Charging device for an aerosol generator and charging system including the same

Abstract

A charging device for an aerosol generating device includes a first charging pin and a second charging pin spaced apart from the first charging pin by a first distance, and includes a charging station in which a plurality of charging pads are arranged at a distance, and a controller that detects one charging pad to which the first charging pin is connected and another charging pad to which the second charging pin is connected among the plurality of charging pads, and supplies power to the detected charging pad, and in the charging station, two adjacent charging pads among the plurality of charging pads may be spaced apart by a second distance that is less than the first distance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The following embodiments relate to a charging device for an aerosol generating device and a charging system including the same.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, the demand for alternative products that overcome the drawbacks of traditional cigarettes has been increasing. For example, the demand for devices that generate aerosol by electrically heating a cigarette stick (e.g., cigarette-type electronic cigarettes) has been increasing. Therefore, research on electrically heated aerosol generating devices and cigarette sticks (or aerosol generating articles) applied thereto has been actively conducted.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] Various embodiments are for reducing the charging connection constraints between an aerosol generating device and a charging station. An embodiment is provided in which the aerosol generating device can be charged at any position on the charging station, improving the charging convenience and charging efficiency of the aerosol generating device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] A charging device for an aerosol generating device including a first charging pin according to an embodiment and a second charging pin spaced apart from the first charging pin by a first interval, a charging station in which a plurality of charging pads are arranged separately, and among the plurality of charging pads, one charging pad to which the first charging pin is connected and another one charging pad to which the second charging pin is connected are sensed, and a controller for supplying power to the sensed charging pad is included. In the charging station, two adjacent charging pads among the plurality of charging pads can be spaced apart by a second interval that is equal to or less than the first interval.

[0005] In one embodiment, in the charging station, the plurality of charging pads can be arranged in a matrix structure at intervals in a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0006] In one embodiment, each of the plurality of charging pads can be formed in a planar structure having a first width with respect to the first direction and a second width with respect to the second direction.

[0007] In one embodiment, the second interval corresponds to a first serving interval between two adjacent charging pads in the first direction and a second serving interval between two adjacent charging pads in the second direction, and the sum of the first width and the first serving interval can be less than or equal to the first interval.

[0008] In one embodiment, the sum of the second width and the second serving interval can be less than or equal to the first interval.

[0009] In one embodiment, the charging station can include a guide member provided between the plurality of charging pads for guiding the first charging pin or the second charging pin to an adjacent charging pad.

[0010] In one embodiment, the guide member can include a plurality of protrusions protruding at a predetermined interval on the surface on which the plurality of charging pads are arranged.

[0011] In one embodiment, the guide member can be shaped such that its cross-sectional area decreases along the direction in which the guide member protrudes.

[0012] In one embodiment, at least a part of the guide member can be made of an insulating material.

[0013] In one embodiment, the charging station can include a support member on which the side surface of the aerosol generator is placed.

[0014] In one embodiment, the charging station includes a charging surface on which the plurality of charging pads are arranged, and the support member can surround the plurality of charging pads on the charging surface.

[0015] In a charging system according to an embodiment, an aerosol generator including a first charging pin and a second charging pin spaced apart from the first charging pin by a first interval, a charging station in which a plurality of charging pads are arranged at intervals, and among the plurality of charging pads, one charging pad to which the first charging pin is connected and another charging pad to which the second charging pin is connected are sensed, and a controller that supplies power to the sensed charging pads. In the charging station, two adjacent charging pads among the plurality of charging pads can be spaced apart by a second interval that is equal to or less than the first interval.

[0016] In one embodiment, the aerosol generator can include a charging port for inserting an external charging terminal, and the first charging pin, the second charging pin, and the charging port can be formed on one surface of the aerosol generator.

[0017] In one embodiment, the aerosol generator can include a charging port for inserting an external charging terminal, the first charging pin and the second charging pin are formed on one surface of the aerosol generator, and the charging port can be formed on the other surface of the aerosol generator.

[0018] In one embodiment, each of the first charging pin and the second charging pin is compressible at a predetermined interval, and the first charging pin and the second charging pin can be compressed by the aerosol generator when they each contact the plurality of charging pads.

Advantages of the Invention

[0019] In a charging device and a charging system according to an embodiment, the aerosol generator can be freely placed on the charging station and charged, thereby improving charging convenience. For example, in a manner where two charging pins of the aerosol generator contact any two of a plurality of charging pads, the charging station reduces the constraints on the position and connection for charging and can charge the aerosol generator.

[0020] The charging device and the charging system according to an embodiment can eliminate charging failures and improve charging efficiency by a structure in which two charging pins are properly positioned with respect to two of a plurality of pads.

[0021] The effects of the charging device for the aerosol generator according to an embodiment and the charging system including the same are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022]

Figure 1

Figure 2A

Figure 2B

Figure 3A

Figure 3B

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] The terms used in various embodiments are chosen as generally widely used terms as much as possible while considering the functions in the present invention. However, this can change depending on the intentions or precedents of those skilled in the art, the emergence of new technologies, etc. In addition, 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 corresponding invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention should not be mere term names, but should be defined based on the meaning of the terms and the overall content of the present invention.

[0024] Throughout the specification, when a certain part "includes" a certain component, this means that, unless otherwise stated to the contrary, it does not exclude other components but 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, and this may be implemented by hardware or software, or may be implemented by a combination of hardware and software.

[0025] As used in this specification, when an expression such as "at least any one of" is in front of an arrayed component, it modifies all the components, not each of the arrayed components. For example, the expression "at least any one of a, b, and c" should be interpreted as including a, b, c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a and b and c.

[0026] In various embodiments, an "aerosol-generating article" can mean an article that houses a medium, and through which an aerosol passes and the medium migrates. A typical example of an aerosol-generating article is a cigarette, but the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0027] In various embodiments, "upstream" or "upstream direction" can mean a direction away from the user's (smoker's) mouth, and "downstream" or "downstream direction" can mean a direction approaching the user's mouth. The terms upstream and downstream are used to describe the relative positions of the elements that make up the aerosol-generating article.

[0028] In various embodiments, "puff" means the user's inhalation, and inhalation means a situation where air is drawn into the user's oral cavity, nasal cavity, or lungs through the user's mouth or nose.

[0029] In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating device can be a device that electrically heats a cigarette housed in an internal space to generate an aerosol.

[0030] In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating device can include a heater. In one embodiment, the heater can be an electrical resistance heater. For example, the heater can include an electrically conductive track, and when an electric current flows through the electrically conductive track, the heater can be heated.

[0031] In one embodiment, the heater can include 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 according to the pattern of the heating element.

[0032] In one embodiment, the cigarette can include a tobacco rod and a filter rod. The tobacco rod may be made of a sheet, a strand, or shredded tobacco made from a tobacco sheet that is finely cut. Also, the tobacco rod can be surrounded by a heat-conductive material. For example, the heat-conductive material may be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited thereto.

[0033] In one embodiment, the filter rod can be a cellulose acetate filter. The filter rod can be composed of at least one or more segments. For example, the filter rod can include a first segment for cooling the aerosol and a second segment for filtering a predetermined component contained in the aerosol.

[0034] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device can be a device that generates an aerosol using a cartridge holding an aerosol generating substance.

[0035] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device can include a cartridge holding an aerosol generating substance and a body supporting the cartridge. The cartridge can be detachably coupled to the body, but is not limited thereto. The cartridge can be integrally formed or assembled with the body and can also be fixed so as not to be detached by the user. The cartridge can be attached to the body with the aerosol generating substance accommodated therein. However, it is not limited thereto, and the aerosol generating substance can also be injected into the cartridge while the cartridge is coupled to the body.

[0036] In one embodiment, the cartridge can hold an aerosol generating substance having any one of various states such as a liquid state, a solid state, a gaseous state, and a gel state. The aerosol generating substance can include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance including a volatile tobacco flavor component, or may be a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance.

[0037] In one embodiment, the cartridge can function to convert the phase of the aerosol generating substance inside the cartridge into a gaseous phase by operating by means of an electrical signal or a wireless signal transmitted from the body, etc., to generate an aerosol. The aerosol can mean a gas in a state where vaporized particles generated from the aerosol generating substance and air are mixed.

[0038] In various embodiments, the aerosol generating device can heat a liquid composition to generate an aerosol, and the generated aerosol can be transmitted to the user through a cigarette. That is, the aerosol generated from the liquid composition can move along the air flow path of the aerosol generating device, and the air flow path can be configured such that the aerosol is transmitted to the user through the cigarette.

[0039] In various embodiments, the aerosol generating device can be a device that generates an aerosol from an aerosol generating substance using an ultrasonic vibration method. At this time, the ultrasonic vibration method can mean a method of generating an aerosol by atomizing the aerosol generating substance with ultrasonic vibrations generated by a vibrator.

[0040] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device can include a vibrator, and the vibrator can generate vibrations with a short period to atomize the aerosol generating substance. The vibrations generated from the vibrator can be ultrasonic vibrations, and the frequency band of the ultrasonic vibrations can be in the frequency band of about 100 kHz to about 3.5 MHz, but is not limited thereto.

[0041] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device can further include a wick that absorbs the aerosol generating substance. For example, the wick can be arranged to surround at least one region of the vibrator or to contact at least one region of the vibrator.

[0042] In one embodiment, when a voltage (for example, an alternating voltage) is applied to the vibrator, heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations can be generated from the vibrator, and the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations generated from the vibrator can be transmitted to the aerosol generating substance absorbed by the wick. The aerosol generating substance absorbed by the wick can be converted into a gaseous phase by the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations transmitted from the vibrator, and as a result, an aerosol can be generated.

[0043] For example, the viscosity of the aerosol product substance absorbed by the wick may be lowered by the heat generated from the vibrator, and the aerosol product substance with lowered viscosity due to the ultrasonic vibration generated from the vibrator is atomized into fine particles to generate an aerosol, but it is not limited thereto.

[0044] In various embodiments, the aerosol generating device can be a device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating article accommodated in the aerosol generating device by an induction heating method.

[0045] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device can include a susceptor and a coil. In one embodiment, the coil can apply a magnetic field to the susceptor. When power is supplied from the aerosol generating device to the coil, a magnetic field can be formed inside the coil. In one embodiment, the susceptor can be a magnetic body that generates heat by an external magnetic field. The aerosol generating article can be heated by the susceptor generating heat when it is located inside the coil and a magnetic field is applied. Also, optionally, the susceptor can be located inside the aerosol generating article.

[0046] In various embodiments, the aerosol generating device can further include a cradle.

[0047] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device can form a system together with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle can charge the battery of the aerosol generating device. Or the heater can be heated in a state where the cradle and the aerosol generating device are coupled.

[0048] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those having ordinary knowledge in the art can easily implement them. The present disclosure can be implemented in a form realizable in the aerosol generating devices of the various embodiments described above or can be implemented and carried out in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0049] Hereinafter, embodiments of this document will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0050] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device 100 according to an embodiment.

[0051] The aerosol generating device 100 can include a control unit 110, a detection unit 120, an output unit 130, a battery 140, a heater 150, a user input unit 160, a memory 170, and a communication unit 180. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 100 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 1. That is, a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field related to this embodiment can understand that some of the configurations shown in FIG. 1 may be omitted or a new configuration may be further added depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0052] In one embodiment, the detection unit 120 can sense the state of the aerosol generating device 100 or the state around the aerosol generating device 100, and transmit the sensed information to the control unit 110. The control unit 110 can control the aerosol generating device 100 based on the sensed information so that various functions such as operation control of the heater 150, restriction of smoking, determination of insertion of an aerosol generating article (for example, an aerosol generating article, a cartridge, etc.), and notification display are performed.

[0053] In one embodiment, the detection unit 120 can include at least one of a temperature sensor 122, an insertion sensing sensor 124, and a puff sensor 126, but is not limited thereto.

[0054] In one embodiment, the temperature sensor 122 can sense the temperature at which the heater 150 (or the aerosol generating substance) is heated. The aerosol generating device 100 can include a separate temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the heater 150, or the heater 150 itself can serve as a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 122 may be disposed around the battery 140 to monitor the temperature of the battery 140.

[0055] In one embodiment, the insertion detection sensor 124 can detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article. For example, the insertion detection sensor 124 can include 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 detect a signal change due to the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article.

[0056] In one embodiment, the puff sensor 126 can detect the user's puff based on various physical changes in the air flow path or air flow channel. For example, the puff sensor 126 can detect the user's puff based on any one of a temperature change, a flow change, a voltage change, and a pressure change.

[0057] In one embodiment, in addition to the sensors 122 to 126 described above, the detection unit 120 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 (for example, 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.

[0058] In one embodiment, the output unit 130 can output information regarding the state of the aerosol generating device 100 and provide it to the user. The output unit 130 can include, but is not limited to, at least one of a display unit 132, a haptic unit 134, and an acoustic output unit 136. When the display unit 132 and the touch pad form a layer structure and are configured as a touch screen, the display unit 132 can also be used as an input device in addition to the output device.

[0059] In one embodiment, the display unit 132 can visually provide information about the aerosol generator 100 to the user. For example, the information about the aerosol generator 100 can mean various information such as the charge / discharge state of the battery 140 of the aerosol generator 100, the preheating state of the heater 150, the insertion / removal state of the aerosol article, or the state in which the use of the aerosol generator 100 is restricted (e.g., detection of abnormal articles), and the display unit 132 can output the above information to the outside. The display unit 132 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), or the like. Also, the display unit 132 may be in the form of an LED light emitting element.

[0060] In one embodiment, the haptic unit 134 can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical or electrical stimulus to tactually provide information about the aerosol generator 100 to the user. For example, the haptic unit 134 can include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0061] In one embodiment, the acoustic output unit 136 can aurally provide information about the aerosol generator 100 to the user. For example, the acoustic output unit 136 can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

[0062] In one embodiment, the battery 140 can supply the power used for the operation of the aerosol generator 100. The battery 140 can supply power so that the heater 150 is heated. Also, the battery 140 can supply the power necessary for the operation of other components provided in the aerosol generator 100 (e.g., the detection unit 120, the output unit 130, the user input unit 160, the memory 170, and the communication unit 180). The battery 140 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 140 may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0063] In one embodiment, the heater 150 can be powered by the battery 140 to heat the aerosol generating substance. Although not shown in FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device 100 can further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power of the battery 140 and supplies it to the heater 150. Further, when the aerosol generating device 100 generates aerosol by an induction heating method, the aerosol generating device 100 can further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power supply of the battery 140 into an AC power supply.

[0064] In one embodiment, the control unit 110, the detection unit 120, the output unit 130, the user input unit 160, the memory 170, and the communication unit 180 can be powered by the battery 140 and perform functions. Although not shown in FIG. 1, it can further include a power conversion circuit that converts the power of the battery 140 and supplies it to each component, for example, an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit.

[0065] In one embodiment, the heater 150 can be formed of any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, suitable electrically resistive materials may 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. Further, the heater 150 may be realized by a metal wire, a metal hot plate with an electrically conductive track disposed thereon, a ceramic heating element, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0066] In one embodiment, the heater 150 can be an induction heating type heater. For example, the heater 150 can include a susceptor that generates heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil and heats the aerosol generating substance.

[0067] In one embodiment, the heater 150 can include a plurality of heaters. For example, the heater 150 can include a first heater for heating the aerosol generating article and a second heater for heating the liquid.

[0068] In one embodiment, the user input unit 160 can receive information input by the user or output information to the user. For example, the user input unit 160 can be a keypad, a dome switch, a touch pad (capacitive touch, piezoresistive pressure, infrared sensing, surface acoustic wave conduction, integral tension measurement, piezoelectric effect, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc., but is not limited thereto. Also, although not shown in FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device 100 can further include a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and can be connected to other external devices via a connection interface such as a USB interface to transmit and receive information, or charge the battery 140.

[0069] In one embodiment, the memory 170 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generator 100, and can store the data processed by the control unit 110 and the data to be processed. The memory 170 can include at least one type of storage medium such as a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), a RAM (random access memory), an SRAM (static random access memory), a ROM (read-only memory), an EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), a PROM (programmable read-only memory), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. The memory 170 can store data related to the operating time of the aerosol generator 100, the maximum puff count, the current puff count, at least one temperature profile, and the smoking pattern of the user, etc.

[0070] In one embodiment, the communication unit 180 can include at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 180 can include a short-range communication unit 182 and a wireless communication unit 184.

[0071] In one embodiment, the short-range wireless communication unit 182 can 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.

[0072] In one embodiment, the wireless communication unit 184 can 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 184 can also confirm and authenticate the aerosol generator 100 within the communication network using subscriber information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)).

[0073] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator 100. In one embodiment, the control unit 110 can include at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of a large number of logic gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable by this microprocessor. Also, those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which this embodiment belongs can understand that it may also be implemented in other forms of hardware.

[0074] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 can control the temperature of the heater 150 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 140 to the heater 150. For example, the control unit 110 can control the power supply by controlling the switching of the switching element between the battery 140 and the heater 150. In another example, according to the control command of the control unit 110, the direct heating circuit can also control the power supply to the heater 150.

[0075] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 can analyze the result sensed by the detection unit 120 and then control the subsequent processes. For example, the control unit 110 can control the power supplied to the heater 150 based on the result sensed by the detection unit 120 so that the operation of the heater 150 starts or ends. As another example, based on the result sensed by the detection unit 120, the control unit 110 can control the amount of power supplied to the heater 150 and the time for which the power is supplied so that the heater 150 is heated to a predetermined temperature or maintains an appropriate temperature.

[0076] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 can control the output unit 130 based on the result sensed by the detection unit 120. For example, when the number of puffs counted via the puff sensor 126 reaches a preset number, the control unit 110 can notify the user that the aerosol generator 100 will end soon through at least one of the display unit 132, the haptic unit 134, and the acoustic output unit 136.

[0077] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 can control the power supply time and / or the power supply amount to the heater 150 according to the state of the aerosol generating article sensed by the detection unit 120. For example, when the aerosol generating article is in a super wet state, the control unit 110 can control the power supply time to the induction coil and increase the preheating time compared to when the aerosol generating article is in a normal state.

[0078] One embodiment can also be realized in the form of a recording medium including computer-executable instructions such as program modules executed by a computer. A computer-readable medium can be any available medium accessible by a computer, including both volatile and non-volatile media, and removable and non-removable media. Also, a computer-readable medium can include both computer storage media and communication media. A computer storage media includes volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. A communication media typically includes modulated data signals such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data, or other transmission mechanisms, and includes any information delivery media.

[0079] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a charging system 10 for an aerosol generating device 100 according to one embodiment, and FIG. 2B is a block diagram of the charging system 10 for the aerosol generating device 100 according to one embodiment.

[0080] Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the charging system 10 can include a charging station 200 including a plurality of charging pads 210.

[0081] In one embodiment, the charging system 10 can refer to a system including an electronic device and a charging method for charging a battery of the aerosol generating device 100 (e.g., battery 140 in FIG. 1).

[0082] In one embodiment, the charging system 10 may include a charging device 50 for charging the aerosol generator 100. For example, the charging device 50 may include at least a part of the charging station 200, the controller 230, and the sensor 250. For example, the charging device 50 may include the charging station 200 and the controller 230 excluding the sensor 250. In one embodiment, when the controller 230 (or the controller 230 and the sensor 250) is built into the charging station 200, the charging device 50 may be referred to as the charging station 200.

[0083] In one embodiment, the charging system 10 may include the charging device 50 and the aerosol generator 100. Or, in one embodiment, the charging system 10 may be the charging device 50 itself excluding the aerosol generator 100. For example, the aerosol generator 100 may correspond to an external device to be charged and may be excluded from the configuration of the charging system 10.

[0084] In one embodiment, the aerosol generator 100 may include a plurality of charging pins 145. For example, the plurality of charging pins 145 may include a first charging pin 146 and a second charging pin 147. The embodiments are not limited thereto, and the plurality of charging pins 145 may be realized by a plurality of internal pin structures arranged in one charging module (not shown), or may be realized by at least three or more charging pins.

[0085] In one embodiment, the first charging pin 146 and the second charging pin 147 may be formed on the first surface 101 which is one surface of the aerosol generator 100 with a separation from each other.

[0086] For example, the first charging pin 146 and the second charging pin 147 may be formed on the first surface 101 looking at the lower part (for example, -Z direction) of the aerosol generator 100, and the second charging pin 147 may be separated from the first charging pin 146 by a first interval (for example, the first interval I1 in FIG. 3A).

[0087] In one embodiment, the first charging pin 146 and the second charging pin 147 can be made of a conductive member and can be electrically connected to the battery 140. For example, the first charging pin 146 can be connected to the positive terminal of the battery 140 and can be a positive pin. The second charging pin 147 can be connected to the negative terminal of the battery 140 and can be a negative pin. The embodiments are not limited thereto. The first charging pin 146 can be a negative pin connected to the negative terminal of the battery 140, and the second charging pin 147 can be a positive pin connected to the positive terminal of the battery 140.

[0088] In one embodiment, the control unit (for example, the control unit 140 in FIG. 1) can sense the contact state of a part of the plurality of charging pins 145 and the plurality of charging pads 210, and can control to supply the power supplied through the plurality of charging pins 145 to the battery 140 and / or other components (for example, the heater 150 in FIG. 1).

[0089] In one embodiment, the charging station 200 can charge the aerosol generator 100 and / or can support the aerosol generator 100. The charging station 200 can include a charging surface 205 which is a surface looking at the upper part (for example, the +Z direction) and a plurality of charging pads 210 arranged on the charging surface 205.

[0090] In one embodiment, FIG. 2A shows the charging station 200 centered on the charging surface 205, but it is not limited thereto in actual implementation. In various embodiments, the charging station 200 can be realized in various shapes and structures and can further include other components not shown in the drawings. For example, the charging station 200 can include a socket (not shown) connected to an external power source. Or, the charging station 200 can include a display (not shown) or an indicator light (not shown) for displaying the charging state or charging information.

[0091] In one embodiment, a plurality of charging pads 210 can be arranged at intervals on the charging surface 205 of the charging station 200. An insulating region 207 can be formed between the plurality of charging pads 210. The insulating region 207 can partition between the plurality of charging pads 210, and the insulating region 207 can be made of an insulating material.

[0092] In one embodiment, the plurality of charging pads 210 can be arranged at a predetermined interval on the charging surface 205. For example, two adjacent charging pads 210 among the plurality of charging pads 210 can be separated by a second interval (for example, the second interval I2 in FIG. 3A).

[0093] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2A, each of the plurality of charging pads 210 can be made of a conductor having a substantially square shape and a substantially flat upper surface with respect to the charging surface 205. The embodiments are not limited thereto, and each of the plurality of charging pads 210 can have a circular or polygonal shape and can be bent or protruded from the charging surface 205. In various embodiments, the plurality of charging pads 210 can have the same shape and size as each other, but are not limited thereto.

[0094] In one embodiment, when the aerosol generator 100 is arranged on the charging station 200, one of the plurality of charging pads 210 can be in contact with the first charging pin 146 and electrically connected, and another one of the plurality of charging pads 210 can be in contact with the second charging pin 147 and electrically connected.

[0095] In one embodiment, the plurality of charging pads 210 and the insulating region 207 can form a charging region 206. As shown in FIG. 2A, the charging region 206 of one embodiment can be a partial region of the charging surface 205. In other embodiments, the plurality of charging pads 210 and the insulating region 207 can be extended to substantially the entire region of the charging surface 205, and the charging region 206 can occupy the entire region of the charging surface 205. When the charging surface 205 becomes wider, the free position where the aerosol generator 100 is charged is extended, and the charging convenience can be improved.

[0096] In one embodiment, the controller 230 can sense the connection between some of the plurality of charging pads 210 and the plurality of charging pins 145, and based on this, can supply power to some of the plurality of charging pads 210. For example, the controller 230 can sense the connection between some of the plurality of charging pads 210 and the plurality of charging pins 145 in various ways, and supply power to the charging pads 210 connected to the plurality of charging pins 145 to charge the aerosol generating device 100.

[0097] In one embodiment, the sensor 250 can sense various information regarding the states of the charging station 200 and the aerosol generating device 100, and can provide the sensed information to the controller 230.

[0098] For example, the sensor 250 can sense whether the aerosol generating device 100 is placed on the charging station 200. Alternatively, the sensor 250 can sense the charging pad 210 that is connected to the first charging pin 146 or the second charging pin 147 among the plurality of charging pads 210. Alternatively, the sensor 250 can obtain various information such as the charging state of the battery 140 of the aerosol generating device 100 and the model of the aerosol generating device 100, and can provide the obtained information to the controller 230, and the controller 230 can control the charging state of the charging station 200 based on the information provided by the sensor 250.

[0099] Hereinafter, some of the sensing operation and power supply operation of the controller 230 will be exemplarily described. However, the exemplification is not limited to this in actual implementation, and can be modified or replaced in various ways that can be easily implemented by those skilled in the art and applied.

[0100] In one embodiment, each of the plurality of charging pads 210 can be selectively connected to a first power terminal 211 and a second power terminal 212. The first power terminal 211 and the second power terminal 212 can be connected from each of the plurality of charging pads 210 via a switch (not shown). The controller 230 can control the switch (not shown), and power can be supplied or the power supply can be cut off by the operation of the switch (not shown).

[0101] In one embodiment, the controller 230 can connect the first power terminal 211 or the second power terminal 212 to each of the two charging pads 210 connected to the plurality of charging pins 145 among the plurality of charging pads 210, and supply power to the aerosol generating device 100. In one embodiment, the first power terminal 211 can be a positive terminal, and the second power terminal 212 can be a negative terminal. The first charging pin 146 can be a positive pin, and the second charging pin 147 can be a negative pin.

[0102] In one embodiment, when one of the plurality of charging pads 210 is connected to the first charging pin 146, the controller 230 can electrically connect the one charging pad 210 connected to the first charging pin 146 to the first power terminal 211, whereby the connection of the other charging pads 210 among the plurality of charging pads 210 to the first power terminal 211 can be restricted.

[0103] In one embodiment, when another one of the plurality of charging pads 210 is connected to the second charging pin 147, the controller 230 can electrically connect the other one charging pad 210 connected to the second charging pin 147 to the second power terminal 212, whereby the connection of the other charging pads 210 among the plurality of charging pads 210 to the second power terminal 212 can be restricted.

[0104] In one embodiment, the charging system 10 can freely configure the number and positions of charging pads 210 to which a first charging pin 146 and a second charging pin 147 are connected to charge the aerosol generator 100, and can charge the aerosol generator 100 at a free position. Alternatively, the aerosol generator 100 can omit the connection of a separate external connector and can be easily charged simply by being placed at a free position of the charging station 200.

[0105] For example, when a plurality of charging pins 145 of the aerosol generator 100 and the charging pads 210 correspond "one-to-one (1:1)", the aerosol generator 100 must necessarily be seated in contact with the corresponding charging pad 210. Alternatively, an operation of connecting a separate connector to the aerosol generator 100 can be required.

[0106] In various embodiments of the present document, in the charging system 10, a plurality of charging pins 145 and the charging pads 210 can correspond "one-to-many (1: many)". That is, the number of charging pads 210 may be different from the number of charging pins 145. In the charging system 10, no matter where the aerosol generator 100 is disposed in the charging area 206, only one of the charging pins 145 and a plurality of charging pads 210 can contact corresponding to one charging pin 146 or 147. Thereby, the charging system 10 can charge the aerosol generator 100.

[0107] FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generator 100 and a charging station 200 according to one embodiment.

[0108] Referring to FIG. 3A, in one embodiment, the charging station 200 can include a guide member 220.

[0109] In one embodiment, the guide member 220 can be provided between a plurality of charging pads 210, and can be formed, for example, in an insulating region 207 of the charging region 206.

[0110] In one embodiment, the guide member 220 can be formed to protrude at a predetermined interval with respect to the surface on which the plurality of charging pads 210 are arranged (for example, the charging surface 205 or the X-Y plane). For example, the guide member 220 can guide a plurality of charging pins 145 that descend in the vertical direction (for example, the Z-axis direction) to move in the side direction (for example, the X-Y plane direction). For example, the guide member 220 can guide the first charging pin 146 or the second charging pin 147 to an adjacent charging pad 210.

[0111] In one embodiment, as the guide member 220 extends in the protruding direction (for example, the +Z direction), the cross-sectional area of the guide member 220 can be in a shape that decreases. The first charging pin 146 or the second charging pin 147 can slide downward while in contact with the guide member 220 and be guided to an adjacent charging pad 210. For example, the cross-section of the guide member 220 in the side direction (for example, the X-Z plane or the Y-Z plane) can be substantially conical.

[0112] In one embodiment, the guide member 220 can have a shape in which the outer surface is bent with a predetermined curvature. For example, the cross-section of the guide member 220 in the side direction (for example, the X-Z plane or the Y-Z plane) can be a protruding shape, and the first charging pin 146 or the second charging pin 147 can be smoothly guided.

[0113] In one embodiment, at least a partial region of the guide member 220 can be made of an insulating material. For example, the outer peripheral surface of the guide member 220 can be coated with an insulating material, or the guide member 220 can be made of an insulating material.

[0114] In one embodiment, the guide member 220 can be integrally formed with the charging station 200, or the guide member 220 can be coupled to the charging station 200 and formed separately.

[0115] In one embodiment, at least a partial region of the guide member 220 can be made of a material having a lower coefficient of friction than other regions, and can guide the first charging pin 146 or the second charging pin 147 to slide smoothly.

[0116] In one embodiment, the first charging pin 146 and the second charging pin 147 can be separated by a first interval I1, and the plurality of charging pads 210 can be separated by a second interval I2. In one embodiment, the first interval I1 can be the distance between the central axes of the first charging pin 146 and the second charging pin 147. The second interval I2 can be the distance between the centers of two adjacent charging pads 210 among the plurality of charging pads 210.

[0117] In one embodiment, the second interval I2 can be formed to be equal to or less than the first interval I1. For example, the second interval I2 may be substantially the same as the first interval I1, or the second interval I2 may be smaller than the first interval I1.

[0118] In one embodiment, when the first interval I1 is smaller than the second interval I2, the first charging pin 146 and the second charging pin 147 can contact one charging pad 210. In other examples, only one of the first charging pin 146 and the second charging pin 147 can contact the charging pad 210, and the other charging pin can be placed on the guide member 220 or arranged between the charging pad 210 and the guide. Charging failure may occur due to the member 220. In the charging system 10 in various embodiments of this document, the second interval I2 is formed to be equal to or less than the first interval I1, such that such a charging failure problem can be prevented and charging convenience can be provided.

[0119] FIG. 3B is a plan view of a charging station 200 according to one embodiment.

[0120] Referring to FIG. 3B, the plurality of charging pads 210 according to one embodiment can be arranged in a matrix structure.

[0121] In one embodiment, a plurality of charging pads 210 can be arranged in a matrix structure at intervals in a first direction (e.g., the X-axis direction) and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction). However, the matrix structure in FIG. 3B is merely an exemplary arrangement structure for convenience of explanation, and in actual implementation, it can be irregularly arranged in at least a partial region.

[0122] In one embodiment, each of the plurality of charging pads 210 can be formed in a planar structure having a first width W1 with respect to the first direction and a second width W2 with respect to the second direction. For example, when the plurality of charging pads 210 have a rectangular shape, each of the first width W1 and the second width W2 can be the lengths of the sides in the first direction and the second direction. Alternatively, when the plurality of charging pads 210 have a polygonal, circular, or elliptical shape, each of the first width W1 and the second width W2 can be the distance between the two farthest points in the first direction and the second direction.

[0123] In one embodiment, the second interval I2 can correspond to at least a part of the first serving interval S1, the second serving interval S2, and the third serving interval S3 depending on the measurement direction.

[0124] In one embodiment, the first serving interval S1 can be the distance between two adjacent charging pads 210 in the first direction. In one embodiment, the second serving interval S2 can be the distance between two adjacent charging pads 210 in the second direction. In one embodiment, the third serving interval S3 can be the distance between two adjacent charging pads 210 in a diagonal direction (e.g., the direction between the first direction and the second direction). In various embodiments, each of the first serving interval S1, the second serving interval S2, and the third serving interval S3 can be formed to be equal to or less than the first interval I1.

[0125] In one embodiment, the sum of the first width W1 and the first server interval S1 can be formed to be equal to or less than the first interval I1. When the first interval I1 is smaller than the sum of the first width W1 and the first server interval S1, the first charging pin 146 and the second charging pin 147 can contact one charging pad 210. Or, in a situation where one of the first charging pin 146 and the second charging pin 147 contacts the charging pad 210, the other one can be hung on the guide member 220 or disposed in the region between the charging pad 210 and the guide member 220, resulting in a charging failure. In the charging system 10 in various embodiments of this document, the sum of the first width W1 and the first server interval S1 is formed to be equal to or less than the first interval I1, which can prevent such charging failure problems and provide charging convenience.

[0126] In one embodiment, the first width W1 and the second width W2 may be substantially the same, and / or the first server interval S1 and the second server interval S2 may be substantially the same. In one embodiment, when the first width W1 and the second width W2 are different from each other, or the first server interval S1 and the second server interval S2 are different from each other, the sum of the first width W1 and the first server interval S1, and the sum of the second width W2 and the second server interval S2 are formed to be equal to or less than the first interval I1, thereby preventing the charging failure problems described above and providing charging convenience.

[0127] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a charging system 10 for an aerosol generating device 100 according to one embodiment.

[0128] Referring to FIG. 4, in one embodiment, the charging station 200 can include a support member 260.

[0129] In one embodiment, the support member 260 can extend in the upper direction (e.g., the +Z direction) that can be seen from the charging surface 205 of the charging station 200. The side surface of the aerosol generating device 100 can be supported by the support member 260.

[0130] By showing FIG. 4, the first support region 261 and the second support region 262 are shown in a wire structure, but this is only a simplified illustration for convenience of explanation and can be realized in various structures during actual implementation. For example, the support member 260 can be a dome or conical structure with a partially open upper region.

[0131] In one embodiment, the support member 260 can include the first support region 261 and the second support region 262. The first support region 261 is formed at a distance from the charging station 200 in the upper direction (e.g., +Z direction), and can be a region where the side surface of the aerosol generator 100 is placed. The first support region 261 can have a circular or elliptical cross-sectional shape, and an opening 263 can be formed at the center and be in an open form. The aerosol generator 100 can pass through the opening 263.

[0132] In one embodiment, the second support region 262 can interconnect the first support region 261 and the charging station 200. The second support region 262 of the support member 260 can be arranged to surround a plurality of charging pads 210 on the charging surface 205.

[0133] In one embodiment, the support member 260 can guide the insertion position of the aerosol generator 100. The support member 260 can support the aerosol generator 100 so that it does not slide or detach during charging. The user can simply charge the aerosol generator 100 by only inserting the aerosol generator 100 into the opening 263 of the first support region 261, omitting the connection of a separate external connector.

[0134] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an aerosol generator 100 according to one embodiment.

[0135] Referring to FIG. 5, the aerosol generator 100 according to one embodiment can include a charging port 148.

[0136] In one embodiment, the charging port 148 can be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the aerosol generating device 100. An external charging terminal (not shown) can be inserted into the charging port 148. The charging port 148 can be a groove structure for inserting an external charging terminal (not shown).

[0137] In one embodiment, the charging port 148 can be supplied with power via an external charging terminal (not shown), and the supplied power can be transmitted to the battery 140 to charge the battery 140.

[0138] In one embodiment, in the aerosol generating device 100, the first charging pin 146, the second charging pin 147, and the charging port 148 can be formed on the first surface 101 which is one surface. The aerosol generating device 100 can be selectively supplied with power among the plurality of charging pins 145 and the charging port 148, and can charge the battery 140.

[0139] In one embodiment, each of the first charging pin 146 and the second charging pin 147 can be compressed at a predetermined interval. When each of the first charging pin 146 and the second charging pin 147 contacts the plurality of charging pads 210, each of the first charging pin 146 and the second charging pin 147 can be compressed by the load of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0140] For example, the first charging pin 146 and the second charging pin 147 can be arranged such that the pillar structures of the two cavities are superimposed, and can be compressed in a manner in which one structure is compressed by an internal spring. Or, the first charging pin 146 and the second charging pin 147 can be made of an elastic material and can be compressed at a predetermined interval.

[0141] In one embodiment, when the first charging pin 146 or the second charging pin 147 is compressed, the compressed first charging pin 146 or second charging pin 147 can be electrically connected to the positive terminal or the negative terminal of the battery 140.

[0142] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device 100 according to one embodiment.

[0143] Referring to FIG. 6, the aerosol generating device 100 according to an embodiment may include a second surface 102.

[0144] In one embodiment, the second surface 102 can be a surface different from the first surface 101 of the aerosol generating device 100. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the second surface 102 may be a side surface connected to the first surface 101, or, although not shown in the drawing, may be an opposite surface facing the first surface 101.

[0145] In one embodiment, the first charging pin 146 and the second charging pin 147 can be formed on the second surface 102. The aerosol generating device 100 can have a structure that is relatively long in the direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction) viewed by the first surface 101. When the second surface 102 is placed on the charging station 200 rather than when the first surface 101 is placed on the charging station 200, the center of gravity may be relatively lower, and the aerosol generating device 100 can be stably placed.

[0146] In one embodiment, the charging port 148 is formed on the first surface 101, and the first charging pin 146 and the second charging pin 147 can be formed on the second surface 102. Since an external charging terminal (not shown) is connected to the charging port 148, the state where the second surface 102 hits the bottom surface can be relatively more stable for the charging port 148.

[0147] As described above, although the embodiments have been described with reference to limited drawings, those having ordinary knowledge in the relevant technical field can apply various technical modifications and deformations based on the above. For example, whether the described technology is performed in a different order from the described method, and / or whether the components such as the described system, structure, device, circuit, etc. are combined or combined in a different form from the described method, or are replaced or substituted by other components or equivalents, appropriate results can be achieved. Therefore, other embodiments, other examples, and those equivalent to the claims also belong to the claims described below.

Claims

1. A charging device for an aerosol generating device, comprising a first charging pin and a second charging pin spaced apart from the first charging pin by a first distance, a charging station in which a plurality of charging pads are arranged at intervals, a controller that senses one charging pad to which the first charging pin is connected and another charging pad to which the second charging pin is connected among the plurality of charging pads, and supplies power to the sensed charging pads, wherein two adjacent charging pads among the plurality of charging pads are spaced apart by a second distance that is equal to or less than the first distance, A charging device in which the first charging pin and the second charging pin are respectively connected to two adjacent charging pads.

2. The charging device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of charging pads are arranged in a matrix structure in a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

3. The charging device according to claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of charging pads is formed in a planar structure having a first width with respect to the first direction and a second width with respect to the second direction.

4. The second distance is, corresponding to one of a first server distance between two adjacent charging pads in the first direction and a second server distance between two adjacent charging pads in the second direction, The charging device according to claim 3, wherein the sum of the first width and the first server distance is equal to or less than the first distance.

5. The charging device according to claim 4, wherein the sum of the second width and the second server distance is equal to or less than the first distance.

6. The charging station is, The charging device according to claim 1, further comprising a guide member provided between the plurality of charging pads and guiding the first charging pin or the second charging pin to an adjacent charging pad.

7. The guide member is, The charging device according to claim 6, comprising a plurality of protruding portions protruding at a predetermined interval with respect to a plane on which the plurality of charging pads are arranged.

8. The guide member is, The charging device according to claim 7, which gradually becomes thinner as it extends in the direction in which the guide member protrudes.

9. The guide member is, The charging device according to claim 6, wherein at least a partial region is made of an insulating material.

10. The charging station is, The charging device according to claim 1, further comprising a support member for supporting a side surface of the aerosol generating device.

11. The charging station includes a charging surface on which the plurality of charging pads are arranged, The charging device according to claim 10, wherein the support member surrounds the plurality of charging pads on the charging surface.

12. A charging system, comprising: An aerosol generating device including a first charging pin and a second charging pin spaced apart from the first charging pin by a first interval; A charging station where a plurality of charging pads are arranged separately; Among the plurality of charging pads, a controller that senses one charging pad to which the first charging pin is connected and another charging pad to which the second charging pin is connected, and supplies power to the sensed charging pads; Among the plurality of charging pads, two adjacent charging pads are separated by a second interval that is less than or equal to the first interval; The first charging pin and the second charging pin are respectively connected to two adjacent charging pads among the plurality of charging pads.

13. The aerosol generating device includes a charging port for inserting an external charging terminal; The charging system according to claim 12, wherein the first charging pin, the second charging pin, and the charging port are formed on the same surface of the aerosol generating device.

14. The aerosol generating device includes a charging port for inserting an external charging terminal; The first charging pin and the second charging pin are formed on one surface of the aerosol generating device, and The charging port is formed on the other surface of the aerosol generating device. The charging system according to claim 12.

15. Each of the first charging pin and the second charging pin has a predetermined length and is compressible; The charging system according to claim 12, wherein each of the first charging pin and the second charging pin is compressed by the aerosol generating device when contacting the plurality of charging pads respectively.

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