Aerosol-generating device

Abstract

The aerosol-generating device includes: an insertion space accommodating an aerosol-generating substrate; a heater that heats the aerosol-generating substrate inserted into the insertion space; the air flow channel is connected with the insertion space and used for air to flow; a sensor unit that is disposed in the air flow path and that generates an electric current by being pressurized in accordance with a change in pressure inside the air flow path; and a control unit that controls the heater on the basis of the operation of the sensor unit.

Description

Aerosol generation device Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments relate to an aerosol generating apparatus that detects a user's suction and controls a heater accordingly. Background Technology

[0002] Recently, there has been a growing demand for alternative methods to overcome the drawbacks of conventional cigarettes. For example, there is an increasing need for systems that generate aerosols by heating cigarettes (or "aerosol-generating articles") using an aerosol-generating device, rather than by burning cigarettes.

[0003] Aerosol generating devices may include sensors that perform various functions. As an example of a sensor, it may include a sensor for detecting a user's inhalation. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by this disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device that controls the heater with different temperature profiles based on the intensity of the user's suction.

[0005] In addition, the technical problem to be solved by this disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device that can also generate electricity by a sensor that detects the user's inhalation, i.e., it includes sensors that perform various functions.

[0006] In addition, the technical problem to be solved by this disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device that can charge the power generated by the sensor to the power supply of the aerosol generating device, or supply it to the components of the aerosol generating device.

[0007] The problems to be solved by the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to those described above. For problems not mentioned, those skilled in the art to which the embodiments pertain can clearly understand them from this specification and the accompanying drawings.

[0008] A technical solution for solving the problem, according to one embodiment, an aerosol generating apparatus may include: an insertion space for containing an aerosol generating matrix; a heater for heating the aerosol generating matrix inserted into the insertion space; an airflow channel connected to the insertion space for airflow; a sensor unit disposed in the airflow channel, which is pressurized and generates current as the internal pressure of the airflow channel changes; and a control unit for controlling the heater based on the action of the sensor unit.

[0009] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, since the heater is controlled with different temperature profiles based on the user's suction intensity, the amount of aerosol generated can be adjusted according to the user's usage pattern.

[0010] Furthermore, according to various embodiments of this disclosure, since suction detection and energy harvesting can be achieved through a single sensor, a sensor with multiple functions can be implemented in a compact structure.

[0011] Furthermore, according to various embodiments of this disclosure, by charging the power generated by the sensor to the power supply of the aerosol generating device, or supplying it to the components of the aerosol generating device, energy efficiency can be improved and the number of times the power supply needs to be charged can be reduced.

[0012] Furthermore, according to various embodiments of this disclosure, energy harvesting can be achieved through simple operation, thereby improving the convenience and efficiency of energy harvesting.

[0013] The effects of the embodiments are not limited to those described above. For effects not mentioned, those skilled in the art to which the embodiments pertain can clearly understand them from this specification and the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2a is a diagram showing the state of the sensor unit before it is compressed according to an embodiment, and Figure 2b is a diagram showing the state of the sensor unit after it is compressed according to an embodiment.

[0016] Figure 3 is an example of an aerosol generating apparatus including a sensor section according to an embodiment.

[0017] Figure 4 is an example of an aerosol generating apparatus including a pressurizing member for pressurizing a sensor section.

[0018] Figure 5a is an enlarged view of part A of Figure 4 before the pressure sensor section of the pressure member; Figure 5b is an enlarged view of part A of Figure 4 before the pressure sensor section of the pressure member; and Figure 5c is an enlarged view of part A of Figure 4 for the purpose of explaining the rotation prevention member.

[0019] Figures 6a to 6c are examples of aerosol generating apparatuses including airflow channels in various embodiments.

[0020] Figure 7 is an example of an aerosol generating apparatus for illustrating the components of the heater-protected sensor section.

[0021] Figure 8 is an example of an aerosol generation apparatus that harvests energy using a sensor unit according to an embodiment.

[0022] Figure 9 is an example of an aerosol generating apparatus that harvests energy using a sensor unit, according to another embodiment.

[0023] Figures 10a to 10c are enlarged views of part B of Figure 9 to illustrate the process of energy harvesting by the sensor unit in another embodiment.

[0024] Figure 11 is another example of an aerosol generating apparatus including a sensor section according to an embodiment.

[0025] Figure 12 is yet another example of an aerosol generating apparatus including a sensor section according to an embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Regardless of the reference numerals, the same or similar components will be assigned the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions will be omitted. Similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components in the description of the drawings.

[0027] The suffixes “module” and “unit” used in the following description for the purpose of drafting the specification are used interchangeably or for convenience only, and do not inherently have different meanings or functions. Furthermore, the suffixes “module” or “unit” can include units implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and can be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A “module” or “unit” can be a component that is integrally formed or the smallest unit or part of said component that performs one or more functions. For example, a “module” or “unit” can be implemented as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0028] Furthermore, when describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, detailed descriptions of relevant well-known technologies will be omitted if it is determined that such detailed descriptions may obscure the spirit of the embodiments disclosed in this specification. Additionally, the accompanying drawings are only for easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification; the technical concepts disclosed in this specification are not limited by the drawings and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and even substitutions included within the scope of the concepts and techniques of this disclosure.

[0029] Terms including ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" can be used to describe multiple constituent elements, but the constituent elements are not limited by the terms. The above terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one constituent element from other constituent elements.

[0030] When it is mentioned that a component is "connected" or "coupled" to another component, it should be understood that it can be directly connected or directly coupled to the other component, but there may also be other components in between. Conversely, when it is mentioned that a component is "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0031] Unless the context clearly indicates that they have different meanings, the singular form of a statement covers the plural form of a statement.

[0032] Embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented in software that includes one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., memory 17) readable by a machine (e.g., aerosol generating apparatus 1). For example, a processor (e.g., control unit 12) of the machine (e.g., aerosol generating apparatus 1) can invoke at least one of the more than one stored instructions from the storage medium and execute that instruction. This enables the machine to operate in a manner that performs at least one function according to the invoked at least one instruction. The more than one instruction may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The storage medium readable by the machine can be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. The term "non-transitory" simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and this term does not distinguish between semi-permanent and temporary storage of data in the storage medium.

[0033] In this disclosure, the orientation of the aerosol generating device 1 can be defined using a Cartesian coordinate system as a reference. The x-axis direction in the Cartesian coordinate system can be defined as the left-right direction of the aerosol generating device 1. The y-axis direction can be defined as the front-back direction of the aerosol generating device 1. The z-axis direction can be defined as the up-down direction of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0034] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating apparatus 1 may include a power supply 11, a control unit 12, a sensor unit 13, an output unit 14, an input unit 15, a communication unit 16, a memory 17, and / or heaters 18 and 24. However, those skilled in the art will understand that, depending on the design of the aerosol generating apparatus 1, some of the components shown in FIG1 may be omitted, or new components may be added.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the sensor unit 13 can sense the state of the aerosol generating device 1 or the state around the aerosol generating device 1, and transmit the sensed information to the control unit 12. For example, the sensor unit 13 may include a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, an insertion sensor, a reuse sensor, an overly moist sensor, a cigarette identification sensor, a cartridge sensor, a cap sensor, and / or a motion sensor. In addition, the sensor unit 13 may also include various sensors such as a liquid level sensor for sensing the remaining liquid in the cartridge and a water immersion sensor for sensing water immersion in the aerosol generating device 1.

[0037] According to one embodiment, a temperature sensor can sense the temperature at which heaters 18 and 24 are heated. The aerosol generating apparatus 1 may include a separate temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of heaters 18 and 24, or the heaters 18 and 24 themselves may function as temperature sensors. As an example, the temperature sensor can be used to measure the impedance of heater 18. The impedance of heater 18 may be correlated with the temperature of heater 18. The temperature sensor can measure the current and / or voltage applied to heater 18 (or induction coil). Based on the measured current and / or voltage, the impedance of heater 18 can be calculated. The control unit 12 can estimate the temperature of heater 18 based on the calculated impedance.

[0038] As an example, the temperature sensor may include a resistive element (e.g., a thermistor) whose resistance value changes in response to temperature changes in the heaters 18 and 24. The temperature sensor may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistive element, and the control unit 12 may detect the temperature and / or temperature changes of the heaters 18 and 24 based on the aforementioned signal corresponding to the resistance value.

[0039] As another example, the temperature sensor may include a sensor that detects the resistance value of heaters 18 and 24. The temperature sensor may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of heaters 18 and 24, and the control unit 12 may detect the temperature and / or temperature change of heaters 18 and 24 based on the aforementioned signal corresponding to the resistance value.

[0040] According to one embodiment, a temperature sensor can sense the temperature of the power supply 11. The temperature sensor can be arranged adjacent to the power supply 11. For example, the temperature sensor can be attached to a surface of the power supply 11 (e.g., a battery) and / or mounted on a surface of a printed circuit board. As an example, the aerosol generating apparatus 1 may include a power protection circuit (PCM), and the temperature sensor can be arranged adjacent to the power supply 11 together with the power protection circuit.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the temperature sensor may also be arranged inside the housing (not shown) of the aerosol generating device 1 to sense the temperature inside the housing (not shown).

[0042] According to one embodiment, the suction sensor can sense the user's suction.

[0043] As an example, the suction sensor may include a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor can output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device 1, and the control unit 12 can detect the user's suction based on the aforementioned signal corresponding to the internal pressure. The internal pressure of the aerosol generating device 1 may correspond to the pressure of the gas flow channel. The suction sensor may be arranged in the aerosol generating device 1 corresponding to the gas flow channel.

[0044] As another example, the suction sensor may include a temperature sensor. When a user performs suction, a temporary temperature drop may occur in the airflow channel, the space where the aerosol-generating article is inserted (hereinafter referred to as the insertion space), heaters 18, 24, etc. The control unit 12 can detect the user's suction based on a signal output from the temperature sensor corresponding to the temperature of the airflow channel, etc.

[0045] As another example, the suction sensor may include both a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor. In this case, the temperature sensor can measure the temperature used to correct the internal pressure measured by the pressure sensor. As an example, the suction sensor can correct the signal corresponding to the internal pressure based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and output the corrected signal. As another example, the suction sensor can output both a signal corresponding to the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and a signal corresponding to the internal pressure measured by the suction sensor. In this case, the control unit 12 can receive the signals and correct the signal corresponding to the internal pressure based on the signal corresponding to the temperature.

[0046] As another example, the suction sensor may include a capacitive sensor. In this disclosure, a capacitive sensor may also be referred to as a cap sensor or capacitive sensor. When a user performs suction, temperature changes and / or aerosol flow may occur within the insertion space of the aerosol-generating article, thereby potentially changing the dielectric constant inside the insertion space. The control unit 12 can detect the user's suction based on a signal output from the capacitive sensor corresponding to the dielectric constant, etc., inside the insertion space.

[0047] The suction sensor is not limited to the examples above and can be implemented by a variety of sensors used to sense a user's suction.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the insertion sensing sensor is capable of sensing the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article. The insertion sensing sensor may be disposed around the periphery of the insertion space. Furthermore, the insertion sensing sensor may also include any combination of the examples described above.

[0049] As an example, the insertion sensing sensor may include a capacitive sensor. The capacitive sensor may include at least one conductor, and the at least one conductor may be arranged adjacent to the insertion space. When an aerosol-generating article is inserted into or removed from the insertion space, the dielectric constant around the conductor may change. The control unit 12 may detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article based on a signal output from the capacitive sensor corresponding to the dielectric constant, etc., inside the insertion space.

[0050] As another example, the insertion sensing sensor may include an inductive sensor. The inductive sensor may include at least one coil, and the at least one coil may be arranged adjacent to the insertion space. When the aerosol generating article (e.g., a wrapper of the aerosol generating article) includes a conductor, a change in the magnetic field may be generated around the coil through which the current flows when the aerosol generating article is inserted into or removed from the insertion space. The control unit 12 may sense the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article including the conductor based on the characteristics of the current output from or sensed by the inductive sensor (e.g., the frequency, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc. of the alternating current). Alternatively, an inductive heating element (SUS) may also be included in the aerosol generating article (e.g., the dielectric portion of the aerosol generating article). Even in this case, the magnetic field around the coil may change based on the insertion or removal of the heating element or the like in the insertion space, and the control unit 12 can sense the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article based on the current characteristics of the inductive sensor.

[0051] The insertion sensing sensor is not limited to the examples described above, and can be implemented by various sensors (e.g., proximity sensors) used to sense the insertion and / or removal of aerosol-generating articles. Furthermore, the insertion sensing sensor can also include any combination of the examples described above. According to one embodiment, the insertion sensing sensor may also include a switch, etc., for sensing pressure generated by the aerosol-generating article.

[0052] According to one embodiment, a reuse sensing sensor can detect whether an aerosol-generating article has been reused. As an example, the reuse sensing sensor can be a color sensor for sensing the color of the aerosol-generating article. If a user uses the aerosol-generating article, the color of a portion of the outer casing of the aerosol-generating article may change due to the generated aerosol or heating. The color sensor can output a signal corresponding to the optical characteristics (e.g., wavelength of light) of the color of the outer casing based on the light reflected from it. If a color change is detected in a portion of the outer casing, the control unit 12 can determine that the aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space has been used.

[0053] According to one embodiment, an over-humidity sensing sensor can sense whether an aerosol-generating article is in an over-humid state. For example, the over-humidity sensing sensor may include a capacitive sensor. The capacitive sensor may include at least one conductor arranged adjacent to the insertion space. The control unit 12 can detect whether the aerosol-generating article is in an over-humid state based on the level of a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant, etc., output from the capacitive sensor. As an example, the control unit 12 can confirm the level range that the signal level falls into according to a lookup table, and determine the moisture content of the aerosol-generating article based on the confirmed level range.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the cigarette identification sensor can sense whether the aerosol-generating article is genuine and / or the type of aerosol-generating article.

[0055] As an example, a cigarette identification sensor may include a light sensor for sensing an identification substance (or identification mark) located on the outer surface (e.g., packaging component) of an aerosol-generating article. The light sensor may illuminate the identification substance (or identification mark) of the aerosol-generating article and sense whether the aerosol-generating article is genuine and / or its type based on the reflected light. For example, the identification substance may include a substance that emits light of a specific wavelength based on the illuminated light. The control unit 12 may detect whether the aerosol-generating article is genuine and / or its type based on the range of said wavelengths.

[0056] As another example, the cigarette identification sensor may include a capacitive sensor. Depending on the type of aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space, the dielectric constant inside the insertion space may vary. The control unit 12 can detect whether the aerosol-generating article is genuine and / or its type based on a signal output from the capacitive sensor corresponding to the dielectric constant, etc., inside the insertion space.

[0057] As another example, a cigarette identification sensor may include an inductive sensor. When the packaging and / or interior (e.g., the dielectric portion) of the aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space includes a conductor, the characteristics of the current sensed by the inductive sensor (e.g., frequency, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc.) may vary depending on the type of aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space. The control unit 12 can detect whether the inserted aerosol-generating article is genuine and / or its type based on the characteristics of the current output from or sensed by the inductive sensor.

[0058] Cigarette identification sensors are not limited to the examples described above and can be implemented using various sensors for sensing whether an aerosol-generating article is genuine and / or for sensing the type of aerosol-generating article. Furthermore, cigarette identification sensors can also include any combination of the examples described above.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the cartridge sensing sensor can sense the installation and / or removal of the cartridge. For example, the cartridge sensing sensor may include an inductive sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, a Hall effect sensor (Hall IC), and / or an optical sensor.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the cap sensing sensor can sense the installation and / or removal of the cap. For example, the cap sensing sensor may include an inductive sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, a contact sensor, a Hall effect sensor (HAL IC), and / or an optical sensor. The cap may include a structure that covers at least a portion of a cartridge mounted or inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, or covers at least a portion of the housing of the aerosol generating device 1. If the cap is installed in or removed from the housing, the cap sensing sensor can output a signal corresponding to the installation or removal, and the control unit 12 can sense the installation or removal of the cap based on the signal corresponding to the installation or removal.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the motion sensing sensor is capable of sensing the motion of the aerosol generating device 1. The motion sensing sensor can be implemented by at least one of an accelerometer and a gyroscope.

[0062] According to one embodiment, in addition to the sensors described above, the sensor unit 13 may also include at least one of a humidity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a position sensor (Global Positioning System (GPS)), or a proximity sensor. Since a person skilled in the art can intuitively infer the function of each sensor from its name, detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the output unit 14 can output information about the status of the aerosol generating device 1. The output unit 14 may include, but is not limited to, a display, a haptic unit, and / or an audio output unit. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device 1 may include the charging / discharging status of the power supply 11, the preheating status of the heaters 18 and 24, the insertion / removal status of the aerosol generating article and / or cartridge, the installation and / or removal status of the cover, or a status where the use of the aerosol generating device 1 is restricted (e.g., abnormal object detected). The display can visually provide the user with information about the status of the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the display may include a light-emitting diode (LED), a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), etc. If the display includes a touchpad, the display can also be used as an input unit 15. The haptic unit can tactilely provide the user with information about the status of the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the tactile part may include a vibrating motor, a piezoelectric element, an electrical stimulation device, etc. The sound output part can provide the user with information about the aerosol generating device 1 in an auditory manner. For example, the sound output part can convert an electrical signal into a sound signal and output the sound signal to the outside.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the power source 11 can supply power for the operation of the aerosol generating apparatus 1. The power source 11 may include one or more batteries. The power source 11 can supply power to heat the heaters 18 and 24. Furthermore, the power source 11 can supply power required for the operation of other components included in the aerosol generating apparatus 1, such as the control unit 12, sensor unit 13, output unit 14, input unit 15, communication unit 16, and memory 17. The power source 11 can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the power source 11 can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto. The power source 11 can be a replaceable (detachable) battery (hereinafter, a removable battery). The removable battery can be installed in a battery housing provided within the aerosol generating apparatus 1, or it can be removed from the battery housing. The removable battery can be charged via wired and / or wireless means.

[0065] According to one embodiment, heaters 18 and 24 receive power from power source 11, thereby enabling them to heat the aerosol generating article and / or the medium and / or aerosol generating substance within the cartridge. The aerosol generating apparatus 1 may include heater 18 for heating the aerosol generating article and / or cartridge heater 24 for heating the cartridge (i.e., the solid and / or liquid medium).

[0066] According to one embodiment, heaters 18 and 24 can be resistance heaters. For example, resistance heaters can include resistive materials such as metals or metal alloys like titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, and nichrome. Resistance heaters can be implemented using metal heating wires, metal heating plates with conductive tracks, or ceramic heating elements.

[0067] According to one embodiment, heaters 18 and 24 can be induction heating heaters. For example, an induction heating heater may include an induction heating element (susceptor) that heats up by a magnetic field. An alternating current flowing through an induction coil can generate a magnetic field in the induction coil. The generated magnetic field can pass through the heater and can generate eddy currents in the induction heating element. Based on the generation of eddy currents, the induction heating element can be heated. According to one embodiment, the induction heating element may also be included inside an aerosol generating article (e.g., a medium section). In this case, the induction heating element included inside the aerosol generating article can also be heated by an induction coil.

[0068] Heaters 18 and 24 are not limited to the examples above, and may include various heating methods, structures, components, etc. for heating aerosol generating articles and / or smoke cartridges, or may be used in place of them.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the input unit 15 can receive information input by a user. For example, the input unit 15 may include a touch panel, a button, a keyboard, a dome switch, a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the memory 17 is hardware used to store various data processed within the aerosol generating device 1, and can store data processed in the control unit 12 and data to be processed. For example, the memory 17 may include at least one type of storage medium selected from flash memory, hard disk, multimedia card microtype, card-type memory (e.g., SD (Secure Digital) or XD (Extreme Digital) memory), random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), magnetic storage, magnetic disk, and optical disk. For example, the memory 17 may store data such as the operating time of the aerosol generating device 1, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and data regarding the user's smoking pattern.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the communication unit 16 may include at least one component for communicating with other electronic devices (e.g., portable electronic devices). For example, the communication unit 16 may include a Bluetooth communication unit, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an Infrared Data Association (IrDA) communication unit, a Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) communication unit, an Ultra Wideband (UWB) communication unit, an Ant+ (Adaptive Network Topology) communication unit, a Cellular Network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a Computer Network (e.g., a Local Area Network (LAN) or a Wide Area Network (WAN)) communication unit, etc.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the entire operation of the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the control unit 12 may include at least one processor. The control unit 12 may be implemented by an array of multiple logic gates, or by a combination of a general-purpose microcontroller (MCU) (or microprocessor) and a memory storing a program that can be executed in the MCU. Furthermore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art to which this embodiment pertains that the control unit may also be implemented by other forms of hardware.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the temperature of heaters 18 and 24 by controlling the power supply 11 to supply power to heaters 18 and 24. The control unit 12 can control the temperature of heaters 18 and 24 and / or the power supplied to heaters 18 and 24 based on the temperature of heaters 18 and 24 sensed by a temperature sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13). The control unit 12 can also control the temperature of heaters 18 and 24 and / or the power supplied to heaters 18 and 24 based on temperature curves and / or power curves stored in the memory 17.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the power (e.g., voltage and / or current) supplied to the heaters 18 and 24 by controlling a power conversion circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the heaters 18 and 24 and the power supply 11. For example, the power conversion circuit may include a DC / DC converter (e.g., a buck converter, buck-boost converter, boost converter, Zener diode, etc.) for converting the power supplied to the heaters 18 and 24, and a DC / AC converter (e.g., an inverter) for converting the power supplied to the induction coil (not shown). The DC / AC converter can be implemented using a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit including multiple switching elements. For example, the power conversion circuit may include at least one switching element such as a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), a field-effect transistor (FET), etc.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can regulate the current and / or voltage supplied to the heaters 18 and 24 by adjusting the frequency and / or duty ratio of the current pulses input to at least one switching element of the power conversion circuit (not shown). The duty ratio of the on / off operation of the switching element can correspond to the ratio of the output voltage of the power conversion circuit to the output voltage of the power supply 11.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the power supplied to the heaters 18 and 24 using at least one of pulse width modulation (PWM) and proportional-integral-differential (PID) methods. For example, the control unit 12 can use PWM to supply current pulses with a predetermined frequency and duty cycle to the heaters 18 and 24. The control unit 12 can control the power supplied to the heaters 18 and 24 by adjusting the frequency and duty cycle of the current pulses. For example, the control unit 12 can determine the target temperature as the control objective based on a temperature curve. The control unit 12 can use PID to control the power supplied to the heaters 18 and 24, which is a feedback control method based on the difference between the temperature of the heaters 18 and 24 and the target temperature, the integral value of the difference over time, and the derivative value of the difference over time.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can determine the target power as a control objective based on the power curve. Over time, the control unit 12 can control the power supplied to the heaters 18 and 24 to correspond to the preset target power.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can detect user suction by sensing the power supplied to the heaters 18 and 24. More specifically, the control unit 12 can use a PID control method to control the power supplied to the heaters 18 and 24. When a user performs suction, a temporary temperature drop may occur in the space where the aerosol-generating article is inserted (hereinafter referred to as the insertion space), the heaters 18 and 24, etc. Therefore, during the PID power control, the power (or current) supplied to the heaters 18 and 24 may change. The control unit 12 can detect user suction based on the controlled power change.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can prevent the heaters 18 and 24 from overheating. For example, the control unit 12 can control the operation of the power conversion circuit based on the temperature of the heaters 18 and 24 exceeding a preset limit temperature, so as to reduce the power supplied to the heaters 18 and 24 or interrupt the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the charging / discharging of the power supply 11. For example, the control unit 12 can use a temperature sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13) to determine the temperature of the power supply 11. When the temperature of the power supply 11 exceeds a first limit temperature, the control unit 12 can cut off the charging of the power supply 11. When the temperature of the power supply 11 exceeds a second limit temperature, the control unit 12 can interrupt the use of the power stored in the power supply 11 (e.g., discharging). The control unit 12 can calculate the remaining capacity of the power stored in the power supply 11. For example, the control unit 12 can calculate the remaining capacity of the power supply 11 based on the voltage and / or current detection values ​​of the power supply 11.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 based on the results sensed by the sensor unit 13.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 based on the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article relative to the insertion space. For example, if the insertion sensing sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13) determines that the aerosol-generating article has been inserted into the insertion space, the control unit 12 can control the supply of power to the heaters 18 and 24. If the insertion sensing sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13) determines that the aerosol-generating article has been removed from the insertion space, the control unit 12 can cut off the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24. If the temperature of the heaters 18 and 24 is above a limit temperature or the temperature change slope of the heaters 18 and 24 is above a set slope, the control unit 12 can determine that the aerosol-generating article has been removed from the insertion space.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the power supply time and / or power supply amount to the heaters 18 and 24 based on the state of the aerosol generating article. For example, if the aerosol generating article is determined to be in an over-humidity state by using an over-humidity sensing sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13), the control unit 12 can increase the power supply time (e.g., preheating time) to the heaters 18 and 24.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 based on whether the aerosol-generating article has been reused. For example, if the control unit 12 determines that the aerosol-generating article has been used, it can cut off the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 based on whether the cartridge is attached and / or removed. For example, if the cartridge sensing sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13) determines that the cartridge is in a separated state, the control unit 12 can control the interruption of the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 or prevent the supply of power to the heaters 18 and 24.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 based on whether the aerosol-generating material of the cartridge has been depleted. For example, if the control unit 12 determines that the temperature of the heaters 18 and 24 exceeds a limit temperature during the preheating period (i.e., the preheating interval), it can determine that the aerosol-generating material of the cartridge has been depleted. In the case that the aerosol-generating material of the cartridge has been depleted, the control unit 12 can cut off the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 based on whether the e-cigarette cartridge is available. For example, if the control unit 12 determines, based on data stored in the memory 17, that the current number of puffs exceeds the maximum number of puffs set for the e-cigarette cartridge, it can determine that the e-cigarette cartridge cannot be used. Alternatively, the control unit 12 can determine that the e-cigarette cartridge cannot be used if the total heating time of the heaters 18 and 24 exceeds a preset maximum time or if the total electrical power supplied to the heaters 18 and 24 exceeds a preset maximum electrical power. In this case, the control unit 12 can control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 to be interrupted or not to be supplied with power.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 based on the user's suction. For example, the control unit 12 can use a suction sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13) to determine whether suction has occurred and / or the intensity of suction. If the number of suctions has reached a preset maximum number of suctions and / or no suction is detected for a preset time, the control unit 12 can cut off the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24. When suction is sensed, the control unit 12 can control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 based on whether the aerosol-generating article (or cartridge) is genuine and / or its type. For example, the control unit 12 can use a cigarette identification sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13) to detect whether the aerosol-generating article is genuine and / or its type. As an example, if the aerosol-generating article (or cartridge) is detected to be counterfeit, the control unit 12 can cut off the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24. If the aerosol-generating article (or cartridge) is detected to be genuine, the control unit 12 can control (e.g., start) the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24. As another example, the control unit 12 can control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 in different ways depending on the type of aerosol-generating article (or cartridge). More specifically, if the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is detected as a first aerosol generating article (or first cartridge), the control unit 12 can control the temperature and / or power of the heaters 18 and 24 based on a first temperature curve (or first power curve). If the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is detected as a second aerosol generating article (or second cartridge), the control unit 12 can control the temperature and / or power of the heaters 18 and 24 based on a second temperature curve (or second power curve).

[0090] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the output unit 14 based on the results sensed by the sensor unit 13. For example, if the number of suctions counted by the suction sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13) reaches a preset number, the control unit 12 can control the output unit 14 to provide information that the aerosol generating device 1 is about to end its operation in a visual, tactile, and / or audible manner. For example, the control unit 12 can control the output unit 14 to provide information about the temperature of the heaters 18 and 24 in a visual, tactile, and / or audible manner.

[0091] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can store and update the history of events that have occurred in the memory 17 based on the occurrence of predetermined events. For example, events may include operations performed in the aerosol generating apparatus 1 such as sensing the insertion of an aerosol generating article, starting heating of the aerosol generating article, sensing suction, ending suction, sensing overheating of heaters 18 and 24, sensing overvoltage applied to heaters 18 and 24, ending heating of the aerosol generating article, turning the power supply of the aerosol generating apparatus 1 on / off, starting charging of the power supply 11, sensing overcharging of the power supply 11, and ending charging of the power supply 11. For example, the history of events may include the date and time of the event, log data corresponding to the event, etc. For example, if the predetermined event is sensing the insertion of an aerosol generating article, the log data corresponding to the event may include data such as the sensing value of the insertion sensing sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13). For example, if the predetermined event is the sensing of overheating of heaters 18 and 24, the log data corresponding to the event may include data about the temperature of heaters 18 and 24, the voltage applied to heaters 18 and 24, the current flowing in heaters 18 and 24, etc.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the communication unit 16 to form a communication link with an external device such as a user's mobile terminal.

[0093] According to one embodiment, if authentication data is received from an external device via a communication link, the control unit 12 can remove usage restrictions on at least one function of the aerosol generating device 1 (e.g., heating function). For example, the authentication data may include the user's birthday, a unique phone number representing the user, and whether the user has completed authentication.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can send data about the status of the aerosol generating device 1 (e.g., remaining capacity of the power supply 11, operating mode, etc.) to an external device via a communication link. The sent data can be output through a display or the like on the external device.

[0095] According to one embodiment, if a location search request for the aerosol generating device 1 is received from an external device via a communication link, the control unit 12 can control the output unit 14 to perform an operation corresponding to the location search. For example, the control unit 12 can control the tactile unit to vibrate, or control the display to output objects corresponding to the location search and the end of the search.

[0096] According to one embodiment, if firmware data is received from an external device via a communication link, the control unit 12 can perform a firmware update.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can send data about the detection values ​​of at least one sensor unit 13 to an external server (not shown) via a communication link, and can receive and store a learning model generated by learning the detection values ​​through machine learning such as deep learning from the server. The control unit 12 can use the learning model received from the server to perform operations such as determining the user's inhalation pattern and generating a temperature curve.

[0098] Although not shown in Figure 1, the aerosol generating device 1 may also include a power protection circuit. The power protection circuit may include at least one switching element and may disconnect the power supply 11 in response to overcharging and / or over-discharging. The aerosol generating device 1 may also include a connection interface such as a universal serial bus (USB) interface, and may be connected to other external devices via the connection interface to send and receive information or charge the power supply 11.

[0099] The aerosol generating article mentioned in this disclosure may include at least one aerosol generating rod (e.g., a medium section) and at least one filter rod. The heater 18 may be arranged corresponding to at least one aerosol generating rod and may be designed differently depending on the arrangement and / or position of the aerosol generating rod and the filter rod. The aerosol generating rod may contain at least one of nicotine, an aerosol generating substance, and additives. For example, the aerosol generating substance may contain glycerin (e.g., vegetable glycerin (VG)) and / or propylene glycol (PG), or may contain a variety of other substances. For example, the additive may contain flavoring agents and / or organic acids, or may contain a variety of other substances. For example, the aerosol generating rod may contain an aerosol generating substrate (e.g., a sheet) impregnated with a liquid non-tobacco substance (e.g., the aerosol generating substance and / or nicotine), and / or may contain solid tobacco substances (e.g., tobacco leaves, reconstituted tobacco, etc.). Tobacco substances can be contained in the aerosol generating rod in various forms such as shreds, granules, and powder. According to one embodiment, the additives in the aerosol generating rod may contain an alkaline substance. Based on the alkaline substance, the nicotine in the tobacco substances contained in the aerosol generating rod can have an alkaline pH value (e.g., pH 7.0 or higher). In this case, the aerosol generating rod can release free base nicotine even at lower temperatures. According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating rod may comprise two or more aerosol generating rods, and the two or more aerosol generating rods may each contain tobacco substances and / or non-tobacco substances. Additionally, although not shown, at least one aerosol generating rod and at least one filter rod may each be wrapped by at least one wrapper, and / or wrapped together by at least one wrapper. In this disclosure, the aerosol generating article may also be referred to as a stick.

[0100] The cartridge mentioned in this disclosure may contain an aerosol-generating substance in any of the following states: liquid, solid, gaseous, or gel. The aerosol-generating substance may comprise a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing substances found in tobacco (including volatile tobacco flavor components) or a liquid containing non-tobacco substances. Additionally, the cartridge may include a storage section for containing the aerosol-generating substance and / or a liquid delivery member for impregnating (containing) the aerosol-generating substance. For example, the liquid delivery member may include a core material such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic. The cartridge heater 24 may be included in the cartridge in the form of a coil surrounding (or winding) the liquid delivery member or in a structure contacting one side of the liquid delivery member. Alternatively, the cartridge heater 24 may also be included in an aerosol-generating device 1 that can be separated from the cartridge.

[0101] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be an apparatus that generates aerosol by electrically heating cigarettes contained in an internal space.

[0102] Cigarettes may include a tobacco stick and a filter stick. The tobacco stick can be made of sheet material or strand material, and can be made from tobacco leaves obtained by cutting tobacco sheets into smaller pieces. In addition, the tobacco stick may be surrounded by a heat-conducting material. For example, the heat-conducting material may be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but it is not limited to this.

[0103] The filter rod can be a cellulose acetate filter. The filter rod can consist of at least one segment. For example, the filter rod may include a first segment for cooling the aerosol and a second segment for filtering specified components contained within the aerosol.

[0104] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be an apparatus that uses a cartridge containing an aerosol generating substance to generate an aerosol.

[0105] The aerosol generating device may include a cartridge containing aerosol generating material and a main body supporting the cartridge. The cartridge may be detachably attached to the main body, but is not limited to this. The cartridge may be integral with the main body or can be assembled, and may also be fixed so as not to be disassembled by the user. The cartridge may be installed in the main body while the aerosol generating material is contained therein. However, it is not limited to this; the aerosol generating material may also be injected into the cartridge while it is attached to the main body.

[0106] The cartridge can be activated by electrical or wireless signals transmitted from the main body, thereby changing the phase of the aerosol-generating substances inside the cartridge to a gas, thus achieving the function of generating aerosols. Aerosols can refer to a gaseous mixture of vaporized particles generated by aerosol-generating substances and air.

[0107] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device can generate an aerosol by heating a liquid composition, and the generated aerosol can be delivered to the user via cigarette. That is, the aerosol generated from the liquid composition can move along the airflow channel of the aerosol generating device, and the airflow channel can be configured to deliver the aerosol to the user via cigarette.

[0108] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating apparatus may be an apparatus that generates aerosols from aerosol generating material by using ultrasonic vibration. In this case, the ultrasonic vibration method may refer to a method of generating aerosols by atomizing the aerosol generating material using ultrasonic vibrations generated by a vibrator.

[0109] The aerosol generating device may include a vibrator, and the vibrator may generate short-cycle vibrations to atomize the aerosol generating material. The vibration generated by the vibrator may be ultrasonic vibration, and the frequency band of the ultrasonic vibration may be from about 100 kHz to about 3.5 MHz, but is not limited thereto.

[0110] The aerosol generating device may also include a core for absorbing aerosol-generating substances. For example, the core may be configured to enclose at least one region of the vibrator or to be in contact with at least one region of the vibrator.

[0111] When a voltage (e.g., alternating current) is applied to the vibrator, heat and / or ultrasonic vibration can be generated from the vibrator, and the heat and / or ultrasonic vibration generated from the vibrator can be transferred to the aerosol-generating material absorbed by the core. The aerosol-generating material absorbed by the core can be converted into a gaseous phase by the heat and / or ultrasonic vibration transferred from the vibrator, resulting in the formation of aerosols.

[0112] For example, the viscosity of the aerosol-generating material absorbed by the core can be reduced by the heat generated from the vibrator, and the aerosol-generating material with reduced viscosity can be micronized by ultrasonic vibration generated from the vibrator, thereby generating aerosols, but not limited to these methods.

[0113] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating apparatus may also include a cradle.

[0114] The aerosol generating device can be integrated with a separate bracket to form a system. For example, the bracket can charge the battery of the aerosol generating device. Alternatively, with the bracket and aerosol generating device combined, the heater can be heated.

[0115] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings to enable those skilled in the art to readily implement them. This disclosure may be implemented in the aerosol generating apparatus of the various embodiments described above, or may be implemented and carried out in various different forms, and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0116] Figure 2a is a diagram showing the state of the sensor section 13 before being pressed according to an embodiment, and Figure 2b is a diagram showing the state of the sensor section 13 after being pressed according to an embodiment.

[0117] Referring to Figures 2a and 2b, the sensor unit 13 may include a first electrode 131, a second electrode 132, a sensing layer 133, and a substrate 134. However, the constituent elements of the sensor unit 13 are not limited thereto; according to embodiments, at least one constituent element may be omitted or added.

[0118] In one embodiment, the sensor unit 13 may be a piezoelectric element. In this disclosure, a piezoelectric element can be a device that converts physical pressure into an electrical signal using the piezoelectric effect. When an external force is applied to the sensor unit 13, which is a piezoelectric element, polarization occurs inside the piezoelectric element, resulting in the piezoelectric element itself generating an electric field and producing a current. That is, when a physical external force is applied to the piezoelectric element, polarization is induced, and as a result, the piezoelectric element can generate electricity by passing electricity through it (i.e., generating a voltage). The electricity generated by the sensor unit 13 can be in the range of microwatts (μW) to milliwatts (mW). The external force required for the piezoelectric element to generate electricity can be approximately 10 kN, but is not limited to this.

[0119] For example, piezoelectric elements may include at least any crystalline material, primarily ceramic or quartz.

[0120] When no external force is applied to the sensor unit 13, as shown in FIG2a, charges 13c1 and 13c2 can be arranged non-directionally inside the sensing layer 133. As a result, the first electrode 131 and the second electrode 132 are not charged and remain electrically neutral, and the sensor unit 13 cannot generate current.

[0121] At this time, when an external force is applied to the sensor unit 13, the polarization phenomenon can be guided by the charges 13c1 and 13c2 inside the sensing layer 133. Specifically, when a region of the sensor unit 13 (e.g., the second electrode 132) is pressurized, the sensing layer 133 can also be pressurized, and as a result, the polarization phenomenon of the sensor unit 13 can be guided by the charges 13c1 and 13c2 inside the sensing layer 133.

[0122] As an example, when an external force is applied to the sensor unit 13, as shown in FIG2b, the charges 13c1 and 13c2 are arranged in a specific direction. The negative charge 13c2 can be biased towards the first electrode 131, and the positive charge 13c1 can be biased towards the second electrode 132. As a result, the first electrode 131 becomes negatively charged, and the second electrode 132 becomes positively charged. The sensor unit 13 can generate its own electric field and become energized. Through this process, the sensor unit 13 can use the external force as mechanical energy to generate current and generate electrical energy.

[0123] However, as shown in Figure 2b, the state in which the first electrode 131 and the second electrode 132 are charged is an example. According to the embodiment, the first electrode 131 can be charged with the positive pole and the second electrode 132 can be charged with the negative pole.

[0124] In one embodiment, the greater the external force applied to the sensor unit 13, the greater the magnitude of the current and the amount of electricity generated by the sensor unit 13 can be.

[0125] A first electrode 131, a second electrode 132, and a sensing layer 133 may be disposed on the substrate 134. As an example, the substrate 134 may be a silicon substrate or silicon wafer used for manufacturing semiconductor devices or integrated circuits (ICs). As yet another example, the substrate 134 may also be a printed circuit board (PCB) or a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). Alternatively, the substrate 134 may also be a substrate made of other materials capable of performing the same function.

[0126] For example, substrate 134 may include a metallic material. In this case, an insulating layer for preventing electrical contact may be formed between the first electrode 131 and substrate 134. The insulating layer refers to a separate layer made of an insulating material that is neither electrically conductive nor thermally conductive, and the insulating layer may correspond to an oxide film or a nitride film formed by laminating any one or more of silicon dioxide (SiO2) and silicon nitride (Si3N4) onto substrate 134.

[0127] As another example, substrate 134 can be an insulator. In this case, the first electrode 131 can be deposited directly on substrate 134.

[0128] The structure of the sensor unit 13 is not limited to the structure shown in FIG2a and FIG2b. As long as mechanical energy can be used to generate current and generate electrical energy, the structure of the sensor unit 13 may include other variations.

[0129] Figure 3 is an example of an aerosol generating apparatus 1 including a sensor unit 13 according to an embodiment.

[0130] Referring to FIG3, the aerosol generating apparatus 1 may include a power supply 11, a control unit 12, a sensor unit 13, a heater 18, an aerosol generating apparatus main body 100, an insertion space 110, and an airflow channel 200. However, the constituent elements of the aerosol generating apparatus 1 are not limited thereto. According to embodiments, at least one of the above-mentioned constituent elements may be omitted or other constituent elements may be added.

[0131] The sensor unit 13 can detect pressure changes inside the airflow channel 200. The sensor unit 13 can output a signal corresponding to the pressure changes inside the airflow channel 200, and the control unit 12 can detect the user's suction based on the signal corresponding to the internal pressure.

[0132] The sensor unit 13 can be disposed in the airflow channel 200. The sensor unit 13 can be pressurized according to the pressure change inside the airflow channel 200. Air flowing into the interior of the aerosol generating device body 100 through the inlet 200a can pass through the airflow channel 200 and pressurize the sensor unit 13, as shown in Figures 2a and 2b, and the sensor unit 13 can generate an electric current.

[0133] That is, the sensor unit 13 can output an electrical signal by utilizing the mechanical energy of the airflow, and the control unit 12 can detect the user's suction based on the electrical signal generated by the sensor unit 13.

[0134] The control unit 12 can control the aerosol generating device 1 based on the operation of the sensor unit 13. The control unit 12 can analyze the results detected by the sensor unit 13 and control subsequent processing. For example, the control unit 12 can control the power supplied to the heater 18 based on the results detected by the sensor unit 13, causing the heater 18 to start or stop operating. For example, the control unit 12 can control the amount of power supplied to the heater 18 and the duration of power supply based on the results detected by the sensor unit 13, allowing the heater 18 to heat to a predetermined temperature or maintain an appropriate temperature.

[0135] In one embodiment, the control unit 12 can be configured to activate the heater 18 only when the magnitude of the pressure change inside the airflow channel 200 exceeds a critical range (e.g., Δ200 Pa). Even without user suction, air flowing into the airflow channel 200 due to the external environment of the aerosol generating device 1 can cause a small pressure change (e.g., Δ100 Pa) in the airflow channel 200. The sensor unit 13 pressurizes due to the small pressure change, thereby generating an electrical signal. If the control unit 12 still controls the heater 18 to heat at this time, it will increase the power consumption of the power supply 11, and the user may suffer burns due to the heating of the heater 18 unexpectedly. According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 controls the heater 18 to heat only when the magnitude of the pressure change inside the airflow channel 200 exceeds a critical range (i.e., only when the output value of the sensor unit 13 exceeds a preset value), thereby reducing the power consumption of the power supply 11 and preventing user burns.

[0136] In one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the heater 18 with different temperature profiles based on the magnitude of pressure changes inside the airflow channel 200. That is, the control unit 12 can control the heater 18 with different temperature profiles based on the intensity of the user's suction. According to one embodiment, since the heater 18 is controlled with different temperature profiles based on the intensity of the user's suction, the amount of aerosol generated can be adjusted according to the user's usage pattern.

[0137] As an example, when the user's suction intensity is strong, the air velocity and airflow through the airflow channel 200 can increase, and the pressure change inside the airflow channel 200 can exceed a preset first range (e.g., Δ300 Pa). Therefore, the sensor unit 13 can be pressurized with a relatively strong applied pressure. At this time, the sensor unit 13 can generate a large current, for example, the output value of the sensor unit 13 can become a first output value (e.g., 100 mW). As a result, the control unit 12 can control the heating temperature of the heater 18 to become a first temperature (e.g., 380 °C). That is, when the user's suction intensity is strong, since the amount of air that needs to be heated increases relatively, the control unit 12 controls the heating temperature of the heater 18 to increase.

[0138] As another example, when the user's suction intensity is weak, the air velocity and airflow through the airflow channel 200 can be reduced, and the pressure change inside the airflow channel 200 can exceed a preset second range (e.g., Δ250 Pa) but be below the first range (e.g., Δ300 Pa). Therefore, the sensor unit 13 can be pressurized with a relatively weak pressure. At this time, the sensor unit 13 can generate a smaller current; for example, the output value of the sensor unit 13 can be a second output value (e.g., 80 mW) that is lower than the first output value. As a result, the control unit 12 can control the heating temperature of the heater 18 to be a second temperature (e.g., 330°C) that is lower than the first temperature. That is, when the user's suction intensity is weak, since the amount of air that needs to be heated is relatively reduced, the control unit 12 controls the heating temperature of the heater 18 to decrease.

[0139] The heater 18 can heat the aerosol-generating article 2 inserted into the insertion space 110. The heater 18 can extend relatively long upward over the insertion space 110. For example, the heater 18 may include a tubular heating element, a plate heating element, a needle heating element, or a rod heating element. The heater 18 can be inserted into the lower part of the aerosol-generating article 2.

[0140] However, the shape of heater 18 is not limited to that shown in FIG3. Heater 18 may also include a cylindrical heating element disposed on the outside of aerosol generating article 2.

[0141] Although not shown, heater 18 can be a multi-heater. Heater 18 may include a first heater and a second heater. The first and second heaters may be arranged side by side along the length direction. The first and second heaters may heat the heaters sequentially, or they may heat the heaters simultaneously.

[0142] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating apparatus 1 may further include an induction coil (not shown) surrounding the heater 18. The induction coil can heat the heater 18. In this case, the heater 18 acts as a susceptor, and the heater 18 can be heated by the magnetic field generated by the AC current flowing through the induction coil. The magnetic field can penetrate the heater 18 and can generate eddy currents within the heater 18. The current can generate heat in the heater 18.

[0143] Additionally, although not shown, the aerosol generating article 2 may include a sensor inside, which can be heated by the magnetic field generated by the AC current flowing through the induction coil. The sensor is disposed inside the aerosol generating article 2 and may not be electrically connected to the aerosol generating device 1. The sensor can be inserted into the insertion space 110 along with the aerosol generating article 2 and can also be detached from the insertion space 110 along with the aerosol generating article 2. The aerosol generating article 2 can be heated by the sensor inside it. In this case, the aerosol generating device 1 may not need to be equipped with a heater 18.

[0144] The aerosol generating device body 100 can form the appearance of the aerosol generating device 1 and serve as the main body of the aerosol generating device 1. The aerosol generating device body 100 may be equipped with an insertion space 110, an airflow channel 200, a power supply 11, a control unit 12, a sensor unit 13, and a heater 18.

[0145] The insertion space 110 may be recessed to a predetermined depth toward the interior of the aerosol generating device body 100 so that at least a portion of the aerosol generating article 2 can be inserted. The depth of the insertion space 110 may correspond to or exceed the length of the region of the aerosol generating article 2 that includes the aerosol generating substance and / or medium. The lower end of the aerosol generating article 2 may be inserted into the interior of the aerosol generating device body 100, and the upper end of the aerosol generating article 2 may protrude outward from the aerosol generating device body 100. The user can inhale air and / or aerosol by holding the exposed upper end of the aerosol generating article 2 in their mouth.

[0146] The insertion space 110 can accommodate an aerosol generating matrix. In this disclosure, the aerosol generating matrix can be a constituent element including aerosol generating substances, and is used as a term including aerosol generating article 2 or a cartridge.

[0147] The airflow channel 200 can be a path for fluid to flow inside the aerosol generating device body 100. For example, the fluid can include at least one of air or vapor in the form of an aerosol. The airflow channel 200 can include an inlet 200a through which air flowing into the interior of the aerosol generating device body 100 can flow along the airflow channel 200, pass through the aerosol generating article 2 inserted into the insertion space 110, and be discharged to the outside. The airflow channel 200 can be the airflow passage shown in FIG. 1.

[0148] Figure 4 is an example of an aerosol generating apparatus 1 including a pressurizing member 300 for pressurizing the sensor section 13.

[0149] Referring to Figure 4, the aerosol generating apparatus 1 may include a power supply 11, a control unit 12, a sensor unit 13, a heater 18, an aerosol generating apparatus main body 100, an insertion space 110, an airflow channel 200, and a pressurizing member 300. The aerosol generating apparatus 1 of Figure 4 may be a device that further includes the pressurizing member 300 in the aerosol generating apparatus 1 of Figure 3. The remaining components (e.g., the sensor unit 13) are the same as or similar to the above-described components, therefore, repeated descriptions are omitted below.

[0150] The pressurizing member 300 can move in response to pressure changes within the airflow channel 200, thereby pressurizing the sensor unit 13. Since the pressurizing member 300 can physically contact and pressurize the sensor unit 13, the sensitivity of the sensor unit 13 can be improved. That is, compared to pressurization through the airflow itself, the sensor unit 13 can easily detect the user's suction through the physical contact of the pressurizing member 300, thus improving the convenience of user suction detection and the ease of controlling the aerosol generating device 1 accordingly.

[0151] The pressurizing member 300 can be disposed on the airflow channel 200 in a region near the sensor section 13. The pressurizing member 300 can be disposed at the front end of the sensor section 13. In this disclosure, the front end can be in a direction facing the inlet 200a. That is, the pressurizing member 300 can be disposed between the inlet 200a and the sensor section 13.

[0152] The structure of the pressure member 300 and the operation process of the pressure member 300 will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0153] Figure 5a is an enlarged view of part A of Figure 4 before the pressurizing member 300 pressurizes the sensor unit 13. Figure 5b is an enlarged view of part A of Figure 4 when the pressurizing member 300 pressurizes the sensor unit 13. Figure 5c is an enlarged view of part A of Figure 4 to explain the rotation prevention member 350.

[0154] Referring to Figures 5a and 5b, the aerosol generating apparatus may include a control unit 12, a sensor unit 13, an aerosol generating apparatus main body 100, an airflow channel 200, and a pressurizing member 300.

[0155] In one embodiment, the pressurizing member 300 is located at the front end of the sensor section 13 and can be rotatably configured on the aerosol generating device body 100. The pressurizing member 300 can rotate toward the sensor section 13 and contact the sensor section 13 as the pressure inside the airflow channel 200 changes.

[0156] The pressure member 300 may include a rotating member 310 and a hinge 320.

[0157] The rotating member 310 can rotate in response to pressure changes inside the airflow channel 200. The rotating member 310 can extend in a direction intersecting the direction in which the airflow channel 200 extends. That is, the rotating member 310 can extend in a direction intersecting the direction in which airflow is generated on the airflow channel 200. Therefore, the rotating member 310 can be implemented as a structure that can easily rotate by the generation of airflow on the airflow channel 200.

[0158] The rotating member 310 can be attached to the hinge 320. As one example, the hinge 320 and the rotating member 310 are integrally formed, allowing the hinge 320 and the rotating member 310 to rotate together via the airflow generated in the airflow channel 200. As another example, the rotating member 310 is rotatably attached to the hinge 320, so that when the hinge 320 is fixed, only the rotating member 310 rotates via the airflow generated in the airflow channel 200. The hinge 320 can be attached to both the rotating member 310 and the aerosol generating device body 100.

[0159] As shown in Figure 5a, when airflow is generated in the airflow channel 200, the rotating member 310 can rotate toward the sensor unit 13 via the airflow. In one embodiment, the distance D between the rotating member 310 and the sensor unit 13 can be shorter than the height H of the rotating member 310. When the distance D is longer than the height H of the rotating member 310, the rotating member 310 will not come into contact with the sensor unit 13 even if it rotates. Therefore, according to one embodiment, since the distance D between the rotating member 310 and the sensor unit 13 is set to be shorter than the height H of the rotating member 310, a structure that can sufficiently pressurize the sensor unit 13 can be achieved.

[0160] As shown in Figure 5b, when the rotating member 310 rotates and comes into contact with the sensor unit 13, the sensor unit 13 can be polarized due to the applied pressure, thereby generating a current. Therefore, the control unit 12 can detect the user's suction and control the components of the aerosol generating device 1 (e.g., heater) based on this.

[0161] In one embodiment, the pressurizing member 300 can pressurize the sensor unit 13 with different pressures based on the magnitude of the pressure change inside the airflow channel 200, and the control unit 12 can control the heater with different temperature profiles based on the pressure of the pressurizing member 300.

[0162] As an example, when the user's suction is strong, the air velocity and airflow through the airflow channel 200 can increase, and the pressure change inside the airflow channel 200 can exceed a preset first range (e.g., Δ300 Pa). Therefore, the rotational force of the rotating member 310 increases significantly, and the rotating member 310 can apply pressure to the sensor unit 13 with a stronger force. At this time, the output value of the sensor unit 13 can become a third output value greater than the first output value (e.g., 150 mW), and the control unit 12 can control the heating temperature of the heater 18 to a third temperature higher than the first temperature (e.g., 400 °C).

[0163] As another example, when the user's suction intensity is weak, the air velocity and airflow through the airflow channel 200 can be reduced, and the pressure change inside the airflow channel 200 can exceed a preset second range (e.g., Δ250 Pa) but be below the first range (e.g., Δ300 Pa). Therefore, the rotational force of the rotating member 310 increases slightly, and the rotating member 310 can apply pressure to the sensor unit 13 with a weaker force. At this time, the output value of the sensor unit 13 can become a fourth output value (e.g., 120 mW) that is greater than the second output value, and the control unit 12 can control the heating temperature of the heater 18 to become a fourth temperature (e.g., 390°C) that is higher than the second temperature and lower than the third temperature.

[0164] That is, in the embodiment where the pressure member 300 pressurizes the sensor unit 13, since the output value of the sensor unit 13 can be increased even if the user inhales with the same suction intensity, the sensitivity of the sensor unit 13 is improved, thereby making it easy to detect the user's suction.

[0165] To allow the pressurizing member 300 to return to its original position after contacting the sensor section 13, the aerosol generating apparatus may include a recovery member. When the pressure change inside the airflow channel 200 is eliminated, i.e., when the user's suction ends, the recovery member can restore the rotating member 310 to its original position (as shown in FIG. 5a). Therefore, the pressurizing member 300 can be repositioned from the sensor section 13 and can be used to subsequently repressurize the sensor section 13 to generate current.

[0166] The restoring member can be incorporated into at least one of the rotating member 310 or the hinge 320. The restoring member can have a suitable elastic modulus so that the rotating member 310 can rotate by airflow. The restoring member can be a spring.

[0167] Referring to FIG5c, the pressure member 300 may further include a pressure protrusion 330. The pressure protrusion 330 may protrude from the rotating member 310 toward the sensor portion 13. The pressure protrusion 330 may be attached to a region of the rotating member 310. The pressure protrusion 330 may rotate together with the rotating member 310 and apply pressure to the sensor portion 13. The pressure protrusion 330 may also be integrally formed with the rotating member 310.

[0168] The pressure protrusion 330 can have greater strength than the rotating member 310. Therefore, the sensor section 13 can be pressurized with greater pressure.

[0169] At least a portion of the pressure protrusion 330 may include an elastic material. Therefore, the possibility of damage or breakage of the sensor portion 13 during the pressure application process by the pressure protrusion 330 to the sensor portion 13 can be reduced. For example, at least a portion of the pressure protrusion 330 may include a rubber material.

[0170] The aerosol generating device may also include a rotation prevention component 350.

[0171] The rotation prevention member 350 prevents the pressurizing member 300 from rotating in the opposite direction to the sensor section 13. The rotation prevention member 350 can be disposed at the front end of the pressurizing member 300 in the airflow channel 200. During the process of the pressurizing member 300 returning to its original position after pressurizing the sensor section 13, it is possible for the returning member to rotate excessively in the opposite direction to the sensor section 13. In this case, even if airflow is generated inside the airflow channel 200, it is difficult for the pressurizing member 300 to rotate back towards the sensor section 13, thus making it difficult to pressurize the sensor section 13. According to one embodiment, the rotation prevention member 350 prevents the pressurizing member 300 from rotating in the opposite direction to the sensor section 13, thereby enabling the pressurizing member 300 to repressurize the sensor section 13.

[0172] The rotation prevention member 350 may have an appropriate height so as not to obstruct the flow of air inside the airflow channel 200. In one embodiment, the height of the rotation prevention member 350 may be less than 1 / 5 of the height of the rotation member 310.

[0173] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, various shapes of the airflow channel 200 in which the sensor unit 13 is disposed will be described.

[0174] Figures 6a to 6c are examples of aerosol generating apparatus 1 including airflow channel 200 in various embodiments.

[0175] Referring to Figures 6a to 6c, the aerosol generating apparatus 1 may include a power supply 11, a control unit 12, a sensor unit 13, a heater 18, an aerosol generating apparatus main body 100, an insertion space 110, and an airflow channel 200. At least one of the constituent elements of the aerosol generating apparatus 1 (e.g., the control unit 12) is the same as or similar to at least one of the constituent elements described above; therefore, repeated descriptions are omitted below.

[0176] Figure 6a is an example of an aerosol generating apparatus 1 including an airflow channel 200 with a narrowing portion, Figure 6b is an example of an aerosol generating apparatus 1 including two branched airflow channels 200, and Figure 6c is another example of an aerosol generating apparatus 1 including two branched airflow channels 200.

[0177] Referring to FIG6a, the airflow channel 200 may include a first portion 210 and a second portion 220.

[0178] The first portion 210 may be smaller than the second portion 220. The sensor unit 13 may be disposed in the first portion 210. That is, the sensor unit 13 may be disposed in the portion of the airflow channel 200 where the area narrows.

[0179] The second part 220 is connected to the first part 210 and may be larger than the second part 220. The inlet 200a of the airflow passage 200 may be included in the second part 220. One end of the second part 220 may be connected to the outside and the other end may be connected to the insertion space 110.

[0180] According to one embodiment, the airflow velocity entering the interior of the airflow channel 200 through the inlet 200a can instantaneously increase when passing through the narrow first portion 210. At this time, since the sensor unit 13 is disposed in the first portion 210, the increased airflow velocity can pressurize the sensor unit 13 with a stronger pressure. As a result, the sensor unit 13 can be easily energized, and the control unit 12 can easily detect the user's suction.

[0181] Referring to FIG6b, the airflow channel 200 may include a first airflow channel 250 and a second airflow channel 260.

[0182] The first airflow channel 250 can be a channel through which external air flows in and moves. The first airflow channel 250 can be referred to as the "main airflow channel" through which more airflow flows than the second airflow channel 260. The inlet 200a can be located in the first airflow channel 250. One end of the first airflow channel 250 can be connected to the outside and the other end can be connected to the insertion space 110.

[0183] The second airflow channel 260 can branch off from the first airflow channel 250. The second airflow channel 260 may be smaller than the first airflow channel 250. The sensor unit 13 may be disposed in the second airflow channel 260. The second airflow channel 260 may be referred to as a "branch channel" that branches off from the first airflow channel 250.

[0184] The second airflow passage 260 may include an inlet 260a and an outlet 260b. The inlet 260a may communicate with a region of the first airflow passage 250, and the outlet 260b may communicate with the insertion space 110.

[0185] Air flowing into the interior of the first airflow channel 250 through inlet 200a may partially flow into the second airflow channel 260 through inlet 260a, while the remainder flows into the first airflow channel 250. The airflow flowing into the second airflow channel 260 can pressurize the sensor section 13 and flow into the insertion space 110 through outlet 260b.

[0186] According to one embodiment, the airflow velocity into the airflow channel 200 through the inlet 200a can increase when passing through the narrower second airflow channel 260. At this time, since the sensor unit 13 is disposed in the second airflow channel 260, the increased airflow velocity can pressurize the sensor unit 13 with stronger pressure. As a result, the sensor unit 13 can be easily energized, and the control unit 12 can easily detect the user's suction.

[0187] Furthermore, since the second airflow channel 260 branches off from the first airflow channel 250, which serves as the main airflow channel, the overall airflow flow is not obstructed in the airflow channel 200. Therefore, the aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to one embodiment can be implemented with smooth internal airflow while easily detecting the user's suction structure.

[0188] Referring to FIG6c, the airflow channel 200 may include a first airflow channel 250 and a second airflow channel 260.

[0189] The second airflow channel 260 can branch from and rejoin the first airflow channel 250. The second airflow channel 260 may have a smaller size than the first airflow channel 250. The sensor unit 13 may be configured in the second airflow channel 260.

[0190] The second airflow passage 260 may include an inlet 260a and an outlet 260b. The inlet 260a may communicate with a region of the first airflow passage 250, and the outlet 260b may communicate with another region of the first airflow passage 250. The inlet 260a may be configured to be closer to the inlet 200a than the outlet 260b.

[0191] Air flowing into the interior of the first airflow channel 250 through inlet 200a may partially flow into the second airflow channel 260 through inlet 260a, while the remainder flows into the first airflow channel 250. The airflow flowing into the second airflow channel 260 pressurizes the sensor unit 13 and then flows into the insertion space 110 after merging into the first airflow channel 250 through outlet 260b.

[0192] According to one embodiment, the airflow velocity into the airflow channel 200 through the inlet 200a can increase when passing through the narrower second airflow channel 260. At this time, since the sensor unit 13 is disposed in the second airflow channel 260, the increased airflow velocity can pressurize the sensor unit 13 with stronger pressure. As a result, the sensor unit 13 can be easily energized, and the control unit 12 can easily detect the user's suction.

[0193] Furthermore, since the second airflow channel 260 branches off from the first airflow channel 250, which serves as the main airflow channel, the overall airflow flow is not obstructed in the airflow channel 200. Therefore, the aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to one embodiment can be implemented with smooth internal airflow while easily detecting the user's suction structure.

[0194] Figure 7 is an example of an aerosol generating apparatus 1 used to illustrate the components of the sensor section 13 protected from the heater 18.

[0195] Referring to FIG7, the aerosol generating apparatus 1 may include a power supply 11, a control unit 12, a sensor unit 13, a heater 18, an aerosol generating apparatus main body 100, an insertion space 110, an airflow channel 200, and a heat insulation member 400. The aerosol generating apparatus 1 of FIG7 may be a device that specifically arranges the sensor unit 13 in the above-described aerosol generating apparatus 1 and further includes the heat insulation member 400. The other components (e.g., the control unit 12) are the same as or similar to the above-described components, therefore, repeated descriptions are omitted below.

[0196] The heat insulation member 400 prevents heat generated by the heater 18 from being transferred to the sensor section 13. When the sensor section 13 is made of a material that is not heat-resistant, the heat insulation member 400 reduces the likelihood of damage or breakage to the sensor section 13, thereby increasing its service life. The heat insulation member 400 can be disposed between the heater 18 and the sensor section 13.

[0197] In one embodiment, the heat insulation member 400 may comprise a material with thermal resistance and low thermal conductivity. Therefore, the heat insulation member 400 will not be damaged by the heat generated by the heater 18, and the heat generated by the heater 18 will not be transferred to the sensor section 13. For example, the heat insulation member 400 may comprise at least one of a metallic material such as steel, iron, nickel, aluminum, or tungsten, or a ceramic material.

[0198] If the heat insulation component 400 can be disposed between the heater 18 and the sensor section 13, it can be disposed in a region of the aerosol generating device body 100.

[0199] In one embodiment, the sensor unit 13 may be configured to be separated from the inlet 200a of the airflow channel 200 by a first separation distance L1, and may be configured to be separated from the heater 18 by a second separation distance L2. In this case, the first separation distance L1 may be shorter than the second separation distance L2. That is, the sensor unit 13 may be configured away from the heater 18 and close to the inlet 200a. Therefore, since the sensor unit 13 is configured to be physically away from the heater 18, it may be less affected by the heat generated by the heater 18.

[0200] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, the energy harvesting of the aerosol generating device 1, which uses the electricity generated by the sensor unit 13 to control the operation of the aerosol generating device 1, will be described.

[0201] Figure 8 is an example of an aerosol generating apparatus 1 that uses sensor unit 13 to harvest energy according to an embodiment.

[0202] Referring to Figure 8, the aerosol generating device 1 may include a power supply 11, a control unit 12, a sensor unit 13, a heater 18, an aerosol generating device body 100, an insertion space 110, a power conversion circuit 160, a power amplifier circuit 170, and an airflow channel 200. The aerosol generating device 1 in Figure 8 may be a device that further includes the power conversion circuit 160 and the power amplifier circuit 170 as described above. The remaining components (e.g., the control unit 12) are the same as or similar to the components described above, therefore, repeated descriptions are omitted below.

[0203] According to one embodiment, the sensor unit 13 may be configured in the airflow channel 200 and used for energy harvesting. In this disclosure, energy harvesting may be a technology for collecting energy generated during the mechanical operation of the aerosol generating device 1 and reusing it as electrical energy, and may refer to energy regeneration by finding harvestable or usable energy from waste or unused resources.

[0204] That is, when airflow is generated in the airflow channel 200, the sensor unit 13 is subjected to external force by the airflow (or by the pressurizing member), and polarization occurs as shown in Figures 2a and 2b, and electricity can be generated. In this disclosure, the sensor unit 13 may also be referred to as a "collecting element".

[0205] Therefore, since the pumping can be detected and energy can be harvested from a single sensor unit 13, the sensor unit 13 with multiple functions can be implemented in a compact structure.

[0206] The control unit 12 can control the aerosol generating device 1 by utilizing the power generated by the sensor unit 13. For example, the control unit 12 can control the heater 18 by utilizing the power generated by the sensor unit 13.

[0207] The power conversion circuit 160 can convert the power generated by the sensor unit 13. The power generated by the sensor unit 13 is generated in a form that is not suitable for direct application to the aerosol generating apparatus 1. Therefore, the power conversion circuit 160 can convert the power generated by the sensor unit 13 into power that can be supplied to the heater 18, the power supply 11, or the display. The power conversion circuit 160 may include: a rectifier circuit for rectifying alternating current into direct current; a DC conversion circuit for converting the rectified direct current into direct current with a DC voltage magnitude suitable for the apparatus; and a power storage element for temporarily storing direct current, but the components included in the power conversion circuit 160 are not limited to these.

[0208] The control unit 12 can control the power conversion circuit 160 to control the supply of output power from the sensor unit 13 to the power supply 11. That is, the control unit 12 can control the power conversion circuit 160 to store the power generated by the sensor unit 13 in the power supply 11 for use in the operation of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0209] The power amplifier circuit 170 can amplify the power generated by the sensor unit 13. Typically, the power generated by the sensor unit 13 is in the range of microwatts (μW) to milliwatts (mW), and the control unit 12 can control the power amplifier circuit 170 to maximize the output power of the sensor unit 13.

[0210] In one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the power amplifier circuit 170 based on the type of the sensor unit 13 and the operating state of the aerosol generating device 1 (e.g., the operating cycle of the aerosol generating device 1, the heating cycle (PWM duty cycle) or heating curve of the heater 18, the user's suction detected by the sensor unit 13, the suction cycle or suction intensity, etc.) so that the output power of the sensor unit 13 reaches the maximum.

[0211] Figure 9 is an example of an aerosol generating device 1 that uses sensor unit 13 to harvest energy according to another embodiment.

[0212] Referring to Figure 9, the aerosol generating device 1 may include a power supply 11, a control unit 12, a sensor unit 13, a heater 18, an aerosol generating device body 100, an insertion space 110, a power conversion circuit 160, a power amplifier circuit 170, an airflow channel 200, a cover 500, and a pressure transmission member 600. The aerosol generating device 1 in Figure 9 may be a device that further includes a second sensor 13b of the sensor unit 13, a cover 500, and a pressure transmission member 600. The remaining components (e.g., the control unit 12) are the same as or similar to the above-described components, therefore, repeated descriptions are omitted below.

[0213] The sensor unit 13 can collect electricity from energy sources generated at various locations in the aerosol generating apparatus 1. In this disclosure, the sensor unit 13 can generate electrical energy through the flow of air formed on the airflow channel 200, or through the opening and closing action of the cover 500.

[0214] Therefore, the sensor unit 13 may include a first sensor 13a disposed in the airflow channel 200 and a second sensor 13b disposed in the region adjacent to the cover 500. The first sensor 13a and the second sensor 13b may operate on the same principle as the sensor unit 13 described in FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b. The first sensor 13a may be referred to as a first collecting element, and the second sensor 13b may be referred to as a second collecting element.

[0215] The cover 500 can be configured on the aerosol generating device body 100 so that it can move between a first position P1 (or open position) of opening the insertion space 110 and a second position P2 (or closed position) of closing the insertion space 110.

[0216] In one example, the cover 500 can be configured to cover the insertion space 110 at a second position P2, such that the insertion space 110 is not exposed to the outside of the aerosol generating device 1. The cover 500 at the second position P2 prevents the insertion space 110 from being exposed to the outside, thereby preventing foreign objects from flowing into the interior of the aerosol generating device body 100 through the insertion space 110.

[0217] In another example, the cover 500 can be moved from the second position P2 to the first position P1, exposing the insertion space 110 to the outside. When the cover 500 is in the first position P1, the insertion space 110 is exposed, and the aerosol-generating article can be inserted into the interior of the aerosol-generating device body 100 through the insertion space 110.

[0218] According to one embodiment, the cover 500 can slide between a first position P1 and a second position P2 along a groove formed in a region (e.g., the upper part) of the aerosol generating device body 100, but the movement of the cover 500 is not limited to this. Furthermore, even without individual user operation, the cover 500, having moved from the second position P2 to the first position P1, can return to the second position P2 by elasticity (or "restoring force"), but is not limited to this.

[0219] The pressure transmission member 600 can be pressurized by the cover 500. Specifically, during the movement of the cover 500, the pressure transmission member 600 comes into contact with and is pressurized by a region of the cover 500, thereby pressurizing the second sensor 13b.

[0220] The pressure transmission member 600 can be disposed at the lower part of the cover 500. The pressure transmission member 600 can be disposed between the cover 500 and the second sensor 13b. However, the placement is not limited to this, as long as the pressure transmission member 600 can be pressurized as the cover 500 moves.

[0221] The process by which the second sensor 13b is pressurized as the cover 500 moves, with reference to the accompanying drawings, will be described in detail below.

[0222] Figures 10a to 10c are enlarged views of part B of Figure 9 to illustrate the process of energy harvesting by sensor unit 13 in another embodiment.

[0223] The cover 500 may include a cover body 510 and an insertion slot 520.

[0224] The cover body 510 forms the shape of the cover 500 and serves as the main body of the cover 500. The cover body 510 is disposed in a region of the aerosol generating device body 100 and is movable to open or close the insertion space.

[0225] An insertion groove 520 may be formed on the cover body 510. A protruding member 630 of the pressure transmission member 600 may be inserted into the insertion groove 520. The insertion groove 520 may be formed by machining a groove of a predetermined depth from a surface of the cover body 510 facing the pressure transmission member 600.

[0226] In one embodiment, the insertion slot 520 may be formed at a location spaced apart from one end and the other end of the cover body 510, respectively. For example, the insertion slot 520 may be formed at a location spaced apart by the same distance from one end and the other end of the cover body 510, respectively.

[0227] The pressure transmission component 600 may include a pressure transmission body 610, a pressure transmission protrusion 620, and a protruding component 630.

[0228] The pressure transmission body 610 can be used as the main body of the pressure transmission component 600. The pressure transmission body 610 can be disposed between the cover 500 and the second sensor 13b.

[0229] The pressure transmission protrusion 620 can protrude toward the second sensor 13b. When the cover 500 presses on the protruding member 630, the pressure transmission protrusion 620 can press on a region (e.g., the second electrode) of the second sensor 13b.

[0230] The pressure transmission protrusion 620 can protrude from the pressure transmission body 610.

[0231] In one embodiment, the spacing D between the pressure transmitting protrusion 620 and the second sensor 13b can be 0. That is, before the pressure transmitting member 600 is pressurized by the cover 500, the pressure transmitting protrusion 620 and the second sensor 13b can remain in constant contact. Therefore, when the pressure transmitting protrusion 620 is pressurized by the cover 500, the second sensor 13b can be pressurized with a stronger force.

[0232] In another embodiment, the spacing distance D between the pressure transmitting protrusion 620 and the second sensor 13b can be greater than 0. That is, before the pressure transmitting member 600 is pressurized by the cover 500, the pressure transmitting protrusion 620 and the second sensor 13b can be separated by a predetermined distance. At this time, the spacing distance D can be of an appropriate size so that the pressure transmitting protrusion 620 can sufficiently pressurize the second sensor 13b. For example, the spacing distance D can be greater than 0.1 mm and less than 10 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0233] The pressure-transmitting protrusion 620 can have greater strength than the pressure-transmitting body 610. Therefore, the second sensor 13b can be pressurized with greater pressure.

[0234] At least a portion of the pressure-transmitting protrusion 620 may include an elastic material. Therefore, during the pressurization of the second sensor 13b by the pressure-transmitting protrusion 620, the possibility of damage or breakage of the second sensor 13b can be reduced. For example, at least a portion of the pressure-transmitting protrusion 620 may include a rubber material.

[0235] The protruding member 630 can protrude from the pressure transmission body 610 toward the cover 500. The protruding member 630 can be disposed on the pressure transmission body 610 to be located on the opposite side of the pressure transmission protrusion 620. The protruding member 630 can be inserted into the insertion groove 520 of the cover 500. The protruding member 630 can be formed to correspond to the size or shape of the insertion groove 520.

[0236] The protruding component 630, the pressure transmission protrusion 620, and the pressure transmission body 610 can also be formed integrally.

[0237] According to one embodiment, the second sensor 13b can be pressurized by the pressure transmission member 600, rather than by the cover 500 directly. That is, the pressure transmission member 600 can perform the function of pressurizing the second sensor 13b while simultaneously performing the function of protecting the second sensor 13b. Therefore, the possibility of damage or breakage of the second sensor 13b due to direct pressure from the cover 500 can be reduced.

[0238] The process by which the second sensor 13b generates electricity through the opening and closing action of the cover 500 will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0239] Figure 10a shows the protruding member 630 fully inserted into the insertion slot 520. Figure 10b shows the pressure transmission protrusion 620 pressurizing the second sensor 13b when the cover 500 presses on the protruding member 630. Figure 10c shows the state after the cover 500 has completed pressurizing the pressure transmission member 600.

[0240] First, referring to FIG10a, with the protruding member 630 inserted into the insertion slot 520, the cover 500 begins to move. For example, the cover 500 can move from a first position to a second position.

[0241] Secondly, referring to FIG10b, a region of the cover body 510 can contact the protruding member 630. Since the protruding member 630 protrudes from the pressure transmission body 610 toward the cover 500, it can move toward the second sensor 13b when in contact with the cover body 510. Therefore, the pressure transmission body 610 and the pressure transmission protrusion 620 can move together toward the second sensor 13b, and the pressure transmission protrusion 620 can apply pressure to the second sensor 13b. As a result, the second sensor 13b can be energized and generate electricity, and the control unit can control the supply of the electricity generated by the second sensor 13b to the power source.

[0242] At this time, a region 630a of the protruding member 630 facing the insertion slot 520 may include a curved surface. Therefore, since the cover body 510 can make gentle contact with the protruding member 630, the ease of movement of the cover 500 is improved, and the possibility of damage to the cover body 510 and the protruding member 630 is reduced.

[0243] Secondly, referring to Figure 10c, as the cover 500 moves further, for example, when the cover 500 is moved to the second position, the cover 500 can be separated from the protruding member 630. Therefore, the pressure transmitting member 600 can move upward as a whole, and the pressure transmitting protrusion 620 can be separated from the second sensor 13b. At this time, as the pressurized state is released, the second sensor 13b can return to its original state, that is, the state before power-on.

[0244] At this time, when the cover 500 in the second position moves back to the first position, the second sensor 13b can apply pressure in the same way as the mechanism described above.

[0245] According to one embodiment, the second sensor 13b can generate electricity twice during the process of the cover 500 moving from the first position to the second position and then back from the second position to the first position. That is, the aerosol generating device can generate electricity twice through a relatively simple operation of opening and closing the cover 500, thus improving the efficiency and convenience of the power collection operation.

[0246] In this disclosure, the cover 500 includes an insertion groove 520, and the pressure transmission member 600 includes a protruding member 630, but this is merely exemplary. That is, in one embodiment, the cover 500 may include the protruding member 630, and the pressure transmission member 600 may include the insertion groove 520. In this case, the protruding member 630 may protrude from the lower part of the cover body 510, and the insertion groove 520 may be formed on the upper surface of the pressure transmission body 610.

[0247] Hereinafter, another example of aerosol generating apparatus 1 will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0248] Figure 11 is another example of an aerosol generating apparatus 1 including a sensor unit 13 according to an embodiment.

[0249] Referring to FIG11, the aerosol generating apparatus 1 may include a power supply 11, a control unit 12, a sensor unit 13, a heater 18, an aerosol generating apparatus main body 100, an insertion space 110, an airflow channel 200, and a smoke cartridge 700. At least one of the components of the aerosol generating apparatus 1 in FIG11 (e.g., the control unit 12 or the heater 18) is the same as or similar to at least one of the components described above, and repeated descriptions are omitted below.

[0250] According to one embodiment, the heater 18 can be omitted in the aerosol generating apparatus 1. In this case, the aerosol generating article 2 contained in the insertion space 110 will not be heated, and the steam generated in the heater assembly 720 can be delivered to the user through the aerosol generating article 2.

[0251] The airflow channel 200 extends from the cartridge 700 to the insertion space 110. Air flows into the interior of the cartridge 700 through its upper end and then through the heater assembly 720 to the insertion space 110. The vapor generated inside the heater assembly 720 mixes with external air and aerosolizes; the aerosol flows into the insertion space 110 and is discharged to the outside via the aerosol-generated item 2.

[0252] The cartridge 700 can be detachably attached to the aerosol generating device body 100. The cartridge 700 may include a storage unit 710 and a heater assembly 720.

[0253] The storage section 710 can store aerosol generating substances. The aerosol generating substances stored in the storage section 710 can be supplied to the heater assembly 720. The aerosol generating substances stored inside the storage section 710 may include tobacco-containing substances containing volatile tobacco flavor components, or may be a liquid composition including non-tobacco materials.

[0254] According to one embodiment, the liquid composition may include any one or a mixture of water, solvent, ethanol, plant extracts, flavoring agents, seasonings, and vitamin mixtures. The flavoring may include, but is not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and various fruit flavoring ingredients. The flavoring agent may contain ingredients capable of providing a variety of fragrances or flavors to the user. The vitamin mixture may be a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E, but is not limited to. Furthermore, the liquid composition may contain aerosol forming agents, such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0255] For example, a liquid composition may comprise a solution of glycerol and propylene glycol in any weight ratio with added nicotine salts. The liquid composition may contain more than two nicotine salts. Nicotine salts can be formed by adding acids, including organic or inorganic acids, to nicotine. The nicotine may be naturally occurring or synthetic nicotine and may have any weight concentration relative to the total solution weight of the liquid composition.

[0256] The acid used to form nicotine salts can be appropriately selected by taking into account the rate of nicotine absorption in the blood, the operating temperature of the aerosol generating device 1, flavor or taste, solubility, etc. For example, the acid used to form nicotine salts can be a single acid selected from the group consisting of: benzoic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, lauric acid, sorbic acid, levulinic acid, pyruvic acid, formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, hexanoic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, citric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, phenylacetic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, gluconic acid, saccharinic acid, malonic acid, and malic acid; or a mixture of two or more acids selected from the group, but not limited thereto.

[0257] The heater assembly 720 performs the function of generating aerosols by converting the phase of the aerosol generating substance into a gaseous phase. The heater assembly 720 can heat the aerosol generating substance by receiving it from the storage unit 710. Therefore, the aerosol generating substance can be aerosolized inside the heater assembly 720. In this disclosure, "aerosol" can refer to particles generated by mixing vapor produced by heating the aerosol generating substance with air, and this term can also be used in the same sense in this specification.

[0258] Although not shown, heater assembly 720 may include a core for absorbing aerosol-generating substances and a heating element (e.g., a heating coil) for heating the aerosol-generating substances by heating the core. The heating element may be wound around the core and configured to surround the core. The heating element may be the aforementioned cartridge heater 24.

[0259] The sensor unit 13 can be configured in the airflow channel 200 located between the heater assembly 720 and the insertion space 110. The sensor unit 13, configured in the airflow channel 200, can be pressurized and polarized by the flow of air in the airflow channel 200. The embodiment of the control unit 12 controlling the aerosol generating apparatus 1 based on the output of the sensor unit 13 described above can be equally applied to the aerosol generating apparatus 1 of FIG. 11, therefore repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0260] On the other hand, the cover 500 for opening the insertion space 110 is not shown in FIG11 (shown in FIG9), but the aerosol generating device 1 may also include a cover. In this case, the sensor unit 13 may include a first sensor 13a (shown in FIG9) disposed in the airflow channel 200 and a second sensor 13b (shown in FIG9) disposed in the region adjacent to the cover.

[0261] Figure 12 is another example of an aerosol generating apparatus 1 including a sensor unit 13 according to an embodiment.

[0262] Referring to FIG12, the aerosol generating apparatus 1 may include a power supply 11, a control unit 12, a sensor unit 13, an aerosol generating apparatus main body 100, an airflow channel 200, and a smoke cartridge 700. At least one of the components of the aerosol generating apparatus 1 in FIG12 (e.g., the control unit 12 or the heater 18) is the same as or similar to at least one of the components described above, and repeated descriptions are omitted below.

[0263] An airflow channel 200 can be formed in the heater assembly 720 and extend to the mouthpiece 700m. Air flowing into the interior of the heater assembly 720 through the airflow channel 200 can flow into the chamber of the heater assembly 720. At this time, the aerosol generating substance heated by the heating unit can mix with the air flowing in through the airflow channel 200, so the generated aerosol can be discharged towards the mouthpiece 700m to the outside of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0264] The cartridge 700 may include a mouthpiece 700m, a storage unit 710, and a heater assembly 720.

[0265] The mouthpiece 700m is used to supply aerosol to the user. For example, the mouthpiece 700m can be connected or fluidly connected to the interior of the heater assembly 720 and the exterior of the aerosol generating device 1, and the aerosol generated inside the heater assembly 720 can be discharged to the exterior of the aerosol generating device 1 through the mouthpiece 700m. At this time, the user can contact the mouthpiece 700m with their mouth and inhale the aerosol discharged to the exterior of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0266] In this disclosure, "fluid connection" can refer to the connection of constituent elements such that a fluid, such as air or liquid, can pass through and flow.

[0267] The storage unit 710 can store aerosol generating substances, and the aerosol generating substances stored in the storage unit 710 can be supplied to the heater assembly 720 disposed at the lower end of the storage unit 710. Since the aerosol generating substances stored inside the storage unit 710 are the same as or similar to the aerosol generating substances shown in FIG11, detailed description is omitted.

[0268] The heater assembly 720 is located between the storage section 710 and the aerosol generating apparatus main body 100, and can perform the function of generating aerosols by converting the phase of the aerosol generating substance into the gas phase.

[0269] The heater assembly 720 can heat the aerosol generating material received from the storage section 710 to generate vapor from the aerosol generating material. The generated vapor can mix with outside air flowing into the interior of the heater assembly 720 from the outside, resulting in the generation of aerosol. The heater assembly 720 may include: a chamber providing space for generating aerosol; a core absorbing the aerosol generating material; and a heating element (e.g., a conductive pattern) that heats the aerosol generating material absorbed by the core. The heating element may be the aforementioned cartridge heater 24.

[0270] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating apparatus 1 can achieve the replacement of the storage unit 710 and / or the heater assembly 720 by means of a structure in which the storage unit 710 and the heater assembly 720 are detachably combined and the heater assembly 720 and the aerosol generating apparatus body 100 are detachably combined.

[0271] When the aerosol generating material stored in the storage unit 710 is depleted, the user can continue smoking by replacing the existing storage unit 710 with a new one. As another example, when the performance of a component of the heater assembly 720 (e.g., the heating element or wick) deteriorates and fails to generate a sufficient amount of aerosol, the user can replace the existing heater assembly 720 with a new one to generate a sufficient amount of aerosol.

[0272] When the aerosol generating material stored in the storage unit 710 is depleted and the storage unit 710 needs to be replaced, the aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to one embodiment can be implemented in a structure where only the storage unit 710 is replaced and the heater assembly 720 is reused. This is because the storage unit 710 is detachably attached to the heater assembly 720. Therefore, even if the storage unit 710 needs to be replaced, components such as the heating element provided in the heater assembly 720 do not necessarily need to be replaced as well, thus reducing the overall operating cost of the aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to the embodiment.

[0273] The sensor unit 13 can be disposed within the airflow channel 200 inside the heater assembly 720. Distributed in the airflow channel 200, the sensor unit 13 can be pressurized and polarized by the flow of air through the airflow channel 200. The embodiment of the control unit 12 controlling the aerosol generating apparatus 1 based on the output of the sensor unit 13 can be equally applied to the aerosol generating apparatus 1 of FIG. 12, therefore repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0274] According to one embodiment, an aerosol generating apparatus 1 may include: an insertion space 110 for containing an aerosol generating matrix; a heater 18 for heating the aerosol generating matrix inserted into the insertion space 110; an airflow channel 200 connected to the insertion space 110 and supplying airflow; a sensor unit 13 disposed in the airflow channel 200, which is pressurized and generates current as the pressure inside the airflow channel 200 changes; and a control unit 12 for controlling the heater 18 based on the operation of the sensor unit 13.

[0275] The control unit 12 can control the heater 18 with different temperature profiles based on the magnitude of pressure changes inside the airflow channel 200.

[0276] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating apparatus 1 may further include a pressurizing member 300, which is disposed in the airflow channel 200 and moves with the pressure change inside the airflow channel 200 to pressurize the sensor unit 13.

[0277] The pressurizing member 300 can be rotatably disposed at the front end of the sensor section 13.

[0278] The pressurizing member 300 can pressurize the sensor section 13 with different pressures based on the magnitude of pressure changes inside the airflow channel 200.

[0279] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating apparatus 1 may further include a rotation prevention member 350, which is disposed at the front end of the pressurizing member 300 in the airflow channel 200 to prevent the pressurizing member 300 from rotating in the opposite direction to the sensor section 13.

[0280] The airflow channel 200 may include: a first portion 210, on which the sensor portion 13 is disposed; and a second portion 220, connected to the first portion 210, and having a size larger than the first portion 210.

[0281] The airflow channel 200 may include: a first airflow channel 250 for external air to flow in and move, and a second airflow channel 260 branching from the first airflow channel 250 and connected to the insertion space 110, and having a smaller size than the first airflow channel 250; the sensor unit 13 may be configured in the second airflow channel 260.

[0282] The airflow channel 200 may include: a first airflow channel 250 for external air to flow in and move, and a second airflow channel 260 that branches off from the first airflow channel 250 and rejoins the first airflow channel 250, and has a smaller size than the first airflow channel 250; the sensor unit 13 may be configured in the second airflow channel 260.

[0283] The sensor unit 13 can be configured to be separated from the inlet 200a of the airflow channel 200 by a first separation distance L1, and can be separated from the heater 18 by a second separation distance L2, wherein the second separation distance L2 is greater than the first separation distance L1.

[0284] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating apparatus 1 may further include a heat insulation member 400 disposed between the sensor section 13 and the heater 18, and preventing heat generated from the heater 18 from reaching the sensor section 13.

[0285] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating apparatus 1 may further include a power amplifier circuit 170, which amplifies the power generated as the sensor section 13 is compressed and polarized.

[0286] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating apparatus 1 may further include a power conversion circuit 160, which converts the power generated as the sensor unit 13 is pressurized and polarized; the control unit 12 may control the power converted by the power conversion circuit 160 to be supplied to the power source 11.

[0287] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 1 further includes: an aerosol generating device body 100 including the insertion space 110 and a cover 500 disposed on the aerosol generating device body 100 so as to be movable between a first position P1 with the insertion space 110 open and a second position P2 with the insertion space 110 closed; the sensor unit 13 may include: a first sensor 13a disposed on the airflow channel 200 and a second sensor 13b, the second sensor 13b being pressed during the movement of the cover 500 between the first position P1 and the second position P2, thereby generating electricity.

[0288] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating apparatus 1 further includes a pressure transmission member 600 disposed between the cover 500 and the second sensor 13b, and pressurizing the second sensor 13b when the cover 500 moves; either the cover 500 or the pressure transmission member 600 includes a protruding member 630 protruding toward the other, and the other of the cover 500 and the pressure transmission member 600 may include an insertion groove 520 inserted into the protruding member 630.

[0289] The embodiments of this disclosure described above, or other embodiments, are not mutually exclusive or distinct from each other. The constituent elements or functions of the embodiments of this disclosure described above, or other embodiments, can be used together or combined with each other.

[0290] For example, this means that component A illustrated in a particular embodiment and / or drawing can be combined with component B illustrated in other embodiments and / or drawings. That is, this means that even if the combination between components is not directly described, they can be combined except where it is stated that combination is impossible.

[0291] The detailed description above should be considered exemplary in all respects and not construed as restrictive. The scope of the invention should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the invention are included within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, characterized in that, include: An insertion space is provided to accommodate the aerosol generating matrix; a heater is provided to heat the aerosol generating matrix inserted into the insertion space; an airflow channel is connected to the insertion space to allow airflow; a sensor unit is disposed in the airflow channel and is pressurized and generates current as the internal pressure of the airflow channel changes; and a control unit is provided to control the heater based on the action of the sensor unit.

2. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit controls the heater using different temperature profiles based on the magnitude of pressure changes inside the airflow channel.

3. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a pressurizing member disposed in the airflow channel, which moves with the pressure changes inside the airflow channel and pressurizes the sensor unit.

4. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, The pressurizing member is rotatably disposed at the front end of the sensor section.

5. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, The pressurizing component pressurizes the sensor unit with different pressures based on the magnitude of pressure changes inside the airflow channel.

6. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a rotation prevention component, which is disposed at the front end of the pressurizing component in the airflow channel to prevent the pressurizing component from rotating in the opposite direction to the sensor section.

7. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The airflow channel includes: a first part, in which the sensor unit is disposed; and a second part, connected to the first part, having a larger size than the first part.

8. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The airflow channel includes: a first airflow channel for external air to flow in and move, and a second airflow channel branching from the first airflow channel and connected to the insertion space, and having a smaller size than the first airflow channel; the sensor unit is disposed in the second airflow channel.

9. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The airflow channel includes: a first airflow channel for external air to flow in and move, and a second airflow channel that branches off from the first airflow channel and rejoins the first airflow channel, and has a smaller size than the first airflow channel; the sensor unit is disposed in the second airflow channel.

10. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensor unit is configured to be separated from the inlet of the airflow channel by a first separation distance and from the heater by a second separation distance, wherein the second separation distance is greater than the first separation distance.

11. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a heat insulation component disposed between the sensor unit and the heater to prevent heat generated from the heater from reaching the sensor unit.

12. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a power amplifier circuit that amplifies the power generated as the sensor is compressed and polarized.

13. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a power conversion circuit that converts the power generated as the sensor is compressed and polarized; the control unit controls the power converted by the power conversion circuit to be supplied to the power source.

14. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The aerosol generating device body includes the insertion space and a cover disposed on the aerosol generating device body for moving between a first position with the insertion space open and a second position with the insertion space closed; the sensor unit includes: a first sensor disposed on the airflow channel and a second sensor, the second sensor being pressed during the movement of the cover between the first position and the second position, thereby generating electricity.

15. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that, It also includes a pressure transmission member disposed between the cover and the second sensor, which applies pressure to the second sensor when the cover moves; either the cover or the pressure transmission member includes a protruding member that projects toward the other; the other of the cover and the pressure transmission member includes an insertion slot into the protruding member.

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