Aerosol-generating device and control method thereof

Abstract

An aerosol generating device and a control method thereof. According to some embodiments, an aerosol generating device is disclosed, including a first sensor detecting whether a cigarette insertion hole is open or closed, and a control portion judging whether the cigarette insertion hole is open or closed based on a signal detected by the first sensor, and setting an operation mode of the aerosol generating device to an ON mode or an OFF mode based on a result of the judgment.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed on October 26, 2018, with national application number 201880058682.8 (international application number PCT / KR2018 / 012810) and entitled "Aerosol Generating Device and Control Method Thereof". Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to an aerosol generating apparatus and its control method, and more specifically, to an aerosol generating apparatus and its control method that allows aerosols generated by a vaporizer to be passed through cigarettes, thereby generating aerosols with a rich flavor. Background Technology

[0003] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for aerosol generating devices that can generate aerosols in a non-combustion manner, and research on non-combustion aerosol generating devices has become increasingly active in response to this demand.

[0004] Typical aerosol generators are portable devices, similar in size to a regular cigarette, and equipped with buttons for receiving user input. The operation of the aerosol generator can be controlled based on user input received via these buttons. However, if a user carries the aerosol generator in a bag or pocket and accidentally presses one of the buttons, unintended operations may be performed. For example, even if the user does not smoke, accidentally pressing the button might cause the aerosol generator to heat up, potentially leading to safety issues.

[0005] In addition, since typical aerosol generators maintain the electrical connection between the battery and heater even when the user is not smoking, and wait for signals received from the buttons or sensors on the aerosol generator, unnecessary power consumption may occur.

[0006] Therefore, when users utilize aerosol generating devices, additional control methods for the aerosol generating devices are required to prevent safety issues and unnecessary power consumption. Summary of the Invention

[0007] means for solving problems

[0008] The purpose of various embodiments is to provide an aerosol generating apparatus and a control method thereof. The technical problem to be solved by this disclosure is not limited to the technical problem described above, and other technical problems can be derived from the following embodiments. For example, the aerosol generating apparatus may include: a housing capable of inserting a cigarette; an outer cover attached to the upper part of the housing in a detachable manner; a cover that can open and close the cigarette insertion hole by sliding along the upper surface of the outer cover; a first sensor for detecting whether the cigarette insertion hole is open or closed; and a control unit that determines whether the cigarette insertion hole is open or closed based on a signal detected by the first sensor, and sets the operating mode of the aerosol generating apparatus to an ON mode or an OFF mode based on the result of the determination.

[0009] Invention Effects

[0010] This disclosure provides an aerosol generating apparatus and a control method thereof. Specifically, the aerosol generating apparatus of this disclosure may include: a housing capable of inserting a cigarette; an outer cover detachably attached to the upper part of the housing; a cover sliding along the upper surface of the outer cover to open and close the cigarette insertion hole; a first sensor for detecting whether the cigarette insertion hole is open or closed; and a control unit that determines whether the cigarette insertion hole is open or closed based on a signal detected by the first sensor and can set the operating mode of the aerosol generating apparatus to one of an ON mode and an OFF mode based on the determination result.

[0011] For example, when it is determined that the cigarette insert hole is closed, the control unit can set the operating mode of the aerosol generator to OFF mode. When the operating mode of the aerosol generator is set to OFF mode, the control unit blocks the electrical connection between the battery and the heater and vaporizer, blocks user input via the button, and blocks the signal detected by the second sensor. This 1) prevents unintended operation of the aerosol generator due to accidental button presses, and 2) prevents unnecessary power consumption when the user is not smoking.

[0012] In addition, the aerosol generating apparatus disclosed herein is configured to receive user input through user operation, and provides not only buttons but also a sliding cover, which can provide an additional control method for the aerosol generating apparatus. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 and Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an example of a cigarette being inserted into an aerosol generating device.

[0014] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an example of a cigarette.

[0015] Figure 4This is a perspective view showing a portion of the embodiments of the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0016] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 The image shows a side view of the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0017] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 The image shows a top view of the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0018] Figure 7 yes Figure 4 The diagram shows a perspective view of the aerosol generating device in operation.

[0019] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 The image shows a top view of the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0020] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing the configuration of an aerosol generating apparatus according to a partial embodiment.

[0021] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for controlling an aerosol generating apparatus according to a portion of the embodiments.

[0022] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating another example of a method for controlling an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0023] A means for solving the above-mentioned technical problems includes an aerosol generating device comprising: a housing capable of inserting a cigarette; an outer cover detachably attached to the upper part of the housing; a cover that can open and close the cigarette insertion hole by sliding along the upper surface of the outer cover; a first sensor for detecting whether the cigarette insertion hole is open or closed; and a control unit that determines whether the cigarette insertion hole is open or closed based on a signal detected by the first sensor, and sets the operating mode of the aerosol generating device to an ON mode or an OFF mode based on the result of the determination.

[0024] Additionally, the aerosol generating device may include: a second sensor for detecting whether the cigarette is inserted into the housing; a heater disposed in the housing and used to heat the cigarette inserted into the housing; a vaporizer containing a liquid composition and detachably attached to the housing, which, when attached to the housing, transfers the aerosol generated by heating the liquid composition to the cigarette side; a battery for supplying power to the control unit, the heater, and the vaporizer; and a button for receiving user input.

[0025] When it is determined that the cigarette insertion hole is open, the control unit can set the working mode of the aerosol generating device to the ON mode. When the working mode of the aerosol generating device is set to the ON mode, the control unit can electrically connect the battery to the heater and the vaporizer so that the battery can supply power to the heater and the vaporizer, activate the button to receive the user input, and activate the second sensor to detect whether the cigarette is inserted into the housing.

[0026] According to some embodiments, when the operating mode of the aerosol generating device is set to the ON mode, the control unit can control the power supply of the battery to the heater, so that the heater is preheated to a preset temperature when the user input is received through the activated button.

[0027] According to other embodiments, when the working mode of the aerosol generating device is set to the ON mode, the control unit can determine whether the cigarette is inserted into the housing based on the signal detected by the activated second sensor. When it is determined that the cigarette is inserted into the housing, the control unit controls the power supply of the battery to the heater so that the heater is preheated to a preset temperature.

[0028] When it is determined that the cigarette insertion hole is closed, the control unit can set the working mode of the aerosol generating device to the OFF mode. When the working mode of the aerosol generating device is set to the OFF mode, the control unit can block the electrical connection between the battery, the heater and the vaporizer, block the user input through the button, and block the signal detected by the second sensor.

[0029] On the one hand, when the working mode of the aerosol generating device is set to the OFF mode, the control unit can activate the booting-related functions of the aerosol generating device. The booting-related functions may include at least one of the following: clock function, real-time clock (RTC) function, and interrupt function waiting for a signal detected by the first sensor.

[0030] The first sensor may be an ON / OFF switch that generates an ON signal when the cover opens the cigarette insertion hole by moving and an OFF signal when the cover closes the cigarette insertion hole by moving. The second sensor may include at least one of the following: a Hall sensor for detecting changes in the magnetic field caused by metallic substances contained in the cigarette; a mechanical switch for detecting physical changes that occur when the cigarette is inserted; an infrared sensor for detecting the proximity of the cigarette; and an optical sensor for detecting patterns printed on the surface of the cigarette.

[0031] Alternatively, a method for controlling an aerosol generating device according to another aspect may include: determining whether a cigarette insert hole is open or closed based on a signal detected by a sensor provided by the aerosol generating device; and setting the operating mode of the aerosol generating device to an ON mode or an OFF mode based on the result of the determination.

[0032] Alternatively, a computer-readable recording medium according to another aspect may include a recording medium containing one or more programs, the programs including instructions for performing the methods described above.

[0033] The following detailed description, using the accompanying drawings as examples only, illustrates the embodiments. It should be understood that the following description is for illustrative purposes only and does not limit or restrict the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art can interpret the content simply by analogy from the detailed description and embodiments as falling within the scope of the claims.

[0034] The terms “consisting of” or “comprising” used in this specification should not be construed as including all the various components or steps described in the specification, but should be understood as possibly excluding some of the components or steps, or possibly including additional components or steps.

[0035] Furthermore, terms including ordinal numbers such as "first" or "second" used in this specification may be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by the terms. The purpose of using these terms is solely to distinguish one component from another.

[0036] The terminology used in this specification has been selected as widely used and common as possible, taking into account the functionality of the invention. However, these terms may be changed based on the intent of those skilled in the art, precedents, or the emergence of new technologies. Furthermore, in certain cases, the applicant has arbitrarily chosen some terms; in such cases, the meanings of the chosen terms will be described in detail in the description of the invention. Therefore, the terminology used in this invention should be defined based on its meaning and the overall content of the invention, and not merely on the name of the term.

[0037] Throughout the instruction manual, "aerosol generating device" can refer to a device that uses aerosol generating substances to generate aerosols that can be directly inhaled into the user's lungs through the user's mouth.

[0038] This embodiment relates to an aerosol generating device and its control method. Detailed descriptions of the contents of the following embodiments, which are well known to those skilled in the art, are omitted.

[0039] Figure 1 and Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an example of a cigarette being inserted into an aerosol generating device.

[0040] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The aerosol generating device 10000 includes a battery 11000, a control unit 12000, a heater 13000, and a vaporizer 14000. Additionally, a cigarette 20000 can be inserted into the internal space of the aerosol generating device 10000.

[0041] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The aerosol generating apparatus 10000 shown only includes components relevant to this embodiment. Therefore, those skilled in the art related to this embodiment will understand that the aerosol generating apparatus 10000 may also include components other than those shown in this embodiment. Figure 1 and Figure 2 Other commonly used components besides those shown in the diagram.

[0042] in addition, Figure 1 and Figure 2 The aerosol generating apparatus 10000 shown includes a heater 13000, but the heater 13000 can be omitted if needed.

[0043] like Figure 1 As shown, the battery 11000, control unit 12000, carburetor 14000, and heater 13000 are arranged in a row. Additionally, as... Figure 2 As shown, the vaporizer 14000 and the heater 13000 are arranged side by side. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 10000 is not limited to... Figures 1 to 3 The structure shown is as follows. In other words, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 10000, the configuration of the battery 11000, control unit 12000, vaporizer 14000, and heater 13000 can be changed.

[0044] If cigarette 20000 is inserted into aerosol generating device 10000, aerosol generating device 10000 can activate vaporizer 14000, thereby generating aerosol. The aerosol generated by vaporizer 14000 is then delivered to the user via cigarette 20000. A detailed description of vaporizer 14000 is provided below.

[0045] Battery 11000 supplies power to operate aerosol generating apparatus 10000. For example, battery 11000 can power heater 13000 or vaporizer 14000, and can supply power required for operation of control unit 12000. In addition, battery 11000 can supply power required for operation of displays, sensors, motors, etc. installed in aerosol generating apparatus 10000.

[0046] The control unit 12000 provides overall control of the operation of the aerosol generating device 10000. Specifically, in addition to controlling the battery 11000, heater 13000, and vaporizer 14000, the control unit 12000 also controls the operation of other components in the aerosol generating device 10000. Furthermore, the control unit 12000 can also check the status of the components of the aerosol generating device 10000 to determine whether the aerosol generating device 10000 is in a working state.

[0047] The control unit 12000 includes at least one processor. The processor can be composed of multiple logic gate arrays, or it can be implemented using a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor. Furthermore, as will be understood by those skilled in the art to which this embodiment pertains, it can also be implemented using other forms of hardware.

[0048] The heater 13000 can be heated by power supplied by the battery 11000. For example, when a cigarette is inserted into the aerosol generating device 10000, the heater 13000 can be located inside the cigarette. Therefore, the heated heater 13000 can raise the temperature of the aerosol generating substances inside the cigarette.

[0049] Heater 13000 can be a resistance heater. For example, heater 13000 may include a conductive track, through which heater 13000 is heated when current flows. However, heater 13000 is not limited to the above example; it can be used as long as it can heat to the desired temperature, and there are no particular limitations. Here, the desired temperature can be preset in the aerosol generating device 10000, or it can be set by the user.

[0050] On the one hand, as another example, heater 13000 can be an induction heating heater. Specifically, heater 13000 may include a conductive coil for heating cigarettes in an induction heating manner, and the cigarettes may include a heat-sensitive element capable of being heated by the induction heating heater.

[0051] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The heater 13000 is shown disposed on the exterior of the cigarette 20000, but is not limited thereto. For example, the heater 13000 may include a tubular heating element, a plate heating element, a needle heating element, or a rod heating element, which can heat the interior or exterior of the cigarette 20000 depending on the shape of the heating element.

[0052] Additionally, the aerosol generating apparatus 10000 may be equipped with multiple heaters 13000. In this case, the multiple heaters 13000 may be configured to be inserted into the interior of the cigarette 20000, or they may be positioned outside the cigarette 20000. Alternatively, some of the multiple heaters 13000 may be configured to be inserted into the interior of the cigarette 20000, while the other heaters may be positioned outside the cigarette 20000. Furthermore, the shape of the heaters 13000 is not limited to... Figures 1 to 3 The shape shown can also be made into many other shapes.

[0053] The vaporizer 14000 heats a liquid composition to generate an aerosol, which can be delivered to the user via the cigarette 20000. In other words, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14000 can move along the airflow path of the aerosol generating device 10000, which can be configured to deliver the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14000 to the user via the cigarette.

[0054] For example, the vaporizer 14000 may include a liquid storage unit, a liquid transfer unit, and a heating element, but is not limited thereto. For example, the liquid storage unit, the liquid transfer unit, and the heating element may be included as independent modules in the aerosol generating apparatus 10000.

[0055] The liquid storage unit is capable of storing a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing tobacco substances including volatile tobacco flavor components, or it may be a liquid containing non-tobacco substances. The liquid storage unit may be made so that it can be detached from or installed on the vaporizer 14000, or it may be integrated with the vaporizer 14000.

[0056] For example, the liquid composition may include water, solvent, ethanol, plant extracts, fragrances, flavorings, or vitamin mixtures. Fragrances may include, but are not limited to, menthol, peppermint oil, spearmint oil, and various fruit flavorings. Flavorings may include ingredients capable of providing the user with a variety of fragrances or flavors. Vitamin mixtures may be, but are not limited to, a mixture of at least one of vitamins A, B, C, and E. Additionally, the liquid composition may include aerosol forming agents such as glycerin or propylene glycol.

[0057] The liquid transfer unit is capable of transferring the liquid composition from the liquid storage section to the heating element. For example, the liquid transfer unit can be a core material such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic, but is not limited to these.

[0058] A heating element is a component used to heat a liquid composition conveyed by a liquid delivery unit. For example, the heating element can be a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate, a ceramic heater, etc., but is not limited to these. Alternatively, the heating element can be made of a conductive heating wire such as nickel-chromium wire, and can be configured to be wound around the liquid delivery unit. The heating element can be heated by a supplied current and transfer heat to the liquid composition in contact with it, thereby heating the liquid composition. As a result, an aerosol can be generated.

[0059] For example, the vaporizer 14000 can also be called an electronic cartomizer or an atomizer, but it is not limited to these terms.

[0060] On one hand, the aerosol generating device 10000 may also include other commonly used components besides the battery 11000, control unit 12000, and heater 13000. For example, the aerosol generating device 10000 may include a display capable of outputting visual information and / or a motor for outputting tactile information. Additionally, the aerosol generating device 10000 may include at least one sensor (a suction detection sensor, a temperature detection sensor, a cigarette insertion detection sensor, etc.). Furthermore, the aerosol generating device 10000 may be configured to allow external air to flow in or internal gas to flow out even when a cigarette 20000 is inserted.

[0061] Although Figure 1 and Figure 2 Although not shown, the aerosol generating device 10000 can be configured as a system with a separately provided bracket. For example, the bracket can be used to charge the battery 11000 of the aerosol generating device 10000. Alternatively, the heater 13000 can be heated when the bracket is combined with the aerosol generating device 10000.

[0062] Cigarette 20000 can be a cigarette similar to a regular combustible cigarette. For example, cigarette 20000 can be divided into a first part including aerosol-generating substances and a second part including a filter, etc. Alternatively, the second part of cigarette 20000 may also include aerosol-generating substances. For example, aerosol-generating substances made in the form of granules or capsules can be inserted into the second part.

[0063] The entire first part can be inserted into the interior of the aerosol generating device 10000, while the second part can be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, a portion of the first part or a portion of both the first and second parts can be inserted into the interior of the aerosol generating device 10000. The user can inhale the aerosol while holding the second part in their mouth. In this case, external air passes through the first part to generate aerosol, and the generated aerosol is delivered to the user's mouth via the second part.

[0064] As an example, external air can flow in through at least one air passage formed in the aerosol generating device 10000. For example, the opening and closing of the air passage formed in the aerosol generating device 10000 and / or the size of the air passage can be adjusted by the user. Thus, the user can adjust the amount of vaporization, the smoking sensation, etc. As another example, external air can flow into the interior of the cigarette 20000 through at least one hole formed on the surface of the cigarette 20000.

[0065] Below, refer to Figure 3 This will be illustrated with an example of 20,000 cigarettes.

[0066] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an example of a cigarette.

[0067] Reference Figure 3 Cigarette 20000 includes tobacco stick 21000 and filter stick 22000. (See reference) Figure 1 and Figure 2 The first part includes a tobacco stick 21000, and the second part includes a filter stick 22000.

[0068] Figure 3 The filter rod 22000 shown is a single nozzle segment, but is not limited thereto. In other words, the filter rod 22000 may be composed of multiple nozzle segments. For example, the filter rod 22000 may include a first nozzle segment for cooling aerosols and a second nozzle segment for filtering specified components included in the aerosols. In addition, depending on the requirements, the filter rod 22000 may also include at least one nozzle segment that performs other functions.

[0069] Cigarette 20000 is wrapped in at least one wrapping paper 24000. The wrapping paper 24000 has at least one hole for external air to flow in or internal gas to flow out. As an example, cigarette 20000 can be wrapped in one wrapping paper 24000. As another example, cigarette 20000 can be wrapped in two or more wrapping papers 24000 stacked together. For example, tobacco stick 21000 is wrapped in a first wrapping paper, and filter stick 22000 is wrapped in a second wrapping paper. Alternatively, tobacco stick 21000 and filter stick 22000, each wrapped in a single wrapping paper, can be combined, and the entire cigarette 20000 can be wrapped in a third wrapping paper. If tobacco stick 21000 or filter stick 22000 is composed of multiple filter segments, each filter segment can be wrapped in a single wrapping paper. Furthermore, the entire cigarette 20000, composed of filter segments each wrapped in a single wrapping paper, can be wrapped in other wrapping paper.

[0070] The tobacco stick 21000 may include aerosol-generating substances. For example, the aerosol-generating substances may include at least one of glycerol, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol, but are not limited thereto. Additionally, the tobacco stick 21000 may contain other additives such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids. Furthermore, flavoring liquids such as menthol or humectants may be added to the tobacco stick 21000 by spraying.

[0071] The tobacco stick 21000 can be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco stick 21000 can be made of sheet material or strand material. Alternatively, the tobacco stick 21000 can be made from tobacco leaves obtained by slicing tobacco sheets into small pieces. Furthermore, the tobacco stick 21000 can be surrounded by a heat-conducting material. For example, the heat-conducting material can be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited to this. As an example, the heat-conducting material surrounding the tobacco stick 21000 can uniformly distribute and transfer heat to the tobacco stick 21000, thereby increasing the thermal conductivity applied to the tobacco stick and thus improving the flavor of the tobacco. Additionally, the heat-conducting material surrounding the tobacco stick 21000 can function as a heat-sensor heated by an induction heater. In this case, although not shown in the figure, the tobacco stick 21000 may include other heat-sensors besides the heat-conducting material surrounding it.

[0072] The filter rod 22000 can be a cellulose acetate filter tip. On the one hand, the shape of the filter rod 22000 is not limited. For example, the filter rod 22000 can be a cylindrical rod or a hollow tubular rod. Additionally, the filter rod 22000 can be a semi-concealed rod. If the filter rod 22000 is composed of multiple segments, at least one of the segments can be made into a different shape.

[0073] The filter rod 22000 can be made to generate fragrance. For example, flavoring liquid can be sprayed into the filter rod 22000, or fibers coated with flavoring liquid can be inserted into the interior of the filter rod 22000.

[0074] Additionally, the filter rod 22000 may include at least one capsule 23000. Here, the capsule 23000 may function to generate fragrance or to generate aerosols. For example, the capsule 32400 may be a structure in which a fragrance-containing liquid content is encapsulated by a membrane. The capsule 32400 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0075] If the filter rod 22000 includes a nozzle segment for cooling aerosols, the cooling nozzle segment can be made of a polymer or a biodegradable polymer. For example, the cooling nozzle segment can be made of pure polylactic acid, but is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the cooling nozzle segment can be made of a cellulose acetate filter tip with multiple perforations. However, the cooling nozzle segment is not limited to the above examples; there are no restrictions as long as it can perform the function of cooling aerosols.

[0076] On the one hand, although Figure 3 Not shown, but one embodiment of the cigarette 20000 may also include a front-end filter. The front-end filter is located on the side of the tobacco stick 21000 opposite to the filter stick 22000. The front-end filter prevents the tobacco stick 21000 from detaching outwards and prevents liquefied aerosol from flowing from the tobacco stick 21000 into the aerosol generating device during smoking. Figure 1 and Figure 2 (of 10,000).

[0077] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing a portion of the embodiments of the aerosol generating apparatus. Figure 5 yes Figure 4 The side view of the aerosol generating apparatus shown in the figure. Figure 6 yes Figure 4 The top view of the aerosol generating apparatus shown in the figure. Figure 7 yes Figure 4 The image shows a perspective view of the aerosol generating device in operation. Figure 8 yes Figure 7 The image shows a top view of the aerosol generating apparatus. Figures 4 to 8 The aerosol generating device 5 can be Figure 1 and Figure 2 An example of an aerosol generating device 10000.

[0078] Figures 4 to 8 The aerosol generating apparatus 5 shown in the embodiment includes a housing 20 into which a cigarette 7 can be inserted. The cigarette 7 can correspond to... Figures 1 to 3 20,000 cigarettes. Therefore, redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0079] The outer cover 10 is attached to the upper part of the housing 20. The outer cover 10 is detachably attached to the housing 20. The cover 30 is slidably disposed on the upper surface of the outer cover 10. However, Figures 4 to 8 The structure of the aerosol generating device 5 shown is merely an example and is not limited thereto. For example, the housing 20 and the outer cover 10 may be an integral structure that is joined together in an inseparable manner.

[0080] The upper surface of the outer cover 10 is provided with a track 16 extending along the sliding direction of the cover 30 and a cigarette insertion hole 18 for inserting a cigarette 7. The track 16 can be opened to connect the outside and inside of the outer cover 10.

[0081] As the cover 30 moves along the track 16 formed on the upper surface of the outer cover 10... Figure 8 When the position shown is moved, the cigarette insertion hole 18 is exposed to the outside, so that the cigarette 7 can be inserted into the cigarette insertion hole 18.

[0082] The way the cover 30 is combined with the outer cover 10 is not limited to Figures 4 to 8 The embodiment shown in the figure has the following configuration, for example, the cover 30 can be hinged to the outer cover 10, thereby enabling the cover 30 to open or close the cigarette insertion hole 18.

[0083] Various preparatory operations related to opening the cigarette insertion hole 18 by sliding the cover 30 along the upper surface of the outer cover 10 can be performed. For example, at the moment the cigarette insertion hole 18 is opened by the cover 30, the operation mode of the aerosol generating device 5 can be changed, the internal heater can be preheated, or the user can be identified. Referring to the following... Figures 9 to 11 The document details the control method of the aerosol generating device 5 related to the operation of opening the cigarette insertion hole 18 by sliding the cover 30 along the upper surface of the outer cover 10.

[0084] On the one hand, a user-operable button 28 and an LED (light-emitting diode) 29 are provided on the outside of the housing 20 of the aerosol generating device 5. The LED 29 is an example of an indicator that displays the internal working status of the aerosol generating device 5 by selecting and emitting light of one of a variety of predetermined colors.

[0085] The control unit installed inside the aerosol generating device 5 can indicate a "normal working state" based on conditions such as normal operation of the heater and / or sufficient residual amount of the battery by illuminating the LED29.

[0086] Since LED 29 illuminates when the user presses button 28, the user can check the remaining battery charge level by observing the color of the LED 29. For example, when LED 29 emits green light, it means the battery is fully charged, and when LED 29 emits red light, it means the battery is not fully charged.

[0087] Depending on the duration of the user's press of button 28, different predetermined operations can be performed. For example, when the user presses button 28 for a long time and performs the press operation during a predetermined first press time, a reset (initialization) operation of the aerosol generating device 5 can be performed. In addition, when the user presses button 28 for a predetermined second press time, a preliminary heating operation of the aerosol generating device 5 can be performed.

[0088] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing the configuration of an aerosol generating apparatus according to a partial embodiment.

[0089] Reference Figure 9 ,Apart from Figures 4 to 8 In addition to the outer cover 10, housing 20, button 28 and cover 30 shown, the aerosol generating device 5 may also include a vaporizer 40, heater 52, battery 60, first sensor 61, second sensor 62 and control unit 70.

[0090] On the one hand, Figure 9 The aerosol generating apparatus 5 shown is only the configuration relevant to this embodiment. Therefore, those skilled in the art related to this embodiment will understand that the aerosol generating apparatus 5 may also include, in addition to, other components. Figure 9 Other commonly used components besides those shown. For example, the aerosol generating apparatus 5 may also include a memory (not shown).

[0091] The memory is hardware used to store various data processed in the aerosol generating device 5. For example, the memory can store the data processed by the aerosol generating device 5 and the data to be processed. In addition, the memory can store application programs, drivers, etc. driven by the aerosol generating device 5.

[0092] The memory includes random access memory (RAM) such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), read-only optical disc drive (CD-ROM), Blu-ray or other optical disk storage, hard disk drive (HDD), solid state drive (SSD), or flash memory, and may further include other storage devices that can access the aerosol generating apparatus 5 externally.

[0093] The first sensor 61 can be a sensor that detects whether the cigarette insert hole 18 is open or closed. For example, the first sensor 61 can be an ON / OFF switch that generates an ON signal when the cover 30 moves to open the cigarette insert hole 18 and an OFF signal when the cover 30 moves to close the cigarette insert hole 18. However, it is not limited to this, and the first sensor 61 can be any suitable sensor for detecting the sliding of the cover 30.

[0094] The second sensor 62 may be a sensor for detecting whether the cigarette 7 is inserted into the housing 20. For example, the second sensor 62 may include at least one of the following: a Hall sensor that detects changes in the magnetic field generated by the metallic substance contained in the cigarette 7; a mechanical switch that detects physical changes that occur when the cigarette 7 is inserted; an infrared sensor that detects the proximity of the cigarette 7; and an optical sensor that detects a pattern printed on the surface of the cigarette 7. However, not limited to the foregoing examples, the second sensor 62 may be any suitable sensor for detecting whether the cigarette 7 is inserted into the housing 20.

[0095] exist Figure 9 In the case, the first sensor 61 is located at the lower part of the cover 30, and the second sensor 62 is located inside the housing 20 at the lower part of the heater 52. However, the first sensor 61 and the second sensor 62 can be located at any suitable position inside the housing 20.

[0096] The heater 52 may be a heater disposed in the housing 20 and used to heat the cigarette 7 inserted into the housing 20. The heater 52 may correspond to... Figure 1 and Figure 2The heater 13000. The heater 52 is disposed inside the housing 20 on the upper side of the support tube, and may be configured to surround at least a portion of the side of the cigarette 7 inserted into the housing 20. The heater 52 may be made in the shape of a thin film with a resistive pattern, which can generate heat when electricity is applied from the outside. For example, the heater 52 may have a substrate containing a material such as fluorinated polyimide and a resistive pattern disposed along the surface of the substrate.

[0097] For example, heater 52 is configured to wrap around at least a portion of the outer surface of the heat transfer tube in a cylindrical or semi-cylindrical shape corresponding to the shape of the heat transfer tube. "Cylindrical shape" and "semi-cylindrical shape" are not limited to the case where the cross-sectional shape of heater 52 must be circular or semi-circular, but also include the case where it is an arc shape that is close to circular or semi-circular.

[0098] The vaporizer 40 is used to contain the liquid composition and is detachably attached to the housing 20. The vaporizer 40 can be interpreted as a configuration that, while attached to the housing 20, delivers the aerosol generated by heating the liquid composition to the cigarette 7 side. The vaporizer 40 can correspond to... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The 14000 carburetor. (Repeated descriptions omitted.)

[0099] Battery 60 can supply power for the operation of the aerosol generating device 5. For example, battery 60 can supply power to the control unit 70, heater 52, and vaporizer 40. Additionally, battery 60 can supply power to the display, sensors, motors, etc., installed in the aerosol generating device 5. Battery 60 can be a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery, but is not limited to the above example. For example, battery 60 can be a lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) battery, lithium titanate battery, etc. Battery 60 can correspond to... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The battery is 11000. (Repeated description omitted.)

[0100] The control unit 70 includes at least one processor. The processor can be composed of multiple logic gate arrays, or it can be implemented using a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that it can also be implemented using other forms of hardware. For example, the processor can be an MCU, but it is not limited thereto. The control unit 70 can correspond to FIG1 and... Figure 2 Control unit 12000. (Repeated descriptions omitted.)

[0101] For example, the control unit 70 can be implemented using a rigid circuit board, a flexible circuit board, or a combination of multiple circuit boards. Alternatively, the control unit 70 can be implemented using a semiconductor chip mounted on a circuit board or software embedded in and executable on a semiconductor chip. For example, the control unit 70 can be separated into two or more circuit boards, and at least a portion of it can be implemented using a single circuit board made of a flexible material.

[0102] The control unit 70 can control the operation of the aerosol generating device 5 as a whole. For example, the control unit 70 can control the operation of the vaporizer 40, the heater 52, and the battery 60, as well as the operation of other components of the aerosol generating device 5. The control unit 70 can control the power supplied by the battery 60, including the temperature of the heating element in the vaporizer 40 and the heater 52. The control unit 70 can determine whether the aerosol generating device 5 is in an operational state by checking the status of each component of the aerosol generating device 5.

[0103] Specifically, the control unit 70 determines whether the cigarette insertion hole 18 is open or closed based on the signal detected by the first sensor 61, and can set the working mode of the aerosol generating device 5 to one of the ON mode and OFF mode based on the determination result.

[0104] For example, when it is determined that the cigarette insertion hole 18 is open, the control unit 70 can set the operating mode of the aerosol generating device 5 to the ON mode. When the operating mode of the aerosol generating device 5 is the ON mode, the control unit 70 can electrically connect the battery 60 to the heater 52 and the vaporizer 40 so that the battery 60 can supply power to the heater 52 and the vaporizer 40, activate the button 28 to receive user input, and activate the second sensor 62 to detect whether the cigarette 7 is inserted into the housing 20.

[0105] In addition, when the aerosol generating device 5 is in the ON mode, the control unit 70 can activate communication functions such as the Bluetooth function of the aerosol generating device 5, and can activate various functions required for the operation of the aerosol generating device 5.

[0106] If battery 60 is electrically connected to heater 52 and vaporizer 40, control unit 70 can control battery 60 to supply power to at least one of heater 52 and vaporizer 40. On the other hand, activation of button 28 or second sensor 62 can mean that the signal input from button 28 or second sensor 62 is not blocked. For example, activating button 28 or second sensor 62 can activate an interruption function that waits for a signal input from button 28 or second sensor 62.

[0107] According to some embodiments, when the aerosol generating device 5 is in the ON mode, the control unit 70 can control the power supply of the battery 60 to the heater 52 so that user input can be received through the activated button 28, thereby preheating the heater 52 to a preset temperature.

[0108] In addition, when the aerosol generating device 5 is in the ON mode, the control unit 70 determines whether the cigarette 7 is inserted into the housing 20 based on the signal detected by the activated second sensor 62. When it is determined that the cigarette 7 is inserted into the housing 20, the control unit 70 can control the power supply of the battery 60 to the heater 52 to preheat the heater 52 to a preset temperature.

[0109] Since the aerosol generating device 5 is in ON mode, it means that the cigarette insert hole 18 is open, and it is expected that the user will insert the cigarette 7 into the cigarette insert hole 18 to smoke. When the aerosol generating device 5 is in ON mode, the control unit 70 can perform the initial heating operation of the heater 52 of the aerosol generating device 5 by receiving user input based on the activated button 28 or signals detected by the second sensor 62.

[0110] On the one hand, according to other embodiments, when the operating mode of the aerosol generating device 5 is set to the ON mode (i.e., when it is determined that the cigarette insert hole 18 is open), the control unit 70 can perform the initial heating operation of the heater 52 without waiting for user input via the activated button 28 or a signal detected by the activated second sensor 62, but is not limited to the aforementioned example. If the control unit 70 performs the initial heating operation of the heater 52 immediately upon detecting that the cigarette insert hole 18 is open without waiting for user input via the button 28 or a signal detected by the second sensor 62, the waiting time for the user to smoke using the aerosol generating device 5 can be minimized.

[0111] When the cigarette insert hole 18 is determined to be closed, the control unit 70 can set the operating mode of the aerosol generating device 5 to the OFF mode. When the operating mode of the aerosol generating device 5 is the OFF mode, the control unit 70 can cut off the electrical connection between the battery 60 and the heater 52 and the vaporizer 40, can cut off user input via button 28, and can cut off the signal detected by the second sensor 62.

[0112] When the electrical connection between the battery 60 and the heater 52 and the vaporizer 40 is blocked, the user input via button 28 is blocked, and the signal detected by the second sensor 62 is blocked, it is possible to prevent undesirable operation of the aerosol generating device due to accidental pressing of button 28, and to prevent unnecessary power consumption when the user is not smoking.

[0113] In addition, when the aerosol generator 5 is in OFF mode, the control unit 70 may not activate communication functions such as Bluetooth of the aerosol generator 5, and may not activate unnecessary functions when the user is not using the aerosol generator 5 to smoke.

[0114] On the one hand, even when the aerosol generator 5 is in OFF mode, its booting-related functions can still be active. These booting-related functions may include at least one of a clock function, a real-time clock (RTC) function, and an interrupt function that waits for a signal detected by the first sensor 61. Since the booting-related functions of the aerosol generator 5 are active even when it is in OFF mode, unnecessary power consumption when the user is not smoking can be minimized, while the aerosol generator 5 can be smoothly started when the user wants to smoke.

[0115] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for controlling an aerosol generating apparatus according to a portion of the embodiments.

[0116] Reference Figure 10 The method for controlling the aerosol generation device is derived from... Figures 1 to 9 The aerosol generating apparatus 10000 or aerosol generating apparatus 5 shown herein are configured with timing steps. Therefore, it can be understood that even the content omitted below, regarding... Figures 1 to 9 The above description of aerosol generating device 10000 or aerosol generating device 5 also applies to... Figure 10 Methods for controlling aerosol generation devices.

[0117] In step 1010, the aerosol generating device 10000 or the aerosol generating device 5 can determine whether the cigarette insert hole 18 is open or closed based on the signal detected by the first sensor 61 that detects whether the cigarette insert hole 18 is open or closed.

[0118] In step 1020, the aerosol generating device 10000 or the aerosol generating device 5 can set its operating mode to either an ON mode or an OFF mode based on the judgment result. Hereinafter, refer to... Figure 11 The method for controlling the aerosol generation device will be described in more detail.

[0119] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating another example of a method for controlling an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0120] Reference Figure 11 The method for controlling the aerosol generation device is derived from... Figures 1 to 9 The timing process of the aerosol generating apparatus 10000 or aerosol generating apparatus 5 shown herein is configured. Therefore, it can be clearly understood that even the content omitted below relates to... Figures 1 to 9 The above description of aerosol generating device 10000 or aerosol generating device 5 also applies to... Figure 11 Methods for controlling aerosol generation devices.

[0121] In step 1110, the aerosol generating device 10000 or the aerosol generating device 5 can determine whether the cigarette insert hole 18 is open or closed based on the signal detected by the first sensor 61 that detects whether the cigarette insert hole is open or closed.

[0122] In step 1120, when the determination result is that the cigarette insertion hole 18 is open, the aerosol generating device 10000 or the aerosol generating device 5 can execute step 1130; when the determination result is that the cigarette insertion hole 18 is closed, step 1135 can be executed.

[0123] In step 1130, either aerosol generating device 10000 or aerosol generating device 5 can be set to an ON (operating) mode. When the operating mode of either aerosol generating device 10000 or aerosol generating device 5 is set to ON (operating) mode, battery 60 is electrically connected to heater 52 and vaporizer 40 so that battery 60 can supply power to heater 52 and vaporizer 40, button 28 can be activated to receive user input, and second sensor 62 can be activated to detect whether cigarette 7 is inserted into housing 20.

[0124] When the aerosol generator 10000 or aerosol generator 5 is set to the ON mode, and receives user input via button 28 or a signal detected by the second sensor 62, the aerosol generator 10000 or aerosol generator 5 can execute step 1140. In step 1140, the aerosol generator 10000 or aerosol generator 5 can control the power supplied by the battery 60 to the heater 52 to preheat the heater 52 to a preset temperature.

[0125] On one hand, in step 1135, the aerosol generating device 10000 or aerosol generating device 5 can set its operating mode to OFF mode. When the operating mode of the aerosol generating device 10000 or aerosol generating device 5 is set to OFF mode, the electrical connection between the battery 60 and the heater 52 and the vaporizer 40 can be blocked, the user input via button 28 can be blocked, and the signal detected by the second sensor 62 can be blocked.

[0126] When the operating mode of aerosol generator 10000 or aerosol generator 5 is set to OFF mode, even if a user input received via button 28 or a signal detected by the second sensor 62 is generated, as shown in step 1145, aerosol generator 10000 or aerosol generator 5 can block the user input received via button 28 or the signal detected by the second sensor 62. Therefore, it is possible to prevent undesirable operation of aerosol generator 10000 or aerosol generator 5 due to accidental pressing of button 28, and to prevent unnecessary power consumption when the user is not smoking.

[0127] on the one hand, Figure 10 and Figure 11 Methods for controlling an aerosol generating device can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium containing one or more programs including instructions for executing the method. Examples of computer-readable recording media include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes; optical storage media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs; magneto-optical media such as floppy disks; and hardware devices specifically configured to store and execute program instructions, such as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), and flash memory. Examples of program instructions include not only machine language code generated by a compiler but also high-level language code that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter or the like.

[0128] Those skilled in the art regarding this embodiment should understand that variations can be implemented without departing from the essential characteristics of the foregoing description. Therefore, the disclosed methods should not be considered limiting, but rather illustrative. The scope of this invention is not embodied in the foregoing description, but rather in the claims, and all distinctions within the equivalent scope should be interpreted as included within this invention.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, wherein, include: The casing allows cigarettes to be inserted. An outer cover is attached to the housing, wherein the outer cover is detachably attached to the upper part of the housing; The cover is movable along the upper surface of the outer cover to open and close the cigarette insertion hole, wherein the cigarette insertion hole is formed on the upper surface of the outer cover; A first sensor detects whether the cigarette insertion hole is open or closed, wherein the first sensor is disposed inside the housing and below the cover; A heater, disposed in the housing and used to heat the cigarette inserted into the housing; Buttons; and The control unit determines whether the cigarette insertion hole is open or closed based on the signal detected by the first sensor. The aerosol generating device is characterized in that the control unit is configured as follows: Based on the opening of the cigarette insert hole, the system determines whether the button has been pressed for a predetermined second time as input, and controls the power supply to the heater to preheat it in response to the input. The system also determines whether the button has been pressed for a predetermined first time as input, and controls the execution of a reset action in response to the input. When it is determined that the cigarette insert hole is closed, the operating mode of the aerosol generating device is set to the off mode, controlling it to not supply power to the heater and blocking user input via the button. In the off mode, the start-up functions of the aerosol generating device are activated.

2. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, Also includes: The second sensor detects whether the cigarette is inserted into the housing; A vaporizer, containing a liquid composition and detachably attached to the housing, wherein, when attached to the housing, it transfers an aerosol generated by heating the liquid composition to the cigarette side; and The battery supplies power to the control unit, the heater, and the vaporizer.

3. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, When the cigarette insertion hole is opened, the control unit electrically connects the battery to the heater and the vaporizer, and activates the second sensor to detect whether the cigarette is inserted into the housing.

4. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, When the cigarette insert hole is closed, the control unit blocks the electrical connection between the battery, the heater, and the vaporizer, blocks the input via the button, and blocks the signal detected by the second sensor.

5. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The startup-related functions include at least one of the following: a clock function, a real-time clock function, and an interrupt function that waits for a signal detected by the first sensor.

6. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The first sensor is an open / close switch that generates an operating signal when the cover opens the cigarette insertion hole by moving and a closing signal when the cover closes the cigarette insertion hole by moving.

7. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The second sensor includes at least one of the following: a Hall sensor for detecting changes in the magnetic field generated by the metallic substance contained in the cigarette; a mechanical switch for detecting physical changes that occur when the cigarette is inserted; an infrared sensor for detecting the proximity of the cigarette; and an optical sensor for detecting a pattern printed on the surface of the cigarette.

8. A method for controlling the aerosol generating apparatus of claim 1, comprising: The step of determining whether the cigarette insertion hole is open or closed based on the signal detected by the sensor of the aerosol generating device; Based on the opening of the cigarette insertion hole, the step of determining whether the button has been pressed for a predetermined second time as input, and controlling the power supply to the heater so that the heater preheats in response to the input; The steps include determining whether the button has been pressed as input at a predetermined first time, and controlling the reset action to be performed in response to the input. When it is determined that the cigarette insert hole is closed, the operating mode of the aerosol generating device is set to the off mode, controlling it to not supply power to the heater and blocking user input via the button. Among them, the step of activating the start-up related functions of the aerosol generating device in the off mode.

9. A computer-readable recording medium having recorded one or more programs including instructions for performing the method of claim 8.

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