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

Abstract

An aerosol generating device that reduces the number of parts and has heaters and temperature sensors of various types, and a control method thereof, are provided. [Solution] The aerosol generating device includes a main body (21) into which a cigarette is inserted; a first electrically conductive pattern (22a) provided in a part of the main body and performing one of the functions of a heater (20) for heating the cigarette and a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the cigarette; a second electrically conductive pattern provided in another part of the main body and performing one of the functions of a heater and a temperature sensor; and a control unit that controls the first electrically conductive pattern and the second electrically conductive pattern (22b) so that the first electrically conductive pattern and the second electrically conductive pattern (22b) perform one of the functions of a heater and a temperature sensor.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Inhalation of an aerosol in the air, that is, an aerosol, enables inhalation of a preferred substance such as smoking in general. Conventionally, cigarette-shaped tobacco has been almost the only means for such inhalation of a preferred substance. Recently, however, an electronic cigarette has also been positioned as another means. The electronic cigarette applies heat or ultrasonic waves to a cartridge containing an inhalation substance in a liquid state, vaporizes the inhalation substance into vapor, and generates an aerosol. Therefore, it is completely different from a conventional cigarette-shaped tobacco that generates smoke by combustion, and has an advantage thereby, particularly, an advantage of being able to prevent the generation of various harmful substances that may be generated by combustion.

[0003] In addition, in response to the demands of consumers who prefer regular cigarettes in cigarette form, an electronic cigarette having the form of a filter part and a cigarette part of a regular cigarette has also been proposed. The electronic cigarette has a configuration in which a user inhales through a filter part having a configuration equivalent to that of a regular cigarette while vaporizing an inhalation substance contained in the cigarette part with an electric heater. In such an electronic cigarette, unlike a regular cigarette having a configuration of a cigarette part filled with dry tobacco leaves, it is filled with paper impregnated with an inhalation substance or attached to the surface. When the electronic cigarette is placed in a holder and the heater inside the holder is heated to vaporize the inhalation substance inside the cigarette part, the user can inhale the vaporized inhalation substance through the filter part. Similar to a conventional electronic cigarette, it has an advantage that combustion does not occur, and the user can inhale the vaporized inhalation substance through the filter part by exactly the same mechanism as when smoking a regular cigarette. Therefore, from the user's perspective, the user can experience the feeling of smoking a regular cigarette.

[0004] While this e-cigarette allows for the removal of the internal charger after a certain period of use and recharging with a separate charger, generally, the battery discharges after about one or two days of use, requiring recharging. This can be inconvenient, as it may interrupt the user's use while they are inhaling. Increasing the battery capacity can extend the usage time of the e-cigarette, but this increases the battery size, leading to increased weight and bulk. Although some e-cigarettes on the market allow for separate battery replacement, this requires users to constantly carry the battery with them and separate it for charging, making it inconvenient and raising concerns about losing the battery. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

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

[0006] Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention aim to provide an aerosol generating device, a control method thereof, and a charging system including the same, which enable continuous smoking without interruption while the user is inhaling.

[0007] Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention aim to provide an aerosol generating apparatus and method that includes a heater and / or temperature sensor that reduces the number of parts and allows for diverse designs.

[0008] Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention aim to provide an aerosol generating device, a control method thereof, and a charging system including the same, which can be easily powered via a detachable power storage device or an additional auxiliary power storage device, is easy to carry, and is convenient to use. [Means for solving the problem]

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

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

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

[0012] Furthermore, it is possible to provide an aerosol generator that can heat cigarettes inserted into the aerosol generator by pressing them down, preventing cigarette residue from easily adhering to the heater after smoking, and preventing the heater from easily breaking, as well as a control method therefor and a charging system including the same.

[0013] Furthermore, it is possible to provide an aerosol generating device, a control method thereof, and a charging system including the same, which can supply power in various ways and prevent unwanted operational interruptions. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This is an exploded perspective view showing a charging system relating to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a cross-sectional view showing the aerosol generation device illustrated in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a block diagram schematically showing a part of each component of the aerosol generation device illustrated in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] It is a perspective view showing some components of the aerosol generation device illustrated in FIG. 1. [Figure 5] It is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IV-IV of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] It is a perspective view showing another embodiment of some components of the aerosol generation device illustrated in FIG. 4. [Figure 7] It is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VI-VI of FIG. 6. [Figure 8] It is a perspective view showing yet another embodiment of some components of the aerosol generation device illustrated in FIG. 4. [Figure 9] It is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VIII-VIII of FIG. 8. <00000�4>It is a perspective view showing yet another embodiment of some components of the aerosol generation device illustrated in FIG. 4. [Figure 11] It is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X-X of FIG. 10. [Figure 12] It is a block diagram schematically showing a part of each component of the aerosol generation device illustrated in FIG. 1. [Figure 13] It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the detailed configuration of the heater of the aerosol generation device illustrated in FIG. 12. [Figure 14] It is a conceptual diagram showing a method for manufacturing a resistive double-sided printed green sheet included in the heater of FIG. 13. [Figure 15] It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the ceramic rod assembly included in the heater of FIG. 13. [Figure 16] It is a conceptual diagram showing the state where two bridge wires are connected to the heater of FIG. 13. [Figure 17] It is a conceptual diagram showing the state where three bridge wires are connected to the heater of FIG. 13. [Figure 18]It is a conceptual diagram showing a state where four bridge wires are connected to the heater of FIG. 13. [Figure 19] It is a conceptual diagram showing a first operation example of the charging system illustrated in FIG. 1. [Figure 20] It is a conceptual diagram showing a second operation example of the charging system illustrated in FIG. 1. [Figure 21] It is a conceptual diagram showing a third operation example of the charging system illustrated in FIG. 1. [Figure 22] It is an exploded perspective view showing a state in which the aerosol generating device illustrated in FIG. 1 can be used while being housed in an exterior power supply device. [Figure 23] It is a perspective view showing a process in which the aerosol generating device illustrated in FIG. 1 is separated from the exterior power supply device.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] One embodiment of the present invention includes a first electrical conductivity pattern that performs one of the functions of a main body into which a cigarette is inserted, a heater provided in a part of the main body that heats the cigarette, and a temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the cigarette, a second electrical conductivity pattern provided in another part of the main body that performs one of the functions of the heater and the temperature sensor, and a control unit that controls the first electrical conductivity pattern and the second electrical conductivity pattern so that the first electrical conductivity pattern and the second electrical conductivity pattern perform one of the functions of the heater and the temperature sensor, and discloses an aerosol generating device.

[0016] In the present embodiment, the first electrical conductivity pattern can perform the function of the heater, and the second electrical conductivity pattern can perform the function of the temperature sensor.

[0017] In the present embodiment, the first electrical conductivity pattern and the second electrical conductivity pattern can be interchanged, and either one can perform the function of the heater, and the other can perform the function of the temperature sensor.

[0018] In this embodiment, the first electrically conductive pattern and the second electrically conductive pattern can perform the function of a heater.

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

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

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

[0022] Another embodiment of the present invention discloses a method for controlling an aerosol generating apparatus, which includes the steps of: using a first electrically conductive pattern and a second electrically conductive pattern as heaters to heat a cigarette, thereby instantaneously raising the temperature of the cigarette; and using one of the first and second electrically conductive patterns as a heater and the other as a temperature sensor to measure the temperature of the cigarette, thereby heating the cigarette to a target temperature.

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

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

[0025] A further embodiment of the present invention discloses a charging system for an aerosol generator comprising: an aerosol generator including a heater that generates heat due to resistance when an electric current is applied; a power storage unit that supplies power to the heater; and a control unit that controls the heater; and an external power supply device including a case; a charging housing unit that is rotatably mounted in the case and detachably houses the aerosol generator; an auxiliary power storage unit that stores power to be transmitted to the aerosol generator; and an auxiliary power supply device that controls the auxiliary power storage unit and supplies power to the aerosol generator.

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

[0027] In this embodiment, when the aerosol generator has a charging housing attached and the charging housing is positioned so as to intersect the longitudinal direction of the case, the auxiliary power supply device can allow power to be supplied from the auxiliary power storage device to the aerosol generator and operate in a preheating mode to preheat the aerosol generator.

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

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

[0030] In this embodiment, the case further includes a first magnetic material and a second magnetic material provided on the case so as to face each other with respect to the rotation center of the charging housing, and the charging housing may also include a third magnetic material facing one of the first magnetic material and the second magnetic material.

[0031] In this embodiment, one of the first magnetic material and the second magnetic material is also provided in the case so as to be tilted with respect to the longitudinal direction of the case.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0038] In this embodiment, the single-crystal material is also formed from at least one of the following forms: ingot form and thin film form.

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

[0040] In this embodiment, the heater may include a ceramic rod having a tip, a first protective layer covering the ceramic rod, a green sheet wrapped around the first protective layer and printed with an electrode pattern including the heater's electrode pattern, and a second protective layer covering the green sheet.

[0041] In this embodiment, the electrode pattern on the green sheet can also be printed using a silkscreen method or inkjet printing.

[0042] In this embodiment, the electrode pattern on the green sheet is printed on both sides.

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

[0044] In this embodiment, the green sheet and the first protective layer further include a flange coupled to a ceramic rod, and a bridge wire connected to the printed pattern of the green sheet, wherein the bridge wire is of a 3-wire type or a 4-wire type.

[0045] Other aspects, features, and advantages not mentioned above will become clear from the following drawings, claims, and detailed description of the invention.

[0046] The present invention can be modified in various ways and may have a variety of embodiments, but specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. The effects, features, and methods for achieving them of the present invention will become clear when viewed in detail with the drawings and the embodiments described below. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and can be embodied in a variety of forms. That is, it is also understood that what can be easily inferred by analogy from the detailed description and embodiments to those skilled in the art is within the scope of the rights.

[0047] Terms such as “composed of” or “including” as used herein should not be construed as necessarily including all of the various components or steps described herein, and some components or steps may not be included, or additional components or steps may be included.

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

[0049] The terms used herein have been selected as widely used and common as possible, taking into account the function of the present invention, although this may vary depending on the intent of those skilled in the art, precedents, or the emergence of new technologies. In some cases, the applicant may have arbitrarily selected terms, in which case their meaning will be described in detail in the description of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in this invention must not be simple nouns, but rather defined based on the meaning of the term and the overall content of the invention.

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

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

[0052] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. When describing with reference to the drawings, identical or corresponding components will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations relating to them will be omitted.

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

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

[0055] Referring to Figure 2, the aerosol generator 100 includes a first button 40 that can be pressed to preheat the aerosol generator 100, a heater 20 that generates heat due to resistance when an electric current is applied, a power storage unit 70 that can supply high power instantaneously to the heater 20, and a control unit 50 for controlling the heater 20. The heater 20 heats a vaporizing material containing an aerosol-generating substance housed in a cartridge 10 that vaporizes when heated above a certain temperature, thereby generating an aerosol.

[0056] For example, if the user operates the first button 40 and transmits an activation signal to the control unit 50, power can be supplied from the energy storage unit 70 to the heater 20, allowing the heater 20 to heat up. Conversely, if the user operates the first button 40 while the heater 20 is heating up, a deactivation signal is transmitted to the control unit 50, and power can be cut off from the energy storage unit 70 to the heater 20.

[0057] When a cigarette-shaped e-cigarette, which is impregnated with an inhalation substance or filled with paper attached to its surface, is inserted into the cartridge 10, the heater 20 is heated, vaporizing the inhalation substance inside the cigarette part, and the user can inhale the vaporized inhalation substance through the filter part.

[0058] The control unit 50 drives the motor 80 when the heater 20 has insufficient power, making it impossible for the aerosol generator 100 to operate and requiring charging, or when the aerosol generator 100 is ready to operate, causing the aerosol generator 100 to vibrate and alert the user.

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

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

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

[0062] The energy storage unit 70 can be separated from the aerosol generator 100, and the external power supply device 200 has multiple housings that can accommodate the energy storage unit 70, making it possible to house and charge one or more of the energy storage units 70 separated from the aerosol generator 100.

[0063] Furthermore, the aerosol generator 100 incorporates a power generation means that converts external energy such as light energy or mechanical energy into electrical energy, and can produce electricity itself to charge the energy storage unit 70.

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

[0065] Referring to Figures 3 to 5, the aerosol generating device 100 includes an electronic heater 20 that generates an aerosol by heating a vaporizing material containing an aerosol generating substance that generates heat electrically and vaporizes when heated above a certain temperature. The electronic heater 20 includes a main body 21 into which a cigarette is inserted, a first electrically conductive pattern 22a provided on a part of the main body 21 that performs one of the functions of a heater for heating the cigarette and a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the cigarette, a second electrically conductive pattern 22b provided on another part of the main body 21 that performs one of the functions of a heater and a temperature sensor, and a control unit 50 that controls the first electrically conductive pattern 22a and the second electrically conductive pattern 22b so that they perform one of the functions of a heater and a temperature sensor. The first electrically conductive pattern 22a and the second electrically conductive pattern 22b are each connected to a separate power supply unit such as an energy storage unit 70.

[0066] The main body 21 may be formed from a ceramic material, but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. For example, the main body 21 may include a material that does not conduct electricity well, is heat resistant, and has a substantially moderate deformation property. Furthermore, the main body 21 may be formed so that one end that comes into contact with the cigarette first when the cigarette is inserted has an acute angle, but is not limited thereto. For example, the main body 21 may have any form as long as it is inserted into the inside of a cigarette.

[0067] The first electrically conductive pattern 22a and the second electrically conductive pattern 22b include an electrically resistant material. For example, the electrically conductive track can also be made of a metallic material. As another example, the electrically conductive track can also be made of an electrically conductive ceramic material, carbon, a metal alloy, or a composite material of a ceramic material and a metal.

[0068] Referring to Figure 5, the cross-section of the body 21 cut perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cigarette is rectangular, but this is illustrated illustratively for the sake of explanation, and the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to this. That is, the cross-section of the body 21 cut perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cigarette is polygonal, with one of its sides forming a curved surface, and not only that, but it can also be circular and elliptical. Here, the case where the cross-section of the body 21 cut perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cigarette is circular will be explained below with reference to Figures 6 to 11, but here, for the sake of explanation, the case where the cross-section of the body 21 cut perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cigarette is rectangular will be the focus of the explanation.

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

[0070] The control unit 50 can control the electronic heater 20 so that the first electrically conductive pattern 22a performs the function of a heater and the second electrically conductive pattern 22b performs the function of a temperature sensor. This means that either the first electrically conductive pattern 22a or the second electrically conductive pattern 22b will perform the function of a heater, and the other will perform the function of a temperature sensor. In other words, if the first electrically conductive pattern 22a performs the function of a temperature sensor, then the second electrically conductive pattern 22b can perform the function of a heater.

[0071] Furthermore, in order to extend the lifespan of the electronic heater 20, the control unit 50 can control the electronic heater 20 by alternating between the first electrical conductive pattern 22a and the second electrical conductive pattern 22b, so that one of them performs the function of a heater and the other performs the function of a temperature sensor.

[0072] Furthermore, when the user presses the first button 40 of the aerosol generator 100 and the aerosol generator 100 enters the preheating stage, the control unit 50 controls the first electrical conductivity pattern 22a and the second electrical conductivity pattern 22b of the main body 21 to both perform the function of the electronic heater 20, as a high voltage is instantaneously required for the electronic heater 20 to rise instantaneously. During the vaporization temperature maintenance stage, the first electrical conductivity pattern 22a and the second electrical conductivity pattern 22b of the main body 21 take turns performing the function of the heater, while the other performs the function of the temperature sensor.

[0073] Furthermore, one or more of the first electrical conductivity pattern 22a and the second electrical conductivity pattern 22b can perform the function of a temperature sensor that measures thermal resistance and senses temperature.

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

[0075] On the other hand, referring to Figures 6 and 7, the electronic heater 120 includes a sewing needle-shaped body 121, a first electrically conductive pattern 122a provided on a part of the outer circumferential surface of the body 121, and a second electrically conductive pattern 122b provided on another part of the outer circumferential surface of the body 121. The first electrically conductive pattern 122a and the second electrically conductive pattern 122b are each connected to a separate power supply unit such as the energy storage unit 70.

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

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

[0078] For example, a cigarette is inserted into the hollow 223h. That is, the first electrically conductive pattern 222a can come into contact with the outer surface of the cigarette. In the case of an aerosol generator 100 having such a structure, when a user inserts a cigarette into the aerosol generator 100 and presses the first button 40, and the aerosol generator 100 enters the preheating stage, the control unit 50 can control both the first electrically conductive pattern 222a that comes into contact with the cigarette and the second electrically conductive pattern 222b that does not come into contact with the cigarette to perform the function of a heater in order to rapidly raise the temperature of the cigarette.

[0079] It goes without saying that, if there is no need to rapidly raise the temperature during the preheating stage, the control unit 50 can also control the first electrically conductive pattern 222a, which is in contact with the cigarette, to function as a heater, and the second electrically conductive pattern 222b, which is not in contact with the cigarette, to function as a temperature sensor. Furthermore, during the vaporization temperature maintenance stage, the control unit 50 can control the second electrically conductive pattern 222b, which is not in contact with the cigarette, to perform the function of a heater, and the first electrically conductive pattern 222a, which is in contact with the e-cigarette, to perform the function of a sensor.

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

[0081] Referring to Figures 10 and 11, the electronic heater 320 includes a main body 321 in which a hollow cylinder 323 is cut into a number of sections in the circumferential direction, a first electrically conductive pattern 322a provided on the inner circumferential surface of the sections of the main body 321, and a second electrically conductive pattern 322b provided on the outer circumferential surface of the sections of the main body 321.

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

[0083] Furthermore, in order to extend the lifespan of the electronic heater 320, the control unit 50 controls the first electrical conductivity pattern 322a and the second electrical conductivity pattern 322b to alternately perform the functions of the heater and the sensor.

[0084] Furthermore, when the user presses the first button 40 of the aerosol generator 100 and the aerosol generator 100 enters the preheating stage, the control unit 50 controls the first electrical conductivity pattern 322a and the second electrical conductivity pattern 322b to perform the function of the heater, as a high voltage is instantaneously required for the electronic heater 320 to rise instantaneously.

[0085] Furthermore, if the structure is such that a cigarette is inserted inside the hollow 323, when a user inserts a cigarette into the aerosol generator 100 and presses the first button 40, and the aerosol generator 100 enters the preheating stage, the control unit 50 controls the first electrically conductive pattern 322a, which is in contact with the cigarette, to perform the function of a heater in order to rapidly raise the temperature of the cigarette, and controls the second electrically conductive pattern 322b, which is not in contact with the e-cigarette, to perform the function of a sensor.

[0086] Furthermore, during the vaporization temperature maintenance stage, the control unit 50 controls the second electrically conductive pattern 322b, which does not come into contact with the cigarette, to perform the function of a heater, and the first electrically conductive pattern 322a, which comes into contact with the cigarette, to perform the function of a sensor.

[0087] Figure 12 is a block diagram schematically showing some of the components of the aerosol generation apparatus shown in Figure 1.

[0088] Referring to Figure 12, the aerosol generator 100 includes a heater 20 that generates heat due to resistance when current is applied, a power storage unit 70 that can supply high power to the heater 20 instantaneously, a vaporizer sensor 90 that senses whether or not vaporizer is installed, and a control unit 50 that controls at least one of these.

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

[0090] The control unit 50 controls the heater 20 through the preheating stage, the vaporization temperature arrival stage, and the vaporization temperature maintenance stage by using the aerosol generator 100.

[0091] For example, if a user inserts a cigarette-shaped e-cigarette, which is impregnated with an inhalation substance or filled with paper attached to its surface, into the cartridge 10, or if a liquid vaporizer is added to the cartridge 10, the control unit 50 senses the vaporizer via the vaporizer sensor 90, controls the heater 20 to preheat the aerosol generator 100, instantaneously raises the temperature to the target vaporization temperature, and then controls the heater 20 to maintain the vaporization temperature for a certain period of time.

[0092] If the user presses the first button 40 of the aerosol generator 100 and no vaporizer is detected by the vaporizer sensor 90, the control unit 50 operates the heater 20 to the preheating stage to prevent unnecessary malfunctions. If no vaporizer is detected by the vaporizer sensor 90 after a certain period of time has elapsed, the control unit 50 controls the power storage unit 70 and cuts off the power supplied to the heater 20 to prevent unnecessary power consumption.

[0093] The aerosol generator 100 may include a touch sensor 91 that detects contact with the user's lips. Therefore, the aerosol generator 100 can not only detect the vaporizing agent but also detect lip contact, and the control unit 50 can control the heater 20 of the aerosol generator 100.

[0094] For example, when a user presses the first button 40 of the aerosol generator 100 shown in Figure 2, the control unit 50 controls the heater 20 to preheat the aerosol generator 100. When the touch sensor 91 detects contact from the user's lips, the control unit 50 controls the heater 20 to raise its temperature to the target vaporization temperature and then maintain that temperature for a certain period of time, thereby controlling the device through preheating, vaporization temperature attainment, and vaporization temperature maintenance stages.

[0095] If the touch sensor 91 does not detect contact from the user's lips during the time it takes to control the heater 20 and preheat the aerosol generator 100, or for a set period of time, the control unit 50 controls the power storage unit 70 to cut off the power supplied to the heater 20, thereby preventing unnecessary power consumption.

[0096] Furthermore, the control unit 50 can determine whether the aerosol generator 100 is operational without recharging, based on the remaining power, regardless of the usage status of the aerosol generator 100. If the remaining power is insufficient to operate without recharging, as described above, the aerosol generator 100 is supplied with power from the external power supply unit 92 via the external power supply unit 1000. Therefore, the power in the energy storage unit 70 is not depleted and interruption of use is prevented while the user is using the aerosol generator 100.

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

[0098] This single-crystal material is characterized by low frequency dependence, low resistivity, high surface stability (hardly oxidized), no grain boundary scattering, and high adhesion. In particular, even among solids of the same type, the resistivity is lower when it has a single-crystal structure than when it has a polycrystalline structure. For example, when the wiring of an electronic circuit is formed on a single-crystal solid, the amount of heat generated by the wiring can be reduced, allowing the temperature of a resistor heater connected to the electronic circuit to rise rapidly.

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

[0100] To this end, at least a portion of the electronic circuit connecting the energy storage unit 70 and the heater 20 is also formed from a single-crystal material. When at least a portion of the wiring constituting the electronic circuit is formed from a single-crystal material, the single-crystal material has low resistivity, which reduces the amount of heat generated by the wiring, and thus allows the temperature of the heater 20 connected to the electronic circuit to be rapidly raised to the desired temperature. In other words, by forming the wiring constituting the electronic circuit from a single-crystal material with low resistivity, the temperature of the heater 20 can be raised even more rapidly so that the cigarette is heated within a set temperature range, thereby improving the power efficiency of the fine particle generator.

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

[0102] Furthermore, the single-crystal material can also be formed in at least one of the following forms: ingot form and thin film form. For example, a single-crystal material grown in ingot form can be cut into plate-like pieces, and these cut pieces can then be used to form wiring for an electronic circuit.

[0103] Figure 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the detailed configuration of the heater of the aerosol generator shown in Figure 12.

[0104] Referring to Figure 13, the heater 420 of a rod-shaped electric heated smoking device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a ceramic rod 421 with a tip, a first protective layer 422 covering the ceramic rod 421, a green sheet 423 wrapped around the first protective layer 422 and printed with electrode patterns 423a, 423b including the electrode pattern of the heater 420, a second protective layer 424 covering the green sheet 423, a glass film protective coating layer 425 formed on the assembly that is covered up to the second protective layer 424, a flange 426 bonded to the assembly on which the glass film protective coating layer 425 is formed, and an anti-fouling coating layer 427 formed on the outermost layer.

[0105] The ceramic rod 421 is machined to an appropriate length and diameter to provide the rigidity necessary for the heater to penetrate the cigarette. After the ceramic rod 421 is machined, a first protective layer 422 is formed on the outer circumference of the ceramic rod 421 to maximize the adhesion of the green sheet 423 with the resistance printed on it and to prevent cracking of the ceramic rod 421. The first protective layer 422 can be formed by attaching a protective film or by applying a glass film coating. The green sheet 423 with the resistance printed on it is attached to the first protective layer 422. The green sheet 423 has electrode patterns 423a and 423b printed on both sides, with the heater electrode pattern 423a printed on the inner surface and the sensor electrode pattern 423b printed on the outer surface. The electrode patterns 423a and 423b on the green sheet 423 are printed using a silkscreen method or inkjet printing.

[0106] Figure 14 is a conceptual diagram showing a method for manufacturing a resistance-double-sided printed green sheet equipped with the heater shown in Figure 13.

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

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

[0109] Thus, after the first protective layer 422, the green sheet 423, and the second protective layer 424 are sequentially attached or formed on the ceramic rod 421, sintering of the green sheet 423 and electrode patterns 423a and 423b is performed. Subsequently, a primary visual inspection and a resistance test of the electrode patterns 423a and 423b are performed. The ceramic rod 421 after the first protective layer 422, the green sheet 423, and the second protective layer 424 have been sequentially attached, and after sintering of the green sheet 423 and electrode patterns 423a and 423b has been performed, will be hereinafter referred to as a ceramic rod assembly.

[0110] Figure 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the ceramic rod assembly included in the heater shown in Figure 13.

[0111] Referring to Figure 15, the ceramic rod assembly 150 should have shorter lengths for the outermost layers, and preferably have a stepped shape towards the tip of the ceramic rod, so that the heater can easily enter the cigarette. A flange 426 is attached to the ceramic rod assembly 150 to facilitate heater installation.

[0112] Referring to Figure 13, after the flange 426 is joined, a glass film protective coating layer 425 can be formed over the ceramic rod assembly 150 so that the stepped appearance of the ceramic rod assembly 150 can be made even smoother and easier to slide. More specifically, the glass film protective coating layer 425 covers the exposed tip of the ceramic rod 421, a portion of the tip side of the first protective layer 422, a portion of the tip side of the green sheet 423, and the entirety of the second protective layer 424. The glass film protective coating layer 425 allows the heater to be gently inserted into the cigarette and prevents the layers of the heater, which are formed by multiple thin films or coating layers, from peeling off.

[0113] Furthermore, an antifouling coating layer 427 can be formed on the outermost layer of the ceramic heater, i.e., outside the glass film protective coating layer 425. The material used for forming the antifouling coating layer 427 preferably contains nanoceramic particles such as SiO2, Si3N4, and BN.

[0114] On the other hand, the electrode patterns 423a and 423b of the green sheet 423 include soldering pads (not shown) for connecting bridge wires 510, 520, and 530 for applying an external power supply. The soldering pads (not shown) are preferably located at one end of the green sheet 423 so as to facilitate the connection of the bridge wires 510, 520, and 530. This end is the opposite end of the ceramic rod 421 from the tip, i.e., the lower end (right side in the drawing). When the flange 426 is connected to the ceramic rod assembly 150, it is located higher than where the soldering pads of the green sheet 423 are located. Therefore, the soldering pads (not shown) and the bridge wires 510, 520, and 530 are prevented from being inserted into the cigarette when the heater is inserted into the cigarette.

[0115] Figure 16 is a conceptual diagram showing how two bridge wires are connected to the heater in Figure 13.

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

[0117] Figure 17 is a conceptual diagram showing how three bridge wires are connected to the heater in Figure 13.

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

[0119] Figure 18 is a conceptual diagram showing how four bridge wires are connected to the heater in Figure 13.

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

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

[0122] Figure 19 is a conceptual diagram showing a first operational example of the charging system illustrated in Figure 1.

[0123] Referring to Figure 19, the external power supply device 200 comprises separate cases 210, each of which is internally partitioned to accommodate the components of the external power supply device 200, and is equipped with numerous hooks 211 and locking grooves 212, and the cases 210 are fastened together.

[0124] The charging housing 220 is rotatably mounted on the case 210 and detachably houses the aerosol generating device 100. The charging housing 220 is also rotatably mounted on the case 210 by inserting hinges 222 into grooves 214 formed inside the case 210, via holes 221 formed on both sides of the case 210.

[0125] Furthermore, one side of the charging housing section 220 facing the aerosol generator 100 is formed to have the same shape as the aerosol generator 100 in order to stably house the aerosol generator 100. The auxiliary power storage device 230 and the auxiliary power supply device 240 are connected by wiring, and the auxiliary power supply device 240 is connected to the charging terminal 223 formed in the charging housing section 220 by wiring 224.

[0126] The auxiliary power storage device 230 stores the power to be transmitted to the aerosol generator 100, and the auxiliary power supply device 240 controls the auxiliary power storage device 230 and supplies power to the aerosol generator 100. The auxiliary power storage device 230 and the auxiliary power supply device 240 are also installed in the housing section 213 of the external power supply device 200.

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

[0128] For example, each LED241 has three LEDs, and depending on the amount of stored power, it can light up one LED, or two or three LEDs. When all three LEDs are lit, it indicates that the auxiliary power storage device 230 is charged to its maximum value.

[0129] Each LED of the LED241 can be illuminated outside the case through a hole 215 provided in another case 210 which is coupled to the case 210 in which the LED241 is mounted. Inside the case 210, there is a second button section 243 which is led out to the outside of the case 210 through a hole 216, and the second button section 243 is supported inside the case 210 by a fixing projection 244.

[0130] The second button unit 243 is connected to the auxiliary power supply unit 240 via wiring. When the user operates the second button unit 243, it transmits an activation signal to the auxiliary power supply unit 240, allowing power to be supplied from the auxiliary energy storage unit 230 to the aerosol generator 100. Furthermore, while power is being supplied from the auxiliary energy storage unit 230 to the aerosol generator 100, if the user operates the second button unit 243 again, the power supply from the auxiliary energy storage unit 230 to the aerosol generator 100 can be cut off.

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

[0132] Specifically, the signal from the user operating the second button unit 243 is transmitted from the auxiliary power supply unit 240 through wiring to the charging terminal 223 of the charging housing unit 220 and the charging terminal 30 of the aerosol generator 100, and then to the control unit 50 of the aerosol generator 100, which activates the heater 20 of the aerosol generator 100.

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

[0134] Figure 20 is a conceptual diagram showing a second operating example of the charging system illustrated in Figure 1, and Figure 21 is a conceptual diagram showing a third operating example of the charging system illustrated in Figure 1.

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

[0136] In other words, the charging terminal 223 provided in the charging housing 220 connects to the charging terminal 30 provided opposite the charging terminal 223 on the aerosol generator 100 when the aerosol generator 100 is housed in the charging housing 220, and the power charged in the auxiliary energy storage device 230 can be supplied to the aerosol generator 100 under the control of the auxiliary power supply device 240. The auxiliary power supply device 240 is equipped with a wireless communication port and can supply power to the aerosol generator 100 directly wirelessly as well as wired.

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

[0138] Furthermore, the case 210 is provided with a first magnetic body 250 and a second magnetic body 260, which are arranged to face each other around the rotation center of the charging housing 220, i.e., the hinge 222. The charging housing 220 includes a third magnetic body 225 facing one of the first magnetic body 250 and the second magnetic body 260. In the drawings, the third magnetic body 225 is depicted as being positioned to face the first magnetic body 250, but embodiments of the present invention are not limited to this, and the third magnetic body 225 may also be provided at the lower end of the charging housing 220 to face the second magnetic body 260. However, for the sake of explanation, the following description will focus on the case in which the third magnetic body 225 is provided at the upper end of the charging housing 220 to face the first magnetic body 250.

[0139] Furthermore, one of the first magnetic material 250 and the second magnetic material 260 is also provided on the case 210 so as to be inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the case 210. In the drawings, the second magnetic material 260, which is positioned on the lower side of the external power supply device 200, is depicted as being provided on the case 210 so as to be inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the case 210. However, embodiments of the present invention are not limited to this, and instead, the first magnetic material 250 is also provided on the case 210 so as to be inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the case 210. However, for the sake of explanation, the following description will focus on the case in which the second magnetic material 260 is provided so as to be inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the case 210.

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

[0141] To briefly summarize the aforementioned structure, the case 210 of the external power supply device 200 is provided with a first magnetic material 250 and a second magnetic material 260 at its upper and lower ends, respectively; a third magnetic material 225 facing the first magnetic material 250 is provided at the upper end of the charging housing section 220; and a fourth magnetic material 60 facing the second magnetic material 260 is provided at the lower end of the aerosol generator 100.

[0142] In this case, attractive forces can act between the first magnetic material 250 and the third magnetic material 225, between the first magnetic material 250 and the fourth magnetic material 60, between the second magnetic material 260 and the third magnetic material 225, and between the second magnetic material 260 and the fourth magnetic material 60.

[0143] Therefore, with the structure described above, when the aerosol generator 100 is mounted in the charging housing 220 and the user pressurizes the upper end of the aerosol generator 100, the attractive force formed between the first magnetic material 250 and the third magnetic material 225 causes the charging housing 220 to be positioned parallel to the longitudinal direction of the case 210, as shown in Figure 3.

[0144] On the other hand, when the aerosol generator 100 is mounted in the charging housing 220 as shown in Figure 10, and the user applies pressure to the lower end of the aerosol generator 100 with a force that overcomes the attractive force formed between the first magnetic material 250 and the third magnetic material 225, the charging housing 220 rotates clockwise as shown in Figure 11, and as a result, the attractive force formed between the third magnetic material 260 and the fourth magnetic material 60 causes the charging housing 220 to also be positioned in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the case 210.

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

[0146] Subsequently, the user applies force to the tilted aerosol generator 100, but with a force that can overcome the attractive force between the second magnetic material 260 and the fourth magnetic material 60, thereby separating the aerosol generator 100 from the external power supply unit 200, as illustrated in Figure 12.

[0147] Figure 22 is an exploded perspective view showing the aerosol generating device shown in Figure 1, housed in an external power supply unit, ready for use.

[0148] Referring to Figure 22, the aerosol generator 100 is housed in the charging housing 220 of the external power supply device 200 and is supplied with power. If a user uses the aerosol generator 100, when the aerosol generator 100 is housed in the charging housing 220 of the external power supply device 200 by the fourth magnetic material 60, pressing the lower end of the aerosol generator 100 will cause the charging housing 220 to come into close contact with the second magnetic material 260, which is provided on the case 210 and is tilted at a predetermined angle, while the aerosol generator 100 is housed in the charging housing 220.

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

[0150] Therefore, the aerosol generator 100 can be used continuously without interruption of inhalation while power is supplied from the charging system 1000.

[0151] Figure 23 is a perspective view showing the process of separating the aerosol generator shown in Figure 1 from the external power supply unit.

[0152] Referring to Figure 23, when a user separates the aerosol generator 100 from the external power supply unit 200, as described above, the aerosol generator 100 is tilted toward the external power supply unit 200 and partially pulled out. By applying a predetermined force to the aerosol generator 100, the magnetic force between the aerosol generator 100 and the external power supply unit 200 can be overcome and the aerosol generator 100 pulled out.

[0153] This disclosure is not limited to the specific preferred embodiments described above, and it goes without saying that anyone skilled in the art to the invention can carry out a variety of modifications without deviating from the gist of the invention as claimed in the claims, and such modifications would fall within the scope of the claims.

[0154] Furthermore, in this specification, “component” also refers to a hardware component such as a processor or circuit, and / or a software component that is executed by a hardware component such as a processor.

[0155] The descriptions herein are illustrative, and those skilled in the art will understand that the invention can be easily modified in other specific forms without altering the technical concept or essential features. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood to be illustrative and not limiting in all respects. For example, each component described as a single type may be implemented in a distributed manner, and similarly, components described as distributed may also be implemented in a combined form.

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

[0157] Thus, although the present invention has been described with reference to an embodiment illustrated in the drawings, these are merely illustrative, and a person skilled in the art will understand that a variety of modifications and variations of embodiments are possible. Therefore, the true scope of technical protection of the present invention is determined by the technical idea of ​​the claims. [Industrial applicability]

[0158] According to the aerosol generating apparatus, control method thereof, and charging system including the same as described above, an aerosol generating apparatus can be realized that can vaporize an aerosol-forming substance without combustion.

Claims

1. A long, slender aerosol generator including a first energy storage unit, The charger to which the aerosol generator is detachably coupled, an aerosol generating device equipped with, The aforementioned charger, A second energy storage unit and a case having an opening, A power supply device located within the case is electrically connected to the second energy storage unit. A housing section arranged in the opening and rotatably connected to the case, the housing section into which the aerosol generator is detachably inserted, The first charging terminal on the aforementioned housing section, The power supply device and the wiring connected to the first charging terminal, The first magnetic material in the housing adjacent to the first charging terminal, A third magnetic material and a fourth magnetic material are provided within the aforementioned case. It has, The aerosol generator has a second magnetic material, The aerosol generator includes a second charging terminal electrically connected to the first energy storage unit, and when the aerosol generator is coupled to the housing unit, the first charging terminal contacts the second charging terminal. The third magnetic material corresponds to the first magnetic material in the housing section, and the fourth magnetic material corresponds to the second magnetic material in the aerosol generator. Aerosol generator.

2. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the first charging terminal faces the second charging terminal, the outer surface of the aerosol generator contacts the housing by magnetic force.

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

4. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the charger includes a second button that activates or deactivates the power supply device supplying power from the second energy storage unit to the first energy storage unit.

5. The aerosol generator is A heater powered by the first energy storage unit, The first energy storage unit includes a control unit that controls the supply of power to the heater, When the power supply device is activated to supply power from the second energy storage unit to the first energy storage unit, the control unit allows the first energy storage unit to supply power to the heater. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 4.

6. When the power supply device is deactivated from supplying power from the second energy storage unit to the first energy storage unit, the control unit cuts off the power supply from the first energy storage unit to the heater. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 5.

7. When the second magnetic body is not magnetically coupled to the fourth magnetic body, the first magnetic body is magnetically coupled to the third magnetic body, When the second magnetic material is magnetically coupled to the fourth magnetic material, the first magnetic material is not magnetically coupled to the third magnetic material. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1.

8. The aerosol generator is formed in a cylindrical shape, The housing portion has an inner surface that faces the outer surface of the aerosol generator, and the inner surface of the housing portion supports the aerosol generator. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1.

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