> may be combined with the input portion <NUM> such that the rotating device <NUM> rotates along with the input portion <NUM>.

In operation S730, a signal generated in the connecting device <NUM> corresponding to the position of the rotating device <NUM> among the plurality of connecting devices <NUM>-<NUM> may be changed.

The connecting devices <NUM>-<NUM> each may generate a signal. A signal generated by a connecting device <NUM> which corresponds to the current position of the rotating device <NUM> among the connecting devices <NUM>-<NUM> may be changed. The connecting device <NUM> may transmit the changed signal to the processor <NUM>.

In operation S740, the processor <NUM> may receive the changed signal.

The processor <NUM> may determine that the connecting device <NUM> corresponds to the position of the rotating device <NUM> based on the changed signal.

In operation S750, the processor <NUM> may perform a function corresponding to the connecting device <NUM>, which has generated the changed signal, among the plurality of connecting devices <NUM>-<NUM>.

The processor <NUM> may determine that a chamber <NUM> which corresponds to the connecting device <NUM> corresponding to the position of the rotating device <NUM> as the chamber in use, from among the plurality of chambers <NUM>. The chamber in use may be in fluid communication with the vaporizer <NUM> and the aerosol may pass through the chamber in use.

The processor <NUM> may control the vaporizer <NUM> to be heated according to a temperature profile corresponding to the connecting device <NUM> which corresponds to the current position of the rotating device <NUM>.

The processor <NUM> may count, by using the puff sensor, the number of puffs with respect to the chamber <NUM> corresponding to the connecting device <NUM> which corresponds to the current position of the rotating device <NUM>. When the counted number of puffs is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the aerosol-generating apparatus <NUM> may limit the operation of the vaporizer <NUM> with respect to the chamber <NUM> (i.e., chamber in use).

The processor <NUM> may control the light-emitting portion such that light corresponding to the connecting device <NUM> that corresponds to the position of the rotating device <NUM> is emitted.

The processor <NUM> may change the vibration mode of the vibrator to correspond to the connecting device <NUM> that corresponds to the position of the rotating device <NUM>.

The processor <NUM> may perform functions based on information stored in the memory configured to store information corresponding to each of the connecting devices <NUM>-<NUM>.

The processor <NUM> may perform a function corresponding to the push input.

The processor <NUM> may initiate preheating or heating in response to the push input.

The processor <NUM> may control the vaporizer <NUM> to be heated according to a temperature profile corresponding to a combination.

The processor <NUM> may control the vaporizer <NUM> to be heated according to a temperature profile corresponding to the intensity of the push input or the number of times of receiving the push input.

Claim 1:
An aerosol-generating apparatus (<NUM>) comprising:
a vaporizer (<NUM>) configured to generate an aerosol by heating an aerosol-generating material;
a plurality of chambers (<NUM>) configured to rotate with respect to the vaporizer (<NUM>) and store a flavoring material such that the aerosol generated in the vaporizer (<NUM>) passes through the flavoring material;
an input portion (<NUM>) configured to rotate according to a user manipulation and cause the chambers (<NUM>) to rotate along;
an input circuit (<NUM>) comprising:
a rotating device (<NUM>) coupled to the input portion (<NUM>) to rotate with the input portion (<NUM>); and
a plurality of connecting devices (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) configured to generate a signal based on a position of the rotating device (<NUM>) such that one of the plurality of connecting devices (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) corresponding to a position of the rotating device (<NUM>) generates a changed signal; and
a processor (<NUM>) configured to perform a function corresponding to a connecting device (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) that has generated the changed signal among the plurality of connecting devices (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), wherein the chambers (<NUM>) are arranged along a rotation direction and partitioned to be independent of one another by separators, and
wherein the connecting devices (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) respectively correspond to the chambers (<NUM>).