Patent Description:
Recently, the demand for alternative methods to overcome the shortcomings of general cigarettes has increased. For example, there is an increasing demand for a method of generating aerosol by heating an aerosol generating material in cigarettes, rather than by burning cigarettes. Accordingly, studies on a heating-type cigarette and a heating-type aerosol generating device have been actively conducted.

While an aerosol generating device as described above is being heated, there exists a safety risk such as burning of a user's skin when a part of the aerosol generating device or a cigarette heated to a high temperature is exposed to the outside due to factors such as inexperienced handling, a user's carelessness, operational mistakes, etc. Therefore, there is a need for methods of securing user safety by preventing a heater from being opened when an aerosol generating material is heated.

<CIT> relates to an electrically operated aerosol-generating system comprising: a main unit comprising a heating portion at an outer surface of the main unit, the heating portion comprising one or more electric heaters; and a tubular aerosol-generating article comprising: a tubular aerosol-forming substrate; and an inner passage, wherein: the inner passage of the tubular aerosol-generating article is configured to receive the heating portion of the main unit; the one or more electric heaters are arranged to heat the tubular aerosol-forming substrate when the tubular aerosol-generating article is received on the heating portion of the main unit; and at least one of the main unit and the tubular aerosol-generating article comprises at least one retaining feature configured to removably retain the tubular aerosol-generating article on the heating portion of the main unit when the tubular aerosol-generating article is received on the heating portion of the main unit.

<CIT> relates to an electronic cigarette that comprises a cigarette cartridge, an atomization device and a magnetic force generation device.

<CIT> relates to a case that includes a drawer within a cover.

An objective of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device capable of controlling coupling force of a cover by using magnetic force, and an operation method thereof.

Another objective of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device for controlling a current applied to a coil to heat an aerosol generating material or control the coupling force of the cover, and an operation method thereof.

The objective to be solved by the present disclosure is not limited to the objectives described above, and objectives that are not mentioned above will be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art from the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

An aerosol generating device according to an exemplary embodiment includes a case, a cover having a metallic body and configured to be coupled to the case, a heater configured to heat an aerosol generating material, a magnetic force generator arranged in the case and configured to generate a magnetic force acting on the metallic body according to a current applied thereto, and a controller configured to adjust coupling force between the cover and the case, which is generated by the magnetic force, by controlling the current applied to the magnetic force generator based on an operating state of the heater.

Also, when the heater heats the aerosol generating material, the controller may control the current applied to the magnetic force generator to strengthen the coupling force.

Also, when the heater does not heat the aerosol generating material, the controller may control the current applied to the magnetic force generator to weaken the coupling force.

Also, when the heater heats the aerosol generating material, the controller may apply a current having a first current value to the magnetic force generator, and when the heater does not heat the aerosol generating material, may apply a current having a second current value smaller than the first current value to the magnetic force generator.

Also, the second current value may be <NUM>.

Also, the aerosol generating device may further include an input unit configured to receive a user input for generating aerosol, and when the user input is received through the input unit, the controller may apply a current to the magnetic force generator and then operate the heater.

Also, when a certain condition is satisfied, the controller may stop applying the current to the magnetic force generator to facilitate separation of the cover and the case.

Also, when the condition is satisfied, the controller may stop a heating operation of the heater and then stop applying the current to the magnetic force generator.

Also, the aerosol generating device may further include a puff sensor configured to sense a user's puffs, and the condition may be that the number of a user's puffs, detected through the puff sensor, exceeds a preset puff limit.

Also, the condition may be that a time of a heating operation of the heater exceeds a preset time limit.

Also, the aerosol generating device may further include an input unit configured to receive a user input, and the condition may be that a user input for stopping heating is received through the input unit.

Also, the aerosol generating device may further include a temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of the heater, and the condition may be that, after a heating operation of the heater is stopped, a temperature of the heater descends to below a preset temperature limit.

Also, the aerosol generating device may further include an input unit configured to receive a user input, and when the heater heats the aerosol generating material, the controller may apply a current to the magnetic force generator, and may reheat the heater while maintaining the current applied to the magnetic force generator when the user input for generating aerosol is received through the input unit, after a heating operation of the heater is stopped but before a temperature of the heater that descends to below a preset temperature limit.

Also, the condition may be that a preset standby time elapses after a heating operation of the heater is stopped.

Also, the aerosol generating device may further include an input unit configured to receive a user input, and when the heater heats the aerosol generating material, the controller may apply a current to the magnetic force generator, and may reheat the heater while maintaining the current applied to the magnetic force generator when the user input for generating aerosol is received through the input unit, after a heating operation of the heater is stopped but before a preset standby time elapses.

Also, the heater may be arranged on one upper side of the case, the magnetic force generator may be arranged on another upper side of the case, and the metallic body may be provided on one side of the cover which faces the other upper side of the case when the cover is coupled to an upper portion of the case.

An aerosol generating device according to another exemplary embodiment includes a case, a cover having a metallic body and configured to be coupled to the case, a coil arranged in the case and configured to, according to a current applied, generate an induced current in a susceptor to heat an aerosol generating material, or generate magnetic force acting on the metallic body, and a controller configured to adjust coupling force between the cover and the case which is generated by the magnetic force, and a heating state of the aerosol generating material, by controlling the current applied to the coil.

Also, the controller may adjust the coupling force between the cover and the case based on the heating state of the aerosol generating material.

Also, when the aerosol generating material is being heated, the controller may generate magnetic force through the coil to strengthen the coupling force between the cover and the case.

An operation method of an aerosol generating device according to another exemplary embodiment is an operation method of an aerosol generating device including a case and a cover couplable to the case, wherein the aerosol generating device includes a metallic body provided in the cover and a magnetic force generator provided in the case and configured to generate magnetic force acting on the metallic body according to a current applied thereto, the operation method including applying a first current to the magnetic force generator to strengthen coupling force between the cover and the case when the aerosol generating material is heated, and applying a second current smaller than the first current to the magnetic force generator to weaken the coupling force, when the aerosol generating material is not heated.

Also, the operation method of the aerosol generating device may further include receiving a user input for heating the aerosol generating material, applying a current to the magnetic force generator to strengthen the coupling force between the cover and the case, and heating the aerosol generating material after applying the current.

The means for solving problems of the present disclosure is not limited to the means for solving problems described above, and means for solving problems that are not mentioned above will be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art from the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

According to the present disclosure, a user's injury caused in relation to heating of an aerosol generating material may be prevented by adjusting coupling force of a cover by using magnetic force.

Also, according to the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device may be simply and directly designed by providing a coil which heats the aerosol generating material or adjusts the coupling force of the cover.

The advantageous effect of the present disclosure is not limited to the advantageous effects described above, and advantageous effects that are not mentioned above will be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art from the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

An aerosol generating device according to the invention includes a case, a cover having a metallic body and being couplable to the case, a heater configured to heat an aerosol generating material, a magnetic force generator arranged in the case and configured to generate magnetic force acting on the metallic body according to a current applied thereto, and a controller configured to adjust coupling force between the cover and the case, which is generated by the magnetic force, by controlling the current applied to the magnetic force generator based on an operating state of the heater, wherein the cover comprises an outer hole aligned with an insertion hole of the case for allowing a cigarette to penetrate the cover through the outer holes and reach the insertion hole of the case.

An aerosol generating device according to another exemplary embodiment includes a case, a cover having a metallic body and being couplable to the case, a coil arranged in the case and configured to generate an induced current in a susceptor according to a current applied to heat an aerosol generating material, or generate magnetic force acting on the metallic body, and a controller configured to adjust coupling force between the cover and the case arising due to the magnetic force and a heating state of the aerosol generating material by controlling the current applied to the coil.

An operation method of an aerosol generating device according to the invention is an operation method of an aerosol generating device including a case and a cover couplable to the case, wherein the aerosol generating device includes a metallic body in the cover and a magnetic force generator, in the case, which generates magnetic force for the metallic body according to a current applied thereto, wherein the cover comprises an outer hole aligned with an insertion hole of the case for allowing a cigarette to penetrate the cover through the outer holes and reach the insertion hole of the case, the operation method including applying a first current to the magnetic force generator to strengthen coupling force between the cover and the case when the aerosol generating material is heated, and applying a second current, which is smaller than the first current, to the magnetic force generator to weaken the coupling force when the aerosol generating material is not heated.

With respect to the terms in the various exemplary embodiments, the general terms which are currently and widely used are selected in consideration of functions of structural elements in the various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. However, meanings of the terms can be changed according to intention, a judicial precedence, the appearance of a new technology, and the like. Therefore, the terms used in the various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure should be defined based on the meanings of the terms and the descriptions provided herein.

The disclosure can, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the exemplary embodiments set forth herein.

Throughout the specification, the term "aerosol generating material" may refer to a material which can generate aerosol, and may also refer to an aerosol forming substrate. The aerosol may include a volatile compound. The aerosol generating material may be solid or liquid. For example, a solid aerosol generating material may include solid materials based on tobacco raw materials such as tobacco sheet cigarettes, pipe tobaccos, reconstituted cigarettes, etc., and a liquid aerosol generating material may include liquid materials based on nicotine, tobacco extracts, and various flavoring agents. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above examples.

Throughout the specification, the aerosol generating device may be a device for generating aerosol by using an aerosol generating material in order to generate aerosol which can be directly inhaled into a user's lungs through a user's mouth. For example, the aerosol generating device may be a holder.

Throughout the specification, the term "puff" may refer to inhalation of the user, and the inhalation may refer to a situation in which the user draws air into the user's oral cavity, nasal cavity, or lungs via the user's mouth or nose.

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings so that one of ordinary skill in the art would be able to readily implement the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited to the exemplary embodiments set forth herein and may be implemented in different forms.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

<FIG> is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may include a case <NUM>, a cover <NUM>, a heater <NUM>, a magnetic force generator <NUM>, a battery <NUM>, a controller <NUM>, and a metallic body <NUM> provided in the cover <NUM>.

In the aerosol generating device <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, only elements related to the present exemplary embodiment are shown. Therefore, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that other general elements besides the elements illustrated in <FIG> may be further included in the aerosol generating device <NUM>.

The aerosol generating device <NUM> may heat the heater <NUM>, and an aerosol generating material may be vaporized by the heater <NUM> to generate aerosol. The generated aerosol is delivered to the user by a user's inhalation.

The case <NUM> forms a part of an external appearance of the aerosol generating device <NUM>, and functions to accommodate and protect various elements therein.

The case <NUM> may include the magnetic force generator <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the case <NUM> is illustrated as having the magnetic force generator <NUM>, the heater <NUM>, the controller <NUM>, and the battery <NUM>. However, the order and arrangement of the magnetic force generator <NUM>, the heater <NUM>, the controller <NUM>, and the battery <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> may be changed according to the design of the aerosol generating device <NUM>. For example, the arrangement of each element is not limited to the inside of the case <NUM>, but may be changed to be arranged outside the case <NUM>, or to be arranged inside or outside the cover <NUM>.

The cover <NUM> may be coupled to or separated from the case <NUM>.

The case <NUM> and the cover <NUM> together form the external appearance of the aerosol generating device <NUM>. The cover <NUM> may be coupled to the case <NUM> to protect internal elements of the aerosol generating device <NUM>.

When the cover <NUM> is coupled to the case <NUM>, the cover <NUM> may prevent heat generated from the heater <NUM> from being transferred to the outside of the aerosol generating device <NUM>. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent injuries that may occur due to a user inadvertently contacting the heater <NUM> directly or touching an area of the case <NUM> heated by the heater <NUM> during an operation of the heater <NUM>.

Also, when the cover <NUM> is coupled to the case <NUM>, the cover <NUM> may fix the aerosol generating material inserted into and accommodated in the case <NUM>, and thus may prevent the aerosol generating material from being separated from and falling out of the case <NUM>.

When the cover <NUM> is separated from the case <NUM>, an area of the case <NUM> that is blocked by the cover <NUM> while the cover <NUM> is combined with the case <NUM> may be exposed to the outside. Accordingly, cleaning of residues of the aerosol generating material or the like may be easily performed.

The cover <NUM> may include the metallic body <NUM>.

Attractive force may be applied to the metallic body <NUM> in the direction of the magnetic force generator <NUM> by magnetic force (magnetism) generated by the magnetic force generator <NUM>.

The magnetic force generated by the magnetic force generator <NUM> may act on the metallic body <NUM>, and thus the coupling force between the cover <NUM> and the case <NUM> may be changed. When the magnetic force is increased, the coupling force between the cover <NUM> and the case <NUM> may be strengthened, and when the magnetic force is weakened, the coupling force between the cover <NUM> and the case <NUM> may be weakened. Accordingly, for the convenience of users or for safety reasons, the cover <NUM> may be strongly coupled to the case <NUM>, or the cover <NUM> may be separated from the case <NUM>.

The heater <NUM> may be heated by power supplied from the battery <NUM> to thereby heat and vaporize the aerosol generating material.

The heater <NUM> may be any type of heater which can heat aerosol up to a desired temperature for vaporizing aerosol. The desired temperature may be set in the aerosol generating device <NUM> in advance, or may be set by a user.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may temporarily stop a heating operation of the heater <NUM> or supply a current supplied to the heater <NUM> in a waveform form in order to maintain the temperature of the heater <NUM> at a proper temperature.

According to an exemplary embodiment, when an aerosol generating material is contained in a cigarette, the cigarette may be inserted into the aerosol generating device <NUM>. The heater <NUM> may be positioned inside or outside the cigarette to heat the aerosol generating material.

According to an exemplary embodiment, when the aerosol generating material is provided in a liquid cartridge, the aerosol generating material may be stored in a storage unit (not shown) of a cartridge (not shown). The storage unit may transfer the stored aerosol generating material to an atomizer (not shown) along a capillary wick by using surface tension. The heater <NUM> may be provided in the atomizer to heat the aerosol generating material.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the heater <NUM> may be an electric resistive heater. For example, the heater <NUM> may include an electrically conductive track, and the heater <NUM> may be heated as a current flows in the electrically conductive track.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the heater <NUM> may be an inductive heating-type heater. In detail, the heater <NUM> may include an electrically conductive coil <NUM> for heating the aerosol generating material by using inductive heating, and the cigarette or liquid cartridge may include a susceptor <NUM> which can be heated by the inductive heating-type heater.

The magnetic force generator <NUM> may generate magnetic force (magnetism) according to a command of the controller <NUM>, and may adjust a magnitude of the magnetic force. The magnetic force generated by the magnetic force generator <NUM> may act as an attractive force on the metallic body <NUM> provided in the cover <NUM>.

The magnetic force generator <NUM> may generate magnetic force when a current is applied thereto. According to an exemplary embodiment, the magnitude of the magnetic force generated by the magnetic force generator <NUM> may be proportional to a magnitude of the current applied. The magnetic force generator <NUM> may no longer generate the magnetic force when the current applied is stopped.

The magnetic force generator <NUM> may be any electronic device which generates a magnetic force by a current. For example, the magnetic force generator <NUM> may be a solenoid coil, an electromagnet holder, a bipolar electromagnet having both poles provided on one surface thereof together, a unipolar electromagnet having only one pole provided on one surface thereof, a bobbin electromagnet manufactured by winding a coil on an insulator, etc..

The battery <NUM> supplies power used to operate the aerosol generating device <NUM>. For example, the battery <NUM> may supply power to heat the heater <NUM>, and may supply power required to operate the controller <NUM>. The battery <NUM> may supply a current to the magnetic force generator <NUM> according to a command of the controller <NUM> such that the magnetic force generator <NUM> may generate magnetic force. Also, the battery <NUM> may supply power required to operate a display, a sensor, a motor, etc. installed in the aerosol generating device <NUM>.

The aerosol generating device <NUM> and an additional cradle may form together a system.

The controller <NUM> controls an overall operation of the aerosol generating device <NUM>. In detail, the controller <NUM> controls operations of other elements included in the aerosol generating device <NUM> as well as operations of the battery <NUM>, the heater <NUM>, and the magnetic force generator <NUM>. Also, the controller <NUM> may determine whether the aerosol generating device <NUM> is in an operable state by checking a state of each element of the aerosol generating device <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> may control an operation of the magnetic force generator <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may control the operation of the magnetic force generator <NUM> by controlling a current applied to the magnetic force generator <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> may control the operation of the magnetic force generator <NUM> based on an operating state of the heater <NUM>. When the heater <NUM> operates, the controller <NUM> may operate the magnetic force generator <NUM> or may strengthen the magnetic force generated by the magnetic force generator <NUM>, such that the cover <NUM> is coupled to the case <NUM> more strongly. When the heater <NUM> does not operate, the controller <NUM> may stop the operation of the magnetic force generator <NUM> or may weaken the magnetic force generated by the magnetic force generator <NUM>, such that the cover <NUM> is easily separable from the case <NUM>. A method, performed by the controller <NUM>, of operating the heater <NUM> and the magnetic force generator <NUM> will be described later in more detail.

The aerosol generating device <NUM> may further include general-purpose components in addition to the battery <NUM>, the controller <NUM>, and the heater <NUM>. For example, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may include a display capable of outputting visual information, a motor for outputting haptic information, and/or charging contact for charging battery. For example, the motor may notify through vibration that the heating of the heater <NUM> is completed. For example, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may comprise an LED and display an operating state of the heater <NUM> through the LED.

Also, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may include at least one sensor (a puff detecting sensor, a temperature detecting sensor, a cigarette insertion detecting sensor, etc.).

The puff detecting sensor may detect puffs in various ways. For example, the puffs may be detected by comparing and analyzing a difference between a temperature of introduced air and a temperature inside the aerosol generating device <NUM>. Alternatively, the puff detecting sensor may detect the puffs by detecting a change in an air flow inside the aerosol generating device <NUM>, caused by a user's puffs. Alternatively, the puff detecting sensor may detect the puffs by a change in resistance of the electrically conductive track that constitutes the heater <NUM>. Alternatively, the puff detecting sensor may detect the user's puffs based on a change in a voltage level of the heater <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> may determine the presence of a user's puffs and strengths of the puffs through the puff detecting sensor, and may count the number of the puffs.

Also, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may include an input unit (not shown). As the input unit is manipulated, the operation of the aerosol generating device <NUM> may be controlled. For example, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may receive various inputs through the input unit, such as an input for starting a heating operation, an input for stopping the heating operation, a heating intensity, a heating time, and an intensity of magnetic force generated by the magnetic force generator. The input unit may be, for example, a button, a switch, or a touch screen installed on an external surface of the case <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device in which a cover is separated from a case, according to an exemplary embodiment.

Although <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate the aerosol generating device <NUM> in a case where the aerosol generating material is contained in a cigarette, the following descriptions made under the assumption that the aerosol generating material is provided in the form of a cigarette may be applied to a case where the aerosol generating material is stored in a liquid cartridge.

Referring to <FIG>, in a state where the cover <NUM> is separated from the case <NUM>, an internal space of the aerosol generating device <NUM>, the heater <NUM>, etc. may be exposed to the outside. Accordingly, a user who finished smoking a cigarette may separate the cigarette from the aerosol generating device <NUM>, and then perform a cleaning operation to remove any tobacco material remaining in the aerosol generating device <NUM>.

The aerosol generating device <NUM> may weaken the magnetic force generated by the magnetic force generator <NUM> such that the cover <NUM> and the case <NUM> are easily separable from each other. For example, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may stop magnetic force generation of the magnetic force generator <NUM>.

The metallic body <NUM> and the magnetic force generator <NUM> may be arranged such that the coupling force between the cover <NUM> and the case <NUM> is effectively adjustable due to a change in the magnetic force. For example, the heater <NUM> may be arranged on one upper side of the case <NUM>, and the magnetic force generator <NUM> may be arranged on the other upper side of the case <NUM>. The metallic body <NUM> may be arranged on one side of the cover <NUM> facing the other upper side of the case <NUM> in which the magnetic force generator <NUM> is arranged.

Shapes and arrangements of the magnetic force generator <NUM> and the metallic body <NUM> are not limited to those illustrated in <FIG>. According to an exemplary embodiment, the magnetic force generator <NUM> may be arranged to extend along an upper circumference of the case <NUM>. In this case, the metallic body may be arranged to extend along a lower circumference of the cover.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the magnetic force generator <NUM> may be arranged such that the magnetic force is directed toward the metallic body <NUM>, not toward the controller <NUM>, to minimize the influence of the magnetic force on electronic elements. For example, the controller <NUM> may be arranged in the bottom portion of the case <NUM>, and the magnetic force generator <NUM> may be arranged in the top portion of the case <NUM>, such that the magnetic force may be directed upward.

The magnetic force generator <NUM> and the metallic body <NUM> may be designed in various shapes such as a rectangular shape, a circular shape, a ring shape, etc..

The case <NUM> may have a cigarette receiver <NUM> formed thereon. The heater <NUM> may be arranged in the cigarette receiver <NUM>, and the heater <NUM> may heat a cigarette with an aerosol generating material mounted in the cigarette receiver <NUM>.

The case <NUM> may have an insertion hole <NUM> formed in the cigarette receiver <NUM>, and the cigarette may be inserted into the cigarette receiver <NUM> through the insertion hole <NUM>.

The cover <NUM> may have an outer hole <NUM> aligned with the insertion hole <NUM> when the case <NUM> is coupled thereto. The cigarette can penetrate the cover <NUM> through the outer hole and reach the insertion hole <NUM> of the case <NUM>.

The cover <NUM> and the case <NUM> may be formed of a plastic material that does not transfer heat well, or a metallic material having a heat blocking material coated on surfaces thereof. The cover <NUM> and the case <NUM> may be manufactured by using, for example, an injection molding method, a three-dimensional (3D) printing method, or a method of assembling small components manufactured by injection molding.

The shape of the heater <NUM> is not limited to the shape illustrated in <FIG>, and the heater <NUM> may be manufactured in various shapes. For example, the heater <NUM> may include a tubetype heating element, a plate-type heating element, a needle-type heating element, or a rod-type heating element. The heater <NUM> may heat the inside or the outside of the cigarette according to the shape of the heating element.

Although only one heater <NUM> is illustrated in <FIG>, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and a plurality of heaters <NUM> may be arranged in the aerosol generating device <NUM>. When the aerosol generating material is provided in the cigarette, the plurality of heaters <NUM> may be inserted into the inside of the cigarette or may be arranged outside the cigarette. Also, some of the plurality of heaters <NUM> may be inserted into the cigarette, and the others may be arranged outside the cigarette.

According to an exemplary embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the controller <NUM> and the battery <NUM> may be arranged under the case <NUM>. The controller <NUM> and the battery <NUM> may extend in one direction, and may be arranged to extend along an extension direction of the case <NUM>.

The battery <NUM> may be charged by receiving power from the outside through a terminal formed under the case <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> may be electrically connected to the input unit arranged on a side surface of the case <NUM> to receive a user input.

<FIG> is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device in which a cover is coupled to a case, according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, the cover <NUM> may cover a part or all of the cigarette receiver <NUM> of the case <NUM> when coupled to the case <NUM>. The cigarette receiver <NUM> is a portion where the temperature rises because a heating operation of the heater <NUM> for the cigarette occurs therein. As the cover <NUM> covers the cigarette receiver <NUM>, heat of the heater <NUM> is prevented from being transferred to the outside, and thus, a user can be prevented from being injured.

When the cover <NUM> is coupled to the case <NUM>, the aerosol generating device may strengthen the magnetic force generated by the magnetic force generator <NUM> to strengthen the coupling force between the cover <NUM> and the case <NUM>.

As the cover <NUM> is coupled to the case <NUM>, a separation distance between the metallic body <NUM> and the magnetic force generator <NUM> may be shorter than that in a separated state.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the metallic body <NUM> and the magnetic force generator <NUM> may be spaced apart from each other by a certain distance without facing each other.

However, arrangements of the magnetic force generator <NUM> and the metallic body <NUM> are not limited to those illustrated in <FIG>. According to an exemplary embodiment, when the cover <NUM> is coupled to the case <NUM>, an area of the cover <NUM> where the metallic body <NUM> is arranged and an area of the case <NUM> where the magnetic force generator <NUM> is arranged may overlap each other.

Also, when the cover <NUM> is coupled to the case <NUM>, the outer hole <NUM> of the cover <NUM> and the insertion hole <NUM> of the case <NUM> may be aligned. The cigarette may be inserted into the insertion hole <NUM> through the outer hole <NUM>.

Although the cigarette may be inserted into the insertion hole <NUM> of the case <NUM> even when the cover <NUM> is separated, the cigarette may be fixed into the cigarette receiver <NUM> more firmly when the cover <NUM> is coupled.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a holding device (not shown) for maintaining coupling between the cover <NUM> and the case <NUM> may be installed between the cover <NUM> and the case <NUM>. The holding device may include, for example, a protrusion and a groove. The coupled state between the cover <NUM> and the case <NUM> may be maintained by maintaining a state where the protrusion is inserted into the groove. The protrusion may be moved by a user pressing an operation button and separated from the groove.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a door which opens and closes the outer hole may be installed on an upper surface of the cover <NUM>, and the door may slide along a rail installed on the upper surface of the cover <NUM>.

<FIG> is a flowchart of an operation method of an aerosol generating device according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may heat the aerosol generating material by using the heater <NUM> (<NUM>). When the aerosol generating material is heated, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may apply a current having a first current value to the magnetic force generator <NUM> (S1200).

Accordingly, the magnetic force generator <NUM> may generate magnetic force corresponding to the first current value. The first current value may be a preset value that generates magnetic force required to strongly couple the cover <NUM> to the case <NUM> to keep them from being separated from each other. According to an exemplary embodiment, the first current value may be adjusted by the user, and thus, the coupling force may also be adjusted.

The coupling force between the cover <NUM> including the metallic body <NUM> and the case <NUM> including the magnetic force generator <NUM> may be strengthened by the magnetic force. The aerosol generating device <NUM> is configured to maintain the coupling force by continuously applying the current having the first current value. Accordingly, the cover <NUM> is strongly coupled to the case <NUM> during the heating operation, and thus, an accident in which the cover <NUM> is detached due to a user's inexperience may be prevented.

Thereafter, when a user's smoking is finished, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may stop the heating operation of the heater <NUM> for the aerosol generating material (S1300). When the heating operation is stopped, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may apply the current having the second current value to the magnetic force generator <NUM> (S1400).

According to an exemplary embodiment, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may stop the heating operation and apply the current having the second current value to the magnetic force generator <NUM> at substantially the same time.

The second current value may be a current value that generates magnetic force having a magnitude smaller than that of the magnetic force corresponding to the first current value. For example, the second current value may be smaller than the first current value. Accordingly, when the heating operation is stopped due to completion of smoking, the coupling force between the cover <NUM> and the case <NUM> may be weakened such that the cover <NUM> may be separated from the case <NUM> for cleaning, detachment of the cigarette, etc..

For example, the second current value may be greater than <NUM>. The aerosol generating device <NUM> may weaken the coupling force between the cover <NUM> and the case <NUM> and maintain the coupling by continuously applying the second current value. Therefore, the state where the cover <NUM> is coupled to the case <NUM> may be maintained unless the cover <NUM> is removed by user's external force.

As another example, the second current value may be <NUM>. In this case, the coupling force between the cover <NUM> and the case <NUM> may be mechanically provided by the holding device described above. Accordingly, the coupling force between the cover <NUM> and the case <NUM> may be continuously maintained, and power applied to the magnetic force generator <NUM> may be reduced.

According to the process described above, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may strengthen or weaken the coupling force between the cover <NUM> and the case <NUM> during the operating state of the heater <NUM> by differently adjusting the magnitude of the current applied to the magnetic force generator <NUM> according to the operating state of the heater <NUM>.

<FIG> is a flowchart of an operation method of an aerosol generating device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present application.

Referring to <FIG>, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may heat the aerosol generating material by using the heater <NUM> (S2100). In this case, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may apply the current having the first current value to the magnetic force generator <NUM> (S2200). Accordingly, the coupling force between the case <NUM> and the cover <NUM> may be strengthened during the heating operation. Operation S2100 may be substantially the same as operation <NUM>. Operation S2200 may be substantially the same as operation S1200.

The aerosol generating device <NUM> may determine whether a certain condition is satisfied during the heating operation (S2300). The certain condition refers to a case where the cover <NUM> and the case <NUM> need to be made separable due to the completion of smoking, occurrence of an unexpected event, etc..

The certain condition may be that the number of a user's puffs exceeds a preset puff limit.

The puff limit may be the number of puffs corresponding to the maximum inhalation amount of the aerosol generating material in one smoking act. For example, the puff limit may be the number of puffs corresponding to an amount of the aerosol generating material contained in one cigarette, when calculated based on an inhalation amount of the aerosol generating in one puff.

The aerosol generating device <NUM> may stop the heating operation when a detected number of puffs exceeds the puff limit.

The certain condition may be, for example, that a time of the heating operation of the heater <NUM> exceeds a preset time limit.

The time limit may be a smoking time corresponding to the maximum inhalation amount of the aerosol generating material allowed in one smoking act. For example, the time limit may be a time required to inhale an amount corresponding to the aerosol generating material contained in one cigarette. The aerosol generating device <NUM> may stop the heating operation when the time limit elapses.

The certain condition may be, for example, that a user input for completing smoking is received through the input unit.

The user may input the user input for completing smoking, for example, when the user no longer wants to smoke a cigarette according to his or her preference or when smoking needs to be stopped due to the occurrence of an unexpected event. The aerosol generating device <NUM> may stop the heating operation of the heater <NUM> when the user input is received.

The certain condition may be, for example, that, after a heating operation of the heater <NUM> is stopped, a temperature of the heater <NUM> descends to below a preset temperature limit.

The aerosol generating device <NUM> may maintain strong coupling force between the cover <NUM> and the case <NUM> until the temperature descends to below the temperature limit after heating. Thereafter, when a certain condition is satisfied because the temperature of the heater <NUM> is below the temperature limit, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may weaken the coupling force between the cover <NUM> and the case <NUM>. Therefore, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may prevent the user from getting a burn, and may also prepare for a user's continuous smoking. This will be described later in more detail with reference to <FIG>.

The certain condition may be, for example, that a preset standby time elapses after a heating operation of the heater <NUM> is stopped.

The aerosol generating device <NUM> may strengthen the coupling force between the cover <NUM> and the case <NUM> until the standby time elapses after the heating operation.

The temperature of the heater may rise during the heating operation and may descend after the heating operation.

The standby time refers to a time required for the temperature of the heater <NUM> to descend to a safe temperature even when the cover <NUM> is separated from the case <NUM>. The strengthened coupling force may be maintained for the standby time. Referring to <FIG>, the standby time may be a time required for the temperature of the heater <NUM> to descend to a temperature limit T0 after the heating operation is stopped.

Alternatively, the standby time may be a time for standby in preparation for a reheat input of the user, for example, a time required for the user to replace the aerosol generating material. After the heating operation is stopped, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may maintain the strengthened coupling between the cover <NUM> and the case <NUM> until the aerosol generating material is replaced by the user for reheating. The reheating will be described later in more detail with reference to <FIG>.

Accordingly, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may prevent the user from getting a burn, and may also maintain the coupled state between the cover <NUM> and the case <NUM> in preparation for a user's consecutive smoking.

When the certain condition is not satisfied, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may return to operation S2200 to apply the first current value to the magnetic force generator <NUM>. When the certain condition is not satisfied, the coupling force between the cover <NUM> and the case <NUM> needs to be strengthened, and thus, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may apply the current having the first current value to the magnetic force generator <NUM>, and may maintain the application of the current having the first current value.

The aerosol generating device <NUM> may apply the current having the second current value to the magnetic force generator <NUM> when the certain condition is satisfied (S2400).

When the certain condition is satisfied, the coupling force between the cover <NUM> and the case <NUM> needs to be weakened such that the cover <NUM> is separable from the case <NUM>, and thus, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may apply the current having the second current value to the magnetic force generator <NUM>. The second current value may have a magnitude smaller than that of the first current value. For example, the second current value may be <NUM>.

When the condition is satisfied in a state where the heater <NUM> is operating, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may stop the operation of the heater <NUM> first and then may apply the second current value as the operation of the heater <NUM> is stopped. Accordingly, the inside of the case <NUM> may be prevented from being exposed by the cover <NUM> being separated therefrom while the heater <NUM> is in operation.

<FIG> shows graphs of heating temperature of an aerosol generating device according to an exemplary embodiment.

The aerosol generating device <NUM> may measure the temperature of the heater <NUM> by using a temperature sensor. Referring to <FIG>, the temperature of the heater <NUM> that rises for heating may descend after the heating operation is completed.

The certain condition described in operation S2300 of <FIG> may be that, after a heating operation of the heater <NUM> is stopped, the temperature of the heater <NUM> descends to below a preset temperature limit T0. In other words, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may apply the current having the first current value to the magnetic force generator <NUM> such that the coupling force between the cover <NUM> and the case <NUM> is strengthened until a first time point t1 at which the temperature of the heater <NUM> drops below the temperature limit T0. Accordingly, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may prevent the cover <NUM> from being separated from the case <NUM> when the temperature of the heater is higher than or equal to the temperature limit T0, and may prevent the user from getting a burn due to contact with the heater <NUM>.

Thereafter, the temperature of the heater <NUM> may descend to below the temperature limit T0 at the first time point t1. At the first time point t1, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may apply the current having the second current value to the magnetic force generator <NUM> such that the cover <NUM> is separable from the case <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may reheat the heater <NUM> after the heating operation is stopped, such that smoking is continuously performed.

As described with reference to <FIG>, after the heating operation is stopped, the temperature of the heater <NUM> may descend, and the aerosol generating device <NUM> may strengthen the coupling force between the cover <NUM> and the case <NUM> when the temperature of the heater <NUM> is higher than or equal to the temperature limit T0.

The aerosol generating device <NUM> may receive a reheat input from the user at a second time point t2 before the temperature of the heater <NUM> that descends is below the temperature limit T0. The aerosol generating device <NUM> may reheat the heater <NUM> starting from the second time point t2. In detail, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may begin to heat the heater <NUM> without a separate down time for waiting until the heater <NUM> is cooled down to a room temperature T1 at the second time point t2.

In this case, because the temperature of the heater <NUM> is higher than or equal to the temperature limit T0, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may maintain the application of the current having the first current value, and the coupling force between the cover <NUM> and the case <NUM> may be maintained in a strengthened state.

Accordingly, because a temperature at the second time t2 when the heater <NUM> begins to be reheated is higher than the room temperature T1, when reheating, the amount of power required to reach a maximum temperature T2 needed to generate aerosol may be greatly reduced, and the time required to reach the maximum temperature T2 may be shortened, as compared to the first heating.

On the other hand, when the temperature of the heater <NUM> drops below the temperature limit T0 without receiving the reheat input, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may apply the current having the second current value smaller than the first current value to the magnetic force generator <NUM> to weaken the coupling force and facilitate separation of the cover <NUM> and the case <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may receive a user input for smoking (S3100). For example, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may receive the user input for smoking through the input unit arranged on an external surface of the case.

The aerosol generating device <NUM> may apply the current having the first current value to the magnetic force generator <NUM> (S3200). Accordingly, when the aerosol generating device <NUM> receives the user input, the coupling force between the cover <NUM> and the case <NUM> may be strengthened. The aerosol generating device <NUM> continuously applies the current having the first current value to maintain the coupling force.

The descriptions explained in operation S1200 may be applied to operation S3200.

The aerosol generating device <NUM> may heat the aerosol generating material by using the heater <NUM> (S3300). The aerosol generating device <NUM> may strengthen the coupling force between the cover <NUM> and the case <NUM>, and then may start the heating operation of the heater <NUM>.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may apply the current having the first current value to the magnetic force generator <NUM> and start the heating operation of the heater <NUM> at substantially the same time.

The aerosol generating device <NUM> may continue to apply the current having the first current value to the magnetic force generator <NUM> during the heating operation.

The descriptions explained in operation S <NUM> may be applied to operation S3300.

The aerosol generating device <NUM> may stop the heating operation of the aerosol generating material by using the heater <NUM> (S3400). Thereafter, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may apply the current having the second current value to the magnetic force generator <NUM> (S3500).

Accordingly, the cover <NUM> and the case <NUM> may be separable after the heating operation is stopped, and safety may be improved.

The descriptions explained in operations S1300 and S1400 may be applied to operation S3500.

Referring to <FIG>, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may receive a user input for smoking (S4100). Operation S4100 may be substantially the same as operation S3100.

The aerosol generating device <NUM> may apply the current having the first current value to the magnetic force generator <NUM> (S4200). Accordingly, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may strengthen the coupling force between the cover <NUM> and the case <NUM> before the heating operation is started, and thus, safety can be promoted.

The aerosol generating device <NUM> may heat the aerosol generating material by using the heater <NUM> (S4300). The aerosol generating device <NUM> may start the heating operation when the coupling force between the cover <NUM> and the case <NUM> is strengthened. The aerosol generating device <NUM> may continue to apply the current having the first current value to the magnetic force generator <NUM> during the heating operation.

The aerosol generating device <NUM> may determine whether a certain condition is satisfied (S4400). The certain condition may be that the cover <NUM> and the case <NUM> need to be made separable, and may be the same as the condition described in operation S2300. The descriptions explained in operation S2300 may be applied to operation S4400.

When the condition is not satisfied, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may continuously apply the current having the first current value to the magnetic force generator <NUM> to maintain the strengthened coupling force.

When the condition is satisfied, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may apply the current having the second current value to the magnetic force generator <NUM> (S4500). If the heater <NUM> is in operation, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may weaken the coupling force between the cover <NUM> and the case <NUM> after the operation of the heater <NUM> is stopped. The descriptions explained in operation S2400 may be applied to operation S4500.

<FIG> is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present application.

Referring to <FIG>, an aerosol generating device <NUM> may include a case <NUM>, a cover <NUM>, a coil <NUM>, a power supply source <NUM>, a controller <NUM>, and a metallic body <NUM> provided in the cover <NUM>.

The descriptions explained about the aerosol generating device <NUM> of <FIG> may be applied to the aerosol generating device <NUM> of <FIG>.

A cigarette or liquid cartridge <NUM> including an aerosol generating material may include a susceptor <NUM> therein. The susceptor <NUM> may be arranged to be adjacent to or in contact with the aerosol generating material. The susceptor <NUM> may be heated by an eddy current induced from the coil <NUM> and may heat the aerosol generating material by transferring heat to the aerosol generating material. The cigarette or liquid cartridge <NUM> including the aerosol generating material may be inserted into the case <NUM> to be located adjacent to the coil <NUM>.

The coil <NUM> may be provided in the case <NUM>.

The coil <NUM> may generate magnetic force by receiving a current. The coil <NUM> may apply the magnetic force to the metallic body <NUM> to change the coupling force between the cover <NUM> and the case <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may adjust the coupling force between the cover <NUM> and the case <NUM> by adjusting characteristics of a current applied to the coil <NUM>. For example, the controller <NUM> may adjust a magnitude of the current applied to the coil <NUM>. The current applied to the coil <NUM> to generate magnetic force may be a direct current or an alternating current.

Also, the coil <NUM> may receive a current and induce an eddy current in the susceptor <NUM> to heat the aerosol generating material. To this end, the coil <NUM> may receive an alternating current having a direction alternately changed from the power supply source <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may control a heating operation, a heating time, a heating intensity, and the like by adjusting properties of a current applied to the coil <NUM>.

The power supply source <NUM> may supply a direct current or an alternating current to the coil <NUM>. According to an exemplary embodiment, the power supply source <NUM> may include a battery which supplies direct current power and an adaptor which converts a direct current from the battery into an alternating current. However, the power supply source <NUM> is not limited thereto.

The controller <NUM> may heat the susceptor <NUM> and the aerosol generating material through the susceptor <NUM> by adjusting the current applied to the coil <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may generate magnetic force by adjusting the current applied to the coil <NUM> according to a user input or a certain condition, and thus, the coupling force between the cover <NUM> and the case <NUM> may be increased.

The controller <NUM> may adjust the coupling force between the cover <NUM> and the case <NUM> by using the magnetic force, based on whether the coil <NUM> heats the susceptor <NUM> and the aerosol generating material. For example, when the susceptor <NUM> is heated through the coil <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may strengthen the magnetic force through the coil <NUM> such that the coupling force between the cover <NUM> and the case <NUM> is strengthened. Also, when the susceptor <NUM> is not heated, the controller <NUM> may weaken the magnetic force or stop generating the magnetic force through the coil <NUM>, such that the cover <NUM> and the case <NUM> are separable from each other due to the weakened coupling force therebetween.

Claim 1:
An aerosol generating device comprising:
a case (<NUM>);
a cover (<NUM>) having a metallic body (<NUM>) and configured to be coupled to the case (<NUM>);
a heater (<NUM>) configured to heat an aerosol generating material;
a magnetic force generator (<NUM>) arranged in the case (<NUM>) and configured to generate magnetic force acting on the metallic body (<NUM>) according to a current applied thereto; and
a controller (<NUM>) configured to adjust coupling force between the cover (<NUM>) and the case (<NUM>), which is generated by the magnetic force, by controlling the current applied to the magnetic force generator (<NUM>) based on an operating state of the heater (<NUM>),
characterized in that
the cover (<NUM>) comprises an outer hole (<NUM>) aligned with an insertion hole (<NUM>) of the case (<NUM>) for allowing a cigarette to penetrate the cover (<NUM>) through the outer hole (<NUM>) and reach the insertion hole (<NUM>) of the case (<NUM>).