Aerosol generation device and its operating method

Abstract

An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment includes a heater, a battery that supplies power to the heater, a communication interface connected to an external device, and a control unit that performs communication with the external device only when an external input is received in a state where the connection between the communication interface and the external device is detected.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device and an operating method thereof, and more particularly to an aerosol generating device and an operating method thereof that protect information within the aerosol generating device.

Background Art

[0002] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for smoking methods that replace conventional cigarettes. For example, there has been an increasing demand for methods of generating an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating substance within a cigarette, rather than by burning a cigarette to generate an aerosol. As a result, research related to heated cigarettes or heated aerosol generating devices has been actively pursued.

[0003] Generally, an aerosol generating device can be connected to an external device such as a PC via a communication interface. Even when communication is performed via encryption and decryption, it is impossible to avoid exposure of the protocol via a syntax analysis program such as a terminal or a parser.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an aerosol generating device and an operating method thereof that can prevent important information within the aerosol generating device from being hooked.

[0005] The problems to be solved through the embodiments are not limited to the problems described above, and problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the technical field to which the embodiments belong from the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment includes a heater, a battery that supplies power to the heater, a communication interface that can be connected to an external device, and a control unit that performs communication with the external device only when a preset external input is received while the communication interface and the external device are connected.

[0007] A method of operating an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment includes the steps of detecting connection with an external device via a communication interface, determining whether a preset external input is received via a user input unit while the detected connection is maintained, and performing communication with the external device when the external input is received via the user input unit.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] The aerosol generating device and its operating method according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can prevent important information in the aerosol generating device from being hooked by requiring a separate external input when connecting to an external device via a communication interface.

[0009] The effects according to the embodiments are not limited to the effects described above, and effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the embodiments belong from the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

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MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0011] In the embodiments, the terms used are, as much as possible while considering the functions in the present invention, general terms that are currently widely used. However, this also varies depending on the intentions or precedents of those skilled in the art, the emergence of new technologies, etc. Also, in certain cases, there are terms arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in such cases, the meaning thereof will be described in detail in the description part of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention are not merely the names of the terms, but must be defined based on the meaning of the terms and the overall content of the present disclosure.

[0012] Throughout the specification, when a part states that a certain component "includes" something, it means that, unless otherwise stated to the contrary, it does not exclude other components and may further include other components. Also, terms such as "… part" and "… module" described in the specification mean a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be implemented by hardware or software, or by a combination of hardware and software.

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail based on the accompanying drawings so that those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can easily implement them. However, the present invention can be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0015] FIGS. 1 to 3 are drawings showing an example in which a cigarette is inserted into an aerosol generating device.

[0016] Referring to FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device 1 includes a battery 11, a control unit 12, and a heater 13. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the aerosol generating device 1 further includes an atomizer 14. Also, a cigarette 2 can be inserted into the internal space of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0017] In the aerosol generating device 1 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, the components according to this embodiment are illustrated. Therefore, those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field related to this embodiment will understand that the aerosol generating device 1 further includes other general-purpose components in addition to the components illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3.

[0018] Also, FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate that the aerosol generating device 1 includes a heater 13, but the heater 13 can be omitted if necessary.

[0019] In FIG. 1, a battery 11, a control unit 12, and a heater 13 are arranged in a row. Also, in FIG. 2, the battery 11, the control unit 12, an atomizer 14, and the heater 13 are arranged in a row. Further, in FIG. 3, the atomizer 14 and the heater 13 are arranged in parallel. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1 is not limited to what is shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. That is, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 1, the arrangement of the battery 11, the control unit 12, the heater 13, and the atomizer 14 can be changed.

[0020] If a cigarette 2 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, the aerosol generating device 1 can operate the heater 13 and / or the atomizer 14 to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generated by the heater 13 and / or the atomizer 14 passes through the cigarette 2 and is transmitted to the user.

[0021] If necessary, even when the cigarette 2 is not inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, the aerosol generating device 1 can heat the heater 13.

[0022] The battery 11 supplies electric power used for the operation of the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the battery 11 can supply electric power so that the heater 13 or the atomizer 14 is heated, and can supply the electric power necessary for the operation of the control unit 12. Also, the battery 11 can supply the electric power necessary for the operation of a display, a sensor, a motor, etc. provided in the aerosol generating device 1.

[0023] The control unit 12 generally controls the operation of the aerosol generating device 1. Specifically, the control unit 12 controls the operation of not only the battery 11, the heater 13, and the atomizer 14, but also other components included in the aerosol generating device 1. Also, the control unit 12 can check the state of each component of the aerosol generating device 1 and determine whether the aerosol generating device 1 is in an operable state.

[0024] The control unit 12 includes at least one processor. The processor can be implemented by an array of a large number of logic gates, and can also be implemented by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executed by the microprocessor is stored. Also, those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which this embodiment belongs will understand that it can also be implemented by other forms of hardware.

[0025] The heater 13 can be heated by the power supplied from the battery 11. For example, if a cigarette is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, the heater 13 can be located outside the cigarette. Therefore, the heated heater 13 can raise the temperature of the aerosol generating substance in the cigarette.

[0026] The heater 13 is also an electric resistance heater. For example, the heater 13 includes a conductive track, and when an electric current flows through the conductive track, the heater 13 can be heated. However, the heater 13 is not limited to the above example, and any device that can be heated to the desired temperature is applicable without limitation. Here, the desired temperature may be preset in the aerosol generating device 1 or can be set to a desired temperature by the user.

[0027] On the other hand, as another example, the heater 13 is also an induction heating heater. Specifically, the heater 13 includes a conductive coil for heating the cigarette by induction heating, and the cigarette may include a susceptor that can be heated by the induction heating heater.

[0028] For example, the heater 13 includes a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element, and can heat the inside or outside of the cigarette 2 depending on the shape of the heating element.

[0029] In addition, multiple heaters 13 can be arranged in the aerosol generating device 1. In this case, the multiple heaters 13 can be arranged to be inserted inside the cigarette 2 and can also be arranged outside the cigarette 2. Also, some of the multiple heaters 13 can be arranged to be inserted inside the cigarette 2, and the rest can be arranged outside the cigarette 2. Further, the shape of the heater 13 is not limited to the shapes illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 and can also be fabricated in various shapes.

[0030] The vaporizer 14 heats the liquid composition to generate an aerosol, and the generated aerosol can be transmitted to the user through the cigarette 2. That is, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 moves along the air flow path of the aerosol generating device 1, and the air flow path can be configured such that the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 passes through the cigarette and is transmitted to the user.

[0031] For example, the vaporizer 14 can include, but is not limited to, a liquid storage part, a liquid transfer means, and a heating element. For example, the liquid storage part, the liquid transfer means, and the heating element can be included in the aerosol generating device 1 as independent modules.

[0032] The liquid storage part can store the liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition is also a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance containing a volatile tobacco flavor component or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance. The liquid storage part is fabricated to be detached / attached from / to the vaporizer 14 and can be fabricated integrally with the vaporizer 14.

[0033] For example, the liquid composition may contain water, a solvent, ethanol, a plant extract, a fragrance, a flavoring agent, or a vitamin mixture. The fragrance may include, but is not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and aroma components of various fruits. The flavoring agent may contain components that provide diverse flavors or tastes to the user. The vitamin mixture may also be a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E, but is not limited thereto. Further, the liquid composition may contain an aerosol-forming agent such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0034] The liquid transfer means can transfer the liquid composition in the liquid storage part to the heating element. For example, the liquid transfer means can also be a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic, but is not limited thereto.

[0035] The heating element is an element for heating the liquid composition transferred by the liquid transfer means. For example, the heating element can also be a metal heating wire, a metal hot plate, a ceramic heater, etc., but is not limited thereto. Further, the heating element is composed of a conductive filament such as a nichrome wire and can be arranged in a structure wound around the liquid transfer means. The heating element is heated by current supply, transfers heat to the liquid composition in contact therewith, and can heat the liquid composition. As a result, an aerosol can be generated.

[0036] For example, the vaporizer 14 is also referred to as a cartomizer or an atomizer, but is not limited thereto.

[0037] On the one hand, the aerosol generating device 1 may further include a general configuration in addition to the battery 11, the control unit 12, the heater 13, and the vaporizer 14. For example, the aerosol generating device 1 may include a display capable of outputting visual information and / or a motor for outputting tactile information. Further, the aerosol generating device 1 may include at least one sensor (such as a puff sensing sensor, a temperature sensing sensor, a cigarette insertion sensing sensor, etc.). Also, the aerosol generating device 1 may be manufactured by a structure in which external air flows in or internal gas flows out even when the cigarette 2 is inserted.

[0038] Although not shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the aerosol generating device 1 may form a system together with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle is used for charging the battery 11 of the aerosol generating device 1. Or the heater 13 may be heated in a state where the cradle and the aerosol generating device 1 are coupled.

[0039] The cigarette 2 is also similar to a general combustible cigarette. For example, the cigarette 2 may be divided into a first part containing an aerosol generating substance and a second part containing a filter or the like. Or the second part of the cigarette 2 may also contain an aerosol generating substance. For example, an aerosol generating substance made in a granular or capsule form may be inserted into the second part.

[0040] Inside the aerosol generating device 1, the entire first part may be inserted and the second part may be exposed to the outside. Or only a part of the first part may be inserted inside the aerosol generating device 1, and the entire first part and a part of the second part may be inserted. The user may inhale the aerosol with the second part in the mouth. At this time, the aerosol is generated by the external air passing through the first part, and the generated aerosol is transmitted to the user's mouth through the second part.

[0041] As an example, outside air can flow into the aerosol generating device 1 through at least one air passage formed therein. For example, the opening and closing of the air passage formed in the aerosol generating device 1 and / or the size of the air passage can be adjusted by the user. Thereby, the amount of atomization, the smoking feeling, etc. can be adjusted by the user. As another example, the outside air can flow into the inside of the cigarette 2 through at least one hole formed on the surface of the cigarette 2.

[0042] Hereinafter, an example of the cigarette 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0043] FIGS. 4 and 5 are drawings showing an example of a cigarette.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 4, the cigarette 2 includes a tobacco rod 21 and a filter rod 22. Although the filter rod 22 is illustrated as a single segment in FIG. 4, it is not limited thereto. That is, the filter rod 22 can be composed of a plurality of segments. For example, the filter rod 22 can include a segment for cooling the aerosol and a segment for filtering a predetermined component contained in the aerosol. Further, if necessary, the filter rod 22 can further include at least one segment for performing other functions.

[0045] The diameter of the cigarette 2 is within the range of 5 mm to 9 mm, and the length is about 48 mm, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the length of the tobacco rod 21 is about 12 mm, the length of the first segment of the filter rod 22 is about 10 mm, the length of the second segment of the filter rod 22 is about 14 mm, and the length of the third segment of the filter rod 22 is about 12 mm, but it is not limited thereto.

[0046] The cigarette 2 can be wrapped by at least one wrapper 24. At least one hole can be formed in the wrapper 24 for the external air to flow in or the internal gas to flow out. As an example, the cigarette 2 can be wrapped by one wrapper 24. As another example, the cigarette 2 can be wrapped in a superimposed manner by two or more wrappers 24. For example, the tobacco rod 21 can be wrapped by the first wrapper 241, and the filter rod 22 can be wrapped by the wrappers 242, 243, and 244. Then, the whole cigarette 2 can be repackaged by a single wrapper 245. If the filter rod 22 consists of a plurality of segments, each segment can be wrapped by the wrappers 242, 243, and 244.

[0047] The first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 can be made of a general filter wrapping paper. For example, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 can also be porous wrapping paper or non-porous wrapping paper. Further, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 can be made of oil-resistant papers and / or aluminum laminated paper packaging materials.

[0048] The third wrapper 243 can be made of hard wrapping paper. For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper 243 is included in the range of 88 g / m 2 ~96 g / m 2 and preferably included in the range of 90 g / m 2 ~94 g / m 2 It can be included. Also, the thickness of the third wrapper 243 is included in the range of 120 μm to 130 μm, and preferably, it is also 125 μm.

[0049] The fourth wrapper 244 can be made of oil-resistant hard wrapping paper. For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 244 is included in the range of 88 g / m 2 ~96 g / m 2 and preferably included in the range of 90 g / m 2 ~94 g / m 2 It can be included. Also, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 244 is included in the range of 120 μm to 130 μm, and preferably, it is also 125 μm.

[0050] The fifth wrapper 245 can be made of sterilized paper (MFW). Here, sterilized paper (MFW) means paper that is specially manufactured so that its tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. are enhanced compared to general paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 245 is within the range of 57 g / m 2 ~63 g / m 2 and preferably is 60 g / m 2 as well. Also, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 245 is within the range of 64 μm to 70 μm and preferably is 67 μm as well.

[0051] A predetermined substance can be added to the fifth wrapper 245. Here, as an example of the predetermined substance, silicon may be applicable, but is not limited thereto. For example, silicon has properties such as heat resistance with little change due to temperature, oxidation resistance that is not oxidized, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency to water, or electrical insulation. However, even if it is not silicon, as long as it is a substance having the above-described properties, it can be applied (or coated) to the fifth wrapper 245 without limitation.

[0052] The fifth wrapper 245 can prevent the phenomenon of the cigarette 2 from burning. For example, if the tobacco rod 210 is heated by the heater 13, the cigarette 2 may burn. Specifically, when the temperature of any one of the substances contained in the tobacco rod 310 rises above its ignition point, the cigarette 2 can burn. Even in such a case, since the fifth wrapper 245 contains a non-combustible substance, the phenomenon of the cigarette 2 burning can be prevented.

[0053] Also, the fifth wrapper 245 can prevent the aerosol generation device 1 from being contaminated by the substances generated by the cigarette 2. Depending on the user's puff, a liquid substance can be generated inside the cigarette 2. For example, when the aerosol generated by the cigarette 2 is cooled by the external air, a liquid substance (such as moisture, etc.) can be generated. By the fifth wrapper 245 packaging the cigarette 2, the liquid substance generated inside the cigarette 2 can be prevented from leaking outside the cigarette 2.

[0054] The tobacco rod 21 contains aerosol generating substances. For example, the aerosol generating substances may include, but are not limited to, at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol. Further, the tobacco rod 21 may contain other additive substances such as flavorants, wetting agents, and / or organic acids. Also, a flavoring liquid such as menthol or a humectant can be added to the tobacco rod 21 by spraying it onto the tobacco rod 21.

[0055] The tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured in the form of a sheet or a strand. Also, the tobacco rod 21 can be made of shredded tobacco in which the tobacco sheet is finely cut. Further, the tobacco rod 21 is surrounded by a heat conductive material. For example, the heat conductive material is also a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited thereto. As an example, the heat conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can uniformly disperse the heat transmitted to the tobacco rod 21 and improve the thermal conductivity applied to the tobacco rod, thereby improving the tobacco flavor. Also, the heat conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can function as a susceptor that is heated by an induction heating type heater. At this time, although not shown in the drawings, the tobacco rod 21 may further include an additional susceptor in addition to the heat conductive material surrounding the outside.

[0056] The filter rod 22 is also a cellulose acetate filter. On the other hand, there is no limitation on the shape of the filter rod 22. For example, the filter rod 22 is also a cylindrical rod or a tubular rod having a hollow inside. Also, the filter rod 22 is also a recessed rod. If the filter rod 22 is composed of a plurality of segments, at least one of the plurality of segments is also manufactured in a different shape.

[0057] The first segment of the filter rod 22 is also a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the first segment is also a tubular structure with a hollow inside. When the heater 13 is inserted into the tobacco rod 21, the first segment can prevent the phenomenon that the internal substance of the tobacco rod 21 is pushed later, and can also generate a cooling effect on the aerosol. The diameter of the hollow included in the first segment can be an appropriate diameter within the range of 2 mm to 4.5 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0058] The length of the first segment can be an appropriate length within the range of 4 mm to 30 mm, but is not limited thereto. Desirably, the length of the first segment can be 10 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0059] The hardness of the first segment can be adjusted by adjusting the content of the plasticizer during the manufacture of the first segment. Also, the first segment can be manufactured by inserting a structure such as a film or a tube of the same or different materials inside (for example, the hollow).

[0060] The second segment of the filter rod 22 cools the aerosol generated by the heater 13 heating the tobacco rod 21. Therefore, the user can inhale the aerosol cooled to an appropriate temperature.

[0061] The length or diameter of the second segment can be determined variously depending on the form of the cigarette 2. For example, the length of the second segment can be appropriately adopted within the range of 7 mm to 20 mm. Desirably, the length of the second segment can be about 14 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0062] The second segment can be produced by weaving polymer fibers. In that case, a flavoring liquid may be applied to the fibers produced by the polymer. Or, the second segment may be produced by weaving together fibers with a flavoring liquid applied separately and fibers produced by the polymer. Or, the second segment can be formed by a crimped polymer sheet.

[0063] For example, the polymer can be made of a material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PLA), cellulose acetate (CA), and aluminum foil.

[0064] By being formed of woven polymer fibers or crimped polymer sheets for the second segment, the second segment can include one or more channels extending in the longitudinal direction. Here, the channel means a passage through which a gas (e.g., air or aerosol) passes.

[0065] For example, the second segment made of a crimped polymer sheet can be formed of a material having a thickness between about 5 μm and about 300 μm, for example, between about 10 μm and about 250 μm. Also, the total surface area of the second segment is between about 300 mm 2 / mm and about 1000 mm 2 / mm. Also, the aerosol cooling element can be formed of a material having a specific surface area between about 10 mm 2 / mg and about 100 mm 2 / mg.

[0066] On the other hand, the second segment can include a thread containing a volatile flavor component. Here, the volatile flavor component is menthol, but is not limited thereto. For example, the thread can be filled with a sufficient amount of menthol so that 1.5 mg or more of menthol is provided to the second segment.

[0067] The third segment of the filter rod 22 is also a cellulose acetate filter. The length of the third segment can be appropriately adopted within the range of 4 mm to 20 mm. For example, the length of the third segment can be about 12 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0068] In the process of manufacturing the third segment, it can be manufactured so that a fragrance is generated by injecting a flavoring liquid into the third segment. Alternatively, a separate fiber coated with the flavoring liquid can be inserted into the interior of the third segment. The aerosol generated by the tobacco rod 21 is cooled by passing through the second segment of the filter rod 22, and the cooled aerosol can be transmitted to the user through the third segment. Therefore, when a flavoring element is added to the third segment, an effect of enhancing the persistence of the fragrance transmitted to the user can occur.

[0069] Further, the filter rod 22 may include at least one capsule 23. Here, the capsule 23 may perform a function of generating a fragrance and may also perform a function of generating an aerosol. For example, the capsule 23 is also a structure that covers and wraps a liquid containing a fragrance with a film. The capsule 23 can have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 5, the cigarette 3 may further include a front plug 33. The front plug 33 may be located on one side of the tobacco rod 31 that does not face the filter rod 32. The front plug 33 can prevent the tobacco rod 31 from detaching externally and can prevent the liquefied aerosol from flowing from the tobacco rod 31 into the aerosol generating device (1 in FIGS. 1 to 3) during smoking.

[0071] The filter rod 32 may include a first segment 321 and a second segment 322. Here, the first segment 321 may correspond to the first segment of the filter rod 22 in FIG. 4, and the second segment 322 may correspond to the third segment of the filter rod 22 in FIG. 4.

[0072] The diameter and the total length of the cigarette 3 may correspond to the diameter and the total length of the cigarette 2 in FIG. 4. For example, the length of the front plug 33 is about 7 mm, the length of the tobacco rod 31 is about 15 mm, the length of the first segment 321 is about 12 mm, and the length of the second segment 322 is about 14 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0073] The cigarette 3 can be wrapped by at least one wrapper 35. At least one hole can be formed in the wrapper 35 through which external air can flow in or internal gas can flow out. For example, the front plug 33 can be wrapped by the first wrapper 351, the tobacco rod 31 can be wrapped by the second wrapper 352, the first segment 321 can be wrapped by the third wrapper 353, and the second segment 322 can be wrapped by the fourth wrapper 354. Then, the whole cigarette 3 can be re-wrapped by the fifth wrapper 355.

[0074] Also, at least one perforation 36 can be formed in the fifth wrapper 355. For example, the perforation 36 can be formed in the area surrounding the tobacco rod 31, but is not limited thereto. The perforation 36 can serve to transfer the heat generated by the heater 13 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 into the interior of the tobacco rod 31.

[0075] Also, at least one capsule 34 can be included in the second segment 322. Here, the capsule 34 can perform a function of generating a fragrance and can also perform a function of generating an aerosol. For example, the capsule 34 also has a structure in which a liquid containing a fragrance is covered and wrapped with a film. The capsule 34 can have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0076] The first wrapper 351 is also one in which a metal foil such as aluminum foil is bonded to a general filter paper. For example, the overall thickness of the first wrapper 351 is included in the range of 45 μm to 55 μm, and desirably, it is also 50.3 μm. Also, the thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper 351 is included in the range of 6 μm to 7 μm, and desirably, it is also 6.3 μm. Also, the basis weight of the first wrapper 351 is 2 ~55 g / m 2 and is included in the range of, and desirably, it is also 2 53 g / m.

[0077] The second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 can be made of a general filter paper. For example, the second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 can also be a porous paper or a non-porous paper.

[0078] For example, the porosity of the second wrapper 352 is also 35000 CU, but is not limited thereto. Further, the thickness of the second wrapper 352 is included in the range of 70 μm to 80 μm, and preferably is also 78 μm. Further, the basis weight of the second wrapper 352 is 20 g / m 2 ~25 g / m 2 and is included in the range of, and preferably is also 23.5 g / m 2 as well.

[0079] For example, the porosity of the third wrapper 353 is also 24000 CU, but is not limited thereto. Further, the thickness of the third wrapper 353 is included in the range of 60 μm to 70 μm, and preferably is also 68 μm. Further, the basis weight of the third wrapper 353 is 20 g / m 2 ~25 g / m 2 and is included in the range of, and preferably is also 21 g / m 2 as well.

[0080] The fourth wrapper 354 can be made of a PLA laminated paper. Here, the PLA laminated paper means a triple paper including a paper layer, a PLA layer, and a paper layer. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 354 is included in the range of 100 μm to 120 μm, and preferably is also 110 μm. Further, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 354 is 80 g / m 2 ~100 g / m 2 and is included in the range of, and preferably is also 88 g / m 2 as well.

[0081] The fifth wrapper 355 can be made of a sterilized paper (MFW). Here, the sterilized paper (MFW) means a paper specially manufactured so that the tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. are enhanced compared to general paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 355 is 57 g / m 2 ~63 g / m 2 and is included in the range of, and preferably is also 60 g / m 2It is also so. Further, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 355 is included within the range of 64 μm to 70 μm, and desirably, it is also 67 μm.

[0082] The fifth wrapper 355 can be incorporated with a predetermined substance. Here, as an example of the predetermined substance, silicon may be applicable, but is not limited thereto. For example, silicon has characteristics such as heat resistance with little change due to temperature, oxidation resistance that is not oxidized, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency to water, or electrical insulation. However, even if it is not silicon, as long as it is a substance having the above-described characteristics, it can be applied (or coated) to the fifth wrapper 355 without limitation.

[0083] The front plug 33 can be made of cellulose acetate. As an example, the front plug 33 can be made by adding a plasticizer (for example, triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. The mono denier of the filaments constituting the cellulose acetate tow is included within the range of 1.0 to 10.0, and desirably, it can be included within the range of 4.0 to 6.0. More desirably, the mono denier of the filaments of the front plug 33 is also 5.0. Further, the cross-section of the filaments constituting the front plug 33 is also Y-shaped. The total denier of the front plug 33 is included within the range of 20,000 to 30,000, and desirably, it can be included within the range of 25,000 to 30,000. More desirably, the total denier of the front plug 33 is also 28,000.

[0084] Also, if necessary, the front plug 33 includes at least one channel, and the cross-sectional shape of the channel can be made in various ways.

[0085] The tobacco rod 31 can correspond to the tobacco rod 21 described above with reference to FIG. 4. Therefore, the specific description regarding the tobacco rod 31 is omitted below.

[0086] The first segment 321 can be made of cellulose acetate. For example, the first segment is also a tubular structure that includes a hollow inside. The first segment 321 can be made by adding a plasticizer (for example, triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. For example, the mono denier and total denier of the first segment 321 are the same as those of the front plug 33.

[0087] The second segment 322 can be made of cellulose acetate. The mono denier of the filaments constituting the second segment 322 is included in the range of 1.0 to 10.0, and desirably can be included in the range of 8.0 to 10.0. More desirably, the mono denier of the filaments of the second segment 322 is also 9.0. Also, the cross-section of the filaments of the second segment 322 is also Y-shaped. The total denier of the second segment 322 is included in the range of 20,000 to 30,000, and desirably is also 25,000.

[0088] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example in which an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment is communicatively coupled to an external device.

[0089] The aerosol generating device 600 comprehensively means a smoking system. In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 600 is also an electrically heated smoking system that heats the cigarette 2 to generate an aerosol.

[0090] The aerosol generating device 600 can include a battery, a heater, a memory, a communication interface, a user input unit, etc., but those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field related to this embodiment will understand that some of the listed configurations may be omitted or new configurations may be further added. At this time, the user input unit can include an operation button BU and a touch screen TS.

[0091] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 600 may include product-related data. For example, the product-related data may include product name, product components, heating profiles for each product, and the like. The aerosol generating device 600 can control the heater based on the heating profile for each product.

[0092] Also, the aerosol generating device 600 may include data obtained from the user and data obtained during the process of using the aerosol generating device 600. The data obtained from the user may include the user's personal information and preference information. For example, the personal information may include age, gender, address, occupation, identification information, and the like. The data obtained during the use process may include puff average intensity, average number of puffs per puff series, number of smoking times per day, smoking time per day, smoking area, usage frequency for each product, and the like.

[0093] The external device 700 is a tablet PC, a PC, a PDA (personal digital assistant), a laptop, a micro server, or a non-mobile computer device, but is not limited thereto. The aerosol generating device 600 and the external device 700 can be communicatively connected.

[0094] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 600 and the external device 700 can be communicatively connected by wired / wireless means. The aerosol generating device 600 and the external device 700 can be communicatively connected to transmit and receive various data. For example, the aerosol generating device 600 can transmit product-related data (e.g., heating profiles for each product) to the external device 700.

[0095] The external device 700 can be connected to various input devices such as a keyboard 710 and / or a mouse 720.

[0096] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0097] Referring to FIG. 7, the aerosol generating device 600 may include a battery 610, a heater 620, a communication interface 630, a user input unit 640, a memory 650, and a control unit 660. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 600 is not limited to what is shown in FIG. 7. A person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field related to this embodiment will understand that depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 600, some of the hardware components shown in FIG. 7 may be omitted or new components may be further added.

[0098] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 600 is composed only of a main body. In this case, the hardware components included in the aerosol generating device 600 are located in the main body. In other embodiments, the aerosol generating device 600 is composed of a main body and a cartridge, and the hardware components included in the aerosol generating device 600 may be divided and located in the main body and the cartridge. Alternatively, at least some of the hardware components included in the aerosol generating device 600 may be located in the main body and the cartridge respectively.

[0099] Hereinafter, without limiting the space where each component included in the aerosol generating device 600 is located, the operations of each component will be described.

[0100] The battery 610 supplies the electric power used for the operation of the aerosol generating device 600. That is, the battery 610 can supply electric power so that the heater 620 is heated. Also, the battery 610 can supply the electric power necessary for the operations of other hardware components provided in the aerosol generating device 600, namely, the communication interface 630, the user input unit 640, the memory 650, and the control unit 660. The battery 610 can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 610 can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0101] The heater 620 is powered by the battery 610 under the control of the control unit 660. The heater 620 can be powered by the battery 610 to heat a cigarette (2 in FIG. 6) inserted into the aerosol generating device 600 or to heat a cartridge attached to the aerosol generating device 600.

[0102] The heater 620 may be located in the main body of the aerosol generating device 600. Alternatively, when the aerosol generating device 600 is composed of a main body and a cartridge, the heater 620 may be located in the cartridge. When the heater 620 is located in the cartridge, the heater 620 can be powered by the battery 610 located at at least one of the main body and the cartridge.

[0103] The heater 620 can be made of any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, suitable electrically resistive materials include, but are not limited to, metals or metal alloys such as titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc. Also, the heater 620 can be embodied by, but is not limited to, a metal wire, a metal hot plate with conductive tracks arranged thereon, a ceramic heating element, etc.

[0104] In one embodiment, the heater 620 is also a component included in the cartridge. The cartridge may include the heater 620, liquid transfer means, and a liquid storage part. The aerosol generating substance stored in the liquid storage part moves to the liquid transfer means, and the heater 620 can heat the aerosol generating substance absorbed by the liquid transfer means to generate an aerosol. For example, the heater 620 includes a material such as nickel chromium and can be wound around the liquid transfer means or arranged adjacent to the liquid transfer means.

[0105] In other embodiments, the heater 620 can heat a cigarette inserted into the accommodation space of the aerosol generating device 600. When a cigarette is accommodated in the accommodation space of the aerosol generating device 600, the heater 620 can be located inside and / or outside the cigarette. Thereby, the heater 620 can heat the aerosol generating substance in the cigarette to generate an aerosol.

[0106] On the other hand, the heater 620 is also an induction heating type heater. The heater 620 includes a conductive coil for heating a cigarette or a cartridge by an induction heating method, and the cigarette or the cartridge may include a susceptor that can be heated by the induction heating type heater.

[0107] The communication interface 630 can be communicatively connected, either wired or wirelessly, to an external device (700 in FIG. 6), an external server, etc. In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 600 and the external device 700 can be communicatively connected by wire. Wired communication may include, for example, USB (universal serial bus), HDMI (registered trademark) (high definition multimedia interface), RS-232 (recommended standard 232), or POTS (plain old telephone service).

[0108] In other embodiments, the aerosol generating device 600 and the external device 700 can be connected to each other via wireless communication without physical input / output terminals. For example, the aerosol generating device 600 and the external device 700 can be connected via various communication methods such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark) low energy, Wi-Fi, Zigbee (registered trademark). However, it is not limited thereto and can be implemented by various interfaces depending on the implementation example.

[0109] The user input unit 640 may include an input / output (I / O) interfacing means (e.g., a button or a touch screen) for receiving information input by the user or outputting information to the user.

[0110] However, only some of the exemplified examples of the various user input units 640 may be selectively implemented in the aerosol generating device 600.

[0111] The memory 650 is hardware for storing various data processed within the aerosol generating device 600, and the memory 650 can store the data processed by the control unit 660 and the data to be processed. The memory 650 may be implemented by various types such as DRAM (dynamic random access memory), SRAM (static random access memory) like RAM (random access memory), ROM (read-only memory), EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory).

[0112] The memory 650 may store data related to the operating time of the aerosol generating device 600, the maximum puff count, the current puff count, at least one heating profile, at least one power profile, and the smoking pattern of the user.

[0113] The control unit 660 is hardware for controlling the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 600. The control unit 660 includes at least one processor. The processor may also be implemented by an array of a large number of logic gates, or by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executed by the microprocessor is stored. Also, those skilled in the art to which this embodiment belongs will understand that it may also be implemented by other forms of hardware.

[0114] FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the aerosol generator when an external input is received according to one embodiment.

[0115] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 8, at step 811, the aerosol generator 600 can be connected to the external device 700 using the communication interface 630. According to one embodiment, the communication interface 630 is also a wired communication interface. For example, the wired communication interface is also a universal serial bus communication interface. According to other embodiments, the communication interface 630 is also a wireless communication interface. For example, the wireless communication interface can be any one of Bluetooth (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark) low energy, Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi), and Zigbee (registered trademark).

[0116] At this time, when the aerosol generator 600 is communicatively connected to the external device 700 using the wired communication interface, it can operate in a data communication mode or a charging mode described later according to the presence or absence of an external input from the user. On the other hand, when the aerosol generator 600 is communicatively connected to the external device 700 using the wireless communication interface, it operates in the data communication mode according to the presence or absence of an external input from the user, or the data communication mode is not permitted. However, it is not limited thereto. When the external device 700 includes a separate wireless charging device, the aerosol generator 600 can also operate in the data communication mode or the charging mode according to the presence or absence of an external input from the user when communicatively connected to the external device 700 using the wireless communication interface.

[0117] At step 812, the external device 700 can sense the connection of the aerosol generator 600.

[0118] At step 813, when the external device 700 senses the connection of the aerosol generator 600, it can transmit an authentication request message to the aerosol generator 600.

[0119] In step 814, when the aerosol generating device 600 receives an authentication request message from the external device 700 and then receives an external input from the user within a preset time, it determines that the external input has been received.

[0120] The aerosol generating device 600 may include an operation button BU as the user input unit 640. Generally, the aerosol generating device 600 can perform a preset operation corresponding to the number of times the user presses the operation button BU and / or the pressing time. For example, when the user presses the operation button BU once every 2 seconds, the preheating of the heater 620 may start, or when the user quickly presses the operation button BU five times, heating and cleaning may be performed.

[0121] According to one embodiment, the external input may also be that the user presses the operation button BU a preset number of times. At this time, the preset number of times (for example, 3 times) is also a number of times not used in the usage method disclosed in the product manual of the aerosol generating device 600 or the like. As will be described later, when the external input is received, the aerosol generating device 600 can communicate with the external device 700. Therefore, in order to prevent an unspecified number of people from accessing the data in the aerosol generating device 600, it is desirable that the preset number of times as the external input is only disclosed to the product developer.

[0122] On the other hand, the external input is not limited to the user pressing the operation button BU a preset number of times. For example, the external input can be set in a way that is difficult for an unspecified number of people to infer by combining the number of times the operation button BU is pressed and the pressing time.

[0123] The aerosol generating device 600 may include a touch screen TS as the user input unit 640. When the aerosol generating device 600 receives an authentication request message from the external device 802, it can display a screen for inputting a password on the touch screen TS. According to one embodiment, the external input may also be that the user inputs a preset password using the touch screen TS.

[0124] In step 815, when it is determined that an external input has been received, the aerosol generating device 600 may transmit an authentication response message to the external device 700.

[0125] In step 816, when the external device 700 receives an authentication response message from the aerosol generating device 600, it can establish a communication connection with the aerosol generating device 600.

[0126] In step 817, after establishing the communication connection, the external device 700 may transmit a communication connection completion message to the aerosol generating device 600.

[0127] In step 818, when the aerosol generating device 600 receives a connection completion message from the external device 700, it can operate in the data communication mode.

[0128] In step 819, when operating in the data communication mode, the aerosol generating device 600 may transmit a data communication mode request message to the external device 700.

[0129] In step 820, when the external device 700 receives a data communication mode request message from the aerosol generating device 600, it can operate in the data communication mode.

[0130] In step 821, when operating in the data communication mode, the external device 700 may transmit a data communication mode response message to the aerosol generating device 600.

[0131] In step 822, the aerosol generating device 600 can transmit and receive data with an external device 700. At this time, the data communication mode means a state in which data can be transmitted and received between the aerosol generating device 600 and the external device 700. That is, the user of the external device 700 has access rights to the data (for example, product information) in the aerosol generating device 600. Also, the user of the aerosol generating device 600 has access rights to the data (for example, update information) in the external device 700.

[0132] FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the aerosol generating device when no external input is received according to an embodiment.

[0133] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 9, in step 911, the aerosol generating device 600 can be connected to the external device 700 using the communication interface 630. According to one embodiment, the communication interface 630 is also a wired / wireless communication interface.

[0134] In step 912, the external device 700 can detect the connection of the aerosol generating device 600.

[0135] In step 913, when the external device 700 detects the connection of the aerosol generating device 600, the external device 700 can transmit an authentication request message to the aerosol generating device 600.

[0136] In step 914, after the aerosol generating device 600 receives the authentication request message from the external device 700, if no external input is received from the user within a preset time, it is determined that no external input is received.

[0137] The aerosol generating device 600 may include an operation button BU as the user input unit 640. According to one embodiment, the external input may also be that the user presses the operation button BU a preset number of times. At this time, the preset number of times (for example, 3 times) is also a number of times not used in the usage disclosed in the product manual of the aerosol generating device 600 or the like. On the other hand, the external input can be set in a way that is difficult for an unspecified number of people to infer by combining the number of times the operation button BU is pressed and the pressing time.

[0138] The aerosol generating device 600 may include a touch screen TS as the user input unit 640. When the aerosol generating device 600 receives an authentication request message from the external device 802, it can display a screen for inputting a password on the touch screen TS. According to one embodiment, the external input may also be that the user inputs a preset password using the touch screen TS.

[0139] In step 915, if it is determined that no external input has been received, the aerosol generating device 600 may transmit an authentication non-response message to the external device 700.

[0140] In step 916, when the external device 700 receives an authentication non-response message from the aerosol generating device 600, it does not establish a communication connection with the aerosol generating device 600 (that is, the communication connection fails).

[0141] In step 917, when the external device 700 fails to establish a communication connection, it may transmit a communication connection failure message to the aerosol generating device 600.

[0142] In step 918, when the aerosol generating device 600 receives a connection failure message from the external device 700, it can operate in the charging mode.

[0143] In step 919, when operating in the charging mode, the aerosol generating device 600 may transmit a charging mode request message to the external device 700.

[0144] In step 920, when the external device 700 receives a charging mode request message from the aerosol generating device 600, it can operate in the charging mode. At this time, the charging mode indicates a state in which the power supply of the aerosol generating device 600 is being accumulated, and data cannot be transmitted or received between the aerosol generating device 600 and the external device 700. That is, the user of the external device 700 does not have access rights to the data (e.g., product information) in the aerosol generating device 600. Also, the user of the aerosol generating device 600 does not have access rights to the data (e.g., update information) in the external device 700.

[0145] In step 921, when operating in the charging mode, the external device 700 can supply an external power source to the battery 610 of the aerosol generating device 600.

[0146] FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the aerosol generating device when an external input is received according to another embodiment.

[0147] The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10 differs from the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8 in that an external input is received via the external device 700, as opposed to being received via the aerosol generating device 600. Hereinafter, duplicate explanations will be omitted, and the differences will be mainly described.

[0148] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 10, in step 1011, the aerosol generating device 600 can be connected to the external device 700 using the communication interface 630. According to one embodiment, the communication interface 630 is also a wired / wireless communication interface.

[0149] In step 1012, the aerosol generating device 600 can detect the connection of the external device 700.

[0150] In step 1013, when the aerosol generating device 600 detects the connection of the external device 700, it can transmit an authentication request message to the external device 700.

[0151] In step 1014, after the external device 700 receives an authentication request message from the aerosol generating device 600, if it receives an external input from the user within a preset time, it determines that the external input has been received.

[0152] The external device 700 may include a display unit that displays an execution screen of a preset syntax analysis program (e.g., PC Tool) and a keyboard 710 that receives an external input. According to one embodiment, the external input is also a decryption approval command input via the keyboard 710. Thus, when receiving an external input via the external device 700, both the execution of the preset syntax analysis program and the decryption approval command are required, and it can be expected that the security of the external input is enhanced.

[0153] In step 1015, when the external device 700 determines that an external input has been received, it may transmit an authentication response message to the aerosol generating device 600.

[0154] In step 1016, when the aerosol generating device 600 receives an authentication response message from the external device 700, it can establish a communication connection with the external device 700.

[0155] In step 1017, after establishing the communication connection, the aerosol generating device 600 may transmit a communication connection completion message to the external device 700.

[0156] In step 1018, when the external device 700 receives a connection completion message from the aerosol generating device 600, it can operate in the data communication mode.

[0157] In step 1019, when operating in the data communication mode, the external device 700 may transmit a data communication mode request message to the aerosol generating device 600.

[0158] In step 1020, when the aerosol generating device 600 receives a data communication mode request message from the external device 700, it can operate in the data communication mode.

[0159] In step 1021, when operating in the data communication mode, the aerosol generating device 600 can transmit a data communication mode response message to the external device 700.

[0160] In step 1022, the aerosol generating device 600 can transmit and receive data with the external device 700. At this time, the data communication mode means a state in which data can be transmitted and received between the aerosol generating device 600 and the external device 700. That is, the user of the external device 700 has access rights to the data (for example, product information) in the aerosol generating device 600. Also, the user of the aerosol generating device 600 has access rights to the data (for example, update information) in the external device 700.

[0161] FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the aerosol generating device when no external input is received according to another embodiment.

[0162] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 11, in step 1111, the aerosol generating device 600 can be connected to the external device 700 using the communication interface 630. According to one embodiment, the communication interface 630 is also a wired / wireless communication interface.

[0163] In step 1112, the aerosol generating device 600 can detect the connection of the external device 700.

[0164] In step 1113, when the aerosol generating device 600 detects the connection of the external device 700, it can transmit an authentication request message to the external device 700.

[0165] In step 1114, after receiving the authentication request message from the aerosol generating device 600, if the external device 700 has not received an external input from the user within a preset time, it determines that no external input has been received.

[0166] The external device 700 may include a display unit that displays an execution screen of a preset syntax analysis program (e.g., PC Tool) and a keyboard 710 that receives external inputs. According to one embodiment, the external input is also a decryption approval command.

[0167] In step 1115, if it is determined that no external input has been received, the external device 700 may transmit an authentication non-response message to the aerosol generating device 600.

[0168] In step 1116, when the aerosol generating device 600 receives an authentication non-response message from the external device 700, it does not establish a communication connection with the external device 700 (i.e., the communication connection fails).

[0169] In step 1117, when the communication connection fails, the aerosol generating device 600 may transmit a communication connection failure message to the external device 700.

[0170] In step 1118, when the external device 700 receives a connection failure message from the aerosol generating device 600, it may operate in a charging mode.

[0171] In step 1119, when operating in the charging mode, the external device 700 may transmit a charging mode request message to the aerosol generating device 600.

[0172] In step 1120, when the aerosol generating device 600 receives a charging mode request message from the external device 700, it may operate in a charging mode. At this time, the charging mode indicates a state in which the power supply of the aerosol generating device 600 is being accumulated, and data cannot be transmitted or received between the aerosol generating device 600 and the external device 700.

[0173] In step 1121, when operating in the charging mode, the aerosol generating device 600 may transmit a charging mode response message to the external device 700.

[0174] In stage 1122, when the external device 700 receives a charging mode response message from the aerosol generating device 600, it can supply an external power source to the battery 610 of the aerosol generating device 600.

[0175] FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an aerosol generating device according to yet another embodiment.

[0176] Referring to FIG. 12, the aerosol generating device 1200 may include a control unit 1210, a sensing unit 1220, an output unit 1230, a battery 1240, a heater 1250, a user input unit 1260, a memory 1270, and a communication unit 1280. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1200 is not limited to what is shown in FIG. 6. That is, those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field related to this embodiment will understand that depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 1200, some of the configurations shown in FIG. 6 may be omitted or new configurations may be further added.

[0177] The sensing unit 1220 can sense the state of the aerosol generating device 1200 or the state around the aerosol generating device 1200 and transmit the sensed information to the control unit 1210. Based on the sensed information, the control unit 1210 can control the aerosol generating device 1200 so that various functions such as operation control of the heater 1250, restriction of smoking, determination of whether an aerosol generating article (e.g., cigarette, cartridge, etc.) is inserted, and notification display are performed.

[0178] The sensing unit 1220 may include at least one of a temperature sensor 1222, an insertion sensing sensor 1224, and a puff sensor 1226, but is not limited thereto.

[0179] The temperature sensor 1222 can sense the temperature at which the heater 1250 (or the aerosol generating substance) is heated. The aerosol generating device 1200 includes a separate temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the heater 1250, or the heater 1250 itself serves as the temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 1222 is also arranged around the battery 1240 to monitor the temperature of the battery 1240. In an embodiment, the temperature sensor 1222 can measure the temperature of the heater 1250 before it is heated.

[0180] The insertion sensing sensor 1224 can sense the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article. For example, the insertion sensing sensor 1224 includes at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, a light sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, and an infrared sensor, and can sense a signal change due to the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article. In an embodiment, after the insertion sensing sensor 1224 senses the insertion of the aerosol generating article, if it senses the insertion of the aerosol generating article again within a predetermined time after one smoking series ends, it is determined to be continuous use.

[0181] The puff sensor 1226 can sense the user's puff based on various physical changes in the air flow path or air flow channel. For example, the puff sensor 1226 can sense the user's puff based on any one of a temperature change, a flow change, a voltage change, and a pressure change.

[0182] In addition to the sensors described above (temperature sensor 1222, insertion sensing sensor 1224, and puff sensor 1226), the sensing unit 1220 can further include at least one of a temperature / humidity sensor, an air pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS), a proximity sensor, and an RGB sensor (illuminance sensor). Since the functions of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by an ordinary technician from its name, specific descriptions can be omitted.

[0183] The output unit 1230 can output information related to the state of the aerosol generating device 1200 and provide it to the user. The output unit 1230 may include at least one of a display unit 1232, a haptic unit 1234, and an acoustic output unit 1236, but is not limited thereto. When the display unit 1232 and the touch pad form a layer structure and are configured as a touch screen, the display unit 1232 can also be used as an input device in addition to the output device.

[0184] The display unit 1232 visually provides information related to the aerosol generating device 1200 to the user. For example, the information related to the aerosol generating device 1200 means various information such as the charge / discharge state of the battery 1240 of the aerosol generating device 1200, the preheating state of the heater 1250, the insertion / removal state of the aerosol generating article, or the state in which the use of the aerosol generating device 1200 is restricted (e.g., abnormal article detection), and the display unit 1232 can output the information to the outside. The display unit 1232 is, for example, also a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), etc. Further, the display unit 1232 is also in the form of an LED light emitting element.

[0185] The haptic unit 1234 converts an electrical signal into a mechanical or electrical stimulus and tactually provides information related to the aerosol generating device 1200 to the user. For example, the haptic unit 1234 may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0186] The acoustic output unit 1236 aurally provides information related to the aerosol generating device 1200 to the user. For example, the acoustic output unit 1236 can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

[0187] The battery 1240 can supply the power used for the operation of the aerosol generating device 1200. The battery 1240 can supply power so that the heater 1250 is heated. Also, the battery 1240 can supply the power necessary for the operation of other components (for example, the sensing unit 1220, the output unit 1230, the user input unit 1260, the memory 1270, and the communication unit 1280) provided in the aerosol generating device 1200. The battery 1240 can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 1240 can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0188] The heater 1250 can be supplied with power from the battery 1240 to heat the aerosol generating substance. Although not shown in FIG. 12, the aerosol generating device 1200 can further include a power conversion circuit (for example, a DC / DC converter) that converts the power of the battery 1240 and supplies it to the heater 1250. Also, when the aerosol generating device 1200 generates aerosol by an induction heating method, the aerosol generating device 1200 can further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power source of the battery 1240 into an AC power source.

[0189] The control unit 1210, the sensing unit 1220, the output unit 1230, the user input unit 1260, the memory 1270, and the communication unit 910 can be supplied with power from the battery 1240 and perform their functions. Although not shown in FIG. 12, it can further include a power conversion circuit, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that converts the power of the battery 1240 and supplies it to each component.

[0190] In one embodiment, the heater 1250 can be made of any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, suitable electrically resistive materials include, but are not limited to, metals or metal alloys such as titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc. Also, the heater 130 can be embodied by, but is not limited to, a metal wire, a metal plate with conductive tracks disposed thereon, a ceramic heating element, and the like.

[0191] In other embodiments, the heater 1250 is also an induction heating type heater. For example, the heater 1250 can include a susceptor that generates heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil and heats the aerosol product substance.

[0192] In one embodiment, the heater 1250 can include a plurality of heaters. For example, the heater 1250 can include a first heater for heating a cigarette and a second heater for heating a liquid.

[0193] The user input unit 1260 receives information input from the user or outputs information to the user. For example, the user input unit 1260 includes, but is not limited to, a keypad, a dome switch, a touch pad (a touch pad using a capacitive touch method, a pressure resistive film method, an infrared sensing method, a surface acoustic wave conduction method, an integrated tension measurement method, a piezo effect method, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, and the like. Also, although not shown in FIG. 12, the aerosol generating device 1200 further includes a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and can be connected to other external devices through a connection interface such as a USB interface to transmit and receive information, or can charge the battery 1240.

[0194] The memory 1270 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device 1200, and can store the data processed by the control unit 1210 and the data to be processed. The memory 1270 can include at least one type of recording medium among flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia card micro type, card type memory (for example, SD or XD memory, etc.), RAM (Random Access Memory), SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), ROM (Read-Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk. The memory 1270 can store data related to the operating time of the aerosol generating device 1200, the maximum puff count, the current puff count, at least one temperature profile, and the smoking pattern of the user. In an embodiment, the memory 1270 can store a plurality of heating profiles. Also, the memory 1270 can store a plurality of preheating profiles that define a preheating section among the heating profiles. The memory 1270 can store the plurality of preheating profiles described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.

[0195] The communication unit 1280 may include at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 1280 may include a short-range communication unit 1282 and a wireless communication unit 1284.

[0196] The short-range wireless communication unit 1282 may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee (registered trademark) communication unit, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, a UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc.

[0197] The wireless communication unit 1284 may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc. The wireless communication unit 1284 can identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device 1200 within the communication network using subscriber information (e.g., the International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)).

[0198] The control unit 1210 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1200. In one embodiment, the control unit 1210 may include at least one processor. The processor can also be implemented by an array of a large number of logic gates, or by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executed by the microprocessor. It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the technical field to which this embodiment belongs that it can also be implemented by other forms of hardware.

[0199] FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining a method of operating an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. At this time, it goes without saying that not only the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 13 but also the embodiments described above in FIGS. 1 to 11 are applicable to the method of operating the aerosol generating device.

[0200] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 11 and FIG. 13, a method of operating an aerosol generating device may include: a step (S100) of connecting to an external device 700 via a communication interface 630 of the aerosol generating device 600; a step (S200) of determining whether an external input is received via a user input unit 640 in a state where the connection between the communication interface 630 of the aerosol generating device 600 and the external device 700 is sensed; a step (S300) of performing communication with the external device 700 when an external input is received via the user input unit 640; and a step (S400) of receiving an external power source via the communication interface 630 and performing a charging operation on a battery 610 with the received external power source when an external input is not received via the user input unit 640.

[0201] Specifically, in the step (S100) of connecting to the external device 700 via the communication interface 630 of the aerosol generating device 600, according to one embodiment, the communication interface 630 is also a wired communication interface. For example, the wired communication interface is also a universal serial bus communication interface. According to other embodiments, the communication interface 630 is also a wireless communication interface. For example, the wireless communication interface is any one of Bluetooth (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark) low energy, Wi-Fi, and Zigbee (registered trademark).

[0202] After that, in step (S200) of determining whether an external input is received via the user input unit 640 in a state where the connection between the communication interface 630 of the aerosol generator 600 and the external device 700 is detected, according to one embodiment, the external input may also be that the user presses the operation button BU a preset number of times. At this time, the preset number of times (for example, 3 times) is also a number of times not used in the usage disclosed in the product manual of the aerosol generator 600 or the like. As will be described later, when an external input is received, the aerosol generator 600 becomes capable of data transmission and reception with the external device 700. Therefore, in order to prevent an unspecified number of people from accessing the product information in the aerosol generator 600, it is desirable that the preset number of times be disclosed only to the product developers as the external input.

[0203] On the other hand, the external input is not limited to the user pressing the operation button BU a preset number of times. For example, the external input can be set in a way that is difficult for an unspecified number of people to infer by combining the number of times the operation button BU is pressed and the pressing time.

[0204] The aerosol generator 600 may include a touch screen TS as the user input unit 640. When the aerosol generator 600 receives an authentication request message from the external device 802, it can display a screen for inputting a password on the touch screen TS. According to one embodiment, the external input may also be that the user inputs a preset password using the touch screen TS.

[0205] The external device 700 may include a display unit that displays an execution screen of a preset syntax analysis program (for example, PC Tool) and a keyboard 710 that receives an external input. According to one embodiment, the external input may also be a decryption approval command input via the keyboard 710. In this way, when receiving an external input via the external device 700, both the execution of the preset syntax analysis program and the decryption approval command are required, and an effect of enhancing the security of the external input can be expected.

[0206] When an external input is received via the user input unit 640, in the stage (S300) of performing communication with the external device 700, the aerosol generating device 600 and the external device 700 can operate in a data communication mode. At this time, the data communication mode means a state in which data transmission and reception are possible between the aerosol generating device 600 and the external device 700. That is, the user of the external device 700 has access rights to the data (e.g., product information) in the aerosol generating device 600. Also, the user of the aerosol generating device 600 has access rights to the data (e.g., update information) in the external device 700.

[0207] When an external input is not received via the user input unit 640, in the stage (S400) of receiving an external power source via the communication interface 630 and performing a charging operation on the battery 610 with the received external power source, the aerosol generating device 600 and the external device 700 can operate in a charging mode. At this time, the charging mode indicates a state in which the power source of the aerosol generating device 600 is being stored, and data transmission and reception between the aerosol generating device 600 and the external device 700 are impossible. That is, the user of the external device 700 does not have access rights to the data (e.g., product information) in the aerosol generating device 600. Also, the user of the aerosol generating device 600 does not have access rights to the data (e.g., update information) in the external device 700.

[0208] Those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field related to this embodiment will understand that it is possible to embody it in a modified form within a range that does not deviate from the essential characteristics described above. Therefore, the disclosed method should be considered from an explanatory perspective rather than a limiting perspective. The scope of the present invention is shown not in the foregoing description but in the claims, and all differences within the scope equivalent thereto should be construed as being included in the present invention.

Claims

1. a heater, a battery that supplies power to the heater, a communication interface that can be connected to an external device, a control unit that performs communication with the external device only when a preset external input is received while the communication interface and the external device are connected, an aerosol generating device comprising:

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, further comprising a user input unit that receives the external input.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2, wherein the user input unit is an operation button, and the external input is pressing the operation button a preset number of times.

4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2, wherein the user input unit is a touch screen that displays a virtual keyboard, and the external input is a preset password.

5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the external device includes a display unit that displays an execution screen of a syntax analysis program and a keyboard that receives the external input, and the external input is a decryption approval command.

6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the communication interface is a universal serial bus communication interface (USB).

7. After the control unit senses the connection between the communication interface and the external device, if the external input is not received via the user input unit within a preset time, the control unit receives external power via the communication interface and performs a charging operation on the battery with the received external power. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2.

8. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the communication interface is a wireless communication interface for wirelessly connecting the external device.

9. The aerosol generating device according to claim 8, wherein the wireless communication interface is any one of Bluetooth (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark) low energy, Wi-Fi, and ZigBee (registered trademark).

10. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, further comprising a memory in which a plurality of heating profiles of the heater are stored.

11. In an operating method of an aerosol generating device including a heater and a battery that supplies power to the heater, detecting connection with an external device via a communication interface; determining whether a preset external input is received via a user input unit while the detected connection is maintained; performing communication with the external device when the external input is received via the user input unit. The method for operating an aerosol generating device includes these steps.

12. The method for operating an aerosol generating device according to claim 11, wherein the user input unit is an operation button, and the external input is pressing the operation button a preset number of times.

13. The method for operating an aerosol generating device according to claim 11, wherein the user input unit is a touch screen that displays a virtual keyboard, and the external input is a preset password.

14. The method for operating an aerosol generating device according to claim 11, wherein the external device includes a display unit that displays an execution screen of a syntax analysis program and a keyboard that receives the external input, and the external input is a decryption approval command.

15. The method for operating an aerosol generating device according to claim 11, further including receiving an external power source via the communication interface and charging the battery with the received external power source when the external input is not received via the user input unit within a preset time.

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