AEROSOL-GENERATING DEVICE INCLUDING CHARGING TERMINAL

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0125596, filed on Sep. 13, 2024, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

One or more embodiments relate to an aerosol-generating device including a charging terminal.

2. Description of the Related Art

Recently, the demand for alternative articles to overcome the disadvantages of traditional cigarettes has increased. For example, there is an increasing demand for devices that generate an aerosol by electrically heating a cigarette stick (e.g., a cigarette-like electronic cigarette). Accordingly, research on a cigarette stick (or an aerosol-generating article) and an electrically heating-type aerosol-generating device into which the cigarette stick is inserted is being actively conducted.

An aerosol-generating device may be charged through various charging methods. For example, a battery of the aerosol-generating device may be charged from an external power source or from another built-in battery. Research on various methods of charging the aerosol-generating device is being conducted to improve the user's convenience.

The above description is information the inventor(s) acquired during the course of conceiving the present disclosure, or already possessed at the time, and was not necessarily publicly known before the present application was filed.

SUMMARY

To improve the user's convenience and usability, there is a technical need to diversify charging methods and charging structures for charging the power of an aerosol-generating device.

The technical aspects obtainable from the present disclosure are non-limited by the above-mentioned technical aspects. And, other unmentioned technical aspects can be clearly understood from the following description by those having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present disclosure pertains.

According to an aspect, there is provided an aerosol-generating device including a first housing structure including a first power supply and a first housing terminal electrically connected to the first power supply, a second housing structure including a second power supply and detachably coupled to the first housing structure, and a heater configured to heat an aerosol-generating article by receiving power from the second power supply, in which the second housing structure includes a main charging terminal connected to the second power supply and electrically connected to the first housing terminal by contacting the first housing terminal when the first housing structure is coupled to the second housing structure and an auxiliary charging terminal connected to the second power supply, and to which an external power source is connected.

According to another aspect, there is provided an aerosol-generating device including a housing structure including a first end portion and a second end portion that is opposite to the first end portion, a power supply provided inside the housing structure, an intake disposed in the first end portion and configured to emit an aerosol, a heater configured to generate the aerosol by receiving power from the power supply, a main charging terminal disposed in the second end portion and connected to the power supply, and an auxiliary charging terminal disposed across at least a portion of the main charging terminal in the second end portion and connected to the power supply.

According to one embodiment, an aerosol-generating device may be charged using a main charging terminal and an auxiliary charging terminal according to the usage environment and situation.

According to one embodiment, an aerosol-generating device may provide uniformity in appearance and user's convenience through the arrangement and structural design of a main charging terminal and an auxiliary charging terminal.

The effects of the aerosol-generating device according to one embodiment are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other unmentioned effects can be clearly understood from the following description by one of ordinary skill in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, and are provided together with the detailed description for better understanding of the technical idea of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth in the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol-generating device according to one embodiment;

FIG. 2A is a diagram of an aerosol-generating device according to one embodiment;

FIG. 2B is a diagram of an aerosol-generating device according to one embodiment;

FIG. 2C is a diagram of an aerosol-generating device according to one embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of an aerosol-generating device according to one embodiment;

FIG. 4A is a diagram of charging terminals of an aerosol-generating device, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 4B is a diagram of charging terminals of an aerosol-generating device, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 4C is a diagram of charging terminals of an aerosol-generating device, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an aerosol-generating device according to one embodiment;

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of an aerosol-generating device according to one embodiment;

FIG. 6B is a diagram of a first housing terminal of an aerosol-generating device, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a diagram of an aerosol-generating device according to one embodiment; and

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an aerosol-generating device according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, the embodiments disclosed in the present specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same or similar elements are denoted by the same reference numerals even though they are depicted in different drawings, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. With regard to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to refer to similar or related elements.

In the following description, with respect to constituent elements used in the following description, the suffixes “module” and “unit” are used only in consideration of facilitation of description, and do not have mutually distinguished meanings or functions. As used herein, the suffix “module” or “unit” may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with other terms, for example, “logic,” “logic block,” “part,” or “circuitry.” A “module” or a “unit” may be a single integral component, or a minimum unit or part thereof, adapted to perform one or more functions. For example, the “module” or the “unit” may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

In addition, in the following description of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, a detailed description of known functions and configurations incorporated herein will be omitted when the same may make the subject matter of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification rather unclear. In addition, the accompanying drawings are provided only for a better understanding of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification and are not intended to limit the technical ideas disclosed in the present specification. Therefore, it should be understood that the accompanying drawings include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

It will be understood that although the terms “first”, “second”, etc., may be used herein to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another component.

It will be understood that when a component is referred to as being “connected to” or “coupled to” another component, it may be directly connected to or coupled to another component, or intervening components may be present. On the other hand, when a component is referred to as being “directly connected to” or “directly coupled to” another component, there are no intervening components present.

As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Embodiments as set forth herein may be implemented as software including one or more instructions that are stored in a storage medium (e.g., a memory 17) that is readable by a machine (e.g., an aerosol-generating device 1). For example, a processor (e.g., a controller 12) of the machine (e.g., the aerosol-generating device 1) may invoke at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium, and may execute the same. This allows the machine to be operated to perform at least one function according to the at least one instruction invoked. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, the term “non-transitory” simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device, and does not include a signal (e.g., an electromagnetic wave), but this term does not differentiate between where data is semi-permanently stored in the storage medium and where the data is temporarily stored in the storage medium.

In the present disclosure, the directions of the aerosol-generating device 1 may be defined based on the orthogonal coordinate system. In the orthogonal coordinate system, the x-axis direction may be defined as a leftward-rightward direction of the aerosol-generating device 1. The y-axis direction may be defined as a forward-backward direction of the aerosol-generating device 1. The z-axis direction may be defined as an upward-downward direction of the aerosol-generating device 1.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the aerosol-generating device 1 according to one embodiment.

According to one embodiment, the aerosol-generating device 1 may include a power supply 11, a controller 12, a sensor unit 13, an output unit 14, an input unit 15, a communication unit 16, a memory 17, and/or a heater 18 and 24. However, the components included in the aerosol-generating device 1 are not limited to those shown in FIG. 1. That is, it will be understood by those skilled in the art related to the present embodiment that some of the components shown in FIG. 1 may be omitted or new components may be further included depending on the design of the aerosol-generating device 1.

According to one embodiment, the sensor unit 13 may detect the state of the aerosol-generating device 1 or the state of the surroundings of the aerosol-generating device 1, and may transmit the detected information to the controller 12. For example, the sensor unit 13 may include a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, an insertion detection sensor, a reuse detection sensor, an overly moist state detection sensor, a cigarette identification sensor, a cartridge detection sensor, a cap detection sensor, and/or a movement detection sensor. Meanwhile, the sensor unit 13 may further include various sensors, such as a liquid residual quantity sensor for detecting the residual quantity of liquid in the cartridge and an immersion sensor for detecting immersion of the aerosol-generating device 1.

According to one embodiment, the temperature sensor may detect a temperature to which the heater 18 and 24 is heated. The aerosol-generating device 1 may include a separate temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the heater 18 and 24, or the heater 18 and 24 itself may serve as a temperature sensor. In an example, the temperature sensor may be used to measure impedance for the heater 18. The impedance for the heater 18 may correlate with the temperature of the heater 18. The temperature sensor may measure current and/or voltage applied to the heater 18 (or an induction coil). The impedance for the heater 18 may be obtained based on the measured current and/or voltage. The controller 12 may estimate the temperature of the heater 18 based on the obtained impedance.

In an example, the temperature sensor may include a resistance element (e.g., a thermistor), the resistance value of which varies in response to changes in the temperature of the heater 18 and 24. The temperature sensor may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistance element, and the controller 12 may determine the temperature of the heater 18 and 24 and/or a change in the temperature of the heater 18 and 24 based on the signal corresponding to the resistance value.

In another example, the temperature sensor may include a sensor that detects the resistance value of the heater 18 and 24. The temperature sensor may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the heater 18 and 24, and the controller 12 may determine the temperature of the heater 18 and 24 and/or a change in the temperature of the heater 18 and 24 based on the signal corresponding to the resistance value.

According to one embodiment, the temperature sensor may detect the temperature of the power supply 11. The temperature sensor may be disposed adjacent to the power supply 11. For example, the temperature sensor may be attached to one surface of the power supply 11 (e.g., a battery) and/or may be mounted on one surface of a printed circuit board. In an example, the aerosol-generating device 1 may include a power supply protection circuit module (PCM), and the temperature sensor may be disposed adjacent to the power supply 11 together with the power supply PCM.

According to one embodiment, the temperature sensor may be disposed in a housing (not shown) of the aerosol-generating device 1 to detect the internal temperature of the housing (not shown).

According to one embodiment, the puff sensor may detect a user's puff.

In an example, the puff sensor may include a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor may output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol-generating device 1, and the controller 12 may determine the user's puff based on the signal corresponding to the internal pressure. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol-generating device 1 may correspond to the pressure of an airflow path through which gas flows. The puff sensor may be disposed corresponding to the airflow path through which gas flows in the aerosol-generating device 1.

In another example, the puff sensor may include a temperature sensor. When the user's puff occurs, temperature drop may temporarily occur in the airflow path, a space into which an aerosol-generating article is inserted (hereinafter, referred to as an “insertion space”), and the heater 18 and 24. The controller 12 may determine the user's puff based on a signal corresponding to the temperature of the airflow path output from the temperature sensor.

In still another example, the puff sensor may include both a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor. In this case, the temperature sensor may measure temperature used to calibrate the internal pressure measured by the pressure sensor. In one example, the puff sensor may calibrate a signal corresponding to the internal pressure based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor, and may output the calibrated signal. In another example, the puff sensor may output a signal corresponding to the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and a signal corresponding to the internal pressure measured by the puff sensor. In this case, the controller 12 may receive the signals, and may calibrate the signal corresponding to the internal pressure based on the signal corresponding to the temperature.

In still another example, the puff sensor may include a capacitance sensor. The capacitance sensor may also be called a cap sensor or a capacitive sensor. When the user's puff occurs, a temperature change and/or aerosol flow may occur in the insertion space of the aerosol-generating article, and accordingly, a dielectric constant in the insertion space may change. The controller 12 may determine the user's puff based on a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant in the insertion space output from the capacitance sensor.

The puff sensor is not limited to the examples described above and may be implemented as various sensors for detecting the user's puff.

According to one embodiment, the insertion detection sensor may detect insertion and/or removal of the aerosol-generating article. The insertion detection sensor may be mounted adjacent to the insertion space. In addition, the insertion detection sensor may include any combination of the examples described above.

In an example, the insertion detection sensor may include a capacitance sensor. The capacitance sensor may include at least one conductor, and the at least one conductor may be disposed adjacent to the insertion space. When the aerosol-generating article is inserted into or removed from the insertion space, capacitance around the conductor may change. The controller 12 may determine insertion and/or removal of the aerosol-generating article based on a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant in the insertion space output from the capacitance sensor.

In another example, the insertion detection sensor may include an inductive sensor. The inductive sensor may include at least one coil, and the at least one coil may be disposed adjacent to the insertion space. If the aerosol-generating article (e.g., a wrapper of the aerosol-generating article) includes a conductor, when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into or removed from the insertion space, a change in magnetic field may occur around the coil through which current flows. The controller 12 may determine insertion and/or removal of the aerosol-generating article including a conductor based on the characteristics of the current output from or detected by the inductive sensor (e.g., frequency of alternating current, a current value, a voltage value, an inductance value, and an impedance value). Alternatively, a susceptor SUS or the like may be included in the aerosol-generating article (e.g., a medium portion of the aerosol-generating article). In this case, a change in magnetic field may also occur around the coil based on insertion or removal of the susceptor or the like into or from the insertion space, and the controller 12 may determine insertion and/or removal of the aerosol-generating article based on the characteristics of the current of the inductive sensor.

The insertion detection sensor is not limited to the examples described above, and may be implemented as various sensors (e.g., a proximity sensor) for detecting insertion and/or removal of the aerosol-generating article. In addition, the insertion detection sensor may include any combination of the examples described above. According to one embodiment, the insertion detection sensor may include a switch or the like for detecting pressing by the aerosol-generating article.

According to one embodiment, the reuse detection sensor may detect whether the aerosol-generating article is being reused. In an example, the reuse detection sensor may be a color sensor for detecting the color of the aerosol-generating article. If the aerosol-generating article is used by the user, a change in the color of a portion of the wrapper may occur due to the generated aerosol or heating. The color sensor may output a signal corresponding to an optical characteristic (e.g., wavelength of light) corresponding to the color of the wrapper based on the light reflected from the wrapper. When a change in the color of a portion of the wrapper is detected, the controller 12 may determine that the aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space has already been used.

According to one embodiment, the overly moist state detection sensor may detect whether the aerosol-generating article is in an overly moist state. For example, the overly moist state detection sensor may include a capacitance sensor. The capacitance sensor may include at least one conductor disposed adjacent to the insertion space. The controller 12 may determine whether the aerosol-generating article is in an overly moist state based on the level of a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant or the like output from the capacitance sensor. In an example, the controller 12 may check a level range within which the level of the signal is included based on a look-up table, and may determine the moisture content of the aerosol-generating article based on the checked level range.

According to one embodiment, the cigarette identification sensor may detect whether the aerosol-generating article is authentic and/or may detect the type of the aerosol-generating article.

In an example, the cigarette identification sensor may include an optical sensor for detecting an identification material (or an identification mark) located on the outer surface (e.g., the wrapper) of the aerosol-generating article. The optical sensor may radiate light toward the identification material (or the identification mark) of the aerosol-generating article, and may detect whether the aerosol-generating article is authentic and/or may detect the type of the aerosol-generating article based on the reflected light. For example, the identification material may include a material (i.e., a luminous material) that emits light of a specific wavelength band based on the light radiated thereto. The controller 12 may determine whether the aerosol-generating article is authentic and/or may determine the type of the aerosol-generating article based on the range of the wavelength.

In another example, the cigarette identification sensor may include a capacitance sensor. The dielectric constant in the insertion space may vary depending on the type of the aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space. The controller 12 may determine whether the aerosol-generating article is authentic and/or may determine the type of the aerosol-generating article based on a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant or the like in the insertion space output from the capacitance sensor.

In still another example, the cigarette identification sensor may include an inductive sensor. If a conductor is included in the wrapper and/or inner portion (e.g., the medium portion) of the aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space, when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the insertion space, the characteristics of the current detected by the inductive sensor (e.g., frequency of alternating current, a current value, a voltage value, an inductance value, and an impedance value) may vary depending on the type of the aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space. The controller 12 may determine whether the inserted aerosol-generating article is authentic and/or may determine the type of the inserted aerosol-generating article based on the characteristics of the current output from or detected by the inductive sensor.

The cigarette identification sensor is not limited to the examples described above, and may be implemented as various sensors for detecting whether the aerosol-generating article is authentic and/or detecting the type of the aerosol-generating article. In addition, the cigarette identification sensor may include any combination of the examples described above.

According to one embodiment, the cartridge detection sensor may detect mounting and/or removal of the cartridge. For example, the cartridge detection sensor may include an inductive sensor, a capacitance sensor, a resistance sensor, a Hall sensor (Hall IC), and/or an optical sensor.

According to one embodiment, the cap detection sensor may detect mounting and/or removal of the cap. For example, the cap detection sensor may include an inductive sensor, a capacitance sensor, a resistance sensor, a contact sensor, a Hall sensor (Hall IC), and/or an optical sensor. The cap may cover at least a portion of the cartridge mounted in or inserted into the aerosol-generating device 1 or may cover at least a portion of the housing of the aerosol-generating device 1. When the cap is mounted in or removed from the housing, the cap detection sensor may output a signal corresponding to mounting or removal, and the controller 12 may determine mounting or removal of the cap based on the signal corresponding to mounting or removal.

According to one embodiment, the movement detection sensor may detect movement of the aerosol-generating device 1. The movement detection sensor may be implemented as at least one of an acceleration sensor or a gyro sensor.

According to one embodiment, the sensor unit 13 may further include at least one of a humidity sensor, an air pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a position sensor (global positioning system (GPS)), or a proximity sensor in addition to the sensors described above. The functions of the sensors can be intuitively deduced by those skilled in the art from the names thereof, and thus detailed descriptions thereof may be omitted.

According to one embodiment, the output unit 14 may output information about the state of the aerosol-generating device 1 to provide the same to the user. The output unit 14 may include, but is not limited to, a display, a haptic unit, and/or a sound output unit. For example, information about the aerosol-generating device 1 may include a charging/discharging state of the power supply 11 of the aerosol-generating device 1, a preheating state of the heater 18 and 24, an insertion/removal state of the aerosol-generating article and/or the cartridge, a mounting/removal state of the cap, or a state in which the use of the aerosol-generating device 1 is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal object). The display may visually provide the information about the state of the aerosol-generating device 1 to the user. For example, the display may include a light-emitting diode (LED), a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), and an organic light-emitting diode panel (OLED). If the display includes a touchpad, the display may also be used as the input unit 15. The haptic unit may haptically provide the information about the aerosol-generating device 1 to the user. For example, the haptic unit may include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, and an electrical stimulation device. The sound output unit may audibly provide the information about the aerosol-generating device 1 to the user. For example, the sound output unit may convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and may output the acoustic signal to the outside.

According to one embodiment, the power supply 11 may supply power used for operation of the aerosol-generating device 1. The power supply 11 may include one or more batteries. The power supply 11 may supply power so that the heater 18 and 24 is heated. In addition, the power supply 11 may supply power necessary for operation of the other components included in the aerosol-generating device 1, such as the controller 12, the sensor unit 13, the output unit 14, the input unit 15, the communication unit 16, and the memory 17. The power supply 11 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the power supply 11 may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery without being limited thereto. The power supply 11 may be a replaceable (separation-type) battery (hereinafter, referred to as a “removable battery”). The removable battery may be mounted in a battery accommodation portion provided in the aerosol-generating device 1 or may be removed from the battery accommodation portion. The removable battery may be charged in a wired and/or wireless manner.

According to one embodiment, the heater 18 and 24 may receive power from the power supply 11 to heat the aerosol-generating article (e.g., a cigarette) and/or a medium and/or an aerosol-generating substance in the cartridge. The aerosol-generating device 1 may include a heater 18 for heating the aerosol-generating article and/or a cartridge heater 24 for heating the cartridge (i.e., a solid and/or liquid medium).

According to one embodiment, the heater 18 and 24 may be an electro-resistive heater. For example, the electro-resistive heater may include an electrically resistive material such as a metal or a metal alloy including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, and nichrome. The electro-resistive heater may be implemented as a metal wire, a metal plate having an electrically conductive track disposed thereon, or a ceramic heating element.

According to one embodiment, the heater 18 and 24 may be an induction heater. For example, the induction heater may include a susceptor that generates heat through a magnetic field. A magnetic field may be generated by an induction coil by alternating current flowing through the induction coil. The magnetic field may pass through the heater, and an eddy current may be generated in the susceptor. The susceptor may be heated based on generation of the eddy current. According to one embodiment, the susceptor may be included in the inner portion (e.g., the medium portion) of the aerosol-generating article. In this case, the susceptor included in the inner portion of the aerosol-generating article may also be heated by the induction coil. The heater 18 and 24 is not limited to the examples described above, and may include or be replaced with various heating methods, structures, and components for heating the aerosol-generating article and/or the cartridge.

According to one embodiment, the input unit 15 may receive information input from the user. For example, the input unit 15 may include a touch panel, a button, a keypad, a dome switch, a jog wheel, and a jog switch.

According to one embodiment, the memory 17 may be hardware storing various pieces of data processed in the aerosol-generating device 1. The memory 17 may store data processed and to be processed by the controller 12. For example, the memory 17 may include at least one type of storage medium among a flash memory type memory, a hard disk type memory, a multimedia card micro type memory, a card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), a random access memory (RAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disc. For example, the memory 17 may store data on an operation time of the aerosol-generating device 1, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and the user's smoking pattern.

According to one embodiment, the communication unit 16 may include at least one component for communication with other electronic devices (e.g., a portable electronic device). For example, the communication unit 16 may include a Bluetooth communication unit, a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) communication unit, a near-field communication unit, a wireless local area network (WLAN) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared data association (IrDA) communication unit, a Wi-Fi direct (WFD) communication unit, an ultra-wideband (UWB) communication unit, an Ant+communication unit, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, and a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN) communication unit.

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may control the overall operation of the aerosol-generating device 1. For example, the controller 12 may include at least one processor. The controller 12 may be implemented as an array of a plurality of logic gates or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microcontroller unit (MCU) (or a microprocessor) and a memory in which a program executable by the MCU is stored. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the controller may also be implemented as other forms of hardware.

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may control the supply of power from the power supply 11 to the heater 18 and 24 to control the temperature of the heater 18 and 24. The controller 12 may control the temperature of the heater 18 and 24 and/or power supplied to the heater 18 and 24 based on the temperature of the heater 18 and 24 detected by the temperature sensor (e.g., the sensor unit 13). The controller 12 may control the temperature of the heater 18 and 24 and/or power supplied to the heater 18 and 24 based on the temperature profile and/or the power profile stored in the memory 17.

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may control a power conversion circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the heater 18 and 24 and the power supply 11 to control power (e.g., voltage and/or current) supplied to the heater 18 and 24. For example, the power conversion circuit may include a DC/DC converter (e.g., a buck converter, a buck-boost converter, a boost converter, or a Zener diode) that converts power to be supplied to the heater 18 and 24 and a DC/AC converter (e.g., an inverter) that converts power to be supplied to the induction coil (not shown). The DC/AC converter may be implemented as a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit including a plurality of switching elements. For example, the power conversion circuit may include at least one switching element, such as a bipolar junction transistor (BJT) or a field effect transistor (FET).

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may control the frequency and/or duty ratio of a current pulse input to at least one switching element of the power conversion circuit (not shown) to control the current and/or the voltage supplied to the heater 18 and 24. The duty ratio for the on/off operation of the switching element may correspond to a ratio of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit to the voltage output from the power supply 11.

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may control power supplied to the heater 18 and 24 using at least one of a pulse width modulation (PWM) scheme or a proportional-integral-differential (PID) scheme. For example, the controller 12 may perform control using the PWM scheme such that a current pulse having a predetermined frequency and a predetermined duty ratio is supplied to the heater 18 and 24. The controller 12 may control the frequency and duty ratio of the current pulse to control power supplied to the heater 18 and 24. For example, the controller 12 may determine, based on the temperature profile, a target temperature to be controlled. The controller 12 may control power supplied to the heater 18 and 24 using the PID scheme, which is a feedback control scheme using a difference value between the temperature of the heater 18 and the target temperature, a value obtained by integrating the difference value with respect to time, and a value obtained by differentiating the difference value with respect to time.

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may determine, based on the power profile, target power to be controlled. The controller 12 may control power supplied to the heater 18 and 24 so as to correspond to the preset target power over time.

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may detect power supplied to the heater 18 and 24 to determine the user's puff. In more detail, the controller 12 may control power supplied to the heater 18 and 24 using the PID scheme. When the user's puff occurs, temperature drop may temporarily occur in a space into which the aerosol-generating article is inserted (hereinafter, referred to as an insertion space) and the heater 18 and 24. Accordingly, the power (or the current) supplied to the heater 18 and 24 may change during control of the power using the PID scheme. The controller 12 may determine the user's puff based on the change in the power controlled.

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may prevent the heater 18 and 24 from overheating. For example, the controller 12 may control, based on the temperature of the heater 18 and 24 exceeding a preset limit temperature, operation of the power conversion circuit such that the amount of power supplied to the heater 18 and 24 is reduced or the supply of power to the heater 18 and 24 is interrupted.

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may control charging/discharging of the power supply 11. For example, the controller 12 may check the temperature of the power supply 11 using the temperature sensor (e.g., the sensor unit 13). If the temperature of the power supply 11 is equal to or higher than a first limit temperature, the controller 12 may interrupt charging of the power supply 11. If the temperature of the power supply 11 is equal to or higher than a second limit temperature, the controller 12 may interrupt use of the power stored in the power supply 11 (e.g., discharging). The controller 12 may calculate the remaining amount of the power stored in the power supply 11. For example, the controller 12 may calculate the remaining capacity of the power supply 11 based on a voltage and/or current detection value of the power supply 11.

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may control the supply of power to the heater 18 and 24 based on a result of the detection by the sensor unit 13.

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may control the supply of power to the heater 18 and 24 based on insertion and/or removal of the aerosol-generating article into and/or from the insertion space. For example, upon determining that the aerosol-generating article has been inserted into the insertion space using the insertion detection sensor (e.g., the sensor unit 13), the controller 12 may perform control such that power is supplied to the heater 18 and 24. Upon determining that the aerosol-generating article has been removed from the insertion space using the insertion detection sensor (e.g., the sensor unit 13), the controller 12 may interrupt the supply of power to the heater 18 and 24. The controller 12 may determine that the aerosol-generating article has been removed from the insertion space when the temperature of the heater 18 and 24 is equal to or higher than a limit temperature or when the temperature change slope of the heater 18 and 24 is equal to or greater than a preset slope.

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may control, based on the state of the aerosol-generating article, a power supply time and/or the amount of power supplied to the heater 18 and 24. For example, upon determining that the aerosol-generating article is in an overly moist state using the overly moist state detection sensor (e.g., the sensor unit 13), the controller 12 may increase a time during which power is supplied to the heater 18 and 24 (e.g., a preheating time).

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may control the supply of power to the heater 18 and 24 based on whether the aerosol-generating article is being reused. For example, upon determining that the aerosol-generating article has already been used, the controller 12 may interrupt the supply of power to the heater 18 and 24.

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may control the supply of power to the heater 18 and 24 based on whether the cartridge has been coupled and/or removed. For example, upon determining that the cartridge has been removed using the cartridge detection sensor (e.g., the sensor unit 13), the controller 12 may interrupt the supply of power to the heater 18 or 24 or may perform control such that power is not supplied to the heater 18 and 24.

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may control the supply of power to the heater 18 and 24 based on whether the aerosol-generating substance in the cartridge has been exhausted. For example, upon determining that the temperature of the heater 18 and 24 exceeds a limit temperature during preheating of the heater 18 and 24 (i.e., in the preheating section), the controller 12 may determine that the aerosol-generating substance in the cartridge has been exhausted. Upon determining that the aerosol-generating substance in the cartridge has been exhausted, the controller 12 may interrupt the supply of power to the heater 18 and 24.

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may control the supply of power to the heater 18 and 24 based on whether use of the cartridge is possible. For example, upon determining, based on data stored in the memory 17, that the current number of puffs is equal to or greater than the maximum number of puffs set for the cartridge, the controller 12 may determine that use of the cartridge is impossible. Alternatively, when a total time period during which the heater 18 and 24 is heated is equal to or longer than a preset maximum time period or when the total amount of power supplied to the heater 18 and 24 is equal to or greater than a preset maximum amount of power, the controller 12 may determine that use of the cartridge is impossible. In this case, the controller 12 may interrupt the supply of power to the heater 18 or 24 or may perform control such that power is not supplied to the heater 18 and 24.

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may control the supply of power to the heater 18 and 24 based on the user's puff. For example, the controller 12 may determine whether a puff occurs and/or the intensity of a puff using the puff sensor (e.g., the sensor unit 13). When the number of puffs reaches a preset maximum number of puffs and/or when no puff is detected for a preset time period or longer, the controller 12 may interrupt the supply of power to the heater 18 and 24. When a puff is detected, the controller 12 may control the supply of power to the heater 18 and 24.

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may control the supply of power to the heater 18 and 24 based on whether the aerosol-generating article (or the cartridge) is authentic and/or the type of the aerosol-generating article (or the cartridge). For example, the controller 12 may determine whether the aerosol-generating article is authentic and/or may determine the type of the aerosol-generating article using the cigarette identification sensor (e.g., the sensor unit 13). In an example, upon determining that the aerosol-generating article (or the cartridge) is inauthentic, the controller 12 may interrupt the supply of power to the heater 18 and 24. Upon determining that the aerosol-generating article (or the cartridge) is authentic, the controller 12 may control (e.g., commence) the supply of power to the heater 18 and 24. In another example, the controller 12 may control the supply of power to the heater 18 and 24 differently depending on the type of the aerosol-generating article (or the cartridge). In more detail, upon determining that the aerosol-generating article (or the cartridge) is a first aerosol-generating article (or a first cartridge), the controller 12 may control the temperature of the heater 18 and 24 and/or power based on a first temperature profile (or a first power profile), and upon determining that the aerosol-generating article (or the cartridge) is a second aerosol-generating article (or a second cartridge), the controller 12 may control the temperature of the heater 18 and 24 and/or power based on a second temperature profile (or a second power profile).

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may control the output unit 14 based on a result of detection by the sensor unit 13. For example, when the number of puffs counted using the puff sensor (e.g., the sensor unit 13) reaches a preset number, the controller 12 may control the output unit 14 to visually, haptically, and/or audibly provide information that operation of the aerosol-generating device 1 will end soon. For example, the controller 12 may control the output unit 14 to visually, haptically, and/or audibly provide information about the temperature of the heater 18 and 24.

According to one embodiment, based on occurrence of a predetermined event, the controller 12 may store a history of the corresponding event in the memory 17 and may update the history. For example, the event may include events performed in the aerosol-generating device 1, such as detection of insertion of the aerosol-generating article, commencement of heating of the aerosol-generating article, detection of puff, termination of puff, detection of overheating of the heater 18 and 24, detection of application of overvoltage to the heater 18 and 24, termination of heating of the aerosol-generating article, on/off operation of the aerosol-generating device 1, commencement of charging of the power supply 11, detection of overcharging of the power supply 11, and termination of charging of the power supply 11. For example, the history of the event may include the occurrence date and time of the event and log data corresponding to the event. For example, when the predetermined event is detection of insertion of the aerosol-generating article, the log data corresponding to the event may include data on a value detected by the insertion detection sensor (e.g., the sensor unit 13). For example, when the predetermined event is detection of overheating of the heater 18 and 24, the log data corresponding to the event may include data on the temperature of the heater 18 and 24, the voltage applied to the heater 18 and 24, and the current flowing through the heater 18 and 24.

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may control the communication unit 16 to form a communication link with an external device such as a user's mobile terminal.

According to one embodiment, upon receiving data on authentication from an external device via the communication link, the controller 12 may release restriction on use of at least one function (e.g., a heating function) of the aerosol-generating device 1. For example, the data on authentication may include the user's birthday, an identification number uniquely identifying the user, and whether authentication is completed by the user.

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may transmit data on the state of the aerosol-generating device 1 (e.g., remaining capacity of the power supply 11 and operation mode) to the external device via the communication link. The transmitted data may be output through a display or the like of the external device.

According to one embodiment, upon receiving a request to search for the location of the aerosol-generating device 1 from the external device via the communication link, the controller 12 may control the output unit 14 to perform an operation corresponding to location search. For example, the controller 12 may perform control such that the haptic unit generates vibration or the display outputs objects corresponding to location search and termination of search.

According to one embodiment, upon receiving firmware data from the external device via the communication link, the controller 12 may perform firmware update.

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may transmit data on a value detected by the at least one sensor unit 13 to an external server (not shown) via the communication link, and may receive, from the server, and store a learning model generated by learning the detected value through machine learning such as deep learning. The controller 12 may perform the operation of determining the user's puff pattern and the operation of generating the temperature profile using the learning model received from the server.

Although not shown in FIG. 1, the aerosol-generating device 1 may further include a power supply protection circuit. The power supply protection circuit may include at least one switching element, and may block an electric path to the power supply 11 in response to overcharging and/or overdischarging of the power supply 11. The aerosol-generating device 1 may further include a connection interface such as a universal serial bus (USB) interface, and may be connected to other external devices through the connection interface to transmit and receive information or charge the power supply 11.

The aerosol-generating article mentioned in the present disclosure may include at least one aerosol-generating rod (e.g., a medium portion) and at least one filter rod. The heater 18 may be disposed to correspond to the at least one aerosol-generating rod, and may be designed differently depending on the arrangement order and/or positions of the aerosol-generating rod and the filter rod. The aerosol-generating rod may contain at least one of nicotine, an aerosol-generating substance, and an additive. For example, the aerosol-generating substance may include glycerin (e.g., vegetable glycerin (VG)) and/or propylene glycol (PG) and may also include various other substances. For example, the additive may include a flavoring agent and/or an organic acid and may also include various other substances. For example, the aerosol-generating rod may include an aerosol-generating substrate (e.g., a sheet) impregnated with a liquid non-tobacco substance (e.g., an aerosol-generating substance and/or nicotine) and/or may contain a solid tobacco substance (e.g., leaf tobacco and reconstituted tobacco). The tobacco substance may be contained in the aerosol-generating rod in various forms, such as shredded tobacco, granules, and powder. According to one embodiment, the additive of the aerosol-generating rod may include an alkaline substance. Based on the alkaline substance, nicotine contained in the tobacco substance in the aerosol-generating rod may have an alkaline pH (e.g., pH 7.0 or higher). In this case, freebase nicotine may be released from the aerosol-generating rod even at a low temperature. According to one embodiment, the aerosol-generating rod may include two or more aerosol-generating rods, each of which may contain a tobacco substance and/or a non-tobacco substance. Meanwhile, although not shown, the at least one aerosol-generating rod and the at least one filter rod may individually and/or integrally be wrapped by at least one wrapper. In the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating article may be referred to as a stick.

The cartridge mentioned in the present disclosure may contain an aerosol-generating substance having any one state among a liquid state, a solid state, a gaseous state, and a gel state. The aerosol-generating substance may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance including a volatile tobacco flavor component or may be a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance. Meanwhile, the cartridge may include a storage part that contains the aerosol-generating substance and/or a liquid delivery part that is impregnated with (contains) the aerosol-generating substance. For example, the liquid delivery part may include a wick formed of, e.g., cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic. The cartridge heater 24 may be included in the cartridge in a coil-shaped structure surrounding (or wound around) the liquid delivery part or a structure contacting one side of the liquid delivery part. Alternatively, the cartridge heater 24 may be included in the aerosol-generating device 1, which is removable from the cartridge.

FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C are diagrams of an aerosol-generating device 100 according to one embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram of the aerosol-generating device 100 in which a first housing structure 110 is assembled with a second housing structure 150, FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram of the aerosol-generating device 100 in which the first housing structure 110 the second housing structure 150 are separated, and FIG. 2C is a schematic diagram of the second housing structure 150 of the aerosol-generating device 100 and an external power source 70.

Referring to FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C, the aerosol-generating device 100 (e.g., the aerosol-generating device 1 of FIG. 1) according to one embodiment may include at least one of the first housing structure 110 and the second housing structure 150.

Hereinafter, any repeated description related to the above descriptions is omitted, and it is obvious that a portion of the configuration and structure of the aerosol-generating device 100 may be replaced, added, or omitted within a scope easily understandable by one of ordinary skill in the art with reference to the following drawings and descriptions below. In addition, at least one component or feature of the embodiments described above may be coupled to the aerosol-generating device 100 unless this is technically and clearly infeasible.

In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating device 100 may include the first housing structure 110 and the second housing structure 150. For example, the first housing structure 110 and the second housing structure 150 may be components of the aerosol-generating device 100, which are detachably coupled to each other. Alternatively, in one embodiment, the aerosol-generating device 100 may include one of the first housing structure 110 and the second housing structure 150. For example, the aerosol-generating device 100 may only include the second housing structure 150, and the first housing structure 110 may be an external component of the aerosol-generating device 100 or a separate component independent from the aerosol-generating device 100.

Hereinafter, the aerosol-generating device 100 is described based on the aerosol-generating device 100 including the first housing structure 110 and the second housing structure 150, but the actual implementation of the aerosol-generating device 100 is not limited thereto. For example, the aerosol-generating device 100 may only include one housing structure (e.g., the second housing structure 150), and the other housing structure (e.g., the first housing structure 110) may be an external individual device (e.g., one of an accessory device, a power source, a communication device, a case, and a cover) that may be coupled to the aerosol-generating device 100.

In one embodiment, the first housing structure 110 may be a cradle or a main body. Alternatively, the first housing structure 110 may be a case or an auxiliary power source for the second housing structure 150. The first housing structure 110 may include a first power supply 120 and a first housing terminal 130.

In one embodiment, the first power supply 120 may be a main power supply of the aerosol-generating device 100 or an auxiliary power supply for a second power supply 160 (e.g., the power supply 11 of FIG. 1). The first power supply 120 may have a relatively larger storable power capacity than the second power supply 160. The first power supply 120 may be charged from the external power source 70 through a separate terminal (not shown) or a wireless charging module (not shown), which are provided in the first housing structure 110. In one embodiment, the first housing terminal 130 may be electrically connected to the first power supply 120. The first housing terminal 130 may be a terminal for supplying power from the first power supply 120 to the second housing structure 150. The first housing terminal 130 may be formed of a pin or a conductive member.

In one embodiment, the first housing structure 110 may include an insertion groove 113. The second housing structure 150 may be detachably fastened to the insertion groove 113. The insertion groove 113 may be a region that is grooved inward from one side surface (e.g., a surface in the −X direction) of the first housing structure 110. Alternatively, the insertion groove 113 may be a hole or a groove extending inward from one surface (e.g., a surface in the +Z direction) of the first housing structure 110.

In one embodiment, the second housing structure 150 may be a body from which an aerosol is generated and/or a holder for a user who inhales the aerosol to grip the aerosol-generating device 100. An aerosol-generating article 50 may be inserted into the second housing structure 150. The aerosol-generating article 50 may be one of a stick, a cigarette, a capsule, and a cartridge.

In one embodiment, the second housing structure 150 may be detachably coupled to the first housing structure 110. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the insertion groove 113 may be provided in a side surface (e.g., a surface in the −X direction) of the first housing structure 110, and the second housing structure 150 may be inserted in one direction (e.g., a +X direction) along the insertion groove 113 of the first housing structure 110. Alternatively, the insertion groove 113 may be provided in the upper surface (e.g., a surface in the +Z direction) of the first housing structure 110, and the second housing structure 150 may be inserted in one direction (e.g., a −Z direction) along the insertion groove 113 of the first housing structure 110. In one embodiment, the second housing structure 150 may include a first end portion 151 and a second end portion 152. An intake 153 may be provided in the first end portion 151. The second housing structure 150 may emit an aerosol through the intake 153.

For example, the aerosol-generating article 50 may be inserted into the first end portion 151. Alternatively, for example, the first end portion 151 may be provided with a mouthpiece for the user to inhale the aerosol.

In one embodiment, the second housing structure 150 may include at least some of the second power supply 160, a heater 165 (e.g., the heater 18 and 24 of FIG. 1), a main charging terminal 170, and an auxiliary charging terminal 180.

In one embodiment, the second power supply 160 may be a power supply for driving the heater 165. In one embodiment, the heater 165 may receive power from the second power supply 160. The heater 165 may consume power to heat an aerosol-generating substance and may generate an aerosol. Alternatively, the heater 165 may be replaced with a vibrator.

In one embodiment, the second power supply 160 may have a relatively smaller storable power capacity than the first power supply 120. Since the second housing structure 150 is a structure that the user grips and uses, miniaturization and low weight may be required for the user' convenience.

For example, the second power supply 160 may store power having a capacity to use the aerosol-generating article 50 a predetermined number of times (e.g., 3 to 10 times). Since the power capacity of the second power supply 160 is configured to be relatively smaller than that of the first power supply 120, the second housing structure 150 may be miniaturized and made lighter, thereby improving the user's usability.

In one embodiment, the main charging terminal 170 and the auxiliary charging terminal 180 may each be connected to the second power supply 160. The main charging terminal 170 and the auxiliary charging terminal 180 may each charge the second power supply 160.

In one embodiment, the main charging terminal 170 may contact the first housing terminal 130 when the first housing structure 110 is coupled to the second housing structure 150. For example, the main charging terminal 170 may be a contact-type terminal, for example, a conductive pad or a conductive pin.

In one embodiment, the main charging terminal 170 may be electrically connected to the first housing terminal 130 by contacting the first housing terminal 130. When the main charging terminal 170 and the first housing terminal 130 are interconnected, the first power supply 120 may charge the second power supply 160.

In one embodiment, the auxiliary charging terminal 180 may be connectable to the external power source 70. For example, the auxiliary charging terminal 180 may be a socket-type terminal, a compatible charging terminal, an international standard-type charging terminal, or a USB charging terminal. The auxiliary charging terminal 180 may be used to charge the second power supply 160 of the second housing structure 150 in a state in which the first housing structure 110 and the second housing structure 150 are separated.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second housing structure 150 may include both the main charging terminal 170 that is chargeable from the first housing structure 110, which is a cradle or an auxiliary charging device, and the auxiliary charging terminal 180 that is chargeable from the external power source 70.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, even in a state of being separated from the first housing structure 110, the second housing structure 150 may be charged independently through the auxiliary charging terminal 180 according to the needs of the user, and the usability of the aerosol-generating device 100 may be improved.

For example, the auxiliary charging terminal 180 may be electrically connected to a charging cable 73 that is connected to the external power source 70. At least one of the external power source 70 and the charging cable 73 may support a rapid charging function. Alternatively, when the second power supply 160 is charged from the external power source 70 and the charging cable 73, the second power supply 160 may be charged faster than when the second power supply 160 is charged from the first power supply 120.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the user may charge the second power supply 160 in accordance with various situations by charging the second power supply 160 through the auxiliary charging terminal 180 in a state in which the second power supply 160 of the second housing structure 150 is discharged or requires rapid charging.

For example, when the use of the first housing structure 110 is impossible or limited, when the first power supply 120 is fully discharged, or when the second housing structure 150 requires rapid charging, the user may charge the second power supply 160 through the auxiliary charging terminal 180, and the aerosol-generating device 100 may provide usability and convenience to the user.

In one embodiment, the main charging terminal 170 and the auxiliary charging terminal 180 may be disposed in the second end portion 152. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the intake 153 may be provided in the first end portion 151, and the main charging terminal 170 and the auxiliary charging terminal 180 may be provided in the second end portion 152, so the aerosol-generating device 100 may provide improved usability and convenience.

For example, the second housing structure 150 may have uniformity in appearance. Alternatively, it may be possible to reduce or prevent the main charging terminal 170 and the auxiliary charging terminal 180 from directly contacting the user's body in a state in which the user grips a side surface (e.g., a surface between the first end portion 151 and the second end portion 152) of the second housing structure 150. Alternatively, the aerosol-generating device 100 may provide advantages in the design and space utilization of the second housing structure 150. In addition, the aerosol-generating device 100 may provide charging convenience.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the aerosol-generating device 100 including the main charging terminal 170 and the auxiliary charging terminal 180 described above are provided, and the drawings and descriptions below are examples of the aerosol-generating device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and the actual implementation of the aerosol-generating device 100 is not limited thereto, and at least one component may be omitted, replaced, modified, or added.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the aerosol-generating device 100 according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 3, the aerosol-generating device 100 according to one embodiment may include at least one of a first terminal 171, a second terminal 172, a third terminal 173, and a terminal groove 155.

Hereinafter, any repeated description related to the above descriptions is omitted, and it is obvious that a portion of the configuration and structure of the aerosol-generating device 100 may be replaced, added, or omitted within a scope easily understandable by one of ordinary skill in the art with reference to the following drawings and descriptions below. In addition, at least one component or feature of the embodiments described above may be coupled to the aerosol-generating device 100 unless this is technically and clearly infeasible.

In one embodiment, the auxiliary charging terminal 180 may be disposed across at least a portion of the main charging terminal 170. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, based on a state in which the second end portion 152 of the second housing structure 150 is viewed, the auxiliary charging terminal 180 may be disposed to be surrounded by the main charging terminal 170. Alternatively, at least one pair of side surfaces (e.g., surfaces in the +Y and-Y directions) of the auxiliary charging terminal 180 may face the main charging terminal 170.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the auxiliary charging terminal 180 may be disposed across at least a portion of the main charging terminal 170, thereby providing the efficiency in space design of the second housing structure 150. When the auxiliary charging terminal 180 and the main charging terminal 170 are spaced apart from each other or disposed adjacent to each other, a separate space for the auxiliary charging terminal 180 may be required, which may be disadvantageous for miniaturizing and reducing the weight of the second housing structure 150.

Since the auxiliary charging terminal 180 is disposed across at least a portion of the main charging terminal 170, the aerosol-generating device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may have less demand for a separate additional space, compared to one embodiment including only the main charging terminal 170, and may be advantageous for miniaturizing and reducing the weight of the aerosol-generating device 100.

In one embodiment, the main charging terminal 170 may include at least one of the first terminal 171, the second terminal 172, and the third terminal 173. Hereinafter, the aerosol-generating device 100 including the first terminal 171, the second terminal 172, and the third terminal 173 is described, but in actual implementation, the main charging terminal 170 may include one or two of the first terminal 171, the second terminal 172, and the third terminal 173 or may include at least three or more terminals.

In one embodiment, the first terminal 171, the second terminal 172, and the third terminal 173 may be formed of conductive pads that are spaced apart from each other or insulated from each other. Each of the first terminal 171, the second terminal 172, and the third terminal 173 may be connected to the second power supply 160 to charge the second power supply 160.

For example, at least one of the first terminal 171, the second terminal 172, and the third terminal 173 may be a ground terminal. At least one of the first terminal 171, the second terminal 172, and the third terminal 173 may be a power terminal. At least one of the first terminal 171, the second terminal 172, and the third terminal 173 may be a communication terminal.

In one embodiment, the first terminal 171, the second terminal 172, and the third terminal 173 may be spaced apart from each other.

For example, the first terminal 171 may be disposed in the central portion of the second end portion 152. Alternatively, for example, the first terminal 171 may be provided in the inner side surface of an opening that is formed at the center of the second end portion 152.

For example, the second terminal 172 may be spaced apart from the first terminal 171 and surround the outer circumferential surface of the first terminal 171. The third terminal 173 may be spaced apart from the second terminal 172 and surround the outer circumferential surface of the second terminal 172.

In one embodiment, the second housing structure 150 may further include the terminal groove 155. The terminal groove 155 may be disposed across at least a partial region of the main charging terminal 170. The auxiliary charging terminal 180 may be disposed in the inner side of the terminal groove 155. The terminal groove 155 may be a groove or a hole for accommodating the auxiliary charging terminal 180.

For example, the terminal groove 155 may physically partition the main charging terminal 170 and the auxiliary charging terminal 180 and may prevent the main charging terminal 170 and the auxiliary charging terminal 180 from being tangent to each other. Alternatively, the terminal groove 155 may be a standard groove that may accommodate the charging cable 73 that is inserted into the auxiliary charging terminal 180.

FIG. 4A is a diagram of charging terminals of the aerosol-generating device 100, according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 4A, the main charging terminal 170 according to one embodiment may include a first conductive region 171a, a second conductive region 171b, a third conductive region 172a, and a fourth conductive region 172b.

Hereinafter, any repeated description related to the above descriptions is omitted, and it is obvious that a portion of the configuration and structure of the aerosol-generating device 100 may be replaced, added, or omitted within a scope easily understandable by one of ordinary skill in the art with reference to the following drawings and descriptions below. In addition, at least one component or feature of the embodiments described above may be coupled to the aerosol-generating device 100 unless this is technically and clearly infeasible.

In one embodiment, the auxiliary charging terminal 180 may be disposed across at least one of the first terminal 171 or the second terminal 172. At least one of the first terminal 171 or the second terminal 172 may be partitioned into a plurality of regions by the auxiliary charging terminal 180. For example, the auxiliary charging terminal 180 may be disposed across the first terminal 171 and the second terminal 172. The first terminal 171 and the second terminal 172 may each be partitioned into a plurality of regions by the auxiliary charging terminal 180.

In one embodiment, the first terminal 171 may include the first conductive region 171a and the second conductive region 171b. The first conductive region 171a and the second conductive region 171b may be disposed on both sides (e.g., a +Y direction and a −Y direction) of the auxiliary charging terminal 180, respectively. At least one of the first conductive region 171a and the second conductive region 171b may be connected to a pin (e.g., a first pin 131 of FIG. 6B) of the first housing terminal 130 so that the first terminal 171 may be connected to the first housing terminal 130.

In one embodiment, the second terminal 172 may include the third conductive region 172a and the fourth conductive region 172b. The third conductive region 172a and the fourth conductive region 172b may be disposed on both sides (e.g., a +Y direction and a −Y direction) of the auxiliary charging terminal 180, respectively. At least one of the third conductive region 172a and the fourth conductive region 172b may be connected to a pin (e.g., a second pin 132 of FIG. 6B) of the second housing terminal so that the second terminal 172 may be connected to the first housing terminal 130.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device 100 may include a plurality of conductive regions (e.g., the first conductive region 171a, the second conductive region 171b, the third conductive region 172a, and the fourth conductive region 172b), so the auxiliary charging terminal 180 having an arrangement and structure that crosses the main charging terminal 170 may be implemented, and the aerosol-generating device 100 may have an advantage in the structural design of the second housing structure 150 including the main charging terminal 170 and the auxiliary charging terminal 180.

FIG. 4B is a diagram of charging terminals of an aerosol-generating device 100-1, according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 4B, a main charging terminal 170-1 (e.g., the main charging terminal 170 of FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 3) according to one embodiment may include a first conductive region 171a-1, a second conductive region 171b-1, a third conductive region 172a-1, a fourth conductive region 172b-1, a fifth conductive region 173a-1, and a sixth conductive region 173b-1.

Hereinafter, any repeated description related to the above descriptions is omitted, and it is obvious that a portion of the configuration and structure of the aerosol-generating device 100-1 (e.g., the aerosol-generating device 100 of FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 3) may be replaced, added, or omitted within a scope easily understandable by one of ordinary skill in the art with reference to the following drawings and descriptions below. In addition, at least one component or feature of the embodiments described above may be coupled to the aerosol-generating device 100-1 unless this is technically and clearly infeasible.

In one embodiment, an auxiliary charging terminal 180-1 (e.g., the auxiliary charging terminal 180 of FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 3) may be disposed across a first terminal 171-1 (e.g., the first terminal 171 of FIG. 3), a second terminal 172-1 (e.g., the second terminal 172 of FIG. 3), and a third terminal 173-1 (e.g., the third terminal 173 of FIG. 3). The first terminal 171-1, the second terminal 172-1, and the third terminal 173-1 may each be partitioned into a plurality of regions by the auxiliary charging terminal 180-1.

In one embodiment, the first terminal 171-1 may include the first conductive region 171a-1 and the second conductive region 171b-1. The first conductive region 171a-1 and the second conductive region 171b-1 may be disposed on both sides (e.g., a +Y direction and a −Y direction) of the auxiliary charging terminal 180-1, respectively. At least one of the first conductive region 171a-1 and the second conductive region 171b-1 may be connected to a pin (e.g., the first pin 131 of FIG. 6B) of a first housing terminal (e.g., the first housing terminal 130 of FIGS. 2A and 2B) so that the first terminal 171-1 may be connected to the first housing terminal 130.

In one embodiment, the second terminal 172-1 may include the third conductive region 172a-1 and the fourth conductive region 172b-1. The third conductive region 172a-1 and the fourth conductive region 172b-1 may be disposed on both sides (e.g., a +Y direction and a −Y direction) of the auxiliary charging terminal 180-1, respectively. At least one of the third conductive region 172a-1 and the fourth conductive region 172b-1 may be connected to a pin (e.g., the second pin 132 of FIG. 6B) of the first housing terminal 130 so that the second terminal 172-1 may be connected to the first housing terminal 130.

In one embodiment, the third terminal 173-1 may include the fifth conductive region 173a-1 and the sixth conductive region 173b-1. The fifth conductive region 173a-1 and the sixth conductive region 173b-1 may be disposed on both sides (e.g., a +Y direction and a −Y direction) of the auxiliary charging terminal 180-1, respectively. At least one of the fifth conductive region 173a-1 and the sixth conductive region 173b-1 may be connected to a pin (e.g., a third pin 133 of FIG. 6B) of the first housing terminal 130 so that the third terminal 173-1 may be connected to the first housing terminal 130.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device 100-1 may include a plurality of conductive regions (e.g., the first conductive region 171a-1, the second conductive region 171b-1, the third conductive region 172a-1, the fourth conductive region 172b-1, the fifth conductive region 173a-1, and the sixth conductive region 173b-1), so the auxiliary charging terminal 180-1 having an arrangement and structure that crosses the main charging terminal 170-1 may be implemented, and the aerosol-generating device 100-1 may have an advantage in the structural design of a second housing structure (e.g., the second housing structure 150 of FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C) including the main charging terminal 170-1 and the auxiliary charging terminal 180-1.

FIG. 4C is a diagram of charging terminals of an aerosol-generating device 100-2, according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 4C, a main charging terminal 170-2 (e.g., the main charging terminal 170 of FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 3) according to one embodiment may include a first conductive region 171a-2 and a second conductive region 171b-2.

Hereinafter, any repeated description related to the above descriptions is omitted, and it is obvious that a portion of the configuration and structure of the aerosol-generating device 100-2 (e.g., the aerosol-generating device 100 of FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 3) may be replaced, added, or omitted within a scope easily understandable by one of ordinary skill in the art with reference to the following drawings and descriptions below. In addition, at least one component or feature of the embodiments described above may be coupled to the aerosol-generating device 100-2 unless this is technically and clearly infeasible.

In one embodiment, an auxiliary charging terminal 180-2 (e.g., the auxiliary charging terminal 180 of FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 3) may be disposed across a first terminal 171-2 (e.g., the first terminal 171 of FIG. 3), a second terminal 172-2 (e.g., the second terminal 172 of FIG. 3), and a third terminal 173-2 (e.g., the third terminal 173 of FIG. 3). The first terminal 171-2 may be partitioned into a plurality of regions by the auxiliary charging terminal 180-2.

In one embodiment, the first terminal 171-2 may include the first conductive region 171a-2 and the second conductive region 171b-2. The first conductive region 171a-2 and the second conductive region 171b-2 may be disposed on both sides (e.g., a +Y direction and a −Y direction) of the auxiliary charging terminal 180-2, respectively. At least one of the first conductive region 171a-2 and the second conductive region 171b-2 may be connected to a pin (e.g., the first pin 131 of FIG. 6B) of a first housing terminal (e.g., the first housing terminal 130 of FIGS. 2A and 2B) so that the first terminal 171-2 may be connected to the first housing terminal 130.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device 100-2 may include a plurality of conductive regions (e.g., the first conductive region 171a-2 and the second conductive region 171b-2), so the auxiliary charging terminal 180-2 having an arrangement and structure that crosses the main charging terminal 170-2 may be implemented, and the aerosol-generating device 100-2 may have an advantage in the structural design of a second housing structure (e.g., the second housing structure 150 of FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C) including the main charging terminal 170-2 and the auxiliary charging terminal 180-2.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the aerosol-generating device 100 according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 5, the aerosol-generating device 100 (e.g., the aerosol-generating device 100 of FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 3) according to one embodiment may further include a charging integrated circuit (IC) 190, a low-dropout (LDO) regulator 195, and at least one processor 105 (e.g., the controller 12 of FIG. 1).

Hereinafter, any repeated description related to the above descriptions is omitted, and it is obvious that a portion of the configuration and structure of the aerosol-generating device 100 may be replaced, added, or omitted within a scope easily understandable by one of ordinary skill in the art with reference to the following drawings and descriptions below. In addition, at least one component or feature of the embodiments described above may be coupled to the aerosol-generating device 100 unless this is technically and clearly infeasible.

In one embodiment, the charging IC 190 may be connected between the main charging terminal 170 and the second power supply 160, and between the auxiliary charging terminal 180 and the second power supply 160. The charging IC 190 may be a circuit for controlling power supply to the second power supply 160.

In one embodiment, the at least one processor 105 may control the driving of the aerosol-generating device 100. Alternatively, the at least one processor 105 may control the driving of the electrical components of the second housing structure 150, and the first housing structure 110 may separately include at least one processor.

In one embodiment, the charging IC 190 may control the flow of current introduced from a plurality of charging terminals (e.g., the main charging terminal 170 and the auxiliary charging terminal 180) based on a connection state of at least one of the plurality of charging terminals (e.g., the main charging terminal 170 and the auxiliary charging terminal 180). Alternatively, the at least one processor 105 may control the flow of current introduced from the plurality of charging terminals (e.g., the main charging terminal 170 and the auxiliary charging terminal 180) by controlling the charging IC 190 and other components (e.g., the LDO regulator 195). Hereinafter, the charging IC 190 is described as controlling the flow of introduced current or change in voltage, and such control may be performed by the at least one processor 105 as an agent.

In one embodiment, the connection state of at least one of the plurality of charging terminals (e.g., the main charging terminal 170 and the auxiliary charging terminal 180) may be detected by the charging IC 190 or by a separate sensor module (e.g., the sensor unit 13 of FIG. 1).

For example, the at least one processor 105 or the charging IC 190 may control a transmission path of current based on the connection state of one of the main charging terminal 170 and the auxiliary charging terminal 180.

For example, the at least one processor 105 or the charging IC 190 may block the flow of current of the other terminal based on the connection state of one of the main charging terminal 170 and the auxiliary charging terminal 180. When current is introduced through one of the main charging terminal 170 and the auxiliary charging terminal 180, the flow of current to the other of the main charging terminal 170 and the auxiliary charging terminal 180 may be prevented, thereby reducing unnecessary current loss and preventing a short circuit problem.

In one embodiment, the charging IC 190 may include a switching element that selectively turns on or off the flow of current transmitted from the charging IC 190 to the LDO regulator 195. The charging IC 190 may detect the connection state of the plurality of charging terminals (e.g., the main charging terminal 170 and the auxiliary charging terminal 180) and control the switching element or control the switching element by the at least one processor 105. Alternatively, in one embodiment, a separate switch (not shown) may be provided between the charging IC 190 and the LDO regulator 195. A switch (not shown) may selectively turn on or off the flow of current transmitted from the charging IC 190 to the LDO regulator 195. The switch (not shown) may be controlled by the at least one processor 105 or by the charging IC 190.

In one embodiment, the charging IC 190 may transform input voltage via the LDO regulator 195 and supply power to the second power supply 160 when the external power source 70 is connected to the auxiliary charging terminal 180. In one embodiment, the LDO regulator 195 may adjust the input voltage by the main charging terminal 170 or the auxiliary charging terminal 180.

For example, when the second power supply 160 is charged by the external power source 70 through the auxiliary charging terminal 180, it may be necessary to adjust voltage introduced from the auxiliary charging terminal 180, which is standardized, into the second power supply 160. The LDO regulator 195 may adjust the input voltage by the auxiliary charging terminal 180 to suit the second power supply 160.

In one embodiment, when the external power source 70 is connected to the auxiliary charging terminal 180, the charging IC 190 may control the charging IC 190 to transform the input voltage via the LDO regulator 195 and supply power to the second power supply 160.

For example, when the flow of current from the auxiliary charging terminal 180 to the charging IC 190 is detected or when a connection between the auxiliary charging terminal 180 and the external power source 70 is detected, the charging IC 190 may transmit the current introduced from the auxiliary charging terminal 180 to the second power supply 160 via the LDO regulator 195. The LDO regulator 195 may adjust the input voltage by the auxiliary charging terminal 180 to suit the second power supply 160.

In one embodiment, the charging IC 190 may control the charging IC 190 to supply power to the second power supply 160 by bypassing the LDO regulator 195 when the main charging terminal 170 is connected to the first housing terminal 130.

For example, when the flow of current from the main charging terminal 170 to the charging IC 190 is detected or when a connection between the main charging terminal 170 and the first housing terminal 130 is detected, the charging IC 190 may transmit the current introduced from the main charging terminal 170 to the second power supply 160 by bypassing the LDO regulator 195 or directly from the charging IC 190 to the second power supply 160.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, since the main charging terminal 170 receives power from the first power supply 120 of the first housing structure 110, the input voltage by the main charging terminal 170 may be voltage that is adjusted to suit the second power supply 160. The input voltage may be provided directly from the main charging terminal 170 to the second power supply 160 without passing through the LDO regulator 195. Since the auxiliary charging terminal 180 receives power from the external power source 70, the input voltage by the auxiliary charging terminal 180 must be adjusted to suit the second power supply 160, and the input voltage may be adjusted through the LDO regulator 195 and provided to the second power supply 160.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the aerosol-generating device 100 according to one embodiment, and FIG. 6B is a diagram of the first housing terminal 130 of the aerosol-generating device 100, according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, the aerosol-generating device 100 according to one embodiment may include at least one of a first pin 131, a second pin 132, and a third pin 133.

Hereinafter, any repeated description related to the above descriptions is omitted, and it is obvious that a portion of the configuration and structure of the aerosol-generating device 100 may be replaced, added, or omitted within a scope easily understandable by one of ordinary skill in the art with reference to the following drawings and descriptions below. In addition, at least one component or feature of the embodiments described above may be coupled to the aerosol-generating device 100 unless this is technically and clearly infeasible.

In one embodiment, the main charging terminal 170 may include the first conductive region 171a, the second conductive region 171b, the third conductive region 172a, and the fourth conductive region 172b. The first conductive region 171a and the second conductive region 171b may form the first terminal 171. The third conductive region 172a and the fourth conductive region 172b may form the second terminal 172. The main charging terminal 170 may further include the third terminal 173.

In one embodiment, the first housing terminal 130 may include the first pin 131 and the second pin 132. The first pin 131 and the second pin 132 may contact the first terminal 171 and the second terminal 172, respectively, in a state in which the first housing structure 110 is coupled to the second housing structure 150.

In one embodiment, the first housing terminal 130 may further include the third pin 133. The third pin 133 may contact the third terminal 173 in a state in which the first housing structure 110 is coupled to the second housing structure 150.

In one embodiment, the first housing structure 110 may further include a support pillar 137. The support pillar 137 may be inserted into the auxiliary charging terminal 180 or the terminal groove 155 of the second housing structure 150 in a state in which the first housing structure 110 is coupled to the second housing structure 150. The support pillar 137 may guide the coupling of the first housing structure 110 and the second housing structure 150.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first terminal 171 is electrically connected to the first pin 131 and/or the second terminal 172 is electrically connected to the second pin 132, so the main charging terminal 170 may be electrically connected to the first housing terminal 130.

In one embodiment, the first housing terminal 130 may include the first pin 131 in plurality and the second pin 132 in plurality. The plurality of first pins 131 may include a first sub-pin 131a and a second sub-pin 131b. The plurality of second pins 132 may include a third sub-pin 132a and a fourth sub-pin 132b.

In one embodiment, the first sub-pin 131a and the second sub-pin 131b may be spaced apart by a distance that is greater than a width w of the auxiliary charging terminal 180. Since the first sub-pin 131a and the second sub-pin 131b are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance or more, even when one of the first sub-pin 131a and the second sub-pin 131b is in contact with the auxiliary charging terminal 180, the other may be in contact with the first terminal 171. At least one of the first sub-pin 131a and the second sub-pin 131b is connected to one of the first conductive region 171a and the second conductive region 171b, so the first pin 131 may be electrically connected to the first terminal 171.

In one embodiment, the third sub-pin 132a and the fourth sub-pin 132b may be spaced apart by a distance that is greater than the width w of the auxiliary charging terminal 180. Since the third sub-pin 132a and the fourth sub-pin 132b are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance or more, even when one of the third sub-pin 132a and the fourth sub-pin 132b is in contact with the auxiliary charging terminal 180, the other may be in contact with the second terminal 172. At least one of the third sub-pin 132a and the fourth sub-pin 132b is connected to one of the third conductive region 172a and the fourth conductive region 172b, so the second pin 132 may be electrically connected to the second terminal 172.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, since the auxiliary charging terminal 180 is disposed across the main charging terminal 170, the auxiliary charging terminal 180 may affect the connection between the first housing terminal 130 and the main charging terminal 170. Since the first housing terminal 130 includes the plurality of first pins 131 and the plurality of second pins 132, even when one of the plurality of pins does not contact the main charging terminal 170 by the auxiliary charging terminal 180, it may be structurally possible to allow another one of the plurality of pins to contact the main charging terminal 170. Since the first housing terminal 130 includes the plurality of first pins 131 and the plurality of second pins 132, even when the first housing structure 110 and the second housing structure 150 face each other in any direction, it may be possible to allow the main charging terminal 170 and the first housing terminal 130 to be electrically connected.

FIG. 7 is a diagram of an aerosol-generating device 100-3 according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 7, the aerosol-generating device 100-3 (e.g., the aerosol-generating device 100 of FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C) according to one embodiment may include a first uneven region 118-3 and a second uneven region 158-3.

Hereinafter, any repeated description related to the above descriptions is omitted, and it is obvious that a portion of the configuration and structure of the aerosol-generating device 100-3 may be replaced, added, or omitted within a scope easily understandable by one of ordinary skill in the art with reference to the following drawings and descriptions below. In addition, at least one component or feature of the embodiments described above may be coupled to the aerosol-generating device 100-3 unless this is technically and clearly infeasible.

In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating device 100-3 may include a first housing structure 110-3 (e.g., the first housing structure 110 of FIGS. 2A and 2B) and a second housing structure 150-3 (e.g., the second housing structure 150 of FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C).

In one embodiment, the first housing structure 110-3 may include at least one of the first uneven region 118-3 and a first magnetic body 119-3. In one embodiment, the second housing structure 150-3 may include at least one of the second uneven region 158-3 and a second magnetic body 159-3.

In one embodiment, the first uneven region 118-3 may be disposed in a second end portion 152-3 (e.g., the second end portion 152 of FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C) that is opposite to a first end portion 151-3 (e.g., the first end portion 151 of FIGS. 2A and 2B) of the second housing structure 150-3. The first uneven region 118-3 may protrude outward from the second end portion 152-3 or may be inserted inward from the second end portion 152-3.

In one embodiment, the second uneven region 158-3 may be disposed in an insertion groove 113-3 (e.g., the insertion groove 113 of FIGS. 2A and 2B) of the first housing structure 110-3. The second uneven region 158-3 may be inserted inward from the insertion groove 113-3 or protrude outward from the insertion groove 113-3.

In one embodiment, the first uneven region 118-3 and the second uneven region 158-3 may have shapes corresponding to each other. The first uneven region 118-3 and the second uneven region 158-3 may guide the position where the second housing structure 150-3 is coupled to the first housing structure 110-3.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first uneven region 118-3 and the second uneven region 158-3 may guide a main charging terminal 170 (e.g., the main charging terminal 170 of FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C) and a first housing terminal 130 (e.g., the first housing terminal 130 of FIGS. 2A and 2B) to mutually contact during the process of inserting the second housing structure 150-3 into the insertion groove 113-3 of the first housing structure 110-3. The first uneven region 118-3 and the second uneven region 158-3 may prevent poor contact between the main charging terminal 170 and the first housing terminal 130 by an auxiliary charging terminal 180 (e.g., the auxiliary charging terminal 180 of FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C).

In one embodiment, the first magnetic body 119-3 may be provided at the position where the attractive force acts on the second magnetic body 159-3 in a state in which the first housing structure 110-3 is coupled to the second housing structure 150-3. The first magnetic body 119-3 and the second magnetic body 159-3 may guide the position where the second housing structure 150-3 is coupled to the first housing structure 110-3. The second magnetic body 159-3 may be provided in the second end portion 152-3 of the second housing structure 150-3.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first magnetic body 119-3 and the second magnetic body 159-3 may guide the main charging terminal 170 and the first housing terminal 130 to mutually contact during the process of inserting the second housing structure 150-3 into the insertion groove 113-3 of the first housing structure 110-3. The first magnetic body 119-3 and the second magnetic body 159-3 may prevent poor contact between the main charging terminal 170-3 and the first housing terminal 130 by the auxiliary charging terminal 180.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an aerosol-generating device 100-4 according to one embodiment.

In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating device 100-4 (e.g., the aerosol-generating device 100 of FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C) may include a first housing structure 110-4 (e.g., the first housing structure 110 of FIGS. 2A and 2B) and a second housing structure 150-4 (e.g., the second housing structure 150 of FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C).

Hereinafter, any repeated description related to the above descriptions is omitted, and it is obvious that a portion of the configuration and structure of the aerosol-generating device 100-4 may be replaced, added, or omitted within a scope easily understandable by one of ordinary skill in the art with reference to the following drawings and descriptions below. In addition, at least one component or feature of the embodiments described above may be coupled to the aerosol-generating device 100-4 unless this is technically and clearly infeasible.

In one embodiment, the second housing structure 150-4 may have a pillar shape having a polygonal cross-section. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the second housing structure 150-4 may have an octagonal pillar shape.

In one embodiment, an insertion groove 113-4 (e.g., the insertion groove 113 of FIGS. 2A and 2B) of the first housing structure 110-4 may have a shape corresponding to the second housing structure 150-4. For example, the insertion groove 113-4 may have an intaglio shape surrounding the outer circumferential surface of the second housing structure 150-4.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the three-dimensional (3D) structure of the second housing structure 150-4 and the insertion groove 113-4 may guide a main charging terminal 170 (e.g., the main charging terminal 170 of FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C) and a first housing terminal 130 (e.g., the first housing terminal 130 of FIGS. 2A and 2B) to mutually contact during the process of inserting the second housing structure 150-4 into the insertion groove 113-4 of the first housing structure 110-4. The 3D structure of the second housing structure 150-4 and the insertion groove 113-4 may prevent poor contact between the main charging terminal 170 and the first housing terminal 130 by an auxiliary charging terminal 180 (e.g., the auxiliary charging terminal 180 of FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C).

The aerosol-generating device (100) according to one embodiment may include the first housing structure (110) including the first power supply (120) and the first housing terminal (130) electrically connected to the first power supply (120), the second housing structure (150) including the second power supply (160) and detachably coupled to the first housing structure (110), and the heater (165) configured to heat the aerosol-generating article (50) by receiving power from the second power supply (160). In one embodiment, the second housing structure (150) may include the main charging terminal (170) connected to the second power supply (160) and electrically connected to the first housing terminal (130) by contacting the first housing terminal (130) when the first housing structure (110) is coupled to the second housing structure (150) and the auxiliary charging terminal (180) connected to the second power supply (160), and to which the external power source (70) is connected.

In one embodiment, the auxiliary charging terminal (180) may be disposed across at least a portion of the main charging terminal (170).

In one embodiment, the second housing structure (150) may include the first end portion (151) in which the intake (153) configured to emit an aerosol is provided and the second end portion (152) that is opposite to the first end portion (151). In one embodiment, the main charging terminal (170) and the auxiliary charging terminal (180) may be disposed in the second end portion (152).

In one embodiment, the second housing structure (150) may include the terminal groove (155) disposed across at least a partial region of the main charging terminal (170). In one embodiment, the auxiliary charging terminal (180) may be disposed in the inner side of the terminal groove (155).

In one embodiment, the main charging terminal (170) may include the first terminal (171), the second terminal (172) spaced apart from the first terminal (171) and surrounding the outer circumferential surface of the first terminal (171), and the third terminal (173) spaced apart from the second terminal (172) and surrounding the outer circumferential surface of the second terminal (172).

In one embodiment, the auxiliary charging terminal (180; 180-1; 180-2) may be disposed across at least one of the first terminal (171; 171-1; 171-2) or the second terminal (172; 172-1; 172-2).

In one embodiment, the first terminal (171) may include the first conductive region (171a) and the second conductive region (171b), which are disposed on both sides of the auxiliary charging terminal (180), respectively. In one embodiment, the second terminal (172) may include the third conductive region (172a) and the fourth conductive region (172b), which are disposed on both sides of the auxiliary charging terminal (180), respectively.

In one embodiment, the auxiliary charging terminal (180-1) may be disposed across the first terminal (171-1), the second terminal (172-1), and the third terminal (173-1).

In one embodiment, the first terminal (171-1) may include the first conductive region (171a-1) and the second conductive region (171b-1), which are disposed on both sides of the auxiliary charging terminal (180-1), respectively. In one embodiment, the second terminal (172-1) may include the third conductive region (172a-1) and the fourth conductive region (172b-1), which are disposed on both sides of the auxiliary charging terminal (180-1), respectively. In one embodiment, the third terminal (173-1) may include the fifth conductive region (173a-1) and the sixth conductive region (173b-1), which are disposed on both sides of the auxiliary charging terminal (180-1), respectively.

In one embodiment, the second housing structure (150) may further include the charging integrated circuit (IC) (190) connected between the main charging terminal (170) and the second power supply (160), and between the auxiliary charging terminal (180) and the second power supply (160), and the low-dropout (LDO) regulator (195) connected to the charging IC (190).

In one embodiment, the charging IC (190) may transform input voltage via the LDO regulator (195) and supply power to the second power supply (160) when the external power source (70) is connected to the auxiliary charging terminal (180).

In one embodiment, the charging IC (190) may supply power to the second power supply (160) by bypassing the LDO regulator (195) when the main charging terminal (170) is connected to the first housing terminal (130).

In one embodiment, the main charging terminal (170) may include the first terminal (171) and the second terminal (172), which are spaced apart from each other. In one embodiment, the first housing terminal (130) may include a plurality of first pins (131) and a plurality of second pins (132). In one embodiment, at least one of the plurality of first pins (131) and at least one of the plurality of second pins (132) may contact the first terminal (171) and the second terminal (172), respectively, in a state in which the first housing structure (110) is coupled to the second housing structure (150)

In one embodiment, the first housing structure (110-3) may include the first uneven region (118-3) provided at a position facing the second housing structure (150-3) in a state in which the first housing structure (110-3) is coupled to the second housing structure (150-3) In one embodiment, the second housing structure (150-3) may include the second uneven region (158-3) inserted into the first uneven region (118-3), or into which the first uneven region (118-3) is inserted, in a state in which the first housing structure (110-3) is coupled to the second housing structure (150-3).

The aerosol-generating device (100) according to one embodiment may include the housing structure (150) including the first end portion (151) and the second end portion (152) that is opposite to the first end portion (151), the power supply (160) provided inside the housing structure (150), the intake (153) disposed in the first end portion (151) and configured to emit an aerosol, the heater (165) configured to generate the aerosol by receiving power from the power supply (160), the main charging terminal (170) disposed in the second end portion (152) and connected to the power supply (160), and the auxiliary charging terminal (180) disposed across at least a portion of the main charging terminal (170) in the second end portion (152) and connected to the power supply (160).

However, the above description is an example of the aerosol-generating device (100; 100-1; 100-2; 100-3; 100-4) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and the configuration of the aerosol-generating device (100; 100-1; 100-2; 100-3; 100-4) does not necessarily include any one of the configurations described above. In addition, it is obvious that the contents of the above-described configuration may be modified and implemented within a substantially identical or similar or equivalent range that may be easily changed by those skilled in the art, and these are also included in the aerosol-generating device (100; 100-1; 100-2; 100-3; 100-4) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Certain embodiments or other embodiments of the disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct from each other. Any or all elements of the embodiments of the disclosure described above may be combined with another or combined with each other in configuration or function.

For example, a configuration “A” described in one embodiment of the disclosure and the drawings and a configuration “B” described in another embodiment of the disclosure and the drawings may be combined with each other. Namely, although the combination between the configurations is not directly described, the combination is possible except in the case where it is described that the combination is impossible.

The above detailed description should not be construed in all aspects as limiting and should be considered illustrative. The scope of the present disclosure should be determined by rational interpretation of the appended claims, and all variations within the scope of equivalents of the present disclosure are included in the scope of the present disclosure.