KR20230056542A - Aerosol generating system - Google Patents

Abstract

An aerosol-generating system is disclosed. The aerosol-generating system of the present invention comprises an aerosol-generating device and a charger. The aerosol-generating device includes a first communication interface, a battery, and a first control unit. The first control unit may perform a control operation so as to receive wireless power signals from the charger through a first communication interface and charge the battery, determine whether the aerosol-generating device is in a locked state or an unlocked state, generate a state signal corresponding to the state of the aerosol-generating device, transmit the state signal to the charger through the first communication interface based on the fact that charging the battery starts, and unlock the aerosol-generating device based on the fact that an unlock signal is received from the charger through the first communication interface. The aerosol-generating device may be locked or unlocked through wireless charging communications.

Description

Aerosol generating system {AEROSOL GENERATING SYSTEM}

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating system.

Aerosol generating devices are for extracting certain components from a medium or substance through an aerosol. The medium may contain materials of various components. Substances included in the medium may be flavor substances of various components. For example, the substance included in the medium may include a nicotine component, an herbal component, and/or a coffee component. Recently, many studies on these aerosol generating devices have been conducted.

The present disclosure aims to solve the foregoing and other problems.

Another object may be to provide an aerosol generating system capable of locking and unlocking an aerosol generating device through wireless charging communication.

Another object may be to provide an aerosol generating system capable of releasing the shipping mode even when the aerosol generating device is packed through wireless charging communication.

Another object may be to provide an aerosol generating system capable of restricting the use of minors or third parties who do not have the right to use the aerosol generating device.

An aerosol generating system according to an aspect of the present disclosure for achieving the above object includes an aerosol generating device and a charger, wherein the aerosol generating device includes: a first communication interface; battery; And a first control unit; wherein the first control unit wirelessly receives a power signal from the charger through the first communication interface to charge the battery, and the aerosol generating device is locked or unlocked. determining whether the aerosol generator is in a state, generating a state signal corresponding to a state of the aerosol generating device, and transmitting the state signal to the charger through the first communication interface based on the start of charging of the battery, and 1 Based on receiving an unlocking signal from the charger through a communication interface, the aerosol generating device may be unlocked.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, locking and unlocking of the aerosol generating device may be possible through wireless charging communication.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the release mode may be released even when the aerosol generating device is packaged through wireless charging communication.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, use of the aerosol generating device by third parties or minors who do not have the right to use may be restricted.

Additional scope of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description that follows. However, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific embodiments such as preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are given as examples only.

1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
2 to 4 are views referenced for description of an aerosol generating device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
5 to 7 are views referenced in description of a stick according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
8 is a diagram illustrating an aerosol generating system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
9 is a block diagram of a charger, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
10 is a flow chart illustrating the operation of an aerosol generating system, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
11 and 12 are flowcharts illustrating the operation of a charger according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
13 is a flow chart illustrating the operation of an aerosol generating system, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed herein will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Regardless of the reference numerals, the same or similar components are given the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions thereof will be omitted.

The suffixes "module" and "unit" for components used in the following description may be given or used interchangeably in consideration of ease of writing the specification. "Module" and "unit" do not have meanings or roles distinct from each other by themselves.

In addition, in describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known technology may obscure the gist of the embodiment disclosed in this specification, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the accompanying drawings are only for easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical ideas disclosed in this specification are not limited by the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the accompanying drawings include all modifications, equivalents or substitutes included in the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first and second, may be used to describe various components. However, the components are not limited by the terms. These terms are only used for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

When an element is referred to as being “connected” or “connected” to another element, it may be directly connected or connected to the other element. However, it should be understood that other components may exist in the middle. On the other hand, when an element is referred to as “directly connected” or “directly connected” to another element, it should be understood that no other element exists in the middle.

Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

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

Referring to FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device 10 includes a communication interface 11, an input/output interface 12, an aerosol generating module 13, a memory 14, a sensor module 15, a battery 16, and/or Alternatively, the controller 17 may be included.

In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 10 may be composed of only the main body 100. In this case, components included in the aerosol generating device 10 may be located in the main body 100. In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device 10 may be composed of a cartridge 200 holding an aerosol generating material and a main body 100. In this case, components included in the aerosol generating device 10 may be located on at least one of the main body 100 and the cartridge 200.

The communication interface 11 may include at least one communication module for communication with an external device and/or network. For example, the communication interface 11 may include a communication module for wired communication such as universal serial bus (USB). For example, the communication interface 11 may include a communication module for wireless communication such as WiFi (wireless fidelity), Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Zigbee, and NFC (near field communication). can

The communication interface 11 may include a transmitter 111 and a receiver 112 . The transmitter 111 may transmit a signal to an external device and/or network. The receiving unit 112 may receive a signal from an external device and/or network. Signals transmitted and received through the transmission unit 111 and the reception unit 112 may be data signals and/or power signals.

For example, the data signal may include a status signal transmitted from the aerosol generating device 10 to the charger 70, a locking signal transmitted from the charger 70 to the aerosol generating device 10, and an unlocking signal. there is. For example, the power signal may include a power signal transmitted from the charger 70 to the aerosol generating device 10.

A data signal and a power signal transmitted and received through the transmitter 111 and the receiver 112 may be transmitted and received using the same operating frequency band. For example, the transmitter 111 may transmit a data signal using a specific operating frequency band. The receiver 112 may receive a data signal and/or a power signal using the same operating frequency band as the transmitter 111 . For example, the transmitter 111 and the receiver 112 may transmit and receive a data signal and/or a power signal using a magnetic field generated by a coil.

A data signal and a power signal transmitted and received through the transmitter 111 and the receiver 112 may be transmitted and received using different operating frequency bands. For example, the transmitter 111 may transmit a data signal using a specific operating frequency band. The receiver 112 may receive a data signal and/or a power signal using an operating frequency band different from that of the transmitter 111 . For example, the receiving unit 112 may receive a power signal using a magnetic field generated by a coil, and receive a data signal using wireless communication such as NFC, Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy (BLE), etc. The transmission unit 111 may transmit data signals using wireless communication such as NFC, Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy (BLE), and the like.

Meanwhile, the transmitter 111 and the receiver 112 may be a single component. The transmitting/receiving unit may transmit/receive a signal to/from an external device and/or network. In this case, the transceiver may transmit and receive the data signal and the power signal using the same operating frequency band or may transmit and receive the data signal and the power signal using different operating frequency bands.

The input/output interface 12 may include an input device for receiving a command from a user and/or an output device for outputting information to the user. For example, the input device may include a touch panel, physical buttons, and a microphone. For example, the output device outputs tactile information such as a display device, a display device that outputs visual information such as a light emitting diode (LED), an audio device that outputs auditory information such as a speaker and a buzzer, and a haptic effect. It may include a motor that does.

The input/output interface 12 may transfer data corresponding to a command input from a user through an input device to other component(s) of the aerosol generating device 10 . The input/output interface 12 may output information corresponding to data received from the other component(s) of the aerosol generating device 10 through an output device.

The aerosol generating module 13 may generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material. Here, the aerosol-generating material may refer to any one material or a combination of two or more materials in various states such as a liquid state, a solid state, and a gel state capable of generating an aerosol.

The liquid aerosol-generating material may be, according to one embodiment, a liquid comprising a tobacco-containing material comprising a volatile tobacco flavor component. The liquid aerosol generating material may be a liquid comprising a non-tobacco material according to another embodiment. For example, liquid aerosol-generating substances may include water, solvents, nicotine, plant extracts, fragrances, flavoring agents, vitamin mixtures, and the like.

Solid-state aerosol-generating materials may include solid materials based on tobacco raw materials, such as leafy leaf sheets, cut fillers, and granules. In addition, the solid-state aerosol-generating material may include a solid material including a taste control agent, a flavoring material, and the like. For example, the taste control agent may include calcium carbonate, sodium hydrogen carbonate, calcium oxide and the like. For example, the fragrance material may include natural materials such as herbal granules, or silica, zeolite, and dextrin including fragrance components.

In addition, the aerosol generating material may further include an aerosol former such as glycerin or propylene glycol.

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

The aerosol generating module 13 may include an electrical resistive heater. For example, an electrical resistive heater may include at least one electrically conductive track. An electrical resistive heater can be heated by a current flowing through an electrically conductive track. At this time, the aerosol generating material may be heated by the heated electrical resistive heater.

The electrically conductive track may include an electrically resistive material. As an example, the electrically conductive track may be formed of a metallic material. As another example, the electrically conductive tracks may be formed of a ceramic material, carbon, a metal alloy, or a combination of a ceramic material and a metal.

The electrical resistive heater may include electrically conductive tracks formed in various shapes. For example, the electrically conductive track may be formed in any one of a tubular shape, a plate shape, a needle shape, a rod shape, and a coil shape.

The aerosol generating module 13 may include a heater using an induction heating method. For example, an induction heating type heater may include an electrically conductive coil. The induction heating type heater may generate an alternating magnetic field whose direction is periodically changed by adjusting the current flowing through the electrically conductive coil. In this case, when an alternating magnetic field is applied to the magnetic body, energy loss due to eddy current loss and hysteresis loss may occur in the magnetic body. Also, as the energy lost is released as thermal energy, the aerosol generating material adjacent to the magnetic body may be heated. Here, an object generating heat by a magnetic field may be referred to as a susceptor.

Meanwhile, the aerosol generating module 13 may generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material by generating ultrasonic vibrations.

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

When the aerosol generating device 10 is composed of the cartridge 200 holding the aerosol generating material and the main body 100, the aerosol generating module 13 may be located in at least one of the main body 100 and the cartridge 200. there is.

The memory 14 may store programs for processing and controlling each signal in the control unit 17 . The memory 14 may store data processed by the controller 17 and data to be processed.

For example, the memory 14 may store application programs designed for the purpose of performing various tasks processable by the control unit 17 . The memory 14 may selectively provide some of the stored application programs upon request of the control unit 17 .

For example, the memory 14 may include the operating time of the aerosol generating device 10, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, the number of times the battery 16 is charged, the number of times the battery 16 is discharged, at least one temperature profile, Data on the user's suction pattern, data on charging/discharging, and the like may be stored. Here, the puff may mean user's inhalation. Inhalation may refer to a situation in which the user draws into the user's oral cavity, nasal cavity, or lungs through the mouth or nose.

For example, the memory 14 may store a preset locking signal (locking key) and unlocking signal (unlocking key) in relation to locking or unlocking the aerosol generating device 10 . The locking key and the unlocking key may be keys having specific values previously set by the manufacturer of the aerosol generating device 10 .

The memory 14 includes volatile memory (eg, DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, etc.), non-volatile memory (eg, flash memory, hard disk drive (HDD)), solid state drive (Solid-state drive), and the like. state drive; SSD).

The memory 14 may be disposed in at least one of the main body 100 and the cartridge 200 . The memory 14 may be disposed in the main body 100 and the cartridge 200, respectively. For example, the memory of the main body 100 may store information about components disposed inside the main body 100 , for example, information about the total capacity of the battery 190 . For example, the memory of the main body 100 may store cartridge information received from the cartridge 200 previously or currently coupled with the main body 100, and the memory of the cartridge 200 may store identification information of the cartridge. (ID information), cartridge information including cartridge type information, etc. may be stored.

The sensor module 15 may include at least one sensor.

For example, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor for detecting a puff (hereinafter referred to as a puff sensor). In this case, the puff sensor may be implemented by a proximity sensor such as an IR sensor, a pressure sensor, a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, a magnetic field sensor, and the like.

For example, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor (hereinafter referred to as a temperature sensor) that detects the temperature of the heater 131 included in the aerosol generating module 13 and the temperature of the aerosol generating material.

At this time, the heater 131 included in the aerosol generating module 13 may serve as a temperature sensor. For example. The electrical resistive material of the heater 131 may be a material having a temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR). The sensor module 15 may sense the temperature of the heater 131 by measuring the resistance of the heater 131 that varies according to the temperature.

For example, when a stick can be inserted into the body of the aerosol generating device 10, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor (hereinafter referred to as a stick detection sensor) for detecting the insertion of the stick.

For example, when the aerosol generating device 10 includes the cartridge 200, the sensor module 15 is a sensor for detecting attachment/detachment, position, etc. , cartridge detection sensor) may be included.

At this time, the stick detection sensor and/or the cartridge detection sensor may be implemented by an inductance-based sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistance sensor, a hall sensor using a hall effect (hall IC), and the like. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the cartridge detection sensor may include a connection terminal. The connection terminal is provided on the main body 100, and as the cartridge 200 is coupled to the main body 100, it may be electrically connected to electrodes provided on the cartridge 200.

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

For example, the sensor module 15 may include at least one sensor (hereinafter referred to as motion sensor) for detecting motion of the body 100 and/or the cartridge 200 of the aerosol generating device 10 . In this case, the motion sensor may be implemented by at least one of a gyro sensor and an acceleration sensor. The motion sensor may be disposed on at least one of the body 100 and the cartridge 200 .

The battery 16 may supply power used for the operation of the aerosol generating device 10 under the control of the controller 17 . The battery 16 may supply power to other components included in the aerosol generating device 10 . For example, the battery 16 may supply power to a communication module included in the communication interface 11, an output device included in the input/output interface 12, a heater included in the aerosol generating module 13, and the like.

The battery 16 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 16 may be a lithium ion battery or a lithium polymer (Li-Polymer) battery, but is not limited thereto. For example, when the battery 16 can be charged, the charge rate (C-rate) of the battery 16 may be 10C and the discharge rate (C-rate) may be 10C to 20C, but is not limited thereto. In addition, for stable use, the battery 16 may be manufactured so that 80% or more of the total capacity may be secured even when charging/discharging is performed 2000 times.

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

The aerosol generating device 10 may further include a charging terminal into which power supplied from the outside is input. For example, a charging terminal may be formed on one side of the main body of the aerosol generating device 10. The aerosol generating device 10 may charge the battery 16 using power supplied through a charging terminal. At this time, the charging terminal may include a wired terminal for USB communication, a pogo pin, and the like.

The aerosol generating device 10 may wirelessly receive power supplied from the outside through the communication interface 11 . The receiver 112 of the communication interface 11 may wirelessly receive a power signal. The receiver 112 may wirelessly receive a power signal from an external charging device. The transmitter 111 and the receiver 112 may include antennas. The transmitter 111 and the receiver 112 may transmit and receive signals using one antenna. For example, an antenna may include a coil. The aerosol generating device 10 may receive power wirelessly using an antenna included in a communication module for wireless communication. The aerosol generating device 10 may charge the battery 16 using power wirelessly supplied through a power signal.

The controller 17 may control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 10 . The control unit 17 may be connected to each component provided in the aerosol generating device 10. The control unit 17 may transmit and/or receive signals between each component and control the overall operation of each component.

The controller 17 may include at least one processor. The controller 17 may control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 10 by using a processor. Here, the processor may be a general processor such as a central processing unit (CPU). Of course, the processor may be a dedicated device such as an ASIC or other hardware-based processor.

The controller 17 may perform any one of a plurality of functions of the aerosol generating device 10 . For example, the control unit 17 may perform a plurality of functions of the aerosol generating device 10 ( Example: preheating function, heating function, charging function, cleaning function, etc.) may be performed.

The controller 17 may control the operation of each component provided in the aerosol generating device 10 based on data stored in the memory 14 . For example, the control unit 17 controls the supply of a predetermined power from the battery 16 to the aerosol generating module 13 for a predetermined period of time based on data on the temperature profile, the user's inhalation pattern, etc. stored in the memory 14. You can control it.

The controller 17 may determine whether a puff is present through a puff sensor included in the sensor module 15 . For example, the controller 17 may check a temperature change, a flow change, a pressure change, a voltage change, and the like in the aerosol generating device 10 based on the sensing value of the puff sensor. The control unit 17 may determine whether or not a puff is present according to a result confirmed based on the sensing value of the puff sensor.

The control unit 17 may control the operation of each component provided in the aerosol generating device 10 according to whether or not puffs are puffed and/or the number of puffs. For example, the controller 17 may control the temperature of the heater 131 to be changed or maintained based on the temperature profile stored in the memory 14 .

The controller 17 may control power supply to the heater 131 to be cut off according to a predetermined condition. For example, when the stick is removed, when the cartridge 200 is separated, when the number of puffs reaches a preset maximum number of puffs, when no puffs are detected for a preset time or longer, and when the remaining capacity of the battery 16 is reached. In the case of less than the predetermined value, the control unit 17 may control power supply to the heater 131 to be cut off.

The controller 17 may calculate the remaining capacity of power stored in the battery 16 . For example, the controller 17 may calculate the amount of remaining power of the battery 16 based on a sensing value of a voltage sensor and/or a current sensor included in the sensor module 15 .

The controller 17 supplies power to the heater 131 using at least one of a pulse width modulation (PWM) method and a proportional-integral-differential (PID) method. can be controlled as much as possible.

For example, the controller 17 may control a current pulse having a predetermined frequency and duty ratio to be supplied to the heater 131 using a PWM method. At this time, the controller 17 may control the power supplied to the heater 131 by adjusting the frequency and duty ratio of the current pulse.

For example, the control unit 17 can determine a target temperature serving as a control target based on the temperature profile. At this time, the control unit 17 is a feedback control method through a difference value between the temperature of the heater 131 and the target temperature, a value obtained by integrating the difference value over time, and a value obtained by differentiating the difference value over time. Power supplied to the heater 131 may be controlled using the PID method.

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

Meanwhile, although the PWM method and the PID method have been described as control methods for supplying power to the heater 131 as examples, the present invention is not limited thereto, and a proportional-integral (PI) method and a proportional-differential Various control methods such as a (Proportional-Differential, PD) method may be used.

The controller 17 may determine the temperature of the heater 131 and may adjust power supplied to the heater 131 according to the temperature of the heater 131 . For example, the controller 1700 may determine the temperature of the heater 131 by checking the resistance value of the heater 131, the current flowing through the heater 131, and/or the voltage applied to the heater 131. there is.

Meanwhile, the controller 17 may control power to be supplied to the heater 131 according to preset conditions. For example, when a cleaning function for cleaning a space into which a stick is inserted is selected according to a command input from a user through the input/output interface 12, the controller 17 may control the heater 131 to supply predetermined power. there is.

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

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

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

The stick 20 may be similar to a conventional combustible cigarette. For example, the stick 20 may be divided into a first part containing an aerosol generating material and a second part including a filter. Alternatively, the aerosol generating material may also be included in the second part of the stick 20 . An aerosol generating material, eg in the form of granules or capsules, may be inserted into the second part.

The entire first part may be inserted into the aerosol generating device 10, and the second part may be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a part of the first part may be inserted into the aerosol generating device 10, or parts of the first part and the second part may be inserted. The user may inhale the aerosol while opening the second portion. At this time, the aerosol is generated by passing the external air through the first portion, and the generated aerosol may pass through the second portion and be delivered to the user's mouth.

The main body 100 may be formed in a structure in which external air may be introduced into the main body 100 in a state in which the stick 20 is inserted. At this time, the outside air introduced into the main body 100 may flow into the user's mouth through the stick 20 .

The heater may be disposed at a position within the body 100 corresponding to a position of the stick 20 when the stick 20 is inserted into the body 100 . In this drawing, the heater is shown as being an electrically conductive heater 110 including a needle-shaped electrically conductive track, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

The heater may heat the inside and/or outside of the stick 20 using power supplied from the battery 16 . At this time, aerosol may be generated from the heated stick 20 . At this time, the user may inhale the tobacco-flavored aerosol by inhaling one end of the stick 20 through the mouth.

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

The controller 17 may monitor the number of puffs based on a value sensed by the puff sensor from the time point when the stick 20 is inserted.

The controller 17 may initialize the current number of puffs stored in the memory 14 when the inserted stick 20 is removed.

Referring to FIG. 3 , an aerosol generating device 10 according to an embodiment may include a main body 100 supporting a cartridge 200 and a cartridge 200 holding an aerosol generating material.

The cartridge 200 may be configured to be detachable from the main body 100 according to one embodiment. The cartridge 200 may be integrally formed with the main body 100 according to another embodiment. For example, at least a portion of the cartridge 200 may be inserted into an inner space formed by the housing 101 of the body 100, and the cartridge 200 may be mounted on the body 100.

The main body 100 may be formed in a structure in which external air may be introduced into the main body 100 in a state in which the cartridge 200 is inserted. At this time, outside air introduced into the main body 100 may flow into the user's mouth through the cartridge 200 .

The controller 17 may determine whether the cartridge 200 is mounted/detached through a cartridge detection sensor included in the sensor module 15 . For example, the cartridge detection sensor may transmit a pulse current through one terminal connected to the cartridge 200 . In this case, the cartridge detecting sensor may detect whether or not the cartridge 200 is connected based on whether a pulse current is received through the other terminal.

The cartridge 200 may include a heater 210 for heating the aerosol generating material and/or a reservoir 220 for holding the aerosol generating material. For example, a liquid delivery means that impregnates (contains) an aerosol generating material may be disposed inside the reservoir 220 . The electrically conductive track of the heater 210 may be formed into a structure that winds the liquid delivery means. At this time, as the liquid delivery unit is heated by the heater 210, aerosol may be generated. Here, the liquid delivery means may include a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic.

The cartridge 200 may include an insertion space 230 configured to allow the stick 20 to be inserted. For example, the cartridge 200 may include an insertion space formed by an inner wall (not shown) extending in a circumferential direction along a direction in which the stick 20 is inserted. At this time, the insertion space may be formed by opening the inner side of the inner wall vertically. The stick 20 may be inserted into the insertion space 230 formed by the inner wall.

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

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

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

The user may inhale the aerosol while holding one end of the stick 20 in the mouth. The aerosol generated by the heater 210 may pass through the stick 20 and be delivered to the user's mouth. At this time, while the aerosol passes through the stick 20, the substance contained in the stick 20 may be added to the aerosol, and the aerosol with the substance added may be inhaled into the user's mouth through one end of the stick 20 there is.

Referring to FIG. 4 , an aerosol generating device 10 according to an embodiment may include a main body 100 supporting a cartridge 200 and a cartridge 200 holding an aerosol generating material. The main body 100 may be configured such that the stick 20 can be inserted into the insertion space 130 .

The aerosol generating device 10 may include a first heater for heating the aerosol generating material stored in the cartridge 200 . For example, when a user inhales one end of the stick 20 through the mouth, aerosol generated by the first heater may pass through the stick 20 . At this time, while the aerosol passes through the stick 20, a flavor may be added to the aerosol. The flavored aerosol may be inhaled into the user's mouth through one end of the stick 20 .

Meanwhile, according to another embodiment, the aerosol generating device 10 includes a first heater for heating the aerosol generating material stored in the cartridge 200 and a second heater for heating the stick 20 inserted into the main body 100. may include each. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may generate an aerosol by heating the aerosol generating material stored in the cartridge 200 and the stick 20 through the first heater and the second heater, respectively.

5 to 7 are views referenced in description of a stick according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Detailed descriptions of overlapping contents in FIGS. 5 to 7 will be omitted.

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

Although filter rod 22 is shown as a single segment in FIG. 5, it is not limited thereto. In other words, the filter rod 22 may be composed of a plurality of segments. For example, filter rod 22 may include a first segment that cools the aerosol and a second segment that filters certain components contained in the aerosol. Also, if necessary, the filter rod 22 may further include at least one segment performing other functions.

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

The stick 20 may be wrapped by at least one wrapper 24 . At least one hole through which external air is introduced or internal gas is discharged may be formed in the wrapper 24 . As an example, the stick 20 may be wrapped by one wrapper 24 . As another example, the stick 20 may be overlappingly wrapped by two or more wrappers 24 . For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be wrapped by the first wrapper 241 . For example, the filter rod 22 may be wrapped by wrappers 242 , 243 , and 244 . The tobacco rod 21 and the filter rod 22 wrapped by individual wrappers may be combined. The entire stick 20 may be re-wrapped by the third wrapper 245 . When each of the filter rods 22 is composed of a plurality of segments, each segment may be wrapped by individual wrappers 242, 243, and 244. The entire stick 20 in which segments wrapped by individual wrappers are combined may be re-wrapped by another wrapper.

The first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be made of general filter paper. For example, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be porous wrappers or non-porous wrappers. In addition, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be made of oil-resistant paper and/or aluminum laminate packaging material.

The third wrapper 243 may be made of hard paper. For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper 243 may be within a range of 88 g/m 2 to 96 g/m 2 . For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper 243 may be within a range of 90 g/m 2 to 94 g/m 2 . In addition, the thickness of the third wrapper 243 may be included in the range of 120um to 130um. For example, the thickness of the third wrapper 243 may be 125um.

The fourth wrapper 244 may be made of oil-resistant hard paper. For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 244 may be within a range of 88 g/m 2 to 96 g/m 2 . For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 244 may be within a range of 90 g/m 2 to 94 g/m 2 . In addition, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 244 may be included in the range of 120um to 130um. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 244 may be 125um.

The fifth wrapper 245 may be made of sterile paper (MFW). Here, the sterilized paper (MFW) may refer to specially manufactured paper to enhance tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, and the like compared to general paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 245 may be within a range of 57 g/m 2 to 63 g/m 2 . For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 245 may be 60 g/m 2 . Also, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 245 may be within a range of 64um to 70um. For example, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 245 may be 67um.

A predetermined material may be internally added to the fifth wrapper 245 . Here, an example of the predetermined material may be silicon, but is not limited thereto. For example, silicon may have properties such as heat resistance with little change with temperature, oxidation resistance without being oxidized, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency, or electrical insulation. However, even if it is not silicon, any material having the above characteristics may be coated or coated on the fifth wrapper 245 without limitation.

The fifth wrapper 245 may prevent the stick 20 from burning. For example, when the tobacco rod 21 is heated by the heater 110, there is a possibility that the stick 20 is burned. Specifically, when the temperature rises above the ignition point of any one of the materials included in the tobacco rod 21, the stick 20 may be burned. Even in this case, since the fifth wrapper 245 includes an incombustible material, burning of the stick 20 can be prevented.

In addition, the fifth wrapper 245 may prevent the main body 100 from being contaminated by substances produced in the stick 20 . Liquid substances may be created in the stick 20 by the user's puff. For example, liquid substances (eg, moisture, etc.) may be generated by cooling the aerosol generated in the stick 20 by external air. As the fifth wrapper 245 wraps the stick 20 , liquid substances generated in the stick 20 may be prevented from leaking out of the stick 20 .

The tobacco rod 21 may contain 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, the tobacco rod 21 may contain other additive substances such as flavoring agents, humectants and/or organic acids. In addition, a flavoring liquid such as menthol or a moisturizer can be added to the tobacco rod 21 by spraying it to the tobacco rod 21 .

The tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be made of a sheet. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be made of a strand. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be made of a cut filler in which a tobacco sheet is chopped. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be surrounded by a heat conducting material. For example, the thermal conduction material may be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited thereto. For example, the heat conduction material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can improve the thermal conductivity applied to the tobacco rod by evenly distributing the heat transmitted to the tobacco rod 21 . This can improve the taste of tobacco. A heat conduction material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 may function as a susceptor to be heated by an induction heating type heater. At this time, although not shown in the drawing, the tobacco rod 21 may further include an additional susceptor in addition to the heat conducting material surrounding the outside.

The filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. On the other hand, the shape of the filter rod 22 is not limited. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a cylindrical rod. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a tubular rod having a hollow inside. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a recess type rod. When the filter rod 22 is composed of a plurality of segments, at least one of the plurality of segments may be manufactured in a different shape.

The first segment of filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the first segment may be a tube-shaped structure including a hollow therein. When the heater 110 is inserted by the first segment, the internal material of the tobacco rod 21 may be prevented from being pushed back, and a cooling effect of the aerosol may be generated. The diameter of the hollow included in the first segment may be appropriately employed within a range of 2 mm to 4.5 mm, but is not limited thereto.

The length of the first segment may be appropriately employed within a range of 4 mm to 30 mm, but is not limited thereto. For example, the length of the first segment may be 10 mm, but is not limited thereto.

The second segment of the filter rod 22 cools the aerosol produced by the heater 110 heating the tobacco rod 21 . Thus, the user can inhale the aerosol cooled to an appropriate temperature.

The length or diameter of the second segment may be variously determined according to the shape of the stick 20 . For example, the length of the second segment may be appropriately employed within a range of 7 mm to 20 mm. Preferably, the length of the second segment may be about 14 mm, but is not limited thereto.

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

For example, the polymer is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PLA), cellulose acetate (CA) and aluminum foil. material can be made.

As the second segment is formed by woven polymer fibers or crimped polymer sheets, the second segment may include one or more longitudinally extending channels. Here, the channel may refer to a passage through which gas (eg, air or aerosol) passes. .

For example, the second segment of a crimped polymer sheet may be formed from a material having a thickness between about 5 μm and about 300 μm, such as between about 10 μm and about 250 μm. Also, the total surface area of the second segment may be between about 300 mm 2 /mm and about 1000 mm 2 /mm. Additionally, the aerosol-cooling element may be formed from a material having a specific surface area between about 10 mm 2 /mg and about 100 mm 2 /mg.

Meanwhile, the second segment may include a thread containing a volatile flavor component. Here, the volatile flavor component may be menthol, but is not limited thereto. For example, the thread may be loaded with sufficient menthol to provide at least 1.5 mg of menthol to the second segment.

The third segment of filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. The length of the third segment may be appropriately employed within a range of 4 mm to 20 mm. For example, the length of the third segment may be about 12 mm, but is not limited thereto.

The filter rod 22 may be manufactured to generate flavor. As an example, flavoring liquid may be sprayed onto the filter rod 22 . As an example, a separate fiber coated with flavoring liquid may be inserted into the filter rod 22 .

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

Referring to FIG. 6 , the stick 30 according to one embodiment may further include a shear plug 33 . The front end plug 33 is located on one side opposite to the filter rod 32 in the tobacco rod 31 . The shear plug 33 can prevent the tobacco rod 31 from escaping to the outside. The shear plug 33 can prevent the aerosol liquefied from the tobacco rod 31 from flowing into the aerosol generating device 10 during smoking.

The filter rod 32 may include a first segment 321 and a second segment 322 . The first segment 321 may correspond to the first segment of the filter rod 22 of FIG. 5 . The second segment 322 may correspond to the third segment of the filter rod 22 of FIG. 5 .

The diameter and total length of the stick 30 may correspond to the diameter and total length of the stick 20 of FIG. 5 . For example, the length of the shear plug 33 is about 7 mm, the length of the tobacco rod 31 is about 15 mm, the length of the first segment 321 is about 12 mm, and the length of the second segment 322 is about 14 mm. may, but is not limited thereto.

The stick 30 may be wrapped by at least one wrapper 35 . At least one hole through which external air is introduced or internal gas is discharged may be formed in the wrapper 35 . For example, the shear plug 33 is wrapped by the first wrapper 351, the tobacco rod 31 is wrapped by the second wrapper 352, and the first segment by the third wrapper 353 ( 321) may be wrapped, and the second segment 322 may be wrapped by the fourth wrapper 354. Also, the entire stick 30 may be re-wrapped by the fifth wrapper 355 .

In addition, at least one perforation 36 may be formed in the fifth wrapper 355 . For example, the perforation 36 may be formed in an area surrounding the tobacco rod 31, but is not limited thereto. For example, the perforation 36 may serve to transfer heat generated by the heater 210 shown in FIG. 3 to the inside of the tobacco rod 31.

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

The first wrapper 351 may be a metal foil such as aluminum foil coupled to a general filter wrapper. For example, the total thickness of the first wrapper 351 may be within a range of 45um to 55um. For example, the total thickness of the first wrapper 351 may be 50.3um. In addition, the thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper 351 may be included in the range of 6um to 7um. For example, the thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper 351 may be 6.3um. In addition, the basis weight of the first wrapper 351 may be included in the range of 50 g/m 2 to 55 g/m 2 . For example, the basis weight of the first wrapper 351 may be 53 g/m2.

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

For example, the porosity of the second wrapper 352 may be 35000 CU, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the thickness of the second wrapper 352 may be included in the range of 70um ~ 80um. For example, the thickness of the second wrapper 352 may be 78um. In addition, the basis weight of the second wrapper 352 may be within the range of 20 g/m 2 to 25 g/m 2 . For example, the basis weight of the second wrapper 352 may be 23.5 g/m2.

For example, the porosity of the third wrapper 353 may be 24000 CU, but is not limited thereto. Also, the thickness of the third wrapper 353 may be within a range of 60um to 70um. For example, the thickness of the third wrapper 353 may be 68um. In addition, the basis weight of the third wrapper 353 may be within the range of 20 g/m 2 to 25 g/m 2 . For example, the basis weight of the 3 wrappers 353 may be 21 g/m2.

The fourth wrapper 354 may be made of PLA laminate. Here, the PLA laminate may refer to three layers of paper including a paper layer, a PLA layer, and a paper layer. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 354 may be included in the range of 100um to 120um. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 354 may be 110um. In addition, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 354 may be included in the range of 80 g/m 2 to 100 g/m 2 . For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 354 may be 88 g/m2.

The fifth wrapper 355 may be made of sterile paper (MFW). Here, the sterilized paper (MFW) may refer to paper specially manufactured to improve tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, and the like compared to general paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 355 may be within a range of 57 g/m 2 to 63 g/m 2 . For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 355 may be 60 g/m2. In addition, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 355 may be included in the range of 64um to 70um. For example, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 355 may be 67um.

A predetermined material may be internally added to the fifth wrapper 355 . Here, an example of the predetermined material may be silicon, but is not limited thereto. For example, silicon has properties such as heat resistance with little change with temperature, oxidation resistance that does not oxidize, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency, or electrical insulation. However, even if it is not silicon, any material having the above characteristics may be applied (or coated) to the fifth wrapper 355 without limitation.

The shear plug 33 may be made of cellulose acetate. As an example, the shear plug 33 may be fabricated by adding a plasticizer (eg, triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. The mono denier of the filaments constituting the cellulose acetate tow may be included in the range of 1.0 to 10.0. For example, the monodenier of the filament constituting the cellulose acetate tow may be included in the range of 4.0 to 6.0. For example, the mono denier of the filament of the shear plug 33 may be 5.0. In addition, the cross section of the filaments constituting the front end plug 33 may be Y-shaped. The total denier of the shear plug 33 may be included in the range of 20000 to 30000. For example, the total denier of the front end plug 33 may be included in the range of 25000 to 30000. For example, the total denier of the shear plug 33 may be 28000.

Also, if necessary, the front end plug 33 may include at least one channel. The shape of the cross section of the channel of the shear plug 330 can be manufactured in various ways.

The tobacco rod 31 may correspond to the tobacco rod 21 described above with reference to FIG. 5 . Therefore, a detailed description of the tobacco rod 31 will be omitted below.

The first segment 321 may be made of cellulose acetate. For example, the first segment may be a tube-shaped structure including a hollow therein. The first segment 321 may be manufactured by adding a plasticizer (eg, triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. For example, the mono denier and total denier of the first segment 321 may be the same as the mono denier and total denier of the shear plug 33 .

The second segment 322 may be made of cellulose acetate. The mono denier of the filaments constituting the second segment 322 may be included in the range of 1.0 to 10.0. For example, the mono denier of the filament of the second segment 322 may be included in the range of 8.0 to 10.0. For example, the mono denier of the filament of the second segment 322 may be 9.0. In addition, the cross section of the filament of the second segment 322 may be Y-shaped. The total denier of the second segment 322 may be included in the range of 20000 to 30000. For example, the total denier of the second segment 322 may be 25000.

Referring to FIG. 7 , the stick 40 may include a medium part 410 . The stick 40 may include a cooling unit 420 . The stick 40 may include a filter unit 430 . The cooling unit 420 may be disposed between the medium unit 410 and the filter unit 430 . Stick 40 may include wrapper 440 . The wrapper 440 may cover the medium unit 410 . The wrapper 440 may cover the cooling unit 420 . The wrapper 440 may cover the filter unit 430 . The stick 40 may have a cylindrical shape.

The medium unit 410 may include a medium 411 . The medium unit 410 may include a first medium cover 413 . The medium unit 410 may include a second medium cover 415 . The medium 411 may be disposed between the first medium cover 413 and the second medium cover 415 . The first medium cover 413 may be disposed on one end of the stick 40 . The medium part 410 may have a length of 24 mm.

The medium 411 may include materials of various components. Substances included in the medium may be flavor substances of various components. Medium 411 may be composed of a plurality of granules. Each of the plurality of granules may have a size of 0.4 mm to 1.12 mm. The medium 411 may be filled with about 70% of granules therein. The medium 411 may have a length L2 of 10 mm. The first medium cover 413 may be made of an acetate material. The second medium cover 415 may be made of an acetate material. The first medium cover 413 may be made of a paper material. The second media cover 415 may be made of a paper material. At least one of the first medium cover 413 and the second medium cover 415 is made of a paper material and is gathered into a corrugated shape, and a plurality of gaps for air to flow may be formed therebetween. The gap may be smaller than the size of each granule of the medium 411 . The length L1 of the first medium cover 413 may be shorter than the length L2 of the medium 411 . The length L3 of the second medium cover 413 may be shorter than the length L2 of the medium 411 . The length L1 of the first medium cover 413 may be 7 mm. The length L2 of the second medium cover 413 may be 7 mm.

Accordingly, each granule of the medium 411 may not be separated from the medium part 410 and the stick 40 .

The cooling unit 420 may have a cylindrical shape. The cooling unit 420 may have a hollow shape. The cooling unit 420 may be disposed between the medium unit 410 and the filter unit 430 . The cooling unit 420 may be disposed between the second medium unit 415 and the filter unit 430 . The cooling unit 420 may be formed in a tubular shape surrounding an internal cooling path 424 . The cooling unit 420 may be thicker than the wrapper 440 . The cooling unit 420 may be made of a thicker paper material than the wrapper 440 . The length L4 of the cooling unit 420 may be the same as or similar to the length L2 of the medium 411 . The length L4 of the cooling part 420 and the cooling path 424 may be 10 mm. When the stick 40 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 10, at least a portion of the cooling unit 420 may be exposed to the outside of the aerosol generating device 10.

Accordingly, the cooling unit 420 supports the medium unit 410 and the filter unit 430, and the rigidity of the stick 40 can be secured. In addition, the cooling unit 420 may support the wrapper 440 between the medium unit 410 and the filter unit 430 and secure an area to which the wrapper 440 may be adhered. In addition, the heated air and aerosol may be cooled while passing through the cooling path 424 inside the cooling unit 420 .

The filter unit 430 may be composed of a filter made of an acetate material. The filter unit 430 may be disposed at the other end of the stick 40. When the stick 40 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 10, the filter unit 430 may be exposed to the outside of the aerosol generating device 10. A user may inhale air while holding the filter unit 430 in his/her mouth. The length L5 of the filter unit 430 may be 14 mm.

The wrapper 440 may surround or surround the medium unit 410 , the cooling unit 420 and the filter unit 430 . The wrapper 440 may configure the outer shape of the stick 40 . The wrapper 440 may be made of a paper material. The adhesive portion 441 may be formed on one edge of the wrapper 440 . The wrapper 440 surrounds the medium unit 410, the cooling unit 420, and the filter unit 430, and the adhesive unit 441 formed on one edge and the other edge may be adhered to each other. The wrapper 440 covering the medium unit 410, the cooling unit 420, and the filter unit 430 may not cover one end and the other end of the stick 40.

Accordingly, the wrapper 440 may fix the medium unit 410, the cooling unit 420, and the filter unit 430, and prevent separation from the stick 40.

The first thin film 443 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the first medium cover 413 . The first thin film 443 may be disposed between the wrapper 440 and the first medium cover 413 or disposed outside the wrapper 440 . The first thin film 443 may surround the first medium cover 413 . The first thin film 443 may be made of a metal material. The first thin film 443 may be made of an aluminum material. The first thin film 443 may adhere to or be coated on the wrapper 440 .

The second thin film 445 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the second medium cover 415 . The second thin film 445 may be disposed between the wrapper 440 and the second medium cover 415 or disposed outside the wrapper 440 . The second thin film 445 may be made of a metal material. The second thin film 445 may be made of aluminum. The second thin film 445 may adhere to or be coated on the wrapper 440 .

8 is a diagram illustrating an aerosol generating system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 8 , the aerosol generating system 1 may include an aerosol generating device 10 and a charger 70.

The aerosol generating device 10 may include a communication interface 11, an input/output interface 12, a heater 131, a battery 16, and/or a controller 17. Since the description of each component of the aerosol generating device 10 is duplicated with the description of FIG. 1, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The charger 70 may be communicatively connected to the aerosol generating device 10 . For example, the charger 70 may be communicatively connected to the aerosol generating device 10 using wireless communication. The charger 70 is connected to the aerosol generating device 10 through wireless communication, and can transmit power signals to the aerosol generating device 10 and transmit and receive data signals to and from the aerosol generating device 10 .

The charger 70 may supply power to the aerosol generating device 10 using a known technology such as a magnetic induction method, a magnetic resonance method, or an electromagnetic wave method. For example, the charger 70 may be in the form of a pad, and wireless charging may be initiated by placing the aerosol generating device 10 on the pad. A primary coil is built into the pad of the charger 70, and a secondary coil and a wireless charging circuit are built into the aerosol generating device 10, so that the aerosol generating device 10 from the charger 70 through mutual induction electromotive force power can be supplied. The supplied power may charge the battery 16 of the aerosol generating device 10.

Although not shown in the drawing, the aerosol generating system 1 may further include an external device 80.

The external device 80 may be communicatively connected to the charger 70 . For example, the external device 80 may be communicatively connected to the charger 70 using wired or wireless communication.

The external device 80 may transmit user age verification completion information to the charger 70 .

The external device 80 may transmit user age authentication completion information to a charger 70 such as a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a smartphone, a tablet PC, or a server computer. If it is, it is not particularly limited.

The external device 80 may include at least one of an external server, a computing device of a retail store, and a user terminal.

9 is a block diagram of a charger, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 9 , the charger 70 may be a device capable of supplying power to the outside.

The charger 70 may include a communication interface 710, a memory 720, an input/output interface 730, and a control unit 740.

The communication interface 710 may include at least one communication module for communication with the aerosol generating device 10 and/or a network. For example, the communication interface 11 may include a communication module for wireless communication such as WiFi (wireless fidelity), Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Zigbee, and NFC (near field communication). can

The communication interface 710 may include a transmitter 711 and a receiver 712 . The transmitter 711 may transmit a signal to the aerosol generating device 10 and/or the network. The receiver 712 may receive signals from the aerosol generating device 10 and/or the network. Signals transmitted and received through the transmission unit 711 and the reception unit 712 may be data signals and/or power signals.

The charger 70 may transmit power signals to the aerosol generating device 10 through the transmission unit 711 to supply power to the aerosol generating device 10 .

The memory 720 may include at least one of nonvolatile memories (eg, flash memory, hard disk drive (HDD), solid state drive (SSD), etc.).

The memory 720 may store programs for processing and controlling each signal in the control unit 740, and may store processed data and data to be processed. In the present disclosure, a program and an application may be used interchangeably as needed.

The memory 720 may store a preset locking signal (locking key) and unlocking signal (unlocking key) in relation to locking or unlocking of the aerosol generating device 10 . For example, the locking signal and unlocking signal may be keys having specific values previously set by the manufacturer of the aerosol generating device 10 .

The memory 720 may store a unique identifier for the aerosol generating device 10 and/or a unique identifier for the external device 80 . For example, the unique identifier for the aerosol generating device 10 and/or the unique identifier for the external device 80 may include a media access control address (MAC address), serial number, IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity).

The memory 720 may store authentication information for changing the mode of the charger 70 . For example, the memory 720 may store password information for changing the mode of the charger 70 .

The input/output interface 730 may include an input device 731 that receives a command from a user and/or an output device 732 that outputs information to the user. For example, the input device 731 may include a touch panel, physical buttons, and the like. For example, the output device 732 may include a display device outputting visual information, such as an LED or a display, and an audio device outputting auditory information, such as a speaker.

The controller 740 may control overall operations of the charger 70 . The control unit 740 may be connected to each component provided in the charger 70 and may transmit and/or receive signals between each component and control the overall operation of each component.

The controller 740 may include at least one processor, and may control the overall operation of the charger 70 using the processor included therein. Here, the processor may be a general processor such as a central processing unit (CPU). Of course, the processor may be a dedicated device such as an ASIC or other hardware-based processor. Meanwhile, the controller 740 may be implemented as a single chip including the memory 720 .

10 is a flow chart illustrating the operation of an aerosol generating system, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 10 , the aerosol generating device 10 may be communicatively connected to the charger 70 in operation S1001. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 and the charger 70 may be communicatively connected to each other using wireless communication. For example, when the aerosol generating device 10 is placed adjacent to the charger 70 or placed on a pad of the charger 70, the aerosol generating device 10 and the charger 70 use wireless communication to , communication can be connected to each other.

The charger 70 may transmit a power signal to the aerosol generating device 10 in operation S1002. The second communication interface 710 of the charger 70 may wirelessly transmit a power signal to the first communication interface 11 of the aerosol generating device 10 . For example, the second communication interface 710 of the charger 70 includes a primary coil, the first communication interface 11 of the aerosol generating device 10 includes a secondary coil, and the charger 70 A power signal may be wirelessly transmitted from the primary coil of the secondary coil of the aerosol generating device 10.

The aerosol generating device 10 may charge the battery 16 in operation S1003. The aerosol generating device 10 may charge the battery 16 with a power signal wirelessly received from the charger 70 through the first communication interface 11 . For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may convert a power signal transmitted through the first communication interface 11 into chargeable power through a rectifier. The aerosol generating device 10 may charge the battery 16 with the converted power.

Meanwhile, in relation to operations S1002 and S1003, the aerosol generating device 10 may detect various events occurring during the charging process, check the state of charge of the battery 16, and generate a feedback signal. The aerosol generating device 10 may transmit a feedback signal to the charger 70 through the first communication interface 11 . The controller 740 of the charger 70 may recognize the state of charge of the aerosol generating device 10 based on the received feedback signal, and may control a power signal transmitted through the second communication interface 710. there is.

The aerosol generating device 10 may generate a state signal in operation S1004. The status signal may include information indicating whether the aerosol generating device 10 is in a locked or unlocked state. The aerosol generating device 10 may determine whether the current operating state is a locked state or an unlocked state, and generate a state signal based on the current operating state.

Here, the locked state of the aerosol generating device 10 is a preheating function or heating function for supplying power to the heater 131, an input/output function for controlling the operation of an output device or an input device, and cleaning the stick insertion space. The cleaning function may be in a state in which use of at least one of the cleaning functions is restricted. The unlocking state of the aerosol generating device 10 may be a state in which restrictions on use of at least one of a preheating function, a heating function, an input/output function, and a cleaning function are released.

The aerosol generating device 10 may transmit a status signal to the charger 70 through the first communication interface 11 in operation S1005. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may wirelessly transmit a status signal to the charger 70 through the secondary coil of the first communication interface 11 .

The charger 70 may transmit a lock signal or unlock signal to the aerosol generating device 10 in operation S1006. An operation of the charger 70 transmitting a locking signal or unlocking signal will be described later in detail with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12 .

The aerosol generating device 10 may lock or unlock the aerosol generating device 10 based on the received signal in operation S1007.

For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may unlock the aerosol generating device 10 based on receiving an unlocking signal from the charger 70 through the first communication interface 11 . The aerosol generating device 10 compares the signal received from the charger 70 with the lock key and unlock key stored in the memory 14, and receives the unlock signal when the received signal corresponds to the unlock key. can be judged to have been

When it is determined that the lock release signal is received, the aerosol generating device 10 may release restrictions on use of at least one of a preheating function, a heating function, an input/output function, and a cleaning function.

For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may lock the aerosol generating device 10 based on receiving a locking signal from the charger 70 through the first communication interface 11 . The aerosol generating device 10 compares the signal received from the charger 70 with the locking key and the unlocking key stored in the memory 14, and when the received signal corresponds to the locking key, it is considered to have received the locking signal. can judge

When it is determined that the locking signal has been received, the aerosol generating device 10 may limit use of at least one of a preheating function, a heating function, an input/output function, and a cleaning function.

Meanwhile, the status signal may include information indicating whether the aerosol generating device 10 is in a shipment mode state. The aerosol generating device 10 may determine whether the current operating state is the delivery mode state, and generate a state signal indicating the delivery mode state when it is determined that the current operation state is the delivery mode state. The aerosol generating device 10 may transmit state information to the charger 70.

Here, the shipping mode is a mode for minimizing power consumption of the aerosol generating device 10 by inactivating hardware components inside the aerosol generating device 10, excluding the controller, in the process of assembling and shipping the aerosol generating device 10. can mean The shipment mode can be distinguished from a lock mode that restricts the use of at least one function among a plurality of functions of the aerosol generating device 10 in that most internal hardware parts are deactivated.

The control unit 17 of the aerosol generating device 10 may be programmed to set the shipping mode by an external input before the aerosol generating device 10 is shipped. Release of the delivery mode may mean that the aerosol generating device 10 enters the lock release mode.

In this case, the charger 70 may transmit a lock release signal to the aerosol generating device 10 in operation S1006. The charger 70 may transmit a lock release signal to the aerosol generating device 10 when it is determined that the aerosol generating device 10 is in shipping mode based on the state information received from the aerosol generating device 10 .

In operation S1007, the aerosol generating device 10 may release the shipment mode by receiving a lock release signal.

11 and 12 are flowcharts illustrating the operation of a charger according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed descriptions of contents overlapping those described in FIG. 10 will be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 11 , the charger 70 may be communicatively connected to the aerosol generating device 10 in operation S1110. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 and the charger 70 may be communicatively connected to each other using wireless communication.

The charger 70 may transmit a power signal to the aerosol generating device 10 in operation S1120. The second communication interface 710 of the charger 70 may wirelessly transmit a power signal to the first communication interface 11 of the aerosol generating device 10 .

The charger 70 may receive a status signal from the aerosol generating device 10 in operation S1130.

The charger 70 may determine the state of the aerosol generating device 10 based on the received state signal in operation S1140. The charger 70 may determine whether the aerosol generating device 10 is currently locked or unlocked based on the status signal.

When determining that the aerosol generating device 10 is in a locked state, the charger 70 may transmit a lock release signal to the aerosol generating device 10 in operation S1150.

When it is determined that the aerosol generating device 10 is in an unlocked state, the charger 70 may transmit a lock signal to the aerosol generating device 10 in operation S1160.

Meanwhile, before the communication connection operation of the charger 70 (operation S1110), age authentication of the user may be performed. User's age authentication refers to a procedure for determining that the user's age is equal to or greater than a certain age.

For example, age verification of the user may be performed by a person in charge of a sales store of the aerosol generating device 10 confirming the user's identification card. In this case, the charger 70 may be a charger provided at a store. After the age of the user is verified by the person in charge of the store, the aerosol generating device 10 and the charger 70 may be connected through communication. When the aerosol generating device 10 and the charger 70 are communicatively connected, operations S1120 to S1160 may be performed.

For example, user age authentication may be performed through the charger 70 and the external device 80 . Age authentication and/or age authentication confirmation using the charger 70 and the external device 80 will be described later in detail with reference to FIG. 13 .

Meanwhile, in operation S1140, when the charger 70 determines that the aerosol generating device 10 is in the shipping mode, it may transmit a lock release signal to the aerosol generating device 10 in operation S1150.

Referring to FIG. 12 , the charger 70 may receive a user input in operation S1210. The charger 70 may receive one of a lock input, a lock release input, and an OFF input through the input device 731 . For example, the input device 731 may include a lock input button, a lock release input button, and an OFF input button, respectively. For example, the input device 731 includes one button, and a lock input, a unlock input, and an off input may be distinguished by the number of pressing the button and/or the pressing time. For example, the input device 731 includes a touch panel, and based on an input of the touch panel, a lock input, a lock release input, and an off input may be distinguished.

The charger 70 may be communicatively connected to the aerosol generating device 10 in operation S1220. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 and the charger 70 may be communicatively connected to each other using wireless communication.

The charger 70 may transmit a power signal to the aerosol generating device 10 in operation S1230. The second communication interface 710 of the charger 70 may wirelessly transmit a power signal to the first communication interface 11 of the aerosol generating device 10 .

The charger 70 may receive a status signal from the aerosol generating device 10 in operation S1240.

The charger 70 may determine the type of input input through the input device 731 in operation S1250. The charger 70 may determine which one of a lock input, a lock release input, and an off input corresponds to the input.

The charger 70 may change the operation mode of the charger 70 to one of a locked operation mode, an unlock operation mode, and an off operation mode based on the received input. Here, the locking operation mode is a mode in which the charger 70 transmits a locking signal to the aerosol generating device 10, and in the unlocking operation mode, the charger 70 transmits a unlocking signal to the aerosol generating device 10. mode, and the off operation mode may be a mode in which the charger 70 does not transmit a locking signal and/or an unlocking signal to the aerosol generating device 10.

The charger 70 may control the charger 70 to operate in the lock operation mode based on the lock input being received. The charger 70 may control the charger 70 to operate in the unlock operation mode based on receiving the unlock input. The charger 70 may control the charger 70 to operate in an off operation mode based on receiving an off input.

The charger 70 may perform an operation of locking the aerosol generating device 10 and a wireless charging operation in the locking operation mode, and an operation of unlocking the aerosol generating device 10 and a wireless charging operation in the unlocking operation mode. In addition, an operation of wirelessly charging the aerosol generating device 10 in an off operation mode may be performed.

When it is determined that the locking input is received through the input device 731, the charger 70 may transmit a locking signal to the aerosol generating device 10 in operation S1260. The charger 70 may transmit a locking signal to the aerosol generating device 10 in the locking operation mode.

When it is determined that the unlock input is received through the input device 731, the charger 70 may transmit a unlock signal to the aerosol generating device 10 in operation S1270. The charger 70 may transmit an unlock signal to the aerosol generating device 10 in the unlock operation mode.

When it is determined that the off input is received through the input device 731, the charger 70 may not transmit a lock signal and/or an unlock signal to the aerosol generating device 10 in the off operation mode. When the off input is received through the input device 731, the charger 70 may only perform a function of wirelessly charging the aerosol generating device 10.

Meanwhile, in operation S1210, when a lock input or unlock input is received through the input device 731, the charger 70 may further perform an authentication operation. For example, when a locking input or unlocking input is received, the charger 70 may output information leading to password input through the output device 732 . The charger 70 may compare the input password with information stored in the memory 720 based on the password being input through the input device 731 . The charger 70 may change the operation mode of the charger 70 when it is determined that the input password corresponds to the stored information.

Meanwhile, before the communication connection operation of the charger 70 (operation S1220), user age authentication may be performed.

For example, age verification of the user may be performed by a person in charge of a sales store of the aerosol generating device 10 confirming the user's identification card. For example, user age authentication may be performed through the charger 70 and the external device 80 .

13 is a flow chart illustrating the operation of an aerosol generating system, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed descriptions of contents overlapping those described in FIG. 10 will be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 13 , the aerosol generating system 1 may include an aerosol generating device 10, a charger 70, and an external device 80.

The aerosol generating device 10 may be communicatively connected to the charger 70 in operation S1301.

The charger 70 may communicate with the external device 80 in operation S1302. For example, the charger 70 and the external device 80 may be communicatively connected to each other using wired or wireless communication.

The charger 70 may transmit a power signal to the aerosol generating device 10 in operation S1303.

The aerosol generating device 10 may charge the battery 16 in operation S1304. The aerosol generating device 10 may charge the battery 16 with a power signal wirelessly received from the charger 70.

The aerosol generating device 10 may generate a state signal in operation S1305. The status signal may include information indicating whether the aerosol generating device 10 is in a locked or unlocked state.

The aerosol generating device 10 may transmit a status signal to the charger 70 through the first communication interface 11 in operation S1306.

The charger 70 may request authentication confirmation from the external device 80 in operation S1307. For example, the charger 10 may transmit an authentication confirmation request signal to the external device 80 requesting confirmation of whether user age authentication has been completed. The authentication confirmation request signal may include at least one of an identifier of the aerosol generating device 10 and an identifier of the charger 70.

The external device 80, in operation S1308, may check whether user age verification has been completed. The external device 80 may include at least one of an external server, a computing device provided in a store, and a user terminal.

For example, the external device 80 may be a computing device provided in a retail store. The user may perform user authentication through a computing device provided in a store that sells the aerosol generating device 10 . The computing device may output an input window through an application or program and obtain data corresponding to a user through the input window. The computing device acquires an image of the user's identification card (resident registration card, driver's license, passport, etc.) through a camera or scanner provided in the computing device, thereby obtaining at least one of the birthday, age of the user, and a unique number representing the user. can be obtained

The computing device may determine that the age of the user is equal to or greater than a certain age based on the acquired user information.

For example, the external device 80 may be a user terminal. A user may perform user authentication through a user terminal. The user terminal may output an input window through an application or program and obtain data corresponding to the user through the input window. The user terminal may obtain at least one of the birthday, age of the user, and a unique number representing the user by acquiring an ID image of the user through a camera or a scanner provided in the user terminal.

The user terminal may determine that the age of the user is equal to or greater than a certain age based on the acquired user information.

For example, the external device 80 may be an external server. The external server may receive data corresponding to a user from a user terminal or a computing device provided in a store. The external server may determine that the age of the user is equal to or greater than a certain age based on the acquired user information.

The external device 80 may generate user age verification completion information based on the user's age being authenticated in operation S1309 and transmit it to the charger 70 . The charger 70 may receive user age verification completion information (adult verification completion information) from the external device 80 .

The charger 70 may transmit a lock signal or unlock signal to the aerosol generating device 10 in operation S1310.

The aerosol generating device 10 may lock or unlock the aerosol generating device 10 based on the received signal in operation S1311.

Meanwhile, the operation S1302 may be performed regardless of operations S1303 to S1306. The charger 70 may communicate with the external device 80 after communication with the aerosol generating device 10 (after operation S1301), before or after receiving a status signal from the aerosol generating device 10. there is.

As described above, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, locking and unlocking of the aerosol generating device may be possible through wireless charging communication.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the release mode may be released even when the aerosol generating device is packaged through wireless charging communication.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, use of the aerosol generating device by third parties or minors who do not have the right to use may be restricted.

1 to 13, an aerosol generating system 1 according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes an aerosol generating device 10 and a charger 70, and the aerosol generating device 10 includes the aerosol generating device 10 The generator 10 includes a first communication interface 11; battery 16; and a first controller 17, wherein the first controller 17 wirelessly receives a power signal from the charger 70 through the first communication interface 11 to charge the battery 16. Control to charge, determine whether the aerosol generating device 10 is locked or unlocked, generate a state signal corresponding to the state of the aerosol generating device 10, and charge the battery 16 Based on the disclosure, transmitting the status signal to the charger 70 through the first communication interface 11 and receiving an unlock signal from the charger 70 through the first communication interface 11 Based on this, the aerosol generating device 10 can be unlocked.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first controller 17 generates the aerosol based on receiving a lock signal from the charger 70 through the first communication interface 11 The device 10 may be locked.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the charger 70 includes a second communication interface 710; and a second controller 740, wherein the second controller 740 controls to transmit a power signal wirelessly to the aerosol generating device 10 through the second communication interface 710, The state signal is received from the aerosol generating device 10 through the second communication interface 710, the state of the aerosol generating device 10 is determined based on the state signal, and the state is locked Based on this, the unlocking signal is transmitted to the aerosol generating device 10 through the second communication interface 710, and based on the state being the unlocked state, through the second communication interface 710 The locking signal may be transmitted to the aerosol generating device 10.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the second control unit 740 receives user age verification completion information from an external device, and based on the user age verification completion information, the state is locked. state, the unlocking signal may be transmitted to the aerosol generating device 10 through the second communication interface 710.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the charger 70 includes a second input/output interface 730, and the second control unit 740 controls the second input/output interface 730. Through, one of a lock input, a lock release input, and an OFF input is received, and the lock signal is transmitted to the aerosol generating device 10 when the state signal is received based on the lock input being received. and transmits the unlocking signal to the aerosol generating device 10 when the status signal is received based on the receiving of the unlocking input.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the second controller 740, based on the reception of the off input, transmits the lock signal to the aerosol generating device 10 when the status signal is received. Alternatively, the lock release signal may not be transmitted.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first control unit 17 determines whether the aerosol generating device 10 is in a shipment mode state, generates a state signal corresponding to the shipment mode state, The shipment mode may be released based on transmission to the charger 70 and receiving a lock release signal from the charger 70 through the first receiver 112 .

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device 10 includes a heater 131 for heating an aerosol generating material; And a first input/output interface 12; further comprising, wherein the locked state of the aerosol generating device 10 is a heating function for supplying power to the heater 131 and controlling the first input/output interface 12. Use of at least one of the input/output functions is restricted, and the unlocked state of the aerosol generating device 10 includes a heating function for supplying power to the heater 131 and the first input/output interface 12. It may be in a state of canceling restriction on the use of at least one of the controlled input/output functions.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first communication interface 11 receives the power signal using a first operating frequency band and uses the same operating frequency band as the first frequency band. The status signal may be transmitted.

Certain or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct from each other. Certain or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above may be used in combination or combination of respective components or functions.

For example, it means that configuration A described in a specific embodiment and/or drawing may be combined with configuration B described in another embodiment and/or drawing. That is, even if the combination between the components is not directly explained, it means that the combination is possible except for the case where the combination is impossible.

The above detailed description should not be construed as limiting in all respects and should be considered illustrative. The scope of the present invention should be determined by reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all changes within the equivalent scope of the present invention are included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims (9)

Including an aerosol generator and a charger,
The aerosol generating device,
a first communication interface;
battery; and
Including; a first control unit;
The first control unit,
Control to charge the battery by wirelessly receiving a power signal from the charger through the first communication interface;
determining whether the aerosol generating device is locked or unlocked, and generating a state signal corresponding to the state of the aerosol generating device;
Transmitting the status signal to the charger through the first communication interface based on the start of charging of the battery;
A system for unlocking the aerosol generating device based on receiving an unlock signal from the charger via the first communication interface.
According to claim 1,
The first control unit,
A system for locking the aerosol generating device based on receiving a locking signal from the charger via the first communication interface.
According to claim 2,
The charger,
a second communication interface; and
A second control unit; including;
The second control unit,
Control to transmit a power signal wirelessly to the aerosol generating device through the second communication interface;
Receiving the status signal from the aerosol generating device through the second communication interface, and determining a status of the aerosol generating device based on the status signal;
Sending the unlocking signal to the aerosol generating device through the second communication interface based on the state being the locked state;
Based on the state being an unlocked state, transmitting the lock signal to the aerosol generating device through the second communication interface.
According to claim 3,
The second control unit,
Receive user age authentication completion information from an external device;
Based on the reception of the user age authentication completion information, when the state is a locked state, transmitting the unlock signal to the aerosol generating device through the second communication interface.
According to claim 2,
The charger,
A second input/output interface; includes,
The second control unit,
Receiving one of a lock input, a lock release input, and an OFF input through the second input/output interface;
Based on the locking input being received, sending the locking signal to the aerosol generating device when the status signal is received;
Based on the unlock input being received, the system transmits the unlock signal to the aerosol generating device when the status signal is received.
According to claim 5,
The second control unit,
Based on the off input being received, the system does not transmit the lock signal or the unlock signal to the aerosol generating device when the status signal is received.
According to claim 1,
The first control unit,
determining whether the aerosol generating device is in a shipping mode state, generating a state signal corresponding to the shipping mode state, and transmitting it to the charger;
The system for releasing the shipping mode based on receiving an unlocking signal from the charger through the first communication interface.
According to claim 1,
The aerosol generating device,
a heater for heating the aerosol generating material; and
A first input/output interface; further comprising,
The locked state of the aerosol generating device,
A state in which use of at least one function of a heating function for supplying power to the heater and an input/output function for controlling the first input/output interface is restricted;
The unlocked state of the aerosol generating device is
A system in a state in which use restriction of at least one of a heating function for supplying power to the heater and an input/output function for controlling the first input/output interface is released.
According to claim 1,
The first communication interface receives the power signal using a first operating frequency band and transmits the status signal using the same operating frequency band as the first operating frequency band.

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