Aerosol generating device, control method thereof, and charging system including the same

Abstract

To provide an aerosol generating device capable of diversifying inhaled substances without combustion, a control method thereof, and a charging system including the same.SOLUTION: An aerosol generating device comprises: a main body into which a cigarette is inserted; a first electrically conductive pattern which is installed in a portion of the main body and performs the function of either a heater for heating the cigarette or a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of the cigarette; a second electrically conductive pattern which is installed in another portion of the main body and performs the function of either the heater or the temperature sensor; and a control unit which controls the first electrically conductive pattern and the second electrically conductive pattern such that each of the first electrically conductive pattern and the second electrically conductive pattern performs the function of either the heater or the temperature sensor.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device having various power supply means, a control method thereof, and a charging system including the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Inhaling aerosols in the air, i.e., aerosols, allows for the inhalation of recreational substances, similar to smoking. While cigarettes were traditionally the only means of inhaling recreational substances, electronic cigarettes have recently emerged as an alternative. Electronic cigarettes apply heat or ultrasound to a cartridge containing a liquid inhalant, vaporizing the inhalant into vapor and generating an aerosol. This method is distinct from conventional cigarettes, which generate smoke by burning, and offers advantages, particularly the ability to prevent the generation of various harmful substances that can be generated by combustion.

[0003] In response to demand from consumers who prefer cigarette-shaped regular cigarettes, electronic cigarettes have also been proposed that combine the filter portion of a regular cigarette with a cigarette portion. These electronic cigarettes are configured so that the inhalant contained in the cigarette portion is vaporized by an electronic heater and the user inhales the vapor through a filter portion that has the same configuration as a regular cigarette. Unlike regular cigarettes, which have a cigarette portion filled with dried tobacco leaves, such electronic cigarettes are filled with paper that is impregnated with the inhalant or attached to its surface. When the electronic cigarette is placed in a holder, the heater inside the holder heats up, vaporizing the inhalant inside the cigarette portion, allowing the user to inhale the vaporized inhalant through the filter portion. While maintaining the same advantage as conventional electronic cigarettes in that no combustion occurs, these electronic cigarettes allow the user to inhale the vaporized inhalant through the filter portion using the exact same mechanism as when smoking a regular cigarette, giving the user the same experience as smoking a regular cigarette.

[0004] Although electronic cigarettes can be used after a certain period of use by separating the charger inside the electronic cigarette and recharging it with a separate charger, the battery typically discharges after one or two days of use, requiring recharging, which can be inconvenient as it can interrupt use while the user is inhaling. Furthermore, while battery capacity can be increased to extend the usage time of electronic cigarettes, this increases the battery size, resulting in problems such as an increase in the weight and external dimensions of the electronic cigarette. Furthermore, electronic cigarettes available on the market require a separate battery, but this requires the user to carry the battery with them at all times and to separate and charge it, resulting in inconvenient use and the risk of losing the battery. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an aerosol generating device that can diversify inhaled substances without combustion, a control method thereof, and a charging system including the same.

[0006] Furthermore, an embodiment of the present invention aims to provide an aerosol generating device that allows a user to smoke continuously without interrupting use while inhaling, a control method thereof, and a charging system including the same.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide an aerosol generating device and method that includes a heater and / or a temperature sensor that reduces the number of parts and allows for various designs.

[0008] In addition, an embodiment of the present invention aims to provide an aerosol generating device that can be easily powered via a removable storage device or an additional auxiliary storage device, is easy to carry, and is convenient to use, a control method for the same, and a charging system including the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] One embodiment of the present invention discloses an aerosol generating device including a body into which a cigarette is inserted, a first electrically conductive pattern provided in a part of the body and performing one of the functions of a heater for heating the cigarette and a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the cigarette, a second electrically conductive pattern provided in another part of the body and performing one of the functions of a heater and a temperature sensor, and a control unit that controls the first electrically conductive pattern and the second electrically conductive pattern so that the first electrically conductive pattern and the second electrically conductive pattern perform one of the functions of a heater and a temperature sensor. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide an aerosol generating device capable of vaporizing an aerosol-forming substance without combustion, a control method thereof, and a charging system including the same.

[0011] In addition, by providing multiple conductive patterns at different positions on the main body and using them as heaters or temperature sensors, the number of parts can be reduced, and an aerosol generating device having heaters and temperature sensors of various types, a control method thereof, and a charging system including the same can be provided.

[0012] In addition, it is possible to provide an aerosol generating device that can heat a cigarette inserted into the aerosol generating device by pressing it all over, and in which cigarette residue does not easily adhere to the heater after smoking and the heater does not easily break, a control method for the aerosol generating device, and a charging system including the aerosol generating device.

[0013] In addition, it is possible to provide an aerosol generating device that can be supplied with power in various ways and can prevent undesired interruptions in operation, a control method thereof, and a charging system including the same. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a charging system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically illustrating some of the components of the aerosol generating device illustrated in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing some components of the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of some components of the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing yet another embodiment of some components of the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 9] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing yet another embodiment of some components of the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. 10. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically illustrating some of the components of the aerosol generating device illustrated in FIG. 1. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a detailed configuration of a heater of the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 12. [Figure 14] 14 is a conceptual diagram showing a method for manufacturing a double-sided printed green sheet for a resistor provided in the heater of FIG. 13. FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a ceramic rod combination provided in the heater of FIG. 13. [Figure 16] FIG. 14 is a conceptual diagram showing a state in which two bridge wires are connected to the heater of FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 14 is a conceptual diagram showing a state in which three bridge wires are connected to the heater of FIG. [Figure 18]FIG. 14 is a conceptual diagram showing a state in which four bridge wires are connected to the heater of FIG. [Figure 19] 2 is a conceptual diagram showing a first operation example of the charging system shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 20] 1. FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing a second operation example of the charging system shown in FIG. [Figure 21] 1. FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing a third operation example of the charging system shown in FIG. [Figure 22] 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a state in which the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 1 is housed in an external power supply device and ready for use. FIG. [Figure 23] 2 is a perspective view showing a process in which the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 1 is separated from an external power supply device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] One embodiment of the present invention discloses an aerosol generating device including a body into which a cigarette is inserted, a first electrically conductive pattern provided in a part of the body and performing one of the functions of a heater for heating the cigarette and a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the cigarette, a second electrically conductive pattern provided in another part of the body and performing one of the functions of a heater and a temperature sensor, and a control unit that controls the first electrically conductive pattern and the second electrically conductive pattern so that the first electrically conductive pattern and the second electrically conductive pattern perform one of the functions of a heater and a temperature sensor.

[0016] In this embodiment, the first electrically conductive pattern can perform the function of a heater, and the second electrically conductive pattern can perform the function of a temperature sensor.

[0017] In this embodiment, the first and second electrically conductive patterns may alternately function as a heater and a temperature sensor, respectively.

[0018] In this embodiment, the first and second electrically conductive patterns may function as heaters.

[0019] In this embodiment, the control unit can sense the temperature by measuring the thermal resistance of one or more of the first and second electrically conductive patterns.

[0020] In this embodiment, the body is a hollow cylindrical structure, the first electrically conductive pattern is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the body, and the second electrically conductive pattern is also provided on the outer circumferential surface of the body.

[0021] In this embodiment, the main body is a hollow cylindrical structure cut into two or more sections in the circumferential direction, and a first electrically conductive pattern is provided on the inner surface of the cut main body, and a second electrically conductive pattern is also provided on the outer surface of the cut main body.

[0022] Another embodiment of the present invention discloses a method for controlling an aerosol generating device, including the steps of: using the first and second electrically conductive patterns as heaters for heating the cigarette to instantaneously increase the temperature of the cigarette; and using one of the first and second electrically conductive patterns as a heater and the other as a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the cigarette to heat the cigarette to a target temperature.

[0023] In this embodiment, when the first electrically conductive pattern is positioned closer to the cigarette than the second electrically conductive pattern, in the step of heating the cigarette to a target temperature, the first electrically conductive pattern can be used as a heater and the second electrically conductive pattern can be used as a temperature sensor.

[0024] In this embodiment, when the temperature of the cigarette reaches the target temperature, the first electrically conductive pattern can be used as a temperature sensor and the second electrically conductive pattern can be used as a heater to maintain the temperature of the cigarette.

[0025] Yet another embodiment of the present invention discloses a charging system for an aerosol generating device comprising: an aerosol generating device including a heater that generates heat by resistance when current is applied, a storage unit that supplies power to the heater, and a control unit that controls the heater; and an external power supply device including a case, a charging storage unit that is rotatably attached to the case and detachably houses the aerosol generating device, an auxiliary storage device that stores power to be transmitted to the aerosol generating device, and an auxiliary power supply device that controls the auxiliary storage device and supplies power to the aerosol generating device.

[0026] In this embodiment, when the aerosol generating device is attached to the charging storage portion and the charging storage portion is positioned parallel to the longitudinal direction of the case, the auxiliary power supply device allows power to be supplied from the auxiliary storage device to the aerosol generating device and can operate in a cleaning mode to clean the aerosol generating device.

[0027] In this embodiment, when the aerosol generating device is positioned with the charging storage portion attached so that the charging storage portion is intersecting the longitudinal direction of the case, the auxiliary power supply device allows power to be supplied from the auxiliary storage device to the aerosol generating device and can operate in a preheating mode to preheat the aerosol generating device.

[0028] In this embodiment, the aerosol generating device may further include a first button unit that, through user operation, transmits an activation signal to the control unit, allowing power to be supplied from the storage unit to the heater, and, while power is being supplied from the storage unit to the heater, transmits a deactivation signal to the control unit through user operation, cutting off the power supply from the storage unit to the heater.

[0029] In this embodiment, the external power supply device may further include a second button portion that, through user operation, transmits an activation signal to the auxiliary power supply device, allowing power to be supplied from the auxiliary power storage device to the aerosol generation device, and, while power is being supplied from the auxiliary power storage device to the aerosol generation device, transmits a deactivation signal to the auxiliary power supply device through user operation, cutting off the power supply from the auxiliary power storage device to the aerosol generation device.

[0030] In this embodiment, the case further includes a first magnetic body and a second magnetic body that are arranged on the case so as to face each other based on the rotation center of the charging holder, and the charging holder may include a third magnetic body that faces one of the first magnetic body and the second magnetic body.

[0031] In this embodiment, one of the first magnetic body and the second magnetic body is provided on the case so as to be inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the case.

[0032] In this embodiment, the aerosol generating device may include a fourth magnetic body that faces the other one of the first magnetic body and the second magnetic body.

[0033] In this embodiment, attractive forces can act between the first magnetic body and the third magnetic body, between the first magnetic body and the fourth magnetic body, between the second magnetic body and the third magnetic body, and between the second magnetic body and the fourth magnetic body.

[0034] In this embodiment, the external power supply device may further include a housing portion that houses the auxiliary power storage device and the auxiliary power supply device.

[0035] In this embodiment, the device further includes an electronic circuit connecting the auxiliary power storage device and the heater, the heater receiving electricity from the auxiliary power storage device to generate heat, and at least a portion of the electronic circuit is also formed of a single-crystal material.

[0036] In this embodiment, the aerosol generating device further includes a cartridge containing cigarettes, and can heat the cigarettes contained in the cartridge to a preset temperature range by rapidly increasing the temperature of a heater connected to an electronic circuit.

[0037] In this embodiment, at least a portion of the wiring that constitutes the electronic circuit is also formed from a single crystal material.

[0038] In this embodiment, the single crystal material may also be formed in at least one of an ingot form and a thin film form.

[0039] In this embodiment, the single crystal material is also single crystal copper.

[0040] In this embodiment, the heater may include a ceramic rod having a tip, a first protective layer that covers the ceramic rod, a green sheet that is wound around the first protective layer and has an electrode pattern printed thereon that includes the electrode pattern of the heater, and a second protective layer that covers the green sheet.

[0041] In this embodiment, the electrode pattern on the green sheet is printed using silk screen printing or inkjet printing.

[0042] In this embodiment, the electrode patterns of the green sheet are printed on both sides.

[0043] In this embodiment, the electrode pattern on either one of the two surfaces is also a sensor electrode pattern.

[0044] In this embodiment, the ceramic rod further includes a flange that is bonded to the ceramic rod that is covered with the green sheet and the first protective layer, and a bridge wire that is connected to the printed pattern on the green sheet, and the bridge wire can be a 3-wire type or a 4-wire type.

[0045] Other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following drawings, claims, and detailed description of the invention.

[0046] The present invention can be modified in various ways and can have various embodiments, and specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and will be described in detail in the detailed description. The advantages, features, and methods of achieving the same of the present invention will become clearer with reference to the embodiments described in detail below along with the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and can be embodied in various forms. In other words, anything that a person skilled in the art can easily infer from the detailed description and embodiments is also construed as falling within the scope of the present invention.

[0047] Terms such as "comprise" or "include" as used in this specification should not be construed as including all of the various components or steps described in the specification, but should be construed as including none of the components or steps, or as including additional components or steps.

[0048] In the following embodiments, terms such as "first" and "second" are not used in a limiting sense but are used to distinguish one component from another. Furthermore, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0049] The terms used in this specification are currently commonly used and general terms that have been selected as much as possible while taking into consideration the functions of the present invention. However, these terms may vary depending on the intentions of those skilled in the art, precedents, or the emergence of new technologies. In addition, in certain cases, the applicant may arbitrarily select terms, and in such cases, their meanings will be described in detail in the description of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in this specification should be defined based on the meanings of the terms and the overall content of the present invention, rather than simply by their names.

[0050] In addition, in the drawings, the size of components may be exaggerated or reduced for the sake of convenience of explanation. For example, the size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrarily shown for the sake of convenience of explanation, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to what is shown in the drawings.

[0051] This embodiment relates to an aerosol generating device, and detailed explanations of matters that are well known to those skilled in the art in the technical field to which the following embodiment belongs will be omitted.

[0052] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. When describing with reference to the drawings, identical or corresponding components will be designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0053] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a charging system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the aerosol generating device shown in FIG.

[0054] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, a charging system (hereinafter referred to as the "charging system") 1000 for an aerosol generating device includes an aerosol generating device 100 including a heater 20 that generates heat by resistance when current is applied, a power storage unit 70 that supplies power to the heater 20, and a control unit 50 that controls the heater 20; and an external power supply device 200 including a case 210, a charging storage unit 220 that is rotatably mounted on the case 210 and detachably stores the aerosol generating device 100, an auxiliary power storage device 230 that stores power to be transmitted to the aerosol generating device 100, and an auxiliary power supply device 240 that controls the auxiliary power storage device and supplies power to the aerosol generating device 100.

[0055] 2, the aerosol generating device 100 includes a first button unit 40 that can be pressed to preheat the aerosol generating device 100, a heater 20 that generates heat by resistance when a current is applied, a power storage unit 70 that can instantaneously supply high power to the heater 20, and a control unit 50 that controls the heater 20. The heater 20 generates an aerosol by heating a vaporizer that contains an aerosol-generating material contained in a cartridge 10 and vaporizes when heated above a certain temperature.

[0056] For example, if the user operates the first button unit 40 and transmits an activation signal to the control unit 50, the supply of power from the power storage unit 70 to the heater 20 is permitted, and the heater 20 can be heated. Conversely, if the user operates the first button unit 40 while the heater 20 is being heated, a deactivation signal is transmitted to the control unit 50, and the supply of power from the power storage unit 70 to the heater 20 can be cut off.

[0057] When a cigarette-shaped electronic cigarette impregnated with an inhalant or filled with paper attached to the surface is inserted into the cartridge 10, the heater 20 is heated to vaporize the inhalant inside the cigarette portion, and the user can inhale the vaporized inhalant through the filter portion.

[0058] When the heater 20 is low on power and the aerosol generating device 100 cannot operate and needs to be charged, or when the aerosol generating device 100 is ready to operate, the control unit 50 drives the motor 80, causing the aerosol generating device 100 to vibrate and notify the user.

[0059] In addition, the control unit 50 displays the remaining power of the storage unit 70 via a first display unit (not shown) formed on the aerosol generating device 100, and can display the status of the storage unit 70 via the first display unit even when the power supplied to the heater 20 is insufficient and the aerosol generating device 100 cannot operate.

[0060] When the aerosol generating device 100 is housed in the charging housing section 220 of the external power supply device 200, the storage unit 70 is connected by wiring via the charging terminal 30 of the aerosol generating device 100, which connects to the charging terminal 223 of the charging housing section 220, and is supplied with power.When the aerosol generating device 100 is supplied with power, the control unit 50 can display the power supplied to the storage unit 70 via a second display section (not shown).

[0061] The aerosol generating device 100 can communicate data with the charging terminal 223 of the external power supply device 200 via the charging terminal 30. The aerosol generating device 100 can also be provided with a separate wireless communication port. The control unit 50 can communicate data with the auxiliary power supply device 240 by inducing communication between the wireless communication port provided in the aerosol generating device 100 and the wireless communication port provided in the external power supply device 200, and can also receive power wirelessly from the external power supply device 200.

[0062] The storage unit 70 can be separated from the aerosol generating device 100, and the external power supply device 200 is formed with multiple storage sections that can accommodate the storage units 70, making it possible to store and charge one or multiple storage units 70 that have been separated from the aerosol generating device 100.

[0063] The aerosol generating device 100 can also incorporate a power generating means that converts external energy such as light energy or mechanical energy into electrical energy, and can generate electricity by itself to charge the storage unit 70.

[0064] Figure 3 is a block diagram that schematically shows some of the components of the aerosol generating device shown in Figure 1, Figure 4 is a perspective view showing some of the components of the aerosol generating device shown in Figure 1, and Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in Figure 4.

[0065] 3 to 5, the aerosol generating device 100 includes an electronic heater 20 that generates heat by electricity and generates an aerosol by heating a vaporizer containing an aerosol-generating material that vaporizes when heated above a certain temperature. The electronic heater 20 includes a main body 21 into which a cigarette is inserted, a first electrically conductive pattern 22a that is provided in a portion of the main body 21 and functions as either a heater for heating the cigarette or a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the cigarette, and a second electrically conductive pattern 22b that is provided in another portion of the main body 21 and functions as either a heater or a temperature sensor. The electronic heater 20 also includes a controller 50 that controls the first electrically conductive pattern 22a and the second electrically conductive pattern 22b so that the first electrically conductive pattern 22a and the second electrically conductive pattern 22b function as either a heater or a temperature sensor. The first electrically conductive pattern 22a and the second electrically conductive pattern 22b are each connected to a separate power supply unit such as a power storage unit 70.

[0066] The body 21 may be formed of a ceramic material, but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the body 21 may include a material that is poorly conductive, heat-resistant, and has minimal deformation characteristics. Furthermore, the body 21 may be formed so that one end that first comes into contact with the cigarette when the cigarette is inserted has an acute angle, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the body 21 may have any shape as long as it is inserted into the cigarette.

[0067] The first and second electrically conductive patterns 22a and 22b include an electrically resistive material. For example, the electrically conductive tracks may be made of a metal material. Alternatively, the electrically conductive tracks may be made of an electrically conductive ceramic material, carbon, a metal alloy, or a composite of a ceramic material and a metal.

[0068] 5, the cross section of the body 21 cut perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cigarette may be rectangular, but this is shown as an example for ease of explanation, and embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. That is, the cross section of the body 21 cut perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cigarette may be polygonal, one side of which may be curved, or may be circular or elliptical. Hereinafter, the case where the cross section of the body 21 cut perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cigarette is circular will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 11, but for ease of explanation, the following description will focus on the case where the cross section of the body 21 cut perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cigarette is rectangular.

[0069] In this way, when the cross section of the body 21 cut perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cigarette is rectangular, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the first electrically conductive pattern 22a is provided on one side of the body 21, and the second electrically conductive pattern 22b is also provided on the other side different from the one side.

[0070] The control unit 50 controls the electronic heater 20 so that the first electrically conductive pattern 22a functions as a heater and the second electrically conductive pattern 22b functions as a temperature sensor. This means that one of the first electrically conductive pattern 22a and the second electrically conductive pattern 22b functions as a heater and the other functions as a temperature sensor. In other words, if the first electrically conductive pattern 22a functions as a temperature sensor, the second electrically conductive pattern 22b can function as a heater.

[0071] In addition, in order to extend the life of the electronic heater 20, the control unit 50 can control the electronic heater 20 by switching between the first electrically conductive pattern 22a and the second electrically conductive pattern 22b, so that one performs the function of a heater and the other performs the function of a temperature sensor.

[0072] In addition, when the user presses the first button unit 40 of the aerosol generating device 100 and the aerosol generating device 100 enters the preheating stage, a momentary high voltage is required in the electronic heater 20, so the control unit 50 controls the first electrically conductive pattern 22a and the second electrically conductive pattern 22b of the main body 21 to both perform the function of the electronic heater 20 in order to instantaneously increase the temperature of the electronic heater 20, and in the vaporization temperature maintaining stage, the control unit 50 controls the first electrically conductive pattern 22a and the second electrically conductive pattern 22b of the main body 21 to alternately perform the function of a heater and the other to perform the function of a temperature sensor.

[0073] In addition, at least one of the first electrically conductive pattern 22a and the second electrically conductive pattern 22b may function as a temperature sensor that measures thermal resistance and senses temperature.

[0074] 6 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of some components of the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 4, and FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG.

[0075] 6 and 7, the electronic heater 120 includes a needle-shaped body 121, a first electrically conductive pattern 122a provided on a portion of the outer periphery of the body 121, and a second electrically conductive pattern 122b provided on another portion of the outer periphery of the body 121, and the first electrically conductive pattern 122a and the second electrically conductive pattern 122b are each connected to a separate power supply unit such as a power storage unit 70.

[0076] 8 is a perspective view showing yet another embodiment of some components of the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 4, and FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG.

[0077] 8 and 9, the electronic heater 220h includes a cylindrical body 221h having a hollow 223h, a first electrically conductive pattern 222a provided on the inner surface of the body 221h, and a second electrically conductive pattern 222b provided on the outer surface of the body 221h, and the first electrically conductive pattern 222a and the second electrically conductive pattern 222b are each connected to a separate power supply unit such as a power storage unit 70.

[0078] For example, a cigarette is inserted into the hollow 223h. That is, the first electrically conductive pattern 222a can contact the outer surface of the cigarette. In the case of the aerosol generating device 100 having such a structure, when a user inserts a cigarette into the aerosol generating device 100 and presses the first button unit 40, the aerosol generating device 100 enters a preheating stage. In order to rapidly increase the temperature of the cigarette, the control unit 50 can control both the first electrically conductive pattern 222a that contacts the cigarette and the second electrically conductive pattern 222b that does not contact the cigarette to function as heaters.

[0079] Here, if it is not necessary to rapidly increase the temperature in the preheating step, the control unit 50 can of course control the first electrically conductive pattern 222a in contact with the cigarette to function as a heater and the second electrically conductive pattern 222b not in contact with the cigarette to function as a temperature sensor. Also, in the vaporization temperature maintaining step, the control unit 50 can control the second electrically conductive pattern 222b not in contact with the cigarette to function as a heater and the first electrically conductive pattern 222a in contact with the e-cigarette to function as a sensor.

[0080] 10 is a perspective view showing still another embodiment of some components of the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 4, and FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG.

[0081] 10 and 11, the electronic heater 320 includes a main body 321 formed by cutting a hollow cylinder 323 into multiple pieces in the circumferential direction, a first electrically conductive pattern 322a provided on the inner surface of the cut portion of the main body 321, and a second electrically conductive pattern 322b provided on the outer surface of the cut portion of the main body 321.

[0082] The first and second electrically conductive patterns 322a and 322b are each connected to a separate power supply such as the power storage unit 70. The controller 50 controls the electronic heater 320, controlling the first electrically conductive pattern 322a to function as a heater and the second electrically conductive pattern 322b to function as a temperature sensor.

[0083] In addition, in order to extend the life of the electronic heater 320, the control unit 50 controls the first and second electrically conductive patterns 322a and 322b to alternately function as a heater and a sensor.

[0084] In addition, when the user presses the first button unit 40 of the aerosol generating device 100 and the aerosol generating device 100 enters the preheating stage, the control unit 50 controls the first electrically conductive pattern 322a and the second electrically conductive pattern 322b to both perform the function of a heater in order to instantaneously increase the temperature of the electronic heater 320, since a momentary high voltage is required in the electronic heater 320.

[0085] In addition, in the case where the structure is such that a cigarette is inserted inside the hollow 323, when a user inserts a cigarette into the aerosol generating device 100 and presses the first button unit 40, the aerosol generating device 100 enters the preheating stage, and the control unit 50 controls the first electrically conductive pattern 322a that contacts the cigarette to perform the function of a heater in order to rapidly increase the temperature of the cigarette, and controls the second electrically conductive pattern 322b that does not contact the electronic cigarette to perform the function of a sensor.

[0086] In addition, in the vaporization temperature maintaining step, the control unit 50 controls the second electrically conductive pattern 322b, which is not in contact with the cigarette, to function as a heater, and controls the first electrically conductive pattern 322a, which is in contact with the cigarette, to function as a sensor.

[0087] FIG. 12 is a block diagram schematically illustrating some of the components of the aerosol generating device shown in FIG.

[0088] Referring to FIG. 12, the aerosol generating device 100 includes a heater 20 that generates heat through resistance when current is applied, a power storage unit 70 that can instantaneously supply high power to the heater 20, a vaporizer sensor 90 that detects whether a vaporizer is installed, and a control unit 50 that controls at least one of them.

[0089] The heater 20 heats a vaporizing material containing a substance that vaporizes when heated above a certain temperature, thereby generating fine particles.

[0090] The control unit 50 controls the heater 20 to perform a preheating stage, a vaporization temperature reaching stage, and a vaporization temperature maintaining stage by using the aerosol generating device 100.

[0091] For example, when a user inserts a cigarette-shaped electronic cigarette impregnated with an inhalable substance or filled with paper attached to the surface into the cartridge 10, or pours a liquid vaporizer into the cartridge 10, the control unit 50 detects the vaporizer through the vaporizer sensor 90 and controls the heater 20 to preheat the aerosol generating device 100, instantly raise the temperature to the target vaporization temperature, and then control the heater 20 to maintain the vaporization temperature for a certain period of time.

[0092] If the user presses the first button unit 40 of the aerosol generating device 100 and the vaporizer sensor 90 does not detect any vaporizer, the control unit 50 operates the heater 20 to the preheating stage to prevent unnecessary malfunctions, and if the vaporizer sensor 90 does not detect any vaporizer after a certain period of time has passed, the control unit 50 controls the power storage unit 70 to cut off the power supplied to the heater 20, thereby preventing unnecessary power consumption.

[0093] The aerosol generation device 100 may include a touch sensor 91 that senses contact with the user's lips. Therefore, the aerosol generation device 100 senses not only the vaporizable material but also the contact with the lips, and the control unit 50 can control the heater 20 of the aerosol generation device 100.

[0094] For example, when a user presses the first button unit 40 of the aerosol generating device 100 shown in Figure 2, the control unit 50 controls the heater 20 to preheat the aerosol generating device 100, and if contact with the user's lips is detected from the touch sensor 91, the control unit 50 controls the heater 20 to raise the temperature to the target vaporization temperature and then to maintain the vaporization temperature for a certain period of time, thereby controlling the heater to go through a preheating stage, a vaporization temperature reaching stage, and a vaporization temperature maintaining stage.

[0095] If the heater 20 is controlled to preheat the aerosol generating device 100 or if the touch sensor 91 does not detect contact with the user's lips for a set period of time, the control unit 50 controls the power storage unit 70 to cut off the power supplied to the heater 20, thereby preventing unnecessary power consumption.

[0096] Furthermore, the control unit 50 can determine whether the aerosol generation device 100 is operable without recharging based on the remaining power amount, regardless of the usage state of the aerosol generation device 100. If the remaining power amount is such that the aerosol generation device 100 cannot operate without recharging, as described above, the aerosol generation device 100 receives power from the external power supply device 1000 via the external power supply unit 92 that supplies external power. This prevents the power of the power storage unit 70 from being exhausted while the user is using the aerosol generation device 100, causing interruption of use.

[0097] In addition, at least a portion of the electronic circuit connecting the power storage unit 70 of the fine particle generator to the heater 20 is also formed of a single crystal material. A material in which atoms, ions, and molecules present in a solid are regularly arranged is called a single crystal material, and such a single crystal material has a complete structure while the internal atomic arrangement is regularly arranged overall. Even solids of the same type can have a single crystal structure or a polycrystalline structure depending on the arrangement of the atoms, ions, and molecules present in the solid.

[0098] The single-crystal material is characterized by low frequency dependence, low resistivity, high surface stability (hardly oxidized), no grain boundary scattering, and high adhesion. In particular, the resistivity is lower when the material has a single-crystal structure than when the material has a polycrystalline structure, even for the same solid. For example, when the wiring of an electronic circuit is formed in a single-crystal solid, the heat generation of the wiring can be reduced, thereby enabling the temperature of a resistance heater connected to the electronic circuit to be increased rapidly.

[0099] The heater 20 can generate fine particles by heating the cigarette contained in the cartridge 10 to a certain temperature or higher. Generally, when the cigarette is heated by the heater 20 to a temperature range of 200°C to 400°C, fine particles are generated from the cigarette. Therefore, the fine particle generator must supply high power instantaneously from the power storage unit 70 to the heater 20 to rapidly increase the temperature of the heater 20. For example, it is necessary to rapidly increase the temperature of the heater 20 within 1, 2, 3, or 4 seconds after the operation of the fine particle generator is started, so that the cigarette contained in the cartridge 10 is heated to a temperature range of 200°C to 400°C.

[0100] For this reason, at least a portion of the electronic circuit connecting the power storage unit 70 and the heater 20 is also formed of a single crystalline material. When at least a portion of the wiring constituting the electronic circuit is formed of a single crystalline material, the single crystalline material has low resistivity, which reduces the amount of heat generated by the wiring, thereby enabling the temperature of the heater 20 connected to the electronic circuit to be rapidly raised to a desired temperature. In other words, because the wiring constituting the electronic circuit is formed of a single crystalline material with low resistivity, the temperature of the heater 20 can be raised more rapidly so that the cigarette is heated within a predetermined temperature range, thereby improving the power efficiency of the fine particle generator.

[0101] In one embodiment, the single crystal material is a single crystal material grown on any one of the group consisting of gold, copper, silver, aluminum, and nickel. Preferably, the single crystal material is single crystal copper (Cu). However, the type of the single crystal material is not limited thereto.

[0102] The single crystal material may also be formed in at least one of an ingot form and a thin film form. For example, a single crystal material grown in an ingot form may be cut into plate-like pieces, and the cut plate-like pieces may be used to form wiring for electronic circuits.

[0103] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a detailed configuration of the heater of the aerosol generating device shown in FIG.

[0104] Referring to FIG. 13, heater 420 of a rod-shaped electrically heated smoker according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a ceramic rod 421 with a tip, a first protective layer 422 that encases ceramic rod 421, a green sheet 423 that is wrapped around first protective layer 422 and has electrode patterns 423a and 423b printed thereon, including the electrode patterns of heater 420, a second protective layer 424 that encases green sheet 423, a glass film protective coating layer 425 formed on the combined body that covers second protective layer 424, a flange 426 that is bonded to the combined body on which glass film protective coating layer 425 is formed, and an anti-fouling coating layer 427 formed on the outermost layer.

[0105] The ceramic rod 421 is processed to an appropriate length and diameter to provide rigidity that allows the heater to penetrate the cigarette. After the ceramic rod 421 is processed, a first protective layer 422 is formed around the outer periphery of the ceramic rod 421 to maximize adhesion of the green sheet 423 on which the resistors are printed and to prevent cracks from occurring in the ceramic rod 421. The first protective layer 422 can be formed by attaching a protective film or by glass film coating. The green sheet 423 on which the resistors are printed is attached onto the first protective layer 422. Electrode patterns 423a and 423b are printed on both sides of the green sheet 423, with the heater electrode pattern 423a printed on the inner surface and the sensor electrode pattern 423b printed on the outer surface. The electrode patterns 423a and 423b on the green sheet 423 are printed using silkscreen printing or inkjet printing.

[0106] FIG. 14 is a conceptual diagram showing a method for manufacturing a double-sided printed resistor green sheet provided in the heater of FIG.

[0107] 14, first, a ceramic green sheet is manufactured and cut, and then a heater electrode pattern 423a is printed on one side and a sensor electrode pattern 423b is printed on the other side. The green sheet 423 with electrodes printed on both sides is then wrapped around the first protective layer 422 formed on the ceramic rod 421. The material of the printed patterns 423a and 423b is preferably one or more selected from Ni, Pt, W, Mo, W-Mo alloy, Nichrome alloy, Kanthal alloy, and stainless steel.

[0108] At this time, it is preferable that the electrode material used for the sensor electrode pattern 423b has a higher temperature resistance coefficient than the electrode material used for the heater electrode pattern 423a. In addition, a second protective layer 424 is formed on the green sheet 423 to protect the electrode pattern 423b printed on the green sheet 423. The second protective layer 424 may also be formed by glass film coating or by wrapping a protective film.

[0109] After the first protective layer 422, green sheet 423, and second protective layer 424 are sequentially attached or formed on the ceramic rod 421, the green sheet 423 and electrode patterns 423a and 423b are sintered. A primary visual inspection and a resistance test of the electrode patterns 423a and 423b are then performed. The product, in which the first protective layer 422, green sheet 423, and second protective layer 424 are sequentially attached to the ceramic rod 421 and the green sheet 423 and electrode patterns 423a and 423b are sintered, is hereinafter referred to as a ceramic rod assembly.

[0110] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a ceramic rod assembly included in the heater of FIG.

[0111] 15, the ceramic rod combination 150 preferably has a stepped shape at the tip end of the ceramic rod, with the outermost layers being shorter in length to facilitate easy insertion of the heater into the cigarette. A flange 426 is attached to the ceramic rod combination 150 to facilitate heater installation.

[0112] 13, after the flange 426 is joined, a glass film protective coating layer 425 may be formed to cover the ceramic rod combination 150 so that the stepped ceramic rod combination 150 can have a smoother, more slippery appearance. More specifically, the glass film protective coating layer 425 covers the exposed tip of the ceramic rod 421, a portion of the tip side of the first protective layer 422, a portion of the tip side of the green sheet 423, and the entire second protective layer 424. The glass film protective coating layer 425 allows the heater to be inserted gently into the cigarette and prevents the heater layers, which are formed of multiple thin films or coating layers, from peeling off.

[0113] In addition, an anti-fouling coating layer 427 may be further formed on the outermost surface of the ceramic heater, i.e., on the outside of the glass film protective coating layer 425. The material used to form the anti-fouling coating layer 427 is preferably one containing nano-ceramic particles such as SiO2, Si3N4, or BN.

[0114] Meanwhile, electrode patterns 423a and 423b of green sheet 423 include solder pads (not shown) for connecting bridge wires 510, 520, and 530 for applying external power. The solder pads (not shown) are preferably located at one end of green sheet 423 to facilitate connection of bridge wires 510, 520, and 530, and in this case, this end is the end opposite the tip end of ceramic rod 421, i.e., the bottom end (right side in the drawing). Since flange 426 is located higher than the solder pads of green sheet 423 when combined with ceramic rod coupler 150, the solder pads (not shown) and bridge wires 510, 520, and 530 are blocked by flange 426 when the heater is inserted into the cigarette and are therefore protected from being inserted into the cigarette.

[0115] FIG. 16 is a conceptual diagram showing the heater of FIG. 13 to which two bridge wires are connected.

[0116] 16, two bridge wires 510' and 520' are connected to a heater when the heater is the only electrode pattern 423a and 423b formed on a green sheet 423. The bridge wires 510' and 520' are connected to the (+) and (-) poles of a power source, respectively.

[0117] FIG. 17 is a conceptual diagram showing the heater of FIG. 13 to which three bridge wires are connected.

[0118] 17, when three bridge wires 510', 520', and 530 are connected to a heater, electrode patterns 423a and 423b (FIG. 4) formed on green sheet 423 (FIG. 4) each include heater electrode pattern 423a (FIG. 4) and sensor electrode pattern 423b (FIG. 4). The three bridge wires 510', 520', and 530 are bridge wire 510' connected to heater electrode pattern 423a (FIG. 4), bridge wire 520' connected to sensor electrode pattern 423b, and bridge wire 530 connected to ground, respectively.

[0119] FIG. 18 is a conceptual diagram showing the heater of FIG. 13 to which four bridge wires are connected.

[0120] 18, when four bridge wires 512, 514, 522, and 524 are connected to a heater, electrode patterns 423a and 423b (FIG. 4) formed on green sheet 423 (FIG. 4) include heater electrode pattern 423a (FIG. 4) and sensor electrode pattern 423b (FIG. 4), respectively. The four bridge wires 512, 514, 522, and 524 are the (+) and (-) polarity bridge wires 512 and 514 connected to heater electrode pattern 423a (FIG. 4), and the (+) and (-) polarity bridge wires 522 and 524 connected to sensor electrode pattern 423b (FIG. 4), respectively.

[0121] The material of the bridge wires 410, 420, 430, 510', 520', 512, 514, 522, and 524 is preferably one or more selected from Ni, Pt, W, Al, Ag, Au, Kanthal alloy, and stainless steel.

[0122] FIG. 19 is a conceptual diagram showing a first operation example of the charging system shown in FIG.

[0123] Referring to FIG. 19, the external power supply device 200 comprises separate cases 210, each of which has a partitioned interior to accommodate the components of the external power supply device 200, and each case 210 has a plurality of hooks 211 and locking grooves 212, allowing the cases 210 to be fastened together.

[0124] The charging storage unit 220 is rotatably provided in the case 210 and detachably stores the aerosol generation device 100. The charging storage unit 220 is also rotatably provided with respect to the case 210 by inserting hinges 222 into grooves 214 formed inside the case 210 through holes 221 formed on both sides of the charging storage unit 220.

[0125] In addition, one side of the charging container 220 facing the aerosol generation device 100 is formed in the same shape as the outer shape of the aerosol generation device 100 in order to stably accommodate the aerosol generation device 100. The auxiliary power storage device 230 and the auxiliary power supply device 240 are connected by a wire, and the auxiliary power supply device 240 is connected to a charging terminal 223 formed in the charging container 220 by a wire 224.

[0126] The auxiliary power storage device 230 stores power to be transmitted to the aerosol generation device 100, and the auxiliary power supply device 240 controls the auxiliary power storage device 230 and supplies power to the aerosol generation device 100. The auxiliary power storage device 230 and the auxiliary power supply device 240 are also attached to the receiving portion 213 of the external power supply device 200.

[0127] The auxiliary power supply device 240 controls the auxiliary power storage device 230 to be charged via a general external power source built into the case, such as a USB port 242, and displays the charging status of the auxiliary power storage device 230 via an LED 241.

[0128] For example, each LED 241 has three LEDs, and depending on the amount of power stored, one LED can be lit, or two or three LEDs can be lit. When three LEDs are lit, this indicates that the auxiliary power storage device 230 is fully charged.

[0129] Each LED of the LEDs 241 can be illuminated to the outside of the case through a hole 215 formed in another case 210 coupled to the case 210 to which the LED 241 is attached. Also, a second button 243 is formed inside the case 210 and led to the outside of the case 210 through a hole 216, and the second button 243 is supported by a fixing protrusion 244 inside the case 210.

[0130] The second button unit 243 is connected to the auxiliary power supply device 240 via wiring, and when the user operates the second button unit 243, an activation signal is transmitted to the auxiliary power supply device 240, allowing power to be supplied from the auxiliary storage device 230 to the aerosol generation device 100.Furthermore, if the user further operates the second button unit 243 while power is being supplied from the auxiliary storage device 230 to the aerosol generation device 100, the power supply from the auxiliary storage device 230 to the aerosol generation device 100 can be cut off.

[0131] For example, as shown in FIG. 19, when the aerosol generation device 100 is attached to the charging storage portion 220 and the charging storage portion 220 is positioned parallel to the longitudinal direction of the case 210, if the user presses the second button portion 243, the auxiliary power supply device 240 allows power to be supplied from the auxiliary storage device 230 to the aerosol generation device 100, and can operate in a cleaning mode to dissolve ash and foreign matter attached to the aerosol generation device 100 and clean the aerosol generation device 100.

[0132] Specifically, the signal generated when the user operates the second button unit 243 is transmitted from the auxiliary power supply device 240 via wiring, through the charging terminal 223 of the charging storage unit 220 and the charging terminal 30 of the aerosol generating device 100, to the control unit 50 of the aerosol generating device 100, thereby activating the heater 20 of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0133] This means that even without separately operating the first button unit 40 of the aerosol generating device 100, it is possible to operate the heater 20 of the aerosol generating device 100 by attaching the aerosol generating device 100 to the charging storage unit 220 and positioning the charging storage unit 220 parallel to the longitudinal direction of the case 210, and then operating the second button unit 243 of the external power supply device 200.

[0134] FIG. 20 is a conceptual diagram showing a second operation example of the charging system shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 21 is a conceptual diagram showing a third operation example of the charging system shown in FIG.

[0135] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 20, when the aerosol generating device 100 is attached to the charging storage section 220 and the charging storage section 220 is positioned so as to intersect with the longitudinal direction of the case 210, if the user presses the second button section 243, the auxiliary power supply device 240 allows power to be supplied from the auxiliary storage device 230 to the aerosol generating device 100 and can operate in a preheating mode to preheat the aerosol generating device 100.

[0136] That is, when the aerosol generation device 100 is accommodated in the charging accommodation section 220, the charging terminal 223 provided in the charging accommodation section 220 is connected to a charging terminal 30 provided in the aerosol generation device 100 opposite the charging terminal 223, and under the control of the auxiliary power supply device 240, the power stored in the auxiliary power storage device 230 can be supplied to the aerosol generation device 100. The auxiliary power supply device 240 has a wireless communication port and can supply power to the aerosol generation device 100 directly wirelessly as well as wiredly.

[0137] For example, if the user operates the second button unit 243 and transmits an activation signal to the auxiliary power supply device 240, power supply from the auxiliary power storage device 230 to the aerosol generation device 100 is permitted, and the heater 20 of the aerosol generation device 100 can be heated. Conversely, if the user operates the second button unit 243 while the heater 20 is being heated, a deactivation signal is transmitted to the auxiliary power supply device 240, and the power supply from the auxiliary power storage device 230 to the aerosol generation device 100 can be cut off.

[0138] Additionally, the case 210 is provided with a first magnetic body 250 and a second magnetic body 260 that are arranged to face each other around the rotation center of the charging receptacle 220, i.e., the hinge 222. The charging receptacle 220 also includes a third magnetic body 225 that faces one of the first magnetic body 250 and the second magnetic body 260. Although the drawings show the third magnetic body 225 facing the first magnetic body 250, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereto. The third magnetic body 225 may also be provided at the bottom of the charging receptacle 220 to face the second magnetic body 260. However, for ease of explanation, the following description will focus on the case where the third magnetic body 225 is provided at the top of the charging receptacle 220 to face the first magnetic body 250.

[0139] In addition, one of the first magnetic body 250 and the second magnetic body 260 may be provided on the case 210 so as to be inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the case 210. Although the drawings depict the second magnetic body 260 disposed on the lower side of the external power supply device 200 as being provided on the case 210 so as to be inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the case 210, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereto, and instead, the first magnetic body 250 may be provided on the case 210 so as to be inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the case 210. However, for convenience of explanation, the following description will focus on the case where the second magnetic body 260 is provided so as to be inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the case 210.

[0140] The aerosol generation device 100 may also include a fourth magnetic body 60 that faces one of the first magnetic body 250 and the second magnetic body 260 that does not face the third magnetic body 225.

[0141] To briefly summarize the above-mentioned structure, the case 210 of the external power supply device 200 has a first magnetic body 250 and a second magnetic body 260 at the upper and lower ends, respectively, a third magnetic body 225 facing the first magnetic body 250 is provided at the upper end of the charging storage section 220, and a fourth magnetic body 60 facing the second magnetic body 260 is provided at the lower end of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0142] Here, attractive forces can act between the first magnetic body 250 and the third magnetic body 225, between the first magnetic body 250 and the fourth magnetic body 60, between the second magnetic body 260 and the third magnetic body 225, and between the second magnetic body 260 and the fourth magnetic body 60.

[0143] Therefore, according to the above-described structure, when the aerosol generating device 100 is attached to the charging storage section 220 and the user presses the upper end of the aerosol generating device 100, the attractive force formed between the first magnetic body 250 and the third magnetic body 225 also positions the charging storage section 220 parallel to the longitudinal direction of the case 210, as shown in FIG. 3.

[0144] On the other hand, when the aerosol generating device 100 is attached to the charging storage portion 220 as shown in FIG. 10, if the user presses the lower end of the aerosol generating device 100 with a force that overcomes the attractive force formed between the first magnetic body 250 and the third magnetic body 225, the charging storage portion 220 will rotate clockwise as shown in FIG. 11, and eventually, due to the attractive force formed between the third magnetic body 260 and the fourth magnetic body 60, the charging storage portion 220 will be positioned in a direction that intersects with the longitudinal direction of the case 210.

[0145] In this case, as described above, the second magnetic body 260 is arranged in the case 210 so as to be inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the case 210, so that the aerosol generating device 100 can tilt within the external power supply device 200 to correspond to the inclination angle of the second magnetic body 260.

[0146] The user then applies a force to the tilted aerosol generating device 100, but with a force that is sufficient to overcome the attractive force between the second magnetic body 260 and the fourth magnetic body 60, thereby separating the aerosol generating device 100 from the external power supply device 200, as shown in FIG. 12.

[0147] FIG. 22 is an exploded perspective view showing a state in which the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 1 is housed in an external power supply device and ready for use.

[0148] 22, the aerosol generating device 100 is accommodated in the charging receptacle 220 of the external power supply device 200 and receives power from it. When a user uses the aerosol generating device 100, the aerosol generating device 100 is accommodated in the charging receptacle 220 of the external power supply device 200 by the fourth magnetic body 60. When the user presses the lower end of the aerosol generating device 100, the fourth magnetic body 60 provided in the aerosol generating device 100 causes the charging receptacle 220 to come into close contact with the second magnetic body 260 inclined at a predetermined angle provided in the case 210 while the aerosol generating device 100 is accommodated in the charging receptacle 220. The second magnetic body is an example of a contact part.

[0149] By such an operation, the aerosol generating device 100 is tilted at a predetermined angle outside the case 210, and an upper portion of the aerosol generating device 100 is extended to the outside.The user can then insert a cigarette into the cartridge 10 of the aerosol generating device 100 that has been extended to the outside, and press the second button portion 243 of the external power supply device 200 to preheat the aerosol generating device 100.

[0150] Therefore, the aerosol generating device 100 can be used continuously while being supplied with power from the charging system 1000, without interrupting inhalation.

[0151] FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing a process in which the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 1 is separated from the external power supply device.

[0152] Referring to Figure 23, when a user separates the aerosol generating device 100 from the external power supply device 200, as described above, the aerosol generating device 100 is tilted toward the external power supply device 200 and partially pulled out, and a predetermined force is applied to the aerosol generating device 100 to overcome the magnetic force between the aerosol generating device 100 and the external power supply device 200 and pull it out.

[0153] The present disclosure is not limited to the specific preferred embodiments described above, and it goes without saying that anyone skilled in the art to which the invention pertains can make various modifications without departing from the spirit of the invention as claimed in the claims, and such modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the claims.

[0154] In this specification, a "unit" may also refer to a hardware component such as a processor or a circuit, and / or a software component executed by a hardware component such as a processor.

[0155] The above description of the present specification is for illustrative purposes only, and those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be easily modified into other specific forms without changing the technical spirit or essential features of the present invention. Therefore, the above-described embodiments should be understood to be illustrative in all respects and not limiting. For example, each component described as a single type may be implemented in a distributed form, and similarly, each component described as a distributed type may be implemented in a combined form.

[0156] The scope of the present embodiments is indicated by the claims rather than the detailed description, and should be interpreted as including all modifications or variations derived from the meaning, scope, and equivalent concepts of the claims.

[0157] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings, these are merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and variations of the embodiments are possible therefrom. Therefore, the true technical scope of protection of the present invention is determined by the technical spirit of the claims. [Industrial Applicability]

[0158] According to the aerosol generating device, the control method thereof, and the charging system including the same according to the embodiments of the present invention as described above, it is possible to realize an aerosol generating device that can vaporize an aerosol-forming substance without combustion.

Claims

1. an elongated aerosol generator including a first electrical storage portion; a charger to which the aerosol generator is detachably coupled; An aerosol generating device comprising: The charger a case having a second power storage unit and an opening; a power supply device in the case, the power supply device being electrically connected to the second power storage unit; a housing portion disposed in the opening and rotatably connected to the case, into which the aerosol generator is detachably inserted; a first charging terminal on the housing; a wiring connected to the power supply device and the first charging terminal; and The aerosol generator comprises: a heater supplied with power from the first power storage unit; a control unit that controls the supply of power from the first power storage unit to the heater; a first button configured to transmit an activation signal to the control unit and allow power to be supplied from the first power storage unit to the heater; and the aerosol generator includes a second charging terminal electrically connected to the first storage unit, and when the aerosol generator is coupled to the container, the first charging terminal contacts the second charging terminal; the control unit activated by the first button unit allows the supply of power from the first power storage unit to the heater, thereby operating the aerosol generator in a preheating mode in which the aerosol generator is preheated; the power supply device allows the second power storage unit to supply power to the aerosol generator when the container to which the aerosol generator is detachably attached is in a position that is not parallel to the longitudinal direction of the case; Aerosol generator.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the charger includes a first magnetic body in the housing adjacent to the first charging terminal.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2 , wherein when the first charging terminal faces the second charging terminal, the outer surface of the aerosol generator contacts the container by magnetic force.

4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the power supply device allows the second power storage unit to supply power to the first power storage unit.

5. The aerosol generating device of claim 4, wherein the charger includes a second button portion that activates or deactivates the power supply device from supplying power from the second storage unit to the first storage unit.

6. When the power supply device is activated to supply power from the second power storage unit to the first power storage unit, the control unit allows the first power storage unit to supply power to the heater. The aerosol generating device according to claim 5 .

7. When the power supply device is deactivated to supply power from the second power storage unit to the first power storage unit, the control unit cuts off the supply of power from the first power storage unit to the heater. The aerosol generating device according to claim 6.

8. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2 , wherein the aerosol generator includes a second magnetic body.

9. the charger includes a third magnetic body and a fourth magnetic body in the case; the third magnetic body corresponds to the first magnetic body of the container, and the fourth magnetic body corresponds to the second magnetic body of the aerosol generator. The aerosol generating device according to claim 8.

10. When the second magnetic body is not magnetically coupled to the fourth magnetic body, the first magnetic body is magnetically coupled to the third magnetic body, When the second magnetic body is magnetically coupled to the fourth magnetic body, the first magnetic body is not magnetically coupled to the third magnetic body. The aerosol generating device according to claim 9.

11. The aerosol generator is formed in a cylindrical shape, the housing has an inner surface facing and corresponding to an outer surface of the aerosol generator, and the inner surface of the housing supports the aerosol generator. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 .

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