KR102286581B1 - Converter for charging aerosol generating device, and system for charging the aerosol generating device - Google Patents

Abstract

a first connector connectable with the aerosol-generating device; And a second connector; provides a system for charging an aerosol-generating device comprising a power conversion device for charging the aerosol-generating device, and the aerosol-generating device comprising the same.

Description

CONVERTER FOR CHARGING AEROSOL GENERATING DEVICE, AND SYSTEM FOR CHARGING THE AEROSOL GENERATING DEVICE}

Embodiments relate to a power converter for charging an aerosol-generating device and a system for charging an aerosol-generating device, and more particularly, a power converter (or converter) connecting the aerosol-generating device and the power supply, and an aerosol including the same It relates to a system for charging a generating device.

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 need for a method in which an aerosol is generated as an aerosol-generating material is heated rather than a method in which an aerosol is generated by burning a cigarette.

On the other hand, the aerosol-generating device may receive power from the outside and charge it in a battery disposed in the main body, and accordingly, the user may carry the device and use it. Power supplied from the outside may be provided by various types of supply terminals, but when only a limited type of supply terminal is provided, it does not correspond to the charging unit of the aerosol-generating device, so there is a problem in that the device cannot be charged at an appropriate time.

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 need for a method in which an aerosol is generated as an aerosol-generating material is heated, rather than a method in which an aerosol is generated by burning a cigarette.

On the other hand, the aerosol-generating device may receive power from the outside and charge it in a battery disposed in the main body, and accordingly, the user may carry the device and use it. Power supplied from the outside may be provided by various types of supply terminals, but when only a limited type of supply terminal is provided, it does not correspond to the charging unit of the aerosol-generating device, so there is a problem in that the device cannot be charged at an appropriate time.

As a technical means for achieving the above-described technical problem, a first aspect of the present invention is a first connector; and a second connector connectable to the first connector, wherein the first connector is connectable to the aerosol-generating device, and the first connector and the second connector are each independently of each other an insertion terminal on one side and at least one on the other side a receiving terminal, wherein when charging the aerosol-generating device, the aerosol-generating device and the first connector or the aerosol-generating device, the first connector, and the second connector are sequentially connected along one direction, any of the receiving terminals of the first connector One can accommodate the insertion terminal of the second connector, the type of the receiving terminal of the first connector and the type of the receiving terminal of the second connector are different from each other, so that the type of the power supply supplied from the outside for charging the aerosol-generating device In accordance with, any one of the receiving terminal of the first connector and the receiving terminal of the second connector can be selectively connected to the power supply, it is possible to provide a power converter for charging the aerosol-generating device.

In embodiments, the insertion terminal of the first connector may be connected to the charging part of the aerosol-generating device.

In embodiments, the power converter for charging the aerosol-generating device may further include one or more additional connectors connectable to the first connector or the second connector.

In embodiments, the additional connector may include a plurality of sub-connectors that are sequentially connected along a direction in which the aerosol-generating device, the first connector, and the second connector are connected.

In embodiments, the additional connector may include a plurality of sub-connectors connectable in a direction transverse to the connection direction of the first connector and the second connector.

In embodiments, the power converter for charging the aerosol-generating device may further include a cover that can be coupled to the first connector so as to cover the insertion terminal of the first connector.

In embodiments, the cover part may include a key-ring.

In embodiments, one of the first connector and the cover part may include a protrusion, and the other may include a groove coupled to the protrusion.

In embodiments, at least one of the first connector and the aerosol-generating device may include a magnetic material.

In embodiments, the insertion terminal of the first connector may be inserted into the charging unit of the aerosol-generating device, and any one of the receiving terminals of the first connector may be capable of accommodating a micro USB 5-pin terminal.

In embodiments, the insertion terminal of the second connector may be insertable into any one of the accommodating terminals of the first connector, and any one of the accommodating terminals of the second connector may accommodate the USB-C type terminal.

A second aspect of the present invention, a power conversion device for charging the aerosol generating device; aerosol-generating devices; and a power supply; may provide a system for charging an aerosol-generating device, including.

With respect to the second aspect, the technical features described with respect to the first aspect may be selectively applied, and omitting the description does not exclude the application.

The aerosol generating device charging power converter according to the embodiments is easy to carry by the user, including the first connector and the second connector, and the first connector or the first connector and the second so as to correspond to the power supply terminal when necessary It has the advantage of being able to charge the device by connecting the connector.

In addition, according to one embodiment, it is possible to continuously connect additional connectors, such as a third connector and a fourth connector, to the receiving terminal of the second connector, so that it is portable, and aerosol is generated through a combination of various connectors corresponding to a specific supply terminal. It has the advantage of being able to charge the device.

The effect of the invention is not limited to the above, and other effects can be inferred from the following examples.

1 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating a coupling relationship between a replaceable cartridge containing an aerosol-generating material and an aerosol-generating device having the same according to an embodiment;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary operating state of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 .
3 is a perspective view illustrating another exemplary operating state of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 .
4 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment.
5 is a state diagram before starting charging in relation to the system 200 for charging an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment.
6 is a state diagram after starting charging in relation to the system 200 for charging an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment.
7 is a perspective view showing the separated elements of the power converter for charging the aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.
8 is a perspective view showing the elements of the power converter for charging the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 separated from the other side.
Figure 9a is a front view showing the separated elements of the power converter for charging the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in Figure 7;
Figure 9b is a plan view of a power converter for charging an aerosol generating device including a plurality of connectors according to another embodiment.
10 is a perspective view showing the separated elements of the power conversion device for charging the aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.
11 is a perspective view showing the elements of the power conversion device for charging the aerosol generating device according to another embodiment separated.

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.

In the entire specification, when a part "includes" a certain component, it 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 may be implemented as hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software.

Throughout the specification, when one part and another part are "connected", this includes not only physically connected but also electrically connected.

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 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating a coupling relationship between a replaceable cartridge containing an aerosol-generating material and an aerosol-generating device having the same according to an embodiment;

The aerosol-generating device 5 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 comprises a cartridge 20 holding an aerosol-generating material, and a body 10 supporting the cartridge 20 .

The cartridge 20 may be coupled to the body 10 in a state in which the aerosol-generating material is accommodated therein. A portion of the cartridge 20 is inserted into the receiving space 19 of the main body 10 , so that the cartridge 20 can be mounted on the main body 10 .

*Aerosol-generating substances in the cartridge (liquid composition)

The cartridge 20 may hold an aerosol-generating material having any one state, such as a liquid state, a solid state, a gaseous state, or a gel state, for example. The aerosol-generating material may comprise a 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 composition may include, for example, any one component of water, a solvent, ethanol, a plant extract, a fragrance, a flavoring agent, and a vitamin mixture, or a mixture of these components. 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.

For example, the liquid composition may include a solution of glycerin and propylene glycol in any weight ratio to which a nicotine salt has been added. The liquid composition may include two or more nicotine salts. Nicotine salts can be formed by adding a suitable acid, including organic or inorganic acids, to nicotine. Nicotine is either naturally occurring nicotine or synthetic nicotine, and may have any suitable weight concentration relative to the total solution weight of the liquid composition.

The acid for the formation of the nicotine salt may be appropriately selected in consideration of the blood nicotine absorption rate, the operating temperature of the aerosol generating device 5 , flavor or flavor, solubility, and the like. For example, acids for the formation of nicotine salts include benzoic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, lauric acid, sorbic acid, levulinic acid, pyruvic acid, formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, caproic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid , citric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, phenylacetic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, gluconic acid, saccharic acid, malonic acid or malic acid alone or It may be a mixture of two or more acids selected from the group, but is not limited thereto.

*Cartridge heating

The cartridge 20 converts the phase of the aerosol-generating material inside the cartridge 20 into a gas phase by operating by an electrical signal or a wireless signal transmitted from the main body 10 to generate an aerosol. perform the function The aerosol may refer to a gas in a state in which vaporized particles generated from an aerosol-generating material and air are mixed.

For example, the cartridge 20 may change the phase of the aerosol-generating material by receiving an electrical signal from the main body 10 and heating the aerosol-generating material, using an ultrasonic vibration method, or using an induction heating method. As another example, when the cartridge 20 includes its own power source, the cartridge 20 is operated by an electrical control signal or wireless signal transmitted from the main body 10 to the cartridge 20 to generate an aerosol. can

*Cartridge (20): liquid reservoir + atomizer (liquid delivery means + heater)

The cartridge 20 may include a liquid storage unit 21 for accommodating the aerosol-generating material therein, and an atomizer for converting the aerosol-generating material of the liquid storage unit 21 into an aerosol. .

That the liquid storage unit 21 'accommodates the aerosol-generating material' therein means that the liquid storage unit 21 performs a function of simply containing the aerosol-generating material, such as the use of a container, and the liquid storage unit ( 21) means to include an element impregnating (containing) an aerosol-generating material, such as, for example, a sponge, cotton, cloth, or a porous ceramic structure.

The atomizer comprises, for example, a liquid delivery means (wick) that absorbs the aerosol-generating material and maintains it optimally for conversion to an aerosol, and a heater (or heating element) that heats the liquid delivery means to generate an aerosol. may include

The liquid delivery means may comprise, for example, at least one of cotton fibers, ceramic fibers, glass fibers, and porous ceramics.

The heater (or heating element) may comprise a metal material such as copper, nickel, tungsten, etc. to heat the aerosol-generating material delivered to the liquid delivery means by generating heat by means of electrical resistance. The heater may be implemented as, for example, a metal wire, a metal hot plate, a ceramic heating element, etc., and is implemented as a conductive filament using a material such as a nichrome wire, or wound around the liquid delivery means or adjacent to the liquid delivery means. can be arranged.

The atomizer also has a mesh shape that performs both the function of absorbing the aerosol-generating material and maintaining it in an optimal state for conversion to an aerosol without using a separate liquid delivery means, and the function of generating an aerosol by heating the aerosol-generating material. shape) or a plate-shaped heating element.

*Protrusion window (21a)

The liquid storage unit 21 of the cartridge 20 may include a transparent material at least in part so that the aerosol-generating material accommodated in the cartridge 20 can be visually confirmed from the outside. The liquid storage unit 21 includes a protruding window 21a protruding from the liquid storage unit 21 so that it can be inserted into the groove 11 of the body 10 when coupled to the body 10 . The mouthpiece 22 and the liquid storage unit 21 may be entirely made of transparent plastic or glass, and only the protruding window 21a corresponding to a portion of the liquid storage unit 21 may be made of a transparent material. there is.

*Connection terminal (10t)

The body 10 includes a connection terminal 10t disposed inside the accommodation space 19 . When the liquid storage unit 21 of the cartridge 20 is inserted into the receiving space 19 of the main body 10 , the main body 10 provides power to the cartridge 20 through the connection terminal 10t or the cartridge 20 ) may supply a signal related to the operation of the cartridge 20 .

* Mouthpiece (22), discharge hole (22a)

A mouthpiece 22 is coupled to one end of the liquid storage unit 21 of the cartridge 20 . The mouthpiece 22 is a portion of the aerosol-generating device 5 that is inserted into the oral cavity of the user. The mouthpiece 22 includes a discharge hole 22a for discharging the aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating material inside the liquid storage unit 21 to the outside.

*Slider (7) structure

A slider 7 is movably coupled to the body 10 with respect to the body 10 . The slider 7 has a function of covering at least a portion of the mouthpiece 22 of the cartridge 20 coupled to the main body 10 by moving relative to the body 10 or exposing at least a portion of the mouthpiece 22 to the outside. carry out The slider 7 includes a long hole 7a for exposing at least a part of the protruding window 21a of the cartridge 20 to the outside.

The slider 7 is hollow inside and has a cylindrical shape with both ends open. The structure of the slider 7 is not limited to a tubular shape as shown in the drawing, and is bent with a clip-shaped cross-sectional shape that is movable with respect to the body 10 while maintaining a state coupled to the edge of the body 10 . It may have a structure such as a curved plate structure or a curved semi-cylindrical shape having a cross-sectional shape of a curved arc shape.

*Slider (7) function: magnetic material, position change detection sensor (Hall IC)

The slider 7 includes a body 10 and a magnetic body for maintaining the position of the slider 7 relative to the cartridge 20 . The magnetic material may include a permanent magnet, or a material such as iron, nickel, cobalt, or an alloy thereof.

The magnetic material includes two first magnetic materials 8a facing each other with the inner space of the slider 7 therebetween, and two second magnetic materials 8b facing each other with the inner space of the slider 7 interposed therebetween. do. The first magnetic body 8a and the second magnetic body 8b are disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the moving direction of the slider 7 , that is, in the longitudinal direction of the main body 10 , that is, the direction in which the main body 10 extends.

The body 10 is a fixed magnetic body 9 disposed on a path in which the first magnetic body 8a and the second magnetic body 8b of the slider 7 move while the slider 7 moves with respect to the body 10. includes Two fixed magnetic bodies 9 of the main body 10 may also be installed to face each other with the receiving space 19 therebetween.

Depending on the position of the slider 7, by the magnetic force acting between the stationary magnetic body 9 and the first magnetic body 8a or between the stationary magnetic body 9 and the second magnetic body 8b, the slider 7 is moved to the mouthpiece 22 ) can be stably maintained in a position that covers or exposes the end of the

The main body 10 is a position change detection sensor ( 3) is included. The position change detection sensor 3 may include, for example, a hall sensor (hall IC) using a hall effect that detects a change in a magnetic field and generates a signal.

In the aerosol-generating device 5 according to the above-described embodiment, the main body 10, the cartridge 20, and the slider 7 have a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction, but the embodiment is such an aerosol-generating device It is not limited by the shape of (5). The aerosol-generating device 5 may have a cross-sectional shape of, for example, a circle, an oval, a square, or a polygon of various forms. In addition, when the aerosol-generating device 5 extends in the longitudinal direction, it is not necessarily limited to a structure extending in a straight line, and for example, it is curved in a streamline shape or bent at a predetermined angle in a specific area to make it easier for the user to hold it in the hand, and it extends for a long time. can do.

* Figures 2 to 3: Example of slider movement, remaining amount check window

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary operating state of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 .

In FIG. 2 , an operating state is shown in which the slider 7 is moved to a position covering the end of the mouthpiece 22 of the cartridge coupled to the main body 10 . In a state in which the slider 7 is moved to a position covering the end of the mouthpiece 22, the mouthpiece 22 is safely protected from external foreign substances and can be maintained in a clean state.

The user can check the remaining amount of the aerosol-generating material held in the cartridge by visually checking the protruding window 21a of the cartridge through the long hole 7a of the slider 7 . The user may move the slider 7 in the longitudinal direction of the body 10 to use the aerosol-generating device 5 .

3 is a perspective view illustrating another exemplary operating state of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 .

In FIG. 3, an operating state is shown in which the slider 7 is moved to a position in which the end of the mouthpiece 22 of the cartridge coupled with the main body 10 is exposed to the outside. In a state in which the slider 7 is moved to a position where the end of the mouthpiece 22 is exposed to the outside, the user inserts the mouthpiece 22 into his/her oral cavity through the outlet hole 22a of the mouthpiece 22 Exhausted aerosols may be inhaled.

Even when the slider 7 is moved to a position where the end of the mouthpiece 22 is exposed to the outside, the protruding window 21a of the cartridge is exposed through the long hole 7a of the slider 7, so that the user It is possible to visually confirm the remaining amount of the retained aerosol-generating material.

4 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 4 , the aerosol generating device 10000 may include a battery 11000 , a heater 12000 , a sensor 13000 , a user interface 14000 , a memory 15000 , and a control unit 16000 . However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 10000 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 4 . According to the design of the aerosol-generating device 10000, it can be understood by those skilled in the art related to this embodiment that some of the hardware components shown in FIG. 4 may be omitted or new components may be further added. .

In an embodiment, the aerosol-generating device 10000 may consist of only the body, and in this case, the hardware components included in the aerosol-generating device 10000 are located in the body. In another embodiment, the aerosol-generating device 10000 may consist of a main body and a cartridge, and the hardware components included in the aerosol-generating device 10000 may be divided into the main body and the cartridge. Alternatively, at least some of the hardware components included in the aerosol-generating device 10000 may be located in each of the main body and the cartridge.

Hereinafter, the operation of each component will be described without limiting the space in which each component included in the aerosol generating device 10000 is located.

*Battery (11000)

The battery 11000 supplies power used to operate the aerosol generating device 10000 . That is, the battery 11000 may supply power so that the heater 12000 may be heated. In addition, the battery 11000 may supply power required for the operation of other hardware components included in the aerosol generating device 10000, that is, the sensor 13000, the user interface 14000, the memory 15000, and the control unit 16000. can The battery 11000 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 11000 may be a lithium-polymer battery, but is not limited thereto.

*Heater (12000)

The heater 12000 receives power from the battery 11000 under the control of the controller 16000 . The heater 12000 may receive power from the battery 11000 to heat a cigarette inserted into the aerosol generating device 10000 or to heat a cartridge mounted in the aerosol generating device 10000 .

The heater 12000 may be located in the body of the aerosol generating device 10000 . Alternatively, when the aerosol generating device 10000 is composed of a main body and a cartridge, the heater 12000 may be located in the cartridge. When the heater 12000 is positioned in the cartridge, the heater 12000 may receive power from the battery 11000 positioned in at least one of the main body and the cartridge.

Heater 12000 may be formed of any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, suitable electrically resistive materials include titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc. It may be a metal or metal alloy including, but is not limited thereto. Also, the heater 12000 may be implemented as a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate on which an electrically conductive track is disposed, a ceramic heating element, or the like, but is not limited thereto.

In one embodiment, the heater 12000 may be a configuration included in the cartridge. The cartridge may include a heater 12000 , a liquid delivery means and a liquid reservoir. The aerosol-generating material accommodated in the liquid storage unit moves to the liquid delivery means, and the heater 12000 may heat the aerosol-generating material absorbed in the liquid delivery means to generate an aerosol. For example, the heater 12000 may include a material such as nickel chromium and may be wound around the liquid delivery means or disposed adjacent to the liquid delivery means.

In another embodiment, the heater 12000 may heat the cigarette inserted into the receiving space of the aerosol-generating device 10000 . As the cigarette is accommodated in the receiving space of the aerosol-generating device 10000, the heater 12000 may be located inside and/or outside the cigarette. Accordingly, the heater 12000 may generate an aerosol by heating the aerosol-generating material in the cigarette.

Meanwhile, the heater 12000 may be an induction heating type heater. The heater 12000 may include an electrically conductive coil for heating the cigarette or cartridge in an induction heating manner, and the cigarette or cartridge may include a susceptor capable of being heated by an induction heating heater.

*Sensor (13000)

The aerosol-generating device 10000 may include at least one sensor 13000 . The result sensed by the at least one sensor 13000 is transmitted to the control unit 16000, and according to the sensing result, the control unit 16000 controls the operation of the heater, restricts smoking, determines whether or not a cigarette (or cartridge) is inserted, notification The aerosol-generating device 10000 may be controlled to perform various functions such as display.

For example, the at least one sensor 13000 may include a puff detection sensor. The puff detection sensor may detect the user's puff based on any one of a temperature change, a flow change, a voltage change, and a pressure change.

Also, the at least one sensor 13000 may include a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor may detect a temperature at which the heater 12000 (or an aerosol-generating material) is heated. The aerosol generating device 10000 may include a separate temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the heater 12000, or instead of including a separate temperature sensor, the heater 12000 itself may serve as a temperature sensor. . Alternatively, a separate temperature sensor may be further included in the aerosol generating device 10000 while the heater 12000 functions as a temperature sensor.

In addition, the at least one sensor 13000 may include a position change detection sensor. The position change detection sensor may detect a position change of the slider coupled to be movably with respect to the main body.

*User Interface (14000)

The user interface 14000 may provide information about the state of the aerosol generating device 10000 to the user. The user interface 14000 includes a display or lamp for outputting visual information, a motor for outputting tactile information, a speaker for outputting sound information, and input/output (I/O) for receiving information input from a user or outputting information to the user. ) Interfacing means (eg, button or touch screen) and terminals for data communication or receiving charging power, wireless communication with external devices (eg, WI-FI, WI-FI Direct, Bluetooth, NFC) (Near-Field Communication, etc.) may include various interfacing means, such as a communication interfacing module for performing.

However, in the aerosol generating device 10000, only some of the examples of the various user interfaces 14000 exemplified above may be selected and implemented.

*Memory (15000)

The memory 15000 is hardware for storing various data processed in the aerosol generating device 10000 , and the memory 15000 may store data processed by the controller 16000 and data to be processed. The memory 15000 includes various types of random access memory (RAM), such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), and the like. It can be implemented in types.

The memory 15000 may store the operating time of the aerosol generating device 10000, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and data on the user's smoking pattern.

*control unit (16000)

The controller 16000 is hardware that controls the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 10000 . The controller 16000 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 controller 16000 analyzes a result sensed by the at least one sensor 13000 and controls subsequent processes to be performed.

The controller 16000 may control the power supplied to the heater 12000 to start or end the operation of the heater 12000 based on a result sensed by the at least one sensor 13000 . In addition, the controller 16000 is based on the result sensed by the at least one sensor 13000, the amount of power supplied to the heater 12000 so that the heater 12000 can be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintain an appropriate temperature. And it is possible to control the time when power is supplied.

In an embodiment, the controller 16000 may set the mode of the heater 12000 to the preheating mode to start the operation of the heater 12000 after receiving the user input for the aerosol generating device 10000 . Also, the controller 16000 may detect the user's puff by using the puff detection sensor and then change the mode of the heater 12000 from the preheating mode to the operation mode. Also, after counting the number of puffs using the puff detection sensor, the controller 16000 may stop supplying power to the heater 12000 when the number of puffs reaches a preset number.

The controller 16000 may control the user interface 14000 based on a result sensed by the at least one sensor 13000 . For example, after counting the number of puffs using the puff detection sensor, when the number of puffs reaches a preset number, the controller 16000 provides the aerosol generating device 10000 to the user using at least one of a lamp, a motor, and a speaker. ) may be announced soon.

*Cradle (not shown)

Meanwhile, although not shown in FIG. 4 , the aerosol generating device 10000 may constitute an aerosol generating system together with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle may be used to charge the battery 11000 of the aerosol-generating device 10000 . For example, the aerosol-generating device 10000 may receive power from the battery of the cradle and charge the battery 11000 of the aerosol-generating device 10000 while being accommodated in the receiving space inside the cradle.

5 is a state diagram prior to starting charging in relation to a system 200 for charging an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment, and FIG. 6 is related to a system 200 for charging an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment This is the state diagram after starting charging.

The aerosol-generating device 5 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 is just one example, and the power conversion device 100 according to an embodiment is charging the aerosol-generating device 5 of various types other than the type shown in the drawings. possible.

The system 200 for charging an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment shown in FIG. 5 may include an aerosol-generating device 5 and a power conversion device 100 and a power supply unit P according to an embodiment. .

In a state before charging is started, the aerosol generating device 5 and the power conversion device 100 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other. The aerosol generating device 5 may be in a fully or incompletely charged state, and may be in a fully discharged state.

The system 200 for charging the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 may be arranged in a state in which the aerosol-generating device 5 and the power conversion device 100 are combined.

If power is supplied by the power supply unit (P), the terminal (not shown) of the power supply unit is inserted into the receiving terminal of the second connector 130 of the power converter, and the insertion terminal of the second connector 130 is the first It is inserted into the receiving terminal of the connector 110, the insertion terminal of the first connector 110 is inserted into the charging part (not shown) of the aerosol generating device 5, the three elements are sequentially connected, the power supply unit (P) ) can be transferred and charged to the aerosol-generating device 50 .

Hereinafter, the elements of the power conversion device 100 according to an embodiment will be described in detail.

7 is a perspective view showing the separated elements of the power converter for charging the aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

Power conversion device 100 according to the first aspect, a first connector; and a second connector connectable to the first connector, wherein the first connector is connectable to the aerosol-generating device, and the first connector and the second connector are each independently of each other an insertion terminal on one side and at least one on the other side a receiving terminal, wherein when charging the aerosol-generating device, the aerosol-generating device and the first connector or the aerosol-generating device, the first connector, and the second connector are sequentially connected along one direction, any of the receiving terminals of the first connector One can accommodate the insertion terminal of the second connector, the type of the receiving terminal of the first connector and the type of the receiving terminal of the second connector are different from each other, so that the type of the power supply supplied from the outside for charging the aerosol-generating device In accordance with, any one of the receiving terminal of the first connector and the receiving terminal of the second connector can be selectively connected to the power supply, it is possible to provide a power converter for charging the aerosol-generating device.

Referring to FIG. 7 , the power conversion device 100 according to an embodiment includes a first connector 100 and a second connector 130 , and may further include a cover unit 150 .

The first connector 110 may be connected or coupled to the charging unit of the aerosol generating device, and may also be coupled to the cover unit 150 .

For example, the first connector 110 may have a generally rectangular shape, a spherical shape, or an elliptical shape, and may include one or more insertion terminals 111 . The insertion terminal 111 of the first connector may be inserted into the receiving terminal of the charging unit of the aerosol-generating device, may be coupled to the aerosol-generating device, and may be electrically connected.

At least one of the charging unit and the first connector 110 of the aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment may include a magnetic material, and thus the aerosol-generating device and the first connector 110 may be coupled to each other by magnetic force. .

According to another embodiment, at least one of the charging part and the first connector 110 of the aerosol-generating device may include a hook HOOK which is an example of the protrusion, and the other of the charging part and the first connector 110 is coupled to the hook. It may include a groove to Accordingly, the aerosol generating device and the first connector 110 may be physically coupled to each other.

According to embodiments, the insertion terminal and the receiving terminal of the first connector, the second connector, the third connector, or the fourth connector may each be a terminal generally used in an electronic device, for example, a micro USB 5-pin terminal, a USB C type terminal, a USB B type terminal, or a USB A type terminal, but is not limited thereto. For example, the receiving terminal 113 of the first connector and the insertion terminal 131 of the second connector may correspond to the micro USB 5-pin terminal, and/or the receiving terminal 133 and the third of the second connector. An insertion terminal (not shown) of the connector may correspond to a USB C type terminal.

As another embodiment, referring to FIG. 8 , the receiving terminal 115 of the first connector may correspond to a USB B type terminal, and accordingly, the user selects and connects the corresponding connector to charge the aerosol-generating device. can do.

An end of the first connector may include a groove surrounding at least a part of the charging part of the aerosol-generating device or at least a part of the cover part 150 . Accordingly, the charging part or the cover part 150 of the aerosol-generating device may be connected to the first connector by being coupled to a part.

When the first connector 110 includes a groove surrounding the protrusion 153 , which is at least a part of the cover part 150 , the cover part 150 includes concavities and convexities 155 for improving coupling force with the first connector 110 . may include more. Accordingly, the first connector 110 may include one or more bent portions coupled to the one or more irregularities 155 on the side surface of the groove.

Referring to FIG. 8 , the first connector 110 may include a plurality of accommodation terminals 113 and 115 . When the first connector includes a plurality of accommodating terminals, the types of the plurality of accommodating terminals may be the same or different from each other.

When the types of accommodating terminals of the first connector 110 are different from each other, the type of connector inserted into the accommodating terminal may also be different, such as a second connector, a third connector, and the like, so that the user can use any power supply (P) By selecting a connector that can be connected to, and connecting to the first connector 110, the aerosol-generating device can be charged.

The second connector 130 may include an insertion terminal 131 that can be accommodated in the receiving terminal 113 of the first connector. The receiving terminal 113 of the first connector and the insertion terminal 131 of the second connector may be terminals generally used in electronic devices, and may correspond to, for example, a micro USB 5-pin terminal.

According to an embodiment, the second connector may include a accommodating terminal 133 , and the accommodating terminal 133 of the second connector may correspond to, for example, a USB C-type terminal. Accordingly, the user can charge the aerosol-generating device by connecting the power supply (P) that can be coupled to the USB C type terminal.

According to an embodiment, the power conversion device 100 may further include a cover unit 150 .

The cover part 150 may be coupled to the first connector 110 so as to cover the insertion terminal 111 of the first connector.

The cover unit 150 may include a key ring (151, key-ring) on one side of which a key or necklace can be hung. The key ring 151 may be made of the same material as that of the power converter 100 , or may be made of a different material for durability. For example, the keyring 151 may include a plastic or metal material.

Referring to FIG. 8 , the cover part 150 may include a protrusion part 153 for physical coupling with the first connector 110 . The protrusion 153 of the cover part may be formed in a region different from the region where the key ring 151 is formed.

The protrusion 153 of the cover part may have a shape of a rectangular frame having a cavity therein and having a size smaller than the cross-sectional size of the cover part 150 . As described above, the protrusion 153 may be coupled to the groove of the first connector 110 . Accordingly, the coupling force between the cover part 150 and the first connector 110 may be strengthened.

In order to further strengthen the coupling force between the cover part 150 and the first connector 110 , the cover part 150 may further include irregularities 155 . The unevenness 155 may cover, for example, a portion of the surface of the protrusion 153 , and in this case, the unevenness 155 and the surface of the projection 153 may be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 , the unevenness 155 of the cover part may have a U-shape. In this case, the curved portion of the first connector corresponding to this may have a U-shape in which the center is recessed so as to be engageable with the unevenness 155 . One or more irregularities 155 and one or more bent portions may be formed in the corners of the cover portion 150 and the first connector 110 , respectively. Preferably, as shown in FIG. 8 , two concavities and convexities 155 and two bent portions may be formed.

Figure 9a is a front view showing the separated elements of the power converter for charging the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment shown in Figure 7, Figure 9b is a power converter for charging an aerosol-generating device comprising a plurality of connectors according to another embodiment is a plan view of

Referring to FIG. 9A , the first connector 110 , the second connector 130 , and the cover part 150 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other. The elements may be arranged one after the other and combined according to the user's needs.

Referring to FIG. 9B , a plurality of connectors other than the first connector 110 and the cover part 150 are sequentially connected. The user can charge the aerosol-generating device through the power supply by appropriately combining and connecting the connector as needed. In addition, the user can carry the power conversion device 100 in a coupled state, and thus can easily possess various types of connectors.

10 is a perspective view showing the separated elements of the power conversion device 100 for charging an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 10 , in addition to the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 , the third connector 170 can be connected to the first connector 100 as an example of an additional connector.

The third connector 170 may include an insertion terminal capable of being coupled to the receiving terminal 115 of the first connector 110 . In addition, the third connector 170 may include a receiving terminal 171 that enables connection with the power supply unit or the fourth connector.

According to the above-described embodiment, the power conversion device 100 is the cover portion 150, the first connector 110, and the second connector 130 are sequentially connected, the third connector 170 is a connection of the elements A connection may be possible in a direction transverse to the direction. Accordingly, the user can freely select the connection direction of the plurality of connectors, it is possible to connect the power conversion device 100 easily gripping.

According to the embodiment shown in Fig. 11, in addition to the embodiment shown in Fig. 7, it is possible to connect the third connector 170 and the fourth connector 190, which are examples of additional connectors.

The fourth connector 190 may include an insertion terminal 191 capable of being coupled to a receiving terminal (not shown) of the first connector 110 . The insertion terminal 191 may be, for example, a USB-C type terminal. In addition, the fourth connector 190 may include a receiving terminal (not shown) that enables connection with a power supply unit or another connector.

According to the above-described embodiment, the power conversion device 100 is the cover portion 150, the first connector 110, and the second connector 130 are sequentially connected, the third connector 170 and / or the fourth The connector 190 may be connected in a direction transverse to the connection direction of the elements. Accordingly, the user can freely select the connection direction of the plurality of connectors, it is possible to connect the power conversion device 100 easily gripping.

The description of the above-described embodiments is merely exemplary, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications and equivalent other embodiments are possible therefrom. Accordingly, the true scope of protection of the invention should be defined by the appended claims, and all differences within the scope of equivalents to those described in the claims should be construed as being included in the scope of protection defined by the claims.

5: Aerosol-generating device
10: body
20: cartridge
100: power conversion device for charging an aerosol generating device
110: first connector
111: insertion terminal of the first connector
113, 115: receiving terminals of the first connector
130: second connector
131: insertion terminal of the second connector
133: receiving terminal of the second connector
150: cover part
151: key ring (key-ring)
153: protrusion
155: irregularities

Claims (12)

a first connector;
a cover part including a protrusion surrounding the insertion terminal of the first connector; and
a second connector connectable to the first connector; and
The first connector is connectable to the aerosol-generating device,
The first connector and the second connector each independently include an insertion terminal on one surface and at least one receiving terminal on the other surface,
The cover part includes at least one concavo-convex covering a portion of the surface of the protrusion, and the first connector comprises a groove surrounding the protrusion and at least one curved part coupled to the concavo-convex on a side surface of the groove,
When charging the aerosol-generating device, the aerosol-generating device and the first connector or the aerosol-generating device, the first connector, and the second connector are sequentially connected along one direction,
Any one of the receiving terminals of the first connector can accommodate the insertion terminal of the second connector, the type of the receiving terminal of the first connector and the type of the receiving terminal of the second connector are different from each other, so that the aerosol is generated Power conversion device for charging an aerosol-generating device in which any one of the receiving terminal of the first connector and the receiving terminal of the second connector is selectively connectable to the power supply according to the type of the power supply supplied from the outside for charging the device . The method of claim 1,
The insertion terminal of the first connector is connected to the charging part of the aerosol-generating device, a power conversion device for charging an aerosol-generating device. The method of claim 1,
Power converter for charging an aerosol-generating device further comprising one or more additional connectors connectable to the first connector or the second connector. 4. The method of claim 3,
The additional connector includes a plurality of sub-connectors that are sequentially connected along a direction in which the aerosol-generating device, the first connector and the second connector are connected, the aerosol-generating device charging power converter. 4. The method of claim 3,
The additional connector comprises a plurality of sub-connectors connectable in a direction transverse to the connection direction of the first connector and the second connector, aerosol-generating device charging power converter. delete The method of claim 1,
The cover part includes a key ring (key-ring), a power converter for charging an aerosol generating device. delete The method of claim 1,
At least one of the first connector and the aerosol-generating device comprises a magnetic material, an aerosol-generating device charging power converter. The method of claim 1,
The insertion terminal of the first connector is insertable into the charging part of the aerosol-generating device, and any one of the receiving terminals of the first connector can accommodate a micro USB 5-pin terminal, a power converter for charging an aerosol-generating device. The method of claim 1,
The insertion terminal of the second connector is insertable into any one of the accommodating terminals of the first connector, and any one of the accommodating terminals of the second connector can accommodate a USB-C type terminal, power conversion for charging an aerosol-generating device Device. A power converter for charging an aerosol-generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, 7, 9 and 10;
aerosol-generating devices; and
A system for charging an aerosol-generating device, comprising a power supply.

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