Aerosol-generating device and method for controlling aerosol-generating device

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device according to one embodiment comprises: a removable cartridge including a liquid storage part for storing an aerosol-generating substance and a heater for vaporizing the aerosol-generating substance; the electrode component is arranged on one surface of the main body and is opposite to one surface of the smoke cartridge; a capacitive sensor applying a predetermined measurement signal to the electrode member and receiving a sensing signal from the electrode member; and a processor that calculates a capacitance value on the basis of the sensing signal received from the capacitance sensor, and calculates the remaining amount of the aerosol-generating substance stored in the liquid storage unit on the basis of the calculated capacitance value and a preset gain value.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Various embodiments according to the present disclosure relate to an aerosol generating device and a control method of an aerosol generating device. BACKGROUND

[0002] Recently, the demand for alternative methods to overcome the shortcomings of conventional cigarettes is increasing. For example, there is a growing demand for a system that generates an aerosol by heating a cigarette or an aerosol generating material using an aerosol generating device, rather than a method of generating an aerosol by burning a cigarette.

[0003] An aerosol generating device can heat an aerosol generating material stored in a cartridge in a liquid state to generate an aerosol. In order for the aerosol generating device to operate normally, it can be necessary to accurately detect the amount of the aerosol generating material remaining in the cartridge. SUMMARY

[0004] TECHNICAL PROBLEM In a case where the remaining amount of the aerosol generating material cannot be detected, it is not possible to confirm whether the aerosol generating device can be used, and thus the user can be inconvenienced. In addition, the degree to which the aerosol generating material needs to be heated can differ depending on the remaining amount, and thus in a case where the remaining amount cannot be detected, the supply quality of the aerosol can be unstable.

[0005] Therefore, in order to provide an aerosol with a more stable quality, a technology for accurately measuring the remaining amount of an aerosol generating material is required.

[0006] An object according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device capable of accurately measuring a remaining amount of a liquid cartridge mounted to the aerosol generating device, and a control method thereof.

[0007] The problems to be solved by the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and a person with ordinary knowledge in the art to which the embodiments belong can clearly understand from the present specification and the attached drawings that the problems not mentioned can be clearly understood.

[0008] TECHNICAL SOLUTION The aerosol generating device according to an embodiment includes a detachable cartridge including a liquid storage portion storing an aerosol generating material and a heater vaporizing the aerosol generating material, an electrode member disposed at a surface of a main body to face a surface of the cartridge, a capacitance sensor applying a predetermined measurement signal to the electrode member and receiving a sensing signal from the electrode member, and a processor calculating a capacitance value based on the sensing signal received from the capacitance sensor and calculating a remaining amount of the aerosol generating material stored in the liquid storage portion based on the calculated capacitance value and a gain value set in advance.

[0009] The processor may calculate the capacitance value based on a charging time and a discharging time for the electrode member.

[0010] The preset gain value may be set differently for each aerosol generating device through a calibration process when the aerosol generating device is manufactured.

[0011] The preset gain value may be a coefficient multiplied by a capacitance value measured when the cigarette cartridge filled with the aerosol generating substance is mounted on the main body so that the measured capacitance value has a predetermined capacitance value.

[0012] The processor may correct the capacitance value by multiplying the calculated capacitance value by a preset gain value and adding a predetermined offset value, and output the remaining amount of the aerosol-forming substance corresponding to the corrected capacitance value.

[0013] The aerosol generating device may further include: a memory storing at least one of the preset gain value and the predetermined offset value.

[0014] The processor may set a difference of a predetermined value between the levels of the remaining amount of the aerosol generating substance by reflecting noise caused by external disturbance and a hysteresis effect according to a change in a water level of the liquid storage part.

[0015] The aerosol generating device may further include a puff sensor that detects inhalation of the vaporized aerosol, and the processor may count the number of puffs detected by the puff sensor and calculate a puff-based remaining amount corresponding to a cumulative sum of the counted number of puffs.

[0016] The processor may compare the calculated remaining amount of the aerosol-forming substance with the remaining amount based on the puff, and may not output the calculated remaining amount of the aerosol-forming substance if a difference between the two amounts is greater than a threshold value.

[0017] The aerosol generating device may further include: a display that outputs an icon corresponding to the remaining amount of the aerosol generating substance. The processor may be controlled to calculate the remaining amount of the aerosol generating substance when the cigarette cartridge is installed on the main body, and output an icon corresponding to the calculated remaining amount on the display.

[0018] The display may output the remaining amount of the aerosol-generating substance using at least four icons corresponding to more / medium / less / none.

[0019] The electrode member may have an area corresponding to an area of ​​the liquid storage portion of the cartridge.

[0020] The electrode component may be spaced apart from the liquid storage portion of the cigarette cartridge by 0.55 mm to 1.55 mm.

[0021] The electrode member and the capacitive sensor may be connected using a connector including a C-clip.

[0022] According to another embodiment, a control method for an aerosol generating device includes the following steps: applying a predetermined measurement signal to an electrode component, which is arranged on a surface of a main body and opposite to a surface of a detachable cigarette cartridge; receiving a sensing signal from the electrode component; calculating a capacitance value based on the sensing signal received from the capacitive sensor; and calculating the remaining amount of aerosol generating substance stored in a liquid storage portion of the cigarette cartridge based on the calculated capacitance value and a pre-set gain value.

[0023] Technical Effects According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the remaining amount of a liquid cigarette cartridge installed in an aerosol generating device can be accurately measured.

[0024] Furthermore, in capacitance-based residual measurement, to reduce device variation, the residual amount of aerosol-forming substances is measured based on the variation from a reference value set during the manufacture of each device (rather than based on the same critical value), thereby enabling residual measurement optimized for each device.

[0025] However, the effects according to the embodiments are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the embodiments pertain can clearly understand unmentioned effects from this specification and the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 is a diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 2 is a diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 3 is a front perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 4 1 is a combined three-dimensional diagram of a main body, a cigarette cartridge and a cap of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 6 is a front perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 7 2 is a combined three-dimensional diagram of a main body, a cigarette cartridge, and a cap of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 8 2 is an exploded perspective view of a cigarette cartridge of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of a cigarette cartridge of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figures 11a to 11c is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0037] Figure 12a and Figure 12b is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0038] Figure 13 is a flowchart for explaining a method for controlling an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0039] Figure 14 is a flowchart for explaining a method for controlling an aerosol generating device according to still another embodiment.

[0040] Figure 15 is a flowchart for explaining a method for controlling an aerosol generating device according to still another embodiment.

[0041] Figure 16 1 is an example diagram of measuring the remaining amount of a cigarette cartridge according to one embodiment.

[0042] Figure 17 is an example diagram showing the remaining amount of a cigarette cartridge according to one embodiment.

[0043] Figure 18 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and the same or similar constituent elements will be assigned the same reference numerals regardless of the reference numerals in the drawings, and repeated description thereof will be omitted.

[0045] The suffixes "-module" and "-part" of the constituent elements used in the following description are only given or used interchangeably for the convenience of writing the specification, and they themselves do not have different meanings or functions from each other.

[0046] In addition, when describing the embodiments of the present disclosure, detailed descriptions of related known technologies that may obscure the main points of the embodiments may be omitted. In addition, the drawings are intended only to facilitate understanding of the embodiments described herein, and the technical concepts disclosed in this specification are not limited by the drawings and should be understood to include all changes, equivalents, and even substitutes included in the concepts and technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0047] Although terms including ordinal numbers such as first and second may be used herein to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another.

[0048] When a component is described as being “connected to” or “coupled to” another component, it may be directly connected to or coupled to the other component, or other components may be present in between. In contrast, when a component is described as being “directly connected to” or “directly coupled to” another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0049] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, expressions in the singular also include expressions in the plural.

[0050] Figure 1 and Figure 2 An aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0051] Reference Figure 1 The aerosol generating device 1 may include at least one of a power supply 11, a control unit 12, a sensor 13, a heater 18, and a cigarette cartridge 19. At least one of the power supply 11, the control unit 12, the sensor 13, and the heater 18 may be disposed within the main body 10 of the aerosol generating device 1. The main body 10 may provide an upwardly open space into which a stick S, serving as an aerosol-generating article, may be inserted. This upwardly open space may be referred to as an insertion space. The insertion space may be formed by recessing the main body 10 to a specific depth, such that at least a portion of the stick S may be inserted therein. The depth of the insertion space may correspond to the length of the area of ​​the stick S containing the aerosol-generating substance and / or medium. The lower end of the stick S may be inserted into the main body 10, and the upper end of the stick S may protrude from the main body 10. The user may inhale air by placing the exposed upper end of the stick S in their mouth.

[0052] The heater 18 can heat the rod S. The heater 18 can extend longer upward in the periphery of the space into which the rod S is inserted. For example, the heater 18 can be in the form of a tube including a hollow portion inside thereof. The heater 18 can be disposed in the periphery of the insertion space. The heater 18 can be disposed to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. The heater 18 can heat the insertion space or the rod S inserted into the insertion space. The heater 18 can include an electric resistance heater and / or an inductive heating type heater.

[0053] For example, the heater 18 can be an electric resistance heater. For example, the heater 18 can include an electrically conductive trace, and the heater 18 can be heated when an electric current flows through the electrically conductive trace. The heater 18 can be electrically connected to the power supply 11. The heater 18 can be supplied with an electric current from the power supply 11 and directly generate heat.

[0054] For example, the aerosol generating device 1 can include an inductive coil surrounding the heater 18. The inductive coil can generate heat in the heater 18. The heater 18 can be a susceptor, and the heater 18 can generate heat by a magnetic field generated by an AC current flowing through the inductive coil. The magnetic field can pass through the heater 18 and generate an eddy current within the heater 18. The electric current can generate heat in the heater 18.

[0055] On the other hand, the inductive susceptor can be included inside the rod S, and the inductive susceptor inside the rod S can generate heat by a magnetic field generated by an AC current flowing through the inductive coil.

[0056] The cartridge 19 can accommodate an aerosol generating material in any one of a liquid state, a solid state, a gaseous state, or a gel state, etc. inside. The aerosol generating material can include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition can be a liquid including a tobacco-containing substance containing a volatile tobacco flavor component, or a liquid including a non-tobacco substance.

[0057] The cartridge 19 can be integrally formed with the main body 10 or detachably coupled to the main body 10.

[0058] For example, referring to Figure 1 , the cartridge 19 can be integrally formed with the main body 10, and can communicate with the insertion space through the air flow passage CN.

[0059] For example, referring to Figure 2 A space can be formed in one side of the main body 10, and at least a portion of the cartridge 19 can be inserted into the space formed in one side of the main body 10 so that the cartridge 19 can be mounted in the main body 10. The air flow passage CN can be defined by a portion of the cartridge 19 and / or a portion of the main body 10, and the cartridge 19 can communicate with the insertion space through the air flow passage CN.

[0060] The main body 10 can be formed in a structure in which external air can be introduced into the main body 10 in a state in which the cartridge 19 is inserted into the main body 10. Here, the external air introduced into the main body 10 can pass through the cartridge 19 and flow into the user's mouth.

[0061] The cartridge 19 can include a storage portion CO that accommodates an aerosol generating material and / or a heater 24 that heats the aerosol generating material in the storage portion CO. A liquid delivery member impregnated with (containing) the aerosol generating material can be arranged inside the storage portion CO. Here, the liquid delivery member can include a wick such as a cotton fiber, a ceramic fiber, a glass fiber, or a porous ceramic, or the like. The conductive trace of the heater 24 can be formed in a coil structure that is wound around the liquid delivery member or a structure that is in contact with one side of the liquid delivery member. The heater 24 can be referred to as a cartridge heater 24.

[0062] The cartridge 19 can generate an aerosol. When the liquid delivery member is heated by the cartridge heater 24, the aerosol can be generated. The aerosol can be generated by heating the stick S by the heater 18. When the aerosol generated by the cartridge heater 24 and the heater 18 passes through the stick S, the tobacco material can be added to the aerosol, and the aerosol to which the tobacco material is added can be inhaled into the user's mouth through one end of the stick S.

[0063] The aerosol generating device 1 can include only the cartridge heater 24 without the heater 18 in the main body 10. At this time, the aerosol generated by the cartridge heater 24 can be added with the tobacco material when passing through the stick S, and can be inhaled into the user's mouth.

[0064] The aerosol generating device 1 can include a cap (not shown). The cap can be detachably coupled to the main body 10 to cover at least a portion of the cartridge 19 coupled to the main body 10. The stick S can pass through the cap and be inserted into the main body 10.

[0065] The power supply 11 can supply power so that the constituent elements of the aerosol generating device 1 operate. The power supply 11 can be referred to as a battery. The power supply 11 can supply power to at least one of the control portion 12, the sensor 13, the cartridge heater 24, and the heater 18. When the aerosol generating device 1 includes an induction coil, the power supply 11 can supply power to the induction coil.

[0066] The control portion 12 can control overall operations of the aerosol generating device. The control portion 12 can be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The control portion 12 can control operations of at least one of the power supply 11, the sensor 13, the heater 18, and the cartridge 19. The control portion 12 can control operations of a display, a motor, etc. mounted in the aerosol generating device. The control portion 12 can confirm states of the respective constituent elements of the aerosol generating device to determine whether the aerosol generating device is in an operable state.

[0067] The control portion 12 can analyze a detection result of the sensor 13 and control a process to be subsequently performed. For example, the control portion 12 can control power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 based on the detection result of the sensor 13 to activate or terminate operations of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. For example, based on the detection result of the sensor 13, the control portion 12 can control an amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 and a time for which power is supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 so that the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 can be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature.

[0068] The sensor 13 can include at least one of a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, an insertion detection sensor, a color sensor, a cartridge detection sensor, and a cap detection sensor. For example, the sensor 13 can sense at least one of a temperature of the heater 18, a temperature of the power supply 11, and a temperature inside and outside the main body 10. For example, the sensor 13 can sense a puff of a user. For example, the sensor 13 can sense whether the stick S is inserted into the insertion space. For example, the sensor 13 can sense whether the cartridge is mounted. For example, the sensor 13 can sense whether the cap is mounted.

[0069] Figure 3 is a front perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the disclosure, Figure 4 is an assembled perspective view of a main body, a cartridge, and a cap of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the disclosure, and Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0070] Referring to Figure 3 , the aerosol generating device A100 according to an embodiment of the disclosure can include a main body A3. The aerosol generating device A100 can include a cap A30. The aerosol generating device A100 can include a cartridge A40. The cartridge A40 can be detachably coupled to one side of the main body A3. The cap A30 can be detachably coupled to the main body A3 to cover the cartridge A40. The stick S can pass through the cap A30 and be inserted into the main body A3.

[0071] Referring to Figure 4The main body A3 can include a lower main body A1 and an upper main body A2. Constituent elements (a battery, a control portion, etc.) of the aerosol generating device A100 can be installed within the lower main body A1. The upper main body A2 can be coupled to an upper side of the lower main body A1.

[0072] The upper main body A2 can include a column A10 and a seat portion A20. The column A10 can extend long in a vertical direction. The column A10 can include an outer side wall A11, an inner side wall A12, and an upper wall A13.

[0073] The seat portion A20 can protrude from a lower portion of the inner side wall A12 of the column A10. The seat portion A20 can face an upper side. A cartridge region A24 can be formed between the inner side wall A12 of the column A10 and the seat portion A20. The cartridge region A24 can be located on one side of the inner side wall A12 of the column A10 and can be located above the seat portion A20.

[0074] The column A10 can include an insertion space A142. The insertion space A142 can extend in a vertical direction inside the column A10 and can be open upward such that the upper wall A13 is open.

[0075] A main body inlet A141 can be formed in one side of the column A10. The main body inlet A141 can be formed by opening the inner side wall A12. The main body inlet A141 can be open toward the outside of the column A10. The main body inlet A141 can communicate with the insertion space A142. The main body inlet A141 can be disposed to face the cartridge region A24. The main body inlet A141 can communicate with the cartridge region A24.

[0076] The cartridge A40 can be detachably coupled to the upper main body A2 in the cartridge region A24. The cartridge A40 can be coupled to the inner side wall A12 of the column A10 and can be seated on the seat portion A20 such that a bottom of the cartridge A40 is supported. The cartridge A40 can include a first container A41 and a second container A42. The first container A41 can be disposed on an upper side of the second container A42. The first container A41 can store a liquid.

[0077] The cap A30 can cover the upper body A2 and can be detachably coupled to the body A3. The cap A30 can cover the upper body A2 and the cigarette cartridge A40 coupled to the upper body A2. The cap A30 can have a space formed therein, into which the upper body A2 and the cigarette cartridge A40 are inserted. The space within the cap A30 can be open downward. The side walls A31 of the cap A30 can surround the sides of the space within the cap A30. The upper wall A33 of the cap A30 can cover the upper part of the space within the cap A30. The insertion port A34 can be formed by opening the upper wall A33. When the cap A30 is coupled to the body A3, the insertion port A34 can be connected to the insertion space A142 above the insertion space A142. The cover A35 can be movably mounted on the upper wall A33. The cover A35 can slide on the upper wall A33. The cover A35 can open and close the insertion port A34.

[0078] Reference Figure 5 , a first chamber C1 may be formed in a first container A41 , a liquid may be stored in the first chamber AC1 , and a second chamber AC2 may be formed in a second container A42 .

[0079] The cartridge inlet A441 can be formed by opening the cartridge A40. The cartridge outlet A442 can be formed by opening the cartridge A40. The cartridge flow path A443 can connect the cartridge inlet A441 to the second chamber AC2. The cartridge outlet A442 can communicate with the second chamber AC2.

[0080] The cartridge outlet A442 can be formed by opening one side of the second container A42. The discharge port A422 can surround the cartridge outlet A442. The discharge port A422 can protrude from one side of the second container A42. When the cartridge A40 is coupled to the upper body A2, the discharge port A422 can be inserted into the body inlet A141, and the cartridge outlet A442 and the body inlet A141 can communicate with each other.

[0081] The core material A45 can be installed in the second chamber AC2. The core material A45 can be connected to the first chamber AC1. Liquid can be supplied to the core material A45 from the first chamber AC1. The heater A46 can generate heat and heat the core material A45. The heater A46 can be arranged in the second chamber AC2. The heater A46 can be wrapped around the core material A45. When the heater A46 heats the core material A45, an aerosol can be generated around the core material A45 in the second chamber AC2.

[0082] Heater terminal A47 may be exposed at the bottom of the cigarette cartridge A40. Heater terminal A47 may be formed at the bottom of the second container A42. Heater terminal A47 may be electrically connected to heater A46. When the cigarette cartridge A40 is coupled to the upper body A2, heater terminal A47 may contact and be electrically connected to first pin A50.

[0083] The first pin A50 can protrude to the outside of the seat A20. The first pin A50 can be powered from a battery mounted inside the lower main body A1 through the connector A97 and supply power to the heater terminal A47 and the heater A46. The heater A46 can be powered and generate heat.

[0084] Air outside the cartridge A40 can be introduced into the cartridge A40 through the cartridge inlet A441. The air can flow through the cartridge inlet A441, the cartridge flow path A443, the second chamber AC2, and the cartridge outlet A442 in that order. Air inside the cartridge A40 can be discharged to the outside of the cartridge A40 through the cartridge outlet A442. The air introduced into the cartridge A40 can accompany the aerosol generated in the second chamber AC2 and be discharged to the outside of the cartridge A40 through the cartridge outlet A442.

[0085] The first pin A50 can be disposed inside the main body A3 and can protrude to the outside of the main body A3. The main body A3 can include the seat A20.

[0086] The seat A20 can have an outer recess A25. The outer recess A25 can be formed by making the upper surface A21 of the seat A20 concave downward. The outer recess A25 can be located below the cartridge region A24. The upper surface A21 of the seat A20 can be referred to as an outer surface of the main body A3. The outer recess A25 can be formed in the outer surface of the main body A3.

[0087] The lower portion of the outer recess A25 can be covered by a bottom A251, and the side portion of the outer recess A25 can be covered by an outer circumferential portion A252. The upper side of the outer recess A25 can be open. One side portion of the outer recess A25 can be open without being covered by the outer circumferential portion A252. When the x-direction indicated in the coordinate system is defined as the front direction, the front of the outer recess A25 can be open. The upper end of the first pin A50 can protrude or be exposed upward from the bottom A251 of the outer recess A25 toward the outer recess A25.

[0088] The bottom of the cartridge A40 can have a shape corresponding to the seat A20 and the outer recess A25. When the cartridge A40 is coupled to the upper main body A2, the bottom of the cartridge A40 can be seated on the seat A20, and the first pin A50 and the second pin A47 can be electrically connected to each other.

[0089] A plurality of guides A253 can be provided. The guides A253 can extend longer from front to back. The guides A253 can be formed to be inclined and gradually higher from front to back. Each of the plurality of guides A253 can be disposed in front of each of the plurality of first pins A50. The height of the rear end of the guide A253 adjacent to the first pin A50 can be the same as or similar to the height of the first pin A50.

[0090] Accordingly, when the cartridge A40 is coupled to the upper body A2, the guides A253 can guide the arrangement of the cartridge A40 such that the first pins A50 and the second pins A47 contact each other.

[0091] Figure 6 is a front perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the disclosure, Figure 7 is an assembled perspective view of a body, a cartridge, and a cap of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the disclosure, Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of a cartridge of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the disclosure, Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the disclosure, and Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the disclosure.

[0092] Referring to Figure 6 and Figure 7 , an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the disclosure can include a body B100 including an upper body B120 and a lower body B110. The upper body B120 can be located on the upper side of the lower body B110. The lower body B110 can be elongated in the vertical direction. The body B100 can accommodate components for driving the aerosol generating device therein. The upper body B120 can provide an insertion space B134 that is open upward. The insertion space B134 can be located inside the upper body B120. The insertion space B134 can be elongated in the vertical direction. The insertion space B134 can be formed in a duct B130 located inside the upper body B120.

[0093] The upper case B200 can have a hollow shape with an open lower portion. The upper body B120 can be inserted into the hollow portion of the upper case B200. The upper case B200 can be detachably coupled to the body B100. The upper case B200 can cover the upper body B120 to surround the upper body B120. A lateral portion B211 of the upper case B200 can surround and cover a lateral wall B121 of the upper body B120. An upper portion B212 of the upper case B200 can cover an upper portion B180 or the cover B180 of the upper body B120. When the upper case B200 is coupled to the body B100, the upper case B200 can cover the body B100 and the cartridge B300 together. The cartridge B300 can be disposed inside the upper case B200.

[0094] An insertion port B214 can be formed by opening the upper portion B212 of the upper case B200. The insertion port B214 can correspond to an opening of the insertion space B134. A cover B215 can be movably installed on the upper portion B212 of the upper case B200. A sliding hole B213 can be formed in the upper portion B212 of the upper case B200 by extending from the insertion port B214 to one side. The cover B215 can move along the sliding hole B213. The cover B215 can open and close the insertion port B214 and the insertion space B134. A stick S can be inserted into the insertion space B134 through the insertion port B214. For example, the stick S can be a cigarette.

[0095] The outer lateral wall B121 and the partition wall B125 can form a lateral portion of the upper body B120. The outer lateral wall B121 and the partition wall B125 can be connected to each other. The outer lateral wall B121 can be covered by an inner surface of the upper case B200. The partition wall B125 can separate the cartridge coupling space B124a from the insertion space B134.

[0096] The upper body B120 can include a seat portion B122. The seat portion B122 can extend from a lower portion of the partition wall B125 to one side. The seat portion B122 can be formed on an upper side of the lower body B110. The seat portion B122 can cover a lower portion of the coupling space B124a. A bottom surface of the cartridge B300 can be seated on and supported by the seat portion B122.

[0097] The upper body B120 may include an extension portion B140. The extension portion B140 may extend to one side from the upper portion of the partition wall B125. The extension portion B140 may extend in a direction toward forming the seat portion B122. The extension portion B140 may cover the upper portion of the cartridge coupling space B124a. The extension portion B140 may cover the upper end surface of the cartridge B300. The extension portion B140 may cover the cartridge inlet B301 formed in the cartridge B300. A gap through which air can flow may be formed between the extension portion B140 and the cartridge inlet B301.

[0098] The cigarette cartridge combination space B124a may be formed on one side of the upper body B120. The cigarette cartridge combination space B124a may be defined by the seat B122 and the partition wall B125 of the upper body B120 and the extension B140. The bottom of the cigarette cartridge combination space B124a may be covered by the seat B122. One side of the cigarette cartridge combination space B124a may be covered by the partition wall B125 of the upper body B120. The upper side of the cigarette cartridge combination space B124a may be covered by the extension B140. The cigarette cartridge combination space B124a may be open outward between the seat B122 and the extension B140.

[0099] The cigarette cartridge B300 can be inserted into the coupling space B124a to be coupled to the main body B100. The cigarette cartridge B300 can be detachably coupled to the main body B100. A lateral surface B311 of the cigarette cartridge B300 can face the partition wall B125. The upper end surface B312 of the cigarette cartridge B300 can be covered by the extension portion B140. The bottom surface B322 of the cigarette cartridge B300 can be placed on the seat B122. The cigarette cartridge terminal B128 can be connected to the cigarette cartridge B300 to supply power to the heater B342 inside the cigarette cartridge B300.

[0100] The coupling hook B125a may be formed at the upper body B120. The pushing member B125b may be formed on the upper body B120. The coupling hook B125a and the pushing member B125b may be formed in pairs on both sides of the upper body B120 and arranged at positions opposite to each other. The cigarette cartridge B300 may include a hook coupling groove B315. The hook coupling groove B315 may be formed at a position corresponding to the coupling hook B125a. When the cigarette cartridge B300 is inserted into the coupling space B124a, the coupling hook B125a may be coupled to the hook coupling groove B315 to couple the cigarette cartridge B300 to the main body B100. The pushing member B125b and the coupling hook B125a may be linked to each other. When the pushing member B125b is pressed, the coupling hook B125a may move in a direction of separation from the hook coupling groove B315, and the cigarette cartridge B300 may be separated from the main body B100.

[0101] A connection flow path B133 can be formed in a lower portion of the partition wall B125. The connection flow path B133 can communicate with the insertion space B134. The connection flow path B133 can be open to one side of the upper body B120. When the cartridge B300 is coupled to the body B100, the discharge port B323 can be inserted into the connection flow path B133, and the connection flow path B133 and the cartridge outlet B304 can communicate with each other.

[0102] Referring to Figure 8 , the cartridge B300 can include a first container B31 and a second container B32. The first container B31 can be coupled to an upper side of the second container B32. A plate B35 can be coupled between the first container B31 and the second container B32 or between the first container B31 and the frame B33.

[0103] The first container B31 can include a first chamber C1 in which a liquid can be stored. The first container B31 can surround the first chamber C1, and a lower portion of the first chamber C1 can be open. The opening of the first chamber C1 can be covered by the plate B35.

[0104] Referring to Figure 9 , the first container B31 can include an inflow passage B302 through which air passes. The first chamber C1 and the inflow passage B302 can be separated from each other. The inflow passage B302 can be vertically elongated at one side of the first container B31.

[0105] The first container B31 can include a cartridge inlet B301. The cartridge inlet B301 can be formed by opening an upper portion of the first container B31, and can communicate with the inflow passage B302. The cartridge inlet B301 can communicate with an upper end of the inflow passage B302. A lower end of the inflow passage B302 can communicate with the connection hole B351 and the chamber inlet B303.

[0106] The second container B32 can be coupled to a lower portion of the first container B31. The second container B32 can include a space B324 having an open upper portion and a covered lower portion. The frame B33 can be accommodated inside the space B324 of the second container B32.

[0107] The second container B32 can include a cartridge outlet B304. The cartridge outlet B304 can be formed in a lateral portion B321 of the second container B32. The cartridge outlet B304 can be formed inside a port protruding in a thickness direction from the lateral portion of the second container B32. The cartridge outlet B304 can communicate with a space B324. The second container B32 can include a discharge port B323. The discharge port B323 can form the cartridge outlet B304 inside. The discharge port B323 can protrude to one side from the lateral portion B321 of the second container B32. The discharge port B323 can surround the cartridge outlet B304. The cartridge outlet B304 can be referred to as an outlet B304.

[0108] The frame B33 can be inserted into the space B324 inside the second container B32 to be coupled to the second container B32. A fastening element B326 protruding from a side wall of the second container B32 to the space B324 can be fastened to the frame B33 to secure the frame B33.

[0109] The frame B33 can include a second chamber C2 therein. The frame B33 can surround the second chamber C2, and an upper portion of the second chamber C2 can be open. The upper portion of the second chamber C2 can be covered by a plate B35.

[0110] The frame B33 can include a chamber inlet B303. The chamber inlet B303 can be formed by opening one surface of a side wall surrounding the second chamber C2. The chamber inlet B303 can be curved and extend upward from the second chamber C2 toward the inflow passage B302. One end of the chamber inlet B303 can communicate with the second chamber C2, and the other end of the chamber inlet B303 can be connected to the inflow passage B302 and the connection hole B351.

[0111] The frame B33 can include a chamber outlet B332. The chamber outlet B332 can be formed in a lateral portion of the frame B33. The chamber outlet B332 can communicate with the second chamber C2. The chamber outlet B332 can be formed inside a port protruding in a thickness direction from the lateral portion of the frame B33. The chamber outlet B332 can communicate with the second chamber C2. The chamber outlet B332 can be formed at a position corresponding to the cartridge outlet B304. The chamber outlet B332 can be formed at a position opposite to the chamber inlet B303 with respect to the second chamber C2. When the frame B33 is coupled to the second container B32, the chamber outlet B332 and the cartridge outlet B304 can communicate with each other.

[0112] The frame B33 may include a core material coupling groove B334 therein. The core material coupling groove B334 may be in communication with the second chamber C2. The core material coupling groove B334 may be formed by the second chamber C2 being recessed toward one side thereof. The core material coupling grooves B334 may be formed in pairs, and the pair of core material coupling grooves B334 may be formed to be positioned opposite each other in the second chamber C2. The upper portion of the core material coupling groove B334 may be open.

[0113] The core material B341 may have a cylindrical shape that extends laterally in the second chamber C2. The two ends of the core material B341 may be positioned by being inserted into a pair of core material coupling grooves B334, respectively. The central portion of the core material B341 may be located in the second chamber C2. The core material B341 may be connected to the first chamber BC1 to be supplied with liquid from the first chamber C1. The core material B341 may be fixed in the core material coupling grooves B334 by a frame B33 and a plate B35.

[0114] The heater B342 may be wound around the center portion of the core material B341. The heater B342 may generate heat to heat the core material B341. For example, the heater B342 may be a resistive heater. The heater B342 may be disposed in the second chamber C2. The ends of the heater B342 may pass through the bottom of the frame B33 and be electrically connected to electrodes disposed at the bottom of the second container B32.

[0115] The plate B35 may be coupled between the first container B31 and the second container B32 or between the first container B31 and the frame B33. The plate B35 of the frame B33 may cover and seal the opening of the first chamber C1. The plate B35 may cover the upper portion of the frame B33. The plate B35 may cover and seal the opening of the second chamber C2.

[0116] The plate B35 may have a connection hole B351 in one side thereof. The connection hole B351 may be located between the inflow channel B302 and the chamber inlet B303. The connection hole B351 may connect the inflow channel B302 to the chamber inlet B303.

[0117] The plate B35 may include liquid inlet holes B354. A pair of liquid inlet holes B354 may be formed at positions corresponding to the core material coupling groove B334. The pair of liquid inlet holes B354 may be located above both ends of the core material B341. The liquid inlet holes B354 may connect the first chamber C1 to the core material coupling groove B334. The core material B341 may be connected to the first chamber C1 via the liquid inlet holes B354.

[0118] A hook groove B335 can be formed at a position adjacent to the chamber outlet B332, formed above the chamber outlet B332. The hook B335 can protrude downward from one side of the plate B35. The hook B353 can be inserted and fastened to the hook groove B335 formed in the upper portion of the frame B33. The plate B35 can be fastened to the frame B33, and the first container B31 combined to the second container B32 can press the edge portion of the plate B35 toward the frame B33.

[0119] The user can hold the stick S inserted into the insertion space B134 in the mouth and inhale the gas. When the upper housing B200 is combined to the main body B100, air can be introduced into the cartridge inlet B301 through the opening B201 formed in the upper housing B200. The air can be introduced into the cartridge B300 through the cartridge inlet B301, and can be discharged to the outside of the cartridge B300 through the cartridge outlet B304. The air introduced into the cartridge B300 can be discharged to the outside by sequentially passing through the inflow passage B302, the connection hole B351, the chamber inlet B303, the second chamber C2, the chamber outlet B332, and the cartridge outlet B304.

[0120] When the heater B342 heats the wick material B341, an aerosol can be formed from the wick material B341 within the second chamber C2. The air passing through the cartridge B300 can be discharged to the cartridge outlet B304 with the aerosol from the second chamber B2. The air discharged through the cartridge outlet B304 can be supplied to the insertion space B134 and the stick S inserted into the insertion space B134 through the connection flow path B133.

[0121] Referring to Figure 10 The upper main body B120 can include an outer side wall B121 and a partition wall B125. The outer side wall B121 and the partition wall B125 can be connected to each other. The partition wall B125 can be formed by extending vertically between the duct B130 and the cartridge combination space B124a.

[0122] The extension B140 can be formed by extending from the upper portion of the upper main body B120 to one side. The upper end surface B312 of the cartridge B300 can be covered by the extension B140. The extension B140 can cover the cartridge inlet B301 and its periphery. A gap can be formed between the extension B140 and the cartridge inlet B301 and between the lower portion of the extension B140 and the upper end surface B312 of the cartridge B300. The gap can communicate the cartridge inlet B301 with the outside.

[0123] The pipe B130 may be formed to extend in the vertical direction. The pipe B130 may be formed to be hollow. An insertion space B134 may be formed inside the pipe B130. The insertion space B134 may be open upward. The insertion space B134 may extend vertically. The connecting flow path B133 may be formed inside the pipe B130. The connecting flow path B133 may be formed below the insertion space B134. One end of the connecting flow path B133 may be connected to the outside of the pipe B130, and the other end of the connecting flow path B133 may be connected to the insertion space B134. The connecting flow path B133 may be bent to one side from the lower portion of the insertion space B134.

[0124] The first sensor B161 can be installed inside the extension B140. The first sensor B161 can face the upper end surface B312 of the cigarette cartridge B300 or the cigarette cartridge inlet B301. The first sensor B161 can be installed near the cigarette cartridge inlet B301. The first sensor B161 can be located above the cigarette cartridge inlet B301. The first sensor B161 can overlap the cigarette cartridge inlet B301 based on the vertical direction.

[0125] The first sensor B161 can sense the ambient airflow. The first sensor B161 can be an airflow sensor or a pressure sensor. The first sensor B161 can sense the flow of air by changes in the ambient air pressure. At a position adjacent to the cartridge inlet B301, the extension portion B140 may include a hole for sensing airflow. The first sensor B161 can be mounted on a substrate arranged inside the extension portion B140 and can be electrically connected to the control portion B20. The control portion B20 can control the operation of the various connected components based on the airflow detected by the first sensor B161.

[0126] The first sealing portion B151 may be disposed between the first partition wall B1251 and the inner panel B171. The first sealing portion B151 may surround the upper end of the first partition wall B1251 and be in close contact with the upper end of the first partition wall B1251. The first sealing portion B151 may be in close contact with the lower end of the inner panel B171.

[0127] The sensor accommodating portion B156 of the second sealing portion B152 can seal the periphery of the first sensing hole B144. The sensor accommodating portion B156 can be in close contact with the extension plate B141 surrounding the first sensing hole B144. A second sensing hole B1564 formed in the sensor accommodating portion B156 can communicate with the first sensing hole B144. The sensor accommodating portion B156 can surround the first sensor B161 and be in close contact with the first sensor B161.

[0128] Therefore, it is possible to prevent malfunction of the substrate or the sensor caused by foreign matter, aerosol discharged from around the opening of the duct B130, or foreign matter passing through the first sensing hole B144.

[0129] In an embodiment, in order to measure the liquid remaining amount of the cartridge, a capacitance measurement method is used. In an embodiment, in order to measure the liquid remaining amount of the cartridge, three compensation methods can be used as follows: 1) a calibration and measurement method (gain value compensation), 2) temperature compensation, and 3) deterioration compensation. Here, it is apparent that the compensation methods of 1) to 3) can be applied individually, or two or more compensation methods can be selectively combined and applied.

[0130] 1) Calibration and measurement method (gain value compensation) In the past, in an aerosol-generating device, there were cases in which the remaining amount was not accurately displayed, such as when the remaining amount was not accurately displayed due to a difference in the consumption rate of liquid for each user, or when the remaining amount was displayed as the maximum value even though it was not a full cartridge each time the cartridge was newly installed.

[0131] In addition, in a capacitance-based measurement method, there are inevitably deviations even when the same dielectric is measured due to differences in the inherent properties of the substance used as the electrode, deviations in internal circuit elements (e.g., capacitors, resistors, etc.), the length of the connected connector, mechanical tolerances at the time of assembly of the electrode, etc.

[0132] In an embodiment, in order to overcome the above-described problems, a calibration job is performed when the aerosol-generating device is manufactured, and the following methods are used.

[0133] In order to adjust the charging current, a programmable internal current source is adjusted to observe a consistent measurement range in each aerosol-generating device without an external load, thereby calculating a base value.

[0134] In order to solve the problem in which a difference occurs in the variation range of each water level of the liquid due to the aforementioned deviations, the variation sensitivity (gain value) is adjusted. The gain coefficient or gain value set thereby enables a desired fixed value (e.g., 10,000) to be generated when a maximum measurable object (e.g., a full cartridge) is inserted. In addition, if necessary, in order to fine-tune, an offset value can be additionally set.

[0135] In the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment, the gain value and the offset value set through the above-described calibration job are stored in the memory (e.g., a flash memory) of the aerosol-generating device. Accordingly, the gain value or the offset value stored in the memory of each aerosol-generating device can also be different from each other. This is not to judge the remaining amount of the cartridge based on the same critical value, but to use the gain value or the offset value stored in each aerosol-generating device to judge the variation amount with respect to the reference value set at the manufacturing factory for each aerosol-generating device, thereby enabling the deviation of the equipment to be reduced.

[0136] After the above correction operation, the measured value of the remaining amount of the cartridge can be calculated by the following mathematical expression 1.

[0137] [mathematical expression 1] Capacitance value (or liquid remaining amount) = measured capacitance value (or liquid remaining amount) x gain value + offset value In the embodiment, it can be judged based on a value of the rear, and measured based on a desired water level and resolution thereof. Here, it can be set to a value that can consider the disturbance of an external object and the hysteresis when the water level moves. For example, in a case where the noise level caused by external disturbance is 200 levels, and the hysteresis of each water level is also 200 levels, it can be stably set so that the difference between each level is 800, which is twice the sum of both. Here, the value of the noise level or the hysteresis should be understood as exemplary. In addition, it should be understood that having a difference of more than twice the sum between the levels is exemplary. For example, in a case where measurement is made in three stages, it can also be set to upper: 10500, middle: 9500, lower: 8500, so that there is a level difference of 1000 between each stage.

[0138] 2) Temperature compensation In general, the capacitance is greatly affected by the temperature, and thus, the temperature compensation that follows is inevitable. A simple and effective method for temperature compensation is to arrange a separate thermometer at the electrode site or to use a reference electrode, but there are problems in that it is difficult to apply due to insufficient installation area of the aerosol generating device as a small device, characteristics on the molding method (insert injection molding), unit price increase, etc. In addition, the electronic cigarette has a characteristic different from general environmental changes, that is, its temperature rises very quickly when heated and cools down quickly accordingly, etc.

[0139] Therefore, in addition to the temperature compensation for the environment (chamber simulation), separate compensation according to the use case should also be considered.

[0140] In the embodiment, in order to compensate for the temperature, the following two cases can be considered.

[0141] When the aerosol generating device is heated, heat is transferred from the upper part of the device (i.e., the cigarette heater) side, and the heater is affected by a very high temperature, for example, a temperature of about 240 degrees or more, and in addition, it cools down relatively quickly after smoking is finished.

[0142] When the aerosol generating device is charged, heat is transferred from the lower part of the device (battery mounting position) side, and is affected by a relatively low temperature, for example, a temperature of about 60 degrees, and since heat dissipation due to internal sealing is weak, it cools down slowly.

[0143] In the embodiment, the following two temperature compensation formulas can be considered.

[0144] First, since the characteristics are opposite to each other at the time of heating and at the time of charging, a separate temperature compensation formula can be applied according to each case.

[0145] Second, as a temperature compensation capable of reflecting both characteristics, assuming a case where compensation is made in combination with a temperature sensor (for example, RTD) attached to a heating element or a heater at the time of heating and with a temperature sensor (for example, NTC) attached to a battery pack at the time of charging, temperature correction can be made using one temperature compensation formula. Among them, as each temperature sensor, RTD and NTC are illustrated as examples, but are not limited thereto, and it is obvious that the temperature of the heater or the battery can be sensed in various ways.

[0146] In a case where the temperature characteristics of the electrode material used to measure the remaining amount of the cartridge are higher, and the capacitance is greater, temperature compensation can be made according to the following mathematical formula 2.

[0147] [mathematical formula 2] Capacitance value (or liquid remaining amount) = measured capacitance value (or liquid remaining amount) - (a x heater temperature) - (b x battery temperature) Among them, a and b are values that can be arbitrarily set according to the characteristics of the aerosol generating device, and generally, the temperature of the heater has a large variation range, so a can be lower than b. Among them, the temperature of the heater and the temperature of the battery are illustrated as examples, but are not limited thereto, and it is obvious that the temperature characteristics of the heat generating components of the aerosol generating device can be considered. In addition, in the embodiment, in a case where the cartridge is mounted to the main body of the aerosol generating device, or when it is necessary to measure the remaining amount of the cartridge, temperature compensation can be performed on the measured capacitance value by measuring the temperature of the above-described heater or the temperature of the battery.

[0148] 3) Degradation compensation The capacitance value of the liquid level of the cartridge can change in capacity over a long period of use. For example, there can be a characteristic change due to aging of the electrode used to measure the capacitance value, a liquid leakage due to aerosol, a contaminant on the connector or path, etc. In this case, the capacitance value compensated by 1) gain value compensation and 2) temperature compensation can change, and measurement error can occur.

[0149] In the embodiment, compensation according to the degradation of the electrode used to measure the capacitance can be compensated using the minimum value and the maximum value measurable in the correction process described in 1). Among them, the maximum value can be a capacitance value measured in a case where a cartridge filled to the brim is mounted, and the minimum value can be a capacitance value measured in a case where an empty cartridge or no cartridge is mounted.

[0150] In an embodiment, if the capacitance value measured after installing a filled cartridge is greater than a pre-stored maximum value, that is, if it is much higher than the capacitance value during calibration, compensation can be performed by subtracting a value corresponding to the increased value. The subtraction level can be a ratio corresponding to the difference. In addition, considering stability, a fixed ratio, such as approximately 2%, can be selectively selected and subtracted. For example, assuming that the value of the filled cartridge during calibration is 10500, if a value above 11000 is measured, 220 at the 2% level can be subtracted from the measured value, and the compensated capacitance value (or cartridge value) can be determined to be 10780. Here, the ratio and specific numerical value used for degradation compensation are exemplified, but are not limited to this. Obviously, various variations can be made taking into account the characteristics of the aerosol generating device or the usage time.

[0151] Conversely, if the remaining amount or capacitance of the cartridge decreases, the calibration process pre-stores the lowest value for both the cartridge-in-and-non-cartridge state. Therefore, if the lowest value measured with the cartridge removed from the aerosol generating device falls below the calibration value, a reverse correction can be performed. While protection against external noise caused by the contacts is lost when the cartridge is removed, external objects such as a human hand can increase the capacitance, so monitoring the lowest value is not a problem.

[0152] In an embodiment, since the maximum value or minimum value during calibration is stored in the memory of the aerosol generating device, when the aerosol generating device is used for a long time, when measuring the remaining amount of the cartridge, the measured capacitance value or the remaining amount of the cartridge can be compensated for degradation as described above.

[0153] Figures 11a to 11c is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0154] Reference Figure 11aThe aerosol-generating device includes a main body 1100 and a cartridge 1120 mounted on the main body 1100. The cartridge 1120 is detachable from the main body 1100. The cartridge 1120 includes a liquid storage portion (not shown) for storing an aerosol-generating substance and a heater (not shown) for vaporizing the aerosol-generating substance. The aerosol-generating substance may include vegetable glycerin (VG) and propylene glycol (PG). The aerosol-generating substance is composed of a liquid mixture of VG and PG, and typically has a higher dielectric constant than a vacuum. In an embodiment, the cartridge 1120 may include an amount of aerosol-generating substance sufficient for use with a pack (20 cigarettes) of disposable cigarettes. After using a pack of disposable cigarettes and a cartridge, the user can replace the pack with a new cigarette and cartridge and then use the aerosol-generating device. Furthermore, the cartridge 1120 can also store an amount of aerosol-generating material equivalent to, for example, 280 puffs, which is 20 times the number of puffs a user inhales from a disposable cigarette (14 puffs). Therefore, in an aerosol-generating device of the type described above, it is necessary to confirm the remaining amount of aerosol-generating material in the cartridge 1120 and accurately calculate the remaining amount of the aerosol-generating material in the device. The aerosol-generating device described in the embodiments heats both an aerosol-generating article (cigarette) inserted into a cigarette heater and the aerosol-generating material (liquid) stored in the cartridge 1120, allowing for inhalation. However, the device is not limited to this embodiment and is also applicable to aerosol-generating devices, e-vapers, and e-vaping devices that only heat an aerosol-generating material (liquid) and allow for inhalation of the aerosol.

[0155] Reference Figure 11bAn electrode member 1110 can be disposed on a surface of the main body 1100. The electrode member 1110 can be disposed to face a surface of the cartridge 1120 (a surface combined with the main body 1100). The electrode member 1110 can have an area corresponding to an area of the cartridge 1120 or a liquid storage portion (not shown) of the cartridge 1120. In an embodiment, the electrode member 1110 can have an area corresponding to an area of a surface of the liquid storage portion facing the main body 1100, so that even if the aerosol generating device is tilted, an electric field can reach an end of the liquid storage portion. Although not shown, a lower end of the electrode member 1110 can be connected to a capacitance sensor or a sensor IC through a connector such as a C-clip. Also, the capacitance sensor or the sensor IC can be disposed on a separate sensor PCB or can be disposed inside a main micro controller unit (MCU: MicroController Unit, hereinafter referred to as MCU). In an embodiment, the electrode member 1110 can have a contact (ground) to remove noise of an external object having a self-dielectric constant such as a human hand when measuring capacitance.

[0156] Referring to Figure 11c The electrode member 1110 can be spaced apart from the cartridge 1120 or the liquid storage portion to be detected, which is mounted to the main body 1100, by a predetermined interval d. The predetermined interval d can be 0.55 mm to 1.55 mm. By maintaining the predetermined interval d, interference caused by other conductors inside the aerosol generating device can be prevented, and a maximum detection distance of the capacitance sensor can be maintained.

[0157] Figure 12a And Figure 12b is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0158] Referring to Figure 12a, the aerosol generating device includes a processor 1200, a capacitance sensor 1201, an electrode member 1210, and a cartridge 1220. In an embodiment, the processor 1200 controls the capacitance sensor 1201 to apply a measurement signal to the electrode member 1210 and to receive a sensing signal from the electrode member 1210. The processor 1200 can calculate a capacitance value based on the sensing signal received from the capacitance sensor 1201 and calculate a remaining amount of the aerosol generating material stored in a liquid storage of the cartridge 1220 based on the calculated capacitance value. Herein, the processor 1200 can measure a charging time according to the measurement signal (e.g., a current signal) applied to the electrode member 1210 and a discharging time according to the sensing signal (e.g., a current signal) received from the electrode member 1210, and can calculate a capacitance value of the electrode member 1210 based on the charging / discharging times. The processor 1200 can refer to an absolute value of the calculated capacitance value or a matching table of the capacitance value and the remaining amount of the aerosol generating material, thereby calculating the remaining amount of the aerosol generating material. In an embodiment, the capacitance value is calculated by measuring the charging / discharging times of the electrode member, but is not limited thereto, and it is obvious that the capacitance value can be calculated using various known techniques.

[0159] The capacitance sensor 1201 can be a functional module within the processor 1200 or can be a separate sensor IC. The capacitance sensor 1201 can be connected to the electrode member 1210 through a connector such as a C-clip, but is not limited thereto.

[0160] Referring to Figure 12b , the aerosol generating device includes a processor 1200, a memory 1250, a temperature sensor 1260, a cartridge detachment detection sensor 1270, a display 1280, and the processor 1200 includes a capacitance value calculation part 1202, a gain value calculation part 1203, a remaining amount calculation part 1204, a temperature compensation part 1205, and a deterioration compensation part 1206. Herein, the aerosol generating device can obviously exclude some of the structures or functions among all the constituent elements shown. As described above, in order to compensate for the remaining amount measurement value of the cartridge based on the capacitance measurement, the aerosol generating device according to an embodiment can apply gain value compensation, temperature compensation, and deterioration compensation, and it is obvious that each of the compensation methods can be applied individually.

[0161] Referring to Figure 12b The capacitance value calculation part 1202 can calculate a charging / discharging time from a sensing signal received from the capacitance sensor and calculate a capacitance value therefrom.

[0162] The gain value calculation unit 1203 calculates the gain value or gain values ​​stored in the memory 1250. The gain value or gain values ​​stored in the memory are values ​​pre-stored during calibration during the manufacture of the aerosol generating device. Furthermore, the gain value calculation unit 1203 may also calculate an offset value stored in the memory 1250.

[0163] The remaining amount calculation unit 1204 can calculate the remaining amount of the cigarette cartridge based on the capacitance value compensated by multiplying the capacitance value calculated by the capacitance value calculation unit 1202 by the gain value calculated by the gain value calculation unit 1203. The remaining amount of the cigarette cartridge can also be calculated by referring to the absolute value of the measured capacitance value or a matching table between capacitance values ​​and corresponding remaining amounts. Furthermore, if an offset value is stored in the memory 1250, the offset value can also be added to compensate for the capacitance value.

[0164] The temperature compensation unit 1205 can perform temperature compensation on the remaining amount of the cigarette cartridge calculated by the remaining amount calculation unit 1204, taking into account the temperature of the heater or the temperature of the battery detected by the temperature sensor 1260. Temperature compensation can be performed on the remaining amount of the cigarette cartridge after gain compensation, or on the capacitance value calculated by the capacitance calculation unit 1202. The temperature sensor 1260 can include a heater temperature sensor, a battery temperature sensor, etc. The temperature compensation unit 1205 can be adapted to the usage conditions of the aerosol generating device, for example, when calculating the remaining amount of the cigarette cartridge after heating or charging.

[0165] The degradation compensation unit 1206 compensates for electrode component degradation on the capacitance value calculated by the residual capacity calculation unit 1204. Based on the maximum value (capacitance value of a full cartridge) and the minimum value (capacitance value when an empty cartridge or no cartridge is installed) during the calibration operation stored in the memory 1250, if the capacitance value measured by the capacitance calculation unit 1202 for a full cartridge is greater than the maximum value, the degradation compensation unit 1206 subtracts the difference between the measured capacitance value and the maximum value, or a predetermined ratio, from the measured capacitance value. Conversely, if the capacitance value calculated by the capacitance calculation unit 1202 for an empty cartridge or no cartridge is installed is less than the minimum value, the difference between the calculated capacitance value and the minimum value, or a predetermined ratio, is added to the measured capacitance value. The degradation compensation unit 1206 may also perform this operation after gain compensation in the residual capacity calculation unit 1204 or after temperature compensation in the temperature compensation unit 1205. Furthermore, since the degradation compensation unit 1206 performs compensation for degradation of the electrode components, it may be selectively performed in consideration of the usage period of the aerosol generating device and the like.

[0166] The cartridge installation and removal detection sensor 1270 detects the installation or detachment (removal) of a cartridge from the aerosol generating device. The processor 1200 can initiate cartridge remaining measurement based on the removal detection by the installation and removal detection sensor 1270. For example, when a new cartridge is installed, the processor 1200 can measure the remaining amount of the installed cartridge and display it on the display 1280.

[0167] The processor 1200 may calculate the remaining amount of the cartridge corresponding to the capacitance value compensated for gain, temperature, and degradation by the remaining amount calculation unit 1204 , the temperature compensation unit 1205 , and the degradation compensation unit 1206 as a level of high / medium / low / none. Figure 16 : is an example diagram of measuring the remaining amount of a cigarette cartridge according to an embodiment. Figure 16 Based on the capacitance value measured by the electrode component 1610, the remaining amount of the cigarette cartridge can be divided into upper (i.e., 100%) 1620, middle (i.e., 50%) 1621, lower (i.e., 15%) 1622, and none 1623. Each level or value is exemplary and not limited thereto, and various variations in details are obviously possible.

[0168] The display 1280 displays the remaining amount of the cigarette cartridge according to the control of the processor 1200 . Figure 17 is an example diagram showing the remaining amount of a cigarette cartridge according to an embodiment. Figure 17 , the display 1280 can display icons corresponding to the remaining amount of the cigarette cartridge as high / middle / low / none.

[0169] Processor 1200 can accumulate and count the number of puffs detected by a puff sensor (not shown) that detects the inhalation of vaporized aerosol in the aerosol generating device, and can calculate the remaining amount of the cartridge based on the puffs. For example, if the total number of puffs for a full cartridge is 280 (14 puffs x 20), the puff count can be reset after the cartridge is replaced (i.e., a new cartridge is installed), and the puff count can be accumulated to calculate the remaining amount of the cartridge. After measuring the remaining amount of the cartridge based on capacitance, processor 1200 can compare the remaining amount of the cartridge with the calculated amount based on the puffs. If the difference is significant, the processor 1200 can determine that the data is unreliable and may not output the currently calculated remaining amount of the cartridge. In this case, the previously calculated remaining amount of the cartridge can also be selectively output directly.

[0170] Figure 13 is a flowchart for explaining a method for controlling an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating a method of performing gain value compensation on a capacitance value measured by an electrode member in an aerosol generating device.

[0171] Reference Figure 13In step 1300, a predetermined measurement signal is applied to an electrode component disposed on a surface of the main body in a manner opposite to a surface of the detachable cigarette cartridge. In step 1302, a sensing signal is received from the electrode component (the sensing signal comes from the electrode component).

[0172] In step 1304 , a capacitance value is calculated based on the sensing signal received from the capacitance sensor.

[0173] In step 1304, the remaining amount of aerosol-forming material stored in the liquid storage portion of the cartridge is calculated based on the calculated capacitance value and a pre-set gain value. The pre-set gain value is a value stored in the memory of each aerosol generating device during calibration during its manufacture. In the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment, the gain and offset values ​​set during calibration are stored in the aerosol generating device's memory (e.g., flash memory). Therefore, the gain or offset values ​​stored in the memory of each aerosol generating device may differ. This eliminates the need to use a common threshold value as a benchmark for determining the remaining amount of the cartridge. Instead, by utilizing the gain or offset values ​​stored in each aerosol generating device, the amount of change relative to the baseline value set at the manufacturer is determined for each aerosol generating device, thereby reducing device variation.

[0174] In an embodiment, the judgment can be made based on the corrected value, and the measurement can be made based on the desired water level and its resolution. Among them, it can be set to a value that can take into account the interference of external objects and the hysteresis when the water level moves. For example, when the noise level caused by external interference is at the level of 200, and the hysteresis of each water level is also at the level of 200, it can be stably set to the difference between each level to be 800, that is, twice the total. Among them, the value of the noise level or hysteresis should be understood as exemplary. In addition, it should be understood that it is exemplary that the difference between the levels is more than twice the total. For example, in the case of measuring in three stages, it can also be set as upper: 10500, middle: 9500, lower: 8500, so that there is a level difference of 1000 between each stage.

[0175] Figure 14 is a flowchart for explaining a method for controlling an aerosol generating device according to still another embodiment. Figure 14 A method of performing temperature compensation on a capacitance value measured by an electrode assembly in an aerosol generating device is described.

[0176] Reference Figure 14 In step 1400, a predetermined measurement signal is applied to an electrode component arranged on a surface of the main body in a manner opposite to a surface of the detachable cigarette cartridge.

[0177] At step 1402 , a sensing signal is received from an electrode component (the sensing signal is from an electrode component).

[0178] In step 1404 , a capacitance value is calculated based on the sensing signal received from the capacitance sensor.

[0179] In step 1406, the remaining amount of aerosol-generating substance stored in the liquid storage portion of the cartridge is calculated based on the calculated capacitance value and a temperature compensation value based on the usage conditions of the aerosol-generating device. The usage conditions of the aerosol-generating device may include heating or charging. When the aerosol-generating device is heating, heat is transferred from the upper portion of the device (i.e., the cigarette heater), which is subject to very high temperatures (e.g., above approximately 240°C) and cools relatively quickly after the puff is finished. When the aerosol-generating device is charging, heat is transferred from the lower portion of the device (where the battery is mounted) and is subject to relatively low temperatures (e.g., approximately 60°C). Due to the weak heat dissipation caused by the internal seal, the device cools slowly.

[0180] In this embodiment, two temperature-influencing factors are considered simultaneously: compensation is performed using a temperature sensor (e.g., RTD) attached to the heating element or heater during heating, and compensation is performed using a temperature sensor (e.g., NTC) attached to the battery pack during charging. If the higher the temperature characteristics of the electrode material used to measure the remaining amount in the cartridge, the greater the electrostatic capacitance, the heater temperature and battery temperature are subtracted from the measured capacitance value (or remaining liquid amount). The heater temperature and battery temperature can be multiplied by appropriate coefficients reflecting the temperature characteristics.

[0181] Figure 15 is a flowchart for explaining a method for controlling an aerosol generating device according to still another embodiment. Figure 15 A method of performing degradation compensation on a capacitance value measured by an electrode component in an aerosol generating device is described.

[0182] Reference Figure 15 In step 1500, a predetermined measurement signal is applied to an electrode component arranged on a surface of the main body in a manner opposite to a surface of the detachable cigarette cartridge.

[0183] At step 1502 , a sensing signal is received from an electrode component (the sensing signal is from an electrode component).

[0184] In step 1504 , a capacitance value is calculated based on the sensing signal received from the capacitance sensor.

[0185] In step 1506, the remaining amount of aerosol-forming substance stored in the liquid storage portion of the cartridge is calculated based on the calculated capacitance value and a compensation value based on the degree of degradation of the electrode components. In an embodiment, compensation based on degradation of the electrodes used to measure capacitance can be performed using the minimum and maximum values ​​that can be measured during the calibration process described in step 1). The maximum value can be the capacitance value measured with a full cartridge installed, and the minimum value can be the capacitance value measured with an empty cartridge or no cartridge installed.

[0186] In an embodiment, if the capacitance value measured after installing a filled cartridge is greater than a pre-stored maximum value, that is, if it is significantly higher than the capacitance value during calibration, the increased value is subtracted. The subtraction level can be a ratio corresponding to the difference. Alternatively, a fixed ratio can be selected, such as approximately 2%, and this ratio can be subtracted. For example, if the capacitance value of a filled cartridge during calibration is 10,500, if a value above 11,000 is measured, 220, representing a 2% level, can be subtracted from the measured value, resulting in a compensated capacitance value (or cartridge value) of 10,780. While the ratios and specific values ​​used for degradation compensation are illustrative, they are not intended to be limiting. Clearly, various variations are possible, taking into account the characteristics of the aerosol generating device or the duration of use. Conversely, if the remaining cartridge value or capacitance value decreases, since the lowest value with or without a cartridge is pre-stored during calibration, a reverse correction can be performed if the lowest value measured after removing the cartridge from the aerosol generating device is lower than the calibration value.

[0187] Figure 18 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0188] The aerosol generating device 1 may include a power supply 11, a control unit 12, a sensor 13, an output unit 14, an input unit 15, a communication unit 16, a memory 17, at least one heater 18 and 24. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1 is not limited to Figure 18 In other words, those skilled in the art in the art of this embodiment will appreciate that, according to the design of the aerosol generating device 1, the aerosol generating device 1 may be omitted. Figure 18 Some of the configurations shown in may be modified or new configurations may be added.

[0189] The sensor 13 can detect the state of the aerosol generating device 1 or the state around the aerosol generating device 1 and transmit the detected information to the control unit 12. Based on the detected information, the control unit 12 can control the aerosol generating device 1 to perform various functions, such as controlling the operation of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, restricting smoking, determining whether the stick S and / or the cartridge 19 is inserted, and displaying notifications.

[0190] The sensor 13 may include at least one of a temperature sensor 131 , a puff sensor 132 , an insertion detection sensor 133 , a reuse detection sensor 134 , a cartridge detection sensor 135 , a cap detection sensor 136 , and a motion detection sensor 137 .

[0191] The temperature sensor 131 can detect the temperature at which the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 is heated. The aerosol generating device 1 can include an independent temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, or the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 itself can function as a temperature sensor.

[0192] The temperature sensor 131 can output a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may include a resistor element whose resistance value changes according to the change in the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. The temperature sensor 131 can be implemented by a thermistor, etc., which is an element that uses the characteristic that resistance changes according to temperature. In this case, the temperature sensor 131 can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistor element as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. For example, the temperature sensor 131 can be composed of a sensor that detects the resistance value of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. In this case, the temperature sensor 131 can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

[0193] The temperature sensor 131 may be arranged around the power source 11 to monitor the temperature of the power source 11. The temperature sensor 131 may be arranged adjacent to the power source 11. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may be attached to one surface of a battery serving as the power source 11. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may be mounted on one surface of a printed circuit board.

[0194] The temperature sensor 131 may be disposed inside the main body 10 to detect an internal temperature of the main body 10 .

[0195] The puff sensor 132 can detect the user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow path. The puff sensor 132 can output a signal corresponding to the puff. For example, the puff sensor 132 can be a pressure sensor. The puff sensor 132 can output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device 1 can correspond to the pressure of the airflow path through which the gas flows. The puff sensor 132 can be arranged corresponding to the airflow path through which the gas flows in the aerosol generating device 1.

[0196] The insertion detection sensor 133 can detect the insertion and / or removal of the rod S. The insertion detection sensor 133 can detect signal changes caused by the insertion and / or removal of the rod S. The insertion detection sensor 133 can be disposed around the insertion space. The insertion detection sensor 133 can detect the insertion and / or removal of the rod S based on changes in the dielectric constant within the insertion space. For example, the insertion detection sensor 133 can be an inductive sensor and / or a capacitive sensor.

[0197] The inductive sensor may include at least one coil. The coils of the inductive sensor may be arranged adjacent to the insertion space. For example, when the magnetic field around the coil through which current flows changes, the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil may change according to Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction. The characteristics of the current flowing through the coil may include the frequency, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc. of the AC current.

[0198] The inductance sensor may output a signal corresponding to a characteristic of the current flowing through the coil. For example, the inductance sensor may output a signal corresponding to the inductance value of the coil.

[0199] The capacitive sensor may include a conductor. The conductor of the capacitive sensor may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space. The capacitive sensor may output a signal corresponding to the electromagnetic properties of the surrounding environment (e.g., the capacitance surrounding the conductor). For example, when a rod S including a metal packaging is inserted into the insertion space, the electromagnetic properties surrounding the conductor may be altered by the packaging of the rod S.

[0200] The reuse detection sensor 134 can detect whether the stick S has been reused. The reuse detection sensor 134 may be a color sensor. The color sensor can detect the color of the stick S. The color sensor can detect the color of a portion of the packaging surrounding the stick S. The color sensor can detect a value of an optical characteristic corresponding to the color of an object based on light reflected from the object. For example, the optical characteristic can be the wavelength of light. The color sensor can be implemented as the same component as the proximity sensor, or as a separate component distinct from the proximity sensor.

[0201] At least a portion of the packaging of the stick S may have a color that changes due to the aerosol. The reuse detection sensor 134 may be positioned corresponding to the portion of the packaging whose color changes due to the aerosol when the stick S is inserted into the insertion space. For example, before the user uses the stick S, at least a portion of the packaging may have a first color. In this case, as the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating device 1 passes through the stick S, at least a portion of the packaging may be moistened by the aerosol, causing the color of at least a portion of the packaging to change to a second color. Furthermore, after the color of at least a portion of the packaging changes from the first color to the second color, the second color may remain.

[0202] The cigarette cartridge detection sensor 135 can detect the installation and / or removal of the cigarette cartridge 19. The cigarette cartridge detection sensor 135 can be implemented by an inductance-based sensor, a capacitance sensor, a resistance sensor, a Hall effect sensor (Hall IC), or the like.

[0203] The cap detection sensor 136 can detect the installation and / or removal of the cap. When the cap is removed from the main body 10, the cigarette cartridge 19 and a portion of the main body 10 covered by the cap may be exposed to the outside. The cap detection sensor 136 can be implemented as a contact sensor, a Hall sensor (Hall IC), an optical sensor, etc.

[0204] The motion detection sensor 137 may detect the motion of the aerosol generating device. The motion detection sensor 137 may be implemented as at least one of an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor.

[0205] In addition to the aforementioned sensors 131 to 137, the sensor 13 may further include at least one of a humidity sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a position sensor (GPS), and a proximity sensor. A person skilled in the art can intuitively infer the function of each sensor from its name, and therefore, a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0206] The output unit 14 can output information about the status of the aerosol generating device 1 and provide this information to the user. The output unit 14 may include at least one of a display 141, a tactile unit 142, and a sound output unit 143, but is not limited thereto. When the display 141 and the touch panel form a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display 141 can also function as an input device in addition to being an output device.

[0207] The display 141 can visually provide information on the aerosol generating device 1 to the user. For example, the information on the aerosol generating device 1 can refer to various types of information such as a charging / discharging state of the power supply 11 of the aerosol generating device 1, a preheating state of the heater 18, an insertion / removal state of the stick S and / or the cartridge 19, a mounting / removal state of the cap, or a state in which use of the aerosol generating device 1 is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal article), etc., and the display 141 can output the above information to the outside. For example, the display 141 can be in the form of an LED light emitting device. For example, the display 141 can be a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), etc.

[0208] The haptic portion 142 can provide information on the aerosol generating device 1 to the user in a tactile manner by converting an electrical signal into a mechanical or electrical stimulus. For example, when a time for which the initial power is supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 reaches a set time, the haptic portion 142 can generate a vibration corresponding to completion of the initial preheating. The haptic portion 142 can include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0209] The sound output portion 143 can provide information on the aerosol generating device 1 to the user in an auditory manner. For example, the sound output portion 143 can convert an electrical signal into a sound signal and output the sound signal to the outside.

[0210] The power supply 11 can provide power for operating the aerosol generating device 1. The power supply 11 can supply power so that the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 can be heated. In addition, the power supply 11 can supply power required for operation of the other components, such as the sensor 13, the output portion 14, the input portion 15, the communication portion 16, and the memory 17, which are provided inside the aerosol generating device 1. The power supply 11 can be a rechargeable battery or a primary battery. For example, the power supply 11 can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0211] Although not shown in FIG. 1, Figure 18 The aerosol generating device 1 can further include a power supply protection circuit. The power supply protection circuit can be electrically connected to the power supply 11 and can include a switching element.

[0212] The power supply protection circuit can cut off an electrical path of the power supply 11 according to a preset condition. For example, when a voltage level of the power supply 11 is a first voltage or more corresponding to overcharging, the power supply protection circuit can cut off the electrical path of the power supply 11. For example, when the voltage level of the power supply 11 is less than a second voltage corresponding to overdischarging, the power supply protection circuit can cut off the electrical path of the power supply 11.

[0213] The heater 18 may be powered by the power source 11 and heat the medium or aerosol-generating substance within the rod S. Figure 18 Although not shown, the aerosol generating device 1 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power of the power source 11 and supplies the converted power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. Furthermore, when the aerosol generating device 1 generates aerosol using an induction heating method, the aerosol generating device 1 may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power of the power source 11 into AC power.

[0214] The control unit 12, the sensor 13, the output unit 14, the input unit 15, the communication unit 16, and the memory 17 can be powered by the power supply 11 to perform their functions. Figure 18 As shown in FIG, the aerosol generating device 1 may further include a power conversion circuit, such as a low dropout (LDO) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that converts the power of the power source 11 and supplies it to each component. Figure 18 Although not shown, a noise filter may be provided between the power supply 11 and the heater 18. The noise filter may be a low-pass filter. The low-pass filter may include at least one inductor and a capacitor. The cutoff frequency of the low-pass filter may correspond to the frequency of the high-frequency switching current applied from the power supply 11 to the heater 18. The low-pass filter may prevent high-frequency noise components from being applied to the sensors 13 (such as the insertion detection sensor 133).

[0215] In one embodiment, the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 can be formed of any suitable resistive material. For example, suitable resistive materials can include, but are not limited to, metals or metal alloys such as titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, and nickel-chromium alloys. Furthermore, the heater 18 can be implemented by, but is not limited to, a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate with conductive tracks arranged thereon, or a ceramic heating element.

[0216] In another embodiment, the heater 18 may be an induction heating heater. For example, the heater 18 may include an induction heating element that generates heat by applying a magnetic field from a coil to heat the aerosol-generating substance.

[0217] The input unit 15 can receive information input from a user or output information to the user. For example, the input unit 15 can be a touch panel. The touch panel can include at least one touch sensor for detecting touch. For example, the touch sensor can include a capacitive touch sensor, a resistive touch sensor, an ultrasonic touch sensor (surface acoustic wave touch sensor), an infrared touch sensor, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0218] The display 141 and the touch panel may be implemented as a single panel. For example, the touch panel may be embedded in the display 141 (on-cell type or in-cell type). For example, the touch panel may be attached to the display 141 panel (add-on type).

[0219] On the other hand, the input portion 15 may include a button, a keypad, a dome switch, a wheel, a roller switch, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0220] The memory 17 may be hardware for storing various data processed within the aerosol generating device 1, and may store data processed by the control unit 12 and data to be processed by the control unit 12. The memory 17 may include at least one type of storage medium selected from the group consisting of a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card microtype, a card-type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), a random access memory (RAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. The memory 17 may store data regarding the operating time of the aerosol generating device 1, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and the user's smoking pattern.

[0221] The communication unit 16 can include at least one component for communicating with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 16 can include at least one of a short-range communication unit and a wireless communication unit.

[0222] The short-range wireless communication unit can include a Bluetooth communication unit, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared (IrDA: infrared Data Association) communication unit, a Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) communication unit, an ultra wideband (UWB: ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, or the like, but is not limited thereto.

[0223] The wireless communication unit can include a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN) communication unit, or the like, but is not limited thereto.

[0224] Although not shown in FIG. 1, Figure 18 The aerosol generating device 1 can further include a connection interface such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, and can be connected with other external devices through the connection interface such as the USB interface to transmit and receive information or charge the power supply 11.

[0225] The control unit 12 can control overall operations of the aerosol generating device 1. In an embodiment, the control unit 12 can include at least one processor. The processor can be implemented as an array of a plurality of logic gates, or can be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor. In addition, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present embodiment pertains that the processor can be implemented in other forms of hardware.

[0226] The control unit 12 can control the temperature of the heater 18 by controlling the supply of power from the power supply 11 to the heater 18. The control unit 12 can control the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 sensed by the temperature sensor 131. The control unit 12 can adjust the power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. For example, the control unit 12 can determine a target temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 based on a temperature profile stored in the memory 17.

[0227] The aerosol generating device 1 may include a power supply circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the power supply 11 between the power supply 11 and the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. The power supply circuit may be electrically connected to the cartridge heater 24, heater 18, or induction coil 181. The power supply circuit may include at least one switching element. The switching element may be implemented by a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), a field effect transistor (FET), or the like. The control unit 12 may control the power supply circuit.

[0228] The control unit 12 can control the power supply by controlling the switching elements of the power supply circuit. The power supply circuit can be an inverter that converts the DC power output from the power source 11 into AC power. For example, the inverter can be configured as a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit including multiple switching elements.

[0229] The control unit 12 can turn on the switching element so that power is supplied from the power supply 11 to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. The control unit 12 can turn off the switching element to cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. The control unit 12 can adjust the current supplied from the power supply 11 by adjusting the frequency and / or duty cycle of the current pulses input to the switching element.

[0230] The control unit 12 can control the voltage output from the power supply 11 by controlling the switching elements of the power supply circuit. The power conversion circuit can convert the voltage output from the power supply 11. For example, the power conversion circuit may include a buck converter that steps down the voltage output from the power supply 11. For example, the power conversion circuit can be implemented using a buck-boost converter, a Zener diode, or the like.

[0231] The control unit 12 can adjust the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit by controlling the on / off operation of the switching element included in the power conversion circuit. When the switching element is continuously turned on, the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit can be equivalent to the level of the voltage output from the power supply 11. The duty cycle of the on / off operation of the switching element can correspond to the ratio of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit to the voltage output from the power supply 11. The level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit can decrease as the duty cycle for the on / off operation of the switching element decreases. The heater 18 can be heated based on the voltage output from the power conversion circuit.

[0232] The control portion 12 can control the power supply to the heater 18 by using at least one of a pulse width modulation (PWM) method and a proportional-integral-differential (PID) method.

[0233] For example, the control portion 12 can control the current pulse supplied to the heater 18 to have a predetermined frequency and a duty ratio by using the PWM method. The control portion 12 can control the power supply to the heater 18 by adjusting the frequency and the duty ratio of the current pulse.

[0234] For example, the control portion 12 can determine a target temperature to be a control target based on the temperature profile. The control portion 12 can control the power supply to the heater 18 by using the PID method, which is a feedback control method based on a difference between the temperature of the heater 18 and the target temperature, a value obtained by integrating the difference with respect to time, and a value obtained by differentiating the difference with respect to time.

[0235] The control portion 12 can prevent the cartomizer heater 24 and / or the heater 18 from overheating. For example, based on the temperature of the cartomizer heater 24 and / or the heater 18 exceeding a preset limit temperature, the control portion 12 can control the operation of the power conversion circuit so that the power supply to the cartomizer heater 24 and / or the heater 18 is stopped. For example, based on the temperature of the cartomizer heater 24 and / or the heater 18 exceeding a preset limit temperature, the control portion 12 can reduce the amount of power supplied to the cartomizer heater 24 and / or the heater 18 by a predetermined ratio. For example, based on the temperature of the cartomizer heater 24 exceeding a limit temperature, the control portion 12 can determine that the aerosol generating material accommodated in the cartridge 19 is depleted and cut off the power supply to the cartomizer heater 24.

[0236] The control portion 12 can control the charging and discharging of the power supply 11. The control portion 12 can confirm the temperature of the power supply 11 based on the output signal of the temperature sensor 131.

[0237] When the power line is connected to the battery terminal of the aerosol generating device 1, the control portion 12 can confirm whether the temperature of the power supply 11 is above a first limit temperature, which is a reference for preventing the charging of the power supply 11. When the temperature of the power supply 11 is less than the first limit temperature, the control portion 12 can control the charging of the power supply 11 based on a preset charging current. When the temperature of the power supply 11 is above the first limit temperature, the control portion 12 can prevent the charging of the power supply 11.

[0238] When the aerosol generating device 1 is powered on, the control unit 12 can confirm whether the temperature of the power source 11 is above a second limit temperature, which is a reference for preventing the power source 11 from discharging. The control unit 12 can control the use of the power stored in the power source 11 when the temperature of the power source 11 is below the second limit temperature. When the temperature of the power source 11 is above the second limit temperature, the control unit 12 can stop using the power stored in the power source 11.

[0239] The control portion 12 may calculate the remaining capacity of the power stored in the power source 11. For example, the control portion 12 may calculate the remaining capacity of the power source 11 based on a voltage and / or current sensing value of the power source 11.

[0240] The control unit 12 can determine whether the stick S is inserted into the insertion space using the insertion detection sensor 133. The control unit 12 can determine that the stick S is inserted based on the output signal of the insertion detection sensor 133. When the stick S is inserted into the insertion space, the control unit 12 can control the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. For example, the control unit 12 can supply power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 based on a temperature profile stored in the memory 17.

[0241] The control unit 12 can determine whether the rod S has been removed from the insertion space. For example, the control unit 12 can determine whether the rod S has been removed from the insertion space using the insertion detection sensor 133. For example, when the temperature of the heater 18 is above a limit temperature, or when the temperature gradient of the heater 18 is above a set gradient, the control unit 12 can determine that the rod S has been removed from the insertion space. If the rod S is determined to have been removed from the insertion space, the control unit 12 can cut off power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

[0242] The control unit 12 can control the duration and / or amount of power supplied to the heater 18 based on the state of the rod S detected by the sensor 13. The control unit 12 can identify a level range encompassing the signal level of the capacitance sensor using a lookup table. The control unit 12 can determine the amount of moisture in the rod S based on the identified level range.

[0243] When the rod S is in an over-humidified state, the control unit 12 may control the power supply time to the heater 18 so as to increase the preheating time of the rod S compared to a normal state.

[0244] The control portion 12 can determine whether the stick S inserted into the insertion space is reused by repeatedly using the detection sensor 134. For example, the control portion 12 can compare the sensed value of the signal of the reuse detection sensor with a first reference range including the first color, and determine that the stick S is not used when the sensed value is included in the first reference range. For example, the control portion 12 can compare the sensed value of the signal of the reuse detection sensor 134 with a second reference range including the second color, and determine that the stick S is used when the sensed value is included in the second reference range. When it is determined that the stick S is used, the control portion 12 can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18.

[0245] The control portion 12 can determine whether the cartridge 19 is coupled and / or removed by the cartridge detection sensor 135. For example, the control portion 12 can determine whether the cartridge 19 is coupled or removed based on the sensed value of the signal of the cartridge detection sensor.

[0246] The control portion 12 can determine whether the aerosol generating material of the cartridge 19 is depleted. For example, the control portion 12 can apply power to preheat the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18, determine whether the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeds a limit temperature during the preheating period, and determine that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge 19 is depleted when the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeds the limit temperature. When it is determined that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge 19 is depleted, the control portion 12 can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18.

[0247] The control portion 12 can determine whether the cartridge 19 is usable. For example, when the current number of puffs is greater than or equal to the maximum number of puffs set in the cartridge 19 based on the data stored in the storage 17, the control portion 12 can determine that the cartridge 19 is not usable. For example, when the total time during which the heater 24 is heated is greater than or equal to a preset maximum time or the total amount of power supplied to the heater 24 is greater than or equal to a preset maximum power amount, the control portion 12 can determine that the cartridge 19 is not usable.

[0248] The control portion 12 can determine the user's inhalation by the puffing sensor 132. For example, the control portion 12 can determine whether a puff occurs based on the sensed value of the signal of the puffing sensor. For example, the control portion 12 can determine the puffing intensity based on the sensed value of the signal of the puffing sensor 132. When the number of puffs reaches a preset maximum number of puffs or when a puff is not detected for a preset time or more, the control portion 12 can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18.

[0249] The control portion 12 can determine whether the cap is coupled and / or removed by the cap detection sensor 136. For example, the control portion 12 can determine whether the cap is coupled and / or removed based on the sensed value of the signal of the cap detection sensor.

[0250] The control portion 12 can control the output portion 14 based on the detection result of the sensor 13. For example, when the number of puffs counted by the puff sensor 132 reaches a preset number, the control portion 12 can notify the user that the aerosol generating device 1 is about to terminate through at least one of the display 141, the haptic portion 142, and the sound output portion 143. For example, based on the judgment that the stick S is not present in the insertion space, the control portion 12 can notify the user through the output portion 14. For example, based on the judgment that the cartridge 19 and / or the cap are not installed, the control portion 12 can notify the user through the output portion 14. For example, the control portion 12 can deliver information about the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 to the user through the output portion 14.

[0251] The control portion 12 can store and update the history of the occurrence of a preset event in the memory 17 based on the occurrence of the event. The event can include an operation of detecting the insertion of the stick S, starting the heating of the stick S, detecting the puff, terminating the puff, detecting the overheating of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18, detecting the overvoltage applied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18, terminating the heating of the stick S, the power-on / power-off of the aerosol generating device 1, starting the charging of the power supply 11, detecting the overcharging of the power supply 11, terminating the charging of the power supply 11, etc. The history of the event can include the date and time of the occurrence of the event, log data corresponding to the event, etc. For example, when the preset event is the detection of the insertion of the stick S, the log data corresponding to the event can include data related to the sensing value of the insertion detection sensor 133, etc. For example, when the preset event is the detection of the overheating of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18, the log data corresponding to the event can include data about the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18, the voltage applied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18, the current flowing through the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18, etc.

[0252] The control portion 12 can control so that a communication link is formed with an external device such as a user's mobile terminal. When data regarding authentication is received from the external device through the communication link, the control portion 12 can release the restriction on the use of at least one function of the aerosol-generating device 1. Here, the data regarding authentication can include data indicating that user authentication for a user corresponding to the external device is completed. The user can perform user authentication through the external device. The external device can determine whether user data is valid based on the user's birthday, a unique number indicating the user, etc., and receive data regarding the use authority of the aerosol-generating device 1 from an external server. The external device can transmit data indicating that user authentication is completed to the aerosol-generating device 1 based on the data regarding the use authority. When the user authentication is completed, the control portion 12 can release the restriction on the use of at least one function of the aerosol-generating device 1. For example, when the user authentication is completed, the control portion 12 can release the restriction on the use of a heating function that supplies power to the heater 18.

[0253] The control portion 12 can transmit data regarding the state of the aerosol-generating device 1 to the external device through the communication link formed with the external device. Based on the received state data, the external device can output the remaining capacity of the power supply 11, the operation mode, etc. of the aerosol-generating device 1 through the display of the external device.

[0254] The external device can transmit a location search request to the aerosol-generating device 1 based on an input that initiates a location search of the aerosol-generating device 1. When the location search request is received from the external device, the control portion 12 can control at least one output device to perform an operation corresponding to the location search based on the received location search request. For example, the haptic portion 142 can generate vibration in response to the location search request. For example, the display 141 can output an object corresponding to the location search and the search end in response to the location search request.

[0255] When firmware data is received from the external device, the control portion 12 can control to perform firmware update. The external device can confirm the current version of the firmware of the aerosol-generating device 1 and determine whether there is a new version of the firmware. When an input for requesting firmware download is received, the external device can receive firmware data of the new version and transmit the firmware data of the new version to the aerosol-generating device 1. When the firmware data of the new version is received, the control portion 12 can control to perform firmware update of the aerosol-generating device 1.

[0256] The control unit 12 can transmit data regarding the sensed values ​​of at least one sensor 13 to an external server (not shown) via the communication unit 16, and receive and store a learning model generated by learning the sensed values ​​from the server through machine learning, such as deep learning. The control unit 12 can use the learning model received from the server to perform operations such as determining a user's inhalation pattern and generating a temperature profile. The control unit 12 can store the sensed value data of at least one sensor 13, data used for artificial neural network (ANN) learning, and the like in the memory 17. For example, the memory 17 can store a database of various components provided in the aerosol generating device 1 for artificial neural network (ANN) learning, as well as weights and biases that constitute the ANN structure. The control unit 12 can generate at least one learning model for determining a user's inhalation pattern, generating a temperature profile, and the like by learning the sensed value data of at least one sensor 13, the user's inhalation pattern, and the temperature profile stored in the memory 17. Any embodiments or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not exclusive or different from each other. The constituent elements or functions of some embodiments or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above may be used together or combined.

[0257] For example, this means that a configuration A described in a specific embodiment and / or drawing and a configuration B described in another embodiment and / or drawing can be combined with each other. In other words, even if a combination between configurations is not directly described, the combination can be performed unless it is described that the combination is not feasible.

[0258] The above detailed description should be considered as illustrative in all aspects and should not be interpreted as restrictive. The scope of the present invention should be determined by reasonable interpretation of the claims, and all changes within the equivalent scope of the present invention are included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device comprising: A detachable cigarette cartridge comprising a liquid storage portion for storing an aerosol-generating substance and a heater for vaporizing the aerosol-generating substance; An electrode component is arranged on a surface of the main body and faces a surface of the cigarette cartridge; a capacitive sensor for applying a predetermined measurement signal to the electrode component and receiving a sensing signal from the electrode component; as well as The processor calculates a capacitance value based on a sensing signal received from the capacitance sensor, and calculates a remaining amount of the aerosol-generating substance stored in the liquid storage portion based on the calculated capacitance value and a preset gain value.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein The processor calculates the capacitance value based on a charge time and a discharge time for the electrode member.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein The preset gain value is set differently for each aerosol generating device through calibration work when the aerosol generating device is manufactured.

4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein The preset gain value is a coefficient multiplied by the capacitance value measured when the cigarette cartridge filled with the aerosol generating substance is mounted on the main body so that the measured capacitance value has a predetermined capacitance value.

5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein The processor corrects the capacitance value by multiplying the calculated capacitance value by a preset gain value and adding a predetermined offset value, and outputs the remaining amount of the aerosol-forming substance corresponding to the corrected capacitance value.

6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 5, further comprising: A memory stores at least one of the preset gain value and the predetermined offset value.

7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein The processor sets a difference of a predetermined value between the levels of the remaining amount of the aerosol generating substance by reflecting noise caused by external disturbance and a hysteresis effect according to a change in a water level of the liquid storage portion.

8. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , further comprising: Puff sensor, which detects the inhalation of vaporized aerosol, The processor counts the number of puffs detected by the puff sensor and calculates a puff-based remaining amount corresponding to a cumulative sum of the counted number of puffs.

9. The aerosol generating device according to claim 8, wherein: The processor compares the calculated remaining amount of the aerosol-forming substance with the remaining amount based on the puff, and does not output the calculated remaining amount of the aerosol-forming substance if a difference between the two amounts is equal to or greater than a threshold value.

10. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, further comprising: a display that outputs an icon corresponding to the remaining amount of the aerosol-forming substance, Wherein, when the cigarette cartridge is mounted on the main body, the processor is controlled to calculate the remaining amount of the aerosol generating substance and output an icon corresponding to the calculated remaining amount on the display.

11. The aerosol generating device according to claim 10, wherein: The display outputs the remaining amount of the aerosol-forming substance using at least four icons corresponding to more, medium, less, and none.

12. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein: The electrode component has an area corresponding to the area of ​​the liquid storage portion of the cigarette cartridge.

13. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein: The electrode component is spaced apart from the liquid storage portion of the cigarette cartridge by 0.55 mm to 1.55 mm.

14. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein The electrode member and the capacitive sensor are connected using a connector including a C-clip.

15. A method for controlling an aerosol generating device, wherein: The steps include: Applying a predetermined measurement signal to an electrode component, wherein the electrode component is arranged on a surface of the main body and faces a surface of the detachable cigarette cartridge; receiving a sensing signal from the electrode member; calculating a capacitance value based on a sensing signal received from the capacitance sensor; as well as The remaining amount of the aerosol generating substance stored in the liquid storage portion of the cigarette cartridge is calculated based on the calculated capacitance value and a preset gain value.

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