Sliding cover aerosol-generating device

Abstract

The embodiments relate to a sliding cover aerosol generating device, and more specifically, to an aerosol generating device that enables sliding movement and secure cover fixation without the configuration of a guide rail by using a magnet, and allows the sliding movement of the cover itself to be utilized as an input operation by using a sensor. The aerosol generating device of the embodiment comprises a device body, a sliding cover coupled to the device body so as to be linearly slidable and covering and protecting at least one surface of the device body, a body magnet included in the device body, and a cover magnet included in the sliding cover, wherein the body magnet and the cover magnet exert an attractive force on each other, and by said attractive force, the sliding cover maintains a first state or a second state defined by the relative position of the device body and the sliding cover.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The embodiments relate to a sliding cover aerosol generating device, and more specifically, to an aerosol generating device that enables sliding movement and secure cover fixation without the configuration of a guide rail by using a magnet, and allows the sliding movement of the cover itself to be utilized as an input operation by using a sensor. Background Technology

[0002] Aerosol generators are devices that generate and deliver aerosols to users by heating liquid nicotine or other compounds without a combustion process, unlike traditional cigarettes; they were developed as an alternative to reduce environmental pollution and health risks. These aerosol generators are gaining popularity worldwide due to their portability and reusability.

[0003] Due to the structure of the aerosol generator, particularly the mouthpiece, it comes into direct contact with the user's mouth and must be protected from dust, contaminants, and other foreign substances during storage, transport, and placement. Additionally, if the aerosol generator is carelessly placed in a bag or pocket during daily life, there is a high probability that dust or contamination will accumulate on the mouthpiece. To address these issues, the need for a cover to protect the mouthpiece of the aerosol generator has arisen.

[0004] In the past, cover structures for aerosol generators designed to protect the mouthpiece portion have been attempted several times. Additionally, a method of covering or opening the mouthpiece via a sliding mechanism has been proposed, such as in Korean Publication No. 10-2020-0125962. The sliding mechanism has the advantage of not requiring the cover to be carried separately after opening, and the operation of opening and closing the cover is simple and fast. However, it has the disadvantage that the difficulty of assembly and manufacturing costs increase, and the risk of failure increases as additional components are added to implement the sliding movement. The problem to be solved

[0005] The embodiments aim to provide an aerosol generator equipped with a sliding cover that can effectively protect the mouthpiece portion of the aerosol generator from dust, contaminants, and other foreign substances.

[0006] In addition, the embodiments aim to provide an aerosol generator that simplifies the structure of the aerosol generator and reduces manufacturing costs by providing a method in which a sliding cover can move smoothly without a separate additional structure such as a guide rail.

[0007] In addition, the embodiments aim to provide an aerosol generator capable of accurately recognizing the position of a sliding cover through a sensor and utilizing this as user input to transmit control inputs for the aerosol generator, such as user authentication or heating intensity control, through a sliding motion.

[0008] In addition, the embodiments aim to provide an aerosol generator with improved design freedom by enabling the sliding cover to move smoothly using magnetic attraction without complex structures or parts. means of solving the problem

[0009] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device comprises a control unit and a battery for generating an aerosol by applying energy to an aerosol forming substrate, a device body including an intake port through which the generated aerosol is discharged and a mouthpiece which is a part that contacts the user's mouth around the mouth, a sliding cover coupled to the device body so as to be linearly slidable and covering and protecting at least one surface of the device body, a main body magnet included in the device body, and a cover magnet included in the sliding cover, wherein the main body magnet and the cover magnet exert an attractive force on each other, and the sliding cover maintains a first state or a second state defined by the relative position of the device body and the sliding cover due to the said attractive force.

[0010] In addition, in one embodiment of the aerosol generating device, the sliding cover is characterized by being slidably coupled to the device body by the attractive force between the main body magnet and the cover magnet, and being detachable from the device body by an external force.

[0011] In addition, in one embodiment, the aerosol generating device is characterized in that the main body magnets are numerous and arranged in a row along the length of the main body of the device.

[0012] In addition, in one embodiment, the aerosol generating device is characterized in that the cover magnets are arranged in a row along the length of the sliding cover as a plurality.

[0013] In addition, in one embodiment, the aerosol generating device is characterized in that a stepped portion is formed to protrude from the inner side of the sliding cover, and a guide groove is formed in the main body of the device to accommodate the stepped portion, guide the sliding movement of the sliding cover, and limit the range of movement.

[0014] In addition, in one embodiment, the aerosol generating device is characterized in that the cover magnet is positioned on the inner side of the stepped portion.

[0015] In addition, in one embodiment, the aerosol generating device is characterized in that the sliding cover covers and protects at least a portion of the mouthpiece in a first state and exposes the mouthpiece in a second state.

[0016] In addition, in one embodiment, the aerosol generating device is characterized in that the device body includes a substrate cartridge comprising an aerosol-forming substrate coupled to one side thereof.

[0017] In addition, in one embodiment, the aerosol generating device is characterized in that an inhalation port is formed in a substrate cartridge, and at least a portion of the substrate cartridge forms a mouthpiece.

[0018] In addition, in one embodiment, the aerosol generating device further includes a cover recognition sensor capable of recognizing the movement or position of a sliding cover included in the device body, and the control unit receives a detection signal from the cover recognition sensor and recognizes it as user input.

[0019] In addition, in one embodiment, the aerosol generating device is characterized in that the cover recognition sensor is a magnetic sensor that recognizes the proximity of the cover magnet of the sliding cover.

[0020] In addition, in one embodiment, the aerosol generating device is characterized in that the sliding cover covers and protects at least a portion of the mouthpiece in a first state and exposes the mouthpiece in a second state, and the cover recognition sensor can detect whether the sliding cover is in the second state.

[0021] In addition, in one embodiment of the aerosol generating device, the control unit is characterized by controlling the generation of aerosol when it detects that the sliding cover is in a second state by a cover recognition sensor, and controlling the cessation of aerosol generation when it detects that the sliding cover is not in a second state.

[0022] In addition, in one embodiment, the aerosol generating device is characterized in that the control unit recognizes a transition between a first state and a second state, recognized through a cover recognition sensor, as user input.

[0023] In addition, in one embodiment, the aerosol generating device is characterized in that the cover magnets are arranged in a row along the length of the sliding cover as a plurality, the cover recognition sensor is a magnetic sensor that recognizes the proximity of the cover magnets of the sliding cover, and when the sliding cover is in a second state, one of the cover magnets is in close proximity to the cover recognition sensor, and when the sliding cover is in a first state, none of the cover magnets are in close proximity to the cover recognition sensor.

[0024] In addition, in one embodiment, the aerosol generating device is characterized in that one side of the mouthpiece forms a vertical surface extending vertically without inclination relative to the main body of the device, and the opposite side forms an inclined surface extending with an inclination, and the sliding cover covers and protects the vertical surface of the mouthpiece in a first state and exposes the vertical surface of the mouthpiece in a second state.

[0025] In addition, in one embodiment, the aerosol generating device is characterized in that the cover recognition sensor can additionally recognize the coupling or separation of the sliding cover. Effects of the invention

[0026] The aerosol generating device of the embodiments is convenient because the sliding cover provides protection for the mouthpiece portion, and at the same time, the user can open and close the cover quickly and easily using the snap action of the magnet.

[0027] In addition, the aerosol generating device of the embodiments implements a sliding function by utilizing only magnets without guide rails or complex parts, thereby making the structure more concise, which can reduce manufacturing costs and improve the durability of the product.

[0028] In addition, the aerosol generator of the embodiments recognizes the position of the sliding cover using a sensor, so automatic control can be performed according to the opening and closing of the cover, and furthermore, the user can control the operating state of the aerosol generator by moving the sliding cover like a button, thereby enabling intuitive control while replacing existing input devices. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0029] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a device body (100) of one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a sliding cover (300) of an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device of one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the relative sliding movement between the device body (100) and the sliding cover (300). FIG. 6 is a plan view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device of one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a second state aerosol generating device of one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device in a first state according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a control method of one embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0030] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a device body (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a sliding cover (300) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] In this embodiment, the aerosol generating device comprises a device body (100) and a sliding cover (300) that are in a relationship that allows for coupling and re-separation from each other, and the device body (100) also includes a substrate cartridge (200) coupled to one side thereof. Here, the substrate cartridge (200) can also be re-separated from the device body (100). In particular, the device body (100) generates an aerosol by applying energy to an aerosol-forming substrate included in the substrate cartridge (200), for example, by heating it electrically, and the user can inhale the aerosol thus generated. The aerosol-forming substrate included in the substrate cartridge (200) may be in a liquid, gel, or solid state at room temperature and may include, for example, nicotine, VG (vegetable glycerin), PG (propylene glycol), flavoring agents, drugs, etc.

[0033] The device body (100) may include a case (110) that accommodates other components. The case (110) is formed of a rigid material such as plastic or metal and may have a size and shape that is easy for a user to grip. In FIG. 2, the case (110) is depicted as being partially transparent to show its internal appearance.

[0034] A receiving groove for receiving a substrate cartridge (200) may be formed at the top of the case (110) to a predetermined depth. At least a portion of the substrate cartridge (200) is received in the receiving groove and is firmly coupled to the device body (100). At this time, an electrical connection through the coupling may also be established between the two. In this embodiment, a portion of the substrate cartridge (200) is received inside the case (110) and the remaining portion is exposed to the outside, but according to the embodiment, the substrate cartridge (200) may be completely received inside the case (110) of the device body (100).

[0035] The substrate cartridge (200) stores an aerosol-forming substrate, which is a mixture containing at least one of nicotine, PG, and VG. Since the aerosol-forming substrate is consumed with use, the substrate cartridge (200) may be a consumable and is therefore coupled to the device body (100) so as to be easily attached and detached. The stored aerosol-forming substrate can be converted into an aerosol by the application of energy, for example by heating with a heater.

[0036] The heater for heating described above is a known element, so a detailed illustration and description are omitted. Additionally, as is often observed in the prior art, the heater may be included in a substrate cartridge (200) or in a device body (100) depending on the embodiment. In particular, when the heater is included in the substrate cartridge (200), the heater may receive power output through a battery or a control unit, which is a conventional configuration that may be included in the device body (100), through an electrical connection with the device body (100).

[0037] In this embodiment, an intake port (210) through which the generated aerosol is discharged is formed at the end of the substrate cartridge (200). Accordingly, the area around the intake port (210) forms a mouthpiece (200a) that comes into contact with the user's mouth. In this embodiment, the mouthpiece (200a) has a shape in which the thickness decreases toward the end so that the user can bite it. Those skilled in the art can easily conceive of a modified embodiment in which the intake port (210) is formed on the other side of the device body (100) rather than the substrate cartridge (200), and the area around it forms a mouthpiece.

[0038] A main body magnet (121, 122) is included inside the main body (100), that is, inside the case (110). According to the embodiment, the main body magnet (121, 122) may be formed on the surface of the case (110), and one or multiple magnets may be formed. In this embodiment, the first main body magnet (121) and the second main body magnet (122) are arranged in a line in the longitudinal direction, and these are elements for exerting an attractive force on each other with the first cover magnet (321), the second cover magnet (322), and the third cover magnet (323) to be described later. To this end, the first main body magnet (121) and the second main body magnet (122) may be arranged so that the same poles face the same direction. A window (220) is formed on one side of the substrate cartridge (200) to show the remaining amount of the aerosol-forming substrate stored inside.

[0039] Although not clearly illustrated in FIG. 2, the device body (100) includes a battery for supplying power to components inside the case (110) and a control unit for controlling the device body (100).

[0040] The sliding cover (300) of FIG. 3 covers at least one surface of the device body (100) and is coupled to allow for linear sliding movement, that is, in the vertical length direction. The sliding cover (300) is coupled for the purpose of protecting the device body (100) from damage or contamination, and in particular, covers and protects at least a portion of the substrate cartridge (200) that serves as a mouthpiece. The sliding cover (300) includes a thin plate-shaped cover plate (310), a first cover magnet (321), a second cover magnet (322), and a third cover magnet (323) arranged in a row in the longitudinal direction on the inner surface thereof, and a stepped portion (330) that serves as a guide and stopper for sliding movement. According to the embodiment, one or more cover magnets may also be formed.

[0041] The cover window (311) is an element corresponding to the window (220) of the substrate cartridge (200), so that the user can see the window (220) through the cover window (311) despite the presence of the sliding cover (300).

[0042] As shown in FIG. 1, when the device body (100) and the sliding cover (300) are combined, the body magnets (121, 122) and the cover magnets (321, 322, 323) are arranged to exert an attractive force on each other. Preferably, even though the sliding cover (300) slides in the vertical direction, all body magnets (121, 122) are arranged to exert an attractive force on all cover magnets (321, 322, 323). For example, the first body magnet (121) and the second body magnet (122) are arranged so that the same poles face the same direction, and the first cover magnet (321), the second cover magnet (322), and the third cover magnet (323) are also arranged so that the same poles face the same direction. In addition, at this time, the poles facing the body magnets (121, 122) and the poles facing the cover magnets (321, 322, 323) may be opposite poles that exert an attractive force on each other. Since the step portion (330) is sufficient to provide a step that serves as a guide and stopper, it can be manufactured as one body with the cover plate (310) or manufactured separately and then attached.

[0043] When the device body (100) and the sliding cover (300) are combined, the body magnets (121, 122) and the cover magnets (321, 322, 323) are arranged on a single straight line, and the straight line ultimately forms the sliding movement path of the sliding cover (300).

[0044] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention. A sliding cover (300), partially transparent, is slidably coupled to the device body (100) by means of the attractive force between the aforementioned main body magnets (121, 122) and cover magnets (321, 322, 323). Since the two are coupled by the attractive force of magnets and do not include an additional coupling structure, they are easy to combine and can also be easily separated from each other by applying an external force.

[0045] The combined sliding cover (300) maintains a first state or a second state defined by the relative position of the device body (100) and the sliding cover (300) through sliding movement. The first state may be a state in which the sliding cover (300) covers at least a portion of the mouthpiece (200a), as shown in FIG. 4 (a). Additionally, the second state may be a state in which the sliding cover (300) moves relatively downward in the longitudinal direction, as shown in FIG. 4 (b), thereby exposing the mouthpiece (200a). The first and second states may be maintained by the attractive force between the body magnets (121, 122) and the cover magnets (321, 322, 323) described above.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 4, in the first state, a significant portion of the mouthpiece (200a) is covered and protected by a sliding cover (300). This state may be suitable for storing, mounting, or moving the aerosol generator. In the second state, the sliding cover (300) slides so that a significant portion of the mouthpiece (200a) is exposed to the outside. This state may be suitable for using the aerosol generator, particularly for inhaling aerosol.

[0047] In this embodiment, one end surface of the mouthpiece (200a), i.e., the substrate cartridge (200), forms a vertical surface (P) that extends vertically without inclination relative to the device body (100). Additionally, the other end surface, i.e., the surface opposite to the vertical surface (P), forms an inclined surface (C) that extends with an inclination so as to meet the vertical surface (P). In particular, the vertical surface (P) is covered and protected by the sliding cover (300) in substantially all of its parts in the first state. On the other hand, the inclined surface (C) may remain exposed. However, even though the inclined surface (C) remains exposed in the first state, it does not come into contact with the floor surface due to the inclination when the aerosol generator is placed on the floor. On the other hand, although the vertical surface (P) cannot expect this effect, it can be protected by the sliding cover (300), so consequently, all sides of the mouthpiece (200a) can be protected, particularly from the floor surface.

[0048] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the relative sliding movement between the device body (100) and the sliding cover (300). The body magnets (121, 122) included in the device body (100) and the cover magnets (321, 322, 323) included in the sliding cover (300) are arranged so that their opposite polarities face each other. Thus, they exert a force of attraction on each other. Due to this attractive force, the sliding cover (300) can slide while attached to the device body (100).

[0049] FIG. 5(a) schematically illustrates the first state and corresponds to FIG. 4(a). FIG. 5(b) schematically illustrates the second state and corresponds to FIG. 4(b). In FIG. 5(a), the first main body magnet (121) and the second cover magnet (322) exert an attractive force on each other. Additionally, the second main body magnet (122) and the third cover magnet (323) exert an attractive force on each other. The first state can be maintained by the attractive force of the two pairs of magnets. In FIG. 5(b), the first main body magnet (121) and the first cover magnet (321) exert an attractive force on each other. Additionally, the second main body magnet (122) and the second cover magnet (322) exert an attractive force on each other. The second state can be maintained by the attractive force of the two pairs of magnets.

[0050] When in the first state or the second state, the user can easily change the position of the sliding cover (300), that is, between the first state and the second state, by applying a force greater than the aforementioned attractive force in the direction for changing the state. The user can move the sliding cover (300) to the position intended by the user by means of mutual attraction, without applying any further force, by pushing the sliding cover (300) to a position where the aforementioned pair of magnets are adjacent to each other to maintain the first state or the second state.

[0051] As can be anticipated from the example in FIG. 5, the sliding distance of the sliding cover (300) can be easily adjusted by adjusting the size, placement position, and spacing of the main body magnets (121, 122) and the cover magnets (321, 322, 323). In addition, it can be seen that the number of main body magnets and cover magnets can be changed differently from the embodiment described above without going beyond the scope of the technical concept currently being described.

[0052] FIG. 6 is a plan view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention, in particular FIG. 6(a) shows the first state described above, and FIG. 6(b) shows the second state described above. In the first state, a mouthpiece (200a), which is one end of a substrate cartridge (200), is covered by a sliding cover (300), thereby protecting the mouthpiece (200a) from contamination. In the second state, the sliding cover (300) descends in the longitudinal direction, exposing a significant portion of the mouthpiece (200a), thereby allowing the user to easily bring the mouthpiece (200a) into contact with their mouth and inhale the aerosol.

[0053] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 7 (a) is a perspective view of the device body (100), and FIG. 7 (b) is a perspective view of the sliding cover (300). In particular, in this embodiment, a guide groove (111) is formed on one side of the case (110), specifically on the side to which the sliding cover (300) is coupled. When the sliding cover (300) is coupled to the device body (100) by the attractive force between magnets, a step portion (330) is received inside the guide groove (111). Despite the sliding movement of the sliding cover (300), the step of the step portion (330) and the step (groove) of the guide groove (111) interfere with each other. Therefore, by appropriately designing the shapes of the step portion (330) and the guide groove (111), the sliding movement of the sliding cover (300) can be guided and the range of movement can be limited. For example, as in the present embodiment, cover magnets (321, 322, 323) can be arranged in a row inside the stepped portion (330) so that the slide movement path formed by the stepped portion (330) and the guide groove (111) and the slide movement path formed by the arrangement of the main body magnets (121, 122) and the cover magnets (321, 322, 323) coincide.

[0054] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a second state of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention. As described above, the second state is a state in which the sliding cover (300) is positioned at the lower end in the longitudinal direction relative to the device body (100), so that the upper mouthpiece is exposed. As can be seen in the drawing, the first main body magnet (121) and the first cover magnet (321) face each other and exert an attractive force, and the second main body magnet (122) and the second cover magnet (322) face each other and exert an attractive force so that the second state can be maintained.

[0055] The device body (100) may include a cover recognition sensor (130), for example, a magnetic sensor, inside the case (110). Preferably, in the second state, a sliding cover (300) is positioned such that one of the cover magnets is positioned opposite and close to the cover recognition sensor (130). For example, in the present embodiment, in the second state, a third cover magnet (323) is positioned to be opposite or adjacent to the cover recognition sensor (130). This positioning is significant in that, in the second state, the cover recognition sensor (130), which is a magnetic sensor, can detect the proximity of the third cover magnet (323). For example, a control unit (140) included in the device body (100) receives a detection signal from the cover recognition sensor (130) and can recognize whether the current state is at least the second state.

[0056] In addition, the effects of the step portion (330) and the guide groove (111) are illustrated through the partial enlarged view shown in FIG. 8. Since the step portion (330) protrudes from the cover plate (310) to have a step, interference may occur due to the step of the guide groove (111), that is, the groove structure. Through this interference, the downward movement of the sliding cover (300) is restricted. Thus, the final sliding range in the downward direction can be defined. In addition, the step portion (330) and the guide groove (111) are formed in the vertical length direction, and preferably, the step portion (330) and the guide groove (111) are formed so as to be guided along the sliding movement path of the aforementioned sliding cover (300).

[0057] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device in the first state. As described above, the first state is a state in which the sliding cover (300) is positioned relatively higher in relation to the device body (100). As can be seen in the drawing, the first body magnet (121) and the second cover magnet (322) face each other and exert an attractive force, and the second body magnet (122) and the third cover magnet (323) face each other and exert an attractive force, so that the first state can be maintained.

[0058] As in the present embodiment, preferably, in the first state, no cover magnet is facing the cover recognition sensor (130). However, in a different embodiment, a cover recognition sensor (second cover recognition sensor) may be formed in the first state, for example, in a position facing the cover magnet, such as the first cover magnet (321). In this case, the control unit (140) can recognize both the first state and the second state through the cover recognition sensor. In addition, in this case, the control unit can recognize that it is the second state if the first cover recognition sensor (130) recognizes the proximity of the magnet, and can recognize that it is the first state if the second cover recognition sensor recognizes the proximity of the magnet, and can determine that the sliding cover (300) is separated if both the first cover recognition sensor (130) and the second cover recognition sensor do not recognize the proximity of the magnet.

[0059] As such, the cover recognition sensor can recognize whether the sliding cover (300) is in a first state or a second state according to the embodiment, and additionally, can recognize whether the sliding cover (300) is coupled to the device body (100) or separated. In this case, for example, the control unit (140) can control the aerosol generating device to operate normally only when the sliding cover (300) is coupled to the device body (100).

[0060] In addition, through the enlarged view of the portion shown in FIG. 9, the working effect of the step portion (330) and the guide groove (111) is also illustrated. That is, through the interference between the step portion (330) and the guide groove (111), the upward movement of the sliding cover (300) is restricted. Thus, the final slide range in the upward direction can be defined, and the slide movement can be guided so as not to deviate from a predetermined path.

[0061] In this embodiment, since the cover recognition sensor (130) does not have a magnet located at the opposite position or adjacent position in the first state, the cover recognition sensor (130) can recognize the first state indirectly, that is, by recognizing that it is not currently in the second state.

[0062] The state recognition of such cover recognition sensors (130) can induce various effects. For example, a control unit (140) included in the device body (100) can receive a detection signal from the cover recognition sensor (130), consider it as user input, and perform automatic control accordingly. That is, by recognizing a second state, it can automatically start supplying power to the heater to generate aerosol. As previously mentioned, the second state is a state suitable for a user to inhale aerosol, so this control is meaningful. Conversely, if the control unit (140) detects that the sliding cover (300) is not in the second state, it can automatically cut off the supply of power to the heater to stop the generation of aerosol. As previously mentioned, the first state is a state suitable for a user to store and move the aerosol generating device, so this control is also meaningful.

[0063] In addition, the aforementioned preferred arrangement, that is, the arrangement in which the cover recognition sensor (130) can detect the proximity of at least one of the cover magnets (321, 322, 323) in the second state, ensures that power is supplied to the heater only when the sliding cover (300) is properly attached to the device body (100) and simultaneously lowered to the bottom, assuming automatic control as described above. Accordingly, if the sliding cover (300) is unintentionally detached while moving, the power can be cut off, thereby preventing fire or burn damage.

[0064] In addition, the state recognition of the cover recognition sensor (130) has the effect of being usable as user input. That is, the pattern of transition between the first state and the second state recognized by the control unit (140), that is, the interval of transition or the number of transitions, can be used as a kind of user input. By operating the sliding cover (300) up and down, the user can transmit input to the device, such as pressing a button. If sufficient input time is provided, such as by recognizing the first state as a signal of 0 and the second state as a signal of 1, the user can transmit various signals into the device without an additional input device. Through such signal transmission, various commands such as adjusting the intensity of the heater, user recognition, lock setting and unlocking can be transmitted to the device, and the device can perform appropriate control accordingly.

[0065] In this embodiment, the cover recognition sensor (130) is exemplified as a magnetic sensor or a Hall sensor that detects the proximity of a magnet, but there are no special restrictions on the type of sensor as long as it can recognize the movement or position of the sliding cover (300). For example, instead of a magnetic sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, or a physical switch may be used as the cover recognition sensor (130).

[0066] The control unit (140) may include, for example, a Micro-Controller Unit (MCU). Accordingly, the MCU may receive a detection signal regarding the state or state transition of the sliding cover (300) recognized by the cover recognition sensor (130), interpret it as a user input or control command, and execute a control command accordingly. For example, a control command recognized by the control unit (140) based on the detection signal may be a command to control a heater for aerosol generation. As described above, the control unit (140) may recognize the position of the sliding cover (300) through the cover recognition sensor (130) and perform control to start the operation of the heater or cut off the power supply to the heater. Or, as a more advanced example, a command to control the heater may be a command to select one of several temperature profiles stored in the control unit (140) in advance and control it to follow that profile. For example, the several temperature profiles may be defined according to the aerosol generation intensity. For example, the first stage intensity may mean the weakest aerosol generation intensity, and as the stage increases, it may mean a stronger intensity.

[0067] For example, the control unit (140) may consider two state transitions recognized through the cover recognition sensor (130) as the first input. For example, assuming the operation of the aerosol generator has started, the sliding cover (300) may be in the second state as described above. At this time, when the user raises and lowers the sliding cover (300) again, the cover recognition sensor (130) may recognize a state transition from the second state to the first state, and a state transition from the first state back to the second state. The control unit (140) may consider these two state transitions as the first input.

[0068] When a first input as described above is detected in the usage state of the aerosol generating device, the control unit (140) can change the temperature profile for controlling the heater to increase the aerosol generation intensity. For example, it can be increased from the first stage to the second stage. Additionally, while controlling in the second stage, if the control unit (140) detects the first input again, the temperature profile can be changed again, for example, the aerosol generation intensity can be increased from the second stage to the third stage.

[0069] In the embodiments, the aerosol generating device may include a notification unit for notifying the user of the current control state by generating at least one of a haptic effect, a visual effect, or a sound effect. For example, the notification unit may be a microspeaker, a vibration actuator, an LED element, or an LCD element. In this case, in the control method described above, the current aerosol generation intensity or the current temperature profile may be notified to the user, for example, by changing the color of the LED element in steps. The control method described above is summarized in a table in FIG. 10. For example, as can be seen in the table, whenever a first input is detected, the control unit (140) increases the intensity, and accordingly, the notification unit, which is an LED lamp, may change the display color to notify the user.

[0070] As explained above, the present invention is not limited to the specific preferred embodiments described above, and any person skilled in the art to which the invention pertains can make various modifications without departing from the essence of the invention as claimed in the claims, and such modifications will be within the scope of the claims. Explanation of the symbols

[0071] 100: Device body 110: Case 121, 122: Main body magnet 130: Cover recognition sensor 140: Control unit 200: Substrate cartridge 200a: Mouthpiece 210: Inhalation port 300: Sliding cover 310: Cover plate 321, 322, 323: Cover magnets 330: Stepped part

Claims

Claim 1 A device body comprising a control unit and a battery for generating aerosol by applying energy to an aerosol-forming substrate and a mouthpiece that contacts the user's mouth around an intake port through which the generated aerosol is discharged; a sliding cover coupled to the device body so as to be linearly sliding and covering and protecting at least one surface of the device body; a main body magnet included in the device body; and a cover magnet included in the sliding cover; wherein the main body magnet and the cover magnet exert an attractive force on each other, and by said attractive force, the sliding cover maintains a first state or a second state defined by the relative position of the device body and the sliding cover, wherein the sliding cover covers and protects at least a part of the mouthpiece in the first state and exposes the mouthpiece in the second state, and further comprises a cover recognition sensor included in the device body capable of recognizing the movement or position of the sliding cover; wherein the control unit receives a detection signal from the cover recognition sensor and recognizes it as user input, wherein the control unit detects whether the sliding cover is in the first state or the second state by the cover recognition sensor, and the control unit initiates the operation of the aerosol generator in the second state or An aerosol generating device characterized by performing control to cut off power supply to an aerosol generating unit in a first state, and, after the sliding cover is positioned in a second state, while performing an aerosol generation operation according to a temperature profile, considering two state transitions, including a state transition from the second state to the first state and a state transition from the first state to the second state, as inputs for changing the temperature profile, changing the temperature profile, and performing an aerosol generation operation according to the changed temperature profile. Claim 2 An aerosol generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that the sliding cover is slidably coupled to the device body by the attractive force between the main body magnet and the cover magnet, and can be separated from the device body by an external force. Claim 3 An aerosol generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that the main body magnets are numerous and arranged in a row along the length of the main body of the device. Claim 4 An aerosol generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that the cover magnets are a plurality and arranged in a row along the length of the sliding cover. Claim 5 An aerosol generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that a stepped portion is formed to protrude from the inner side of the sliding cover, and a guide groove is formed in the main body of the device to accommodate the stepped portion, guide the sliding movement of the sliding cover, and limit the range of movement. Claim 6 An aerosol generating device according to claim 5, characterized in that the cover magnet is positioned on the inner side of the stepped portion. Claim 7 delete Claim 8 An aerosol generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that the device body comprises a substrate cartridge including an aerosol-forming substrate coupled to one side thereof. Claim 9 An aerosol generating device according to claim 8, characterized in that the intake port is formed in the substrate cartridge, and at least a portion of the substrate cartridge forms a mouthpiece. Claim 10 delete Claim 11 An aerosol generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that the cover recognition sensor is a magnetic sensor that recognizes the proximity of the cover magnet of the sliding cover. Claim 12 delete Claim 13 delete Claim 14 An aerosol generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit recognizes a transition between a first state and a second state, recognized through a cover recognition sensor, as user input. Claim 15 An aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the cover magnets are arranged in a row along the length direction of the sliding cover as a plurality, and the cover recognition sensor is a magnetic sensor that recognizes the proximity of the cover magnets of the sliding cover, and wherein when the sliding cover is in a second state, one of the cover magnets is in close proximity to the cover recognition sensor, and when the sliding cover is in a first state, none of the cover magnets are in close proximity to the cover recognition sensor. Claim 16 An aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein one side of the mouthpiece forms a vertical surface extending vertically without inclination relative to the main body of the device, and the opposite side forms an inclined surface extending with an inclination, and the sliding cover covers and protects the vertical surface of the mouthpiece in a first state and exposes the vertical surface of the mouthpiece in a second state. Claim 17 An aerosol generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that the cover recognition sensor can additionally recognize the coupling or separation of the sliding cover.

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