KR102262492B1 - Aerosol generating device and method for controlling the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The aerosol generating device includes a body portion including a first through hole into which a cigarette is inserted and a accommodating space for accommodating a cigarette therein, and a second through hole that is detachably coupled to the main body and corresponds to the first through hole. A cover that can be coupled to or separated from the main body in a state in which the cigarette is inserted into the receiving space, a heater for heating the cigarette, a sensor for detecting the cover coupled to the main body, and a heater and a sensor and a battery for supplying power, and a control unit for controlling the heater to be heated when the sensor detects the cover coupled to the body unit.

Description

Aerosol generating device and method for controlling the same

The embodiments relate to an aerosol generating device and a control method, and more particularly, to an aerosol generating device and control method capable of generating an aerosol having a rich flavor by passing an aerosol generated in a vaporizer through a cigarette.

In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for an alternative method that overcomes the disadvantages of conventional cigarettes. For example, there is a growing demand for a method of generating an aerosol by heating the aerosol generating material in the cigarette rather than by burning the cigarette to generate the aerosol. Accordingly, research into a heated cigarette or a heated aerosol generating device is being actively conducted.

Conventional heated aerosol-generating devices include a heater inserted into the cigarette to heat the aerosol-generating material in the cigarette. However, when the heater is inserted into the cigarette, there is a problem in that at least a part of the outer surface of the cigarette is penetrated, so that substances existing in the cigarette leak out of the cigarette.

To solve this problem, an external heating heater configured to heat the outside of the cigarette without being inserted into the cigarette has been studied. However, when an external heating heater is used, heat transfer to the outside is easier compared to a heater that is inserted into the cigarette and directly heats the aerosol-generating material in the cigarette, there is a problem in that heat can be transferred to the user. Accordingly, a technology for an aerosol generating device and an anti-heat structure for preventing internal heat from being transmitted to the outside during use may be required.

Various embodiments are directed to providing an aerosol generating device and control method. The technical problems to be achieved by the present disclosure are not limited to the technical problems as described above, and other technical problems may be inferred from the following embodiments.

As a means for solving the above-described technical problem, the body portion including a first through-hole into which the cigarette is inserted; And the aerosol generating device is detachably coupled to the body portion, the aerosol generating device comprising a cover (Cover) including a second through-hole into which the cigarette is inserted, the body portion, heating the cigarette from the inside or the outside of the cigarette a first part having a heater and a sensor for detecting the cover; and a second part including a battery for supplying power to the heater and the sensor, and a controller for controlling the heater to be heated when the sensor detects the cover.

In one embodiment, the first through-hole and the second through-hole are coaxially disposed to correspond to each other, and the cigarette may pass through the first through-hole and the second through-hole.

In an embodiment, the cover surrounds the first portion of the body portion and may be coupled to the body portion.

In one embodiment, the sensor may be a non-contact detection sensor.

In one embodiment, the sensor may be a touch sensor.

In one embodiment, when at least a portion of the cover contacts the sensor, the control unit determines that the cover is coupled to the main body, the control unit may control the battery to supply power to the heater .

In one embodiment, the cover and the body portion may be spaced apart to form a space therebetween.

In one embodiment, the cover may further include a heat insulating part made of a heat insulating material.

In one embodiment, it may further include a protruding type switch disposed on the side of the first part.

In an embodiment, the cover includes a groove for coupling, and when the protruding switch is inserted into the groove for coupling, the control unit may determine that the cover is coupled to the body part.

In an embodiment, when the sensor detects the cover and the control unit determines that the cover is coupled to the main body, the control unit may control the battery to supply power to the heater.

In one embodiment, it further includes a light emitting unit, when the sensor detects the cover, the light emitting unit may emit light having a wavelength in a preset range.

In addition, the method for generating an aerosol from a cigarette according to another aspect includes a body portion including a first through hole and a cover including a second through hole coaxial with the first through hole and disposed to correspond to each other. step; inserting the cigarette through the first through hole and the second through hole; and a second part comprising a first part including a heater for heating the cigarette from inside or outside the cigarette and a sensor for detecting the cover, and a battery and a control unit for supplying power to the heater and the sensor. It further includes a part, wherein the control unit may include controlling to heat the heater when the sensor detects the cover.

The present disclosure may provide an aerosol-generating device and an assembly for the aerosol-generating device. Specifically, in the aerosol generating device according to the present disclosure, the sensor may determine whether the cover is coupled to the main body and control the battery to supply power to the heater. In this case, the heat generated by the heater can be transferred to the user through the external case, and the battery supplies power to the heater only when the cover that blocks the transfer of high-temperature heat to the user is combined with the main body, so the heater operates. Safety can be improved.

In addition, by including a light emitting unit on the outside of the aerosol generating device to inform the user whether the cover is properly mounted on the main body by the light emission of the light emitting unit, safety related to the use of the aerosol generating device can be improved.

1 to 3 are views illustrating examples in which cigarettes are inserted into an aerosol generating device.
4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a cigarette.
5 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an assembly for an aerosol generating device according to some embodiments.
6 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an assembly of an aerosol generating device according to some embodiments.
7 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an assembly of an aerosol generating device according to some embodiments.
8 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an assembly of an aerosol generating device according to some embodiments.

Terms used in the embodiments are selected as currently widely used general terms as possible while considering functions in the present invention, but may vary depending on intentions or precedents of those of ordinary skill in the art, emergence of new technologies, and the like. In addition, in a specific case, there is a term arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in this case, the meaning will be described in detail in the description of the corresponding invention. Therefore, the term used in the present invention should be defined based on the meaning of the term and the overall content of the present invention, rather than the name of a simple term.

When it is said that a part includes a certain component throughout the specification, this means that other components may be further included, rather than excluding other components, unless otherwise stated. In addition, terms such as '... unit' and '... module' described in the specification mean a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which is implemented as hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software. can be

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail so that those of ordinary skill in the art can easily carry out the embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

1 to 3 are views illustrating examples in which cigarettes are inserted into an aerosol generating device.

Referring to FIG. 1 , an aerosol generating device 10000 includes a battery 11000 , a controller 12000 , and a heater 13000 . 2 and 3 , the aerosol generating device 10000 further includes a vaporizer 14000 . In addition, a cigarette 20000 may be inserted into the inner space of the aerosol generating device 10000 .

The aerosol generating device 10000 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 includes components related to the present embodiment. Therefore, it can be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art related to this embodiment that other general-purpose components other than those shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 may be further included in the aerosol generating device 10000. .

In addition, although it is illustrated that the heater 13000 is included in the aerosol generating device 10000 in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the heater 13000 may be omitted if necessary.

In FIG. 1 , the battery 11000 , the control unit 12000 , and the heater 13000 are illustrated as being arranged in a line. Also, in FIG. 2 , the battery 11000 , the controller 12000 , the vaporizer 14000 , and the heater 13000 are illustrated as being arranged in a line. In addition, FIG. 3 shows that the vaporizer 14000 and the heater 13000 are arranged in parallel. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 10000 is not limited to that shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 . In other words, according to the design of the aerosol generating device 10000 , the arrangement of the battery 11000 , the controller 12000 , the heater 13000 , and the vaporizer 14000 may be changed.

When the cigarette 20000 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 10000, the aerosol generating device 10000 operates the heater 13000 and/or the vaporizer 14000, the cigarette 20000 and/or the vaporizer 14000 may generate aerosols from The aerosol generated by the heater 13000 and/or the vaporizer 14000 passes through the cigarette 20000 and is delivered to the user.

If necessary, the aerosol generating device 10000 may heat the heater 13000 even when the cigarette 20000 is not inserted into the aerosol generating device 10000 .

The battery 11000 supplies power used to operate the aerosol generating device 10000 . For example, the battery 11000 may supply power to the heater 13000 or the vaporizer 14000 to be heated, and may supply power required for the controller 12000 to operate. In addition, the battery 11000 may supply power required to operate a display, a sensor, a motor, etc. installed in the aerosol generating device 10000 .

The controller 12000 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 10000 . Specifically, the controller 12000 controls the operation of the battery 11000 , the heater 13000 , and the vaporizer 14000 as well as other components included in the aerosol generating device 10000 . In addition, the controller 12000 may determine whether the aerosol generating device 10000 is in an operable state by checking the state of each of the components of the aerosol generating device 10000 .

The controller 12000 includes at least one processor. The processor 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 can be understood by those skilled in the art that the present embodiment may be implemented in other types of hardware.

The heater 13000 may be heated by power supplied from the battery 11000 . For example, when a cigarette is inserted into the aerosol generating device 10000, the heater 13000 may be located outside the cigarette. Thus, the heated heater 13000 may raise the temperature of the aerosol generating material in the cigarette.

The heater 13000 may be an electrically resistive heater. For example, the heater 13000 may include an electrically conductive track, and the heater 13000 may be heated as current flows in the electrically conductive track. However, the heater 13000 is not limited to the above-described example, and as long as it can be heated to a desired temperature, it may be applied without limitation. Here, the desired temperature may be preset in the aerosol generating device 10000, or may be set to a desired temperature by the user.

Meanwhile, as another example, the heater 13000 may be an induction heating type heater. Specifically, the heater 13000 may include an electrically conductive coil for heating the cigarette in an induction heating method, and the cigarette may include a susceptor that may be heated by the induction heating heater.

For example, the heater 13000 may include a tubular heating element, a plate-type heating element, a needle-type heating element, or a rod-type heating element, and may be heated inside or outside the cigarette 20000 according to the shape of the heating element. can be heated.

In addition, a plurality of heaters 13000 may be disposed in the aerosol generating device 10000 . In this case, the plurality of heaters 13000 may be disposed to be inserted into the cigarette 20000 or disposed outside the cigarette 20000 . In addition, some of the plurality of heaters 13000 may be disposed to be inserted into the cigarette 20000 , and the rest may be disposed outside the cigarette 20000 . In addition, the shape of the heater 13000 is not limited to the shape shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 , and may be manufactured in various shapes.

The vaporizer 14000 may generate an aerosol by heating the liquid composition, and the generated aerosol may be passed through the cigarette 20000 and delivered to the user. In other words, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14000 may move along the airflow path of the aerosol generating device 10000, and the airflow path passes through the cigarette and delivers the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14000 to the user. It can be configured to be

For example, the vaporizer 14000 may include, but is not limited to, a liquid reservoir, a liquid delivery means, and a heating element. For example, the liquid reservoir, liquid delivery means and heating element may be included in the aerosol generating device 10000 as independent modules.

The liquid storage unit may store the liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid comprising a tobacco-containing material comprising a volatile tobacco flavor component, or may be a liquid comprising a non-tobacco material. The liquid storage unit may be manufactured to be detachable/attached from the vaporizer 14000 , or may be manufactured integrally with the vaporizer 14000 .

For example, the liquid composition may include water, a solvent, ethanol, a plant extract, a fragrance, a flavoring agent, or a vitamin mixture. The fragrance may include, but is not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, various fruit flavoring ingredients, and the like. Flavoring agents may include ingredients that can provide a user with a variety of flavors or flavors. The vitamin mixture may be a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E, but is not limited thereto. Liquid compositions may also include aerosol formers such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

The liquid delivery means may deliver the liquid composition of the liquid reservoir to the heating element. For example, the liquid delivery means may be, but is not limited to, a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic.

The heating element is an element for heating the liquid composition delivered by the liquid delivery means. For example, the heating element may be, but is not limited to, a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate, a ceramic heater, and the like. In addition, the heating element may be composed of a conductive filament, such as a nichrome wire, and may be arranged in a structure wound around the liquid delivery means. The heating element may be heated by applying an electrical current, and may transfer heat to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element, thereby heating the liquid composition. As a result, an aerosol may be generated.

For example, the vaporizer 14000 may be referred to as a cartomizer or an atomizer, but is not limited thereto.

Meanwhile, the aerosol generating device 10000 may further include general-purpose components in addition to the battery 11000 , the controller 12000 , the heater 13000 , and the vaporizer 14000 . For example, the aerosol generating device 10000 may include a display capable of outputting visual information and/or a motor for outputting tactile information. In addition, the aerosol generating device 10000 may include at least one sensor (a puff detection sensor, a temperature sensor, a cigarette insertion detection sensor, etc.). In addition, the aerosol generating device 10000 may be manufactured in a structure in which external air may be introduced or internal gas may flow out even in a state in which the cigarette 20000 is inserted.

Although not shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 , the aerosol generating device 10000 may constitute a system together with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle may be used to charge the battery 11000 of the aerosol generating device 10000 . Alternatively, the heater 13000 may be heated in a state in which the cradle and the aerosol generating device 10000 are coupled.

The cigarette 20000 may be similar to a general combustion type cigarette. For example, the cigarette 20000 may be divided into a first part including an aerosol generating material and a second part including a filter and the like. Alternatively, the second portion of the cigarette 20000 may also include an aerosol generating material. For example, an aerosol-generating material made in the form of granules or capsules may be inserted into the second part.

The entire first part may be inserted into the aerosol generating device 10000 , and the second part may be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a part of the first part may be inserted into the aerosol generating device 10000 , or the whole of the first part and a part of the second part may be inserted. The user may inhale the aerosol while the second part is bitten by mouth. At this time, the aerosol is generated by passing the external air through the first part, and the generated aerosol passes through the second part and is delivered to the user's mouth.

As an example, external air may be introduced through at least one air passage formed in the aerosol generating device 10000 . For example, the opening and closing of the air passage and/or the size of the air passage formed in the aerosol generating device 10000 may be adjusted by the user. Accordingly, the amount of atomization, the feeling of smoking, and the like can be adjusted by the user. As another example, external air may be introduced into the cigarette 20000 through at least one hole formed on the surface of the cigarette 20000 .

Hereinafter, an example of the cigarette 20000 will be described with reference to FIG. 4 .

4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a cigarette.

Referring to FIG. 4 , a cigarette 20000 includes a tobacco rod 21000 and a filter rod 22000 . The first part 21000 described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 includes the tobacco rod 21000 , and the second part 32000 includes the filter rod 22000 .

Although the filter rod 22000 is shown as a single segment in FIG. 4 , it is not limited thereto. In other words, the filter rod 22000 may be composed of a plurality of segments. For example, the filter rod 22000 may include a first segment for cooling the aerosol and a second segment for filtering a predetermined component contained in the aerosol. In addition, if necessary, the filter rod 22000 may further include at least one segment that performs another function.

The cigarette 20000 may be wrapped by at least one wrapper 24000 . At least one hole through which external air flows or internal gas flows may be formed in the wrapper 24000 . As an example, the cigarette 20000 may be wrapped by one wrapper 24000 . As another example, the cigarette 20000 may be overlapped by two or more wrappers 24000 . For example, the tobacco rod 21000 may be packaged by the first wrapper, and the filter rod 22000 may be packaged by the second wrapper. Then, the tobacco rod 21000 and the filter rod 22000 wrapped by an individual wrapper are combined, and the entire cigarette 20000 can be repackaged by the third wrapper. If each of the tobacco rod 21000 or the filter rod 22000 is composed of a plurality of segments, each segment may be wrapped by an individual wrapper. In addition, the entire cigarette 20000 in which segments wrapped by individual wrappers are combined may be repackaged by another wrapper.

Tobacco rod 21000 includes an aerosol generating material. For example, the aerosol generating material may include, but is not limited to, at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol and oleyl alcohol. In addition, tobacco rod 21000 may contain other additive substances such as flavoring agents, wetting agents and/or organic acids. In addition, a flavoring liquid such as menthol or a moisturizing agent may be added to the tobacco rod 21000 by being sprayed onto the tobacco rod 21000 .

Tobacco rod 21000 may be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod 21000 may be manufactured as a sheet or as a strand. In addition, the tobacco rod 21000 may be made of cut filler from which the tobacco sheet is chopped. In addition, the tobacco rod 21000 may be surrounded by a heat-conducting material. For example, the heat-conducting material may be, but is not limited to, a metal foil such as aluminum foil. As an example, the heat-conducting material surrounding the tobacco rod 21000 may evenly distribute the heat transferred to the tobacco rod 21000 to improve the thermal conductivity applied to the tobacco rod, thereby improving the tobacco taste. . In addition, the heat-conducting material surrounding the tobacco rod 21000 may function as a susceptor heated by an induction heater. At this time, although not shown in the drawings, the tobacco rod 21000 may further include an additional susceptor in addition to the heat-conducting material surrounding the outside.

The filter rod 22000 may be a cellulose acetate filter. Meanwhile, the shape of the filter rod 22000 is not limited. For example, the filter rod 22000 may be a cylindrical rod, or a tubular rod including a hollow therein. Also, the filter rod 22000 may be a recess type rod. If the filter rod 22000 is composed of a plurality of segments, at least one of the plurality of segments may be manufactured in a different shape.

The filter rod 22000 may be manufactured to generate flavor. As an example, the flavoring solution may be sprayed onto the filter rod 22000 , and a separate fiber coated with the flavoring solution may be inserted into the filter rod 22000 .

In addition, the filter rod 22000 may include at least one capsule 23000 . Here, the capsule 23000 may perform a function of generating flavor or may perform a function of generating an aerosol. For example, the capsule 23000 may have a structure in which a liquid containing fragrance is wrapped with a film. The capsule 23000 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

If the filter rod 22000 includes a segment for cooling the aerosol, the cooling segment may be made of a polymer material or a biodegradable polymer material. For example, the cooling segment may be made of pure polylactic acid alone, but is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the cooling segment may be made of a cellulose acetate filter perforated with a plurality of holes. However, the cooling segment is not limited to the above-described example, and as long as the aerosol can perform the function of cooling, it may be applicable without limitation.

Meanwhile, although not shown in FIG. 4 , the cigarette 20000 according to an embodiment may further include a front-end filter. The front-end filter is located on one side opposite to the filter rod 22000 in the tobacco rod 21000 . The shear filter can prevent the tobacco rod 21000 from escaping to the outside, and the aerosol liquefied from the tobacco rod 21000 during smoking can be prevented from flowing into the aerosol generating device (10000 in FIGS. 1 to 3). have.

5 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an assembly for an aerosol generating device according to some embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 5 , an assembly for an aerosol generating device may include a cover 15000 and a body portion 16000 . On the other hand, only the components related to this embodiment are shown in the assembly for the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 5 . Therefore, it can be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art related to this embodiment that other general-purpose components other than those shown in FIG. 5 may be further included in the assembly for an aerosol generating device. For example, the assembly may include at least one electrical connector (not shown) for electrical connection between the heater 13000 and the battery 11000 .

In addition, the main body 16000 may form an accommodation space for accommodating the cigarette 20000 therein. Specifically, the main body 16000 may include a first through hole into which the cigarette is inserted. As shown in FIG. 5 , the accommodating space inside the main body 16000 may have a cylindrical shape to correspond to the shape of the cigarette 20000 . However, the present invention is not limited thereto and may have various sizes and shapes according to the shape of the cigarette 20000 .

Also, the main body 16000 may include a heater 13000 therein. The heater 13000 may heat the cigarette 20000 inside or outside the cigarette 20000 .

Also, the body unit 16000 may include a sensor 16100 . As shown in FIG. 5 , the sensor 16100 may be disposed at the upper end of the body unit 16000 . However, the present invention is not limited thereto and may be disposed in various positions.

Specifically, the main body 16000 may be divided into a first part including the heater 13000 and the sensor 16100 and a second part including the battery 11000 and the controller 12000 . However, it is not limited thereto, and it can be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art related to the present embodiment that other general-purpose components may be further included.

The sensor 16100 may detect whether the cover 15000 is coupled to the body unit 16000 . The sensor 16100 may be a non-contact sensor or a touch sensor.

Specifically, the sensor 16100 may be a non-contact detection sensor. The non-contact detection sensor may detect even if the cover 15000 does not contact the sensor. More specifically, the non-contact detection sensor may be a proximity sensor. For example, the proximity sensor may be any one of a capacitive sensor, an optical sensor, a Hall sensor, a magnetic sensor, and an illuminance sensor.

The capacitive sensor can detect the difference in the capacitor value in the process of coupling the cover 15000 to the body 16000, and the light sensor and the illuminance sensor can detect that light is blocked by the cover 15000. have. The magnetic sensor may detect a magnetic material included in the cover 15000 .

Also, the sensor 16100 may be a touch detection sensor. The touch detection sensor may detect the cover 15000 when at least a portion of the cover 15000 comes into contact with the sensor 16100 . For example, the touch sensor may be any one of a pressure sensor, a touch sensor, and a pressure sensor.

The pressure sensor and the pressure sensor may detect the cover 15000 when the pressure generated when the cover 15000 comes into contact with the sensor 16100 is equal to or greater than a predetermined pressure. In addition, the touch sensor may detect the cover 15000 immediately when the cover 15000 comes into contact with the sensor 16100 .

When the sensor 16100 detects the cover 15000 , the controller 12000 may control the heater 13000 to be heated. Specifically, in order to heat the heater 13000 , the controller 12000 may control the battery 11000 to supply power to the heater 13000 .

Referring to FIG. 5 , an assembly for an aerosol generating device may include a cover 15000 coupled to a body portion 16000 .

The cover 15000 may be detachably coupled to the main body 16000 and may include a hole through which the cigarette 20000 can pass. Specifically, the cover 15000 may include a second through-hole into which the cigarette is inserted. 'Removably coupled' means that the cover 15000 maintains a coupled state while performing a function for generating aerosol in a state coupled to the body 16000, and can be separated when use is terminated. means that

The cross-section of the hole included in the cover 15000 may be a circle to correspond to the shape of the cigarette 20000, but is not limited thereto, and the cross-section may have various shapes.

The first through-hole and the second through-hole may have the same axis and may be disposed to correspond to each other. Accordingly, when the cigarette 20000 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 10000, it may be inserted through the first through hole and the second through hole.

In addition, the cover 15000 can be separated from the case 160000 by moving the cover 150000 upward, and the cigarette 20000 is placed in the body 16000 in a state in which the cover 15000 is separated from the body 16000. ), or the cigarette 20000 can be separated from the main body 16000.

Hereinafter, the thermal insulation structure of the aerosol generating device 10000 including the assembly for the aerosol generating device will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 6 .

6 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an assembly of an aerosol generating device according to some embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 6 , the assembly for an aerosol generating device may include a cover 15000 and a body part 16000 , and at least one separation space 15200 positioned between the cover 15000 and the body part 16000 . may further include. Since the sensor 16100 and the cigarette 20000 of FIG. 6 are the same as the components shown in FIG. 5 , overlapping descriptions will be omitted. On the other hand, in the aerosol generating device assembly shown in FIG. 6, only the components related to this embodiment are shown. Accordingly, it can be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art related to the present embodiment that other general-purpose components other than those shown in FIG. 6 may be further included in the aerosol generating device assembly.

The separation space 15200 may mean an air gap positioned between the cover 15000 and the main body 16000 . Specifically, the cover 15000 and the main body 16000 form a space 15200 between each other, and may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other. Heat generated from the heater 13000 and transferred to the cover 15000 through the main body 16000 by the separation space 15200 may be reduced. Accordingly, external heat generation of the aerosol generating device 10000 may be minimized. Since the user comes into contact with the cover 15000 or the main body 16000, it is necessary to minimize the heat generation as described above. Accordingly, the battery 11000 may be controlled to supply power to the heater 13000 only when the cover 15000 is coupled to the main body 16000 .

Referring to FIG. 6 , the cover 15000 may include a protrusion 15100 . As shown in FIG. 6 , the protrusion 15100 may be disposed at the lower end of the cover 15000 . However, the present invention is not limited thereto and may be disposed in various positions.

As shown in FIG. 6 , the protrusion 15100 may contact the sensor 16100 included in the body 16000 . For example, assuming that the sensor 16100 is a touch detection sensor that detects a physical contact, the protrusion 15100 included in the cover 15000 is the sensor 16100 while the cover 15000 is coupled to the body 16000. can be contacted with In this case, the sensor 16100 may determine that the cover 15000 is coupled to the body unit 16000 . However, it is not limited to these embodiments and may include various embodiments. For example, assuming that the sensor 16100 is a non-contact detection sensor, when the cover 15000 is coupled to the body unit 16000, even if the protrusion 15100 does not contact the sensor 16100, the sensor 16100 is the cover It may be determined that 15000 is coupled to the main body 16000 . Specifically, when the protrusion 15100 approaches within a predetermined distance from the sensor 16100 through the non-contact sensor, the sensor 16100 may determine that the cover 15000 is coupled to the body 16000 .

Referring to FIG. 6 , although it is expressed that the protrusion 15100 is in contact with the sensor 16100 , the present embodiment is not limited thereto. Those of ordinary skill in the art can understand. For example, the protrusion 15100 may not be included in the cover 15000 , and when the sensor 16100 is a non-contact detection sensor, the cover 15000 not including the protrusion 15100 is a predetermined distance from the sensor 16100 . When approaching the inside, the sensor 16100 may determine that the cover 15000 is coupled to the body unit 16000 .

As described above, in order to minimize heat transfer to the outside, the battery 11000 may be controlled to supply power to the heater 13000 only when the cover 15000 is coupled to the main body 16000 .

However, if the sensor 16100 determines that the cover 15000 is not coupled to the body unit 16000 but is coupled, and the battery 11000 supplies power to the heater 13000, the above-described stability problem may occur. . For example, assuming that the sensor 16100 is a touch detection sensor that detects physical contact, the cover 15000 is not coupled to the main body 16000, but a shape similar to the protrusion 15100 included in the cover 15000. An object with , may contact the sensor 16100 . In this case, in the case of a simple touch detection sensor, it may be incorrectly determined that the cover 15000 is coupled to the main body 16000 . Or, for example, assuming that the sensor 16100 is a non-contact detection sensor, when an object other than the cover 15000 approaches within a predetermined distance from the sensor 16100, the sensor 16100 is the cover 15000 and the body part ( 16000) may be mistakenly determined.

In order to prevent the above-described malfunction, when the sensor 16100 detects a contact, if the sensor 16100 meets a predetermined condition for determining that the contact with the sensor 16100 is not at least a part of the cover 15100 , the battery 11000 may not supply power to the heater 13000 . However, it is not limited to contact and may also include other types of malfunction.

For example, if it is assumed that the sensor 16100 is a touch detection sensor that detects a physical contact, the predetermined condition is that a certain amount of pressure must be detected in addition to a specific contact being detected by the sensor 16100, and the sensor 16100 is a cover It may be determined that 15000 is coupled to the main body 16000 . However, these conditions are not limited thereto and may include various embodiments. Meanwhile, the cover 15000 may further include a heat insulating part. The heat insulating part may be made of at least one heat insulating material. For example, the heat insulating part may include any suitable material that blocks the movement of heat generated in the heater 13000 and transferred to the outside. For example, it may include at least one of a porous material, graphite, and ceramic, but is not limited thereto. The ceramic may be a porous ceramic.

7 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an assembly of an aerosol generating device according to some embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 7 , the main body 16000 may include a protruding type switch 15300 . As shown in FIG. 7 , the protruding type switch 15300 may be disposed on the side surface of the main body 16000 . However, the present invention is not limited thereto and may be disposed in various positions. On the other hand, in the aerosol generating device assembly shown in FIG. 7, only the components related to this embodiment are shown. Accordingly, it can be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art related to the present embodiment that other general-purpose components other than those shown in FIG. 6 may be further included in the aerosol generating device assembly.

Referring to FIG. 7 , the protruding type switch 15300 may detect whether the cover 15000 is coupled to the body unit 16000 like the sensor 16100 . Specifically, the protruding switch 15300 may be elastically supported by an elastic member such as a spring, and it may be detected whether the cover 15000 is coupled to the main body 16000 according to the degree of elastic force on the elastic member. . When the protruding type switch 15300 detects the cover 15000 , the control unit 12000 may determine that the cover 15000 is coupled to the body unit 16000 .

Hereinafter, the thermal insulation structure of the aerosol generating device 10000 including the assembly for the aerosol generating device will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 8 .

8 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an assembly of an aerosol generating device according to some embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 8 , the assembly for an aerosol generating device may include a cover 15000 and a body part 16000 , and at least one separation space 15200 positioned between the cover 15000 and the body part 16000 . may further include. Also, referring to FIG. 8 , the main body 16000 may include a protruding type switch 15300 . 8. Since the main body 16000, the cover 15000, and the like are the same as the above-described components, overlapping descriptions are omitted. On the other hand, in the aerosol generating device assembly shown in FIG. 8, only the components related to this embodiment are shown. Accordingly, it can be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art related to the present embodiment that other general-purpose components other than those shown in FIG. 8 may be further included in the aerosol generating device assembly.

Referring to FIG. 8 , when the cover 15000 is coupled to the body 16000 in the protruding switch 15300 included in the body 16000, a pressing operation is performed on the outer surface of the protruding switch 15300. installed to enable Specifically, when the cover 15000 is coupled to the main body 16000, the protruding type switch 15300 may be inserted into a coupling groove (not shown) included in the cover 15000 . At this time, the cover 15000 may be fixed to the main body 16000 by coupling.

As described above, the protruding type switch 15300 may sense the cover 15000 like the sensor 16100 . This may be understood to perform the same function as the sensor 16100 .

As described in FIG. 6 , the sensor 16100 determines that the cover 15000 is not coupled to the body 16000, but is coupled, and the battery 11000 supplies power to the heater 13000. In order to prevent stability problems, in the aerosol generating device 10000, the sensor 16100 detects the cover 15000, and the control unit 12000 by the protruding switch 15300 controls the cover 15000 and the body 16000. Only when it is determined that it is coupled to the battery 11000 can be controlled to supply power to the heater 13000 . In this way, it is possible to prevent a problem in that the heater 13000 is operated without the cover 15000 being coupled to the main body 16000 so that high-temperature heat may be transmitted to the user. However, it is not limited to the above embodiments, and may include various embodiments. Specifically, when the aerosol generating device 10000 determines that at least one of the sensor 16100 or the protruding switch 15300 has the cover 15000 coupled to the body unit 16000, the battery 11000 is the heater ( 13000) can be controlled to supply power.

Although not shown in the drawings, the aerosol generating device 10000 may further include a light emitting unit such as an LED (light emitting diode). The light emitting unit may display an internal operating state of the aerosol generating device by selecting one color from among several predetermined colors to emit light. However, the present invention is not limited thereto and may include all embodiments capable of giving a notification to a user.

When it is determined that the cover 15000 is coupled to the body unit 16000, the light emitting unit may emit light having a wavelength in a preset range to notify the user.

All operations of the above-described aerosol generating device 10000 may be controlled through the controller 12000 .

A person of ordinary skill in the art related to this embodiment will understand that it can be implemented in a modified form without departing from the essential characteristics of the above description. Therefore, the disclosed methods are to be considered in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. The scope of the present invention is indicated in the claims rather than the foregoing description, and all differences within the scope equivalent thereto should be construed as being included in the present invention.

Claims (13)

a body portion including a first through hole into which a cigarette is inserted and a accommodating space for accommodating the cigarette therein;
A cover that is detachably coupled to the main body and includes a second through-hole into which the cigarette is inserted at a position corresponding to the first through-hole, which can be coupled to or separated from the main body. ;
a heater disposed in the body part to heat the cigarette;
a sensor disposed on the main body to detect the cover coupled to the main body;
a battery disposed in the main body to supply power to the heater and the sensor; and
a control unit disposed in the main body and controlling the heater to be heated when the sensor detects the cover coupled to the main body;
When the cover is coupled to the main body, the cover and the main body are spaced apart to form a space therebetween, and the air in the space between the cover and the main body is transferred from the main body to the cover. An aerosol generating device with reduced heat. The method of claim 1,
The first through-hole and the second through-hole are coaxially arranged to correspond to each other, and the cigarette is received in the receiving space through the first through-hole and the second through-hole. The method of claim 1,
Positioned between the cover and the body part, the aerosol generating device further comprising a protrusion spaced apart from the cover and the body part. The method of claim 1,
wherein the sensor is a non-contact sensing sensor. The method of claim 1,
wherein the sensor is a touch sensitive sensor. 6. The method of claim 5,
When at least a portion of the cover is in contact with the sensor, the control unit determines that the cover is coupled to the body portion,
The control unit controls the battery to supply power to the heater, an aerosol generating device. delete The method of claim 1,
The cover further comprises a heat insulating part made of a heat insulating material, aerosol generating device. The method of claim 1,
The aerosol generating device further comprising a protruding switch disposed on the side portion of the outer side of the body portion. 10. The method of claim 9,
The cover includes a groove for coupling,
When the protruding switch is inserted into the coupling groove, the control unit determines that the cover is coupled to the main body portion, an aerosol generating device. 11. The method of claim 10,
When the sensor detects the cover, and the control unit determines that the cover is coupled to the main body,
The control unit controls the battery to supply power to the heater, an aerosol generating device. The method of claim 1,
It further comprises a light emitting unit,
When the sensor detects the cover, the light emitting unit emits light having a wavelength in a preset range, an aerosol generating device. A method of generating an aerosol from a cigarette, comprising:
coupling a cover including a body portion including a first through hole into which a cigarette is inserted and a accommodating space for accommodating the cigarette therein and a second through hole disposed at a position corresponding to the first through hole;
inserting the cigarette into the accommodating space through the first through-hole and the second through-hole; and
The main body portion further comprises a heater disposed in the main body portion, a sensor for detecting the cover, and a battery and a controller for supplying power to the heater and the sensor for heating the cigarette,
The control unit includes controlling to heat the heater when the sensor detects the cover,
The cover may be coupled to the body portion or separated from the body portion,
When the cover is coupled to the body part, the cover and the body part are spaced apart to form a space therebetween, and heat transferred from the body part to the cover by the air in the space between the cover and the body part. This is a reduced, aerosol generating method.

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