Aerosol-generating device

Abstract

The aerosol-generating device includes: a main body including an insertion space for accommodating an aerosol-generating article; a heater for heating the aerosol-generating article accommodated in the insertion space; an inductive sensor generating a sensing value corresponding to a distance from the magnetic body; and a control unit that is electrically connected to the inductive sensor and that compares the sensed value with a reference value as a determination reference to determine the degree of proximity of the magnetic body to the main body. The control unit is configured to calibrate the reference value using the sensing value as a reference so that the reference value maintains a predetermined difference in relation to the sensing value.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an aerosol generating device, and more particularly, to an aerosol generating device capable of precise sensing by an inductive sensor. BACKGROUND

[0002] In recent years, there is an increasing demand for alternative methods to overcome the shortcomings of conventional cigarettes. For example, there is an increasing demand for a system that generates an aerosol by heating a cigarette or an aerosol generating material using an aerosol generating device, rather than by combusting a cigarette to generate an aerosol. As a result, research into a heating-type aerosol generating device is actively underway.

[0003] An additional function capable of providing a user with convenience in use can be mounted in an aerosol generating device. For example, a function for detecting whether a cap has been coupled to the aerosol generating device or detecting whether a cigarette has been inserted into the aerosol generating device can be mounted in the aerosol generating device. SUMMARY

[0004] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION An inductive sensor can be provided in an aerosol generating device. The inductive sensor can generate a signal corresponding to a distance between the inductive sensor and a magnetic body. As a result, the inductive sensor can be used to detect whether a specific object including the magnetic body is close to the inductive sensor. For example, the inductive sensor can be used to detect whether a cap has been coupled to the aerosol generating device or detect whether a cigarette has been inserted into the aerosol generating device.

[0005] The signal generated by the inductive sensor can correspond to a sensing value (or a sensing level) of the inductive sensor. The control portion can determine whether the magnetic body is close to the inductive sensor based on the sensing value, and further, can determine a degree to which the magnetic body is close to the inductive sensor. At this time, the control portion can determine only based on the sensing value itself, or can determine based on a degree of change in the sensing value. In addition, the determination can be made based on a result of comparing a preset reference value (or a reference level) with the sensing value of the inductive sensor.

[0006] The control portion can refer to a lookup table stored in a memory when making a certain determination. The memory can store information related to the sensing value and / or the reference value, and can store information related to a specific event (for example, cigarette insertion, cap separation) as corresponding information.

[0007] On the other hand, the sensing value of the inductive sensor can be affected by the surrounding environment. For example, the sensing value can change depending on the surrounding temperature or humidity. In addition, the sensing value can change when a certain magnetic body approaches the aerosol generating device. This case belongs to a case in which the sensing value changes without the user's intention.

[0008] Thus, as the sensed value changes, a problem can occur in which a specific event has occurred but is not judged to have occurred. In addition, conversely, a problem can occur in which an event is judged to have occurred even though a specific event has not occurred.

[0009] To solve the above problem, it is necessary to calibrate the sensed value that changes. To calibrate the sensed value, an initial value (or initial level) that can be compared with the sensed value is required. When the sensed value is calibrated to the initial value that follows a natural state, the above problem can be solved.

[0010] When the control portion judges whether a specific event has occurred based on a difference between the reference value and the sensed value, the above problem can be solved even in the case in which the reference value is calibrated corresponding to the sensed value that changes.

[0011] Embodiments provide an aerosol generating device that calibrates a sensed value of an inductive sensor based on an initial value of a natural state or calibrates a reference value based on the sensed value.

[0012] The problems to be solved by embodiments are not limited to the above problems, and those skilled in the art can clearly understand problems not mentioned from the present specification and drawings.

[0013] Means for solving the problems An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment can include a main body including an insertion space for accommodating an aerosol generating article, a heater for heating the aerosol generating article accommodated in the insertion space, an inductive sensor generating a sensed value corresponding to a distance from a magnetic body, and a control portion electrically connected to the inductive sensor and comparing the sensed value with a reference value that is a judgment reference to judge a degree of approach of the magnetic body to the main body. The control portion can be configured to calibrate the reference value based on the sensed value so that the reference value maintains a prescribed difference in a relationship with the sensed value.

[0014] An aerosol generating device according to another embodiment can include a main body including an insertion space for accommodating an aerosol generating article, a heater for heating the aerosol generating article accommodated in the insertion space, an inductive sensor generating a sensed value corresponding to a distance from a magnetic body, and a control portion electrically connected to the inductive sensor and judging a degree of approach of the magnetic body to the main body based on the sensed value. The control portion can be configured to calibrate the sensed value so that the sensed value is the same as a predetermined initial value.

[0015] Effects of the Invention According to the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment, accurate sensing can be achieved without the inductive sensor and the control portion being misoperated, and the reliability of the determination result of the control portion can be improved.

[0016] Effects of the embodiments are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and a person skilled in the art can clearly understand the effects not mentioned from the present specification and the attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0017] Figures la-lc An aerosol generating device according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0018] Figure 2a and Figure 2b An aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0019] Figure 3a and Figure 3b An aerosol generating device according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0020] Figure 4 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0021] Figure 5a is a cross-sectional view of a cap and a main body of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, exploded.

[0022] Figure 5b is Figure 5a is a cross-sectional view of a cap and a main body of the aerosol generating device shown, combined.

[0023] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a cap and a main body of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, combined.

[0024] Figure 7a and Figure 7b are graphs showing changes in ideal sensing values, respectively.

[0025] Figure 8a and Figure 8b are graphs showing changes in actual sensing values, respectively.

[0026] Figure 9a is a graph showing a result of correcting a sensing value based on an initial value in the case shown in Figure 8a

[0027] Figure 9b is a graph showing a result of correcting a reference value based on a sensing value in the case shown in Figure 8b

[0028] Figure 10 ​​is a graph showing one example of correcting the sensed value at a certain period in a case where the sensed value periodically changes.

[0029] Figures 11a-11c are graphs respectively showing examples of correcting the reference value at a certain period in a case where the sensed value periodically changes.

[0030] Figure 12a is a graph showing one example of correcting the sensed value at a certain period in a case where the magnetic body approaches and then moves away from the inductive sensor.

[0031] Figure 12b is a graph showing one example of correcting the reference value at a certain period in a case where the magnetic body approaches and then moves away from the inductive sensor.

[0032] Figure 13a is a graph showing one example of correcting the sensed value after a prescribed time elapses after the heater starts heating.

[0033] Figure 13b is a graph showing one example of correcting the reference value after a prescribed time elapses after the heater starts heating.

[0034] Figure 14a is a graph showing one example of correcting the sensed value at a certain period and correcting the sensed value at a certain period again when a prescribed time elapses after the heater starts heating.

[0035] Figure 14b is a graph showing one example of correcting the reference value at a certain period and correcting the reference value at a certain period again when a prescribed time elapses after the heater starts heating.

[0036] Figure 15a is a graph showing one example of correcting the sensed value at a certain period and correcting the sensed value at a certain period again when the aerosol generating article is inserted and then removed after the aerosol generating article is inserted.

[0037] Figure 15b is a graph showing one example of correcting the reference value at a certain period and correcting the reference value at a certain period again when the aerosol generating article is inserted and then removed after the aerosol generating article is inserted.

[0038] Figure 16a is a graph showing one example of correcting the sensed value in a case where the magnetic body approaches and then moves away from the inductive sensor. Figure 15a

[0039] Figure 16b is a graph showing one example of correcting the sensed value in a case where the magnetic body approaches and then moves away from the inductive sensor. Figure 15b ​A graph of one example of correction of the reference value when the case where the magnetic body is approached and then distanced occurs.

[0040] Figure 17 is a block diagram of an aerosol-generating device according to still another embodiment of the disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] The terms used in the embodiments are selected as common terms currently widely used in consideration of functions in the application, but the terms can be changed according to the intention of those skilled in the art, a precedent, or appearance of new technology. Also, there are terms arbitrarily selected by the applicant in some specific cases, and in this case, the meanings of the terms will be described in detail in the corresponding description of the invention part. Therefore, the terms used in the application should be defined not by the names of the terms alone, but by the meanings of the terms and the contents throughout the application.

[0042] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise described, a certain part "comprises" a certain constituent element means that other constituent elements are further included, rather than excluding other constituent elements. Also, the terms such as "part" and "module" recited in the specification refer to a unit processing at least one function or action, which can be implemented as hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0043] As used in the specification, when an expression such as "at least one of," is placed before the recited constituent elements, it modifies the entire constituent elements rather than each of the recited constituent elements. For example, the expression "at least one of a, b, and c" is interpreted to include a; b; c; a and b; a and c; b and c; or a, b, and c.

[0044] In addition, in describing the embodiments disclosed in the specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of the related known technology can obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in the specification, the detailed description will be omitted. In addition, it should be understood that the drawings are only for easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in the specification, the technical idea disclosed in the specification is not limited by the drawings, and all changes, equivalents, and alternatives within the spirit and technical scope of the disclosure are included.

[0045] The terms including ordinal numbers such as first, second, etc. can be used to explain various constituent elements, but the constituent elements are not limited to the terms. The terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one constituent element from another.

[0046] When it is referred to that one constitutional element is "connected" or "coupled" to another constitutional element, it should be understood that the one constitutional element can be directly connected or coupled to the other constitutional element, or there can be another constitutional element therebetween. In contrast, when it is referred to that one constitutional element is "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another constitutional element, it should be understood that there is no other constitutional element therebetween.

[0047] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular expression includes the plural expression.

[0048] Embodiments of the present disclosure are explained in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those of ordinary skill in the art can easily implement the same. Regardless of the reference numerals, the same or similar constitutional elements are given the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0049] The present disclosure can be implemented in a form that can be realized in the aerosol-generating device of the aforementioned various embodiments, or in various different forms, and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0050] Embodiments of the present disclosure are explained in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0051] Figures la-lc An aerosol-generating device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0052] Referring to Figure la The aerosol-generating device 1 according to embodiments of the present disclosure can include at least one of a power supply 11, a control portion 12, a sensor 13, and a heater 18. At least one of the power supply 11, the control portion 12, the sensor 13, and the heater 18 can be disposed inside the main body 10 of the aerosol-generating device 1.

[0053] The main body 10 can provide a space open upward to allow an aerosol-generating article, i.e., a stick S, to be inserted. The space open upward can be referred to as an insertion space. The insertion space can be recessed by a prescribed depth into the inside of the main body 10 so as to be able to allow at least a portion of the stick S to be inserted. The depth of the insertion space can correspond to the length of a region of the stick S in which an aerosol-generating material and / or medium is contained.

[0054] The lower end of the stick S can be inserted into the inside of the main body 10, and the upper end of the stick S can protrude to the outside of the main body 10. A user can hold the upper end of the stick S exposed to the outside in the mouth and inhale air.

[0055] The heater 18 can heat the cigarette rod S. The heater 18 can extend upward in a space for insertion of the cigarette rod S. For example, the heater 18 can include a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element. The heater 18 can be inserted into a lower portion of the cigarette rod S. The heater 18 can include a resistance heater and / or an induction heating type heater.

[0056] For example, referring to Figure la The heater 18 can be a resistance heater. For example, the heater 18 includes an electrically conductive track, and the heater 18 can be heated when an electric current flows through the electrically conductive track. The heater 18 can be electrically connected to the power supply 11. The heater 18 can directly generate heat by receiving an electric current from the power supply 11.

[0057] For example, the heater 18 can be a multi-stage heater. The heater 18 can include a first heater and a second heater. The first heater and the second heater can be arranged side by side in a length direction. The first heater and the second heater can be sequentially heated, or can be simultaneously heated.

[0058] For example, referring to Figure lb The aerosol generating device 1 can include an induction coil 181 surrounding the heater 18. The induction coil 181 can heat the heater 18. The heater 18 can act as a susceptor, and the heater 18 can be heated by a magnetic field generated by an alternating current (AC) flowing through the induction coil 181. The magnetic field can penetrate the heater 18 and generate an eddy current within the heater 18. The electric current can generate heat in the heater 18.

[0059] For example, referring to Figure lc The inside of the cigarette rod S can include a susceptor SS, and the susceptor SS inside the cigarette rod S can be heated by a magnetic field generated by an AC flowing through the induction coil 181. The susceptor SS is arranged inside the cigarette rod S, and can not be electrically connected to the aerosol generating device 1. The susceptor SS can be inserted into and removed from the insertion space together with the cigarette rod S. The cigarette rod S can be heated by the susceptor SS inside the cigarette rod S. At this time, the aerosol generating device 1 can not include the heater 18.

[0060] The power supply 11 can supply power to the components of the aerosol generating device 1 to operate. The power supply 11 can be referred to as a battery. The power supply 11 can supply power to at least one of the control portion 12, the sensor 13, and the heater 18. When the aerosol generating device 1 includes the induction coil 181, the power supply 11 can supply power to the induction coil 181.

[0061] The control portion 12 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device. The control portion can be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The control portion 12 can control the operation of at least one of the power supply 11, the sensor 13, and the heater 18. The control portion 12 can control the operation of the inductive coil 181. The control portion 12 can control the operation of a display, a motor, etc. provided on the aerosol generating device 1. The control portion 12 can determine whether the aerosol generating device 1 is in an operable state by confirming the state of each component of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0062] The control portion 12 can analyze the result detected by the sensor 13 and control the process to be performed thereafter. For example, the control portion 12 can control the power supplied to the heater 18 to start or terminate the operation of the heater 18 according to the result detected by the sensor 13. For example, the control portion 12 can control the amount of power supplied to the heater 18 and the power supply time based on the result detected by the sensor 13 to enable the heater 18 to heat to a prescribed temperature or maintain an appropriate temperature.

[0063] The sensor 13 can include at least one of a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, an insertion detection sensor, and an acceleration sensor. For example, the sensor 13 can sense at least one of the temperature of the heater 18, the temperature of the power supply 11, the temperature inside and outside the main body 10. For example, the sensor 13 can sense a user's puff. For example, the sensor 13 can sense whether the cigarette stick S has been inserted into the insertion space. For example, the sensor 13 can sense the motion of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0064] Figure 2a and Figure 2b An aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated.

[0065] Figure 2a and Figure 2b At least one of the constituent elements of the aerosol generating device 1 illustrated can be the same as or similar to Figures la-lc At least one of the constituent elements of the aerosol generating device 1 illustrated can be the same as or similar to

[0066] Referring to Figure 2a The heater 18 can extend upward around the space into which the cigarette stick S is inserted. For example, the heater 18 can have a tubular shape with an inner portion hollowed out. The heater 18 can be disposed around the insertion space. The heater 18 can be disposed to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. The heater 18 can heat the insertion space or the cigarette stick S inserted into the insertion space. The heater 18 can include an electric resistance heater and / or an inductive heating type heater.

[0067] Referring to Figure 2bThe aerosol-generating device 1 can include an induction coil 181 surrounding the heater 18. The contents regarding the induction coil 181 are the same as the foregoing, and thus a description of the induction coil 181 will not be repeated.

[0068] Figure 3a and Figure 3b An aerosol-generating device according to still another embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated.

[0069] Figure 3a and Figure 3b At least one of the constituent elements of the aerosol-generating device 1 illustrated can be the same as or similar to those of the aerosol-generating device 1 illustrated in Figures la-lc At least one of the constituent elements of the aerosol-generating device 1 illustrated can be the same as or similar to those of the aerosol-generating device 1 illustrated in

[0070] Referring to Figure 3a The aerosol-generating device 1 can further include a cartridge 19.

[0071] The cartridge 19 can contain an aerosol-generating material having any one of a liquid state, a solid state, a gas state, or a gel state, etc. inside thereof. The aerosol-generating material can contain a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition can be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance including a volatile tobacco flavor component, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance.

[0072] For example, the liquid composition can include water, a solvent, ethanol, a plant extract, a flavoring, a flavoring agent, or a vitamin mixture. The flavoring can include menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, various fruit flavor components, etc., but is not limited thereto. The flavoring agent can include components capable of providing a user with a variety of aromas or flavors. The vitamin mixture can be at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E mixed, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the liquid composition can include an aerosol former such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0073] The cartridge 19 can be integrally formed with the main body 10, or detachably coupled to the main body 10. For example, the cartridge 19 can be installed to the main body 10 by being inserted into the main body 10. However, it is not limited thereto, and can be fixed to prevent a user from detaching.

[0074] The cartridge can be installed to the main body in a state in which the cartridge contains the aerosol-generating material inside. However, it is not limited thereto, and the cartridge can also inject the aerosol-generating material into the cartridge in a state in which the cartridge is coupled to the main body.

[0075] Referring to Figure 3a The cartridge 19 can be integrally formed with the main body 10, and can communicate with the insertion space through the airflow passage CN.

[0076] Referring to Figure 3bA space can be formed on one side of the main body 10, and at least a portion of the cartridge 19 can be inserted into the space formed on one side of the main body 10, so that the cartridge 19 can be mounted to the main body 10. The airflow passage CN can be defined by a portion of the cartridge and / or a portion of the main body 10, and the cartridge 19 can communicate with the insertion space through the airflow passage CN.

[0077] On the other hand, Figure 3a The illustrated aerosol generating device 1 shows that the constituent elements thereof are arranged in a row. Figure 3b The illustrated aerosol generating device 1 shows that the cartridge 19 and the heater 18 are arranged in parallel. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1 is not limited to the illustrated structure. In other words, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 1, the arrangement of the power supply 11, the control portion 12, the sensor 13, the heater 18, and the cartridge 19 can vary.

[0078] The main body 10 can be formed of a structure capable of introducing external air into the inside of the main body 10 in a state in which the cartridge 19 is inserted. At this time, the external air introduced into the main body 10 can pass through the cartridge 19 and flow into the user's mouth.

[0079] The cartridge 19 can include a storage portion containing a storage portion CO containing an aerosol generating material and / or a heater 24 for heating the aerosol generating material of the storage portion CO. A liquid transfer unit containing an aerosol generating material can be arranged inside the storage portion CO. Among them, the liquid transfer unit can include a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, and porous ceramic. The conductive track of the heater 24 can be formed in a structure in which a coil is wound around the liquid transfer unit or a structure in which one side of the liquid transfer unit is contacted. The heater 24 can be referred to as a cartridge heater 24.

[0080] The cartridge 19 operates by an electrical signal or a wireless signal transmitted by the main body 10, etc., so that it can function to convert the phase of the aerosol generating material inside the cartridge into a gaseous phase to generate an aerosol. At this time, the aerosol can mean a gas in which vaporized particles generated from the aerosol generating material are mixed with air.

[0081] As the cartridge heater 24 heats the liquid transfer device and the liquid composition absorbed thereby, an aerosol can be generated. At this time, the aerosol can be generated by heating the tobacco rod S by the heater 18. During the passage of the aerosol generated by the cartridge heater 24 and the heater 18 through the tobacco rod S, tobacco material can be added to the aerosol, and the aerosol to which the tobacco material is added can be inhaled into the user's mouth through one end of the tobacco rod S.

[0082] The aerosol-generating device 1 can have only the cartridge heater 24, and the main body 10 can not have the heater 18. At this time, the aerosol generated by the cartridge heater 24 adds a tobacco substance while passing through the tobacco rod S and is inhaled into the user's mouth.

[0083] The aerosol-generating device 1 can include a cap (not shown). The cap can be detachably coupled to the main body 10 to cover at least a portion of the cartridge 19 coupled to the main body 10. The tobacco rod S can pass through the cap and be inserted into the main body 10.

[0084] The power supply 11 can supply power to the cartridge 24 in addition to the aforementioned configuration. The control portion 12 can control the operation of the cartridge 19 in addition to the aforementioned configuration. The control portion 12 can control the power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 based on the result detected by the sensor 13 to activate or deactivate the operation of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. For example, the control portion 12 can control the amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and the power supply time based on the result detected by the sensor 13 to heat the cartridge heater 24 to a prescribed temperature or maintain an appropriate temperature.

[0085] The sensor 13 can further include at least one of a color sensor, a cartridge detection sensor, and a cap detection sensor in addition to the aforementioned configuration. For example, the sensor 13 can sense the temperature of the cartridge heater 24. For example, the sensor 13 can sense a portion of the color of the wrapper wrapping the outside of the tobacco rod S. For example, the sensor 13 can sense whether the cartridge 19 is installed. For example, the sensor 13 can sense whether the cap is installed.

[0086] On the other hand, the aerosol-generating device 1 can further include general configurations in addition to the power supply 11, the control portion 12, the sensor 13, the heater 18, and the cartridge 19. For example, as described above, the aerosol-generating device 1 can include a display capable of outputting visual information and / or a motor for outputting tactile information. In addition, the aerosol-generating device 1 can be manufactured in a structure such that external air can flow in or internal gas can flow out even in a state in which the tobacco rod S is inserted.

[0087] Although not shown in the drawings, the aerosol-generating device 1 can also be configured as a system together with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle can be used to charge the power supply 11 of the aerosol-generating device 1. Alternatively, the heater 18 can also be heated in a state in which the cradle is coupled to the aerosol-generating device 1.

[0088] The tobacco rod S can be similar to a conventional combustion-type cigarette. For example, the tobacco rod S can be divided into a first portion S1 containing an aerosol-generating substance and a second portion S2 including a filter or the like.

[0089] The first portion S1 can be made in a sheet form, a strand form, or a cut tobacco form by cutting a tobacco sheet. In addition, the first portion S1 can be surrounded by a heat conductive material. For example, the heat conductive material can be a metal foil such as an aluminum foil, but is not limited thereto. The first portion S1 can be hereinafter referred to as a "medium portion" or a "tobacco rod".

[0090] The second portion S2 can be a cellulose acetate filter. The second portion S2 can be composed of at least one segment. For example, the second portion S2 can include a first segment for cooling an aerosol and a second segment for filtering a predetermined component contained in the aerosol. The second portion S2 can be hereinafter referred to as a "filter rod".

[0091] According to an embodiment, an aerosol generating material can also be included in the second portion S2 of the rod S. For example, an aerosol generating material made in a granule or capsule form can also be inserted into the second portion S2.

[0092] The entire first portion S1 can be inserted inside the aerosol generating device 1, and the second portion S2 can be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a portion of the first portion S1 or the entire first portion S1 and a portion of the second portion S2 can be inserted inside the aerosol generating device 1. A user can inhale an aerosol while the second portion S2 is held in the mouth. At this time, an aerosol is generated as external air passes through the first portion S1, and the generated aerosol is delivered to the user's mouth through the second portion S2.

[0093] Figure 4 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0094] Referring to Figure 4 , the aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment can include a main body 10 and a cap 40.

[0095] The main body 10 constitutes the overall appearance of the aerosol generating device 1, and can include an internal space for accommodating components capable of configuring the aerosol generating device 1. The shape of the main body 10 is not limited to the illustrated shape, and the main body 10 can be integrally formed in a cylindrical or polygonal column shape.

[0096] The main body 10 can include an opening through which the rod S can be inserted into the inside of the main body 10. At least a portion of the rod S can be inserted or accommodated in the inside of the main body 10 through the opening. At this time, the rod S can be used in the same meaning as a cigarette or an aerosol generating article.

[0097] The main body 10 can include an insertion space for accommodating the rod S in the inside thereof. The insertion space can be formed at an upper portion of the main body 10. The insertion space can be open to the upper side and connected with the opening.

[0098] The insertion space can have a cylindrical shape extending in the up-and-down direction. At least a portion of the cigarette rod S can be accommodated inside the main body 10 through an opening of the upper side of the insertion space. At this time, the depth of the cigarette rod S insertion space can correspond to the length of the region containing the aerosol generating material or medium in the cigarette rod S.

[0099] The cap 40 can be detachably coupled to the main body 10. The cap 40 can be coupled to the upper side of the main body 10. The cap 40 can cover the upper portion of the main body 10. The cap 40 can be provided with an insertion port 44. The cigarette rod S can be inserted into the insertion port 44. The cap 40 can include a door 45 for opening or closing the insertion port 44. The door 45 can slide laterally to open or close the insertion port 44.

[0100] The cap 40 can include cap wings 42. The cap wings 42 can extend downward from both sides of the cap main body 41. The cap wings 42 can be referred to as cap grips 42.

[0101] The main body 10 can include main body wings 101. The main body wings 101 can extend upward from the edges of the upper portion of the main body 10. The main body wings 101 can form a pair of opposing pairs around the upper portion of the main body 10. The main body wings 101 can be formed at positions offset from the cap wings 42.

[0102] When the cap 40 is coupled to the main body 10, the cap 40 can form the upper appearance of the aerosol generating device 1. When the cap 40 is coupled to the main body 10, the main body wings 101 can cover the side of the cap 40 exposed between the cap wings 42. When the cap 40 is coupled to the main body 10, the cap wings 42 can cover the outer side wall of the main body 10.

[0103] On the other hand, the shape of the cap 40 is not limited to the illustrated shape. The cap 40 can include various shapes that can be detachably coupled to the main body 10 while covering the upper portion of the main body 10.

[0104] Figure 5a is a cross-sectional view of a cap and a main body of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the disclosure, exploded, Figure 5b is Figure 5a is a cross-sectional view of a cap and a main body of the illustrated aerosol generating device, coupled.

[0105] Referring to Figure 5a and Figure 5b , the aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure can include a main body A10, an extractor A20, a heater assembly A30, a cap A40, an inductive sensor A50, and a control portion A60.

[0106] The main body A10 can be provided with tubes A11, A12 forming a first insertion space A14. The first insertion space A14 can be formed at an upper portion of the main body A10. The first insertion space A14 can be open to an upper side. The first insertion space A14 can have a cylindrical shape extending in the up-down direction. First side walls A11 of the tubes A11, A12 can surround a side portion of the first insertion space A14. First flanges A12 of the tubes A11, A12 can cover lower portions of the first insertion space A14.

[0107] The extractor A20 can be provided with a second insertion space A24 inside. The second insertion space A24 can be open to an upper side of the extractor A20. The second insertion space A24 can have a cylindrical shape extending in the up-down direction. Second side walls A21 of the extractor A20 can surround a side portion of the second insertion space A24. Second flanges A22 of the extractor A20 can cover lower portions of the second insertion space A24. A through-hole A23 can be formed through a center of the second flange A22.

[0108] The extractor A20 can be inserted into the first insertion space A14. When the extractor A20 is inserted into the first insertion space A14, the second insertion space A24 can be disposed inside the first insertion space A14. The second insertion space A24 can be open to an upper side of the main body A10. A diameter of the second insertion space A24 can be smaller than a diameter of the first insertion space A14. The first insertion space A14 and the second insertion space A24 can be in communication with each other through the through-hole A23.

[0109] The heater assembly A30 can be fixed to the main body A10. The heater assembly A30 can protrude upward from the first flange A12 beyond the first insertion space A14. The heater assembly A30 can pass through the through-hole A23. An upper portion of the heater assembly A30 can be disposed inside the second insertion space A24 through the through-hole A23. The heater assembly A30 can heat the second insertion space A24.

[0110] The heater assembly A30 can include a heater rod A31 and a heater A33. The heater rod A31 can protrude upward from the first flange A12 into the first insertion space A14. The heater rod A31 can extend in the up-down direction. A main body of the heater rod A31 can have a cylindrical shape. An upper end of the heater rod A31 can have a pointed shape upward.

[0111] The heater A33 can be inserted into a hollow A34 of the heater rod A31. The heater A33 can be fixed to an inside of the heater rod A31. The hollow A34 can be open to a lower side, but can be filled by a heater cap A35. A heater seat A15 can be recessed downward through the first flange A12. A lower end of the heater rod A31 and the heater cap A35 can be fixed to the heater seat A15.

[0112] The heater A33 can be an electric resistance heater. When the heater A33 generates heat, the heat can pass through the heater rod A31 and heat the second insertion space A24. The induction coil A13 can cause the heater A33 to generate heat. The induction coil A13 can be wound up and down along the circumference of the first side wall A11 while surrounding the first insertion space A14 and the heater A33. The heater A33 can act as a susceptor, and the heater A33 can generate heat by a magnetic field generated by an alternating current AC flowing through the induction coil A13. The magnetic field can pass through the heater A33 and generate an eddy current within the heater A33. The current can cause the heater A33 to generate heat. Alternatively, as shown differently, the heater A33 can directly receive power to generate heat.

[0113] As shown, the heater A33 is inserted into the inside of the cigarette S to heat the inside of the cigarette S. However, embodiments are not limited to the shape and configuration of the heater A33. As another example, the heater A33 can be a cylindrical heater that surrounds at least a portion of the cigarette S and heats the outer circumferential surface of the cigarette S.

[0114] On the other hand, the heater A33 can be a cartridge heater (for example, the cartridge heater 24 of Figure 3a and Figure 3b ). In this case, the aerosol generating article S can not be a cigarette or a cigarette stick, but a cartridge 19 of Figure 3a and Figure 3b .

[0115] The cap A40 can be detachably coupled to one end of the main body A10. The cap A40 can cover the upper portion of the main body A10 around the first insertion space A14. The extractor A20 is coupled to the cap A40 so as to be able to act integrally with the cap A40. When the cap A40 is coupled to the main body A10, the extractor A20 is inserted into the first insertion space A14, and the heater assembly A30 can pass through the through-hole A23 of the second flange A22 and be located within the second insertion space A24.

[0116] The cap A40 can be provided with an insertion port A44. The insertion port A44 can be aligned with the second insertion space A24 on the upper side of the second insertion space A24 of the extractor A20. The insertion port A44 can have a circular cross-section. The door A45 can be movably installed in the cap A40. The door A45 can open or close the insertion port A44 and the second insertion space A24.

[0117] The cigarette rod S can be inserted into the second insertion space A24. The cigarette rod S can be inserted into the second insertion space A24 through the insertion port A44. The upper side of the cigarette rod S can be exposed to the upward side of the extractor A20 and the cap A40. The cigarette rod S can be supported by the second side wall A21 and the second flange A22 in the second insertion space A24. The heater rod A31 passing through the hollow A34 can be inserted into the lower portion of the cigarette rod S inserted into the second insertion space A24.

[0118] At least one region of the cigarette rod S accommodated in the second insertion space A24 can be heated by the heater A33. By heating the cigarette rod S, vaporized particles can be generated. At this time, the user can put one end of the cigarette rod S exposed to the outside into the mouth and inhale air. According to the user's inhalation, air formed in one region of the air main body A10 can flow into the inner space of the main body A10 through the air flow inlet. The air can flow into the cigarette rod S through the through hole A23, and can be mixed with the vaporized particles to generate an aerosol. The aerosol can move along the cigarette rod S and be provided to the user.

[0119] The inductive sensor A50 is a structure capable of generating a sensing value corresponding to a distance from a magnetic body. The inductive sensor A50 can be used to determine whether the cap A40 is combined with the main body A10. That is, the inductive sensor A50 can function as a cap detection sensor. The inductive sensor A50 can sense whether the cap A40 is mounted. The inductive sensor A50 can generate a sensing value in response to a distance from the cap A40 including a magnetic body. The control portion A60 can read the sensing value (inductance value) that changes when the cap A40 is combined with the main body A10 using the inductive sensor A50.

[0120] The sensing value can change according to whether the cap A40 is combined with the main body A10. Specifically, the sensing value generated by the inductive sensor A50 can be affected by the magnetic body included in the cap A40. The sensing value can change according to a distance between the inductive sensor A50 disposed in one region of the main body A10 and the cap A40.

[0121] At this time, in order for the inductive sensor A50 to detect the cap A40, the inductive sensor A50 can be disposed at the upper portion of the main body A10. The inductive sensor A50 can be disposed to face the cap A40. However, the position of the inductive sensor A50 is not limited to the position shown in the drawing.

[0122] The inductive sensor A50 can generate a sensing value corresponding to a distance from the cap A40, and the control portion A60 can continuously read the sensing value. The control portion A60 electrically connected to the inductive sensor A50 can determine that the cap A40 is in a state of being separated from the main body A10 based on a specific sensing value of the inductive sensor A50 or a change in the sensing value.

[0123] When the control portion A60 judges that the cap A40 is in a state of being separated from the main body A10, the control portion A60 can control the user interface to provide a notification to the user that the cap A40 has been separated. For example, the user interface can include a display, a speaker, etc. Thereby, the user is aware that the cap A40 is not properly mounted on the main body A10 or has been separated from the main body A10, and can take appropriate measures.

[0124] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a cap and a main body of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the disclosure combined.

[0125] Referring to Figure 6 , the aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure can include a main body A10, an extractor A20, a heater assembly A30, a cap A40, an inductive sensor A50, and a control portion A60.

[0126] Figure 6 At least one of the constituent elements of the aerosol generating device 1 illustrated can be the same as or similar to at least one of the constituent elements of the aerosol generating device 1 illustrated in Figure 5a and Figure 5b and the following will not be described again.

[0127] The inductive sensor A50 can be used to judge whether the stick S is inserted into the first insertion space A14 or the second insertion space A24. That is, the inductive sensor A50 can function as an insertion detection sensor. The inductive sensor A50 can sense whether the stick S is inserted. The inductive sensor A50 can generate a sensing value in response to a distance between the stick S including a magnetic body (e.g., an aerosol generating article). The control portion A60 can read a sensing value (inductance value) that changes due to the insertion of the stick S into the first insertion space A14 or the second insertion space A24 using the inductive sensor A50.

[0128] The sensing value can change depending on whether the stick S is accommodated in the insertion space A14, A24. Specifically, the sensing value generated by the inductive sensor A50 can be affected by a metal material (e.g., aluminum) or a magnetic body included in the stick S. The sensing value can change depending on a distance between the inductive sensor A50 disposed in one area of the main body A10 and the stick S.

[0129] At this time, to facilitate the detection of the stick S by the inductive sensor A50, the inductive sensor A50 can be disposed to surround the insertion space A14, A24. The inductive sensor A50 can be disposed in one area (e.g., the first side wall A11 of the tube) of the main body A10 surrounding a side portion of the first insertion space A14. The inductive sensor A50 can be disposed to face the second insertion space A24.

[0130] However, the position of the inductive sensor A50 is not limited to the position shown in the drawing. As another example, the inductive sensor A50 can be disposed at a region of the main body A10 (for example, the first flange A12 of the tube) covering the lower portion of the first insertion space A14.

[0131] The inductive sensor A50 can generate a sensing value corresponding to the distance from the cigarette S, and the control portion A60 can continuously read the sensing value. The control portion A60 electrically connected to the inductive sensor A50 can determine that the cigarette S is in a state of being accommodated in the insertion space A14, A24 based on a specific sensing value of the inductive sensor A50 or a change in the sensing value.

[0132] If the control portion A60 determines that the cigarette S is in a state of being accommodated in the insertion space A14, A24, the control portion A60 can control the heater A33 to heat the aerosol generating article for smoking. Thereby, without the user operating the heater A33, the heating of the cigarette S can be started only by the user inserting the cigarette S into the main body A10.

[0133] Hereinafter, a change in the sensing value of the inductive sensor A50 will be described.

[0134] Figure 7a and Figure 7b are graphs respectively showing a change in an ideal sensing value.

[0135] Referring to Figure 7a and Figure 7b , a graph showing a change in the sensing value of the inductive sensor over time in an ideal case is shown. The horizontal axis of the graph indicates time, and the vertical axis of the graph indicates the sensing value. At this time, the sensing value can correspond to a current value, but is not limited thereto.

[0136] The inductive sensor can generate a sensing value that changes as a specific event (for example, cigarette insertion, cap installation) occurs. As one example, when the inductive sensor is used as a cap detection sensor, if an event of the cap being separated from the main body and then installed again occurs, the sensing value generated by the inductive sensor can change from A1 to A2. As another example, when the inductive sensor is used as an insertion detection sensor, if an event of the aerosol generating article being inserted into the insertion space occurs, the sensing value generated by the inductive sensor can change from A1 to A2.

[0137] Embodiments are not limited to the above-described examples. Contrary to the above, when an event of the cap being separated from the main body or an event of the aerosol generating article being removed from the insertion space occurs, the sensing value can change from A1 to A2.

[0138] However, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed hereinafter that the change in the sensing value from A1 to A2 means that an event of the cap being installed to the main body or an event of the aerosol generating article being inserted into the insertion space occurs.

[0139] The control portion can determine the degree to which the magnetic body approaches the main body based on the sensing value generated by the inductive sensor. At this time, the meaning of "based on the sensing value" can include a manner of using only the sensing value and a manner of comparing the sensing value with a reference value as a determination reference. Accordingly, the control portion can determine whether the event has occurred based on the sensing value. The manner in which the control portion interprets the sensing value can be various, and can differ according to embodiments.

[0140] Referring to Figure 7a As one example, the control portion can determine that the event has occurred when the sensing value exceeds a predetermined threshold value CL.

[0141] As another example, the control portion can determine that the event has occurred when the sensing value corresponds to A2. At this time, the meaning of "the sensing value corresponds to A2" can mean that the sensing value corresponds not only to the specific value A2 but also to a value within a certain range including A2. The certain range can be set by a user. Hereinafter, the expression "corresponds to a specific value" can also be used in the same meaning.

[0142] As still another example, the control portion can determine that the event has occurred when the sensing value changes from A1 to A2.

[0143] As still another example, the control portion can determine that the event has occurred based on the degree of change when the sensing value changes from A1 to A2. At this time, the degree of change can represent a change amount according to embodiments, or can represent a change rate.

[0144] Referring to Figure 7b The control portion can interpret the sensing value with reference to a predetermined reference value. In this case, the control portion can determine whether the event has occurred based on the difference between the sensing value and the reference value. Specifically, the control portion can determine whether the cap is combined with the main body, or determine whether the aerosol generating article is accommodated in the insertion space, based on the reference value and the sensing value.

[0145] At this time, the difference between the sensing value and the reference value can represent the difference between the two values according to embodiments, or can represent the ratio of the two values. For convenience of explanation, the difference between A1 and A0 is B1, and the difference between A2 and A0 is B2.

[0146] As one example, the control portion can determine that the event has occurred when the difference between the sensing value and the reference value exceeds the difference BC between the threshold value CL and the reference value.

[0147] As another example, the control portion can determine that the event has occurred when the difference between the sensing value and the reference value corresponds to B2.

[0148] As still another example, the control portion can determine that the event has occurred based on the degree to which the difference between the sensed value and the reference value changes when the difference changes. At this time, the degree to which the change can represent the amount of change according to the embodiment, or can represent the rate of change. Specifically, the control portion can determine that the event has occurred based on the degree to which the sensed value changes from B1 to B2.

[0149] On the other hand, note that the sensed value generated by the inductive sensor remains A1 before the event occurs, and the sensed value generated by the inductive sensor remains A2 after the event occurs. That is, the sensed value changes only when a specific event occurs.

[0150] However, this is a description made assuming an ideal situation, and in an actual situation, the sensed value of the inductive sensor can change due to various factors even if a specific event does not occur.

[0151] Hereinafter, the change in the sensed value of the inductive sensor in an actual situation will be described.

[0152] Figure 8a and Figure 8b are graphs respectively showing the change in the actual sensed value.

[0153] Referring to Figure 8a and Figure 8b , graphs showing the change in the sensed value of the inductive sensor over time in an actual situation are shown. The axes of the graphs have the same meaning as described above.

[0154] Unlike the graphs shown in Figure 7a and Figure 7b , Figure 8a and Figure 8b , the sensed value of the inductive sensor continuously changes. Factors that cause the sensed value of the inductive sensor to change can be various in addition to the occurrence of a specific event (for example: attachment / detachment of a cap, insertion / removal of a cigarette). At this time, "a specific event occurs" means that it is assumed that a specific event that is an object of determination of the control portion described above has occurred.

[0155] For example, the sensed value of the inductive sensor can be affected by the surrounding environment. For example, the sensed value can change with the surrounding temperature or humidity. In addition, the sensed value can change when a certain magnetic body approaches the aerosol generating device. In addition, the sensed value can also change depending on the kind of the magnetic body that approaches. This case belongs to a case in which the sensed value changes without the intention of the user.

[0156] As shown, the fluctuating change in the sensed value can mean that a relatively small noise occurs. Subsequently at t1, the sensed value vertically rises, which can mean that a larger noise similar to the approach of a magnetic body occurs. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, small noises will be ignored.

[0157] with Figure 7a and Figure 7b In the case where the sensed value changes from Al to A2, in Figure 8a and Figure 8b In the case where the sensed value is maintained at Al first, then changes to Nl at tl due to occurrence of a large noise, and then changes to N2 at t2 due to occurrence of a specific event.

[0158] Referring to Figure 8a , according to one example, since the sensed value becomes Nl equal to the threshold value from the time when the large noise occurs, the control section can erroneously determine that the event has occurred before the specific event actually occurs.

[0159] According to another example, since the sensed value becomes Nl and N2 and does not correspond to A2, the control section can erroneously determine that the event has not occurred even if the event has occurred.

[0160] According to still another example, since the sensed value does not change from Al to A2 but changes to Nl and N2, the control section can erroneously determine that the event has not occurred even if the specific event has occurred.

[0161] According to still another example, if the determination of the control section is based on the amount of change of the sensed value, the degree of change from Al to A2 is the same as the degree of change from Nl to N2, and the control section can correctly determine that the event has occurred, but if the determination of the control section is based on the rate of change of the sensed value, the degree of change from Al to A2 is different from the degree of change from Nl to N2, and the control section can erroneously determine that the event has not occurred even if the specific event has occurred.

[0162] Referring to Figure 8b , according to one example, since the difference Dl between the sensed value and the reference value becomes equal to the difference BC between the threshold value CL and the reference value from the time when the large noise occurs, the control section can erroneously determine that the event has occurred before the specific event actually occurs.

[0163] According to another example, since the difference between the sensed value and the reference value becomes Dl and D2 and does not correspond to B2, the control section can erroneously determine that the event has not occurred even if the specific event has occurred.

[0164] According to still another example, the difference between the sensed value and the reference value changes from Bl to Dl and then from Dl to D2, and since the "degree of change from Bl to Dl" and the "degree of change from Dl to D2" are different from the "degree of change from Bl to B2", respectively, the control section can erroneously determine that the event has not occurred even if the specific event has occurred.

[0165] As described above, since the noise can cause the sensed value to change, the control section can erroneously determine even though it is required to accurately determine whether the specific event has occurred.

[0166] To solve the above problem, an operation of calibrating the sensed value or the reference value is required. To calibrate the sensed value, an initial value that can be compared with the sensed value is required. At this time, the initial value can refer to a sensed value in a natural state without any noise. When the sensed value is calibrated to follow the initial value in the natural state, or the reference value is calibrated corresponding to the changed sensed value, the above problem can be solved.

[0167] The result of calibration in the above case will be described below.

[0168] Figure 9a is a graph showing the result of calibration of the sensed value based on the initial value in the case shown in Figure 8a Figure 9b is a graph showing the result of calibration of the reference value based on the sensed value in the case shown in Figure 8b

[0169] Referring to Figure 9a and Figure 9b When the sensed value is changed due to noise, the control unit can calibrate the sensed value or the reference value. As one example, the control unit can calibrate the sensed value so that the sensed value is the same as a predetermined initial value. As another example, the control unit can calibrate the reference value based on the sensed value so that the reference value maintains a prescribed difference in relation to the sensed value.

[0170] When the sensed value generated by the inductive sensor is changed, if the changed sensed value does not belong to a prescribed range, the control unit can calibrate the changed sensed value to the initial value, or calibrate the reference value based on the changed sensed value. At this time, the "case in which the sensed value belongs to the prescribed range" can mean a case in which the sensed value is changed due to occurrence of a specific event.

[0171] The key is that calibration should not be performed when the sensed value is changed due to occurrence of a specific event. Therefore, the control unit can calibrate the sensed value or the reference value in a case in which it is determined that the sensed result does not occur a specific event.

[0172] At this time, according to one example, when the control unit determines whether a specific event occurs based on a threshold value, a problem in which a specific event is determined to have occurred even though the specific event does not occur as described above can occur.

[0173] This problem can be solved by a user setting a threshold range. When the threshold range is set close to the sensed value A2 indicating that a specific event has occurred, the problem as described above can be eliminated to the greatest extent. For example, as illustrated, a range between CL1 and CL2 of the control unit 100 can be set as the threshold range.

[0174] ​​The following will sequentially explain a case where the sensed value is corrected so as to follow the initial value in the natural state and a case where the reference value is corrected in correspondence with the sensed value that has changed.

[0175] Referring to Figure 9a , the control section can set the initial value to the sensed value Al in the natural state without any noise. At this time, when a large noise occurs to cause the sensed value to change from Al to Nl, the control section can determine that the sensing result has not occurred with the specific event and correct the sensed value from Nl to the initial value Al.

[0176] If the correction is not performed, when the specific event occurs to cause the sensed value to change from Nl to N2, the reference value is still the same as A0, and thus, as described above, the control section can not be able to determine that the specific event has occurred. Figure 8a

[0177] If the correction is performed, when the specific event occurs to cause the sensed value to change from Al to A2, the reference value is also corrected to N0, and thus, as described above, the control section can normally determine that the specific event has occurred. Figure 7a

[0178] Referring to Figure 9b , the reference value is preset to A0. At this time, when a large noise occurs to cause the sensed value to change from Al to Nl, the control section can determine that the sensing result has not occurred with the specific event and correct the reference value from A0 to N0. At this time, in correcting the reference value, Al and Nl can be referred to.

[0179] As illustrated, the degree of change from Al to Nl can be the same as the degree of change from A0 to N0 in terms of the amount of change. However, embodiments are not limited to the illustrated example. Depending on the algorithm used for correction, the sensed value change degree can be the same as the reference value change degree in terms of the rate of change, or can be different.

[0180] On the other hand, as the reference value is corrected, the upper and lower limit values CLl and CL2 of the threshold range and the sensed value A2 at the time of occurrence of the specific event can also be corrected. As a result of the correction, the difference between the threshold range and the reference value and the difference between the sensed value and the reference value can be the same as before the noise occurs.

[0181] If the correction is not performed, when the specific event occurs to cause the sensed value to change from Nl to N2, the reference value is still the same as A0, and thus, as described above, the control section can not be able to determine that the specific event has occurred. Figure 8b

[0182] However, if the correction is performed, when the specific event occurs to cause the sensed value to change from Nl to N2, the reference value is also corrected to N0, and thus, as described above, the difference between N0 and N2 and the difference B2 between A0 and A2 are the same, and thus, as described above, the control section can normally determine that the specific event has occurred. Figure 7b ​​​​

[0183] An example of correcting the sensed value at a certain period will be described below. The certain period can refer to, for example, 1 hour, 20 minutes, 10 minutes, 5 minutes, 1 minute, 30 seconds, or 10 seconds, and the user can set the correction period in consideration of the reliability improvement aspect (for example, the shorter the correction period, the higher the reliability) of the control unit's judgment and the power consumption aspect (for example, the longer the correction period, the lower the power consumption) of the inductive sensor and the control unit.

[0184] Figure 10 is a graph showing one example of correcting the sensed value at a certain period in the case where the sensed value periodically changes.

[0185] Referring to Figure 10 , a graph showing the result of correcting the periodically changing sensed value at a certain period is shown. The axes of the graph have the same meaning as described above. The control unit can correct the sensed value at each prescribed period set by the user.

[0186] First, the case where the sensed value periodically changes can be, for example, the case where the magnetic body approaches and then moves away from the inductive sensor at a certain period. Specifically, when the user has an aerosol generating device and a metal key in a pocket, every time the user walks, the pocket will shake, and the distance between the key and the aerosol generating device will repeatedly approach and move away.

[0187] In the graph shown, the fluctuating curve represented by a dashed line can represent the actual sensed value 1010 that changes due to noise. The horizontal line represented by a dotted line can represent the sensed value in a natural state, i.e., the initial value 1020, which is not affected by noise. The irregularly shaped solid line can represent the corrected sensed value 1030. At this time, those skilled in the art can easily understand that there are portions of the dashed line that are obscured by the solid line and are not visible.

[0188] The control unit can correct the actual sensed value 1010 at a certain period. The control unit can correct the reference value with the initial value at a certain time as a reference. At this time, the initial value can remain constant over time. At the correction time, the control unit can correct the actual sensed value 1010 to the initial value 1020. Therefore, the corrected sensed value 1030 can be the same as the initial value 1020 at each correction time.

[0189] After the actual sensed value 1010 is corrected to the initial value 1020, the corrected sensed value 1030 can change as the actual sensed value 1010 changes for one period until the next correction time. Thus, if the corrected sensed value 1030 for one period is moved in parallel along the y-axis direction, it can be the same as the actual sensed value 1010.

[0190] The shorter the correction period, the more the corrected sensed value 1030 can exhibit a similar shape to the initial value 1020. The more similar the corrected sensed value 1030 is to the initial value 1020, the higher the reliability of the determination result of the control unit that determines whether a specific event has occurred.

[0191] Figures 11a-11c FIGS. 10A and 10B are graphs respectively showing examples in which the reference value is calibrated at a certain period in the case where the sensed value periodically changes.

[0192] Referring to Figures 11a-11c , a graph showing the result after the reference value is corrected at a certain period according to the periodically changing sensed value is shown. The axes of the graph have the same meanings as described above. The control unit can correct the reference value at every prescribed period set by the user.

[0193] Referring to Figure 11a The waveform curve shown in a solid line can represent the actual sensed value 1110 that changes due to noise. The horizontal line shown in a dotted line can represent the sensed value in a natural state that is not affected by noise, i.e., the initial value 1120. The horizontal line shown in a dashed line can represent the reference value before correction 1140. The stepped bold dashed line can represent the reference value after correction 1150a. At this time, the difference between the initial value 1120 and the reference value before correction 1140 can have a predetermined value.

[0194] The control unit can correct the reference value before correction 1140 at a certain period. The control unit can correct the reference value based on the sensed value at a specific time. Specifically, the control unit can correct the reference value before correction 1140 with reference to the initial value 1120 and the actual sensed value 1110. At the correction time, the control unit can reflect the difference between the initial value 1120 and the actual sensed value 1110 to the reference value before correction 1140, thereby deriving the reference value after correction 1150a.

[0195] Therefore, at the correction time, the difference between the initial value 1120 and the actual sensed value 1110 can be the same as the difference between the reference value before correction 1140 and the reference value after correction 1150a. If the reference value after correction 1150a is moved in parallel along the y-axis direction, the reference value after correction 1150a can be the same as the actual sensed value 1110 at all correction times. After the reference value before correction 1140 is corrected to the reference value after correction 1150a, the reference value after correction 1150a can maintain a constant value for one period until the next correction time.

[0196] The shorter the correction period, the more the corrected reference value 1150a can exhibit a similar shape to the changed actual sensing value 1110. The more the shape of the corrected reference value 1150a approaches the shape of the actual sensing value 1110, the more the corrected reference value 1150a can resemble a result of moving the actual sensing value 1110 only in the y-axis direction.

[0197] In an ideal case, the difference between the corrected reference value 1150a and the actual sensing value 1110 can remain the same at all time points. The difference can be the same as the "difference between the initial value 1120 and the reference value 1140 before correction" that is predetermined. That is, the change in the sensing value caused by the noise can be offset by the change in the reference value. As a result, the reliability of the determination result of the control section that determines whether a specific event has occurred can be improved.

[0198] Reference Figure 11b The actual sensing value 1110, the initial value 1120, and the reference value 1140 before correction are the same as those shown in FIG. 11, but the shape of the corrected reference value 1150b is different from that shown in FIG. 11. In FIG. 12, the reference value 1150b corrected to be the same as the shape of the actual sensing value 1110 from the time point of the first correction is shown. Figure 11a Figure 11a Figure 11b The control section can correct the reference value 1140 before correction at a certain period. When a predetermined time point (for example, a correction time point) at which the reference value is corrected at a predetermined period is reached, the control section can correct the reference value 1140 before correction with reference to the actual sensing value 1110. At the correction time point, the control section can reflect the actual sensing value 1110 of the previous period to the reference value 1140 before correction, thereby deriving the corrected reference value 1150b. That is, the control section can correct the reference value so as to follow the change in the sensing value in the previous period, with the predetermined time point as a reference.

[0199] Therefore, if the corrected reference value 1150b is moved in parallel in the +y direction and the -x direction, the corrected reference value 1150b can be the same as the actual sensing value 1110. After the reference value 1140 before correction is corrected to the corrected reference value 1150b, the corrected reference value 1150b can change with the change in the actual sensing value 1110 of the previous period for one period until the next correction time point.

[0200] The shorter the correction period, the more the x-axis direction interval between the corrected reference value 1150b and the actual sensing value 1110 can decrease. As the x-axis direction interval decreases, the more the corrected reference value 1150b can resemble a result of moving the actual sensing value 1110 only in the y-axis direction.

[0201] The shorter the correction period, the more the x-axis direction interval between the corrected reference value 1150b and the actual sensing value 1110 can decrease. As the x-axis direction interval decreases, the more the corrected reference value 1150b can resemble a result of moving the actual sensing value 1110 only in the y-axis direction. ​​

[0202] In an ideal case, the difference between the corrected reference value 1150b and the actual sensed value 1110 can remain the same at all time points. The difference can be the same as the difference between the predetermined initial value 1120 and the reference value before correction 1140. That is, the change in the sensed value caused by the noise can be offset by the change in the reference value. As a result, the reliability of the determination result of the control section that determines whether a specific event has occurred can be improved.

[0203] Referring to Figure 11c , the actual sensed value 1110, the initial value 1120, and the reference value before correction 1140 are the same as those shown in Figure 11a , but the corrected reference value 1150c has a different form from that shown in Figure 11a . In addition, the average value 1115 of the actual sensed value 1110 in one cycle is shown.

[0204] The control section can correct the reference value before correction 1140 at certain cycles. The control section can correct the reference value before correction 1140 with reference to the average value 1115 of the actual sensed value 1110 in one cycle. At the time of correction, the control section can reflect the average value 1115 of the previous cycle to the reference value before correction 1140, thereby deriving the corrected reference value 1150c.

[0205] Therefore, at the time of correction, the difference between the initial value 1120 and the average value 1115 in the previous cycle can be the same as the difference between the reference value before correction 1140 and the corrected reference value 1150c. If the corrected reference value 1150c is moved in parallel in the +y direction and the -x direction, the corrected reference value 1150c can be the same as the average value 1115 of the actual sensed value 1110. After the reference value before correction 1140 is corrected to the corrected reference value 1150c, the corrected reference value 1150c can remain a constant value for one cycle until the next time of correction.

[0206] The shorter the correction cycle is, the smaller the interval in the x-axis direction between the corrected reference value 1150c and the average value 1115 can be, and the corrected reference value 1150c can exhibit a form similar to the actual sensed value 1110. As the interval in the x-axis direction decreases and the form of the corrected reference value 1150c becomes more similar to the form of the actual sensed value 1110, the corrected reference value 1150c can more likely resemble the result of moving the actual sensed value 1110 in parallel only in the y-axis direction.

[0207] In an ideal case, the difference between the corrected reference value 1150c and the actual sensed value 1110 can be kept constant at all time points. The difference can be the same as the difference between the predetermined initial value 1120 and the reference value 1140 before correction. That is, the change in the sensed value caused by the noise can be offset by the change in the reference value. As a result, the reliability of the determination result of the control section that determines whether a certain event has occurred can be improved.

[0208] Figure 12a is a graph showing one example in which the sensed value is calibrated at a certain cycle in the case where the magnetic body approaches and then moves away from the inductive sensor. Figure 12b is a graph showing one example in which the reference value is calibrated at a certain cycle in the case where the magnetic body approaches and then moves away from the inductive sensor.

[0209] Referring to Figure 12a and Figure 12b , a graph showing the result of correcting the sensed value that first increases and then decreases at a certain cycle according to the movement of the magnetic body is shown. The axes of the graph have the same meanings as described above.

[0210] First, the case where the sensed value first increases and then decreases can be, for example, the case where the magnetic body approaches and then moves away from the inductive sensor. At this time, the slope of the graph can be determined according to the speed of movement of the magnetic body. In the present case, it is assumed that the magnetic body instantaneously approaches the inductive sensor, maintains the distance, and then instantaneously moves away.

[0211] Referring to Figure 12a The line indicated by the dashed line can represent the actual sensed value 1210 that changes due to the noise. The horizontal line indicated by the dotted line can represent the sensed value in the natural state that is not affected by the noise, that is, the initial value 1220. The line indicated by the solid line can represent the corrected sensed value 1230. At this time, it can be easily understood by those skilled in the art that there is a portion of the dashed line that is hidden by the solid line and is not visible.

[0212] As shown in Figure 10 , the control section can correct the actual sensed value 1210 to the initial value 1220 at a certain cycle. The corrected sensed value 1230 can be the same as the initial value 1220 at each correction time. Further, the corrected sensed value 1230 can change according to the change in the actual sensed value 1210 within one cycle to the next correction time. In this case, the corrected sensed value 1230 can be the same as the initial value 1220 at most of the time, except for the times when the increase / decrease is performed each once, since there is no change in the actual sensed value 1210.

[0213] The shorter the correction period, the shorter the time interval between the time when the corrected sensed value 1230 rises and the time when the corrected sensed value 1230 falls. As the time interval shortens, the corrected sensed value 1230 can remain at the initial value 1220 state except for an impulse that occurs in the corrected sensed value 1230, and thus the reliability of the determination result of the control section that determines whether a specific event has occurred can be improved.

[0214] Referring to Figure 12b The line indicated by a dashed line can represent the actual sensed value 1210 that changes due to noise. The horizontal line indicated by a dotted line can represent the sensed value in a natural state that is not affected by noise, i.e., the initial value 1220. The horizontal line indicated by a dashed line can represent the reference value before correction 1240. The thick dashed line can represent the reference value after correction 1250.

[0215] As Figure 11a indicated, the control section can correct the reference value before correction 1240 at a certain period. The control section can correct the reference value before correction 1240 with reference to the initial value 1220 and the actual sensed value 1210. At the time of correction, the control section can reflect the difference between the initial value 1220 and the actual sensed value 1210 to the reference value before correction 1240, thereby deriving the reference value after correction 1250.

[0216] Thus, at the time of correction, the difference between the initial value 1220 and the actual sensed value 1210 can be the same as the difference between the reference value before correction 1240 and the reference value after correction 1250. If the reference value after correction 1250 is moved in parallel along the y-axis direction, the reference value after correction 1250 can be the same as the actual sensed value 1210 at all times of correction. After the reference value before correction 1240 is corrected to the reference value after correction 1250, the reference value after correction 1250 can remain at a constant value for one period until the next time of correction.

[0217] The shorter the correction period, the more the reference value after correction 1250 can exhibit a similar form to the changing actual sensed value 1210. In particular, the closer the time when the actual sensed value 1210 changes to the next time of correction, the more the form of the reference value after correction 1250 can be similar to the form of the actual sensed value 1210. Thus, the reference value after correction 1250 can be similar to the result of moving the actual sensed value 1210 in parallel only along the y-axis direction.

[0218] In an ideal case, the difference between the corrected reference value 1250 and the actual sensed value 1210 can remain the same at all time points. The difference can be the same as the difference between the predetermined initial value 1220 and the reference value before correction 1240. That is, the change in the sensed value caused by the noise can be offset by the change in the reference value. As a result, the reliability of the determination result of the control unit judging whether a specific event has occurred can be improved.

[0219] Hereinafter, an example of correcting the sensed value or the reference value after the user starts smoking will be described.

[0220] Figure 13a FIG. 1C is a graph illustrating one example of correcting the sensed value after a predetermined time elapses after the heater starts heating. Figure 13b FIG. 1D is a graph illustrating one example of correcting the reference value after a predetermined time elapses after the heater starts heating.

[0221] Referring to FIGS. 1E and 1F, Figure 13a and Figure 13b a graph illustrating the result of correcting the sensed value that changes due to the influence of the heating of the heater is shown. At this time, the correction is made after a predetermined time elapses after the heater starts heating. The axes of the graph have the same meanings as described above.

[0222] The user starting smoking can mean that the heater starts heating. The sensed value of the inductive sensor can change due to the heat generated by the heater. At this time, the change in the sensed value is not caused by a specific event but by an environmental factor, and thus can be regarded as a change in the sensed value due to noise. On the other hand, the change in the sensed value is not limited to that shown in the graph.

[0223] The sensed value of the inductive sensor can be sensitive to the heat of the heater. That is, during smoking, as the temperature of the heater continuously changes, the sensed value of the inductive sensor can also continuously change. Therefore, when the sensed value is complicatedly and rapidly changed due to the influence of the heat of the heater, correcting the sensed value or the reference value can be relatively difficult compared to other times, and can consume more power.

[0224] In addition, during the user's smoking, the likelihood of a specific event occurring is also low. For example, when the user smokes, the aerosol generating article has already been inserted into the insertion space, and thus there is no need to judge whether it has been inserted, and in addition, there is also no need to intentionally separate or mount the cap in this state, and thus there is also no need to judge whether the cap is mounted / separated. Therefore, from the start of heating by the heater, the necessity of correcting the sensed value or the reference value is low.

[0225] For the above reasons, the control portion of the aerosol generating device according to an embodiment can correct the sensed value or the reference value when a predetermined time elapses after the heater starts heating. At this time, the predetermined time can vary according to the user's setting, for example, can refer to about 10 minutes which is sufficiently long for the user to complete smoking, but the embodiment is not limited to 10 minutes.

[0226] In another embodiment, if the aerosol generating device includes a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the heater, the control portion can correct the sensed value or the reference value when the temperature sensor detects a normal temperature (for example: 20 degrees Celsius to 30 degrees Celsius). Specifically, the control portion can determine the temperature of the heater in response to a signal generated by the temperature sensor, and correct the sensed value or the reference value when the temperature of the heater reaches a predetermined temperature.

[0227] On the other hand, although not illustrated, the control portion can set the sensed value at this time as an initial value when the temperature of the heater reaches a predetermined temperature. For example, when the temperature sensor detects a normal temperature (for example: 20 degrees Celsius to 30 degrees Celsius), the control portion can consider this time as a natural state without noise and set the sensed value at this time as an initial value. The control portion can store the sensed value in the memory as an initial value. Thereby, the control portion can re-set the initial value.

[0228] Referring to Figure 13a The curve represented in a dashed line can represent the actual sensed value 1310 which varies due to noise. The horizontal line represented in a dotted line can represent the sensed value in a natural state which is not affected by noise, that is, an initial value 1320. The solid line of an irregular shape can represent a corrected sensed value 1330. At this time, those skilled in the art can easily understand that there is a portion of the dashed line which is hidden and not visible by the solid line.

[0229] The control portion can correct the sensed value 1310 when a predetermined time elapses after smoking starts (for example: after the heater starts heating) or when the temperature sensor detects a predetermined temperature. At the time of correction, the control portion can correct the actual sensed value 1310 to the initial value 1320. The corrected sensed value 1330 can vary with the change in the actual sensed value 1310.

[0230] Referring to Figure 13b The curve represented in a solid line can represent the actual sensed value 1310 which varies due to noise. The horizontal line represented in a dotted line can represent the sensed value in a natural state which is not affected by noise, that is, an initial value 1320. The horizontal line represented in a dashed line can represent a reference value before correction 1340. The thick dashed line of a step shape can represent a reference value after correction 1350. At this time, the difference between the initial value 1320 and the reference value before correction 1340 can have a predetermined value.

[0231] The control unit can correct the reference value 1340 after a predetermined time elapses after the start of smoking (e.g., after the start of heating by the heater) or when the temperature sensor detects a predetermined temperature. The control unit can correct the reference value 1340 with reference to the initial value 1320 and the actual sensed value 1310. At the time of correction, the control unit can reflect the difference between the initial value 1320 and the actual sensed value 1310 to the reference value 1340, thereby deriving the corrected reference value 1350. At the time of correction, the difference between the initial value 1320 and the actual sensed value 1310 can be the same as the difference between the reference value 1340 before correction and the reference value 1350 after correction. Subsequently, the corrected reference value 1350 can maintain a certain value.

[0232] Figure 14a is a graph illustrating one example in which the sensed value is calibrated at a certain period and the sensed value is calibrated again at a certain period after a predetermined time elapses after the start of heating by the heater. Figure 14b is a graph illustrating one example in which the reference value is calibrated at a certain period and the reference value is calibrated again at a certain period after a predetermined time elapses after the start of heating by the heater.

[0233] Referring to Figure 14a and Figure 14b , the graph illustrating the case in which the sensed value or the reference value is corrected at a certain period is additionally illustrated on the basis of the illustrated case of the foregoing Figure 13a and Figure 13b . The axes of the graph have the same meanings as the foregoing.

[0234] The control unit can correct the sensed value or the reference value at a certain period. However, after the start of smoking (e.g., after the start of heating by the heater), the control unit can not correct until a predetermined time elapses or a predetermined temperature is detected by the temperature sensor. After the predetermined time elapses or the predetermined temperature is detected, the control unit can correct the sensed value or the reference value again from this time. From this time, correction can be performed again at a certain period.

[0235] Referring to Figure 14a , the dotted line can represent the actual sensed value 1410 that varies due to noise. The horizontal line represented by the dash-dot line can represent the sensed value in a natural state that is not affected by noise, i.e., the initial value 1420. The irregularly shaped solid line can represent the corrected sensed value 1430. At this time, it can be easily understood by those skilled in the art that there is a portion of the dotted line that is hidden by the solid line and is not visible.

[0236] The control unit can correct the actual sensed value 1410 at a certain period. However, as described above, after the start of smoking (for example, after the start of heating by the heater), the control unit can not correct even if the certain period is reached. That is, the control unit can correct the sensed value at each predetermined period, but after the start of heating by the heater and before the lapse of a predetermined time, even if a predetermined time at which the sensed value is corrected at a predetermined period is reached, the sensed value can be maintained. Subsequently, the correction can be restarted when the predetermined time elapses or the temperature sensor detects a predetermined temperature.

[0237] At the correction time, the control unit can correct the actual sensed value 1410 to the initial value 1420. Therefore, the corrected sensed value 1430 can be the same as the initial value 1420 at each correction time.

[0238] After the actual sensed value 1410 is corrected to the initial value 1420, the corrected sensed value 1430 can change with the change of the actual sensed value 1410 for one period until the next correction time. Thus, if the corrected sensed value 1430 for one period is moved in parallel along the y-axis direction, it can be the same as the actual sensed value 1410.

[0239] The shorter the correction period, the more the corrected sensed value 1430 can exhibit a similar shape to the initial value 1420, except for the value from the start of smoking to the restart of correction. The more similar the corrected sensed value 1430 is to the initial value 1420, the higher the reliability of the result of the determination by the control unit as to whether a specific event has occurred.

[0240] Reference Figure 14b The line indicated by a solid line can represent the actual sensed value 1410 that changes due to noise. The horizontal line indicated by a dotted line can represent the sensed value in a natural state that is not affected by noise, that is, the initial value 1420. The horizontal line indicated by a dashed line can represent the reference value 1440 before correction. The thick dashed line can represent the reference value 1450 after correction.

[0241] The control unit can correct the reference value 1440 before correction at a certain period. However, as described above, after the start of smoking (for example, after the start of heating by the heater), the control unit can not correct even if the certain period is reached. That is, after the start of heating by the heater and before the lapse of a predetermined time, the control unit can maintain the reference value even if a predetermined time at which the reference value is corrected at a predetermined period is reached. Subsequently, the correction can be restarted when the predetermined time elapses or the temperature sensor detects a predetermined temperature.

[0242] The control portion can correct the pre-correction reference value 1440 with reference to the initial value 1420 and the actual sensed value 1410. At the time of correction, the control portion can reflect the difference between the initial value 1420 and the actual sensed value 1410 to the pre-correction reference value 1440, thereby deriving the post-correction reference value 1450.

[0243] Therefore, at the time of correction, the difference between the initial value 1420 and the actual sensed value 1410 can be the same as the difference between the pre-correction reference value 1440 and the post-correction reference value 1450. If the post-correction reference value 1450 is moved in parallel in the y-axis direction, the post-correction reference value 1450 can be the same as the actual sensed value 1410 at all times of correction. After the pre-correction reference value 1440 is corrected to the post-correction reference value 1450, the post-correction reference value 1450 can maintain a constant value for one period until the next time of correction.

[0244] Except for the value from the start of smoking to before the start of the next correction, the shorter the correction period, the more the post-correction reference value 1450 can exhibit a similar form to the varying actual sensed value 1410. In particular, the closer the time of change of the actual sensed value 1410 to the next time of correction, the more the form of the post-correction reference value 1450 can be similar to the form of the actual sensed value 1410. Thus, the post-correction reference value 1450 can be similar to the result of moving the actual sensed value 1410 in parallel only in the y-axis direction.

[0245] In an ideal case, the difference between the post-correction reference value 1450 and the actual sensed value 1410 can be the same at all points in time. The difference can be the same as the predetermined "difference between the initial value 1420 and the pre-correction reference value 1440". That is, the change in the sensed value due to noise can be offset by the change in the reference value. As a result, the reliability of the judgment result of the control portion judging whether a specific event has occurred can be improved.

[0246] Figure 15a is a graph illustrating one example in which the sensed value is calibrated at a certain period, and the sensed value is calibrated again at a certain period when the aerosol generating article is inserted and removed after being inserted. Figure 15b is a graph illustrating one example in which the reference value is calibrated at a certain period, and the reference value is calibrated again at a certain period when the aerosol generating article is inserted and removed after being inserted.

[0247] Referring to Figure 15a and Figure 15b , on the basis of the above-described Figure 14a and Figure 14b , a graph illustrating the case in which the aerosol generating article (i.e., a cigarette stick) is inserted and removed is additionally illustrated. The axes of the graph have the same meanings as the above-described contents.

[0248] The control unit can correct the sensed value or the reference value at a certain period. When a certain time elapses after the cigarette rod is inserted into the insertion space, the control unit can determine that the specific event of the cigarette rod insertion has occurred based on the sensed result of the inductive sensor. After the cigarette rod is inserted into the insertion space, the control unit can not perform correction until a certain time elapses after the cigarette rod is inserted or until the temperature sensor detects a certain temperature. After the certain time elapses or the certain temperature is detected, the control unit can again correct the sensed value or the reference value from that time. From that time, correction can again be performed at a certain period.

[0249] As illustrated, the event of the cigarette rod being removed from the insertion space occurs before a certain time elapses after the cigarette rod is inserted or before the temperature sensor detects a certain temperature. At this time, although not illustrated, if the event of the cigarette rod being removed occurs later, correction can not be performed until the cigarette rod is removed.

[0250] Referring to Figure 15a The line indicated by a dotted line can represent the actual sensed value 1510 that varies due to noise. The horizontal line indicated by a dot-and-dash line can represent the sensed value in a natural state that is not affected by noise, that is, an initial value 1520. The irregularly shaped solid line can represent a corrected sensed value 1530. At this time, those skilled in the art can easily understand that there is a portion of the dotted line that is hidden by the solid line and is not visible.

[0251] The control unit can correct the actual sensed value 1510 at a certain period. However, as described above, when the cigarette rod is inserted into the insertion space, the control unit can not perform correction even if a certain period elapses. Subsequently, when a certain time elapses or the temperature sensor detects a certain temperature, correction can be restarted.

[0252] Figure 15a The correction method of the control unit and the characteristics thereof illustrated in the above-described Figure 14a will be omitted.

[0253] Referring to Figure 15b The line indicated by a dotted line can represent the actual sensed value 1510 that varies due to noise. The horizontal line indicated by a dot-and-dash line can represent the sensed value in a natural state that is not affected by noise, that is, an initial value 1520. The horizontal line indicated by a dotted line can represent a reference value before correction 1540. The thick dotted line can represent a reference value after correction 1550.

[0254] The control unit can correct the reference value before correction 1540 at a certain period. However, as described above, when the cigarette rod is inserted into the insertion space, the control unit can not perform correction even if a certain period elapses. Subsequently, when a certain time elapses or the temperature sensor detects a certain temperature, correction can be restarted.

[0255] Figure 15b The correction method and features of the control unit shown are the same as those described above. Figure 14b The content described herein is the same, so its description will be omitted here.

[0256] Figure 16a It is shown in Figure 15a The diagram illustrates an example of calibrating the sensed value when there is a situation where the object approaches and then moves away from a magnetic object. Figure 16b yes Figure 15b The diagram illustrates an example of calibrating a reference value when there is a situation where the object approaches and then moves away from a magnetic object.

[0257] Reference Figure 16a and Figure 16b In the aforementioned Figure 15a and Figure 15b In addition to the above, a chart shows a scenario where noise is generated when a magnetic object approaches, and then disappears when the magnetic object moves away. The axes of the chart have the same meaning as described above.

[0258] The control unit can calibrate the sensed value or reference value at regular intervals. The control unit can calibrate the sensed value or reference value before noise (e.g., the proximity of a magnetic object) occurs. After a period of time has elapsed since the noise started, when the cigarette stick is inserted into the insertion space, because the sensed value or reference value is in a calibrated state, the control unit can correctly determine that the cigarette stick insertion event has occurred, even if noise occurred beforehand.

[0259] After the tobacco stick is inserted into the insertion space, the control unit can refrain from calibration until a specific event occurs where the tobacco stick is removed. When the tobacco stick is removed from the insertion space, the control unit can determine that a specific event of tobacco stick removal has occurred based on the sensing result of the inductive sensor, and recalibrate the sensing value or reference value from that moment. From this moment on, calibration can be performed again at regular intervals.

[0260] However, the embodiments are not limited to the case where calibration only begins when the cigarette stick is removed. For example, the control unit may not perform calibration until a predetermined time has elapsed after the cigarette stick is inserted or until a predetermined temperature is detected by the temperature sensor. After the predetermined time has elapsed or the predetermined temperature has been detected, the control unit may calibrate the sensed value or reference value again from that moment.

[0261] Even if the noise is eliminated when the magnetic body is moved away from the inductive sensor after the control unit restarts the calibration, the control unit can still calibrate the sensed value or reference value at a certain period.

[0262] Reference Figure 16aThe line represented by a dotted line can represent the actual sensing value 1610 that varies due to noise. The horizontal line represented by a dot-dash line can represent the sensing value in a natural state that is not affected by noise, that is, an initial value 1620. The irregularly shaped solid line can represent a corrected sensing value 1630. At this time, the person skilled in the art can easily understand that there is a portion of the dotted line that is hidden from view by the solid line.

[0263] The control portion can correct the actual sensing value 1610 at a certain period. However, as described above, when the tobacco rod is inserted into the insertion space, the control portion can not correct even if the certain period is reached. Subsequently, when the tobacco rod is removed from the insertion space, correction can be restarted.

[0264] Figure 16a The correction method of the control portion and its characteristics shown in the above Figure 15a described in the above

[0265] Referring to Figure 16b The line represented by a solid line can represent the actual sensing value 1610 that varies due to noise. The horizontal line represented by a dot-dash line can represent the sensing value in a natural state that is not affected by noise, that is, an initial value 1620. The horizontal line represented by a dotted line can represent a reference value before correction 1640. The thick dotted line can represent a reference value after correction 1650.

[0266] The control portion can correct the reference value before correction 1640 at a certain period. However, as described above, when the tobacco rod is inserted into the insertion space, the control portion can not correct even if the certain period is reached. Subsequently, when the tobacco rod is removed from the insertion space, correction can be restarted.

[0267] Figure 16b The correction method of the control portion and its characteristics shown in the above Figure 15b described in the above

[0268] According to the aerosol generating device of the embodiment, by correcting the sensing value of the inductive sensor or the reference value as a judgment reference, accurate sensing can be achieved without malfunction of the inductive sensor and the control portion, and the reliability of the judgment result of the control portion can be improved.

[0269] Figure 17 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to still another embodiment of the disclosure.

[0270] The aerosol generating device 1 can include a power supply 11, a control portion 12, a sensor 13, an output portion 14, an input portion 15, a communication portion 16, a memory 17, and at least one heater 18, 24. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1 is not limited to Figure 17The illustrated structure. That is, according to the design of the aerosol generating device 1, it can be understood by those skilled in the art that some of the illustrated configurations can be omitted Figure 17 Some of the illustrated configurations, or new configurations can also be added.

[0271] The sensor 13 can detect the state of the aerosol generating device 1 or the state around the aerosol generating device 1 and deliver the detected information to the control portion 12. Based on the detected information, the control portion 12 can control the aerosol generating device 1 to perform various functions, such as controlling the operation of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18, restricting smoking, determining whether a cigarette stick (not illustrated) and / or a cartridge (not illustrated) is inserted, and displaying a notification, etc.

[0272] The sensor 13 can include at least one of a temperature sensor 131, a puffing sensor 132, an insertion detection sensor 133, a reuse detection sensor 134, a cartridge detection sensor 135, a cap detection sensor 136, and a motion detection sensor 137.

[0273] The temperature sensor 131 can detect the temperature at which the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 is heated. The aerosol generating device 1 can include a separate temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18, or the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 itself can function as a temperature sensor.

[0274] The temperature sensor 131 can output a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. For example, the temperature sensor 131 can include a resistance element whose resistance value changes in response to a change in the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. The temperature sensor 131 can be implemented by a thermistor, which is an element that uses the property of changing resistance according to temperature. At this time, the temperature sensor 131 can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistance element as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. For example, the temperature sensor 131 can be configured by a sensor that detects the resistance value of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. At this time, the temperature sensor 131 can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18.

[0275] The temperature sensor 131 can be disposed around the power supply 11 to monitor the temperature of the power supply 11. The temperature sensor 131 can be disposed adjacent to the power supply 11. For example, the temperature sensor 131 can be attached to one surface of a battery that is the power supply 11. For example, the temperature sensor 131 can be fitted to one surface of a printed circuit board.

[0276] The temperature sensor 131 can be disposed inside the main body (not illustrated) to detect an internal temperature of the main body.

[0277] The puff sensor 132 can detect a puff of the user according to various physical changes in the airflow path. The puff sensor 132 can output a signal corresponding to the puff. For example, the puff sensor 132 can be a pressure sensor. The puff sensor 132 can output a signal corresponding to an internal pressure of the aerosol generating device. Herein, the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device 1 can correspond to a pressure of the airflow path in which the gas flows. The puff sensor 132 can be disposed to correspond to the airflow path in which the gas flows in the aerosol generating device 1.

[0278] The insertion detection sensor 133 can detect insertion and / or removal of the cartridge. The insertion detection sensor 133 can detect a change in a signal due to insertion and / or removal of the cartridge. The insertion detection sensor 133 can be disposed around the insertion space. The insertion detection sensor 133 can detect insertion and / or removal of the cartridge according to a change in a dielectric constant inside the insertion space. For example, the insertion detection sensor 133 can be an inductive sensor and / or a capacitive sensor.

[0279] The inductive sensor can include at least one coil. The coil of the inductive sensor can be disposed adjacent to the insertion space. For example, when a magnetic field around the coil through which a current flows changes, a characteristic of the current flowing through the coil can change according to Faraday's law. Herein, the characteristic of the current flowing through the coil can include a frequency of alternating current, a current value, a voltage value, an inductance value, an impedance value, etc.

[0280] The inductive sensor can output a signal corresponding to the characteristic of the current flowing through the coil. For example, the inductive sensor can output a signal corresponding to an inductance value of the coil.

[0281] The capacitive sensor can include a conductor. The conductor of the capacitive sensor can be disposed adjacent to the insertion space. The capacitive sensor can output a signal corresponding to an electromagnetic characteristic (e.g., electrostatic capacity around the conductor) around the conductor. For example, when the cartridge including the wrapping paper of the metal material is inserted into the insertion space, the wrapping paper of the cartridge can change the electromagnetic characteristic around the conductor.

[0282] The reuse detection sensor 134 can detect whether the cartridge is reused. The reuse detection sensor 134 can be a color sensor. The color sensor can detect a color of the cartridge. The color sensor can detect a partial color of a wrapper wrapping an outer portion of the cartridge. The color sensor can detect an optical characteristic value corresponding to a color of an object based on light reflected from the object. For example, the optical characteristic can be a wavelength of light. The color sensor can be implemented as a single structure together with the proximity sensor, or as a separate structure distinguished from the proximity sensor.

[0283] At least a portion of the wrapper constituting the cartridge can change a color according to the aerosol. The reuse detection sensor 134 can be disposed in correspondence with a position where at least a portion of the wrapper configured to change a color due to the aerosol is disposed when the cartridge is inserted into the insertion space. For example, before the cartridge is used by the user, the color of at least a portion of the wrapper can be a first color. At this time, when the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating device 1 passes through the cartridge, the color of at least a portion of the wrapper can change to a second color due to at least a portion of the wrapper being wetted by the aerosol. On the other hand, after the color of at least a portion of the wrapper changes from the first color to the second color, the color of at least a portion of the wrapper can be maintained as the second color.

[0284] The cartridge detection sensor 135 can detect installation and / or removal of the cartridge. The cartridge detection sensor 135 can be implemented by an inductance-based sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistance sensor, a hall sensor (hall IC) using a hall effect, or the like.

[0285] The cap detection sensor 136 can detect installation and / or removal of the cap. When the cap is separated from the main body, a portion of the cartridge and the main body covered by the cap can be exposed to the outside. The cap detection sensor 136 can be implemented by a contact sensor, a hall sensor (hall IC), an optical sensor, or the like.

[0286] The motion detection sensor 137 can detect a motion of the aerosol generating device. The motion detection sensor 137 can be implemented as at least one of an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor.

[0287] In addition to the above-described sensors 131 to 137, the sensor 13 can further include at least one of a humidity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a location sensor (GPS), a proximity sensor. A person skilled in the art can intuitively infer the function of each sensor from the name thereof, and thus a detailed description thereof can be omitted.

[0288] The output unit 14 can output information related to the state of the aerosol generating device 1 and provide it to the user. The output unit 14 can include at least one of a display 141, a haptic unit 142, and a sound output unit 143, but is not limited thereto. When the display 141 and the touch panel form a layer structure to constitute a touch screen, the display 141 can be used as an input device as well as an output device.

[0289] The display 141 can visually provide information of the aerosol generating device 1 to the user. For example, for the information of the aerosol generating device 1, the display 141 can output a variety of information such as the charging and discharging state of the power supply 11 of the aerosol generating device 1, the preheating state of the heater 18, the insertion / removal state of the cartomizer and / or the cartridge, the installation / removal state of the cap, or the use-restricted state of the aerosol generating device 1 (e.g., abnormal article detection), etc. to the outside. For example, the display 141 can be in the form of a Light Emitting Diode (LED) light emitting element. For example, the display 141 can be a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) panel, an organic light emitting display panel, etc.

[0290] The haptic unit 142 can provide information related to the aerosol generating device 1 to the user in a tactile manner by converting an electrical signal into a mechanical or electrical stimulus. For example, when initial power is supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 for a set time, the haptic unit 142 can generate a vibration corresponding to the completion of initial preheating. The haptic unit 142 can include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0291] The sound output unit 143 can provide information related to the aerosol generating device 1 to the user in an auditory manner. For example, the sound output unit 143 can convert an electrical signal into a sound signal and output it to the outside.

[0292] The power supply 11 can supply power used to operate the aerosol generating device 1. The power supply 11 can supply power so that the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 can be heated. In addition, the power supply 11 can supply power required for the operation of other structures (i.e., the sensor 13, the output unit 14, the input unit 15, the communication unit 16, and the memory 17) provided in the aerosol generating device 1. The power supply 11 can be a rechargeable battery or a primary battery. For example, the power supply 11 can be a Lithium Polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0293] Although Figure 17 It is shown that the aerosol generating device 1 can further include a power supply protection circuit. The power supply protection circuit can be electrically connected to the power supply 11 and can include a switching element.

[0294] The power supply protection circuit can cut off the electrical path of the power supply 11 according to a prescribed condition. For example, the power supply protection circuit can cut off the electrical path of the power supply 11 when the voltage level of the power supply 11 is above a first voltage corresponding to overcharging. For example, the power supply protection circuit can cut off the electrical path of the power supply 11 when the voltage level of the power supply 11 is below a second voltage corresponding to overdischarging.

[0295] The heater 18 can receive power from the power supply 11 and heat the medium or the aerosol generating material within the cartridge. Although Figure 17 Not shown, but the aerosol generating device 1 includes a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) for converting the power of the power supply 11 and supplying it to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. In addition, when the aerosol generating device 1 generates an aerosol by an induction heating method, the aerosol generating device 1 can further include a DC / AC converter that converts the direct current power of the power supply 11 into alternating current power.

[0296] The control portion 12, the sensor 13, the output portion 14, the input portion 15, the communication portion 16, and the memory 17 can receive power from the power supply 11 to perform functions. Although Figure 17 Not shown in the middle, but can also include a power conversion circuit, such as a low dropout (LDO) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that converts the power of the power supply 11 and supplies it to the respective constituent elements. In addition, although Figure 17 Not shown in the middle, but a noise filter can be provided between the power supply 11 and the heater 18. The noise filter can be a low pass filter. The low pass filter can include at least one inductor and a capacitor. The cutoff frequency of the low pass filter can correspond to the frequency of the high-frequency switching current applied from the power supply 11 to the heater 18. The low pass filter can prevent high-frequency noise components from being applied to the sensor 13 such as the insertion detection sensor 133.

[0297] In an embodiment, the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 can be made of any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, the suitable resistive material can be a metal or a metal alloy including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc., but is not limited thereto. In addition, the heater 18 can be implemented by a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate configured with a conductive track, a ceramic heating element, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0298] In another embodiment, the heater 18 can be an induction heating type heater. For example, the heater 18 can include a susceptor that heats by a magnetic field applied by a coil, thereby heating the aerosol generating material.

[0299] The input 15 can receive information input by a user or output information to the user. For example, the input 15 can be a touch panel. The touch panel can include at least one touch sensor for detecting a touch. For example, the touch sensor can include a capacitive touch sensor, a resistive touch sensor, a surface acoustic wave touch sensor, an infrared touch sensor, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0300] The display 141 and the touch panel can be implemented as one panel. For example, the touch panel can be embedded (on-cell type or in-cell type) in the display 141. For example, the touch panel can be attached (add-on type) on the display panel.

[0301] On the other hand, the input 15 can include a button, a keyboard, a dome switch, a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0302] The memory 17 can be hardware for storing various data processed in the aerosol generating device 1, and can store data processed in the controller 12 and data to be processed. The memory 17 can include at least one type of storage medium of a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card-type memory (for example, an SD or XD memory, etc.), a random access memory (RAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, etc. The memory 17 can store data related to an action time of the aerosol generating device 1, a maximum number of puffs, a current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and a user's smoking pattern, etc.

[0303] The communication unit 16 can include at least one constituent element for communicating with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 16 can include at least one of a short-range communication unit and a wireless communication unit.

[0304] The short-range communication unit (short-range wireless communication unit) can include a Bluetooth communication unit, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN / Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared Data Association (IrDA) communication unit, a Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) communication unit, an ultra wideband (UWB) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0305] The wireless communication unit can include a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0306] Although Figure 17 Although not shown, the aerosol generating device 1 includes a connection interface, for example, a universal serial bus (USB) interface, etc., and is connected with another external device through the connection interface such as the USB interface, etc., to transmit and receive information, or to charge the power supply 11.

[0307] The control unit 12 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1. In an embodiment, the control unit 12 can include at least one processor. The processor can be implemented as an array of a plurality of logic gates, or can also be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor. In addition, it can be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present embodiment pertains that the processor can also be implemented as other types of hardware.

[0308] The control section 12 can control the temperature of the heater 18 by controlling the supply of electric power from the power supply 11 to the heater 18. The control section 12 can control the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 sensed by the temperature sensor 131. The control section 12 can adjust the electric power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. For example, the control section 12 can determine a target temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 based on a temperature profile stored in the memory 17.

[0309] The aerosol generating device 1 can include a power supply circuit (not shown) electrically connected between the power supply 11 and the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. The power supply circuit can be electrically connected to the cartridge heater 24, the heater 18, or the induction coil 181. The power supply circuit can include at least one switching element. The switching element can be implemented by a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), a field effective transistor (FET), or the like. The control section 12 can control the power supply circuit.

[0310] The control section 12 can control the supply of electric power by controlling the switching of the switching element of the power supply circuit. The power supply circuit can be an inverter that converts the direct current power output from the power supply 11 into alternating current power. For example, the inverter can be constituted by a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit including a plurality of switching elements.

[0311] The control section 12 can turn on the switching element so that the power supply 11 supplies electric power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. The control section 12 can turn off the switching element to cut off the supply of electric power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. The control section 12 can adjust the current supplied by the power supply 11 by adjusting the frequency and / or duty ratio of the current pulse input to the switching element.

[0312] The control section 12 can control the voltage output from the power supply 11 by controlling the switching of the switching element of the power supply circuit. The power conversion circuit can convert the voltage output from the power supply 11. For example, the power conversion circuit can include a buck-converter for reducing the voltage output from the power supply 11. For example, the power conversion circuit can be implemented by a buck-boost converter and a Zener diode, or the like.

[0313] The control section 12 can adjust the level of the voltage output by the power conversion circuit by controlling the on / off action of the switching element included in the power conversion circuit. When the on state of the switching element continues, the level of the voltage output by the power conversion circuit can correspond to the level of the voltage output by the power supply 11. The duty ratio of the on / off action of the switching element can correspond to the ratio of the voltage output by the power conversion circuit to the voltage output by the power supply 11. The level of the voltage output by the power conversion circuit can decrease as the duty ratio of the on / off action of the switching element decreases. The heater 18 can be heated based on the voltage output by the power conversion circuit.

[0314] The control section 12 can control the power supplied to the heater 18 using at least one of a pulse width modulation (PWM) method and a proportional-integral-differential (PID) method.

[0315] For example, the control section 12 can control the supply of a current pulse having a prescribed frequency and a duty ratio to the heater 18 using the PWM method. The control section 12 can control the power supplied to the heater 18 by adjusting the frequency and the duty ratio of the current pulse.

[0316] For example, the control section 12 can determine a target temperature as a control target based on the temperature profile. The control section 12 can control the power supplied to the heater 18 using a proportional-integral-differential (PID) method, which is a control method that performs feedback using the difference between the temperature of the heater 18 and the target temperature, the value obtained by integrating the difference with respect to time, and the value obtained by differentiating the difference with respect to time.

[0317] The control section 12 can prevent the cartomizer heater 24 and / or the heater 18 from overheating. For example, based on the temperature of the cartomizer heater 24 and / or the heater 18 exceeding a preset limit temperature, the control section 12 can control the action of the power conversion circuit so as to interrupt the supply of power to the cartomizer heater 24 and / or the heater 18. For example, based on the temperature of the cartomizer heater 24 and / or the heater 18 exceeding a preset limit temperature, the control section 12 can reduce the amount of power supplied to the cartomizer heater 24 and / or the heater 18 by a certain ratio. For example, based on the temperature of the cartomizer heater 24 exceeding a limit temperature, the control section 12 can determine that the aerosol generating material contained in the cartridge has been consumed, and can cut off the supply of power to the cartomizer heater 24.

[0318] The control section 12 can control the charging and discharging of the power supply 11. The control section 12 can confirm the temperature of the power supply 11 based on the output signal of the temperature sensor 131.

[0319] When the power line is connected to the battery terminal of the aerosol generating device 1, the control portion 12 can confirm whether the temperature of the power supply 11 is above a first limit temperature, which is a reference for cutting off charging of the power supply 11. When the temperature of the power supply 11 is below the first limit temperature, the control portion 12 can control charging of the power supply 11 based on a preset charging current. When the temperature of the power supply 11 is above the first limit temperature, the control portion 12 can cut off charging of the power supply 11.

[0320] In a state in which the power supply of the aerosol generating device 1 is on, the control portion 12 can confirm whether the temperature of the power supply 11 is above a second limit temperature, which is a reference for cutting off discharging of the power supply 11. When the temperature of the power supply 11 is below the second limit temperature, the control portion 12 can control use of the power stored in the power supply 11. When the temperature of the power supply 11 is above the second limit temperature, the control portion 12 can interrupt use of the power stored in the power supply 11.

[0321] The control portion 12 can calculate a remaining capacity of the power stored in the power supply 11. For example, the control portion 12 can calculate the remaining capacity of the power supply 11 based on a voltage and / or a current sensing value of the power supply 11.

[0322] The control portion 12 can determine whether a cigarette rod has been inserted into the insertion space through the insertion detection sensor 133. The control portion 12 can determine insertion of the cigarette rod based on an output signal of the insertion detection sensor 133. When it is determined that the cigarette rod has been inserted into the insertion space, the control portion 12 can control supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. For example, the control portion 12 can supply power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 based on a temperature profile stored in the memory 17.

[0323] The control portion 12 can determine whether the cigarette rod has been removed from the insertion space. For example, the control portion 12 can determine whether the cigarette rod has been removed from the insertion space through the insertion detection sensor 133. For example, when the temperature of the heater 18 is above a limit temperature or a temperature change gradient of the heater 18 is above a set gradient, the control portion 12 can determine that the cigarette rod has been removed from the insertion space. When it is determined that the cigarette rod has been removed from the insertion space, the control portion 12 can cut off supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18.

[0324] The control portion 12 can control a power supply time and / or a power supply amount to the heater 18 according to a state of the cigarette rod detected by the sensor 13. The control portion 12 can confirm a level range including a signal level of the capacitive sensor based on a lookup table. The control portion 12 can determine an amount of moisture in the cigarette rod according to the confirmed level range.

[0325] When the cigarette rod is in an excessively wet state, the control portion 12 can increase the preheating time of the cigarette rod longer than a normal state by controlling the power supply time to the heater 18.

[0326] The control portion 12 can determine the reuse of the cigarette rod that has been inserted into the insertion space by repeatedly using the reuse detection sensor 134. For example, the control portion 12 can compare the sensed value of the signal of the reuse detection sensor with a first reference range including the first color, and determine that the cigarette rod has not been used when the sensed value is included in the first reference range. For example, the control portion 12 can compare the sensed value of the signal of the reuse detection sensor with a second reference range including the second color, and determine that the cigarette rod has been used when the sensed value is included in the second reference range. When it is determined that the cigarette rod has been used, the control portion 12 can cut off the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18.

[0327] The control portion 12 can determine whether the cartridge has been coupled and / or removed by the cartridge detection sensor 135. For example, the control portion 12 can determine whether the cartridge has been coupled and / or removed based on the sensed value of the signal of the cartridge detection sensor.

[0328] The control portion 12 can determine whether the aerosol generating material of the cartridge has been consumed. For example, the control portion 12 can preheat the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 by applying power, and determine whether the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeds a limit temperature for a preheating time period, and determine that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge has been consumed when the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeds the limit temperature. When it is determined that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge has been consumed, the control portion 12 can cut off the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18.

[0329] The control portion 12 can determine whether the cartridge is usable. For example, when the current number of puffs is above the maximum number of puffs set in the cartridge, the control portion 12 can determine that the cartridge is not usable based on the data stored in the memory 17. For example, when the total time for which the heater 24 is heated is above a preset maximum time or the total amount of power supplied to the heater 24 is above a preset maximum amount of power, the control portion 12 can determine that the cartridge is not usable.

[0330] The control portion 12 can perform determination regarding the inhalation of the user by the puffing sensor 132. For example, the control portion 12 can determine whether puffing has occurred based on the sensed value of the signal of the puffing sensor. For example, the control portion 12 can determine the strength of the puffing based on the sensed value of the signal of the puffing sensor 132. When the number of puffs reaches a preset maximum number of puffs or puffing is not detected for a preset time or more, the control portion 12 can cut off the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18.

[0331] The control portion 12 can determine whether the cap has been coupled and / or removed through the cap detection sensor 136. For example, the control portion 12 can determine whether the cap has been coupled and / or removed based on a sensed value of a signal of the cap detection sensor.

[0332] The control portion 12 can control the output portion 14 based on a result detected by the sensor 13. For example, when the number of puffs counted by the puff sensor 132 reaches a preset number, the control portion 12 can give a user a hint that the aerosol generating device 1 is about to be terminated through at least one of the display 141, the haptic portion 142, and the sound output portion 143. For example, the control portion 12 can notify the user based on a determination that the cartridge is not present in the insertion space, through the output portion 14. For example, the control portion 12 can notify the user based on a determination that the cartridge and / or the cap are not installed, through the output portion 14. For example, the control portion 12 can deliver information related to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 to the user through the output portion 14.

[0333] The control portion 12 can store and update a history of events that have occurred in the memory 17 based on occurrence of a prescribed event. The event can include the following actions performed in the aerosol generating device 1: cartridge insertion detection, heating start of the cartridge, puff detection, puff termination, overheat detection of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18, overvoltage application detection to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18, heating termination of the cartridge, actions of turning on / off of the power supply 11 of the aerosol generating device 1, starting charging of the power supply 11, detecting overcharging of the power supply 11, terminating charging of the power supply 11, etc. The history of events can include a date and time of occurrence of the event, log data corresponding to the event, etc. For example, when the prescribed event is cartridge insertion detection, the log data corresponding to the event can include data related to a sensed value of the insertion detection sensor 133, etc. For example, when the prescribed event is overheat detection of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18, the log data corresponding to the event can include data related to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18, the voltage applied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18, the current flowing through the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18, etc.

[0334] The control portion 12 can control to establish a communication link with an external device (for example, a user's mobile terminal). When authentication data is received from the external device through the communication link, the control portion 12 can release the use restriction of at least one function of the aerosol generating device 1. Among them, the authentication data can include data indicating that the user corresponding to the external device has completed authentication. The user can perform user authentication through the external device. The external device can determine whether the user data is valid based on the user's birthday, a unique number indicating the user, etc., and receive data related to the use authority of the aerosol generating device 1 from an external server. The external device can transmit data indicating that the user authentication has been completed to the aerosol generating device 1 based on the data related to the use authority. When the user authentication is completed, the control portion 12 can release the use restriction of at least one function of the aerosol generating device 1. For example, when the user authentication is completed, the control portion 12 can release the use restriction of the heating function of supplying power to the heater 18.

[0335] The control portion 12 can transmit data related to the state of the aerosol generating device 1 to the external device through the communication link formed with the external device. Based on the received state data, the external device can output the remaining capacity of the power supply 11, the operation mode, etc. of the aerosol generating device 1 through the display of the external device.

[0336] The external device can transmit a location search request to the aerosol generating device 1 based on an input for starting a location search of the aerosol generating device 1. When the location search request is received from the external device, the control portion 12 can control at least one of the output devices to perform an action corresponding to the location search based on the received location search request. For example, in response to the location search request, the haptic portion 142 can generate vibration. For example, in response to the location search request, the display 141 can output an object corresponding to the location search and search termination.

[0337] When firmware data is received from the external device, the control portion 12 can control to perform firmware update. The external device can confirm the current version of the firmware of the aerosol generating device 1 and determine whether there is a new version of the firmware. When an input requesting to download the firmware is received, the external device can receive firmware data of the new version and transmit the firmware data of the new version to the aerosol generating device 1. When the firmware data of the new version is received, the control portion 12 can control the update of the firmware of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0338] The control portion 12 can transmit the sensed value data of the at least one sensor 13 to an external server (not illustrated) through the communication portion 16, and receive and store a learning model that learns generation of a sensed value through machine learning such as deep learning from the server. The control portion 12 can use the learning model received from the server to perform an action of judging a user's inhalation pattern, an action of generating a temperature profile, and the like. The control portion 12 can store the sensed value data of the at least one sensor 13 and data for learning an artificial neural network (ANN) or the like in the memory 17. For example, the memory 17 can store a database (for learning an artificial neural network (ANN)) of each of the configurations provided in the aerosol generating device 1, weights and biases that constitute an artificial neural network (ANN) structure. The control portion 12 can generate at least one learning model for judging a user's inhalation pattern, generating a temperature profile, and the like by learning the data of the sensed value of the at least one sensor 13, the user's inhalation pattern, the temperature profile, and the like stored in the memory 17.

[0339] Any one of the embodiments of the disclosure or the above other embodiments is not mutually exclusive or distinguished from each other. Any one of the embodiments of the disclosure or the above other embodiments can be combined or combined in terms of structure and function.

[0340] For example, a specific embodiment and / or structure A in the drawing can be combined with another embodiment and / or structure B in the drawing. That is, even if the combination between the configurations is not directly described, the combination can be made unless it is described as impossible.

[0341] The above detailed description should not be understood as limiting in all aspects, but should be regarded as exemplary. The scope of the present application should be determined by reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the present application are included in the scope of the present application.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, characterized in that, include: The main body includes an insertion space for accommodating aerosol-generating articles. A heater for heating the aerosol-generating article housed in the insertion space. An inductive sensor generates a sensed value corresponding to the distance between itself and a magnetic object, and The control unit is electrically connected to the inductive sensor and compares the sensed value with a reference value used as a judgment criterion to determine the degree to which the magnetic body is close to the main body; The control unit is configured to correct the reference value based on the sensed value, so that the reference value maintains a predetermined difference in its relationship with the sensed value.

2. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit is configured to: when the sensed value changes and the changed sensed value is not within a specified range, correct the reference value based on the changed sensed value.

3. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The cap is detachably attached to one end of the body. The inductive sensor generates the sensed value in response to the distance between itself and the cap, which includes a magnetic element. The control unit is configured to determine whether the cap is attached to the body based on the reference value and the sensed value.

4. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inductive sensor generates the sensed value in response to the distance between itself and the aerosol-generating article, which includes a magnetic material. The control unit is configured to determine, based on the reference value and the sensed value, whether the aerosol-generating article is contained within the insertion space.

5. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit is configured to correct the reference value based on the sensed value at a specific moment.

6. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit is configured to correct the reference value at each predetermined period.

7. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The control unit is configured to: when a predetermined time is reached for correcting the reference value according to the predetermined period, correct the reference value according to the change of the sensed value in the previous period based on the predetermined time.

8. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The control unit is configured to maintain the reference value even when a predetermined time for correcting the reference value according to the predetermined period has elapsed since the heater started heating.

9. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit is configured to correct the reference value after a predetermined time has elapsed since the heater started heating.

10. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A temperature sensor is used to sense the temperature of the heater. The control unit is configured to: determine the temperature of the heater in response to a signal generated by the temperature sensor, and correct the reference value when the temperature of the heater reaches a predetermined temperature.

11. An aerosol generating device, characterized in that, include: The main body includes an insertion space for accommodating aerosol-generating articles. A heater for heating the aerosol-generating article housed in the insertion space. An inductive sensor generates a sensed value corresponding to the distance between itself and a magnetic object, and The control unit is electrically connected to the inductive sensor and determines the degree to which the magnetic object is close to the main body based on the sensed value; The control unit is configured to correct the sensed value so that the sensed value is the same as a predetermined initial value.

12. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that, The control unit is configured to correct the sensed value after a predetermined time has elapsed since the heater started heating.

13. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that, The control unit is configured to: The sensed values ​​are calibrated at each specified period. The sensed value is maintained until a predetermined time has elapsed after the heater begins heating, even if a predetermined time for correcting the sensed value according to the predetermined period has arrived.

14. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that, A temperature sensor is used to sense the temperature of the heater. The control unit is configured to: determine the temperature of the heater in response to a signal generated by the temperature sensor, and correct the sensed value when the temperature of the heater reaches a predetermined temperature.

15. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that, The control unit is configured to set the sensed value to the predetermined initial value when the temperature of the heater reaches a specified temperature.

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