CN118042955A

CN118042955A - Aerosol generating system

Info

Publication number: CN118042955A
Application number: CN202280066237.2A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 曺炳盛; 李宗燮; 朴相珪; 郑禹锡; 韩大男
Original assignee: KT&G Corp
Current assignee: KT&G Corp
Priority date: 2021-10-20
Filing date: 2022-10-14
Publication date: 2024-05-14

Abstract

An aerosol-generating system is provided. The aerosol-generating system comprises an aerosol-generating device and a charger, wherein the aerosol-generating device comprises: a first communication interface; a battery; and a first controller configured to: performing control to charge the battery based on wirelessly receiving a power signal from the charger through the first communication interface; determining a state of the aerosol-generating device comprising a locked state or an unlocked state, and generating a state signal corresponding to the state of the aerosol-generating device; transmitting a status signal to the charger through the first communication interface based on the start of charging of the battery; and changing the aerosol-generating device to an unlocked state based on receiving an unlock signal from the charger through the first communication interface.

Description

Aerosol generating system

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating system.

Background

An aerosol-generating device is a device that extracts a specific component from a medium or substance by generating an aerosol. The medium may comprise a multicomponent material. The substance contained in the medium may be a multi-component flavouring substance. For example, the substance contained in the medium may include a nicotine component, a traditional Chinese medicine component, and/or a coffee component. Recently, various studies have been made on aerosol-generating devices.

Disclosure of Invention

Technical problem

It is an object of the present disclosure to address the above and other problems.

It is another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating system that can lock and unlock an aerosol-generating device through wireless charging communication.

It is another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating system that can clear a shipping mode by wireless charging communication even when the aerosol-generating device is in an packaged state.

It is another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating system that may restrict use of the aerosol-generating device by third parties or minors that are not entitled to use the aerosol-generating device.

Technical proposal

According to one aspect of the subject matter described in this application, an aerosol-generating system comprises: an aerosol-generating device and a charger, wherein the aerosol-generating device comprises: a first communication interface; a battery; and a first controller configured to: performing control to charge the battery based on wirelessly receiving a power signal from the charger through the first communication interface; determining a state of the aerosol-generating device comprising a locked state or an unlocked state, and generating a state signal corresponding to the state of the aerosol-generating device; transmitting a status signal to the charger through the first communication interface based on the start of charging of the battery; and changing the aerosol-generating device to an unlocked state based on receiving an unlock signal from the charger through the first communication interface.

According to another aspect of the subject matter described in the present application, an aerosol-generating device comprises: a first communication interface configured to communicate with a charger of an aerosol-generating device; a battery; and a controller configured to: performing control to charge the battery based on wirelessly receiving a power signal from the charger through the first communication interface; determining a state of the aerosol-generating device comprising a locked state or an unlocked state, and generating a state signal corresponding to the state of the aerosol-generating device; transmitting a status signal to the charger through the first communication interface based on the start of charging of the battery; and changing the aerosol-generating device to an unlocked state based on receiving an unlock signal from the charger through the first communication interface.

Advantageous effects

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device may be locked and unlocked by wireless charging communication.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the shipping mode may be cleared by wireless charging communication even when the aerosol-generating device is in an encapsulated state.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, use of the aerosol-generating device by third parties or minors who have no access to the aerosol-generating device may be restricted.

Additional areas of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and it is therefore understood that the detailed description and specific embodiments (e.g., preferred embodiments of the present disclosure) are provided by way of illustration only.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an aerosol-generating device.

Fig. 2 to 4 are diagrams referred to describe examples of the aerosol-generating device.

Fig. 5 to 7 are diagrams referred to describe examples of bars.

Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of an aerosol-generating system.

Fig. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of a charger.

Fig. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the aerosol-generating system.

Fig. 11 and 12 are flowcharts showing an example of the operation of the charger.

Fig. 13 is a flow chart illustrating an example of the operation of the aerosol-generating system.

Detailed Description

The description will now be given in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings according to exemplary embodiments disclosed herein. For purposes of brief description with reference to the drawings, the same or equivalent components are provided with the same or similar reference numerals, and description thereof will not be repeated.

In the following description, suffixes such as "module" and "unit" may be used to represent elements or components. Such suffix is used herein only to facilitate the description of the specification, and the suffix itself is not intended to give any special meaning or function.

In the present disclosure, descriptions well known to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art are generally omitted for the sake of brevity. The drawings are to aid in easy understanding of the technical concept of the present disclosure, and it should be understood that the concept of the present disclosure is not limited by the drawings. The conception of the present disclosure should be construed as extending to any modifications, equivalents, and alternatives outside of the drawings.

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

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements 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, singular references are intended to include plural references unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to fig. 1, the aerosol-generating device 10 may comprise a communication interface 11, an input/output interface 12, an aerosol-generating module 13, a memory 14, a sensor module 15, a battery 16, and/or a controller 17.

In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating device 10 may consist of only the body 100. In this case, components included in the aerosol-generating device 10 may be provided in the body 100. In another embodiment, the aerosol-generating device 10 may be comprised of a cartridge 200 containing an aerosol-generating substance and a body 100. In this case, components included in the aerosol-generating device 10 may be provided in at least one of the body 100 and the cartridge 200.

The communication interface 11 may include at least one communication module for communicating with external devices and/or networks. For example, the communication interface 11 may include a communication module for wired communication, such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB). For example, the communication interface 11 may comprise a communication module for wireless communication, such as wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), zigBee, or Near Field Communication (NFC).

The communication interface 11 may include a transmitter 111 and a receiver 112. The transmitter 111 may transmit a signal to an external device and/or a network. The receiver 112 may receive signals from external devices and/or networks. The signals transmitted and received by the transmitter 111 and the receiver 112 may be data signals and/or power signals.

For example, the data signals may include a status signal sent from the aerosol-generating device 10 to the charger 70, a lock signal sent from the charger 70 to the aerosol-generating device 10, an unlock signal sent from the charger 70 to the aerosol-generating device 10, and so on. For example, the power signal may comprise a power signal sent from the charger 70 to the aerosol-generating device 10.

The data signal and the power signal transmitted and received through the transmitter 111 and the receiver 112 may be transmitted and received using the same operating frequency band. For example, the transmitter 111 may transmit the data signal using a predetermined operating frequency band. The receiver 112 may receive the data signal and/or the power signal using the same operating frequency band as the transmitter 111. For example, the transmitter 111 and the receiver 112 may transmit and receive data signals and/or power signals using magnetic fields generated by coils.

The data signals and the power signals transmitted and received through the transmitter 111 and the receiver 112 may be transmitted and received using different operation frequency bands. For example, the transmitter 111 may transmit the data signal using a predetermined operating frequency band. The receiver 112 may receive the data signal and/or the power signal using a different operating frequency band than the transmitter 111. For example, the receiver 112 may receive a power signal using a magnetic field generated by a coil and a data signal using wireless communication such as NFC, bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), etc., and the transmitter 111 may transmit the data signal using wireless communication such as NFC, bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), etc.

Further, the transmitter 111 and the receiver 112 may be one configuration. The transceiver may transmit and receive signals to and from external devices and/or networks. In this case, the transceivers may transmit and receive the data signal and the power signal using the same operating frequency band or different operating frequency bands.

Input/output interface 12 may include input devices for receiving commands from a user and/or output devices for outputting information to a user. For example, the input device may include a touch panel, physical buttons, a microphone, and the like. For example, the output device may include: display means, such as a display or a Light Emitting Diode (LED), for outputting visual information; audio means for outputting audible information, such as a speaker or buzzer; a motor for outputting haptic information such as haptic effects, etc.

The input/output interface 12 may send data corresponding to commands entered by a user through the input device to another component (or other components) of the aerosol-generating device 10. The input/output interface 12 may output information corresponding to data received from another component (or other components) of the aerosol-generating device 10 through an output device.

The aerosol-generating module 13 may generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating substance. Here, the aerosol-generating substance may be a substance in a liquid, solid or gel state from which an aerosol may be generated, or a combination of two or more aerosol-generating substances.

In one embodiment, the liquid aerosol-generating substance may be a liquid comprising a tobacco-containing material having a volatile tobacco flavor component. In another embodiment, the liquid aerosol-generating substance may be a liquid comprising a non-tobacco material. For example, the liquid aerosol-generating substance may comprise water, solvents, nicotine, plant extracts, flavours, fragrances, vitamin mixtures and the like.

The solid aerosol-generating substance may comprise a solid material based on a tobacco raw material, such as reconstituted tobacco sheet, cut filler or particulate tobacco. In addition, the solid aerosol-generating substance may comprise a solid material having a taste controlling agent and a flavouring material. For example, the taste control agent may include calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, calcium oxide, and the like. For example, the flavoring material may comprise natural materials such as herbal granules, or may comprise materials that include aromatic components (e.g., silica, zeolite, or dextrin).

In addition, the aerosol-generating substance may also include an aerosol-former such as glycerol or propylene glycol.

The aerosol-generating module 13 may comprise at least one heater 131.

The aerosol-generating module 13 may comprise a resistive heater. For example, the resistive heater may include at least one conductive track. The resistive heater may be heated by a current flowing through the conductive track. Here, the aerosol-generating substance may be heated by a heated resistive heater.

The conductive track may comprise a resistive material. In one example, the conductive track may be formed from a metallic material. In another example, the conductive track may be formed of a ceramic material, carbon, a metal alloy, or a composite of a ceramic material and a metal.

The resistive heater may include conductive tracks formed in any of a variety of shapes. For example, the conductive track may have any one of a tubular shape, a plate shape, a needle shape, a rod shape, and a coil shape.

The aerosol-generating module 13 may comprise a heater using an induction heating method (i.e. an induction heater). For example, the induction heater may comprise an electrically conductive coil. An induction heater may generate an alternating magnetic field that periodically changes direction by adjusting the current flowing through a conductive coil. In this case, when an alternating magnetic field is applied to the magnet, energy loss may occur in the magnet due to eddy current loss and hysteresis loss, and the lost energy may be released as thermal energy. Thus, the aerosol-generating substance disposed adjacent to the magnet may be heated. Here, the object that generates heat due to the magnetic field may be referred to as a susceptor.

Furthermore, the aerosol-generating module 13 may generate ultrasonic vibrations to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating substance.

The aerosol-generating module 13 may be referred to as a nebulizer, atomizer or vaporizer.

When the aerosol-generating device 10 is composed of a cartridge 200 containing an aerosol-generating substance and a body 100, the aerosol-generating module 13 may be provided in at least one of the body 100 and the cartridge 200.

The memory 14 may store programs for processing and controlling various signals in the controller 17. The memory 14 may store therein data processed by the controller 17 and data to be processed.

For example, the memory 14 may store therein applications designed to perform various tasks that may be processed by the controller 17. For example, the memory 14 may selectively provide some of the applications stored in response to a request from the controller 17.

For example, data regarding the operating time of the aerosol-generating device 10, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, the number of charges of the battery 16, the number of discharges of the battery 16, at least one temperature profile, a user inhalation pattern, and charge/discharge may be stored in the memory 14. Here, "aspiration" may refer to inhalation by a user, and "inhalation" may refer to the act of the user passing air or other substances through the user's mouth or nose into the user's mouth, nose, or lungs.

For example, the memory 14 may store a preset locking signal (locking key) and an unlocking signal (unlocking key) with respect to locking or unlocking the aerosol-generating device 10. The locking key and the unlocking key may be keys each having a predetermined value preset by the manufacturer of the aerosol-generating device 10.

The memory 14 may include at least one of volatile memory (e.g., dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), static Random Access Memory (SRAM), and Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (SDRAM)), non-volatile memory (e.g., flash memory), hard Disk Drive (HDD), and Solid State Drive (SSD)).

The reservoir 14 may be disposed in at least one of the body 100 and the cartridge 200. The reservoir 14 may be disposed in each of the body 100 and the cartridge 200. For example, the memory of the main body 100 may store information about components provided in the main body 100, i.e., information about the full charge capacity of the battery 16. For example, the memory of the body 100 may store cartridge information received from a cartridge 200 previously or currently coupled to the body 100, and the memory of the cartridge 200 may store cartridge information including cartridge identification information (ID information), cartridge type, etc.

The sensor module 15 may include at least one sensor.

For example, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor for sensing suction (hereinafter referred to as a "suction sensor"). Here, the suction sensor may be implemented as a proximity sensor such as an IR sensor, a pressure sensor, a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, a magnetic field sensor, or the like.

For example, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor (hereinafter referred to as "temperature sensor") for sensing the temperature of the heater included in the aerosol-generating module 13 and the temperature of the aerosol-generating substance.

In this case, the heater 131 included in the aerosol-generating module 13 may be used as a temperature sensor. For example, the resistive material of the heater 131 may be a material having a Temperature Coefficient of Resistance (TCR). The sensor module 15 may measure the resistance of the heater 131 according to the temperature change, thereby sensing the temperature of the heater 131.

For example, when a wand is insertable into the body 100 of the aerosol-generating device 10, the sensor module 15 may comprise a sensor for sensing insertion of the wand (hereinafter referred to as a "wand detection sensor").

For example, when the aerosol-generating device 10 includes the cartridge 200, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor (hereinafter referred to as a "cartridge detection sensor") for sensing the position of the cartridge 200 mounted to/removed from the body 100 and the cartridge 200.

In this case, the stick detection sensor and/or the cartridge detection sensor may be implemented as an inductance-based sensor, a capacitance sensor, a resistance sensor, or a hall IC using the hall effect. In some embodiments, the cartridge detection sensor may include a connection terminal. The connection terminal may be provided in the body 100. When the cartridge 200 is coupled to the body 100, the connection terminal may be electrically connected to an electrode provided in the cartridge 200.

For example, the sensor module 15 may include a voltage sensor for sensing a voltage applied to a component (e.g., the battery 16) disposed in the aerosol-generating device 10 and/or a current sensor for sensing a current.

For example, the sensor module 15 may comprise at least one sensor (hereinafter referred to as "motion sensor") for sensing movement of the aerosol-generating device 10. Here, the motion sensor may be implemented as at least one of a gyro sensor and an acceleration sensor. A motion sensor may be provided in at least one of the body 100 and the cartridge 200.

The battery 16 may supply power for operation of the aerosol-generating device 10 under the control of the controller 17. The battery 16 may provide power to other components disposed in the aerosol-generating device 10. For example, the battery 16 may supply power to a communication module included in the communication interface 11, an output device included in the input/output interface 12, and a heater included in the aerosol-generating module 13.

The battery 16 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 16 may be a lithium ion battery or a lithium polymer (Li polymer) battery, but is not limited thereto. For example, when the battery 16 is rechargeable, the charge rate (C-rate) of the battery 16 may be 10C and the discharge rate (C-rate) may be 10C to 20C. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In addition, for stable use, the battery 16 may be designed to retain 80% or more of its original capacity over 2000 full charge and discharge cycles.

The aerosol-generating device 10 may further comprise a battery Protection Circuit Module (PCM), which is a circuit for protecting the battery 16. A battery Protection Circuit Module (PCM) may be disposed adjacent to an upper surface of the battery cell 16. For example, in order to prevent overcharge and overdischarge of the battery 16, when a short circuit occurs in a circuit connected to the battery 16, when an overvoltage is applied to the battery 16, or when an excessive current flows through the battery 16, a battery Protection Circuit Module (PCM) may cut off an electrical path to the battery 16.

The aerosol-generating device 10 may further comprise a charging terminal to which power supplied from the outside is input. For example, the charging terminal may be provided at one side of the body 100 of the aerosol-generating device 10. The aerosol-generating device 10 may charge the battery 16 using power supplied through the charging terminal. In this case, the charging terminal may be configured as a wired terminal for USB communication, a pogo pin (pogo pin), or the like.

The aerosol-generating device 10 may wirelessly receive power supplied from the outside through the communication interface 11. The receiver 112 of the communication interface 11 may receive the power signal wirelessly. The receiver 112 may receive the power signal wirelessly from an external charging device. The transmitter 111 and the receiver 112 may include antennas. The transmitter 111 and the receiver 112 may transmit and receive signals using one antenna. For example, the antenna may comprise a coil. The aerosol-generating device 10 may wirelessly receive power using an antenna included in a communication module for wireless communication. The aerosol-generating device 10 may charge the battery 16 with wirelessly supplied power via a power signal.

The controller 17 may control the overall operation of the aerosol-generating device 10. The controller 17 may be connected to various components provided in the aerosol-generating device 10. The controller 17 may send signals to and/or receive signals from the various components to control the overall operation of the various components.

The controller 17 may include at least one processor. The controller 17 may control the overall operation of the aerosol-generating device 10 by a processor included therein. Here, the processor may be a general-purpose processor such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU). In the alternative, the processor may be any of a special purpose device such as an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) or other hardware-based processor.

The controller 17 may perform any of a number of functions of the aerosol-generating device 10. For example, the controller 17 may perform any one of a plurality of functions (e.g., a warm-up function, a heating function, a charging function, and a cleaning function) of the aerosol-generating device 10 according to states of various components provided in the aerosol-generating device 10, user commands received through the input/output interface 12, and the like.

The controller 17 may control the operation of the various components provided in the aerosol-generating device 10 based on data stored in the memory 14. For example, the controller 17 may control such that a predetermined power is supplied from the battery 16 to the aerosol-generating module 13 for a predetermined time based on data (e.g., a temperature profile and an inhalation pattern of a user) stored in the memory 14.

The controller 17 may determine the occurrence or non-occurrence of suction through a suction sensor included in the sensor module 15. For example, the controller 17 may check for temperature changes, flow changes, pressure changes, and voltage changes in the aerosol-generating device 10 based on the values sensed by the puff sensor. For example, the controller 17 may determine whether suction is occurring or not according to an inspection result based on a value sensed by the suction sensor.

The controller 17 may control the operation of the various components provided in the aerosol-generating device 10 in accordance with the occurrence or non-occurrence and/or number of puffs. For example, the controller 17 may control changing or maintaining the temperature of the heater 131 based on a temperature profile stored in the memory 14.

The controller 17 may control such that the supply of electric power to the heater 131 is interrupted according to a predetermined condition. For example, the controller 17 may control such that when the stick is removed, when the cartridge 200 is removed from the main body 100, when the number of times of suction reaches a predetermined maximum number of times of suction, when suction is not sensed for a predetermined or longer time, or when the remaining capacity of the battery 16 is less than a predetermined value, the power supply to the heater is cut off.

The controller 17 may calculate a remaining capacity (hereinafter referred to as "remaining capacity") for the full charge capacity of the battery 16. For example, the controller 17 may calculate the remaining amount of the battery 16 based on values sensed by a voltage sensor and/or a current sensor included in the sensor module 15.

The controller 17 may control such that at least one of a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) method and a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) method is used to supply power to the heater 131.

For example, the controller 17 may control such that a current pulse having a predetermined frequency and a predetermined duty ratio is supplied to the heater using a PWM method. In this case, the controller 17 may control the power supplied to the heater 131 by adjusting the frequency and the duty ratio of the current pulses.

For example, the controller 17 may determine to control the target temperature based on a temperature profile. In this case, the controller 17 may control the power supplied to the heater 131 using a PID method, which is a feedback control method using a difference between the temperature of the heater and the target temperature, a value obtained by integrating the difference with respect to time, and a value obtained by differentiating the difference with respect to time.

For example, the controller 17 may control the power supplied to the heater 131 based on a temperature profile. The controller 17 may control the length of a heating section for heating the heater 131, the amount of electric power supplied to the heater 131 in the heating section, and the like. The controller 17 may control the power supplied to the heater 131 based on the target temperature of the heater 131.

Although the PWM method and the PID method are described as exemplary methods of controlling the supply of power to the heater 131, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Other various control methods, such as a proportional-integral (PI) method and a proportional-derivative (PD) method, may also be used.

The controller 17 may determine the temperature of the heater 131, and may adjust the amount of power supplied to the heater 131 according to the temperature of the heater 131. For example, the controller 17 may determine the temperature of the heater 131 by checking the resistance value of the heater 131, the current flowing through the heater 131, and/or the voltage applied to the heater 131.

Further, the controller 17 may control such that power is supplied to the heater 131 according to a predetermined condition. For example, when a cleaning function for cleaning a space in which a stick is inserted is selected according to a command input by a user through the input/output interface 12, the controller 17 may control such that a predetermined power is supplied to the heater 131.

Fig. 2 to 4 are diagrams for explaining an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device 10 may comprise a body 100 and/or a cartridge 200.

Referring to fig. 2, the aerosol-generating device 10 according to this embodiment may comprise a body 100, the body 100 being configured to allow insertion of the rod 20 into a space defined by its housing 101.

Rod 20 may resemble a general combustible cigarette. For example, the rod 20 may be divided into a first portion comprising aerosol-generating substance and a second portion comprising a filter or the like. Alternatively, the second portion of the rod 20 may also comprise an aerosol-generating substance. For example, aerosol-generating material in the form of particles or capsules may be inserted into the second portion.

The entire first portion may be inserted into the aerosol-generating device 10 and the second portion may be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a portion of the first part may be inserted into the aerosol-generating device 10, or portions of the first and second parts may be inserted into the aerosol-generating device 10. The user may inhale the aerosol while holding the second portion in his or her mouth. As external or extraneous air passes through the first portion, an aerosol may be generated, and the generated aerosol may pass through the second portion to be delivered into the mouth of the user.

The main body 100 may have a structure allowing external air to be introduced thereinto with the stick 20 inserted. Here, the external air introduced into the main body 100 may pass through the stick 20 to flow into the mouth of the user.

The heater may be provided in the body 100 at a position corresponding to a position where the rod 20 is inserted into the body 100. Although the heater in fig. 2 is shown as a conductive heater 110 including needle-shaped conductive tracks, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

The heater may heat the inside and/or outside of the rod 20 by using power supplied from the battery 16. In this case, an aerosol may be generated in the heated rod 20. Here, the user may draw at one end of the rod 20 with his or her mouth to inhale the tobacco flavor aerosol.

Further, according to a predetermined condition, the controller 17 may control such that power is supplied to the heater even when the stick 20 is not inserted into the body 100. For example, when a cleaning function for a space into which the cleaning rod 20 is inserted is selected according to a command input by a user through the input/output interface 12, the controller 17 may control a predetermined power to be supplied to the heater.

The controller 17 may monitor the number of times of suction when the stick 20 is inserted into the body 10 based on the value sensed by the suction sensor 151.

When the inserted stick 20 is removed from the body 100, the controller 17 may initialize the current number of puffs stored in the memory 14.

Referring to fig. 3, the aerosol-generating device 10 according to this embodiment may comprise a body 100 supporting a cartridge 200 and a cartridge 200 containing an aerosol-generating substance.

In one embodiment, the cartridge 200 may be configured to be removably attached to the body 100. In another embodiment, the cartridge 200 may be integrally formed with the body 100. For example, at least a portion of the cartridge 200 may be inserted into an interior space defined by the housing 101 of the body 100, thereby allowing the cartridge 200 to be mounted to the body 100.

The main body 100 may have a structure allowing external air to be introduced thereinto with the cartridge 200 inserted. Here, the external air introduced into the main body 100 may pass through the cartridge 200 to flow into the mouth of the user.

The controller 17 may determine that the cartridge 200 is mounted to/removed from the main body 100 by a cartridge detection sensor included in the sensor module 15. For example, the cartridge detection sensor may send a pulsed current through one terminal connected to the cartridge 200. In this case, the cartridge detection sensor may detect connection or disconnection of the cartridge 200 based on whether or not a pulse current is received through the other terminal.

The cartridge 200 may comprise a heater 210 to heat the aerosol-generating substance and/or a storage portion 220 to store the aerosol-generating substance. For example, a liquid delivery element impregnated with (containing) an aerosol-generating substance may be provided in the storage portion 220. The conductive track of the heater 210 may have a structure wound around the liquid delivery member. As the liquid delivery element is heated by the heater 210, an aerosol may be generated. Here, the liquid transport element may be a core such as cotton fibers, ceramic fibers, glass fibers or porous ceramics.

The cartridge 200 may include an insertion space 230 configured to allow the rod 20 to be inserted therein. For example, the cartridge 200 may include an insertion space defined by an inner wall (not shown) extending in a circumferential direction along the direction in which the rod 20 is inserted. Here, the inner side of the inner wall may be vertically opened to define an insertion space. The rod 20 may be inserted into an insertion space 230 defined by the inner wall.

The insertion space into which the rod 20 is inserted may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the portion of the rod 20 inserted into the insertion space. For example, when the rod 20 has a cylindrical shape, the insertion space may be formed in a cylindrical shape.

When the rod 20 is inserted into the insertion space, the outer circumferential surface of the rod 20 may be surrounded by the inner wall to be in contact with the inner wall.

A portion of the rod 20 may be inserted into the insertion space 230 of the cartridge 200 and the remaining portion may be exposed to the outside.

The user may inhale the aerosol while holding one end of the wand 20 in his or her mouth. The aerosol generated by the heater 210 may pass through the rod 20 to be delivered into the mouth of the user. Here, the material included in the rod 20 may be added to the aerosol while passing through the rod 20, and the aerosol to which the material is added may be inhaled into the user's mouth through one end of the rod 20.

Referring to fig. 4, the aerosol-generating device 10 according to this embodiment may comprise a body 100 supporting a cartridge 200 and a cartridge 200 containing an aerosol-generating substance. The body 100 may be configured such that the rod 20 may be inserted into the insertion space 130.

The aerosol-generating device 10 may comprise a first heater configured to heat the aerosol-generating substance stored in the cartridge 200. For example, when a user draws at one end of the rod 20 with his or her mouth, the aerosol generated by the first heater may pass through the rod 20. Here, the flavoring may be added to the aerosol while passing through the rod 20. The flavoured aerosol may be inhaled into the user's mouth through one end of the wand 20.

In another embodiment, the aerosol-generating device 10 may comprise: a first heater configured to heat the aerosol-generating substance stored in the cartridge 200; and a second heater configured to heat the rod 20 inserted into the body 100. For example, the aerosol-generating device 10 may generate an aerosol by heating the aerosol-generating substance stored in the cartridge 200 and the rod 20 by the first heater and the second heater, respectively.

Fig. 5 to 7 are diagrams for explaining a stick according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The repetitive description in fig. 5 to 7 will be omitted.

Referring to fig. 5, a rod 20 according to this embodiment may include a tobacco rod 21 and a filter rod 22. The first portion described above with reference to fig. 2 may comprise a tobacco rod 21. The second portion described above with reference to fig. 2 may include a filter rod 22.

The filter rod 22 in fig. 5 is shown as a single segment, but is not limited thereto. In other words, the filter rod 22 may comprise multiple segments. For example, the filter rod 22 may include a first section for cooling the aerosol and a second section for filtering predetermined components included in the aerosol. In addition, the filter rod 22 may also include at least one segment that performs another function when desired.

The diameter of the rod 20 may be in the range of 5mm to 9mm, and the length of the rod 20 may be about 48mm. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the length of the tobacco rod 21 may be about 12mm, the length of the first section of the filter rod 22 may be about 10mm, the length of the second section of the filter rod 22 may be about 14mm, and the length of the third section of the filter rod 22 may be about 12mm. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

The rod 20 may be wrapped by at least one wrapper 24. The wrapper 24 may have at least one hole through which external air is introduced or internal air is exhausted. In one example, the rod 20 may be wrapped by a wrapper 24. In another example, the rod 20 may be wrapped in an overlapping manner by two or more wrappers 24. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be wrapped by a first wrapper 241. For example, the filter rod 22 may be wrapped by the second wrappers 242, 243 and 244. The tobacco rod 21 and the filter rod 22, which are wrapped by the respective wrappers, may be coupled to one another. The entire rod 20 may be wrapped again by the third wrapper 245. When the filter rod 22 is comprised of multiple segments, each segment may be wrapped with a separate wrapper (242, 243, 244). In addition, the entire rod 20, in which the segments respectively wrapped by the individual wrappers are coupled to each other, may be wrapped again by another wrapper.

The first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be made of a general filter wrapper paper. For example, the first and second wrappers 241, 242 may be porous or non-porous wrappers. In addition, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be made of oil resistant paper and/or aluminum laminate packaging materials.

The third wrapper 243 may be made of hard wrap paper. For example, the basis weight of the third wrap 243 may be in the range of 88g/m ² to 96g/m ². For example, the basis weight of the third wrap 243 may be in the range of 90g/m ² to 94g/m ². In addition, the thickness of the third wrap 243 may be in the range of 120 μm to 130 μm. For example, the thickness of the third wrap 243 may be 125 μm.

The fourth wrapper 244 may be made of oil resistant hard wrapping paper. For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 244 may be in the range of 88g/m ² to 96g/m ². For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 244 may be in the range of 90g/m ² to 94g/m ². In addition, the thickness of the fourth wrap 244 may be in the range of 120 μm to 130 μm. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrap 244 may be 125 μm.

The fifth wrapper 245 may be made of sterile paper (MFW). Here, the aseptic paper (MFW) may refer to paper specifically designed to have improved tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc., as compared to general paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 245 may be in the range of 57g/m ² to 63g/m ². For example, the fifth wrapper 245 may have a basis weight of 60g/m ². In addition, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 245 may be in the range of 64 μm to 70 μm. For example, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 245 may be 67 μm.

A predetermined material may be added to the fifth wrapper 245. Here, an example of the predetermined material may be a silicone resin, but is not limited thereto. For example, the silicone resin may have properties such as heat resistance, oxidation resistance, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency to water, electrical insulation, and the like, which are small in variation with temperature. However, any material having the above properties may be applied to or coated on the fifth wrapper 245 in addition to the silicone.

The fifth wrapper 245 may prevent combustion of the rod 20. For example, when the tobacco rod 21 is heated by the heater 110, there may be a possibility of the rod 20 burning. In detail, the rod 20 may be combustible when the temperature rises above the ignition point of any of the materials included in the tobacco rod 21. However, when the fifth wrapper 245 includes a non-combustible material, combustion of the rod 20 may be prevented.

In addition, the fifth wrapper 245 may prevent the body 100 from being contaminated by the material generated in the rod 20. Due to the suction of the user, liquid material may be generated in the wand 20. For example, when the aerosol introduced into the rod 20 is cooled by the outside air, a liquid (e.g., moisture, etc.) may be generated. When the rod 20 is wrapped by the fifth wrapper 245, the liquid generated in the rod 20 can be prevented from leaking out of the rod 20.

The tobacco rod 21 may include an aerosol-generating substance. For example, the aerosol-generating substance may include, but is not limited to, at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol. In addition, the tobacco rod 21 may contain other additives such as flavoring agents, humectants, and/or organic acids. In addition, a flavoring liquid such as menthol or a humectant may be added to the tobacco rod 21 by spraying onto the tobacco rod 21.

The tobacco rod 21 may be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be formed as a sheet. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be formed into a tow. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be formed as cut tobacco obtained by finely cutting a tobacco sheet. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be surrounded by a thermally conductive material. For example, the heat conductive material may be a metal foil such as an aluminum foil, but is not limited thereto. For example, the thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 may evenly distribute heat transferred to the tobacco rod 21, thereby increasing the conductivity of heat applied to the tobacco rod 21. As a result, the taste of tobacco can be improved. The thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 may act as a susceptor that is heated by an induction heater. Although not shown in the figures, the tobacco rod 21 may include additional susceptors in addition to the thermally conductive material surrounding its exterior.

The filter rod 22 may be a acetate filter. Further, the filter rod 22 is not limited to a specific shape. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a cylindrical rod. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a tubular rod including a hollow therein. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a recessed rod. When the filter rod 22 is composed of multiple segments, at least one of the segments may have a different shape than the other segments.

The first section of the filter rod 22 may be an acetate filter. For example, the first section may be a tubular structure including a hollow therein. The first segment may prevent the interior material of the tobacco rod 21 from being pushed back when the heater 110 is inserted and may provide the effect of cooling the aerosol. The diameter of the hollow included in the first section may be appropriately determined or selected in the range of 2mm to 4.5mm, but is not limited thereto.

The length of the first segment may be appropriately determined in the range of 4mm to 30mm, but is not limited thereto. For example, the length of the first section may be 10mm, but is not limited thereto.

The second section of the filter rod 22 cools the aerosol generated when the heater 110 heats the tobacco rod 21. Thus, the user can inhale the aerosol cooled to an appropriate temperature.

The length or diameter of the second segment may be determined differently depending on the shape of the rod 20. For example, the length of the second section may be suitably selected in the range of 7mm to 20 mm. More preferably, the length of the second section may be about 14mm, but is not limited thereto.

The second section may be made by braiding polymer fibers. In this case, the seasoning liquid may be applied to the fiber made of the polymer. Alternatively, the second section may be made by braiding together individual fibers coated with a flavoring liquid and fibers made of a polymer. Alternatively, the second section may be made from a curled polymeric sheet.

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

When the second section is made of woven polymer fibers or crimped polymer sheets, the second section may include a single channel or multiple channels extending in the longitudinal direction. Here, a "channel" may refer to a passage through which a gas (e.g., air or aerosol) passes.

For example, the second segment made of crimped polymer sheet may be made of a material having a thickness between 5 μm and 300 μm, i.e. between 10 μm and 250 μm. Additionally, the total surface area of the second section may be between 300mm ²/mm and 1000mm ²/mm. In addition, the aerosol-cooling element may be made of a material having a specific surface area between 10mm ²/mg and 100mm ²/mg.

Further, the second section may include a line comprising volatile flavor components. Here, the volatile flavor component may be menthol, but is not limited thereto. For example, the thread may be filled with a sufficient amount of menthol to provide at least 1.5mg of menthol to the second segment.

The third section of the filter rod 22 may be an acetate filter. The length of the third section may be suitably selected in the range 4mm to 20 mm. For example, the length of the third section may be about 12mm, but is not limited thereto.

The filter rod 22 may be manufactured to produce a flavor. In one example, a flavoring may be sprayed onto the filter rod 22. In another example, individual fibers coated with a flavoring may be inserted into the filter rod 22.

In addition, the filter rod 22 may include at least one capsule 23. Here, the capsule 23 may perform a function of generating flavor. The capsule 23 may also perform the function of generating an aerosol. For example, the capsule 23 may have a structure in which a liquid containing a flavoring material is wrapped in a film. The capsule 23 may have a spherical shape or a cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

Referring to fig. 6, the rod 30 according to this embodiment may further include a front end plug 33. The front plug 33 is disposed on the opposite side of the filter rod 32 from the tobacco rod 31. The front plug 33 prevents the tobacco rod 31 from being separated to the outside. The front plug 33 prevents liquefied aerosol from flowing from the tobacco rod 31 into the aerosol-generating device 10 during smoking.

The filter rod 32 may include a first section 321 and a second section 322. The first section 321 may correspond to the first section of the filter rod 22 of fig. 5. Second section 322 may correspond to the third section of filter rod 22 of fig. 5.

The diameter and overall length of rod 30 may correspond to the diameter and overall length of rod 20 of fig. 5. For example, the front plug 33 may be about 7mm in length, the tobacco rod 31 may be about 15mm in length, the first section 321 may be about 12mm in length, and the second section 322 may be about 14mm in length. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

The rod 30 may be wrapped by at least one wrapper 35. The wrapper 35 may have at least one hole through which external air is introduced or internal air is discharged. For example, front plug 33 may be wrapped by a first wrapper 351, tobacco rod 31 may be wrapped by a second wrapper 352, first section 321 may be wrapped by a third wrapper 353, and second section 322 may be wrapped by a fourth wrapper 354. The entire rod 30 may then be wrapped again by the fifth wrapper 355.

In addition, the fifth wrapper 355 may have at least one perforation 36. For example, perforations 36 may be formed in the area surrounding tobacco rod 31, but are not limited thereto. For example, perforations 36 may be used to transfer heat generated by heater 210 of fig. 3 to the interior of tobacco rod 31.

Additionally, second section 322 may include at least one capsule 34. Here, the capsule 34 may perform a flavor generating function. The capsule 34 may also perform the function of generating an aerosol. For example, the capsule 34 may have a structure in which a liquid containing a flavoring material is wrapped in a film. The capsule 34 may have a spherical shape or a cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

The first wrapper 351 may be made by coupling a metal foil (e.g., aluminum foil) to a general filter wrapper. For example, the total thickness of the first wrap 351 may be in the range of 45 μm to 55 μm. For example, the total thickness of the first wrap 351 may be 50.3 μm. In addition, the thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper 351 may be in the range of 6 μm to 7 μm. For example, the thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper 351 may be 6.3 μm. In addition, the basis weight of the first wrap 351 may be in the range of 50g/m ² to 55g/m ². For example, the basis weight of the first wrapper 351 may be 53g/m ².

The second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 may be made of a common filter wrap paper. For example, the second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 may be porous or non-porous wrappers.

For example, the porosity of the second wrapper 352 may be 35000CU, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the thickness of the second wrap 352 may be in the range of 70 μm to 80 μm. For example, the thickness of the second wrap 352 may be 78 μm. In addition, the basis weight of the second wrapper 352 may be in the range of 20g/m ² to 25g/m ². For example, the basis weight of the second wrapper 352 may be 23.5g/m ².

For example, the porosity of the third wrapper 353 may be 24000CU, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the thickness of the third wrapper 353 may be in the range of 60 μm to 70 μm. For example, the thickness of the third wrapper 353 may be 68 μm. In addition, the basis weight of the third wrapper 353 can be in the range of 20g/m ² to 25g/m ². For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper 353 may be 21g/m ².

The fourth wrapper 354 may be made of PLA laminate paper. Here, PLA laminated paper may refer to a three-ply paper consisting of a paper ply, a PLA layer and a paper ply. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrap 354 may be in the range of 100 μm to 120 μm. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrap 354 may be 110 μm. In addition, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 354 may be in the range of 80g/m ² to 100g/m ². For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 354 may be 88g/m ².

Fifth wrapper 355 may be made of sterile paper (MFW). Here, the aseptic paper (MFW) may refer to paper specifically designed to have improved tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc., as compared to general paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 355 may be in the range of 57g/m ² to 63g/m ². For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 355 may be 60g/m ². In addition, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 355 may be in the range of 64 μm to 70 μm. For example, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 355 may be 67 μm.

A predetermined material may be added to the fifth wrapper 355. Here, an example of the predetermined material may be a silicone resin, but is not limited thereto. For example, silicone resins have properties such as heat resistance, oxidation resistance, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency to water, electrical insulation, and the like, which are small in change with temperature. However, any material having the above properties may be applied (or coated) onto fifth wrapper 355, in addition to silicone.

The front plug 33 may be made of cellulose acetate. In one example, the front plug 33 may be made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., glyceryl triacetate) to the cellulose acetate tow. The filaments comprising the cellulose acetate tow may have a single denier in the range of 1.0 to 10.0. For example, the filaments comprising the cellulose acetate tow may have a single denier in the range of 4.0 to 6.0. For example, the filament of the front plug 33 may have a single denier of 5.0. In addition, the filament of the front plug 33 may have a Y-shaped cross section. The total denier of the front plug 33 may be in the range of 20000 to 30000. For example, the total denier of the front plug 33 may be in the range of 25000 to 30000. For example, the total denier of the front plug 33 may be 28000.

In addition, the front end plug 33 may include at least one channel when desired. The cross-sectional shape of the passage of the front plug 330 may be formed in various ways.

The tobacco rod 31 may correspond to the tobacco rod 21 described above with reference to fig. 5. Therefore, a detailed description of the tobacco rod 31 will be omitted.

The first section 321 may be made of cellulose acetate. For example, the first section may be a tubular structure including a hollow therein. The first section 321 may be made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., glyceryl triacetate) to the cellulose acetate tow. For example, the single denier and the total denier of the first segment 321 may be the same as the single denier and the total denier of the front end plug 33.

The second section 322 may be made of cellulose acetate. The filaments of second segment 322 may have a single denier in the range of 1.0 to 10.0. For example, the filaments of second segment 322 may have a single denier in the range of 8.0 to 10.0. For example, the filaments of second segment 322 may have a single denier of 9.0. Additionally, the filaments of second section 322 may have a Y-shaped cross-section. The total denier of second segment 322 may be in the range of 20000 to 30000. For example, the total denier of second segment 322 may be 25000.

Referring to fig. 7, the wand 40 may include a media portion 410. The rod 40 may include a cooling portion 420. The rod 40 may include a filter portion 430. The cooling portion 420 may be disposed between the media portion 410 and the filtering portion 430. The wand 40 may include a wrapper 440. Wrap 440 may wrap media portion 410. The wrap 440 may wrap the cooling portion 420. The wrap 440 may wrap the filter portion 430. The rod 40 may have a cylindrical shape.

The media portion 410 may include media 411. The media portion 410 may include a first media cover 413. The media portion 410 may include a second media cover 415. The media 411 may be disposed between a first media cover 413 and a second media cover 415. The first medium cover 413 may be disposed at one end of the rod 40. The media portion 410 may have a length of 24 mm.

The medium 411 may comprise a multi-component substance. The substance contained in the medium may be a multi-component flavouring substance. The medium 411 may be composed of a plurality of particles. Each of the plurality of particles may have a size of 0.4mm to 1.12 mm. The particles may comprise about 70% of the volume of the medium 411. The length L2 of the medium 411 may be 10mm. The first dielectric cover 413 may be made of acetate material. The second dielectric cap 415 may be made of acetate material. The first medium cover 413 may be made of a paper material. The second media cover 415 may be made of a paper material. At least one of the first and second media covers 413 and 415 may be made of a corrugated paper material, and a plurality of gaps may be formed between the corrugations to allow air to flow therethrough. The respective gaps may be smaller than the respective particles of the medium 411. The length L1 of the first media cover 413 may be less than the length L2 of the media 411. The length L3 of the second media cover 415 may be less than the length L2 of the media 411. The length L1 of the first medium cover 413 may be 7mm. The length L2 of the second media cover 415 may be 7mm.

Accordingly, individual particles of the medium 411 can be prevented from being separated from the medium portion 410 and the stick 40.

The cooling portion 420 may have a cylindrical shape. The cooling portion 420 may have a hollow shape. The cooling portion 420 may be disposed between the media portion 410 and the filtering portion 430. The cooling portion 420 may be disposed between the second media cover 415 and the filtering portion 430. The cooling portion 420 may be formed in a tube shape surrounding a cooling path 424 formed therein. The cooling portion 420 may be thicker than the wrap 440. The cooling portion 420 may be made of a thicker paper material than the wrapper 440. The length L4 of the cooling portion 420 may be equal to or similar to the length L2 of the medium 411. As the length of the cooling portion 420 and the cooling path 424, the length L4 may be 10mm. When the rod 40 is inserted into the aerosol-generating device 10, at least a portion of the cooling portion 420 may be exposed to the exterior of the aerosol-generating device 10.

Thus, the cooling portion 420 may support the media portion 410 and the filtering portion 430, and may achieve rigidity of the rod 40. In addition, the cooling portion 420 may support a wrap 440 between the media portion 410 and the filtering portion 430, and may provide a portion to which the wrap 440 is attached. Additionally, the heated air and aerosol may be cooled while passing through the cooling path 424 in the cooling portion 420.

The filter portion 430 may be configured as a filter made of acetate material. The filtering portion 430 may be provided at the other end of the rod 40. When the rod 40 is inserted into the aerosol-generating device 10, the filtering portion 430 may be exposed to the outside of the aerosol-generating device 10. The user may inhale air while holding the filtering part 430 in his or her mouth. The length L5 of the filtering portion 430 may be 14mm.

The wrap 440 may wrap or surround the media portion 410, the cooling portion 420, and the filtering portion 430. The wrap 440 may define the appearance of the stick 40. The wrapper 440 may be made of a paper material. The adhesive portion 441 may be formed along one edge of the wrapper 440. The wrap 440 may surround the medium part 410, the cooling part 420, and the filtering part 430, and an adhesive part 441 formed along one edge of the wrap 440 and the other edge of the wrap 440 may be attached to each other. The wrap 440 may surround the media portion 410, the cooling portion 420, and the filtering portion 430, but may not cover one end and the other end of the rod 40.

Thus, the wrap 440 may secure the media portion 410, the cooling portion 420, and the filtering portion 430, and may prevent these components from being separated from the rod 40.

The first film 443 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the first medium cover 413. The first film 443 may be disposed between the wrapper 440 and the first medium cover 413, or may be disposed outside the wrapper 440. The first membrane 443 may surround the first medium cover 413. The first film 443 may be made of a metal material. The first film 443 may be made of an aluminum material. The first film 443 may be in close contact with the wrapper 440 or coated on the wrapper 440.

The second film 445 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the second medium cover 415. The second film 445 may be disposed between the wrapper 440 and the second media cover 415 or may be disposed outside the wrapper 440. The second film 445 may be made of a metal material. The second film 445 may be made of an aluminum material. The second film 445 may be in intimate contact with the wrapper 440 or coated on the wrapper 440.

Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating an aerosol-generating system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to fig. 8, the aerosol-generating system 1 may comprise an aerosol-generating device 10 and a charger 70.

The aerosol-generating device 10 may comprise a communication interface 11, an input/output interface 12, a heater 131, a battery 16 and/or a controller 17. Since the description of the components of the aerosol-generating device 10 is repeated with the description of the components described above with reference to fig. 1, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The charger 70 may be communicatively connected to the aerosol-generating device 10. For example, the charger 70 may be communicatively connected to the aerosol-generating device 10 using wireless communication. When the charger 70 is connected to the aerosol-generating device 10 via wireless communication, a power signal may be sent to the aerosol-generating device 10 and a data signal may be sent to and received from the aerosol-generating device 10.

The charger 70 may use known techniques such as magnetic induction methods, magnetic resonance methods, electromagnetic wave methods, etc. to power the aerosol-generating device 10. For example, the charger 70 may be in the form of a pad and the wireless charging may be initiated by placing the aerosol-generating device 10 on the pad. When the pad of the charger 70 has a built-in primary coil and the aerosol-generating device 10 has a built-in secondary coil and a wireless charging circuit, power can be supplied from the charger 70 to the aerosol-generating device 10 by mutually induced electromotive forces. The supplied power may charge the battery 16 of the aerosol-generating device 10.

Although not shown in the figures, the aerosol-generating system 1 may further comprise an external device 80.

The external device 80 may be communicatively connected to the charger 70. For example, the external device 80 may be communicatively connected to the charger 70 using wired/wireless communication.

The external device 80 may transmit user age authentication completion information to the charger 70.

The external device 80 is not particularly limited, and may be any device capable of transmitting user age authentication completion information to the charger 70, such as a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a smart phone, a tablet PC, a server computer, or the like.

The external device 80 may include at least one of an external server, a computing device provided in a store (or shop), and a user terminal.

Fig. 9 is a block diagram of a charger according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to fig. 9, the charger 70 may be a device capable of supplying power to the outside.

The charger 70 may include a communication interface 710, a memory 720, an input/output interface 730, and a controller 740.

The communication interface 710 may comprise at least one communication module for communicating with the aerosol-generating device 10 and/or a network. For example, the communication interface 11 may comprise a communication module for wireless communication, such as wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), zigbee, or Near Field Communication (NFC).

Communication interface 710 may include a transmitter 711 and a receiver 712. The transmitter 711 may transmit a signal to the aerosol-generating device 10 and/or the network. The receiver 712 may receive signals from the aerosol-generating device 10 and/or the network. The signals transmitted and received through the transmitter 711 and the receiver 712 may be data signals and/or power signals.

The charger 70 may transmit a power signal to the aerosol-generating device 10 via the transmitter 711, thereby allowing power to be supplied to the aerosol-generating device 10.

The memory 720 may include at least one non-volatile memory (e.g., flash memory, a Hard Disk Drive (HDD), or a Solid State Drive (SSD)).

The memory 720 may store programs for processing and controlling respective signals in the controller 740, and may store processed data and data to be processed. Herein, programs and applications are used interchangeably when needed.

The memory 720 may store a preset locking signal (locking key) and an unlocking signal (unlocking key) with respect to locking or unlocking the aerosol-generating device 10. For example, the locking signal and the unlocking signal may be keys each having a predetermined value preset by the manufacturer of the aerosol-generating device 10.

The memory 720 may store a unique identifier of the aerosol-generating device 10 and/or a unique identifier of the external device 80. For example, the unique identifier of the aerosol-generating device 10 and/or the unique identifier of the external device 80 may comprise a medium access control address (MAC address), a serial number, an International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI), or the like.

The memory 720 may store authentication information for switching modes of the charger 70. For example, the memory 720 may store password information for switching the mode of the charger 70.

Input/output interface 730 may include input device 731 for receiving commands from a user and/or output device 732 for outputting information to a user. For example, the input device 731 may include a touch panel, physical buttons, and the like. For example, the output device 732 may include a display device (e.g., an LED or display) for outputting visual information and an audio device (e.g., a speaker) for outputting audible information.

The controller 740 may control the overall operation of the charger 70. The controller 740 may be connected to and may transmit and/or receive signals to and/or from various components included in the charger 70, thereby controlling the overall operation of the various components.

The controller 740 may include at least one processor, and may control the overall operation of the charger 70 by using the processor included therein. Here, the processor may be a general-purpose processor such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU). Alternatively, the processor may be a dedicated device such as an ASIC or any other hardware-based processor. In addition, the controller 740 may be implemented in the form of a single chip including the memory 720.

Fig. 10 is a flowchart illustrating operation of an aerosol-generating system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to fig. 10, in operation S1001, the aerosol-generating device 10 may be communicatively connected to the charger 70. For example, the aerosol-generating device 10 and the charger 70 may be communicatively connected to each other using wireless communication. For example, when the aerosol-generating device 10 is placed adjacent to the charger 70 or on a pad of the charger 70, the aerosol-generating device 10 and the charger 70 may be communicatively connected to each other via wireless communication.

In operation S1002, the charger 70 may transmit a power signal to the aerosol-generating device 10. The communication interface 710 (second communication interface) of the charger 70 may wirelessly transmit a power signal to the communication interface 11 (first communication interface) of the aerosol-generating device 10. For example, the second communication interface 710 of the charger 70 may comprise a primary coil and the first communication interface 11 of the aerosol-generating device 10 may comprise a secondary coil, allowing a power signal to be wirelessly transmitted from the primary coil of the charger 70 to the secondary coil of the aerosol-generating device 10.

In operation S1003, the aerosol-generating device 10 may charge the battery 16. The aerosol-generating device 10 may charge the battery 16 with a power signal received wirelessly from the charger 70 via the first communication interface 11. For example, the aerosol-generating device 10 may convert the power signal transmitted through the first communication interface 11 into chargeable power through a rectifier. The aerosol-generating device 10 may utilize the converted electrical power to charge the battery 16.

Further, with respect to operations S1002 and S1003, the aerosol-generating device 10 may detect various events occurring during charging, and may check the state of charge of the battery 16 to generate a feedback signal. The aerosol-generating device 10 may send a feedback signal to the charger 70 via the first communication interface 11. The controller 740 of the charger 70 may identify the state of charge of the aerosol-generating device 10 based on the received feedback signal and may control the power signal sent through the second communication interface 710.

In operation S1004, the aerosol-generating device 10 may generate a status signal. The status signal may include information indicating whether the aerosol-generating device 10 is in the locked or unlocked state. The aerosol-generating device 10 may determine whether the current operating state is a locked state or an unlocked state, and may generate a state signal based on the current operating state.

Here, the locked state of the aerosol-generating device 10 may be a state in which use of at least one of a warm-up function or a heating function for supplying power to the heater 131, an input/output function for controlling an operation of the output device or an operation of the input device, and a cleaning function for cleaning the insertion space of the stick is restricted. The unlocked state of the aerosol-generating device 10 may be a state in which the restriction on the use of at least one of the warm-up function or the heating function, the input/output function, and the cleaning function is released.

In operation S1005, the aerosol-generating device 10 may send a status signal to the charger 70 through the first communication interface 11. For example, the aerosol-generating device 10 may wirelessly transmit a status signal to the charger 70 via the secondary coil of the first communication interface 11.

In operation S1006, the charger 70 may transmit a lock signal or an unlock signal to the aerosol-generating device 10. The operation of the charger 70 to transmit the locking signal or the unlocking signal will be described in detail later with reference to fig. 11 and 12.

In operation S1007, the aerosol-generating device 10 may lock or unlock the aerosol-generating device 10 based on the received signal.

For example, the aerosol-generating device 10 may unlock the aerosol-generating device 10 based on receiving an unlock signal from the charger 70 via the first communication interface 11. The aerosol-generating device 10 may compare the signal received from the charger 70 with the locking and unlocking keys stored in the memory 14. When the received signal corresponds to an unlock key, the aerosol-generating device 10 may determine that an unlock signal was received.

In response to receiving the unlock signal, the aerosol-generating device 10 may release the restriction on use of the at least one of the warm-up function or the heating function, the input/output function, and the cleaning function.

For example, the aerosol-generating device 10 may lock the aerosol-generating device 10 based on receiving a lock signal from the charger 70 via the first communication interface 11. The aerosol-generating device 10 may compare the signal received from the charger 70 with the locking and unlocking keys stored in the memory 14. When the received signal corresponds to a locking key, the aerosol-generating device 10 may determine that a locking signal was received.

In response to receiving the lock signal, the aerosol-generating device 10 may limit use of at least one of the warm-up function or the heating function, the input/output function, and the cleaning function.

Further, the status signal may include information indicating whether the aerosol-generating device 10 is in a shipping mode. The aerosol-generating device 10 may determine whether the current operating state is a shipping mode state, and may generate a status signal indicating the shipping mode state when the current operating state is determined to be a shipping mode. The aerosol-generating device 10 may send status information to the charger 70.

Here, the shipping mode is a mode in which the power consumption of the aerosol-generating device 10 is minimized by disabling hardware components other than the controller in the aerosol-generating device 10 while the aerosol-generating device 10 is assembled and shipped. Most of the internal hardware components are deactivated in the shipping mode, which is in marked distinction to the locking mode, which limits the use of at least one of the plurality of functions of the aerosol-generating device 10.

Prior to shipping the aerosol-generating device 10, the controller 17 of the aerosol-generating device 10 may be programmed to be set to a shipping mode by external input. Cancellation of the shipping mode may mean that the aerosol-generating device 10 enters an unlocked mode.

In this case, the charger 70 may transmit an unlock signal to the aerosol-generating device 10 in operation S1006. The charger 70 may send an unlock signal to the aerosol-generating device 10 when the aerosol-generating device 10 is determined to be in the shipping mode based on the status information received from the aerosol-generating device 10.

The aerosol-generating device 10 may receive an unlock signal to clear the shipping mode in operation S1007.

Fig. 11 and 12 are flowcharts illustrating the operation of the charger according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. A detailed description repeated with the description in fig. 10 will be omitted.

Referring to fig. 11, in operation S1110, the charger 70 may be communicatively connected to the aerosol-generating device 10. For example, the aerosol-generating device 10 and the charger 70 may be communicatively connected to each other using wireless communication.

In operation S1120, the charger 70 may transmit a power signal to the aerosol-generating device 10. The second communication interface 710 of the charger 70 may wirelessly transmit a power signal to the first communication interface 11 of the aerosol-generating device 10.

In operation S1130, the charger 70 may receive a status signal from the aerosol-generating device 10.

In operation S1140, the charger 70 may determine a state of the aerosol-generating device 10 based on the received state signal. Based on the status signal, the charger 70 may determine whether the aerosol-generating device 10 is currently in the locked or unlocked state.

When the aerosol-generating device 10 is determined to be in the locked state, the charger 70 may transmit an unlock signal to the aerosol-generating device 10 in operation S1150.

When the aerosol-generating device 10 is determined to be in the unlocked state, the charger 70 may send a lock signal to the aerosol-generating device 10 in operation S1160.

Further, before the communication connection operation of the charger 70 (operation S1110), age authentication of the user may be performed. Age authentication of a user refers to the process of verifying that the user's age is greater than or equal to a particular age.

For example, the authentication of the user's age may be accomplished by checking the user's ID card by the store's responsible person selling the aerosol-generating device 10. Here, the charger 70 may be a charger provided in a store. Once the store principal verifies the age of the user, the aerosol-generating device 10 and the charger 70 may be communicatively connected to each other. Operations S1120 to S1160 may be performed when the aerosol-generating device 10 and the charger 70 are communicatively connected to each other.

For example, age authentication of the user may be performed by the charger 70 and the external device 80. Age authentication and/or age authentication confirmation using the charger 70 and the external device 80 will be described in detail later with reference to fig. 13.

Further, when it is determined that the aerosol-generating device 10 is in the shipping mode state in operation S1140, the charger 70 may transmit an unlock signal to the aerosol-generating device 10 in operation S1150.

Referring to fig. 12, in operation S1210, the charger 70 may receive a user input. The charger 70 may receive one of a lock input, an unlock input, and a close input through the input device 731. For example, the input device 731 may include each of a lock input button, an unlock input button, and a close input button. For example, the input device 731 may include one button, and may recognize a lock input, an unlock input, and a close input according to the number and/or duration of times that the corresponding button is pressed. For example, the input device 731 may include a touch panel, and may recognize a lock input, an unlock input, and a close input based on an input of the touch panel.

In operation S1220, the charger 70 may be communicatively connected to the aerosol-generating device 10. For example, the aerosol-generating device 10 and the charger 70 may be communicatively connected to each other using wireless communication.

In operation S1230, the charger 70 may transmit a power signal to the aerosol-generating device 10. The second communication interface 710 of the charger 70 may wirelessly transmit a power signal to the first communication interface 11 of the aerosol-generating device 10.

In operation S1240, the charger 70 may receive a status signal from the aerosol-generating device 10.

In operation S1250, the charger 70 may determine the type of input through the input device 731. The charger 70 may determine which of the lock input, the unlock input, and the close input corresponds to the input.

The charger 70 may switch the operation mode of the charger 70 to one of a locking operation mode, an unlocking operation mode, and a closing operation mode based on the received input. Here, the lock operation mode may be a mode in which the charger 70 transmits a lock signal to the aerosol-generating device 10, the unlock operation mode may be a mode in which the charger 70 transmits an unlock signal to the aerosol-generating device 10, and the off operation mode may be a mode in which the charger 70 does not transmit a lock signal and/or an unlock signal to the aerosol-generating device 10.

Upon receiving the lock input, the charger 70 may control such that the charger 70 operates in the lock operation mode. Upon receiving the unlock input, the charger 70 may control such that the charger 70 operates in an unlock mode of operation. Upon receiving the shutdown input, the charger 70 may control such that the charger 70 operates in a shutdown mode of operation.

The charger 70 may perform the operation of locking and wirelessly charging the aerosol-generating device 10 in the locking operation mode, may perform the operation of unlocking and wirelessly charging the aerosol-generating device 10 in the unlocking operation mode, and may perform the operation of wirelessly charging the aerosol-generating device 10 in the closing operation mode.

In response to receiving the locking input through the input device 731, the charger 70 may transmit a locking signal to the aerosol-generating device 10 in operation S1260. The charger 70 may send a locking signal to the aerosol-generating device 10 in the locking mode of operation.

In response to receiving the unlock input through the input device 731, the charger 70 may transmit an unlock signal to the aerosol-generating device 10 in operation S1270. The charger 70 may send an unlock signal to the aerosol-generating device 10 in the unlock mode of operation.

In response to receiving the shutdown input via the input device 73, the charger 70 may not send a lock signal and/or an unlock signal to the aerosol-generating device 10 in the shutdown mode of operation. When receiving the closing input through the input device 731, the charger 70 may perform only a function of wirelessly charging the aerosol-generating device 10.

Further, in operation S1210, when a locking input or an unlocking input is received through the input device 731, the charger 70 may further perform an authentication operation. For example, when a lock input or an unlock input is received, the charger 70 may output information requesting a password input through the output device 732. Based on the input of the password through the input device 731, the charger 70 may compare the input password with information stored in the memory 720. When the inputted password is determined to correspond to the stored information, the charger 70 may switch the operation mode of the charger 70.

Further, before the communication connection operation of the charger 70 (operation S1220), age authentication of the user may be performed.

For example, the authentication of the user's age may be accomplished by checking the user's ID card by the store's responsible person selling the aerosol-generating device 10. For example, age authentication of the user may be performed by the charger 70 and the external device 80.

Fig. 13 is a flowchart illustrating operation of an aerosol-generating system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. A detailed description repeated with the description in fig. 10 will be omitted.

Referring to fig. 13, the aerosol-generating system 1 may comprise an aerosol-generating device 10, a charger 70 and an external device 80.

In operation S1301, the aerosol-generating device 10 may be communicatively connected to the charger 70.

In operation S1302, the charger 70 may be communicatively connected to the external device 80. For example, the charger 70 and the external device 80 may be communicatively connected to each other using wired/wireless communication.

In operation S1303, the charger 70 may transmit a power signal to the aerosol-generating device 10.

In operation S1304, the aerosol-generating device 10 may charge the battery 16. The aerosol-generating device 10 may charge the battery 16 using a power signal received wirelessly from the charger 70.

In operation S1305, the aerosol-generating device 10 may generate a status signal. The status signal may include information indicating whether the aerosol-generating device 10 is in the locked or unlocked state.

In operation S1306, the aerosol-generating device 10 may send a status signal to the charger 70 through the first communication interface 11.

In operation S1307, the charger 70 may request the user authentication confirm to the external device 80. For example, the charger 10 may transmit an authentication confirmation request signal requesting confirmation of whether the user age authentication is completed to the external device 80. The authentication confirmation request signal may include at least one of an identifier of the aerosol-generating device 10 and an identifier of the charger 70.

In operation S1308, the external device 80 may check whether the user age authentication is completed. The external device 80 may include at least one of an external server, a computing device provided in a store, and a user terminal.

For example, the external device 80 may be a computing device provided in a store. The user may be authenticated by a computing device provided in a store selling the aerosol-generating device 10. The computing device may output an input window through an application or program, and may obtain data corresponding to the user through the input window. The computing device may acquire an image of the user's ID card (resident registration card, driver license, passport, etc.) through a camera or scanner provided in the computing device, thereby obtaining at least one of a birthday, an age of the user, and a unique number representing the user.

The computing device may determine that the age of the user is greater than or equal to the particular age based on the acquired user information.

For example, the external device 80 may be a user terminal. The user may perform user authentication through the user terminal. The user terminal may output an input window through an application or program, and may obtain data corresponding to the user through the input window. The user terminal may acquire an image of the user's ID card through a camera or scanner provided in the user terminal, thereby obtaining at least one of a birthday, an age of the user, and a unique number representing the user.

The user terminal may determine that the age of the user is greater than or equal to a specific age based on the acquired user information.

For example, the external device 80 may be an external server. The external server may receive data corresponding to the user from the user terminal or a computing device provided in the store. Based on the acquired user information, the external server may determine that the age of the user is greater than or equal to a particular age.

Based on the user age verified, the external device 80 may generate user age authentication completion information to transmit the information to the charger 70 in operation S1309. The charger 70 may receive user age authentication completion information (adult authentication completion information) from the external device 80.

In operation S1310, the charger 70 may transmit a locking signal or an unlocking signal to the aerosol-generating device 10.

In operation S1311, the aerosol-generating device 10 may lock or unlock the aerosol-generating device 10 based on the received signal.

Further, operation S1302 may be performed regardless of operations S1303 to S1306. After the charger 70 is communicatively connected to the aerosol-generating device 10 (after operation S1301), the charger 70 may be communicatively connected to the external device 80 either before or after receiving a status signal from the aerosol-generating device 10.

As described above, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device may be locked or unlocked by wireless charging communication.

Referring to fig. 1-13, an aerosol-generating system 1 according to one aspect of the present disclosure may comprise an aerosol-generating device 10 and a charger 70. The aerosol-generating device 10 may comprise: a first communication interface 11; a battery 16; and a first controller 17. The first controller 17 may be configured to: based on the wireless reception of the power signal from the charger 70 through the first communication interface 11, control is performed to charge the battery 16; determining a state of the aerosol-generating device 10 comprising a locked state or an unlocked state and generating a state signal corresponding to the state of the aerosol-generating device 10; transmitting a status signal to the charger 70 through the first communication interface 11 based on the start of charging of the battery 16; and changes the aerosol-generating device 10 to the unlocked state based on receiving an unlock signal from the charger 70 through the first communication interface 11.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first controller 17 may be configured to change the aerosol-generating device 10 to the locked state based on receiving a locking signal from the charger 70 via the first communication interface 11.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the charger 70 may include: a second communication interface 710; and a second controller 740. The second controller 740 may be configured to: performing control to wirelessly transmit a power signal to the aerosol-generating device 10 through the second communication interface 710; receiving a status signal from the aerosol-generating device 10 via the second communication interface 710 and determining a status of the aerosol-generating device 10 based on the status signal; transmitting an unlock signal to the aerosol-generating device 10 through the second communication interface 710 based on the state being a locked state; and sends a locking signal to the aerosol-generating device 10 via the second communication interface 710 based on the state being an unlocked state.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the second controller 740 may be configured to: user age authentication completion information is received from the external device, wherein an unlock signal is sent to the aerosol-generating device 10 through the second communication interface 710 based on the state being a locked state and further based on the receipt of the user age authentication completion information.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the charger 70 may include a second communication interface 710, a second controller 740, and a second input/output interface 730. The second controller 740 may be configured to: receiving one of a lock input, an unlock input, and a close input through the second input/output interface 730; receiving a status signal from the aerosol-generating device 10 via the second communication interface 710; upon receipt of the status signal, transmitting a locking signal to the aerosol-generating device 10 based on receipt of the locking input; and upon receipt of the status signal, an unlock signal is sent to the aerosol-generating device 10 based on receipt of the unlock input.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, when the status signal is received, no lock signal or no unlock signal is sent based on receipt of the close input.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first controller 17 may be configured to: determining that the aerosol-generating device 10 is in a shipping mode state, wherein the status signal sent to the charger 70 corresponds to the shipping mode state; and clears the shipment mode status based on receiving the unlock signal from the charger 70 through the first communication interface 11.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device 10 may further comprise a heater 131 for heating the aerosol-generating substance; a first input/output interface 12. The locked state of the aerosol-generating device 10 may be a state in which at least one of a heating function for supplying power to the heater 131 or an input/output function for controlling the first input/output interface 12 is restricted, and the unlocked state of the aerosol-generating device 10 may be a state in which at least one of the heating function and the input/output function is not restricted.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first communication interface 11 may receive the power signal using a first operating frequency band, and may transmit the status signal using the same operating frequency band as the first operating frequency band.

The aerosol-generating device 10 according to one aspect of the present disclosure may comprise: a first communication interface 11 configured to communicate with a charger 70 of the aerosol-generating device 10; a battery 16; and a controller 17 configured to: based on the wireless reception of the power signal from the charger 70 through the first communication interface 11, control is performed to charge the battery 16; determining a state of the aerosol-generating device 10 comprising a locked state or an unlocked state and generating a state signal corresponding to the state of the aerosol-generating device 10; transmitting a status signal to the charger 70 through the first communication interface 11 based on the start of charging of the battery 16; and changes the aerosol-generating device 10 to the unlocked state based on receiving an unlock signal from the charger 70 through the first communication interface 11.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the controller 17 may be configured to change the aerosol-generating device 10 to the unlocked state based on receiving a locking signal from the charger 70 via the first communication interface 11.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a lock signal may be received from the charger 70 based on the charger 70 receiving a lock input via the input interface 730 of the charger 70; and receives an unlock signal from the charger 70 based on the charger 70 receiving an unlock input via the input interface 730 of the charger 70, and receives a close input based on the charger 70 receiving neither a lock signal nor an unlock signal via the input interface 730 of the charger 70.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device 10 may further comprise a heater 131 for heating the aerosol-generating substance; a first input/output interface 12. The locked state of the aerosol-generating device 10 may be a state in which at least one of a heating function for supplying power to the heater 131 or an input/output function for controlling the first input/output interface 12 is restricted, and the unlocked state of the aerosol-generating device 10 may be a state in which at least one of a heating function or an input/output function is restricted.

The particular embodiments of the disclosure described above, or other embodiments, are not mutually exclusive or different from each other. Any or all of the elements of the embodiments of the present disclosure described above may be combined with each other in configuration or function.

For example, the configuration "a" described in one embodiment of the present disclosure and the drawing and the configuration "B" described in another embodiment of the present disclosure and the drawing may be combined with each other. That is, although combinations between configurations are not directly described, these combinations are possible except for the case where they are described as impossible.

While embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the scope of the principles of this disclosure. More specifically, various variations and modifications may be made in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. An aerosol-generating system, the aerosol-generating system comprising:

An aerosol-generating device; and

The electric charger is used for charging the electric power,

Wherein the aerosol-generating device comprises:

A first communication interface;

a battery; and

A first controller configured to:

Performing control to charge the battery based on wirelessly receiving a power signal from the charger through the first communication interface;

Determining a state of the aerosol-generating device comprising a locked state or an unlocked state, and generating a state signal corresponding to the state of the aerosol-generating device;

transmitting the status signal to the charger through the first communication interface based on a start of charging of the battery; and

The aerosol-generating device is changed to the unlocked state based on receiving an unlock signal from the charger through the first communication interface.

2. An aerosol-generating system according to claim 1, wherein the first controller is configured to change the aerosol-generating device to the locked state based on receiving a locking signal from the charger through the first communication interface.

3. An aerosol-generating system according to claim 2, wherein the charger comprises:

A second communication interface; and

A second controller configured to:

performing wireless transmission of a power signal to the aerosol-generating device through the second communication interface;

Receiving the status signal from the aerosol-generating device through the second communication interface and determining a status of the aerosol-generating device based on the status signal;

Transmitting the unlock signal to the aerosol-generating device through the second communication interface based on the state being the locked state; and

The method further includes transmitting the locking signal to the aerosol-generating device through the second communication interface based on the state being the unlocked state.

4. An aerosol-generating system according to claim 3, wherein the second controller is further configured to:

receiving user age authentication completion information from an external device,

Wherein the unlocking signal is sent to the aerosol-generating device through the second communication interface based on the state being the locked state and further based on receiving the user age authentication completion information.

5. An aerosol-generating system according to claim 2, wherein the charger comprises a second communication interface, a second controller and a second input/output interface, and

Wherein the second controller is configured to:

Receiving one of a lock input, an unlock input, and a close input through the second input/output interface;

receiving the status signal from the aerosol-generating device through the second communication interface;

transmitting the locking signal to the aerosol-generating device upon receipt of the status signal based on receipt of the locking input; and

Upon receiving the status signal, the unlocking signal is sent to the aerosol-generating device based on receiving the unlocking input.

6. An aerosol-generating system according to claim 5, wherein the locking signal or the unlocking signal is not transmitted based on receipt of the closing input when the status signal is received.

7. An aerosol-generating system according to claim 1, wherein the first controller is further configured to:

determining that the aerosol-generating device is in a shipping mode state, wherein the status signal sent to the charger corresponds to the shipping mode state; and

The shipping mode status is cleared based on receiving the unlock signal from the charger through the first communication interface.

8. An aerosol-generating system according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol-generating device further comprises:

a heater configured to heat an aerosol-generating substance; and

A first one of the input/output interfaces,

Wherein the locked state of the aerosol-generating device is a state in which at least one of a heating function for supplying power to the heater or an input/output function for controlling the first input/output interface is restricted, and

Wherein the unlocked state of the aerosol-generating device is a state in which at least one of the heating function or the input/output function is unrestricted.

9. An aerosol-generating system according to claim 1, wherein the first communication interface is configured to receive the power signal using a first operating frequency band and to transmit the status signal using the same operating frequency band as the first operating frequency band.

10. An aerosol-generating device, the aerosol-generating device comprising:

A first communication interface configured to communicate with a charger of the aerosol-generating device;

a battery; and

A controller configured to:

11. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 10, wherein the controller is configured to change the aerosol-generating device to the locked state based on receiving a locking signal from the charger via the first communication interface.

12. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 10,

Wherein a locking signal is received from the charger based on the charger receiving a locking input via an input interface of the charger;

Wherein based on the charger receiving an unlock input via the input interface of the charger, receiving the unlock signal from the charger, and

Wherein, based on the charger receiving a shutdown input via the input interface of the charger, neither the lock signal nor the unlock signal is received.

13. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 10, further comprising:

a heater configured to heat an aerosol-generating substance; and

A first one of the input/output interfaces,