Aerosol-generating device

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment includes: a housing including a containing portion into which a cigarette is inserted and an airflow channel fluidly connected to the containing portion; a piezoelectric pressure sensor disposed adjacent to a portion of the airflow channel and fluidly connected to the airflow channel through a vent hole; and a processor configured to calculate a pressure change in the airflow channel by using the piezoelectric pressure sensor. The vent hole extends obliquely with respect to a surface of a piezoelectric element of the piezoelectric pressure sensor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device, and more particularly, to an aerosol generating device capable of detecting a user's puff by using a piezoelectric pressure sensor. Background Art

[0002] Recently, there has been a growing demand for alternative smoking methods to conventional cigarettes. For example, there is a growing demand for methods that generate aerosol by heating aerosol-generating materials in cigarettes rather than burning them. Consequently, research into heated cigarettes or heated aerosol-generating devices has been actively pursued.

[0003] Typically, an aerosol generating device includes a pressure sensor to detect a user's inhalation, which is commonly referred to as a puff. However, the sensing accuracy and reliability of conventional pressure sensors may deteriorate due to aerosol, droplets, etc. generated when the aerosol generating device operates. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Technical issues The present disclosure provides an aerosol generating device with improved puff sensing accuracy and reliability.

[0005] The technical problems of the present disclosure are not limited to the aforementioned description, and those having ordinary skill in the art can clearly understand other technical problems from this specification and the accompanying drawings.

[0006] Technical Solution An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment includes: a housing including a housing portion and an airflow channel, the housing portion being configured to accommodate a cigarette and the airflow channel being fluidically connected to the housing portion; a piezoelectric pressure sensor disposed adjacent to a portion of the airflow channel and fluidically connected to the airflow channel via a vent hole; and a processor configured to calculate a pressure change in the airflow channel using the piezoelectric pressure sensor, wherein the vent hole extends obliquely relative to a surface of a piezoelectric element of the piezoelectric pressure sensor.

[0007] An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment includes: a housing including a housing, an airflow channel, and a chamber, the housing being configured to accommodate a cigarette, the airflow channel being fluidically connected to the housing, and the chamber being arranged to be spaced apart from the airflow channel; a piezoelectric pressure sensor being arranged adjacent to the chamber and fluidically connected to the chamber via a vent; and a processor configured to calculate a pressure change in the chamber using the piezoelectric pressure sensor, wherein the vent extends obliquely relative to a surface of a piezoelectric element of the piezoelectric pressure sensor.

[0008] Beneficial effects Aerosol-generating devices according to one or more embodiments use piezoelectric sensors for puff sensing to provide robustness and excellent linearity across a range of frequencies and amplitudes. Furthermore, because the aerosol-generating device has low sensitivity to electromagnetic fields, the likelihood of interference with sensors used to detect changes in inductance and capacitance can be reduced.

[0009] Effects of the embodiments are not limited to those described above, and effects not described herein can be clearly understood by those having ordinary skill in the art from this specification and the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0011] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of components of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0012] Figure 3 The coil of an aerosol generating device using an induction heating method according to an embodiment is schematically shown.

[0013] 4A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of some components of an aerosol generating device, according to an embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 4B is a diagram for explaining the movement of air in the aerosol generating device of FIG. 4A according to the user's inhalation action.

[0015] Figure 5 is a block diagram of some components of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0016] Figure 6 1 is a diagram for explaining a state in which a visual notification is provided by a display in the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment.

[0017] Figure 7 Components of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment are schematically illustrated.

[0018] 8A and 8B are diagrams for explaining a spiral coil of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0019] 9A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of some components of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 9B is a diagram for explaining the movement of air in response to a user's inhalation action in the aerosol generating device of FIG. 9A .

[0021] 10A is an enlarged view of some components of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 10B is a diagram for explaining a process in which air moves in accordance with a user's inhalation action in the aerosol generating device of FIG. 10A .

[0023] 11A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of some components of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 11B is a diagram for explaining the movement of air in the aerosol generating device of FIG. 11A in response to a user's inhalation action.

[0025] Figure 12 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Regarding the terms in the various embodiments, currently widely used general terms are selected taking into account the functions of the structural elements in the various embodiments of the present disclosure. However, the meaning of the terms may change according to intention, judicial precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. In addition, in some cases, the applicant may arbitrarily select terms under specific circumstances. In this case, the meaning of the terms will be described in detail in the corresponding parts in the description of the present disclosure. Therefore, the terms used in the various embodiments of the present disclosure should be defined based on the meaning of the terms and the description provided herein.

[0027] In addition, unless explicitly described to the contrary, the word "include" and variations such as "comprise" or "contain" will be understood to imply the inclusion of the stated elements but not the exclusion of any other elements. In addition, the terms "... device", "... body" and "module" described in the specification represent units for processing at least one function and at least one operation, and can be implemented by hardware components or software components, as well as a combination thereof.

[0028] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown so that those skilled in the art can easily make the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure can be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0029] Hereinafter, the present disclosure is described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0031] Reference Figure 1 The aerosol generating device 10 according to an embodiment may include a housing 100 , and the cigarette 20 may be inserted into the housing 100 .

[0032] The housing 200 may form the general outer shape of the aerosol generating device 10 and may include an interior space (or “disposition space”) in which the components of the aerosol generating device 10 may be disposed. Figure 1 The cross-sectional shape of the housing 100 is shown to be semicircular, but the shape of the housing 100 is not limited thereto. According to another embodiment, the shape of the housing 100 may be generally cylindrical or polygonal (eg, triangular or rectangular).

[0033] Components for generating aerosol by heating the cigarette 20 inserted into the housing 100 and components for detecting a user's puff may be arranged in the inner space of the housing 100. These components are described in detail below.

[0034] According to an embodiment, the housing 100 may include an opening 100h through which the cigarette 20 may be inserted into the housing 100. At least a portion of the cigarette 20 may be inserted or accommodated in the accommodation portion 110 through the opening 100h.

[0035] When the cigarette 20 inserted or accommodated in the accommodation portion 110 is heated inside the housing 100, aerosol may be generated. The generated aerosol may be discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device 10 through the inserted cigarette 20 and / or the space between the cigarette 20 and the opening 100h, and the user may inhale the discharged aerosol.

[0036] The aerosol generating device 10 according to the embodiment may further include a display D on which visual information is displayed.

[0037] According to an embodiment, the display D may be arranged such that at least a portion of the display D may be exposed outside the housing 100 , and the aerosol generating device 10 may provide various visual information to the user through the display D.

[0038] For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may provide information on whether the user performs a puff action or information on the remaining number of puffs of the inserted cigarette 20 through the display D, but the information provided through the display D is not limited thereto.

[0039] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of components of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. Figure 3 The coil of an aerosol generating device in an induction heating method according to an embodiment is schematically shown. In this case, Figure 2 yes Figure 1 1 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device taken along line AA' and showing some components arranged inside the housing.

[0040] Reference Figure 2According to an embodiment, the aerosol generating device 10 may include a housing 100, a heater 200, an airflow channel 300, an insulation structure 400, and a piezoelectric pressure sensor 500. In this case, the heater 200 and the insulation structure 400 may be included in the heating assembly HA. The components of the aerosol generating device 10 are not limited thereto, and according to one or more embodiments, other components (e.g., a vaporizer) may be added thereto, or at least one component may be omitted.

[0041] The housing 100 may include an interior space in which the components of the aerosol generating device 10 may be arranged, and the housing 100 may form the overall outer shape of the aerosol generating device 10. The figures only illustrate that the cross-sectional shape of the housing 100 is semicircular, but the shape of the housing 100 is not limited thereto. According to an embodiment (not shown), the shape of the housing 100 may generally be a cylinder or a polygonal prism (e.g., a triangular prism or a rectangular prism).

[0042] According to an embodiment, the housing 100 may include an opening 100h through which the cigarette 20 may be inserted into the housing 100. At least a portion of the cigarette 20 may be inserted or accommodated in the accommodation portion 110 through the opening 100h.

[0043] The heater 200 can generate aerosol by heating the cigarette 20 inserted into or accommodated in the accommodating portion 110 through the opening 100h. The heater 200 can heat the cigarette 20 by generating heat based on, for example, a power source. In this case, vaporized particles generated by heating the cigarette 20 can mix with air flowing into the housing 100 through the opening 100h, thereby generating aerosol.

[0044] In an embodiment, the heater 200 may include an induction heater. For example, the heater 200 may include a coil (or "conductive coil") for generating an alternating magnetic field from a power source, and a susceptor for generating heat from the alternating magnetic field generated by the coil. The susceptor may be arranged to surround at least a portion of the outer circumference of a cigarette 20 inserted into the housing 100, thereby heating the inserted cigarette 20.

[0045] Reference Figure 3 For example, the coil 210 included in the induction heater may be implemented as a solenoid formed by tightly and evenly wound wires in a long cylindrical shape. In the inner space of the solenoid, an accommodation space for inserting the cigarette 20 may be formed.

[0046] According to another embodiment, the heater 200 may include a resistive heater. For example, the heater 200 may include a film heater arranged to surround at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the cigarette 20 inserted into the housing 100. The film heater may include a conductive rail, and when current flows through the conductive rail, the film heater may generate heat to heat the cigarette 20 inserted into the housing 100.

[0047] According to another embodiment, the heater 200 may include at least one of a needle type heater, a rod type heater, and a tube type heater, which may heat the inside of the cigarette 20 inserted into the housing 100. For example, the heater may be inserted into at least a portion of the cigarette 20 and may heat the inside of the cigarette 20.

[0048] The heater 200 is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and the embodiment of the heater 200 may be modified as long as the heater 200 can heat the cigarette 20 to a specified temperature. In this specification, the expression "specified temperature" may indicate a temperature at which the aerosol-generating material included in the cigarette 20 is heated and generates an aerosol. The specified temperature may be a temperature preset in the aerosol-generating device 10, but the temperature may vary depending on the type of the aerosol-generating device 10 and / or user manipulation.

[0049] The airflow channel 300 may be located in the internal space of the housing 100 and may connect or fluidically connect the heater 200 to the outside of the housing 100 or the outside of the aerosol generating device 10. According to an embodiment, the airflow channel 300 may extend in the longitudinal direction of the housing 100, one end of the airflow channel 300 may be connected to the heater 200, and the other end of the airflow channel 300 may be connected to the opening 100h.

[0050] At least a portion of the aerosol generated by the heater 200 may pass through the cigarette 20 inserted into the housing 100 or may move along the airflow channel 300, and may be discharged to the outside of the housing 100 or the aerosol generating device 10 through the opening 100h. In addition, air outside the aerosol generating device 10 (hereinafter, referred to as "external air") may flow into the housing 100 through the opening 100h, and then may move along the airflow channel 300 in a direction toward the heater 200.

[0051] The insulation structure 400 may be arranged around the outer peripheral surface of the heater 200 to prevent heat generated by the heater 200 from being discharged to the outside. In an embodiment, the insulation structure 400 may include a vacuum insulation layer arranged around the heater 200 to vacuum-insulate the heater 200, but one or more embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0052] In an embodiment, the heat insulation structure 400 may prevent heat generated by the heater 200 from being discharged to the outside, thereby maintaining the temperature of the heater 200 at a high temperature, thereby reducing the amount of power consumed in operating the heater 200 .

[0053] In another embodiment, the heat insulation structure 400 can prevent the heat generated by the heater 200 from being discharged to the outside, thereby reducing the amount of heat transferred from the heater 200 to the housing 100. Since the heat of the aerosol generating device 10 that the user may feel when grasping the aerosol generating device 10 can be reduced by the heat insulation structure 400 in the aerosol generating device 10, the user convenience of the aerosol generating device 10 can be improved.

[0054] In another embodiment, the insulating structure 400 may seal the heater 200 , thereby preventing liquid droplets that may be generated when the aerosol generating device 10 is in operation from being discharged outside the insulating structure 400 .

[0055] Liquid droplets may be generated by condensation of some aerosol during the aerosol generation process of the heater 200, and the generated liquid droplets may cause malfunction or damage to components of the aerosol generating device 10. For example, when liquid droplets generated during the aerosol generation process are introduced into the printed circuit board 600, the printed circuit board 600 may malfunction or be damaged.

[0056] The aerosol generating device 10 according to the embodiment includes a heat insulating structure 400 that seals the heater 200 to prevent liquid droplets generated during aerosol generation by the heater 200 from being discharged outward, thereby preventing malfunction or damage to components of the aerosol generating device 10 caused by the liquid droplets.

[0057] The piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 may be arranged adjacent to the airflow channel 300 and may be connected thereto, thereby detecting pressure changes according to the user's puffing action. That is, the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 may be fluidically connected to the airflow channel 300, thereby detecting pressure changes in the airflow channel 300.

[0058] The piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 can measure pressure or mechanical stress through the piezoelectric effect. In this case, the pressure applied to the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 is converted into a flow of electric charge. This characteristic can be applied to measure pressure or pressure changes.

[0059] According to an embodiment, the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 may be in the form of a disk. The piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 may include a piezoelectric element 501 and a first electrode 502 and a second electrode 503. The piezoelectric element 501 comprises a homogeneous layer containing a pressure-sensitive material. For example, the piezoelectric element 501 may comprise a piezoelectric material such as lead zirconate titanate (PZT) ceramic or quartz. The piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 may comprise the piezoelectric element 501 as a single body, and the first electrode 502 and the second electrode 503 may be arranged on one surface and the other surface of the piezoelectric element 501, respectively. However, the shape of the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 is not limited thereto and may be variously designed depending on the structure of the aerosol generating device 10. For example, the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 may be in the form of a membrane.

[0060] When the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 senses puffing, it provides excellent linearity across a range of frequencies and amplitudes. Furthermore, due to its low sensitivity to electromagnetic fields, the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 exhibits minimal interference with the heating heater 200 and sensors (not shown) for detecting changes in inductance and capacitance. Consequently, by ensuring measurement reliability, the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 can accurately detect pressure changes in the airflow channel 300 that occur in response to a user's puffing action.

[0061] The aerosol generating device 10 according to an embodiment may further include a processor 610 and a battery 620 .

[0062] The processor 610 may control the general operation of the aerosol generating device 10. For example, the processor 610 may be electrically or operatively connected to the heater 200 and may control the operation of the heater 200. In addition, the processor 610 may be electrically or operatively connected to the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 and may detect the user's puffing action based on the detection result of the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500.

[0063] In this specification, the expression “operably connected” may mean that components exchange signals through wireless communication or are connected to each other to exchange optical signals and / or magnetic signals, and such expressions may have the same meaning hereinafter.

[0064] According to an embodiment, the processor 610 may be arranged or mounted on the printed circuit board 600 located in the inner space of the housing 100 , but the arrangement of the processor 610 is not limited thereto.

[0065] The battery 620 may supply power for operating the aerosol generating device 10. For example, the battery 620 may supply power to the heater 200 to heat the heater 200. In addition, the battery 620 may supply power required to operate the processor 610 or the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500.

[0066] 4A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of some components of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment, and FIG. 4B is a diagram for explaining air movement according to a user's puffing action in the aerosol generating device of FIG. 4A .

[0067] 4A and 4B , an aerosol generating device 10 according to an embodiment may include a housing 100 , a heater 200 , an air flow channel 300 , a vent 310 , a heat insulating structure 400 , a piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 , and a processor (e.g., Figure 2 The aerosol generating device 10 of FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B may be Figure 2 An embodiment of the aerosol generating device 10.

[0068] The heater 200 may be located inside the housing 100 and may heat the cigarette 20 inserted into the housing 100 , thereby generating aerosol.

[0069] According to an embodiment, the heater 200 may include a coil 210 and a susceptor 220 as shown in FIG. 4A and may heat the cigarette 20 inserted into the housing 100 in an induction heating method.

[0070] The coil 210 may be arranged to surround the outer peripheral surface of the susceptor 220 and may be configured to generate a charge from a battery (eg, Figure 1 The alternating magnetic field is generated by power supplied by the battery 620 .

[0071] The susceptor 220 may be arranged to surround at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the cigarette 20 inserted into the housing 100, thereby heating the cigarette 20 inserted into the housing 100. The susceptor 220 may generate heat by using, for example, an alternating magnetic field generated by the coil 210, and as a result, the cigarette 20 may be heated.

[0072] The heat insulating structure 400 may be arranged around the outer peripheral surface of the heater 200 and may seal the heater 200, thereby preventing the liquid droplets generated during the aerosol generation process from being discharged to the outside. In addition, the heat insulating structure 400 may seal the heater 200 and prevent the heat generated by the heater 200 from being discharged to the outside, so that the ambient temperature of the heater 200 can be maintained at a high temperature.

[0073] According to an embodiment, the insulation structure 400 may include a first structure 410 and a second structure 420, wherein the first structure 410 is arranged to surround a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the heater 200 (e.g., the lower surface and / or the side surface), and the second structure 420 is located on the upper portion of the first structure 410 and covers another area of ​​the outer peripheral surface of the heater 200 (e.g., the upper surface).

[0074] The heater 200 may be located within the interior space formed by the first structure 410 and the second structure 420, and the first structure 410 and the second structure 420 may seal the heater 200. For example, the second structure 420 may be coupled to at least a portion of the upper portion of the first structure 410, but one or more embodiments are not limited thereto. As another example (not shown), the first structure 410 and the second structure 420 may be integrally formed as a single body.

[0075] The airflow channel 300 may be arranged to connect the interior of the housing 100 to the exterior of the housing 100 or aerosol generating device 10 , and may serve as a flow path through which air or aerosol passes in and out of the aerosol generating device 10 .

[0076] For example, the aerosol generated inside the aerosol generating device 10 may pass through the cigarette 20 inserted into the housing 100 or may move along the airflow channel 300, and thus be discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device 10 or the housing 100. As another example, air outside the aerosol generating device 10 (hereinafter referred to as "external air") may flow into the internal space of the housing 100 through the airflow channel 300.

[0077] The piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 may be disposed adjacent to the airflow channel 300 and may be connected to the airflow channel 300 through the vent hole 310 , thereby detecting pressure changes in the airflow channel 300 .

[0078] The vent hole 310 may be formed in the sensor holder 510. The cross-sectional area of ​​the vent hole 310 may be proportional to the surface size of the piezoelectric element 501. For example, the piezoelectric element 501 may be exposed through the opening OP of the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500. The cross-section of the opening OP may have a circular shape. The diameter of the opening OP may be 1.8 mm. In this case, the cross-sectional area of ​​the vent hole 310 may also have a circular shape, and the diameter of the vent hole 310 may also be 1.8 mm. As described, in the aerosol generating device 10 according to the embodiment, the cross-sectional area of ​​the vent hole 310 is formed as large as possible in proportion to the surface size of the piezoelectric element 501 to ensure measurement accuracy, and thus the pressure change in the airflow channel 300 according to the user's puffing action can be accurately detected.

[0079] According to an embodiment, the minimum distance d from one end to the other end of the vent hole 310 may be smaller than the height h of the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500. As described, in the aerosol generating device 10 according to the embodiment, the minimum distance d of the vent hole 310 is formed as small as possible to be close to the airflow channel 300, thereby ensuring measurement accuracy, and thus the pressure change in the airflow channel 300 according to the user's puff action can be accurately detected.

[0080] Furthermore, according to an embodiment, the vent 310 may be formed obliquely relative to the surface of the piezoelectric element 501 of the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500. For example, the length direction of the vent 310 may be a diagonal direction DR between the -x and -z directions, with the diagonal direction DR forming an acute angle with the upper surface of the piezoelectric element 501. In other words, the length direction of the vent 310 may not be perpendicular to a plane parallel to the upper surface of the piezoelectric element 501. This prevents liquid flowing from the outside or droplets generated during aerosol generation from being introduced into the vent 310.

[0081] The piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 may generate an electrical signal corresponding to the pressure change in the air flow channel 300, and the electrical signal generated by the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 may be transmitted to a processor (e.g., a processor) electrically or operatively connected to the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500. Figure 2 processor 610).

[0082] According to an embodiment, the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 may be arranged on a sensor printed circuit board 550, and may be connected to a printed circuit board (eg, Figure 2 An electrical connection member (eg, a flexible printed circuit board) of the printed circuit board 600 is electrically connected to a processor arranged on the printed circuit board, but one or more embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0083] When the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 is connected to the airflow channel 300 through the vent 310, the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 can detect pressure changes in the airflow channel 300. For example, the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 can detect the pressure of the vent 310 connected or fluidically connected to the airflow channel 300, and thus can sense or detect pressure changes in the airflow channel 300.

[0084] The processor may be electrically or operably connected to the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 and may detect a user's puffing action based on a pressure change in the airflow channel 300 sensed or detected by the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 .

[0085] According to an embodiment, the processor may detect a puffing action of the user based on a pressure reduction of the airflow channel 300 sensed or detected by the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 .

[0086] As shown in FIG. 4B , due to the user's puffing action, at least part of the air in the airflow channel 300 and / or the vent hole 310 may pass through the cigarette 20 and may be exhausted to the outside of the housing 100 .

[0087] Due to the user's puffing action, a pressure difference may be generated between the exterior and interior of the housing 100. Consequently, air in the airflow channel 300 and / or the vent 310 may be discharged to the exterior of the housing 100, resulting in a pressure drop in the airflow channel 300. Therefore, the processor may detect the user's puffing action based on the pressure decrease in the airflow channel 300 sensed by the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500. For example, the processor may compare a preset value with the pressure decrease in the airflow channel 300 sensed or detected by the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500, and when the pressure decrease in the airflow channel 300 is at least the preset value, the processor may determine that the user has performed a puffing action. In this case, the preset value may vary depending on the type of aerosol generating device 10 or the user's settings. For example, the designated value P may be approximately 60 Pa to approximately 80 Pa, but is not limited thereto.

[0088] The aerosol generating device 10 according to an embodiment may further include a sensor holder 510, a sensor cover 520, and / or an O-ring 530. However, according to another embodiment, at least one of the above components may be omitted.

[0089] The sensor holder 510 may be arranged to surround at least a portion of the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 and may prevent heat generated by the heater 200 from being transferred to the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 while supporting or fixing the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500. According to an embodiment, the sensor holder 510 may include a vent hole 310 connecting the airflow channel 300 to the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500.

[0090] The sensor cover 520 may be arranged to cover at least a portion of the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 and support the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500. Furthermore, the sensor cover 520 may include a thermally conductive material and may dissipate heat transferred to the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500. For example, at least a portion of the heat generated by the heater 200 may be transferred to the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 by convection and / or radiation, and the sensor cover 520 may transfer the heat transferred to the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 to the exterior of the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 (e.g., the housing 100).

[0091] According to an embodiment, the sensor cover 520 may be located opposite to the sensor bracket 510 relative to the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 and may support another portion of the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500, but the arrangement of the sensor cover 520 is not limited to the above embodiment.

[0092] The O-ring 530 may be disposed between the sensor holder 510 and the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500, thereby preventing the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 from moving and preventing air flowing into the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 through the airflow channel 300 from leaking. For example, the O-ring 530 may include an elastic material (e.g., rubber) to protect the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 and prevent air flowing into the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 from leaking to the outside of the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500.

[0093] That is, in the aerosol generating device 10 according to the embodiment, malfunction or failure of the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 can be prevented by thermally insulating or dissipating heat from the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 using the sensor holder 510 and / or the sensor cover 520. As a result, the aerosol generating device 10 can have improved measurement accuracy of the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500, and thus can accurately detect the user's puff action.

[0094] Figure 5 is a block diagram of some components of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. Figure 6 1 is a diagram for explaining a state in which a visual notification is provided by a display in the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment.

[0095] Reference Figure 5 , the aerosol generating device 10 according to an embodiment may include a piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 , a processor 610 and a display D.

[0096] The processor 610 may be electrically connected to the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 and may detect a puffing action of the user based on a pressure change in the airflow channel 300 (the airflow channel 300 of FIG. 4A ) sensed by the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 .

[0097] For example, during a user's puffing action, a pressure difference is generated between the inside and outside of the aerosol generating device 10 , and at least a portion of the air inside the aerosol generating device 10 may be exhausted to the outside; therefore, a pressure drop may occur in the airflow channel.

[0098] Therefore, the processor 610 can sense the user's puff action based on the pressure reduction of the airflow channel sensed by the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500. For example, when the pressure reduction of the airflow channel is at least the pressure value, the processor 610 can determine that the user's puff action is performed or generated.

[0099] Based on the determination that a puff action was performed, processor 610 may output a notification (or "user notification") indicating that a puff action by the user has occurred.

[0100] The notification may include at least one of the following notifications: a visual notification based on visual information notifying that a user's puffing action has occurred, an auditory notification based on auditory information (e.g., sound) notifying that a user's puffing action has occurred, and a tactile notification based on tactile information (e.g., vibration) notifying that a user's puffing action has occurred, but the notification is not limited to this.

[0101] For example, the processor 610 may output a notification that the user's puff action has occurred by displaying a notification indicating that the user's puff action has occurred via the display D and / or an LED (not shown).

[0102] As another example, the processor 610 may generate a sound through a speaker (not shown), thereby outputting a notification indicating that the user's puff action has occurred. As another example, the processor 610 may generate vibrations through a motor (not shown) and / or an actuator (not shown), thereby outputting a notification indicating that the user's puff action has occurred.

[0103] Furthermore, the processor 610 may calculate or count the remaining number of puffs (or “remaining number of puffs”) of the cigarette 20 inserted into the aerosol generating device 10 based on the number of puffs of the user and may output a notification corresponding to the remaining number of puffs.

[0104] According to an embodiment, when it is determined that the user's puff action is performed, the processor 610 may count the user's puffs and may calculate the remaining number of puffs of the cigarette inserted into the aerosol generating device 10 based on the difference between a preset total number of puffs and the counted number of puffs.

[0105] For example, when the total number of puffs of a cigarette is 14 and the counted number of puffs by the user is 4, the processor 610 may calculate that the remaining number of puffs of the inserted cigarette is 10.

[0106] The processor 610 may provide the user with information about the remaining number of puffs through at least one of, for example, a visual notification, an auditory notification, and a tactile notification, but one or more embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0107] According to the embodiment, Figure 6 As shown, the processor 610 may be electrically or operably connected to a display D disposed in at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the housing 100 , and thus may output a visual notification corresponding to the remaining number of puffs through the display D.

[0108] For example, by displaying the remaining number of puffs on the display D, the processor 610 may inform the user of information on the remaining number of puffs of the cigarette 20 inserted into the housing 100. However, the visual information displayed on the display D is not limited to Figure 6The embodiment of the present invention is also possible, and the visual information displayed on the display D can be modified as long as information about the remaining number of puffs can be provided to the user.

[0109] According to another embodiment, the processor 610 may notify the user of the remaining number of puffs through auditory and / or tactile sensing. For example, the processor 610 may provide the user with information about the remaining number of puffs by generating an auditory notification of a sound corresponding to the remaining number of puffs or generating a tactile notification of a vibration corresponding to the remaining number of puffs.

[0110] According to another embodiment, the processor 610 may notify the user of the remaining number of puffs through at least two of a visual notification, an audible notification, and a tactile notification. For example, the processor 610 may provide both a visual notification and an audible notification, or may provide both a visual notification, an audible notification, and a tactile notification.

[0111] Hereinafter, other embodiments are described. In the following embodiments, components identical to those in the above-described embodiments are not described or are briefly described, and differences will be mainly described.

[0112] Figure 7 Components of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment are schematically shown. Figures 8A and 8B are diagrams for explaining a spiral coil of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0113] Reference Figure 7 To Figure 8B, Figure 7 The aerosol generating device 10 includes a spiral coil 230, and Figure 2 The aerosol generating device 10 includes a solenoid coil 210. In addition, Figure 7 The aerosol generating device 10 and Figure 2 The aerosol generating device 10 differs in that: Figure 7 The air flow channel 300 of the aerosol generating device 10 is separated from the heating assembly HA1 and is formed separately in the air flow assembly 700. Figure 2 The aerosol generating device 10 comprises an air flow channel 300 located in the heating assembly HA.

[0114] Reference Figure 7 The aerosol generating device 10 according to an embodiment may include a housing 100, a heating assembly HA1, a piezoelectric pressure sensor 500, and an airflow assembly 700. The components of the aerosol generating device 10 are not limited thereto, and according to one or more embodiments, other components may be added thereto or at least one component may be omitted.

[0115] According to an embodiment, the housing 100 may include an opening ( Figure 1The cigarette 20 can be inserted into the housing 100 through the opening 100h. At least a portion of the cigarette 20 can be inserted into or accommodated in the accommodation portion 110 through the opening 100h.

[0116] The heating assembly HA1 may include a heater 201 and a thermal insulation structure 401 .

[0117] The heater 201 can generate aerosol by heating the cigarette 20 inserted into or accommodated in the accommodating portion 110 through the opening 100h. The heater 201 can heat the cigarette 20 by generating heat based on, for example, a power source. In this case, vaporized particles generated by heating the cigarette 20 mix with air flowing into the housing 100 through the airflow assembly 700 (or the air inlet IN), thereby generating aerosol.

[0118] According to embodiments, heater 201 may include an induction heater. For example, heater 201 may include a coil (or "conductive coil") configured to generate an alternating magnetic field when powered. Cigarette 20 may include a susceptor 240. According to embodiments, the exterior of cigarette 20 may be surrounded by a packaging material (wrapper). Furthermore, susceptor 240 may be disposed in some or all of the space between the packaging material (wrapper) and the aerosol generating portion and / or the tobacco-filled portion.

[0119] 8A schematically illustrates the spiral coils 231 a and 231 b of the aerosol generating device 10 according to the embodiment, and FIG. 8B is a diagram for explaining the directions of the magnetic field lines M generated by the spiral coils 231 a and 231 b of the aerosol generating device 10 according to the embodiment.

[0120] 8A and 8B , spiral coils 231a and 231b may each have a surface shape that curves along the circumferential direction of receiving portion 110. The center around which spiral coils 231a and 231b are wound may be located at a point on the outer surface of receiving portion 110. That is, a horizontal cross-section of each spiral coil 231a and 231b (i.e., a cross-section taken in the x-direction intersecting the longitudinal direction (i.e., the y-direction) of receiving portion 110) may have an arc shape. The central axis around which spiral coils 231a and 231b are wound may be in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction (i.e., the y-direction) of receiving portion 110.

[0121] The spiral coils 231a and 231b may form a magnetic field in which the magnetic field lines M pass through the central areas of the spiral coils 231a and 231b. That is, the magnetic field lines M may pass through the cigarette 20 inserted into the accommodating portion 110 in a direction intersecting the length direction of the cigarette 20.

[0122] Since the direction of the magnetic field line M intersects the length direction of the cigarette 20, it passes through the susceptor ( Figure 7The density of the magnetic field lines M of 240) can be increased, so that the sensor ( Figure 7 In particular, when the susceptor ( Figure 7 240) has a sheet shape surrounding the cigarette 20, since the magnetic field lines M pass through a wide area, the susceptor ( Figure 7 240) can be heated at a sufficient temperature.

[0123] The spiral coils 231a and 231b may each be provided in plural numbers. As shown in FIG8A and FIG8B , two spiral coils 231a and 231b may be arranged, including a first spiral coil 231a and a second spiral coil 231b. The first spiral coil 231a and the second spiral coil 231b may have the same size and shape and may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the central axis of the accommodating portion 110.

[0124] When viewed along the central axis of the spiral coils 231a and 231b, the first spiral coil 231a and the second spiral coil 231b may each have a circular shape. However, one or more embodiments are not limited thereto, and the number, size, and shape of the spiral coils 231a and 231b may vary as needed. For example, when viewed along the central axis of the spiral coils, the spiral coils may have a rectangular shape, and four spiral coils may be arranged at regular intervals.

[0125] Multiple spiral coils 231a and 231b may be provided so that they are electrically connected to each other. When multiple spiral coils 231a and 231b are provided, it is necessary to precisely control the direction of the alternating current applied to each of the spiral coils 231a and 231b to prevent the strength of the magnetic field generated by the spiral coils 231a and 231b from being offset due to the intersection of the magnetic field directions. However, when the spiral coils 231a and 231b are electrically connected to each other, the alternating current flows in the spiral coils 231a and 231b in the same direction, thus eliminating the need to individually control the direction of the alternating current.

[0126] Return to reference Figure 7 The airflow assembly 700 may be spaced apart from the heating assembly HA1 and may be formed separately. The airflow assembly 700 may include an air inlet IN formed in one end of the airflow assembly 700 and an air outlet OUT formed in the other end of the airflow assembly 700 and connected to the air inlet IN through the airflow channel 300. The air outlet OUT may be connected to a connection channel CNT formed in a portion of the accommodating portion 110.

[0127] The airflow channel 300 may be disposed in the interior space of the airflow assembly 700 and may connect or fluidly connect the heater 201 to the exterior of the housing 100 or the aerosol generating device 10 .

[0128] At least a portion of the aerosol generated by the heater 201 may pass through the cigarette 20 inserted into the housing 100 and may be discharged through the opening ( Figure 1 100h) is discharged to the outside of the housing 100 or the aerosol generating device 10.

[0129] The insulation structure 401 may be arranged around the outer peripheral surface of the heater 201 and may prevent heat generated by the heater 201 from being discharged outward. In an embodiment, the insulation structure 401 may include a vacuum insulation layer arranged around the heater 201 to vacuum-insulate the heater 201, but one or more embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0130] The piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 may be arranged adjacent to the airflow channel 300 and may be connected thereto, thereby detecting pressure changes according to the user's puffing action. That is, the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 may be fluidically connected to the airflow channel 300, thereby detecting pressure changes in the airflow channel 300.

[0131] The piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 can measure pressure or mechanical stress through the piezoelectric effect. In this case, the pressure applied to the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 is converted into a flow of electric charge. This characteristic can be applied to measure pressure or pressure changes.

[0132] The piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 according to an embodiment may be in the form of a disk. The piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 may include a piezoelectric element 501 and a first electrode 502 and a second electrode 503. The piezoelectric element 501 includes a homogeneous layer including a pressure-sensitive material. For example, the piezoelectric element 501 may include a piezoelectric material such as PZT ceramic or quartz. The piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 may include the piezoelectric element 501 as a single body, and the first electrode 502 and the second electrode 503 may be arranged on one surface and the other surface of the piezoelectric element 501, respectively. However, the shape of the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 is not limited thereto, and the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 may be variously designed according to the structure of the aerosol generating device 10. For example, the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 may be in the form of a membrane.

[0133] When the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 senses puffing, it provides excellent linearity across a range of frequencies and amplitudes. Furthermore, due to its low sensitivity to electromagnetic fields, the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 exhibits minimal interference with the heating heater 210 and sensors (not shown) for detecting changes in inductance and capacitance. Consequently, by ensuring measurement reliability, the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 can accurately detect pressure changes in the airflow channel 300 that occur in response to a user's puffing action.

[0134] The aerosol generating device 10 according to an embodiment may further include a processor 610 and a battery 620 .

[0135] According to an embodiment, the processor 610 may be arranged or mounted on the printed circuit board 600 located in the inner space of the housing 100 , but the arrangement of the processor 610 is not limited thereto.

[0136] The battery 620 may supply power for operating the aerosol generating device 10. For example, the battery 620 may supply power to the heater 201 to heat the heater 201. In addition, the battery 620 may supply power required to operate the processor 610 or the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500.

[0137] 9A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of some components of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment, and FIG. 9B is a diagram for explaining air movement according to a user's puffing action in the aerosol generating device of FIG. 9A .

[0138] 9A and 9B , the aerosol generating device 10 according to an embodiment may include a housing 100 , a heating assembly HA1 , a piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 , an airflow assembly 700 , and a processor (eg, Figure 7 The aerosol generating device 10 of Figures 9A and 9B may be Figure 2 An embodiment of the aerosol generating device 10.

[0139] The heating assembly HA1 may include a heater 201 and a thermal insulation structure 401 .

[0140] The airflow assembly 700 may be spaced apart from the heating assembly HA1 and may be formed separately. The airflow assembly 700 may include an air inlet IN formed in one end of the airflow assembly 700; and an air outlet OUT formed in the other end of the airflow assembly 700 and connected to the air inlet IN through the airflow channel 300. The air outlet OUT may be connected to a connection channel CNT formed in a portion of the accommodating portion 110.

[0141] The airflow channel 300 may be disposed in the interior space of the airflow assembly 700 and may connect or fluidly connect the heater 201 to the exterior of the housing 100 or the aerosol generating device 10 .

[0142] As described above, in the aerosol generating device 10 according to this embodiment, the airflow channel 300 is spaced apart from the aerosol-generating heating assembly HA1 and is formed separately. Therefore, pressure changes in the airflow channel 300 can be detected, and only air flowing in from outside the aerosol generating device 10 moves through the airflow channel 300. Consequently, by preventing the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 from being contaminated by liquid droplets, measurement accuracy and reliability are ensured. As a result, pressure changes in the airflow channel 300 in response to a user's puffing action can be accurately detected.

[0143] If airflow channel 300 is arranged adjacent to heater 201, even if a user's puff action is not performed, heat generated by heater 201 may change the temperature and / or pressure of airflow channel 300. Therefore, sensor 500 may erroneously detect a puff action.

[0144] In the aerosol generating device 10 according to this embodiment, the airflow channel 300 is spaced apart from the aerosol-generating heating assembly HA1 and is formed separately. This prevents changes in the temperature and / or pressure of the airflow channel 300 due to heat generated by the heater 201. Consequently, the accuracy of detecting a user's puff action can be improved. Furthermore, heat-induced malfunction or failure of the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 can be prevented.

[0145] The airflow assembly 700 according to an embodiment may further include a color sensor CS.

[0146] The color sensor CS may sense light reflected from the cigarette 20. The color sensor CS may obtain information on color from the sensed light.

[0147] The color sensor CS may include a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion. The light emitting portion may emit light toward the cigarette 20.

[0148] The light emitted from the emitting portion may be reflected from the cigarette 20. The reflected light may reach the light receiving portion. For example, the light receiving portion 528b may include a photodiode that reacts to light. The light receiving portion 528b may output an electrical signal corresponding to the light incident on the photodiode.

[0149] processor( Figure 7 610) may receive a signal associated with color information from the color sensor CS. The processor may determine information based on the color information obtained by the color sensor CS. The processor may analyze the value output by the color sensor CS based on the obtained color information and determine information about the cigarette 20. For example, the information about the cigarette 20 may include the type of cigarette 20 and / or the moisture level of the cigarette 20.

[0150] The piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 may be disposed adjacent to the airflow channel 300 and may be connected to the airflow channel 300 through the vent hole 310 , thereby detecting pressure changes in the airflow channel 300 .

[0151] The vent hole 310 may be formed in the sensor holder 510. The cross-sectional area of ​​the vent hole 310 may be proportional to the surface size of the piezoelectric element 501. For example, the piezoelectric element 501 may be exposed through the opening OP of the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500. The cross-section of the opening OP may have a circular shape. The diameter of the opening OP may be 1.8 mm. In this case, the cross-sectional area of ​​the vent hole 310 may also have a circular shape, and the diameter of the vent hole 310 may also be 1.8 mm. As described, in the aerosol generating device 10 according to the embodiment, the cross-sectional area of ​​the vent hole 310 is formed as large as possible in proportion to the surface size of the piezoelectric element 501 to ensure measurement accuracy, and therefore, the pressure change in the airflow channel 300 according to the user's puffing action can be accurately detected.

[0152] According to an embodiment, the minimum distance d from one end to the other end of the vent hole 310 may be smaller than the height h of the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500. As described, in the aerosol generating device 10 according to the embodiment, the minimum distance d of the vent hole 310 is formed as small as possible to be close to the airflow channel 300, thereby ensuring measurement accuracy. Therefore, the pressure change in the airflow channel 300 according to the user's puff action can be accurately detected.

[0153] Furthermore, the vent hole 310 according to an embodiment may extend obliquely relative to the surface of the piezoelectric element 501 of the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500. For example, the longitudinal direction of the vent hole 310 may be a diagonal direction DR between the -x direction and the -z direction, with the diagonal direction DR forming an acute angle with the upper surface of the piezoelectric element 501. This prevents liquid flowing from the outside or droplets generated during aerosol generation from being introduced into the vent hole 310.

[0154] The piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 may generate an electrical signal corresponding to the pressure change in the air flow channel 300, and the electrical signal generated by the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 may be transmitted to a processor (e.g., a processor) electrically or operatively connected to the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500. Figure 2 processor 610).

[0155] According to an embodiment, the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 may be arranged on a sensor printed circuit board 550, and may be connected to a printed circuit board (eg, Figure 2 An electrical connection member (eg, a flexible printed circuit board) of the printed circuit board 600 is electrically connected to a processor arranged on the printed circuit board, but one or more embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0156] When the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 is connected to the airflow channel 300 through the vent 310, the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 can detect pressure changes in the airflow channel 300. For example, the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 can detect the pressure of the vent 310 connected or fluidically connected to the airflow channel 300, and thus can sense or detect pressure changes in the airflow channel 300.

[0157] The processor may be electrically or operably connected to the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 and may detect a user's puffing action based on a pressure change in the airflow channel 300 sensed or detected by the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 .

[0158] According to an embodiment, the processor may detect a puffing action of the user based on a pressure reduction of the airflow channel 300 sensed or detected by the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 .

[0159] Due to the user's puffing action, a pressure difference may be generated between the exterior and interior of the housing 100. Consequently, air in the airflow channel 300 and / or the vent 310 may be discharged to the exterior of the housing 100, resulting in a pressure drop in the airflow channel 300. Therefore, the processor may detect the user's puffing action based on the pressure decrease in the airflow channel 300 sensed by the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500. For example, the processor may compare a preset value with the pressure decrease in the airflow channel 300 sensed or detected by the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500, and when the pressure decrease in the airflow channel 300 is at least the preset value, the processor may determine that the user has performed a puffing action. In this case, the preset value may vary depending on the type of aerosol generating device 10 or the user's settings. For example, the designated value P may be approximately 60 Pa to approximately 80 Pa, but is not limited thereto.

[0160] The aerosol generating device 10 according to the embodiment may further include a sensor holder 510 , a sensor cover 520 and / or an O-ring 530 .

[0161] Fig. 10A is an enlarged view of some components of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. Fig. 10B is a diagram for explaining a process in which air moves according to a user's puffing action in the aerosol generating device of Fig. 10A.

[0162] When compared to the aerosol generating device 10 of Figures 4A and / or 4B, the aerosol generating device 10 of Figures 10A and 10B additionally comprises a chamber 320. Furthermore, the arrangement of the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 is changed.

[0163] 10A and 10B , the aerosol generating device 10 may include a housing 100 , a heater 200 , an air flow channel 300 , a vent 310 , a chamber 320 , a thermal insulation structure 400 , a piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 , and a processor (e.g., Figure 2processor 610).

[0164] The airflow channel 300 can be arranged to connect the interior of the shell 100 to the exterior of the shell 100 or the aerosol generating device 10, and can serve as a movement path through which air or aerosol moves from the interior of the aerosol generating device 10 to the exterior thereof, or from the exterior of the aerosol generating device 10 to the interior thereof.

[0165] For example, the aerosol generated inside the aerosol generating device 10 may pass through the cigarette 20 inserted into the housing 100 or may move along the airflow channel 300, and thus be discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device 10 or the housing 100. As another example, air outside the aerosol generating device 10 (hereinafter, referred to as "external air") may flow into the internal space of the housing 100 through the airflow channel 300.

[0166] The chamber 320 (or "air chamber") may be arranged to be spaced apart from the air flow channel 300 by a predetermined distance and may be connected or fluidically connected to the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 through the vent hole 310. For example, the chamber 320 may be spaced apart from the air flow channel 300 in a direction intersecting with the longitudinal direction of the housing 100 and may be arranged in a space separated from the air flow channel 300.

[0167] Depending on the connection structure, air in the airflow channel 300 may flow into the chamber 320, or air in the chamber 320 may be exhausted through the airflow channel 300. The piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 may be spaced a specified distance from the airflow channel 300 and may be located on a portion adjacent to the chamber 320, so that a pressure change of the air in the chamber 320 may be detected. For example, the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 may be connected or fluidically connected to the internal space of the chamber 320 through the vent 310, and may sense a pressure change of the air in the chamber 320.

[0168] According to an embodiment, the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 may generate an electrical signal corresponding to a pressure change of the air in the internal space of the chamber 320 , and the electrical signal generated by the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 may be transmitted to a processor operably connected to the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 .

[0169] In addition, the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 may be located on an upper portion of the chamber 320 spaced apart from the air flow channel 300 , and may reduce the amount of heat transferred from the heater 200 and / or the insulation structure 400 .

[0170] The aerosol generating device 10 according to the embodiment may further include a sensor holder 510, a sensor cover 520, and an O-ring 530. However, according to the embodiment, at least one of the above components may be omitted.

[0171] The processor may be electrically or operably connected to the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 and may detect a user's puffing action based on a pressure change of the air in the chamber 320 , which is sensed by the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 .

[0172] According to an embodiment, the processor may detect a puffing action of the user based on a pressure reduction of the chamber 320 sensed by the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 .

[0173] As shown in FIG. 10B , due to the user's puffing action, at least a portion of the air in the airflow channel 300 and / or the chamber 320 may pass through the cigarette 20 and may be exhausted to the outside of the housing 100 .

[0174] For example, when the pressure outside the shell 100 decreases due to the user's suction action, a pressure difference may be generated between the inside of the shell 100 and the outside thereof, and therefore, at least a portion of the air in the airflow channel 300 and / or the chamber 320 may be discharged to the outside of the shell 100, resulting in a pressure drop in the airflow channel 300 and the chamber 320.

[0175] Therefore, the processor can detect the user's puff action based on the pressure reduction of the chamber 320 sensed by the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500. For example, the processor can compare a specified value with the pressure reduction of the chamber 320 sensed by the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500, and when the pressure reduction of the chamber 320 is at least the specified value, the processor can determine that the user has performed a puff action.

[0176] By detecting the pressure change of the air in the chamber 320 instead of the air flow channel 300 , the aerosol generating device 10 according to the embodiment can more accurately detect the user's puffing action compared to when detecting the pressure change in the air flow channel 300 .

[0177] When at least a portion of the heat generated by heater 200 and / or insulation structure 400 is transferred to the interior of chamber 320 through airflow channel 300, the heat is added to the air in the chamber, and thus, the kinetic energy of the air in chamber 320 may increase. Unlike the air existing in airflow channel 300, the air in chamber 320 exists in a specific space, and therefore, the increase in the kinetic energy of the air may cause the pressure in chamber 320 to increase.

[0178] As a result, during operation of the aerosol generating device 10, the pressure of the chamber 320 can be maintained relatively higher than the pressure of the airflow channel 300. Since the pressure of the chamber 320 is relatively higher than the pressure of the airflow channel 300, the pressure decrease of the chamber according to the user's puff action can be greater than the pressure decrease of the airflow channel 300. Depending on the operating environment or operating situation of the aerosol generating device 10, noise may be generated in the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500, and the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 may detect a pressure drop in the second chamber 320 even when the user's puff action is not being performed.

[0179] In this case, when the pressure reduction according to the user's puffing action is small, it is difficult to distinguish between the pressure drop caused by the user's puffing action and the pressure drop caused by noise, and therefore, the aerosol generating device 10 may identify the pressure drop caused by noise as the pressure drop caused by the user's puffing action.

[0180] The aerosol generating device 10 according to the embodiment can detect the user's puff action based on the pressure reduction of the chamber 320. The pressure reduction caused by the user's puff action is large, so the pressure drop in the chamber 320 caused by noise is not misinterpreted as a pressure drop caused by the user's puff action. In other words, the aerosol generating device 10 according to the embodiment can reduce the chance of erroneous detection of a puff action due to noise, thereby accurately identifying the user's puff action.

[0181] In addition, the aerosol generating device 10 according to the embodiment can detect the user's puffing action based on the pressure reduction of the chamber 320, and thus can accurately detect the user's puffing action without proportionally amplifying (for example, expanding the amplitude of the signal) the signal level of the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 or amplifying the signal from the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500, where the signal level changes according to the pressure reduction of the chamber 320.

[0182] That is, because the aerosol generating device 10 can accurately detect the user's puff action without performing a scaling operation or a signal amplification operation, the time spent detecting the user's puff action can be reduced. In addition, the aerosol generating device 10 can reduce the power consumption of the processor by simplifying the process of the processor detecting the user's puff action, thereby increasing the operating time of the aerosol generating device 10.

[0183] Fig. 11A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of some components of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. Fig. 11B is a diagram for explaining air movement according to a user's puffing action in the aerosol generating device of Fig. 11A.

[0184] Compared to the aerosol generating device 10 of FIG. 9A and / or FIG. 9B , the aerosol generating device 10 of FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B may be an aerosol generating device to which a chamber 320 is added.

[0185] 11A and 11B , the aerosol generating device 10 may include a housing 100 , a heating assembly HA1 , a piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 , an airflow assembly 700 , a chamber 320 , and a processor (eg, Figure 2 processor 610).

[0186] The heating assembly HA1 may include a heater 201 and a thermal insulation structure 401 .

[0187] The airflow assembly 700 may be spaced apart from the heating assembly HA1 and may be formed separately. The airflow assembly 700 may include an air inlet IN formed in one end of the airflow assembly 700; and an air outlet OUT formed in the other end of the airflow assembly 700 and connected to the air inlet IN through the airflow channel 300. The air outlet OUT may be connected to a connection channel CNT formed in a portion of the accommodating portion 110.

[0188] The airflow channel 300 may be disposed in the interior space of the airflow assembly 700 and may connect or fluidly connect the heater 201 to the exterior of the housing 100 or the aerosol generating device 10 .

[0189] The chamber 320 (or "air chamber") may be arranged to be spaced apart from the air flow channel 300 by a predetermined distance and may be connected or fluidically connected to the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 through the vent hole 310. For example, the chamber 320 may be spaced apart from the air flow channel 300 in a direction intersecting with the longitudinal direction of the housing 100 and may be arranged in a space separated from the air flow channel 300.

[0190] Depending on the connection structure, air in the airflow channel 300 may flow into the chamber 320, or air in the chamber 320 may be exhausted through the airflow channel 300. The piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 may be spaced apart from the airflow channel 300 by a predetermined distance and may be located on a portion adjacent to the chamber 320, so that a pressure change of the air in the chamber 320 may be detected. For example, the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 may be connected or fluidically connected to the inner space of the chamber 320 through the vent 310, and may sense a pressure change of the air in the chamber 320.

[0191] According to an embodiment, the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 may generate an electrical signal corresponding to a pressure change of the air in the internal space of the chamber 320 , and the electrical signal generated by the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 may be transmitted to a processor operably connected to the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 .

[0192] The aerosol generating device 10 according to the embodiment may further include a sensor holder 510, a sensor cover 520, and an O-ring 530. However, according to the embodiment, at least one of the above components may be omitted.

[0193] The processor may be electrically or operably connected to the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 and may detect a user's puffing action based on a pressure change of the air in the chamber 320 , which is sensed by the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 .

[0194] According to an embodiment, the processor may detect a puffing action of the user based on a pressure reduction of the chamber 320 sensed by the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 .

[0195] For example, when the pressure outside the shell 100 decreases due to the user's suction action, a pressure difference may be generated between the inside of the shell 100 and the outside thereof, and therefore, at least a portion of the air in the airflow channel 300 and / or the chamber 320 may be discharged to the outside of the shell 100, resulting in a pressure drop in the airflow channel 300 and the chamber 320.

[0196] Therefore, the processor can detect the user's puff action based on the pressure reduction of the chamber 320 sensed by the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500. For example, the processor can compare a specified value with the pressure reduction of the chamber 320 sensed by the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500, and when the pressure reduction of the chamber 320 is at least the specified value, the processor can determine that the user has performed a puff action.

[0197] By detecting the pressure change of the air in the chamber 320 instead of the air flow channel 300 , the aerosol generating device 10 according to the embodiment can more accurately detect the user's puffing action compared to when detecting the pressure change in the air flow channel 300 .

[0198] The cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet of the chamber 320 may be smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the airflow channel 300. As a result, when the aerosol generating device 10 is in operation, the pressure of the chamber 320 may be maintained relatively higher than the pressure of the airflow channel 300. Because the pressure of the chamber 320 is maintained relatively higher than the pressure of the airflow channel 300, the pressure reduction of the chamber 320 according to the user's puff action may be greater than the pressure reduction of the airflow channel 300. Depending on the operating environment or operating situation of the aerosol generating device 10, noise may be generated in the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500, and the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 may detect a pressure drop in the second chamber 320 even when the user's puff action is not being performed.

[0199] In this case, when the pressure reduction according to the user's puffing action is small, it is difficult to distinguish between the pressure drop caused by the user's puffing action and the pressure drop caused by noise, and therefore, the aerosol generating device 10 may identify the pressure drop caused by noise as the pressure drop caused by the user's puffing action.

[0200] The aerosol generating device 10 according to the embodiment can detect the user's puff action based on the pressure reduction of the chamber 320. The pressure reduction caused by the user's puff action is large, so the pressure drop in the chamber 320 caused by noise is not misinterpreted as a pressure drop caused by the user's puff action. In other words, the aerosol generating device 10 according to the embodiment can reduce the chance of erroneous detection of a puff action due to noise, thereby accurately identifying the user's puff action.

[0201] In addition, the aerosol generating device 10 according to the embodiment can detect the user's puffing action based on the pressure reduction of the chamber 320, and thus can accurately detect the user's puffing action without proportionally amplifying (for example, expanding the amplitude of the signal) the signal level of the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500 or amplifying the signal from the piezoelectric pressure sensor 500, where the signal level changes according to the pressure reduction of the chamber 320.

[0202] That is, because the aerosol generating device 10 can accurately detect the user's puff action without performing a scaling operation or a signal amplification operation, the time spent detecting the user's puff action can be reduced. In addition, the aerosol generating device 10 can reduce the power consumption of the processor by simplifying the process of the processor detecting the user's puff action, thereby increasing the operating time of the aerosol generating device 10.

[0203] Figure 12 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device 1200 according to another embodiment.

[0204] The aerosol generating device 1200 may include a controller 1210, a sensing unit 1220, an output unit 1230, a battery 1240, a heater 1250, a user input unit 1260, a memory 1270, and a communication unit 1280. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1200 is not limited to Figure 12 That is, according to the design of the aerosol generating device 1200, a person skilled in the art will understand that the aerosol generating device 1200 may be omitted. Figure 12 Some of the components shown in or new components may be added.

[0205] The sensing unit 1220 can sense the state of the aerosol generating device 1200 and the state around the aerosol generating device 1200, and can transmit the sensed information to the controller 1210. Based on the sensed information, the controller 1210 can control the aerosol generating device 1200 to perform various functions, such as controlling the operation of the heater 1250, restricting smoking, determining whether an aerosol generating article (e.g., a cigarette, a cigarette cartridge, etc.) is inserted, displaying a notification, etc.

[0206] The sensing unit 1220 may include at least one of a temperature sensor 1222 , an insertion detection sensor, and a suction sensor 1226 , but is not limited thereto.

[0207] The temperature sensor 1222 can sense the temperature heated by the heater 1250 (or the aerosol-generating material). The aerosol-generating device 1200 can include a separate temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the heater 1250, or the heater 1250 can function as a temperature sensor. Optionally, the temperature sensor 1222 can also be positioned around the battery 1240 to monitor the temperature of the battery 1240. In embodiments, the temperature sensor 1222 can measure the temperature of the heater 1250 before the heater 1250 begins heating.

[0208] Insertion detection sensor 1224 can sense the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article. For example, insertion detection sensor 1224 can include at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, and an infrared sensor, and can sense a signal change in response to the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article. If insertion detection sensor 1224 detects insertion of an aerosol-generating article and then detects insertion of an aerosol-generating article again within a predetermined time after the end of a series of puffs, continuous use can be determined.

[0209] The suction sensor 1226 can sense the user's suction based on various physical changes in the airflow path or airflow channel. For example, the suction sensor 1226 can sense the user's suction based on any one of temperature change, flow change, voltage change and pressure change.

[0210] In addition to the temperature sensor 1222, the insertion detection sensor 1224, and the suction sensor 1226, the sensing unit 1220 may further include at least one of the following sensors: a temperature / humidity sensor, an air pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., a global positioning system (GPS)), a proximity sensor, and a red, green, and blue (RGB) sensor (illuminance sensor). Since a person skilled in the art can intuitively infer the function of each sensor from its name, a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0211] The output unit 1230 may output information about the state of the aerosol generating device 1200 and may provide the information to the user. The output unit 1230 may include at least one of a display unit 1232, a tactile unit 1234, and a sound output unit 1236, but is not limited thereto. When the display unit 1232 and the touch panel form a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display unit 1232 may also be used as an input device in addition to being used as an output device.

[0212] The display unit 1232 can visually provide the user with information about the aerosol generating device 1200. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device 1200 can include various information such as the charge / discharge status of the battery 1240 of the aerosol generating device 1200, the preheating status of the heater 1250, the insertion / removal status of the aerosol generating article, or a status where the use of the aerosol generating device 1200 is restricted (e.g., sensing of an abnormal object). The display unit 1232 can output this information externally. The display unit 1232 can be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display panel, or the like. Furthermore, the display unit 1232 can be in the form of a light emitting diode (LED) light emitting device.

[0213] The haptic unit 1234 may tactilely provide the user with information about the aerosol generating device 1200 by converting an electrical signal into mechanical stimulation or electrical stimulation. For example, the haptic unit 1234 may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0214] The sound output unit 1236 may auditorily provide the user with information about the aerosol generating device 1200. For example, the sound output unit 1236 may convert an electrical signal into a sound signal and may output it to the outside.

[0215] The battery 1240 can provide power for operating the aerosol generating device 1200. The battery 1240 can supply power to enable the heater 1250 to perform heating. Furthermore, the battery 1240 can supply power required for the operation of other components in the aerosol generating device 1200 (e.g., the sensing unit 1220, the output unit 1230, the user input unit 1260, the memory 1270, and the communication unit 1280). The battery 1240 can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 1240 can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0216] The heater 1250 may receive power from the battery 1240 to heat the aerosol generating material. Figure 12 , the aerosol generating device 1200 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a direct current (DC) / DC converter) that converts the power of the battery 1240 and supplies it to the heater 1250. In addition, when the aerosol generating device 1200 generates aerosol using an induction heating method, the aerosol generating device 1200 may further include a DC / alternating current (AC) circuit that converts the DC power of the battery 1240 into AC power.

[0217] The controller 1210, the sensing unit 1220, the output unit 1230, the user input unit 1260, the memory 1270, and the communication unit 1280 may each receive power from the battery 1240 to perform functions. Figure 12 Although not shown in FIG, the aerosol generating device 1200 may further include a power conversion circuit that converts power of the battery 1240 to supply power to corresponding components (eg, a low dropout (LDO) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit).

[0218] In embodiments, heater 1250 may be formed using any suitable resistive material. For example, suitable resistive materials may include metals or metal alloys, including, but not limited to, titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, and nickel-chromium alloys. Furthermore, heater 1250 may be implemented using, but not limited to, metal wires, metal plates with conductive tracks disposed thereon, ceramic heating elements, and the like.

[0219] In another embodiment, the heater 1250 may be an induction heating type heater. For example, the heater 1250 may include a susceptor that generates heat by applying a magnetic field from a coil to heat the aerosol-generating material.

[0220] In one embodiment, the heater 1250 may include a plurality of heaters. For example, the heater 1250 may include a first heater for heating cigarettes and a second heater for heating liquids.

[0221] The user input unit 1260 may receive information input from the user or may output information to the user. For example, the user input unit 1260 may include a keyboard, a dome switch, a touch pad (contact capacitance method, pressure-resistant film method, infrared sensing method, surface ultrasonic conduction method, integral tension measurement method, piezoelectric effect method, etc.), a jog wheel, a rotary switch, etc., but is not limited thereto. In addition, although not in Figure 12 Although not shown in FIG, the aerosol generating device 1200 may further include a connection interface, such as a universal serial bus (USB) interface, and may be connected to other external devices through the connection interface, such as a USB interface, to send and receive information, or to charge the battery 1240.

[0222] Memory 1270 is a hardware component that stores various types of data processed in aerosol generating device 1200. It can store data processed by controller 1210 and data to be processed. Memory 1270 may include at least one of the following types of storage media: flash memory, hard disk, multimedia card micro memory, card-type memory (e.g., secure digital (SD) or extreme digital (XD) 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 memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk. Memory 1270 may store the operating time of aerosol generating device 1200, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, data regarding the user's smoking patterns, and the like. In embodiments, memory 1270 may store multiple temperature profiles. Furthermore, memory 1270 may store multiple preheating profiles, each defining a preheating zone within the temperature profile. Memory 1270 may store the multiple preheating profiles described with reference to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 .

[0223] The communication unit 1280 may include at least one component for communicating with another electronic device. For example, the communication unit 1280 may include a short-range wireless communication unit 1282 and a wireless communication unit 1284.

[0224] The short-range wireless communication unit 1282 may include a Bluetooth communication unit, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication unit, a near field communication unit, a wireless LAN (WLAN) (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an Infrared Data Association (IrDA) communication unit, a Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) communication unit, an Ultra Wideband (UWB) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0225] The wireless communication unit 1284 may include, but is not limited to, 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. The wireless communication unit 1284 may also identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device 1200 within the communication network by using user information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)).

[0226] The controller 1210 can control the general operation of the aerosol generating device 1200. In an embodiment, the controller 1210 may include at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory that stores programs executable by the microprocessor. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the processor may be implemented in other forms of hardware.

[0227] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the scope of the above-described characteristics. Therefore, the disclosed method should be considered in a descriptive rather than a restrictive sense. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description, and all differences that come within the scope of equivalents thereof are to be construed as included in the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, comprising: a housing including a receiving portion and an airflow passage, the receiving portion being configured to receive a cigarette and the airflow passage being fluidly connected to the receiving portion; a piezoelectric pressure sensor disposed adjacent to a portion of the airflow channel and fluidly connected to the airflow channel through a vent; as well as a processor configured to calculate a pressure change in the air flow channel by using the piezoelectric pressure sensor, The vent hole extends obliquely relative to a surface of the piezoelectric element of the piezoelectric pressure sensor.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein: The cross-sectional area of ​​the vent hole corresponds to the area of ​​the surface of the piezoelectric element.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein: A minimum distance from one end to the other end of the vent hole is less than a height of the piezoelectric pressure sensor.

4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, further comprising: a sensor support including the vent and configured to support the piezoelectric pressure sensor; a sensor cover arranged to cover at least a portion of an outer side surface of the piezoelectric pressure sensor and configured to dissipate heat of the piezoelectric pressure sensor; as well as An O-ring is disposed between the sensor holder and the piezoelectric pressure sensor and is configured to prevent movement of the piezoelectric pressure sensor.

5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein: The processor is also configured to: when the pressure change is greater than or equal to a preset value, determine that a puff action has occurred, calculate the cumulative number of puff actions detected, and calculate the remaining number of puffs of the cigarette by subtracting the cumulative number of puff actions detected from the preset number of available puffs of the cigarette.

6. An aerosol generating device according to claim 5, further comprising a display configured to display the remaining number of puffs of the cigarette.

7. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, further comprising a heating assembly configured to generate an aerosol by heating the cigarette.

8. The aerosol generating device according to claim 7, wherein: The heating assembly comprises: the accommodating portion; a solenoid coil wound in a cylindrical shape in a length direction of the accommodation portion and configured to generate an alternating magnetic field; and A first susceptor is configured to generate heat to heat the cigarette in response to the alternating magnetic field generated by the solenoid coil.

9. The aerosol generating device according to claim 7, wherein: The heating assembly comprises: the receiving portion; and a spiral coil disposed on an outer side of the receiving portion and configured to generate an induced magnetic field toward the receiving portion, The spiral coil is wound to form a surface shape covering a portion of an outer wall of the accommodation portion, and a center around which the spiral coil is wound is located at a point of the outer wall of the accommodation portion.

10. The aerosol generating device according to claim 9, wherein: The spiral coil is arranged in plural numbers, and the plural spiral coils are electrically connected to each other.

11. The aerosol generating device according to claim 9, wherein: The air flow channel is formed in an air flow component that is spaced apart from the heating component.

12. The aerosol generating device according to claim 11, wherein: The airflow assembly comprises: an air inlet formed in one end of the airflow assembly; and an air outlet formed in the other end of the airflow component and connected to the air inlet through the airflow channel, and wherein the air outlet is coupled to a connection passage formed in the accommodation portion.

13. An aerosol generating device comprising: a housing, comprising a receiving portion, an airflow channel, and a chamber, the receiving portion being configured to receive a cigarette, the airflow channel being fluidly connected to the receiving portion, and the chamber being arranged to be spaced apart from the airflow channel; a piezoelectric pressure sensor disposed adjacent to the chamber and fluidly connected to the chamber through a vent; as well as a processor configured to calculate a pressure change in the chamber by using the piezoelectric pressure sensor, The vent hole extends obliquely relative to a surface of the piezoelectric element of the piezoelectric pressure sensor.

14. The aerosol generating device according to claim 13, wherein: The cross-sectional area of ​​the vent hole corresponds to the area of ​​the surface of the piezoelectric element.

15. The aerosol generating device according to claim 13, wherein: A minimum distance from one end to the other end of the vent hole is less than a height of the piezoelectric pressure sensor.

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