Aerosol-generating device

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device. Disclosed is a fine particle generating device capable of outputting use information, and more particularly, a fine particle generating device capable of outputting use information of a device to a user by electric heating. In addition, disclosed is a device for determining whether or not there is an inhalation behavior based on a temperature change amount per unit time, thereby generating fine particles. In addition, disclosed is a fine particle generating device or an aerosol generating device for changing an inhalation condition by controlling a heater. In addition, the present invention relates to a fine particle generating device, and more particularly, to a device for generating fine particles by electric heating.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of patent application No. 2018800072523 filed on January 18, 2018, with the title of "Fine particle generating device". TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present application relates to a fine particle generating device or an aerosol generating device for outputting use information, and more particularly, to a device capable of generating fine particles by electric heating or a device capable of generating aerosol, wherein the fine particle generating device or the aerosol generating device is capable of determining whether or not there is an inhalation behavior or outputting use information of the device to a user.

[0003] The present application relates to a fine particle generating device or an aerosol generating device capable of adjusting an inhalation condition, and more particularly, to a device capable of generating fine particles by electric heating or a device capable of generating aerosol, wherein the fine particle generating device or the aerosol generating device is capable of controlling a heater to change an inhalation condition.

[0004] The present application relates to a heating type fine particle generating device, and more particularly, to a device capable of generating fine particles by electric heating. BACKGROUND

[0005] A favorite substance such as smoking is inhaled by inhaling fine particles, i.e., aerosol, in the air. In the past, a cigarette in the form of a roll has been the only means of inhaling such a favorite substance, but recently, an electronic cigarette has become another means. The electronic cigarette is a device that generates fine particles by vaporizing an inhalation substance into a vapor through heating or ultrasonic waves to a cartridge in which the inhalation substance in the form of a liquid is contained, and thus is quite different from a conventional cigarette in the form of a roll that generates smoke by combustion, and has an advantage in that various substances generated by combustion can be prevented.

[0006] In addition, according to the needs of consumers who prefer a conventional cigarette in the form of a roll, an electronic cigarette having the shape of a filter portion and a roll portion of a conventional cigarette has been proposed, and this electronic cigarette has a structure in which an inhalation substance contained in the roll portion is vaporized by an electronic heater, and is inhaled by a user through the filter portion having the same structure as a conventional cigarette. In the case of this electronic cigarette, unlike a conventional cigarette having a structure in which a roll portion is filled with dry tobacco leaves, a paper impregnated or coated with an inhalation substance is filled. The electronic cigarette is inserted into a holder, and a heater inside the holder is heated to vaporize the inhalation substance in the roll portion, and a user can inhale the vaporized inhalation substance through the filter portion. Like the electronic cigarette described above, it has an advantage in that combustion is not generated, and the vaporized inhalation substance can be inhaled through the filter portion by the same mechanism as a conventional cigarette, and thus a user can feel the same as when a conventional cigarette is smoked.

[0007] However, traditional cigarettes do not provide users with usage information such as the number of times or the duration of use, resulting in inconvenience. Furthermore, the possibility of minors or third parties using e-cigarettes without the user's knowledge cannot be ruled out. Additionally, when air flows into an e-cigarette, it is difficult to distinguish between air inhaled by the user and simply external air entering the device.

[0008] Furthermore, as mentioned earlier, e-cigarettes are not based on user preferences; they operate uniformly with pre-set inhalation counts and durations, resulting in low convenience. Additionally, typical e-cigarettes are not based on the type of vaporization material; the heater operates at a set temperature, which means they cannot provide an inhalation sensation tailored to the user's preferences based on the type of vaporization material.

[0009] In addition, such as Figure 8 As shown, in a typical e-cigarette, when the user presses the button on the e-cigarette to use it, a preheating phase begins. This involves rapidly raising the temperature to point 't' on the time axis. The preheating phase ends at point 'c' on the temperature axis. The temperature then drops from point 't' to point 't+1' on the time axis, and then rises slightly from point 't+1' back to point 't+2' on the temperature axis, maintaining the vaporization temperature. At point 't+2', the temperature drops sharply as use ends. In the normal operation of an e-cigarette as described above, the power supplied during the initial use or preheating phase is very high, leading to significant battery consumption and a tendency to overheat. Furthermore, after preheating, the battery operates at maximum power to maintain the vaporization temperature after losing the power consumed during the preheating phase. Therefore, the time required to dissipate the excess heat is insufficient, causing the internal and external temperatures of the e-cigarette casing to rise, resulting in a tendency for the battery power to be rapidly depleted. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0011] The purpose of this invention is to provide a fine particulate generating device that can use a variety of inhalable substances without combustion.

[0012] In addition, the present invention aims to provide a fine particle generating device that can provide users with various usage information of the device.

[0013] In addition, the present invention aims to provide a method and apparatus for determining whether inhalation behavior has occurred.

[0014] In addition, the present application aims to provide a fine particle generating device in which a user can freely change inhalation conditions according to his or her preference.

[0015] In addition, the present application can provide a method and device for controlling power supply to a heater by detecting air introduced by a puff.

[0016] The present application aims to provide a fine particle generating device in which power supplied to a heater can be adjusted

[0017] The present application aims to provide a fine particle generating device having a heater in various shapes having excellent heat conduction efficiency.

[0018] Solution for solving the problem

[0019] The present application provides an aerosol generating device including a heater generating an aerosol using electricity, a processor determining whether or not there is an inhalation action according to a detected temperature change amount per unit time, and when there is the inhalation action, supplying power to the heater to generate an aerosol, and a battery supplying power to the heater and the processor.

[0020] In addition, the present application provides a heating-type fine particle generating device including a heater, a battery supplying power to the heater, a memory storing one or more instructions for controlling the heater, and a processor operating the battery through the instructions, and the instructions include temperature configuration information of the heater.

[0021] In addition, the present application provides an aerosol generating device including a sensor detecting air introduced to the aerosol generating device by a puff, a processor controlling power supply to the heater according to a detection result of air introduced to the aerosol generating device, and the heater maintaining a temperature within a preset range by being controlled by the processor.

[0022] In addition, the present application provides an aerosol generating method including a step of detecting air introduced to an aerosol generating device by a puff, a step of controlling power supply to a heater according to a detection result of air introduced to the aerosol generating device, and a step of controlling power supply to the heater to maintain a temperature of the heater within a preset range.

[0023] Also, the present application provides an aerosol generating device including a sensor detecting air introduced into the aerosol generating device by suction, a processor determining temperature control configuration information of a heater according to a result of the detection of the air introduced into the aerosol generating device and controlling power supply to the heater according to the temperature control configuration information, and the heater generating an aerosol by being controlled by the processor.

[0024] Also, the present application provides an aerosol generating device including a heater, a battery supplying power to the heater, and a processor controlling operations of the heater and the battery, the processor controlling an operation of the heater according to temperature configuration information including at least one vaporization temperature maintaining section maintaining a temperature of the heater in a manner that a vaporization material is heated to a prescribed temperature or more to release a vaporization substance, at least one vaporization temperature decreasing section decreasing the temperature of the heater to a minimum vaporization temperature when suction of a user is not detected in the vaporization temperature maintaining section, at least one minimum vaporization temperature maintaining section maintaining the temperature of the heater at the minimum vaporization temperature, and at least one suction section including a section in which a temperature decreasing rate of the heater sharply increases due to suction of the user and a section in which the vaporization substance rises to a vaporization temperature.

[0025] Effects of Invention

[0026] According to the present application, a fine particle generating device capable of generating fine particles without combustion can be provided.

[0027] Also, according to the present application, use information of the device can be displayed to a user.

[0028] Also, according to the present application, use of the device can be limited in various conditions.

[0029] Also, according to the present application, whether or not a suction behavior is present can be determined according to a temperature change amount per unit time.

[0030] Also, according to the present application, a fine particle generating device in which a user can change a suction condition according to his or her preference can be provided.

[0031] Also, according to the present application, a vaporization material is heated with temperature configuration information most suitable for the vaporization material used, so that satisfaction at the time of suction can be improved.

[0032] Also, according to the present application, a temperature of a heater can be maintained at a prescribed level or more regardless of suction or inhalation.

[0033] In addition, according to the present application, the fine particle generating device operates with temperature control configuration information corresponding to air introduced by inhalation or suction.

[0034] According to the present application, it is possible to provide a fine particle generating device that effectively uses the electric power of an electric storage device by adjusting the electric power supplied to a heater.

[0035] According to the present application, it is possible to provide a fine particle generating device having a heater of various shapes with excellent heat conduction efficiency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0036] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing an embodiment of a fine particle generating device and an external power supply device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0037] Figure 2 FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing an embodiment of the fine particle generating device and the external power supply device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0038] Figure 3 FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing an embodiment of the fine particle generating device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0039] Figure 4 FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the fine particle generating device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0040] Figure 5 FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the fine particle generating device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0041] Figure 6 FIG. 6 is a perspective view for showing a usable state of the fine particle generating device according to an embodiment of the present application in a state in which the fine particle generating device is accommodated in the external power supply device.

[0042] Figure 7 FIG. 7 is a perspective view for showing a process in which the fine particle generating device according to an embodiment of the present application is separated from the external power supply device.

[0043] Figure 8 FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing temperature control characteristics of a general electronic cigarette.

[0044] Figure 9 FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing Figure 3 FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a hardware structure of the fine particle generating device shown in FIG. 9.

[0045] Figure 10 FIG. 11 is a sectional view showing another embodiment of the fine particle generating device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0046] Figure 11 FIG. 12 is a sectional view showing Figure 10 FIG. 13 is a sectional view showing an embodiment in which a cigarette is inserted into a housing of the fine particle generating device shown in FIG. 9.

[0047] Figure 12 is a diagram showing Figure 10 is a block diagram showing a hardware structure of the fine particle generating device.

[0048] Figure 13 is Figure 12 is a chart of temperature configuration information of the heater in the structure shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] As a technical solution to achieve the above-mentioned object, the fine particle generating device of the first aspect of the present application is used to generate fine particles so that a user can inhale the fine particles through an inhalation action, and includes: a heater that generates heat by electric resistance when a current is applied; an electric power storage device that can supply the heater with instantaneously increased electric power; a display device that can display device usage information to the user; and a control device that controls at least one of the heater, the electric power storage device, and the display device. The heater heats a gasification material containing a substance (gasification substance) that gasifies when heated to a prescribed temperature or higher, to generate fine particles.

[0050] In addition, an embodiment of the present application is characterized in that the usage information of the device is at least the number of daily uses of the fine particle generating device, and the number of uses is defined by the number of inhalation actions or the use time.

[0051] In addition, an embodiment of the present application is characterized in that the fine particle generating device includes a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the heater.

[0052] In addition, an embodiment of the present application is characterized in that the fine particle generating device includes a calculation device that judges whether or not the user has an inhalation action by detecting the instantaneous temperature change rate of the heater.

[0053] In addition, an embodiment of the present application is characterized in that the number of uses is incremented by 1 if the user has an inhalation action at least once within 10 minutes after the power source is turned on.

[0054] In addition, an embodiment of the present application is characterized in that the fine particle generating device includes a charging section that charges the electric power storage device from an external electric power source.

[0055] In addition, an embodiment of the present application is characterized in that the fine particle generating device includes an information transmission section that transmits the usage information to the outside.

[0056] Further, an embodiment of the present application is characterized in that the fine particle generating device includes an external power supply device including: a power supply storage device; a power transmission portion that transmits power in a wireless or wired manner to the fine particle generating device; a power display device that displays the remaining power of the power supply storage device; a display device that displays the use information of the fine particle generating device; and a control portion that controls at least one of the power supply storage device, the power transmission portion, the power display device, and the display device.

[0057] Further, an embodiment of the present application is characterized in that the use information of the fine particle generating device is synchronized in a wireless or wired manner when the external power supply device is connected to the fine particle generating device.

[0058] Further, an embodiment of the present application is characterized in that the number of uses of the fine particle generating device is incremented by one if the amount of power supplied from the external power supply device to the fine particle generating device is equal to or more than a predetermined amount, particularly, the amount of power consumed by at least one inhalation action.

[0059] Further, an embodiment of the present application is characterized in that either or both of the fine particle generating device and the external power supply device includes a timer that can count.

[0060] Further, an embodiment of the present application is characterized in that either or both of the fine particle generating device and the external power supply device includes an input portion that resets the number of uses of the fine particle generating device.

[0061] Further, an embodiment of the present application is characterized in that the number of daily uses is reset every day.

[0062] Further, an embodiment of the present application is characterized in that the fine particle generating device includes an input portion that can specify the maximum number of uses of one of the use information.

[0063] Further, an embodiment of the present application is characterized in that if the fine particle generating device reaches the maximum number of daily uses, subsequent power supply to the fine particle generating device is cut off.

[0064] Further, an embodiment of the present application is characterized in that the fine particle generating device is connected to a smart device in a wireless or wired manner and synchronizes the use information.

[0065] Further, an embodiment of the present application is characterized in that the smart device connected to the fine particle generating device in a wireless or wired manner can analyze the use information and display the analysis content.

[0066] Further, an embodiment of the present application can be characterized in that the fine particle generating device includes a human body recognition device, and the fine particle generating device is controlled only by a user who has been authenticated by the human body recognition device.

[0067] Further, an embodiment of the present application can be characterized in that the fine particle generating device is modified in use information only by a user who has been authenticated by the human body recognition device.

[0068] Further, an embodiment of the present application can be characterized in that the fine particle generating device includes an adult authentication device, and the fine particle generating device is controlled only by a user who has been authenticated as an adult by the adult authentication device.

[0069] Further, an embodiment of the present application can be characterized in that the fine particle generating device includes an inhalation sensor for detecting an inhalation amount generated by each inhalation behavior of a user, and a nicotine calculation section for calculating a nicotine inhalation amount, which is one of use information, based on the detected inhalation amount.

[0070] Further, the aerosol generating device of the second aspect of the present application can include a heater generating an aerosol using electricity, a processor determining the presence or absence of an inhalation behavior based on a detected temperature change amount per unit time, and when the inhalation behavior is present, supplying power to the heater to generate an aerosol, and a battery supplying power to the heater and the processor.

[0071] Further, when the temperature change amount per unit time of the heater is greater than a predetermined value, the processor determines that the inhalation behavior is present, and when the temperature change amount per unit time of the heater is less than the predetermined value, the processor determines that the inhalation behavior is not present.

[0072] Further, it can include an inhalation sensor detecting air flowing into the aerosol generating device, and a temperature sensor determining the temperature change amount per unit time of the heater. When the inhalation sensor detects air flowing into the aerosol generating device, the processor acquires information indicating the temperature change amount per unit time of the heater from the temperature sensor, and determines the presence or absence of an inhalation behavior based on the temperature change amount per unit time of the heater.

[0073] Further, when the moving speed of air flowing into the aerosol generating device is greater than a predetermined value, the temperature sensor detects the temperature change amount per unit time of the heater.

[0074] Further, when the moving speed of air flowing into the aerosol generating device is greater than a predetermined value, the processor determines the presence or absence of an inhalation behavior based on the temperature change amount per unit time of the heater.

[0075] In addition, when the inhalation behavior is detected, the processor updates the existing use count and / or the inhalation count.

[0076] In addition, a display that displays the use count and / or the inhalation count is further included.

[0077] In addition, the aerosol generating method of the third aspect of the present application can include a step of detecting a temperature change amount per unit time, a step of determining whether or not an inhalation behavior is present based on the temperature change amount per unit time, and a step of supplying power to a heater to generate an aerosol when the inhalation behavior is detected.

[0078] In addition, a step of detecting air flowing into the aerosol generating device is further included, and the temperature change amount per unit time of the heater can be detected when air flowing into the aerosol generating device is detected in the step of detecting the temperature change amount per unit time.

[0079] In addition, in the step of determining whether or not the inhalation behavior is present, when the temperature change amount per unit time of the heater is greater than a predetermined value, the processor determines that the inhalation behavior is present, and when the temperature change amount per unit time of the heater is less than the predetermined value, the processor determines that the inhalation behavior is not present.

[0080] In addition, the fourth aspect of the present application provides a computer program for implementing the method of the third aspect, which is stored in a storage medium.

[0081] In addition, the fifth aspect of the present application provides a fine particle generating device for generating fine particles so that a user can inhale the fine particles through an inhalation behavior, and the fine particle generating device includes a heater that generates heat by resistance when a current is applied, an electric power storage device that supplies instantaneous increased electric power to the heater, an inhalation condition changing unit that changes an inhalation condition of the fine particles, and a control device that controls at least one of the heater, the electric power storage device, and the inhalation condition changing unit. The heater heats a gasification material including a substance (gasification substance) that gasifies when heated to a predetermined temperature or more to generate fine particles.

[0082] In addition, one embodiment includes an external power supply device that is connected to the fine particle generating device and supplies power to the electric power storage device.

[0083] In addition, one embodiment includes an inhalation condition changing unit that changes the inhalation condition by selecting one of two or more predetermined inhalation conditions.

[0084] In addition, one embodiment includes an inhalation condition changing unit that includes an input device that receives an input of a user to change the inhalation condition.

[0085] In another embodiment, the inhalation conditions of the fine particles are at least composed of the temperature of the heater.

[0086] Another feature of one embodiment is that, as a gasification material, a gasification material containing a variety of gasification substances with different minimum gasification temperatures is used.

[0087] In another embodiment, at least a portion of the various vaporized substances contains nicotine, wherein the nicotine content of the vaporized substances differs from that of each other.

[0088] Another embodiment is characterized in that the fine particle generating device includes a control device that continuously maintains the temperature of the heater, which is selected as the inhalation condition.

[0089] In addition, according to one embodiment, the inhalation conditions of the fine particles are at least composed of the inhalation volume generated by each inhalation action of the user.

[0090] Additionally, according to one embodiment, the fine particle generating device includes an inhalation sensor for detecting the amount of inhalation produced with each inhalation.

[0091] Another embodiment is characterized in that the control device predicts the temperature of the heater due to the user's inhalation behavior by detecting the inhalation volume, thereby controlling the power supply to keep the heater temperature at a specified level.

[0092] Additionally, according to one embodiment, the fine particle generating device includes an RFID reader capable of identifying RFID tags contained in the gasified material.

[0093] In addition, according to one embodiment, the control device changes the temperature control configuration information based on the gasified material identified by the RFID reader.

[0094] Another feature of this embodiment is that a gasification material containing a gasification substance that is harmless to the human body is used as the gasification material.

[0095] Another feature of one embodiment is that a gasification material containing gasification substances beneficial to the human body is used as the gasification material.

[0096] Another feature of this embodiment is that, as a vaporization material, a vaporization material containing a vaporization substance that produces a pharmacological effect on the human body is used.

[0097] Another embodiment is characterized in that a gasification material containing a plant bactericide is used as the gasification material.

[0098] Additionally, the aerosol generating apparatus of the sixth aspect of the present invention may include: a sensor for detecting air introduced into the aerosol generating apparatus by suction; a processor for controlling the power supply to the heater based on the detection result of the air introduced into the aerosol generating apparatus; and the heater for maintaining the temperature within a preset range by being controlled by the processor.

[0099] In addition, the detection results include the inhalation volume generated by each inhalation action of the user. The processor determines the predicted temperature drop of the heater based on the inhalation volume generated by each inhalation action of the user, and controls the power supply to the heater based on the predicted temperature so that the temperature of the heater is maintained within a preset range.

[0100] Additionally, the processor controls the power supply to the heater so that power can be supplied to the heater before the temperature of the heater drops below a predetermined temperature due to the air introduced into the aerosol generating device.

[0101] In addition, the sensor detects at least one of the amount of air introduced into the aerosol generating device by the suction, the air temperature, and the air movement rate, and the processor controls the power supply to the heater based on at least one of the detected air amount, air temperature, and air movement rate.

[0102] Furthermore, the aerosol generation method of the seventh aspect of the present invention includes: a step of detecting air introduced into the aerosol generation device by suction; a step of controlling the power supply to a heater based on the detection result of the air introduced into the aerosol generation device; and a step of controlling the power supply to the heater to maintain the temperature of the heater within a preset range.

[0103] Additionally, the aerosol generating apparatus of the eighth aspect of the present invention may include: a sensor for detecting air introduced into the aerosol generating apparatus by suction; a processor for determining temperature control configuration information of a heater based on the detection result of the air introduced into the aerosol generating apparatus, and controlling the power supply to the heater based on the temperature control configuration information; and the heater for generating aerosols by being controlled by the processor.

[0104] In addition, the processor determines a temperature control configuration information corresponding to the detection result from multiple temperature control configuration information.

[0105] In addition, the detection results include the inhalation volume generated by each inhalation action of the user, and the processor determines the temperature control configuration information corresponding to the inhalation volume generated by each inhalation action of the user from multiple temperature control configuration information.

[0106] Additionally, the sensor detects at least one of the amount of air introduced into the aerosol generating device through the suction, the air temperature, and the air movement rate. Based on the detected amount of air, air temperature, and air movement rate, the processor determines one of a plurality of temperature control configuration information.

[0107] Furthermore, the aerosol generation method of the ninth aspect of the present invention includes: a step of detecting air introduced into the aerosol generation apparatus by suction; a step of determining temperature control configuration information of a heater based on the detection result of the air introduced into the aerosol generation apparatus, and controlling the power supply to the heater based on the temperature control configuration information; and a step of generating aerosol by controlling the power supply to the heater.

[0108] Furthermore, the tenth aspect of the present invention provides a computer program stored in a storage medium for implementing one of the methods of the seventh and ninth aspects.

[0109] In addition, the present invention is characterized by including: a heater; and a battery for supplying power to the heater;

[0110] A memory stores one or more instructions for controlling the heater; and a processor uses the instructions to operate the battery. The instructions include temperature configuration information for the heater.

[0111] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the processor includes the memory.

[0112] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized by further including an input unit, which provides an input signal to the processor requesting to start working; the processor, upon receiving the input signal, accesses the memory.

[0113] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the temperature configuration information includes at least one vaporization temperature holding range, at least one vaporization temperature decreasing range, at least one minimum vaporization temperature holding range, and at least one suction range for the heater used to heat the vaporized material to a specified temperature above so as to release the vaporized substance.

[0114] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that it further includes a temperature sensor, which provides the processor with temperature measurement information generated by measuring the temperature of the heater.

[0115] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the processor uses the comparison result of the temperature measurement information and the temperature configuration information to adjust the power supplied by the battery.

[0116] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that it further includes: a housing; a retainer located between the housing and the heater, through which a cigarette penetrating the heater is supported; and an insulating member located between the housing and the retainer.

[0117] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the insulating member includes a heat-insulating material that minimizes the heat loss of the heater.

[0118] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that it further includes: a housing; a retainer located between the housing and the heater, which supports a cigarette passing through the heater via the housing; and an insulating member is attached to the contact surface of the retainer that contacts the housing.

[0119] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the insulating member includes a heat-insulating material that minimizes the heat loss of the heater.

[0120] The fine particle generating apparatus of the present invention, for achieving the purpose described above, generates fine particles so that a user can inhale the fine particles through inhalation. The fine particle generating apparatus includes: a heater that generates heat through resistance when an electric current is applied; an energy storage device that can supply the heater with instantaneously increased power; and a control device for controlling the heater. The heater heats a vaporized material containing a substance (vaporized substance) that vaporizes when heated to a predetermined temperature above a certain temperature to generate fine particles.

[0121] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the control device controls the heater to heat the gasified material to below the combustion temperature of the gasified material, so as to prevent the gasified material from burning.

[0122] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the control device controls the heater through a preheating step, a vaporization temperature reaching step, and a vaporization temperature holding step.

[0123] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the control device heats the heater to a temperature below and close to the combustion temperature of the gasification material during the preheating step.

[0124] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the control device stops supplying power to the heater during the vaporization temperature reaching step, so as to reduce the temperature of the heater to the minimum vaporization temperature of the vaporized substance.

[0125] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the control device controls the temperature of the heater to be maintained between the highest vaporization temperature and the lowest vaporization temperature at which the vaporization amount of the vaporized substance is maximized.

[0126] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that when the temperature of the heater reaches the minimum vaporization temperature, the control device supplies power to the heater, and when the maximum vaporization temperature is reached, the control device stops supplying power.

[0127] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the fine particle generating device includes a computing device, which recognizes that the user is inhaling the particles if the temperature drop rate of the heater increases.

[0128] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that if the user is detected to be inhaling, the control device supplies power to the heater at maximum power to heat the heater to the highest vaporization temperature.

[0129] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the fine particle generating device includes a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the heater.

[0130] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the fine particle generating device detects temperature by detecting changes in the thermal resistance of the heater.

[0131] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the temperature sensor of the fine particle generating device is attached to the heater.

[0132] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the heater is in the shape of a bee needle.

[0133] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the heater is in the shape of a pentagonal plate.

[0134] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the heater is in the shape of a hollow cylinder.

[0135] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the heater is in the shape of a hollow cylinder, and the gasifying material is inserted into the heater and heated.

[0136] The terminology used in the embodiments has been selected as widely used and common terms as possible with regard to the purpose of this invention. However, the terminology may be changed based on the intent of those skilled in the art, precedents, or the emergence of new technologies in the field. Furthermore, in certain cases, the applicant may arbitrarily choose some terms, and in such cases, the meaning of the selected terms will be described in detail in the descriptive section of this specification. Therefore, the terminology used in this invention should be defined based on the meaning of the terms and the content of the entire specification, rather than simply the names of the terms.

[0137] Throughout the specification, when a section "includes" a component, unless there is a description of its characteristics to the contrary, it indicates that the section may also include other components, rather than excluding other components. Furthermore, terms such as "~part" and "~module" used in the specification refer to units that perform at least one function or action, which can be implemented as hardware or software, or as a combination of hardware and software.

[0138] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art can readily implement the invention. However, the present invention can be implemented in many different ways and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0139] The fine particle generating device of the present invention is used to generate fine particles so that a user can inhale them through inhalation. The fine particle generating device includes: a heater that heats up through resistance when an electric current is applied; an energy storage device that can supply the heater with a momentary surge of power; a display device that can display device usage information to the user; and a control device that controls at least one of the heater, the energy storage device, and the display device. The heater heats a vaporized material containing a substance that vaporizes when heated to a predetermined temperature or above (vaporized substance) to generate fine particles.

[0140] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the usage information of the device at least shows the number of times the fine particle generating device is used per day, and the number of times a single use is defined by the number of inhalation behaviors or the duration of use.

[0141] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the fine particle generating device includes a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the heater.

[0142] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the fine particle generating device includes a computing device, which determines whether the user has inhaled the particles by detecting the instantaneous temperature change rate of the heater.

[0143] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that if the user inhales the fine particle generating device at least once within 10 minutes after the power is turned on, the number of uses is increased by 1.

[0144] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the fine particle generating device includes a charging section that charges the energy storage device with external power.

[0145] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the fine particle generating device includes an information transmission unit that transmits usage information to the outside.

[0146] Furthermore, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the fine particle generating device includes an external power supply device, the external power supply device including: a power supply storage device; a power transmission unit connected to the fine particle generating device wirelessly or wiredly to transmit power; a power display device for displaying the remaining power of the power supply storage device; a display device for displaying usage information of the fine particle generating device; and a control unit for controlling at least one of the power supply storage device, the power transmission unit, the power display device, and the display device.

[0147] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that, when the external power supply device is connected to the microparticle generating device, the usage information of the microparticle generating device is synchronized wirelessly or via wired means.

[0148] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that if the amount of electricity supplied by the external power supply device to the fine particle generating device is above a predetermined amount, especially above the amount of electricity consumed in at least one inhalation action, the number of times the fine particle generating device is used is increased by 1.

[0149] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that either or both of the fine particle generating device and the external power supply device include a timer.

[0150] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that either or both of the fine particle generating device and the external power supply device include an input unit for resetting the number of times the fine particle generating device is used.

[0151] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the daily usage count is reset every day.

[0152] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the fine particle generating device includes an input unit that can specify one of the usage information for a maximum number of uses.

[0153] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that if the fine particle generating device reaches the maximum number of uses per day, the subsequent power supply to the fine particle generating device is cut off.

[0154] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the fine particle generating device is connected to a smart device wirelessly or via a wired connection and uses information synchronously.

[0155] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the smart device connected to the microparticle generating device wirelessly or via a wired connection is capable of analyzing usage information and displaying the analysis.

[0156] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the fine particle generating device includes a human body recognition device, and the fine particle generating device can only be controlled by users who have been authenticated by the human body recognition device.

[0157] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the microparticle generating device only allows users who have been authenticated by the human body recognition device to modify the usage information.

[0158] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the fine particle generating device includes an adult authentication device, and the fine particle generating device can only be controlled by users who have been authenticated as adults by the adult authentication device.

[0159] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the fine particle generating device includes an inhalation sensor for detecting the amount of inhalation generated by each inhalation action of the user, and also includes a nicotine calculation unit for calculating the amount of nicotine inhaled based on the detected inhalation amount.

[0160] The fine particle generating apparatus of the present invention is used to generate fine particles so that a user can inhale them through inhalation. It is characterized by comprising: a heater that heats through resistance when an electric current is applied; an energy storage device that supplies the heater with a momentarily increased power; an inhalation condition changing unit that can change the inhalation conditions of the fine particles; and a control device that controls at least one of the heater, the energy storage device, and the inhalation condition changing unit. The heater heats a vaporized material containing a substance that vaporizes when heated to a predetermined temperature or above (vaporized substance) to generate fine particles.

[0161] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized by including an external power supply device that is connected to the fine particle generating device to supply power to the energy storage device.

[0162] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the inhalation condition changing unit changes the inhalation condition in a manner that selects one of at least two prescribed inhalation conditions.

[0163] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the inhalation condition changing unit includes an input device for receiving input from the user to change the inhalation conditions.

[0164] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the inhalation conditions of fine particles are at least composed of the temperature of the heater.

[0165] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that a gasification material containing a variety of gasification substances with different minimum gasification temperatures is used as the gasification material.

[0166] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that at least a portion of the various vaporized substances contains nicotine, wherein the nicotine content of the vaporized substances is different from that of each other.

[0167] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the fine particle generating device includes a control device that continuously maintains the temperature of the heater, which is selected as the inhalation condition.

[0168] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the inhalation conditions of the fine particles are at least composed of the inhalation volume generated by each inhalation action of the user.

[0169] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the fine particle generating device includes an inhalation sensor for detecting the amount of inhalation generated in each inhalation.

[0170] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the control device predicts the temperature of the heater due to the user's inhalation behavior by detecting the inhalation volume, thereby controlling the power supply to keep the heater temperature at a specified level.

[0171] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the fine particle generating device includes an RFID reader capable of identifying RFID tags contained in the gasified material.

[0172] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the control device changes the temperature control configuration information based on the gasified material identified by the RFID reader.

[0173] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that a gasification material containing a gasification substance that is harmless to the human body is used as the gasification material.

[0174] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that a gasification material containing gasification substances beneficial to the human body is used as the gasification material.

[0175] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that a gasification material containing a gasification substance that produces a pharmacological effect on the human body is used as the gasification material.

[0176] Another embodiment is characterized in that a gasification material containing a plant bactericide is used as the gasification material.

[0177] The fine particle generating device of the present invention is used to generate fine particles so that a user can inhale them through inhalation. The fine particle generating device includes: a heater that heats up through resistance when an electric current is applied; an energy storage device that can supply the heater with a momentary surge of power; and a control device for controlling the heater. The heater heats a vaporized material containing a substance that vaporizes when heated to a predetermined temperature or above (vaporized substance) to generate fine particles. In particular, the fine particles can be fine particles that can float in the air, i.e., aerosols.

[0178] A feature of one embodiment of the present invention is that the control device controls the heater to heat the gasifying material to below the combustion temperature of the gasifying material, so as to prevent the gasifying material from burning. The gasifying material can be liquid or solid. For example, the gasifying material can be nicotine, or it can be a substance with any aroma or taste.

[0179] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the control device controls the heater through a preheating step, a vaporization temperature reaching step, and a vaporization temperature holding step.

[0180] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the control device heats the heater to a temperature below and close to the combustion temperature of the gasification material during the preheating step.

[0181] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the control device stops supplying power to the heater during the vaporization temperature reaching step, so as to reduce the temperature of the heater to the minimum vaporization temperature of the vaporized substance.

[0182] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the control device controls the temperature of the heater to be maintained between the highest vaporization temperature and the lowest vaporization temperature at which the vaporization amount of the vaporized substance is maximized.

[0183] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that when the temperature of the heater reaches the minimum vaporization temperature, the control device supplies power to the heater, and when the maximum vaporization temperature is reached, the control device stops supplying power.

[0184] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the fine particle generating device includes a computing device, which recognizes that the user is inhaling the particles if the temperature drop rate of the heater increases.

[0185] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that if the user is detected to be inhaling, the control device supplies power to the heater at maximum power to heat the heater to the highest vaporization temperature.

[0186] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the fine particle generating device includes a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the heater.

[0187] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the fine particle generating device detects temperature by detecting changes in the thermal resistance of the heater.

[0188] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the temperature sensor of the fine particle generating device is attached to the heater.

[0189] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the heater is in the shape of a bee needle.

[0190] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the heater is in the shape of a pentagonal plate.

[0191] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the heater is in the shape of a hollow cylinder.

[0192] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the heater is in the shape of a hollow cylinder, and the gasifying material is inserted into the heater and heated.

[0193] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments and accompanying drawings. Furthermore, aerosol can refer to air containing fine particles, and hereinafter, a fine particle generating device can refer to an apparatus that generates or produces aerosols. For ease of description, fine particles can be understood as including the concept of aerosols. Therefore, generating or producing fine particles can refer to generating or producing aerosols containing fine particles.

[0194] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view showing an embodiment of a fine particle generating device and an external power supply device. Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of a fine particle generating device and an external power supply device according to an embodiment. Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating one embodiment of a fine particle generating apparatus. (Refer to...) Figures 1 to 3In one embodiment, the external power supply device 1000 includes separable housings 200. The interior of each housing 200 is divided into components for mounting the external power supply device 1000, and it has multiple latches 205 and slots 206, thus forming a structure that allows the housings 200 to be fastened together. An auxiliary energy storage device 400 and an auxiliary power supply device 500 can be mounted in the receiving portion 401 of the external power supply device 1000. A rotating shaft 303 is supported by holes 301 formed on both sides of the charging receiving portion 300, and the rotating shaft 303 is inserted into a groove 202 formed inside the housing 200, allowing the charging receiving portion 300 to be mounted in the housing 200 of the external power supply device 100. The charging receiving portion 300 is configured to accommodate a fine particle generating device 100. The auxiliary power supply device 500 and the auxiliary energy storage device are connected by wiring. The auxiliary power supply device 500 is connected to a charging terminal 302 formed in the charging receiving portion 300 by wiring 207. The auxiliary power supply device 500 controls the auxiliary power storage device 400 to be charged via a conventional external power source using a USB port 506, such as one built into the housing, and displays the charging status of the auxiliary power storage device 400 via an LED 501. For example, see reference... Figure 1Each LED 501 has three LEDs, and one, two, or all three LEDs can be lit depending on the charging level. When all three LEDs are lit, it indicates that the energy storage device 400 is charged to its maximum value. Each LED of the LED 501 can be illuminated to the outside of the housing 200 through a hole 505 on another housing 200 that is connected to the housing 200 on which the LED 501 is mounted. In addition, the housing 200 has a button 503 protruding to the outside of the housing 200 through a hole 504, and the button 503 is supported by a fixing protrusion 502 inside the housing 200. Button 503 is connected to auxiliary power supply device 500 via wiring. When the fine particle generating device 100 is housed in the charging housing 300 in the vertical direction parallel to the housing, pressing button 530 causes the auxiliary power supply device 500 to supply heat to the suction opening of the fine particle generating device 100 through the charging terminal 302 of the charging housing 300, thereby melting the soot or foreign matter adhering to the fine particle generating device 100 and achieving a cleaning effect. When the fine particle generating device 100 is housed in the charging housing 300 at an angle to the housing 200, pressing button 530 causes the auxiliary power supply device 500 to supply power from the auxiliary energy storage device 400 to the fine particle generating device 100 through the charging terminal 302 of the charging housing 300, thereby preheating the fine particle generating device 100. With the fine particle generating device 100 housed in the charging receiving section 300, the charging terminal 302 provided in the charging receiving section 300 is connected to the charging terminal 30 in the fine particle generating device 100 facing the charging terminal 302. Power charged in the auxiliary energy storage device 400 under the control of the auxiliary power supply device 500 can be supplied to the fine particle generating device 100 under the control of the auxiliary power supply device 500. The auxiliary power supply device 500 has a wireless communication port, therefore it can directly supply power to the fine particle generating device 100 via wired or wireless means.

[0195] Furthermore, the housing 200 includes a magnet 201, and the charging receiving portion 300 has a magnet at a predetermined position facing the magnet 201 and is magnetically mounted to the housing 200. Additionally, a magnet 204 is also obliquely disposed at the lower part of the housing 200, and the fine particle generating device 100 is housed in the charging receiving portion 300 by the mutual magnetic force between the magnets 60 of the fine particle generating device 100 located at the same height as the magnet 204.

[0196] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the main parts of an embodiment of the fine particle generating apparatus of the present invention. (Refer to...) Figure 3One embodiment of the fine particle generating device includes: a button 40, which preheats the fine particle generating device by being pressed; a heater 20, which heats up through resistance when an electric current is applied; a power storage device 70, which can supply the heater 20 with a momentary surge of power; and a control device 50, which controls the heater 20. The heater 20 heats a vaporizing material contained in a cartridge 10 to generate fine particles, the vaporizing material containing a substance (vaporized substance) that vaporizes when heated to a predetermined temperature or higher. For example, when an electronic cigarette in the form of a cigarette filled with paper impregnated or coated with inhalation material is inserted into the cartridge 10, the heater 20 is heated to vaporize the inhalation material inside the cigarette section, and the user can inhale the vaporized inhalation material through the filter section. When the power of the heater 20 is insufficient, causing the fine particle generating device 100 to malfunction and requiring recharging, or when the fine particle generating device is ready to operate, the control device 50 drives the motor 80, thereby causing the fine particle generating device 100 to vibrate, which can then be detected by the user. Furthermore, the control device 50 displays the remaining power of the energy storage device 70 via other display units formed in the fine particle generating device 100. Even if the power of the heater 20 is insufficient, causing the fine particle generating device 100 to malfunction, the status can still be displayed via the display units. When the fine particle generating device 100 is housed in the charging housing 300 of the external power supply device 1000, the energy storage device 70 can be connected to wiring and receive power via the charging terminal 30 of the fine particle generating device 100, which is connected to the terminal 302 of the charging housing 300. When the fine particle generating device 100 receives power, the control device 50 can display the power supplied to the energy storage device 70 via the display units. The fine particle generating device 100 can communicate data with the charging terminal 302 of the external power supply device 1000 via the charging terminal 30. Furthermore, the fine particle generating device 100 may have other wireless communication ports. The control device 50 can communicate with the auxiliary power supply device 500 wirelessly via the wireless communication ports provided in the fine particle generating device 100 and the external power supply device 500, thereby obtaining power from the external power supply device 1000 wirelessly. The energy storage device 70 can be separated from the fine particle generating device 100. The external power supply device 1000 has multiple accommodating portions for accommodating the energy storage device, thus it can also accommodate and charge one or more energy storage devices separated from the fine particle generating device 100. Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a power generation unit that converts external energy such as light energy or mechanical energy into electrical energy can be built into the fine particle generating device 100 to generate electricity and charge the energy storage device 70.

[0197] Figure 4 This is a schematic block diagram of one embodiment of a fine particle generating apparatus. (Refer to...) Figure 4One embodiment of a fine particle generating device is used to generate fine particles so that a user can inhale them through inhalation. The fine particle generating device includes: a heater 20 that heats through resistance when an electric current is applied; an energy storage device 70 that supplies the heater 20 with a momentary surge of power; a display device 57 that displays usage information of the device to the user; and a control device 50 that controls at least one of the heater 20, the energy storage device 70, and the display device 57. The heater 20 heats a vaporized material containing a substance that vaporizes when heated to a predetermined temperature or above (vaporized substance) to generate fine particles. In one embodiment, the heater 20 can utilize electricity to generate aerosols. The heater 20 can convert electricity obtained from the energy storage device 70 into heat energy to generate fine particles and / or aerosols.

[0198] The fine particle generating device of the present invention includes a temperature sensor 21 for detecting the temperature of a heater 20, and a processing unit that determines whether a user has inhaled the particle by detecting the instantaneous rate of temperature change of the heater 20. The temperature sensor 21 can detect temperature. For example, the temperature sensor 21 can detect the temperature of the heater 20. In this case, the temperature sensor 21 can determine the instantaneous rate of temperature change of the heater 20 (e.g., the amount of temperature change per unit time). Depending on the specific implementation of the fine particle generating device 100, the amount of temperature change of the heater 20 per unit time can be determined by the temperature sensor 21, by the processing unit 53, or by the control device 50. If the control device 50 determines through the processing unit 53 that the user has inhaled the particle, it counts the number of inhalations. The control device 50 displays usage information via a display device 57, for example, displaying the number of times the fine particle generating device is used per day. The number of uses per session can be defined by the number of inhalations or the duration of use. Figure 4 As shown, the arithmetic unit 53 can be implemented in a structure independent of the control unit 50. However, the arithmetic unit 53 may be included in the control unit 50. According to one embodiment, the control unit 50 can execute all the operations performed by the arithmetic unit 53; if the control unit 50 is capable of executing the operations performed by the arithmetic unit 53, the arithmetic unit 53 may be omitted. Furthermore, the control unit 50 can perform operations in... Figure 4The functions performed by the human body recognition device 52, adult authentication device 54, nicotine calculation unit 55, timer 56, etc., disclosed in the original text, can be omitted in this case. In one embodiment, the control device 50 can determine whether inhalation has occurred based on the detected temperature change per unit time. The control device 50 can determine whether inhalation has occurred based on the magnitude or change of the temperature change per unit time of the heater 20. For example, when the temperature change per unit time of the heater 20 is greater than or equal to a preset first value, the control device 50 determines that inhalation has occurred. When inhalation has occurred, since the amount of external air inhaled per unit time is greater than or equal to a preset value, the temperature change per unit time of the heater 20 will be higher than a specified level. Therefore, when the temperature change per unit time of the heater 20 is greater than or equal to a preset first value, the control device 50 determines that the user has inhaled or inhaled. As another example, when the temperature change per unit time of the heater 20 is less than a preset second value, it can be determined that there is no inhalation. When there is no inhalation, external air can flow into the fine particle generating device 100. For example, when a user walks while holding the fine particle generator 100, outside air can flow into the fine particle generator 100. However, in the absence of inhalation or suction, the amount of outside air inhaled per unit time is less than a preset value, and the temperature change of the heater 20 per unit time will be lower than a specified level. Therefore, when the temperature change of the heater 20 per unit time is less than a preset second value, the control device 50 determines that the user is not inhaling or suctioning. In the above, the first value and the second value can be the same or different. The first value and the second value can be preset values, which can be determined by the user or updated according to the surrounding environment (e.g., ambient temperature) depending on the situation. In addition, in one embodiment, the control device 50 can continuously or periodically determine whether there is inhalation behavior, limited to the case where outside air inflow is detected by the inhalation sensor 22, etc., and determine whether there is inhalation behavior based on the temperature change per unit time. For example, when outside air inflow is detected by the inhalation sensor 22, etc., the control device 50 can obtain information representing the temperature change of the heater 20 per unit time from the temperature sensor 21, and determine whether there is inhalation behavior based on the temperature change of the heater 21 per unit time. According to one embodiment, the inhalation sensor 22 can determine whether air is flowing into the fine particle generating device 100 by utilizing the movement rate of the air flowing into the fine particle generating device 100. In this case, when the movement rate of the air flowing into the fine particle generating device 100 is above a preset value, the temperature sensor 21 can detect the amount of temperature change of the heater 20 per unit time. When the movement rate of the air flowing into the fine particle generating device 100 is above the preset value, the control device 50 can determine whether there is inhalation behavior based on the amount of temperature change of the heater 20 per unit time. When there is inhalation behavior, in one embodiment, the control device 50 supplies power to the heater 20 to generate fine particles or aerosols. In addition, when there is inhalation behavior, the control device 50 can be updated by increasing the existing number of uses and / or the number of inhalations.The number of uses can refer to the number of times the fine particle generating device 100 is used, and the number of inhalations can refer to the number of times aspiration or inhalation occurs. For example, a single use may result in multiple inhalations. Furthermore, as described later, the number of uses per instance can be defined as the number of inhalation acts or the duration of use. For example, a preset number of inhalations may correspond to a single use; as another example, a preset time of work may correspond to a single use. However, the meaning of the number of uses or inhalations is not limited to the above interpretations.

[0199] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, if the user inhales the fine particle generating device 100 at least once within 10 minutes after the power is turned on, the usage count is incremented by 1. The control device 50 can reset the daily usage count of the fine particle generating device 100 as needed.

[0200] Additionally, one embodiment of the fine particle generating apparatus of the present invention may include a charging unit 71 that charges an external power storage device 70 to obtain external power from an external power supply device 1000. The external power supply device 1000 includes: a power supply storage device 1005; a power transmission unit 1006 that is wirelessly or wired connected to the fine particle generating apparatus 100 to transmit power; a power display device 1002 that displays the remaining power of the power supply storage device 1005; a display device 1007 that displays usage information of the fine particle generating apparatus 100; and a control unit 1001 that controls at least one of the power supply storage device 1005, the power transmission unit 1006, the power display device 1002, and the display device 1007. The fine particle generating apparatus 100 includes an information transmission unit 58 that transmits usage information to the external power supply device 1000. When the external power supply device 1000 is connected to the fine particle generating apparatus 100, the usage information of the fine particle generating apparatus 100 is synchronized wirelessly or wired. Therefore, the external power supply device 1000 can display usage information obtained from the fine particle generating device 100 on the display device 1007. The display device 1007 can display various information according to the control of the control device 50 or the control unit 1001. For example, the display device 1007 can display the number of uses or the number of inhalations. The number of uses or the number of inhalations can be updated and stored by the control device 50 or the control unit 1001. In one embodiment, the energy storage device 70 can refer to a battery for outputting electrical energy. Specifically, the energy storage device 70 can supply power to one or more structures provided in the fine particle generating device 100. For example, the energy storage device 70 can supply power to the heater 20, the control device 50, the temperature sensor 21, the inhalation sensor 22, the display device 57, etc.

[0201] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, if the amount of electricity supplied by the external power supply device 1000 to the fine particle generating device 100 is greater than a predetermined amount, particularly greater than the amount of electricity consumed in at least one inhalation action, the number of uses of the fine particle generating device 100 is incremented by 1. Either the fine particle generating device 100 or the external power supply device 1000 may include a timer 56, 1004 capable of timing. Therefore, the usage time of the user's inhalation action can be timed.

[0202] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, either or both of the fine particle generating device 100 and the external power supply device 1000 may include input units 51 and 1003 capable of resetting the number of uses of the fine particle generating device 100. The input units 51 and 1003 may reset the daily usage count daily or specify a maximum daily usage count based on one of the usage information. If the fine particle generating device 100 reaches the maximum daily usage count, the control device 50 will cut off the power supplied from the energy storage device 70 to the heater to prevent overuse.

[0203] In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the fine particle generating device 100 can be connected to the smart device 2000 wirelessly or wiredly and synchronize usage information. The smart device 2000, which is connected to the fine particle generating device 100 wirelessly or wiredly, analyzes usage information such as the number of times it is used per day and displays the analysis content, such as the average number of times it is used per day over a month, on the smart device 2000, or transmits data to the fine particle generating device and displays the analysis content as described above through the display device 57 of the fine particle generating device 100.

[0204] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the microparticle generating device 100 includes a human body recognition device 52 such as an iris recognition device and a fingerprint recognition device. The control device 50 requests biometric information from the user through the display device 57, and only users who have been authenticated by the human body recognition device 52 can control the microparticle generating device 100 or modify the usage information.

[0205] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the fine particle generating device 100 includes an adult authentication device 54, and the control device 50 allows only users authenticated as adults by the adult authentication device 54 to control and use the fine particle generating device 100. For example, in order to use the fine particle generating device 100, the control device 50 requests the adult authentication device 54 to perform an authentication step via the display device 57. If the user is not authenticated as an adult by the adult authentication device 54, the control device 50 controls the heater 20 to deactivate, thereby preventing the user from using the fine particle generating device 100. Therefore, it is possible to prevent minors such as teenagers or children from using the fine particle generating device 100. Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the fine particle generating device 100 includes an inhalation sensor 22 for detecting the amount of inhalation generated by each inhalation of the user, and a nicotine calculation unit 55 for calculating the amount of nicotine inhaled based on the detected inhalation amount. Furthermore, the calculation information can be displayed on the display device 57. Therefore, the user can refer to the calculation information to help prevent excessive inhalation. In one embodiment, the inhalation sensor 22 can detect air introduced into the fine particle generating device 100. The inhalation sensor 22 can detect air introduced into the fine particle generating device 100 by inhalation or suction. Furthermore, even when air flows into the fine particle generating device 100 without inhalation or suction, the inhalation sensor 22 can detect the incoming air. For example, even if outside air flows in due to simple shaking, the inhalation sensor 22 can detect the incoming air.

[0206] In one embodiment, the control unit 1001 or control device 50 may be implemented by a processor (not shown). A processor (not shown) is a structure that processes information or data and can implement the control unit 1001 or control device 50.

[0207] Figure 5 This is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a fine particle generating apparatus. (Refer to...) Figure 5 One embodiment of the fine particle generating apparatus 100 includes: a heater 20 that generates heat through resistance when an electric current is applied; an energy storage device 70 that can supply the heater 20 with instantaneously increased power; an inhalation condition changing unit 90 that can change the inhalation conditions of the fine particles; and a control device 50 that controls at least one of the heater 20, the energy storage device 70, and the inhalation condition changing unit 90. The heater 20 heats a vaporized material containing a substance that vaporizes when heated to a predetermined temperature or above (vaporized substance) to generate fine particles.

[0208] The inhalation condition changing unit 90 includes an input device through which the user inputs inhalation conditions to change the inhalation condition. The inhalation condition changing unit 90 allows selection of at least two or more specified inhalation conditions. The inhalation condition can be adjusted by incorporating the temperature of the heater 20. The control device 50 maintains the temperature of the heater 20 selected as the inhalation condition. For example, the user can set inhalation conditions such as a set temperature and temperature holding time through the inhalation condition changing unit 90, depending on the type of vaporizing material. Therefore, when the user uses the fine particle generating device 100, the fine particle generating device 100 operates at a temperature that provides a satisfactory inhalation sensation depending on the type of vaporizing material.

[0209] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, at least the inhalation volume generated by each inhalation action of the user can be considered as a component of the inhalation conditions, and an inhalation sensor 91 for detecting the inhalation volume generated by each inhalation action of the user can be included. Therefore, the control device 50 detects the inhalation volume by means of the inhalation sensor 91, thereby predicting the temperature of the heater 20 that decreases due to the user's inhalation action, and then controls the power supply to maintain the temperature of the heater 20 at a predetermined level, thereby enabling adjustment of the atomization amount.

[0210] In one embodiment, the control device 50 acquires the detection result of air introduced into the fine particle generating device 100 by inhalation or inhalation from the inhalation sensor 91, thereby enabling it to control the power supply to the heater 20 based on the detection result acquired from the inhalation sensor. Specifically, the control device 50 can control the power supply to the heater to maintain the temperature of the heater 20 within a preset range. For example, the control device 50 determines the predicted temperature drop of the heater 20 based on the amount of air produced by each inhalation action of the user, and controls the power supply to the heater 20 based on the determined predicted temperature to maintain the temperature of the heater 20 within the preset range. As an example, the control device 50 can control the power supply to the heater to ensure that power is supplied to the heater 20 before the temperature of the heater 20 drops to a predetermined temperature due to inhalation or the user's inhalation action. The control device 50 can use the information acquired from the inhalation sensor 91 to control the heater 20. The control device 50 can control the power supplied to the heater 20 based on the information acquired from the inhalation sensor 91. For example, the control device 50 can obtain information such as the amount of air introduced into the fine particle generating device 100 due to inhalation or suction from the inhalation sensor 91, the air temperature, and the air movement rate, and control the power supply to the heater 20 based on the information obtained from the inhalation sensor so that the temperature of the heater 20 is maintained within a preset range.

[0211] The control device 50 can adjust not only the temperature of the heater 20, but also the temperature holding time of the heater 20, thereby adjusting the atomization amount. The inhalation sensor 91 can acquire information about the air introduced into the fine particle generating device 100 due to inhalation or suction. For example, the inhalation sensor 91 can detect the amount of air introduced into the fine particle generating device 100 due to inhalation or suction, the air temperature, the air movement rate, etc. Furthermore, the inhalation sensor 91 can provide data to the control device 50. The data detected in the inhalation sensor 91 can be transmitted to the control device 50.

[0212] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, as a vaporizing material, a vaporizing material comprising multiple vaporizing substances having different minimum vaporization temperatures can be used. At least a portion of the multiple vaporizing substances contains nicotine, and the nicotine content of the portion of the vaporizing substances may differ from one another. The user can select or change the inhalation conditions through the input device of the inhalation condition changing unit 90 as described above, referring to the type of vaporizing substance, nicotine content, etc., according to the type of vaporizing material.

[0213] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the fine particle generating device includes an RFID reader 92 capable of identifying RFID tags that may be contained in the atomizing material. The RFID tags may contain information about the type of atomizing material, the atomizing substance, and the nicotine content. The control device 50 can change to a set optimal temperature control profile based on the information about the atomizing material identified by the RFID reader as described above. Therefore, the control device 50 can control the heater 20 according to the changed optimal temperature control profile, thereby providing the user with optimal atomization and inhalation sensation. The control device 50 can determine the temperature control profile of the heater based on the detection result of air introduced into the fine particle generating device 100 due to inhalation or inhalation, and then control the power supply to the heater 20 according to the determined temperature control profile. The heater 20 generates aerosol according to the control of the control device 50. Specifically, the control device 50 can determine a temperature control profile corresponding to the detection result from multiple temperature control profile profiles. For example, the control device 50 can determine the temperature control configuration information corresponding to the amount of air inhaled by a user's single inhalation from multiple temperature control configuration information. As another example, the control device 50 can determine one of the multiple temperature control configuration information based on at least one of the air volume, air temperature, and air movement rate detected by the inhalation sensor 91. The control device 50 determines the temperature of the heater 20, the temperature holding time, the amount of temperature change over time, etc., so that it can correspond to the determined temperature control configuration information. Using the temperature control configuration information determined based on the detection results of air introduced into the fine particle generating device 100 through inhalation or inhalation, the fine particle generating device 100 is operated, thereby providing a satisfactory inhalation sensation. For example, initially, the fine particle generating device 100 determines the currently used vaporizing material by detecting the air introduced into the fine particle generating device 100 through inhalation or inhalation, and then operates according to the temperature control configuration information corresponding to the determined vaporizing material. As another example, if a user inhales forcefully three times when first starting to smoke, the fine particle generating device 100 operates with temperature control settings in an overheating mode. Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, various vaporizing materials can be used. For example, vaporizing materials containing harmless vaporizing substances, beneficial vaporizing substances, substances that produce pharmacological effects, or plant bactericides can be used, depending on preference. Temperature control settings can be preset based on the type of vaporizing material, or the user can select inhalation conditions to use the fine particle generating device.

[0214] In one embodiment, the control device 50 may be implemented by a processor (not shown). The processor (not shown) is a structure that processes information or data and can implement the control device 50.

[0215] Figure 6 This is a perspective view illustrating the usable state of a fine particle generating apparatus according to an embodiment, housed within an external power supply device. (Refer to...) Figure 6 The fine particle generating device 100 can be housed in the charging housing 300 of the external power supply device 1000 to obtain power. When the user wants to use the fine particle generating device 100, with the fine particle generating device 100 housed in the charging housing 300 of the external power supply device 1000 by means of the magnet 60, if the lower end of the fine particle generating device 100 is pushed, the fine particle generating device 100 will be housed in the external power supply device 1000 by means of the magnet 60 provided thereon. With the charging housing 300 in a state where it is in close contact with the magnet 204 positioned at a predetermined angle on the housing, the fine particle generating device 100 tilts outward at a predetermined angle, causing a portion of its upper part to protrude outward. When a user inserts a cigarette-type electronic cigarette into the cartridge 10 of the fine particle generating device 100 and presses the button 503 of the external power supply device 1000, the fine particle generating device 100 is preheated and can then be used. Therefore, the fine particle generating device 100 can be used continuously without interruption of inhalation while receiving power from the external power supply device 1000.

[0216] Figure 7 This is a perspective view illustrating the process of separating a fine particle generating apparatus from an external power supply device according to an embodiment. (Refer to...) Figure 7 When the user separates the fine particle generating device from the external power supply device, as described above, if a predetermined force is applied to the fine particle generating device 100 while it is tilted against the external power supply device and partially protruding, the magnetic force between the fine particle generating device 100 and the external power supply device 1000 will be overcome and the device will be pulled out.

[0217] Figure 9 This is a block diagram illustrating the hardware structure of the fine particle generating apparatus of the present invention. (Refer to...) Figure 9The fine particle generating apparatus 100 of the present invention includes: a heater 20, which heats up through resistance when an electric current is applied; an energy storage device 70, which can provide the heater 20 with instantaneously increased power; and a control device 50 for controlling the heater 20. The heater 20 heats a vaporized material containing a substance that vaporizes when heated to a predetermined temperature (vaporized material) to generate fine particles. In particular, the fine particles can be fine particles capable of floating in the air, i.e., aerosols. The vaporized material can be liquid or solid, and can be, for example, nicotine, or a substance with any aroma or flavor. The control device 50 controls the heater 20 to heat below the combustion temperature of the vaporized material to prevent combustion. When the fine particle generating apparatus 100 is operating, the heater is controlled by a preheating step, a vaporization temperature reaching step, and a vaporization temperature holding step. In the preheating step, the control device 50 heats the heater 20 to a temperature below but near the combustion temperature of the gasifying material. In the vaporization temperature reaching step, the power supply to the heater 20 is stopped to allow the temperature of the heater 20 to drop to the minimum vaporization temperature of the gasified substance. In the vaporization temperature holding step, the control device 50 controls the temperature of the heater 20 to be maintained between the maximum vaporization temperature and the minimum vaporization temperature, where the maximum vaporization temperature is the temperature at which the amount of gasified substance reaches its maximum. When the temperature of the heater 20 reaches the minimum vaporization temperature, the control device 50 supplies power to the heater 20; when the maximum vaporization temperature is reached, the power supply is stopped. By controlling the heater 20 as described above, power is effectively managed. Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the fine particle generating device includes a computing device 53. If the rate of temperature drop of the heater increases, the computing device identifies that the user has inhaled the particle. If inhalation is detected, the control device 50 supplies power to the heater 20 at maximum power to heat the heater 20 to the maximum vaporization temperature. Furthermore, after the fine particle generating device 100 has been running for a predetermined period of time, if the computing device 53 does not detect any inhalation behavior by the user, the control device 50 will cut off the power supply to the heater 20 to prevent unnecessary power consumption. Additionally, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the fine particle generating device 100 includes a temperature sensor 21 for detecting the temperature of the heater 20. The temperature sensor 21 is attached to the heater 20 and detects the temperature by detecting changes in the thermal resistance of the heater 20.

[0218] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the heater 20 can be a heater 20 of various shapes with excellent thermal conductivity. For example, considering thermal conductivity, the heater 20 can be in the shape of a honeycomb or a pentagonal flat plate.

[0219] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, for an electronic cigarette in the form of a cigarette impregnated or coated with a vaporizing material, the heater 20 can be made into a hollow cylindrical shape. The cigarette-shaped electronic cigarette consists of a filter and a cigarette portion containing the vaporizing material. When the electronic cigarette is inserted into the fine particle generating device 100, the cigarette portion containing the vaporizing material is inserted into the hollow hole of the heater 20. When the heater 20 is heated, causing the vaporizing material inside the cigarette portion to vaporize, the user can inhale the vaporized substance through the filter.

[0220] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating another embodiment of the fine particle generating apparatus of the present invention. Figure 11 It is shown Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment in which a cigarette is inserted into the housing of the fine particle generating device shown.

[0221] Reference Figure 10 and Figure 11 The fine particle generating apparatus 100 of the present invention may include a housing 110, a heater 120, a battery 130, an input unit 140, a motor 150, a charging unit 160, and a processor 170. Additionally, the fine particle generating apparatus 100 may include an internal space formed by the housing 110. A cigarette 1100 may be inserted into the internal space of the fine particle generating apparatus 100.

[0222] Figure 10 and Figure 11 The microparticle generating apparatus 100 shown only illustrates components relevant to this embodiment. Therefore, those skilled in the art related to this embodiment will understand that, in addition to… Figure 9 and Figure 10 Other general-purpose components besides those shown may be included in the fine particle generating apparatus 100.

[0223] When the cigarette 1100 passes through the housing of the fine particle generating device 100 into the heater 120, that is, when the cigarette 1100 is inserted into the fine particle generating device 100, the fine particle generating device 100 can heat the heater. The vaporizing material containing vaporizing substances inside the cigarette is heated to a higher temperature by the heater 120, and when heated to a predetermined temperature or above, the vaporizing material generates fine particles (e.g., aerosol). For example, when an electronic cigarette in the form of a cigarette 1100 filled with paper impregnated or coated with inhalation material is inserted into the housing, the heater 20 is heated to vaporize the inhalation material inside, allowing the user to inhale the vaporized inhalation material through the filter. However, the heater 120 can be heated even when no cigarette 1100 is inserted into the fine particle generating device 100.

[0224] The housing 110 can be separated from the fine particle generating device 100. For example, the housing 110 will separate from the fine particle generating device 100 when the user rotates the housing 110 clockwise or counterclockwise.

[0225] The diameter of the hole formed at the end 111 of the housing 110 can be made smaller than the diameter of the space formed by the housing 110 and the heater 120. In this case, it can serve to guide the cigarette 1100 inserted into the fine particle generating device 100.

[0226] A cigarette holder 112 may be included between the housing 110 and the heater 120, supporting a cigarette 1100 inserted through the heater 120. Additionally, an insulating member 113 may be included between the housing 110 and the cigarette holder 112 to minimize heat loss. The insulating member 113 may include a graphite plate, SUS (stainless steel), or other heat-insulating materials. In this embodiment, the insulating member 113 may be attached to the cigarette holder 112, and the cigarette holder 112 with the insulating member 113 attached may be assembled with the housing 110 to form a single unit. The insulating member 113 can block the dissipation of heat generated from the heater 120, thereby reducing heat loss when the power supply to the heater 120 is cut off. When SUS is used as the insulating member 113, a heat dissipation effect can be achieved.

[0227] The heater 120 can be heated by electricity from the battery 30. When the cigarette 1100 is inserted into the fine particle generating device 100, the heater 120 is located inside the cigarette 1100. Therefore, the heated heater 120 can increase the temperature of the vaporized material inside the cigarette 1100.

[0228] The heater 120 can be a combination of cylindrical and conical shapes. The diameter of the heater 120 can be a suitable size in the range of 2mm to 3mm. Preferably, the heater 120 can be made with a diameter of 2.15mm, but is not limited thereto. Additionally, the length of the heater 120 can be a suitable size in the range of 20mm to 30mm. Preferably, the heater 120 can be made with a length of 19mm, but is not limited thereto. Furthermore, the end 121 of the heater 120 can terminate at an acute angle, but is not limited thereto. In other words, there is no limitation on the shape of the heater 120 as long as it can be inserted into the cigarette 1100. Furthermore, the heater 120 can be heated only a portion. For example, assuming the length of the heater 120 is 19mm, only the portion from the end to 12mm of the heater 120 is heated, and the remaining portion of the heater 120 is not heated.

[0229] Heater 120 may be a resistance heater. For example, heater 120 may include a conductive track in which current flows, thereby heating heater 120.

[0230] For safe operation, heater 120 can be supplied with 3.2V, 2.4A, 8W power, but is not limited to this. For example, when heater 120 is powered, the surface temperature of heater 120 can rise to over 400°C. More than 15 seconds after power is supplied to heater 120, the surface temperature of heater 120 can rise to approximately 350°C.

[0231] The battery 130 provides power to operate the fine particle generating device 100. For example, the battery 130 can power the heater 120 to heat it and can provide the power required for the processor 170 to operate. In addition, the battery 130 can provide the power required for the operation of the display unit (not shown), sensor (not shown), motor 150, etc. installed in the fine particle generating device 100.

[0232] Battery 130 can be a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery, but is not limited to the examples mentioned above. For example, battery 130 can be a lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) battery, a lithium titanate battery, etc.

[0233] Additionally, battery 130 can be cylindrical with a diameter of 10mm and a length of 37mm, but is not limited to this. Battery 130 can have a capacity of 120mAh or more, and can be a rechargeable or disposable battery. For example, if battery 130 is a rechargeable battery, its charge rate (C-rate) can be 10C and its discharge rate (C-rate) can be 16C to 20C, but is not limited to this. Furthermore, for stable use, battery 130 can be manufactured to ensure that it retains more than 80% of its total capacity even after 8000 charge / discharge cycles.

[0234] Here, whether the battery is fully charged and fully discharged can be determined by the processor 170 based on the level of the power stored in the battery 130 relative to the total capacity of the battery 130. For example, when the power stored in the battery 130 is 95% or more of its total capacity, it can be determined that the battery 130 is fully charged. Conversely, when the power stored in the battery 130 is less than 10% of its total capacity, it can be determined that the battery 130 is fully discharged. However, the criteria for determining whether the battery 130 is fully charged and fully discharged are not limited to the examples described above.

[0235] The input unit 140 may include at least one button, through which the user controls the functions of the fine particle generating device 100. Input signals input to the input unit 140 are provided to the processor 170, thereby enabling the processor 170 to execute various functions corresponding to the input signals. The user can execute the desired function among multiple functions by adjusting the number of times the input unit 140 is pressed (e.g., once, twice, etc.) or the duration of pressing the input unit 140 (e.g., 0.1 seconds, 0.2 seconds). As the user operates the input unit 140, the fine particle generating device 100 begins to operate, thereby performing functions such as preheating the heater 120, adjusting the temperature of the heater 120, cleaning the space for inserting the cigarette 1100, detecting whether the fine particle generating device 100 is in an operational state, displaying the remaining battery level (available power) of the battery 130, and resetting the fine particle generating device 100. However, the functions of the fine particle generating device 100 are not limited to the examples described above.

[0236] The motor 150 can be controlled by the processor 70 to generate vibration. Depending on the state of the fine particle generating device 100, such as when the heater 120 is not powered enough and the fine particle generating device 100 cannot operate and needs to be charged, or when the fine particle generating device 100 is ready to operate, the motor 150 is driven to make the fine particle generating device 100 vibrate, so that the user can identify it.

[0237] The charging unit 160 can be controlled by the processor 170. It can communicate with an external power supply device via data communication and can also obtain power from an external power supply device. When the fine particle generating device 100 obtains power, the processor 170 displays the power supplied to the battery 130 via the display unit. In this embodiment, the charging unit 160 can be connected to an external device (not shown, for example, a user terminal loaded with an application related to the fine particle generating device or a device connected to it) and stored in a memory. Figure 12 The data or program (180) can be updated.

[0238] The processor 170 can control the operation of the fine particle generating device 100. Specifically, the processor 170 can determine whether the fine particle generating device 100 is in an operational state by checking the state of each structure of the fine particle generating device 100.

[0239] It may include at least one such processor 170, which may be implemented as a plurality of logic gate arrays, or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory 180 storing a program executable by the processor. Furthermore, those skilled in the art to which this embodiment pertains will recognize that it may also be implemented in other forms of hardware.

[0240] For example, processor 170 can control the operation of heater 120. Processor 170 can control the amount of power supplied to heater 120 and the power supply time to heat heater 120 to a specified temperature or maintain a suitable temperature. In addition, processor 170 can check the status of battery 130 (e.g., battery level), and generate a prompt signal when necessary.

[0241] In addition, the processor 170 can confirm whether the user is puffing and the intensity of the puffing, and can count the number of puffs. Furthermore, the processor 170 can continuously monitor the operating time of the microparticle generating device 100.

[0242] On the one hand, in addition to the aforementioned components, the fine particle generating device 100 may also include a general structure.

[0243] For example, the fine particle generating device 100 may include a display unit capable of outputting visual information. As an example, when the fine particle generating device 100 includes a display unit, the processor 170 can transmit to the user, via the display unit, status information of the fine particle generating device 100 (e.g., whether the device is usable), information about the heater 120 (e.g., starting preheating, preheating in progress, preheating complete), battery 130 related information (e.g., remaining capacity of the battery 30, whether it is usable), reset related information of the fine particle generating device 100 (e.g., reset timing, resetting in progress, reset complete), cleaning related information of the fine particle generating device 100 (e.g., cleaning timing, cleaning required, cleaning in progress, cleaning complete), charging related information of the fine particle generating device 100 (e.g., charging required, charging in progress, charging complete), suction related information (e.g., number of suctions, suction completion warning), or safety related information (e.g., usage time). Here, the above information is transmitted to the motor 150, and the status of the fine particle generating device 100 can be identified through touch.

[0244] For example, the fine particle generating device 100 controls the heater 120 to clean the space where the cigarette 1100 is inserted in such a way that the fine particle generating device 100 can clean the space where the cigarette 1100 is inserted by heating the heater 120 to a sufficiently high temperature. Here, a sufficiently high temperature means a temperature suitable for cleaning the space where the cigarette 1100 is inserted. For example, the fine particle generating device 100 can heat the heater 120 to the highest temperature within the temperature range that causes the inserted cigarette 1100 to generate fine particles and the temperature range that preheats the heater 120, but is not limited to this.

[0245] Furthermore, the fine particle generating device 100 can maintain the temperature of the heater 120 at a sufficiently high temperature for a predetermined duration. Here, the predetermined duration refers to a sufficient duration required to clean the space for insertion of the cigarette 1100. For example, the fine particle generating device 100 can maintain the temperature of the heated heater 120 for a suitable duration of 10 seconds to 10 minutes, but is not limited thereto. Preferably, the fine particle generating device 100 can maintain the temperature of the heated heater 120 for a suitable duration selected within the range of 20 seconds to 1 minute. Furthermore, preferably, the fine particle generating device 100 can maintain the temperature of the heated heater 120 for a suitable duration selected within the range of 20 seconds to 1 minute and 30 seconds.

[0246] As the fine particle generating device 100 heats the heater 120 to a sufficiently high temperature and maintains the temperature of the heated heater 120 for a specified period of time, the substances deposited on the surface of the heater 120 and / or deposited in the space where the cigarette 1100 is inserted volatilize, thereby producing a cleaning effect.

[0247] Additionally, the fine particle generating device 100 may include a puff detection sensor and / or a cigarette insertion detection sensor. For example, the puff detection sensor can be implemented using a conventional pressure sensor. Alternatively, the fine particle generating device 100 may not require a separate puff detection sensor and can detect puffing by measuring the resistance change of a conductive track in the heater 120. Here, the conductive track may include a conductive track for heating and / or a conductive track for temperature detection. Alternatively, the fine particle generating device 100 may also include a different puff detection sensor than the one used to detect puffing by utilizing the conductive track in the heater 120.

[0248] The cigarette insertion detection sensor can be implemented using a common capacitive or resistive sensor. Furthermore, the fine particle generating device 100 can be configured to allow external air to flow in and out even when a cigarette is inserted.

[0249] Figure 12 It is shown Figure 10 The diagram shown is a block diagram of the hardware structure of the fine particle generating device. Figure 13 yes Figure 12 A diagram showing the temperature configuration information of the heaters in the illustrated structure. In the following description, [the following text is omitted]. Figure 10 and Figure 11 The repeated parts of the explanation.

[0250] Reference Figure 12The fine particle generating apparatus 100 of the present invention may include a heater 120, a battery 130, an input unit 140, a motor 150, a charging unit 160, a processor 170, and a memory 180. As an alternative embodiment, the memory 180 may be disposed in the processor 170.

[0251] Heater 120 heats a vaporized material containing a substance that vaporizes when heated to a predetermined temperature (vaporized substance) to produce fine particles. Specifically, the fine particles can be airborne particles, i.e., aerosols. The vaporized material can be liquid or solid; for example, the vaporized substance can be nicotine or a substance with any aroma or flavor. Heater 120 operates on power supplied by battery 130. Processor 170 can adjust the power supply and duration from battery 130 and / or the heating time of heater 120 by executing instructions stored in memory 180.

[0252] Temperature sensor 122 can measure the temperature of heater 120 and generate temperature measurement information, which is then provided to the processor. In this embodiment, temperature sensor 122 can be independently disposed in the fine particle generating device 100 to measure the temperature of heater 120, or temperature detector 122 can be attached to heater 120 to detect changes in the thermal resistance of heater 120 to measure the temperature.

[0253] The memory 180 can store various data and programs used to drive and control the microparticle generating device 100. The program stored in the memory 180 may include more than one instruction. The program (more than one instruction) stored in the memory 180 can be accessed and executed by the processor 170. Here, when the processor 170 receives an input signal from the input unit 140 requesting the start of operation, it will begin to access the memory 180 and execute the program (more than one instruction) stored in the memory 180.

[0254] In one embodiment, the memory 180 may store one or more instructions, including temperature configuration information for controlling the operation of the heater 120. Here, the temperature configuration information is time-based temperature information of the heater 120, which may include a preheating range (…). Figure 13 710), at least one vaporization temperature holding range ( Figure 13 720, 720'), at least one vaporization temperature decrease range ( Figure 13 730, 730'), and at least one minimum vaporization temperature holding range ( Figure 13 740), at least one suction zone ( Figure 13 (750, 750'). Each zone may include information on the temperature that heater 120 needs to reach during a specified time period (e.g., 310 degrees within 30 seconds in the preheating zone).

[0255] The preheating zone 710 may include a zone for heating the heater 120 to a temperature adjacent to the combustion temperature of the vaporized material (e.g., 310 degrees Celsius). The vaporization temperature holding zones 720, 720' may include zones for maintaining the temperature of the heater 120 to vaporize the vaporized material. The vaporization temperature decreasing zones 730, 730' may include zones where the temperature of the heater 120 is reduced to a minimum vaporization temperature due to the inability to detect user suction within the vaporization temperature holding zones. The minimum vaporization temperature holding zone ( Figure 13 The 740 range may include a range that maintains the lowest vaporization temperature at which the user experiences the lowest possible taste. Suction range ( Figure 13 The 750, 750') may include the range in which the rate of temperature drop of heater 120 increases sharply due to the user's suction and the range in which the vaporized substance rises to the vaporization temperature.

[0256] Additionally, the temperature configuration information may include information about the power supply of the battery 130 to the heater 120 for each zone. For example, this includes: power information to adjust the power supplied to heater 120 to 100% in the preheating zone 710; power information to adjust the power supplied to heater 120 to be less than or equal to the power supplied in the preheating zone 710 in the vaporization temperature holding zones 720 and 720'; power information to adjust the power supplied to heater 120 to be less than the power supplied in the vaporization temperature holding zones 720 and 720' in the vaporization temperature decreasing zones 730 and 730', so as to reduce the temperature to the minimum vaporization temperature; power information to adjust the power supplied to heater 120 to be greater than or equal to the power supplied to heater 120 when the minimum vaporization temperature is reached in the vaporization temperature decreasing zones 730 and 730' in the minimum vaporization temperature holding zone 740; and power information to adjust the power supplied to heater 120 to be less than or equal to the power supplied in the vaporization temperature holding zones 720 and 720' in the suction zones 750 and 750', so as to enable the user to inhale fine particles.

[0257] Furthermore, the temperature configuration information, which is the temperature measurement information of the heater 120 received by the processor 170 from the temperature sensor 122, can be considered as reference information that can be used to determine the current range of the heater 120. That is, the processor 170 compares the temperature measurement information with the reference information to determine the range of the heater 120, and adjusts the power supplied to the heater 120 according to the determined range. For example, if the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 122 is in a rapidly decreasing range according to the reference information, the processor 170 determines that it is a suction range and adjusts the power supplied to the heater 120 to raise the temperature of the vaporized material in the suction range to the vaporization temperature so that fine particles can be sucked in.

[0258] Figure 13The following is a graphical representation of the temperature configuration information of heater 120, based on... Figure 13 ,right Figure 13 The operation of the fine particle generating device 100 will be explained as follows.

[0259] When a start-up input signal is received from the input unit 140, the processor 170 accesses the memory 180 and executes one or more instructions stored in the memory 180.

[0260] In the preheating zone 710, the processor 170 can heat the heater 120 to a temperature close to the combustion temperature of the gasified material (e.g., 310 degrees Celsius). In the preheating zone 710, the processor 170 can enable the battery 130 to operate in a manner that supplies 100% of its power to the heater 120 for a specified time.

[0261] After preheating of heater 120, processor 170 can maintain the temperature of heater 120 in vaporization temperature holding range 720 to enable vaporization of the vaporized material. In vaporization temperature holding range 720, processor 170 can supply power to heater 120 from battery at a level less than or equal to the power supplied in preheating range 710.

[0262] In the vaporization temperature holding range 720, if the user does not inhale during the specified time period, the vaporization temperature drops to the minimum power of the fine particle generating device 100. In the vaporization temperature dropping range 730, the processor 170 can cause the battery 130 to supply power to the heater 120 at a level less than that in the vaporization temperature holding range 720, so that the temperature drops to the minimum vaporization temperature.

[0263] If the temperature of heater 120 drops to the minimum vaporization temperature during the vaporization temperature decrease range 730, it enters the minimum vaporization temperature holding range 740. During the minimum vaporization temperature holding range 740, processor 170 can cause battery 130 to supply power to heater 120 in a manner greater than or equal to the power supplied to heater 120 when the minimum vaporization temperature is reached during the vaporization temperature decrease range 730. Through this operating mode, less than 30% of the power supplied to the vaporization temperature holding range 720 is reduced during the minimum vaporization temperature holding range 740, thereby saving power.

[0264] When the temperature drop rate increases sharply in the minimum vaporization temperature holding range 740 and the user is detected to be inhaling and entering the inhalation range 750, the processor 170 can enable the battery 130 to supply power to the heater 120 at a level less than or equal to the power of the vaporization temperature holding range 720, so that the user can inhale fine particles.

[0265] Subsequently, in the recurring inhalation zone 750' that may occur due to the user's inhalation behavior, the processor 170 may cause the battery 130 to supply power to the heater 120 at a level less than or equal to the power required for the vaporization temperature maintenance zone 720, so that the user can inhale fine particles. The rate of temperature drop in the recurring inhalation zone 750' may be the same as or greater than the slope and area of ​​the initial inhalation zone 750.

[0266] After the final suction, the system enters the vaporization temperature holding range 720'. In this range, the processor 170 can supply power from the battery 130 to the heater 120 at a level less than or equal to the power supplied in the preheating range 710. Here, the vaporization temperature holding range 720' may be the same as or shorter than the aforementioned range. The range 720' shortens with each suction cycle.

[0267] In the vaporization temperature holding range 720', if the user does not puff during the specified time period, the vaporization temperature decreases to the minimum power required by the fine particle generating device 100, entering the vaporization temperature decrease range 730'. In the vaporization temperature decrease range 730', the processor 170 can cause the battery 130 to supply power to the heater 120 at a level less than that required for the vaporization temperature holding range 720', thereby lowering the temperature to the minimum vaporization temperature. Here, the vaporization temperature decrease range 730' may be the same as or higher than the aforementioned vaporization temperature decrease range 730, in order to maintain a uniform generation of fine particles from the used cigarette 1100. The temperature difference may be related to the number of puffs.

[0268] In this embodiment, the vaporization temperature holding range, the vaporization temperature decreasing range, the minimum vaporization temperature holding range, and the suction range can be repeatedly executed.

[0269] This invention is not limited to the specific preferred embodiments described above. Various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention as claimed in the appended claims, and such modifications fall within the scope of the claims.

[0270] On the one hand, the above-described method can be programmed into a program that executes in a computer, and can be implemented in a general-purpose digital computer that uses a computer-readable storage medium to execute the program. Furthermore, the data structures used in this method can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium by various means. The computer-readable storage medium includes magnetic storage media (e.g., read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), USB, floppy disk, hard disk) and optical storage media (e.g., high-density disk (CD)-ROM, high-density digital video optical disc (DVD), etc.).

[0271] Those skilled in the art regarding this embodiment should understand that variations can be implemented without departing from the essential characteristics described above. Therefore, the disclosed methods should not be considered from a limiting perspective, but rather from an illustrative one. The scope of this invention is defined not by the foregoing invention but by the appended claims, and all differences within the equivalent scope will be interpreted as included within this invention.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, characterized in that, include: heater, The battery supplies power to the heater, and The processor controls the operation of the heater and the battery; The processor controls the operation of the heater based on the temperature configuration information. The temperature configuration information includes at least one vaporization temperature holding range for maintaining the temperature of the heater in a manner that heats the vaporized material to above a specified temperature to release the vaporized substance; at least one vaporization temperature decreasing range for lowering the temperature of the heater to a minimum vaporization temperature when no user suction is detected in the vaporization temperature holding range; at least one minimum vaporization temperature holding range for maintaining the temperature of the heater at the minimum vaporization temperature; and at least one suction range, the suction range including a range in which the rate of temperature decrease of the heater increases sharply due to user suction and a range in which the vaporized substance rises to the vaporization temperature.

2. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The processor, within the minimum vaporization temperature holding range, controls the battery to supply the heater with less than 30% of the power supplied within the vaporization temperature holding range, and controls the heater to maintain a temperature above 200°C.

3. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The memory stores the temperature configuration information.

4. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, Also includes: The input unit provides the processor with an input signal to start the operation of the aerosol generating device; The processor that receives the input signal accesses the memory.

5. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A temperature sensor measures the temperature of the heater.

6. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, The processor adjusts the power supplied by the battery to the heater by comparing information about the temperature of the heater obtained by the temperature sensor with the temperature configuration information.

7. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: case, A retainer, located between the housing and the heater, supports the cigarette passing through the heater via the housing. An insulating component is located between the housing and the retainer.

8. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, The insulating component includes a heat-insulating material that minimizes heat loss from the heater.

9. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, The insulating component is attached to the surface of the retainer that contacts the housing.

Images