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

[0001] This application is a divisional application of a patent application with the application date of June 13, 2024, the application number of 202480017599.1, and the title of "Aerosol-generating device and control method of aerosol-generating device". TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] Various embodiments according to the present disclosure relate to an aerosol-generating device and a control method of an aerosol-generating device. BACKGROUND

[0003] Recently, the demand for alternative methods to overcome the shortcomings of ordinary 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.

[0004] An aerosol-generating device can generate an aerosol by heating an aerosol-generating material in a liquid state stored in a cartridge. 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

[0005] TECHNICAL PROBLEM In a case where the remaining amount of the aerosol-generating material cannot be detected, it cannot be confirmed 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.

[0006] 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.

[0007] An object according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol-generating device capable of accurately measuring the remaining amount of a liquid cartridge mounted to the aerosol-generating device and a control method thereof.

[0008] The problems to be solved by the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and persons having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the embodiments belong can clearly understand the problems not mentioned from the present specification and the attached drawings.

[0009] TECHNICAL SOLUTION An aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment includes: a detachable cartridge, including a liquid storage section for storing aerosol generating material and a heater for vaporizing the aerosol generating material; an electrode component disposed on one surface of a main body and facing one surface of the cartridge; a capacitance sensor that applies a predetermined measurement signal to the electrode component and receives a sensing signal from the electrode component; and a processor that calculates a capacitance value based on the sensing signal received from the capacitance sensor and calculates the remaining amount of aerosol generating material stored in the liquid storage section based on the calculated capacitance value and a preset gain value.

[0010] The processor can calculate the capacitance value based on the charging and discharging time for the electrode components.

[0011] The preset gain value can be set differently in each aerosol generating device through calibration during the manufacturing process.

[0012] The preset gain value can be a coefficient that is multiplied by the capacitance value measured when the cartridge filled with the aerosol generating substance is installed in the main body, so that the measured capacitance value has a predetermined capacitance value.

[0013] The processor can 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-generating substance corresponding to the corrected capacitance value.

[0014] The aerosol generating device may further include: a memory for storing at least one of the preset gain value and the predetermined offset value.

[0015] The processor can set a predetermined difference between the levels of the aerosol-generating substances by reflecting noise caused by external interference and the hysteresis effect of water level changes in the liquid storage section.

[0016] The aerosol generating device may further include: a suction sensor to detect the inhalation of vaporized aerosols; the processor may count the number of suctions detected by the suction sensor and calculate the cumulative total of the counted suctions and the corresponding suction-based margin.

[0017] The processor can compare the calculated remaining amount of aerosol-generating substances with the suction-based remaining amount, and if the difference between them is above a critical value, it will not output the calculated remaining amount of aerosol-generating substances.

[0018] 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 cartridge is installed on the main body, and output an icon corresponding to the calculated remaining amount on the display.

[0019] The display can output the remaining amount of the aerosol-generating substance with at least four icons corresponding to more / medium / few / none.

[0020] The electrode component may have an area corresponding to the area of ​​the liquid storage section of the cartridge.

[0021] The electrode component can be separated from the liquid storage portion of the cartridge by 0.55 mm to 1.55 mm.

[0022] The electrode components and the capacitive sensor can be connected using a connector including a C-clamp.

[0023] A control method for an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment includes the following steps: applying a predetermined measurement signal to an electrode component disposed on a surface of a main body and facing a surface of a detachable cartridge; receiving a sensing signal from the electrode component by a capacitance sensor; calculating a capacitance value based on the sensing signal received from the capacitance sensor; and calculating the remaining amount of aerosol generating material stored in the liquid storage section of the cartridge based on the calculated capacitance value and a preset gain value.

[0024] Technical effect According to various embodiments of this disclosure, the remaining amount of liquid e-cigarette cartridges installed in an aerosol generating device can be accurately measured.

[0025] Furthermore, in capacitance-based margin measurement, in order to reduce equipment deviation, the margin of aerosol-generating substances is measured relative to the amount of change of a reference value set when manufacturing each device (rather than using the same critical value as a reference), thereby enabling margin measurement optimized for each device.

[0026] However, the effects of the embodiments are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art to which the embodiments pertain can clearly understand the effects not mentioned from this specification and the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a front perspective view of an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the main body, the smoke cartridge, and the cap of an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 6 This is a front perspective view of an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the main body, the cartridge, and the cap of an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 8 This is an exploded perspective view of a smoke cartridge of an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of a smoke cartridge of an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figures 11a to 11c This is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0038] Figure 12a and Figure 12b This is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0039] Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating a control method for an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment.

[0040] Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating a control method for an aerosol generating apparatus according to yet another embodiment.

[0041] Figure 15 This is a flowchart illustrating a control method for an aerosol generating apparatus according to yet another embodiment.

[0042] Figure 16 This is an example diagram illustrating the measurement of the remaining amount of a cigarette cartridge according to one embodiment.

[0043] Figure 17 This is an example diagram showing the remaining amount of the e-cigarette cartridge according to one embodiment.

[0044] Figure 18 This is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0045] In the following description, 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 descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0046] The suffixes “-module” and “-section” used in the following description are assigned or used interchangeably for the convenience of writing the specification only, and do not have different meanings or functions.

[0047] Furthermore, when describing embodiments of this disclosure, detailed descriptions of related known technologies that may obscure the essence of the embodiments may be omitted. Additionally, the accompanying drawings are intended only to facilitate understanding of the embodiments described herein, and the technical concepts disclosed herein are not limited to the drawings and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and even substitutions included within the concept and scope of this disclosure.

[0048] Although terms including ordinal numbers such as first and second may be used herein to describe various constituent elements, these constituent elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one constituent element from another.

[0049] When a constituent element is described as being "connected to" or "integrated into" another constituent element, it may be either directly connected to or integrated into the other constituent element, or there may be other constituent elements in between. In contrast, when a constituent element is described as being "directly connected to" or "directly integrated into" another constituent element, it should be understood that there are no other constituent elements in between.

[0050] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form includes the plural form.

[0051] Figure 1 and Figure 2 An aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0052] Reference Figure 1The 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 cartridge 19. At least one of the power supply 11, control unit 12, sensor 13, and heater 18 may be arranged inside the body 10 of the aerosol generating device 1. The body 10 may provide an upwardly opening space into which a rod S, serving as an aerosol generating article, is inserted. This upwardly opening space may be referred to as an insertion space. The insertion space may be formed by recessing to a specific depth toward the interior of the body 10, allowing at least a portion of the rod S to be inserted. The depth of the insertion space may correspond to the length of the region in the rod S that includes the aerosol generating substance and / or medium. The lower end of the rod S may be inserted into the body 10, and the upper end of the rod S may protrude beyond the body 10. A user may inhale air by biting the exposed upper end of the rod S in their mouth.

[0053] Heater 18 can heat rod S. Heater 18 can extend upwards relatively long around the periphery of the space in which rod S is inserted. For example, heater 18 can be in the form of a tube having a hollow interior. Heater 18 can be arranged around the periphery of the insertion space. Heater 18 can be arranged to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. Heater 18 can heat the insertion space or the rod S inserted into the insertion space. Heater 18 can include a resistance heater and / or an induction heater.

[0054] For example, heater 18 may be a resistance heater. For example, heater 18 may include conductive traces, and heater 18 may be heated when current flows through the conductive traces. Heater 18 may be electrically connected to power supply 11. Heater 18 may be supplied with current from power supply 11 and directly generate heat.

[0055] For example, the aerosol generating apparatus 1 may include an induction coil surrounding a heater 18. The induction coil can generate heat in the heater 18. The heater 18 may be an induction heating element (susceptor), and the heater 18 may generate heat by a magnetic field generated by an AC current flowing through the induction coil. The magnetic field can pass through the heater 18 and generate eddy currents within the heater 18. The current can generate heat in the heater 18.

[0056] On the other hand, the induction heating element can be included inside the rod S, and the induction heating element inside the rod S can generate heat through the magnetic field generated by the AC current flowing through the induction coil.

[0057] The cartridge 19 can contain an aerosol-generating substance in any of the following states: liquid, solid, gas, or gel. The aerosol-generating substance can include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition can be a liquid containing tobacco-containing substances with volatile tobacco flavor components, or it can be a liquid containing non-tobacco substances.

[0058] The smoke cartridge 19 can be integrally formed with the main body 10 or detachably attached to the main body 10.

[0059] For example, refer to Figure 1 The smoke cartridge 19 can be integrally formed with the main body 10 and can be connected to the insertion space through the airflow channel CN.

[0060] For example, refer to Figure 2 A space may be formed on one side of the main body 10, and at least a portion of the cartridge 19 may be inserted into the space formed on one side of the main body 10, so that the cartridge 19 can be installed in the main body 10. An airflow channel CN ​​may be defined by a portion of the cartridge 19 and / or a portion of the main body 10, and the cartridge 19 may communicate with the insertion space through the airflow channel CN.

[0061] The main body 10 can be configured such that, with the cartridge 19 inserted into the main body 10, external air can be introduced 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.

[0062] The cartridge 19 may include a storage section C0 containing aerosol-generating substances and / or a heater 24 for heating the aerosol-generating substances in the storage section C0. A liquid delivery member impregnated with (containing) aerosol-generating substances may be arranged inside the storage section C0. Here, the liquid delivery member may include a core material such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic. The conductive trace of the heater 24 may be formed as a coil-shaped structure wound around the liquid delivery member or a structure in contact with one side of the liquid delivery member. The heater 24 may be referred to as a cartridge heater 24.

[0063] The cartridge 19 can generate an aerosol. An aerosol can be generated when the liquid delivery component is heated by the cartridge heater 24. The aerosol can also be generated by heating the rod S via heater 18. As the aerosol generated by the cartridge heater 24 and heater 18 passes through the rod S, tobacco substances can be added to the aerosol, and the aerosol containing tobacco substances can be inhaled into the user's mouth through one end of the rod S.

[0064] The aerosol generating device 1 may include only the cartridge heater 24, without including the heater 18 in the main body 10. In this case, the aerosol generated by the cartridge heater 24 may contain tobacco substances as it passes through the stick S, and may be inhaled into the user's mouth.

[0065] The aerosol generating device 1 may include a cap (not shown). The cap may be detachably attached to the body 10 to cover at least a portion of the cartridge 19 attached to the body 10. A rod S may pass through the cap and be inserted into the body 10.

[0066] The power source 11 can supply power to operate the components of the aerosol generating device 1. The power source 11 can be referred to as a battery. The power source 11 can supply power to at least one of the control unit 12, sensor 13, cartridge heater 24, and heater 18. When the aerosol generating device 1 includes an induction coil, the power source 11 can supply power to the induction coil.

[0067] The control unit 12 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device. The control unit 12 can be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The control unit 12 can control the operation of at least one of the power supply 11, sensor 13, heater 18, and cartridge 19. The control unit 12 can control the operation of the display, motor, etc., installed in the aerosol generating device. The control unit 12 can check the status of each component of the aerosol generating device to determine whether the aerosol generating device is in an operable state.

[0068] The control unit 12 can analyze the detection results of the sensor 13 and control the subsequent processing. For example, the control unit 12 can control the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 based on the detection results of the sensor 13 to start or stop the operation of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. For example, based on the detection results of the sensor 13, the control unit 12 can control the amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 and the duration of power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, so that the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 can be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature.

[0069] Sensor 13 may 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, sensor 13 may sense at least one of the temperature of the heater 18, the temperature of the power supply 11, and the internal and external temperatures of the body 10. For example, sensor 13 may sense the user's puff. For example, sensor 13 may sense whether the stick S is inserted into the insertion space. For example, sensor 13 may sense whether a cartridge is installed. For example, sensor 13 may sense whether a cap is installed.

[0070] Figure 3 This is a front perspective view of an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the main body, smoke cartridge, and cap of an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0071] Reference Figure 3According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating apparatus A100 may include a main body A3. The aerosol generating apparatus A100 may include a cap A30. The aerosol generating apparatus A100 may include a cartridge A40. The cartridge A40 may be detachably attached to one side of the main body A3. The cap A30 may be detachably attached to the main body A3 to cover the cartridge A40. A stick S may pass through the cap A30 and be inserted into the main body A3.

[0072] Reference Figure 4 The main body A3 may include a lower main body A1 and an upper main body A2. The components of the aerosol generating device A100 (battery, control unit, etc.) may be installed inside the lower main body A1. The upper main body A2 may be attached to the upper side of the lower main body A1.

[0073] The upper body A2 may include a column A10 and a base A20. The column A10 may extend relatively long in the vertical direction. The column A10 may include an outer side wall A11, an inner side wall A12, and an upper wall A13.

[0074] The base A20 may protrude from the lower part of the inner wall A12 of the pillar A10. The base A20 may face upward. The cartridge area A24 may be formed between the inner wall A12 of the pillar A10 and the base A20. The cartridge area A24 may be located on one side of the inner wall A12 of the pillar A10 and may be located above the base A20.

[0075] The column A10 may include an insertion space A142. The insertion space A142 may extend vertically inside the column A10 and may open upward so that the upper wall A13 opens.

[0076] The main entrance A141 can be formed in one side of the column A10. The main entrance A141 can be formed by opening the inner wall A12. The main entrance A141 can open outwards towards the column A10. The main entrance A141 can communicate with the insertion space A142. The main entrance A141 can be arranged to face the cartridge area A24. The main entrance A141 can communicate with the cartridge area A24.

[0077] The cartridge A40 can be detachably attached to the upper body A2 within the cartridge region A24. The cartridge A40 can be attached to the inner wall A12 of the pillar A10 and can be placed on the base A20, thus supporting the bottom of the cartridge A40. The cartridge A40 may include a first container A41 and a second container A42. The first container A41 can be disposed above the second container A42. The first container A41 can store liquid.

[0078] A cap A30 can cover the upper body A2 and can be detachably attached to the body A3. The cap A30 can cover the upper body A2 and the cartridge A40 attached to the upper body A2. A space can be formed within the cap A30, into which the upper body A2 and the cartridge A40 are inserted. The space within the cap A30 can open downwards. The side wall A31 of the cap A30 can surround the side 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. An insertion port A34 can be formed by opening the upper wall A33. When the cap A30 is attached to the body A3, the insertion port A34 can communicate with the insertion space A142 above it. A 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.

[0079] Reference Figure 5 A first chamber AC1 may be formed within a first container A41. Liquid may be stored in the first chamber AC1. A second chamber AC2 may be formed within a second container A42.

[0080] 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.

[0081] The cartridge outlet A442 can be formed by opening one side of the second container A42. An exhaust port A422 can surround the cartridge outlet A442. The exhaust port A422 can protrude from one side of the second container A42. When the cartridge A40 is attached to the upper body A2, the exhaust 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.

[0082] Core material A45 can be installed in the second chamber AC2. Core material A45 can be connected to the first chamber AC1. Liquid can be supplied to core material A45 from the first chamber AC1. Heater A46 can generate heat and heat core material A45. Heater A46 can be arranged within the second chamber AC2. Heater A46 can be wound around core material A45. When heater A46 heats core material A45, an aerosol can be generated around core material A45 in the second chamber AC2.

[0083] Heater terminal A47 may be exposed at the bottom of cartridge A40. Heater terminal A47 may be formed at the bottom of second container A42. Heater terminal A47 may be electrically connected to heater A46. When cartridge A40 is attached to upper body A2, heater terminal A47 may contact and be electrically connected to first pin A50.

[0084] The first pin A50 can protrude outside the base A20. The first pin A50 can be powered by a battery installed in the lower body A1 via connector A97, and power is supplied to heater terminal A47 and heater A46. Heater A46 can be powered and generate heat.

[0085] Air from outside the cartridge A40 can be introduced into the cartridge A40 through the cartridge inlet A441. The air flows sequentially through the cartridge inlet A441, the cartridge flow path A443, the second chamber AC2, and the cartridge outlet A442. Air inside the cartridge A40 can be exhausted to the outside of the cartridge A40 through the cartridge outlet A442. The air introduced into the cartridge A40 may be accompanied by aerosol generated in the second chamber AC2, and is also exhausted to the outside of the cartridge A40 through the cartridge outlet A442.

[0086] The first pin A50 may be located inside the body A3 and may protrude outside the body A3. The body A3 may include a base A20.

[0087] The base A20 may have an external groove A25. The external groove A25 may be formed by recessing the upper surface A21 of the base A20 downwards. The external groove A25 may be located below the cartridge area A24. The upper surface A21 of the base A20 may be referred to as the outer surface of the main body A3. The external groove A25 may be formed in the outer surface of the main body A3.

[0088] The lower part of the outer groove A25 can be covered by the bottom A251, and the side of the outer groove A25 can be covered by the outer peripheral portion A252. The upper side of the outer groove A25 can be open. One side of the outer groove A25 can be open and not covered by the outer peripheral portion A252. When the x-direction indicated in the coordinate system is defined as forward, the front of the outer groove A25 can be open. The upper end of the first pin A50 can protrude upward from the bottom A251 of the outer groove A25 toward the outer groove A25 or be exposed.

[0089] The bottom of the cartridge A40 may have a shape corresponding to the base A20 and the outer groove A25. When the cartridge A40 is attached to the upper body A2, the bottom of the cartridge A40 may be placed on the base A20, and the first pin A50 and the second pin A47 may be electrically connected to each other.

[0090] Multiple guide sections A253 can be provided. Guide sections A253 can extend relatively far from front to back. Guide sections A253 can be formed at an angle and gradually increase in height from front to back. Each of the multiple guide sections A253 can be arranged in front of each of the multiple first pins A50. The height of the rear end of the guide section A253 adjacent to the first pin A50 can be the same as or approximately the height of the first pin A50.

[0091] Therefore, when the cartridge A40 is attached to the upper body A2, the guide part A253 can guide the arrangement of the cartridge A40 so that the first pin A50 and the second pin A47 come into contact with each other.

[0092] Figure 6 This is a front perspective view of an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the main body, the cartridge, and the cap of an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 This is an exploded perspective view of a smoke cartridge of an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of a smoke cartridge of an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0093] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating apparatus may include a main body B100, which includes an upper main body B120 and a lower main body B110. The upper main body B120 may be located above the lower main body B110. The lower main body B110 may extend vertically. The main body B100 may accommodate components for driving the aerosol generating apparatus therein. The upper main body B120 may provide an upwardly open insertion space B134. The insertion space B134 may be located inside the upper main body B120. The insertion space B134 may extend vertically. The insertion space B134 may be formed in a conduit B130 located inside the upper main body B120.

[0094] The upper shell B200 may have a hollow shape with an open lower portion. The upper body B120 may be inserted into the hollow portion of the upper shell B200. The upper shell B200 may be detachably attached to the body B100. The upper shell B200 may cover the upper body B120 to surround the upper body B120. The lateral portion B211 of the upper shell B200 may surround and cover the side wall B121 of the upper body B120. The upper portion B212 of the upper shell B200 may cover the upper portion B180 or the outer cover B180 of the upper body B120. When the upper shell B200 is attached to the body B100, the upper shell B200 may together cover the body B100 and the cartridge B300. The cartridge B300 may be disposed inside the upper shell B200.

[0095] An insertion port B214 can be formed by opening the upper portion B212 of the upper housing B200. The insertion port B214 can correspond to the opening of the insertion space B134. A cover B215 can be movably mounted on the upper portion B212 of the upper housing B200. A sliding hole B213 can be formed in the upper portion B212 of the upper housing B200 by extending to one side from the insertion port B214. 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 rod S can be inserted into the insertion space B134 through the insertion port B214. For example, the rod S can be a cigarette.

[0096] The outer wall B121 and the partition wall B125 can form the lateral portion of the upper body B120. The outer wall B121 and the partition wall B125 can be connected to each other. The outer wall B121 can be covered by the inner surface of the upper housing B200. The partition wall B125 can separate the cartridge binding space B124a from the insertion space B134.

[0097] The upper body B120 may include a base B122. The base B122 may extend to one side from the lower part of the partition wall B125. The base B122 may be formed on the upper side of the lower body B110. The base B122 may cover the lower part of the cartridge bonding space B124a. The bottom surface of the cartridge B300 may be placed on and supported by the base B122.

[0098] The upper body B120 may include an extension B140. The extension B140 may extend to one side from the upper part of the partition wall B125. The extension B140 may extend in the direction forming the seat portion B122. The extension B140 may cover the upper part of the cartridge bonding space B124a. The extension B140 may cover the upper end surface of the cartridge B300. The extension B140 may cover the cartridge inlet B301 formed in the cartridge B300. An air-flowable gap may be formed between the extension B140 and the cartridge inlet B301.

[0099] The cartridge-connecting space B124a can be formed on one side of the upper body B120. The cartridge-connecting space B124a can be defined by the base B122, the partition wall B125, and the extension B140 of the upper body B120. The bottom of the cartridge-connecting space B124a can be covered by the base B122. One side of the cartridge-connecting space B124a can be covered by the partition wall B125 of the upper body B120. The upper side of the cartridge-connecting space B124a can be covered by the extension B140. The cartridge-connecting space B124a can be open outwards between the base B122 and the extension B140.

[0100] The cartridge B300 can be inserted into the cartridge engagement space B124a to engage with the main body B100. The cartridge B300 can be detachably engaged with the main body B100. One side surface B311 of the cartridge B300 can face the partition wall B125. The upper surface B312 of the cartridge B300 can be covered by the extension B140. The bottom surface B322 of the cartridge B300 can be mounted on the base B122. The cartridge terminal B128 can be connected to the cartridge B300 to supply power to the heater B342 inside the cartridge B300.

[0101] A connecting hook B125a may be formed on the upper body B120. A pushing member B125b may be formed on the upper body B120. The connecting hook B125a and the pushing member B125b may be formed in pairs on both sides of the upper body B120 and arranged in opposite positions. The cartridge B300 may include a hook engaging groove B315. The hook engaging groove B315 may be formed at a position corresponding to the connecting hook B125a. When the cartridge B300 is inserted into the cartridge engaging space B124a, the connecting hook B125a may engage with the hook engaging groove B315 to engage the cartridge B300 with the body B100. The pushing member B125b and the connecting hook B125a may be linked to each other. When the pushing member B125b is pressed, the connecting hook B125a may move in a direction separating from the hook engaging groove B315, and the cartridge B300 may separate from the body B100.

[0102] A connecting flow path B133 may be formed in the lower part of the partition wall B125. The connecting flow path B133 may communicate with the insertion space B134. The connecting flow path B133 may open to one side of the upper body B120. When the cartridge B300 is attached to the body B100, the exhaust port B323 may be inserted into the connecting flow path B133, and the connecting flow path B133 and the cartridge outlet B304 may communicate with each other.

[0103] Reference Figure 8 The cartridge B300 may include a first container B31 and a second container B32. The first container B31 may be attached to the upper side of the second container B32. A plate B35 may be attached between the first container B31 and the second container B32 or between the first container B31 and the frame B33.

[0104] The first container B31 may include a first chamber BC1 in which liquid can be stored. The first container B31 may surround the first chamber BC1, and the lower part of the first chamber BC1 may be open. The opening of the first chamber BC1 may be covered by a plate B35.

[0105] Reference Figure 9 The first container B31 may include an inflow channel B302 for air passage. The first chamber BC1 and the inflow channel B302 may be separated from each other. The inflow channel B302 may extend vertically to one side of the first container B31.

[0106] The first container B31 may include a cartridge inlet B301. The cartridge inlet B301 may be formed by opening the upper part of the first container B31 and may communicate with the inflow channel B302. The cartridge inlet B301 may communicate with the upper end of the inflow channel B302. The lower end of the inflow channel B302 may communicate with the connection hole B351 and the chamber inlet B303.

[0107] The second container B32 can be attached to the lower part of the first container B31. The second container B32 may include a space B324 having an open upper part and a covered lower part. The frame B33 can be accommodated inside the space B324 of the second container B32.

[0108] The second container B32 may include a cartridge outlet B304. The cartridge outlet B304 may be formed in a lateral portion B321 of the second container B32. The cartridge outlet B304 may be formed inside a port protruding from the lateral portion of the second container B32 in the thickness direction. The cartridge outlet B304 may communicate with the space B324. The second container B32 may include an exhaust port B323. The exhaust port B323 may internally form the cartridge outlet B304. The exhaust port B323 may protrude to one side from the lateral portion B321 of the second container B32. The exhaust port B323 may surround the cartridge outlet B304. The cartridge outlet B304 may be referred to as outlet B304.

[0109] Frame B33 can be inserted into space B324 inside second container B32 to be attached to second container B32. Fastening element B326 protruding from the side wall of second container B32 into space B324 can be fastened to frame B33 to secure frame B33.

[0110] Frame B33 may include a second chamber BC2. Frame B33 may surround the second chamber BC2, and the upper part of the second chamber BC2 may be open. The upper part of the second chamber BC2 may be covered by plate B35.

[0111] Frame B33 may include a chamber inlet B303. The chamber inlet B303 may be formed by opening a surface around a sidewall of the second chamber BC2. The chamber inlet B303 may be curved and extend upward from the second chamber BC2 toward the inflow channel B302. One end of the chamber inlet B303 may communicate with the second chamber BC2, and the other end of the chamber inlet B303 may connect to the inflow channel B302 and the connection hole B351.

[0112] Frame B33 may include a chamber outlet B332. The chamber outlet B332 may be formed in a lateral portion of frame B33. The chamber outlet B332 may communicate with a second chamber BC2. The chamber outlet B332 may be formed inside a port protruding in the thickness direction from the lateral portion of frame B33. The chamber outlet B332 may communicate with the second chamber BC2. The chamber outlet B332 may be formed at a position corresponding to the cartridge outlet B304. The chamber outlet B332 may be formed at a position opposite to the chamber inlet B303 relative to the second chamber BC2. When frame B33 is attached to the second container B32, the chamber outlet B332 and the cartridge outlet B304 may communicate with each other.

[0113] Frame B33 may include a core material mating groove B334. The core material mating groove B334 may communicate with a second chamber BC2. The core material mating groove B334 may be formed by recessing the second chamber BC2 to one side. The core material mating grooves B334 may be formed in pairs, and the pair of core material mating grooves B334 may be positioned opposite each other within the second chamber BC2. The upper part of the core material mating groove B334 may be open.

[0114] The core material B341 may have a cylindrical shape that extends laterally within the second chamber BC2. The two ends of the core material B341 can be positioned by inserting them into a pair of core material mating grooves B334, respectively. The central portion of the core material B341 may be located within the second chamber BC2. The core material B341 may be connected to the first chamber BC1 to supply liquid from the first chamber BC1. The core material B341 may be secured in the core material mating grooves B334 by a frame B33 and a plate B35.

[0115] Heater B342 may be wound around the central portion of core material B341. Heater B342 may generate heat to heat core material B341. For example, heater B342 may be a resistance heater. Heater B342 may be arranged in the second chamber BC2. The end of heater B342 may pass through the bottom of frame B33 and be electrically connected to electrodes arranged at the bottom of the second container B32.

[0116] Plate B35 can be joined between the first container B31 and the second container B32, or between the first container B31 and the frame B33. Plate B35 can cover and seal the opening of the first chamber BC1. Plate B35 can cover the upper part of the frame B33. Plate B35 can cover and seal the opening of the second chamber BC2.

[0117] Plate B35 may have a connection hole B351 on one side. The connection hole B351 may be located between the inflow channel B302 and the chamber inlet B303. The connection hole B351 can connect the inflow channel B302 to the chamber inlet B303.

[0118] 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 bonding 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 can connect the first chamber BC1 to the core material bonding groove B334. The core material B341 can be connected to the first chamber BC1 through the liquid inlet holes B354.

[0119] A hook groove B335 may be formed adjacent to, above, the chamber outlet B332. A hook B353 may protrude downward from one side of the plate B35. The hook B353 may be inserted into and secured to the hook groove B335 formed in the upper part of the frame B33. The plate B35 may be secured to the frame B33, and the first container B31, which is coupled to the second container B32, may press the edge of the plate B35 against the frame B33.

[0120] The user can hold the stick S, inserted into the insertion space B134, in their mouth and inhale the gas. When the upper shell B200 is attached to the main body B100, air can be introduced into the cartridge inlet B301 through the opening B201 formed in the upper shell B200. Air can be introduced into the cartridge B300 through the cartridge inlet B301 and 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 channel B302, the connecting hole B351, the chamber inlet B303, the second chamber BC2, the chamber outlet B332, and the cartridge outlet B304.

[0121] When heater B342 heats core material B341, an aerosol can be formed from core material B341 within the second chamber BC2. Air passing through cartridge B300, accompanied by the aerosol from the second chamber BC2, is discharged to cartridge outlet B304. The air discharged through cartridge outlet B304 can be supplied to insertion space B134 and rod S inserted into insertion space B134 via connecting flow path B133.

[0122] Reference Figure 10 The upper body B120 may include an outer wall B121 and a partition wall B125. The outer wall B121 and the partition wall B125 may be connected to each other. The partition wall B125 may be formed by extending vertically between the conduit B130 and the cartridge bonding space B124a.

[0123] The extension B140 can be formed by extending to one side from the upper part of the upper body B120. The upper surface B312 of the cartridge B300 can be covered by the extension B140. The extension B140 can cover the cartridge inlet B301 and its surrounding area. A gap can be formed between the extension B140 and the cartridge inlet B301, and between the lower part of the extension B140 and the upper surface B312 of the cartridge B300. This gap allows the cartridge inlet B301 to communicate with the outside.

[0124] The pipe B130 can be formed to extend vertically. The pipe B130 can be hollow. The insertion space B134 can be formed inside the pipe B130. The insertion space B134 can open upwards. The insertion space B134 can extend vertically. The connecting flow path B133 can be formed inside the pipe B130. The connecting flow path B133 can be formed below the insertion space B134. One end of the connecting flow path B133 can communicate with the outside of the pipe B130, and the other end of the connecting flow path B133 can communicate with the insertion space B134. The connecting flow path B133 can bend to one side from the lower part of the insertion space B134.

[0125] The first sensor B161 can be installed inside the extension B140. The first sensor B161 can face the upper surface B312 of the cartridge B300 or the cartridge inlet B301. The first sensor B161 can be installed near the cartridge inlet B301. The first sensor B161 can be located above the cartridge inlet B301. The first sensor B161 can be stacked with the cartridge inlet B301 in a vertical direction.

[0126] The first sensor B161 can sense ambient airflow. The first sensor B161 can be an airflow sensor or a pressure sensor. The first sensor B161 can sense airflow by detecting changes in ambient air pressure. At a location adjacent to the cartridge inlet B301, the extension B140 can include an aperture for sensing airflow. The first sensor B161 can be mounted on a substrate disposed inside the extension B140 and can be electrically connected to the control unit B20. The control unit B20 can control the operation of various connected components based on the airflow detected by the first sensor B161.

[0127] The first sealing part B151 can be disposed between the first partition wall part B1251 and the inner plate B171. The first sealing part B151 can surround the upper end of the first partition wall part B1251 and be in close contact with the upper end of the first partition wall part B1251. The first sealing part B151 can be in close contact with the lower end of the inner plate B171.

[0128] The sensor receiving portion B156 of the second sealing portion B152 can seal the periphery of the first sensing hole B144. The sensor receiving portion B156 can be tightly fitted against the extension plate B141 surrounding the first sensing hole B144. The second sensing hole B1564 formed in the sensor receiving portion B156 can communicate with the first sensing hole B144. The sensor receiving portion B156 can surround and be tightly fitted against the first sensor B161.

[0129] Therefore, it can prevent foreign objects, aerosols discharged from around the opening of the pipe B130, or foreign objects through the first sensing hole B144 from causing failure of the substrate or sensor.

[0130] In this embodiment, a capacitance measurement method is used to measure the liquid level in the e-cigarette cartridge. In this embodiment, three compensation methods can be used to measure the liquid level in the e-cigarette cartridge: 1) calibration and measurement method (gain compensation), 2) temperature compensation, and 3) degradation compensation. Obviously, compensation methods 1) to 3) can be applied individually, or two or more compensation methods can be selectively combined.

[0131] 1) Calibration and measurement methods (gain compensation) In the past, there have been instances where the remaining amount in aerosol generating devices was inaccurate. For example, the remaining amount could be inaccurate because each user consumed liquid at a different rate, or the remaining amount could be displayed as the maximum value each time a cartridge was reinstalled, even if the cartridge was not fully filled.

[0132] Furthermore, in capacitance-based measurement methods, deviations are inevitable even when measuring the same dielectric material due to inherent differences in the materials used as electrodes, deviations in internal circuit components (e.g., capacitors, resistors, etc.), the length of the connected connectors, mechanical tolerances during electrode assembly, etc.

[0133] In an embodiment, in order to overcome the above-mentioned problems, a calibration operation is performed during the manufacture of the aerosol generating device, and the following method is used.

[0134] In order to regulate the charging current, the programmable internal current source is adjusted to ensure a consistent measurement range observed in each aerosol generating device without an external load, thereby calculating the based value.

[0135] To address the issue of variations in the magnitude of liquid level changes due to the aforementioned deviations, the change sensitivity (gain value) is adjusted. The set gain coefficient or gain value ensures that a desired fixed value (e.g., 10,000) is produced when the largest measurable object (e.g., a fully filled cigarette cartridge) is inserted. Furthermore, an offset value can be added for fine-tuning if necessary.

[0136] In the aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiment, the gain value and offset value set through the above-described calibration operation are stored in the memory (e.g., flash memory) of the aerosol generating apparatus. Therefore, the gain value or offset value stored in the memory of each aerosol generating apparatus can also be different from each other. Instead of judging the remaining amount of the cartridge based on the same threshold value, the judgment is made using the gain value or offset value stored in each aerosol generating apparatus, based on the amount of change relative to the reference value set at the manufacturing plant for each aerosol generating apparatus, thereby reducing equipment deviation.

[0137] After the above calibration, the remaining amount of the cartridge can be calculated using the following mathematical formula 1.

[0138] [Mathematical Expression 1] Capacitance (or liquid level) = Measured capacitance (or liquid level) × Gain + Offset In this embodiment, the judgment can be based on the corrected value, and the measurement can be performed based on the desired water level and its resolution. Here, the value can be set to account for interference from external objects and hysteresis during water level movement. For example, if the noise level caused by external interference is 200 levels, and the hysteresis at each water level is also 200 levels, it can be stably set such that the difference between each level is twice the sum of the two, i.e., 800. Here, the noise level or hysteresis value should be understood as exemplary. Furthermore, it should be understood that a difference of more than twice the sum between levels is exemplary. For example, in the case of measuring in three stages, it can also be set as: Upper: 10500, Middle: 9500, Lower: 8500, such that there is a level difference of 1000 between each stage.

[0139] 2) Temperature compensation Typically, capacitance is greatly affected by temperature, thus temperature compensation is essential. A simple and effective method for temperature compensation is to place a separate thermometer at the electrode site or use a reference electrode. However, this approach is difficult to apply due to limitations in the mounting area of ​​aerosol generation devices in small devices, the characteristics of the molding process (insert injection molding), and rising unit prices. Furthermore, electronic cigarettes exhibit characteristics different from typical environmental changes; their temperature rises very rapidly during heating and cools down accordingly.

[0140] Therefore, in addition to temperature compensation for the environment (chamber simulation), separate compensation based on usage should also be considered.

[0141] In this embodiment, the following two scenarios can be considered for temperature compensation.

[0142] When the aerosol generating device is heated, heat is transferred from the upper part of the device (i.e., the cigarette heater), and the heater is subjected to very high temperatures, such as above about 240 degrees Celsius. In addition, it cools down relatively quickly after smoking ends.

[0143] When the aerosol generating device is charged, heat is transferred from the lower part of the device (where the battery is mounted), where it is affected by a relatively low temperature, such as about 60 degrees Celsius, and cools slowly due to weak heat dissipation caused by the internal sealing.

[0144] In the embodiments, the following two temperature compensation methods can be considered.

[0145] First, since heating and charging have opposite characteristics, a separate temperature compensation method can be used for each case.

[0146] Secondly, as a temperature compensation method capable of reflecting both characteristics, it is assumed that compensation is performed by combining a temperature sensor (e.g., RTD) attached to the heating element or heater during heating, and by combining a temperature sensor (e.g., NTC) attached to the battery pack during charging. A temperature compensation method can then be used for temperature compensation. RTD and NTC are used as examples of temperature sensors, but the method is not limited to these; obviously, various methods can be used to sense the temperature of the heater or battery.

[0147] When the electrode material used to measure the remaining amount of the cartridge has higher temperature characteristics and larger capacitance, temperature compensation can be performed according to the following mathematical formula 2.

[0148] [Mathematical Expression 2] Capacitance (or liquid balance) = Measured capacitance (or liquid balance) - (a × heater temperature) - (b × battery temperature) Here, 'a' and 'b' can be arbitrarily set according to the characteristics of the aerosol generating device. Typically, the heater temperature fluctuates significantly, so 'a' can be lower than 'b'. The example given uses the heater temperature and battery temperature, but is not limited to these; obviously, the temperature characteristics of the heating element of the aerosol generating device can be considered. Furthermore, in the embodiment, when the cartridge is installed in the main body of the aerosol generating device, or when it is necessary to measure the cartridge's remaining capacity, temperature compensation can be performed on the measured capacitance value by measuring the temperature of the heater or the battery.

[0149] 3) Degradation compensation The capacitance of the liquid in the cartridge can change over time. For example, this could be due to aging of the electrodes used to measure the capacitance, leakage from aerosols, or contaminants on the connectors or pathways. In such cases, the capacitance value compensated for by 1) gain compensation and 2) temperature compensation may change, potentially leading to measurement errors.

[0150] In an embodiment, compensation for the degradation of the electrodes used to measure capacitance can be achieved using the minimum and maximum values ​​measurable during the calibration process described in 1). The maximum value can be the capacitance value measured with a fully charged cartridge installed, and the minimum value can be the capacitance value measured with an empty cartridge installed or without a cartridge installed.

[0151] In this embodiment, if the capacitance value measured after installing a fully charged cartridge is greater than a pre-stored maximum value—that is, if it is much higher than the capacitance value at calibration—compensation can be performed by subtracting the value corresponding to the increased value. The level of subtraction can be a ratio corresponding to the difference. Furthermore, considering stability, a fixed ratio, such as approximately 2%, can be selectively chosen and subtracted. For example, assuming the value of the fully charged cartridge at calibration is 10500, if a value above 11000 is measured, 220 (2% level) can be subtracted from the measured value to determine the compensated capacitance value (or cartridge value) as 10780. Here, examples of ratios and specific values ​​used for degradation compensation are provided, but the method is not limited to these examples, and various modifications can obviously be made considering the characteristics of the aerosol generating device or usage time, etc.

[0152] Conversely, if the remaining value or capacitance of the cartridge decreases, since the minimum value for the state without a cartridge is pre-stored during the calibration process, reverse correction can be performed if the minimum value measured when the cartridge is removed from the aerosol generating device is lower than the calibration value. While external noise from the contacts cannot be protected when the cartridge is removed, monitoring the minimum value is not a problem because external objects such as human hands increase the capacitance.

[0153] In this embodiment, since the maximum 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 and the remaining amount of the cartridge is measured, the measured capacitance value or the remaining amount of the cartridge can be compensated for degradation as described above.

[0154] Figures 11a to 11c This is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0155] 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 section (not shown) for storing aerosol generating material and a heater (not shown) for vaporizing the aerosol generating material. The aerosol generating material may include vegetable glycerin (hereinafter referred to as VG) and propylene glycol (hereinafter referred to as PG). The aerosol generating material is composed of a liquid mixture of VG and PG and typically has a dielectric constant higher than that of a vacuum. In an embodiment, the cartridge 1120 may include an amount of aerosol generating material that can be used with a pack (20 cigarettes) of disposable cigarettes. After using a pack of disposable cigarettes and a cartridge, the user can replace the cigarettes with a new 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. This 280 puffs is 20 times the number of puffs a user inhales in a single-use cigarette (14 puffs). Therefore, in an aerosol-generating device of the form described above, it is necessary to confirm the remaining amount of aerosol-generating material in the cartridge 1120 and to perform accurate calculations of the remaining amount in the aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device described in the embodiment is an aerosol-generating device that heats and inhales together an aerosol-generating article (cigarette) inserted into a cigarette heater and the aerosol-generating material (liquid) stored in the cartridge 1120. However, it is not limited to this; it is obviously equally applicable to aerosol-generating devices, e-vapers, and e-vaping devices that only heat the aerosol-generating material (liquid) and inhale the aerosol.

[0156] Reference Figure 11bAn electrode component 1110 is arranged on one surface of the main body 1100. The electrode component 1110 may be arranged to face a surface of the cartridge 1120 (the surface that is bonded to the main body 1100). The electrode component 1110 may have an area corresponding to the area of ​​the cartridge 1120 or its liquid storage portion (not shown). In an embodiment, the area of ​​the electrode component 1110 may be comparable to the area of ​​the surface of the liquid storage portion facing the main body 1100, such that the electric field can reach the end of the liquid storage portion even if the aerosol generating device is tilted. Although not shown, the lower end of the electrode component 1110 may be connected to a capacitive sensor or a sensor IC via a connector such as a C-clamp. Furthermore, the capacitive sensor or sensor IC may be arranged on a separate sensor PCB or within a main microcontroller unit (MCU). In an embodiment, the electrode component 1110 may have a ground contact to remove noise from external objects with their own dielectric constant, such as a human hand, when measuring capacitance.

[0157] Reference Figure 11c The electrode component 1110 can be separated from the cartridge 1120 or the liquid storage section to be detected mounted on the main body 1100 by a predetermined interval d. The predetermined interval d can be from 0.55 mm to 1.55 mm. By maintaining the predetermined interval d, interference caused by other conductive bodies within the aerosol generating device can be prevented, and the maximum detection distance of the capacitive sensor can be maintained.

[0158] Figure 12a and Figure 12b This is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0159] Reference Figure 12aThe aerosol generating device includes a processor 1200, a capacitance sensor 1201, an electrode component 1210, and a cartridge 1220. In an embodiment, the processor 1200 controls the capacitance sensor 1201 to apply a measurement signal to the electrode component 1210 and receive a sensing signal from the electrode component 1210. The processor 1200 can calculate a capacitance value based on the sensing signal received from the capacitance sensor 1201 and calculate the remaining amount of aerosol generating material stored in the liquid storage section of the cartridge 1220 based on the calculated capacitance value. The processor 1200 can measure the charging time based on the measurement signal (e.g., a current signal) applied to the electrode component 1210 and the discharging time based on the sensing signal (e.g., a current signal) received from the electrode component 1210, and can calculate the capacitance value of the electrode component 1210 based on the charging / discharging time. The processor 1200 can calculate the remaining amount of aerosol generating material by referring to the absolute value of the calculated capacitance value or a matching table of capacitance values ​​and the remaining amount of aerosol generating material. In this embodiment, the capacitance value is calculated by measuring the charging / discharging time of the electrode components, but it is not limited to this, and obviously a variety of known techniques can be used to calculate the capacitance value.

[0160] The capacitive sensor 1201 may be a functional module within the processor 1200 or a separate sensor IC. The capacitive sensor 1201 may be connected to the electrode component 1210 via a connector such as a C-clamp, but is not limited thereto.

[0161] Reference Figure 12b The aerosol generating device includes a processor 1200, a memory 1250, a temperature sensor 1260, a cartridge disassembly / assembly detection sensor 1270, and a display 1280. The processor 1200 includes a capacitance calculation unit 1202, a gain calculation unit 1203, a margin calculation unit 1204, a temperature compensation unit 1205, and a degradation compensation unit 1206. It is evident that some structural elements or functions of all the components shown can be excluded from the aerosol generating device. As described above, in order to compensate for the margin measurement value of the cartridge based on capacitance measurement, the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment can apply gain compensation, temperature compensation, and degradation compensation, and it is obvious that each compensation method can be applied individually.

[0162] Reference Figure 12b The capacitance calculation unit 1202 can calculate the charging / discharging time based on the sensing signal received from the capacitance sensor, and calculate the capacitance value accordingly.

[0163] The gain value calculation unit 1203 calculates the gain value or gain value stored in the memory 1250. The gain value or gain value stored in the memory is a value pre-stored during the calibration process when manufacturing the aerosol generating apparatus. Furthermore, the gain value calculation unit 1203 can also calculate the offset value stored in the memory 1250.

[0164] The margin calculation unit 1204 can calculate the margin of the 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 margin of the cartridge can also be calculated by referring to the absolute value of the measured capacitance value or a matching table of capacitance values ​​and corresponding margins. Furthermore, if the offset value is stored in the memory 1250, the offset value can be added to compensate for the capacitance value.

[0165] The temperature compensation unit 1205 can take into account the temperature of the heater or the battery detected by the temperature sensor 1260, and perform temperature compensation on the remaining amount of the cartridge calculated by the remaining amount calculation unit 1204. Temperature compensation can be performed on the remaining amount of the cartridge after gain compensation, or it can be performed on the capacitance value calculated by the capacitance value calculation unit 1202. The temperature sensor 1260 may include a temperature sensor for the heater, a temperature sensor for the battery, etc. The temperature compensation unit 1205 can be adapted to the operating conditions of the aerosol generating device, for example, when calculating the remaining amount of the cartridge after heating or charging.

[0166] The degradation compensation unit 1206 performs degradation compensation for the electrode components based on the capacitance value calculated by the margin calculation unit 1204. Using the maximum value (capacitance value of a fully charged cartridge) and minimum value (capacitance value of an empty cartridge or when no cartridge is installed) stored in the memory 1250 during calibration operations as a reference, if the capacitance value measured by the capacitance calculation unit 1202 for a fully charged 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, in the case of an empty cartridge or when no cartridge is installed, if the capacitance value calculated by the capacitance calculation unit 1202 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 can also perform this operation after gain compensation in the margin calculation unit 1204 or after temperature compensation in the temperature compensation unit 1205. Furthermore, since the degradation compensation unit 1206 performs degradation compensation for electrode components, it can also be selectively performed considering factors such as the usage period of the aerosol generating device.

[0167] The cartridge removal / removal detection sensor 1270 detects the installation or removal (removal) of a cartridge in the aerosol generating device. The processor 1200 can initiate a cartridge balance measurement based on the removal / removal detection by the cartridge removal / removal detection sensor 1270. For example, the processor 1200 can measure the remaining balance of the installed cartridge and display it on the display 1280 when a new cartridge is installed.

[0168] The processor 1200 can calculate the remaining capacity of the e-cigarette cartridge corresponding to the capacitance value after gain compensation, temperature compensation, and degradation compensation by the remaining capacity calculation unit 1204, temperature compensation unit 1205, and degradation compensation unit 1206 as an upper / middle / lower / none level. Figure 16 This is an example diagram illustrating the measurement of the remaining amount of a cigarette cartridge according to one embodiment. (Refer to...) Figure 16 Based on the capacitance value measured by electrode component 1610, the remaining amount of the 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 detail are obviously possible.

[0169] The display 1280 shows the remaining amount of the e-cigarette cartridge under the control of the processor 1200. Figure 17 This is an example diagram showing the remaining amount of the e-cigarette cartridge according to one embodiment. (Refer to...) Figure 17 The display 1280 can show icons corresponding to the remaining amount of the e-cigarette cartridge being high / medium / low / none.

[0170] The processor 1200 can accumulate and count the number of puffs detected by a puff sensor (not shown) that detects the inhalation of vaporized aerosols 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 fully charged cartridge is 280 (14 puffs × 20), the puff count can be reset and accumulated after replacing the cartridge (i.e., installing a new cartridge) to calculate the remaining amount of the cartridge. The processor 1200 can compare the remaining amount of the cartridge calculated based on puffs with the remaining amount of the cartridge measured based on capacitance, and if the difference is large, 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 may also be selectively output directly.

[0171] Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating a control method for an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment. Figure 13 This diagram illustrates a method for performing gain compensation on capacitance values ​​measured by electrode components in an aerosol generating apparatus.

[0172] Reference Figure 13In step 1300, a predetermined measurement signal is applied to an electrode component arranged on a surface of the main body facing a surface of the detachable cartridge. In step 1302, a sensing signal (from the electrode component) is received from the electrode component.

[0173] In step 1304, the capacitance value is calculated based on the sensing signal received from the capacitance sensor.

[0174] In step 1306, the remaining amount of aerosol-generating material stored in the liquid storage section of the cartridge is calculated based on the calculated capacitance value and a preset gain value. The preset gain value is a value stored in the memory of each aerosol-generating device during manufacturing through a calibration process. In the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment, the gain value and offset value set through the aforementioned calibration process are stored in the memory (e.g., flash memory) of the aerosol-generating device. Therefore, the gain value or offset value stored in the memory of each aerosol-generating device can be different from each other. Instead of judging the remaining amount of the cartridge based on the same threshold value, the amount of change relative to the reference value set at the manufacturing plant is judged for each aerosol-generating device using the gain value or offset value stored in each aerosol-generating device, thereby reducing equipment deviation.

[0175] In this embodiment, the judgment can be based on the corrected value, and the measurement can be performed based on the desired water level and its resolution. The value can be set to account for interference from external objects and hysteresis during water level movement. For example, if the noise level caused by external interference is 200, and the hysteresis of each water level is also 200, the difference between each level can be stably set to 800, which is twice the sum. The noise level or hysteresis values ​​should be understood as exemplary. Furthermore, it should be understood that a difference between levels that is more than twice the sum is exemplary. For example, when measuring in three stages, it can be set as: Upper: 10500, Middle: 9500, Lower: 8500, resulting in a level difference of 1000 between each stage.

[0176] Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating a control method for an aerosol generating apparatus according to yet another embodiment. Figure 14 This describes a method for performing temperature compensation on capacitance values ​​measured by electrode components in an aerosol generating device.

[0177] 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 that faces one surface of the detachable cartridge.

[0178] In step 1402, a sensing signal is received from the electrode component (the sensing signal originates from the electrode component).

[0179] In step 1404, the capacitance value is calculated based on the sensing signal received from the capacitance sensor.

[0180] In step 1406, the remaining amount of aerosol-generating material stored in the liquid storage section of the cartridge is calculated based on the calculated capacitance value and the temperature compensation value according to the operating conditions of the aerosol generating device. The operating conditions of the aerosol generating device may include heating or charging. When the aerosol generating device is heated, heat is transferred from the upper part of the device (i.e., the cigarette heater), where the heater is subjected to very high temperatures (e.g., approximately 240 degrees Celsius or higher), and cools relatively quickly after smoking. When the aerosol generating device is charged, heat is transferred from the lower part of the device (battery mounting location), where it is subjected to relatively low temperatures (e.g., approximately 60 degrees Celsius), and cools slowly due to weaker heat dissipation caused by the internal sealing.

[0181] In this embodiment, both factors affecting temperature are considered simultaneously. During heating, compensation is performed using a temperature sensor (e.g., RTD) attached to the heating element or heater, and during charging, compensation is performed using a temperature sensor (e.g., NTC) attached to the battery pack. If the electrode material used to measure the remaining amount of the cartridge has higher temperature characteristics and greater capacitance, the heater temperature and battery temperature are subtracted from the measured capacitance value (or liquid balance). This can be achieved by multiplying the heater temperature and battery temperature by appropriate coefficients reflecting the temperature characteristics.

[0182] Figure 15 This is a flowchart illustrating a control method for an aerosol generating apparatus according to yet another embodiment. Figure 15 This describes a method for performing degradation compensation on capacitance values ​​measured by electrode components in an aerosol generating device.

[0183] 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 that faces one surface of the detachable cartridge.

[0184] In step 1502, a sensing signal is received from the electrode component (the sensing signal originates from the electrode component).

[0185] In step 1504, the capacitance value is calculated based on the sensing signal received from the capacitance sensor.

[0186] In step 1506, the remaining amount of aerosol-generating material stored in the liquid storage section of the cartridge is calculated based on the calculated capacitance value and a compensation value according to the degree of degradation of the electrode components. In an embodiment, compensation for the degradation of the electrode used to measure capacitance can be performed using the minimum and maximum values ​​that can be measured during the correction process described in 1). The maximum value can be the capacitance value measured when a fully charged cartridge is installed, and the minimum value can be the capacitance value measured when an empty cartridge is installed or when no cartridge is installed.

[0187] In an embodiment, if the capacitance value measured after installing a fully charged cartridge is greater than a pre-stored maximum value—that is, if it is significantly higher than the capacitance value at the time of calibration—the increased value is subtracted. The level of subtraction can be a ratio corresponding to the difference. Alternatively, a fixed ratio can be selectively subtracted, for example, approximately 2%. For example, assuming the value of a fully charged cartridge at calibration is 10500, if a value above 11000 is measured, 220 (2% level) can be subtracted from the measured value, and the compensated capacitance value (or cartridge value) is determined to be 10780. Here, examples of ratios and specific values ​​used for degradation compensation are provided, but the method is not limited to these examples, and various variations can obviously be made considering the characteristics of the aerosol generating device or usage time. Conversely, if the remaining value or capacitance value of the cartridge decreases, since the minimum value of the state without a cartridge is pre-stored during calibration, if the minimum value measured after removing the cartridge from the aerosol generating device is lower than the value at the time of calibration, reverse correction can be performed.

[0188] Figure 18 This is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0189] 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, and at least one heater 18 and 24. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1 is not limited to... Figure 18 The internal structure shown is illustrated. In other words, those skilled in the art will understand that, based on the design of the aerosol generating device 1, the internal structure can be omitted. Figure 18 Some of the structures shown can be modified or new structures can be added.

[0190] Sensor 13 can detect the state of aerosol generating device 1 or the state around aerosol generating device 1, and transmit the detected information to control unit 12. Based on the detected information, control unit 12 can control aerosol generating device 1 to perform various functions, such as controlling the operation of cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, restricting smoking, determining whether stick S and / or cartridge 19 are inserted, and displaying notifications.

[0191] Sensor 13 may include at least one of temperature sensor 131, suction sensor 132, insertion detection sensor 133, reusability detection sensor 134, cartridge detection sensor 135, cap detection sensor 136, and motion detection sensor 137.

[0192] Temperature sensor 131 can detect the temperature at which the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 are heated. The aerosol generating device 1 may include a separate 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 may function as a temperature sensor.

[0193] Temperature sensor 131 can output a signal corresponding to the temperature of cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. For example, temperature sensor 131 may include a resistive element whose resistance value changes according to the temperature of cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. Temperature sensor 131 can be implemented using a thermistor, which is a component that utilizes the characteristic that resistance changes with temperature. In this case, temperature sensor 131 can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistive element, as a signal corresponding to the temperature of cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. For example, temperature sensor 131 can be constructed by a sensor that detects the resistance value of cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. In this case, temperature sensor 131 can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, as a signal corresponding to the temperature of cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

[0194] Temperature sensor 131 can be arranged around power supply 11 to monitor the temperature of power supply 11. Temperature sensor 131 can be arranged adjacent to power supply 11. For example, temperature sensor 131 can be attached to a surface of the battery that serves as power supply 11. For example, temperature sensor 131 can be mounted on a surface of a printed circuit board.

[0195] Temperature sensor 131 can be arranged inside the body 10 to detect the internal temperature of the body 10.

[0196] The suction sensor 132 can detect user suction based on various physical changes in the airflow path. The suction sensor 132 can output a signal corresponding to suction. For example, the suction sensor 132 can be a pressure sensor. The suction sensor 132 can output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device 1. 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 suction sensor 132 can be arranged corresponding to the airflow path through which the gas flows in the aerosol generating device 1.

[0197] Insertion detection sensor 133 can detect the insertion and / or removal of rod S. Insertion detection sensor 133 can detect signal changes caused by the insertion and / or removal of rod S. Insertion detection sensor 133 can be disposed around the insertion space. Insertion detection sensor 133 can detect the insertion and / or removal of rod S based on changes in the dielectric constant within the insertion space. For example, insertion detection sensor 133 can be an inductive sensor and / or a capacitive sensor.

[0198] An inductive sensor may include at least one coil. The coil of the inductive sensor may be arranged in a spatially adjacent manner. For example, when the magnetic field around the coil through which current flows changes, the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil change according to Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction. Here, the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil may include the frequency, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc. of the alternating current.

[0199] An inductive sensor can output a signal corresponding to the characteristics of the current flowing through a coil. For example, an inductive sensor can output a signal corresponding to the inductance value of the coil.

[0200] A capacitive sensor may include a conductor. The conductor of the capacitive sensor may be arranged adjacent to the insertion space. The capacitive sensor may output a signal corresponding to the electromagnetic characteristics of the environment (e.g., the capacitance around the conductor). For example, when a rod S comprising a metal package is inserted into the insertion space, the electromagnetic characteristics around the conductor may change due to the package of the rod S.

[0201] The reuse detection sensor 134 can detect whether the stick S is reused. The reuse detection sensor 134 can be a color sensor. The color sensor can detect the color of the stick S. The color sensor can also detect the color of a portion of the packaging surrounding the stick S. The color sensor can detect the value of an optical property corresponding to the color of the object based on light reflected from the object. For example, the optical property can be the wavelength of light. The color sensor can be implemented as the same component as the proximity sensor, or it can be implemented as a separate component distinct from the proximity sensor.

[0202] At least a portion of the packaging comprising the stick S can have a color that changes due to the aerosol. A reusable detection sensor 134 can be arranged to correspond to the position of at least a portion of the packaging whose color has changed due to the aerosol when the stick S is inserted into the insertion space. For example, before the user uses the stick S, the color of at least a portion of the packaging may be a first color. At this time, as the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating device 1 passes through the stick S, at least a portion of the packaging is wetted 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 color can remain at the second color.

[0203] The cartridge detection sensor 135 can detect the installation and / or removal of the cartridge 19. The cartridge detection sensor 135 can be implemented by an inductive sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, a Hall sensor (Hall IC) utilizing the Hall effect, etc.

[0204] The cap detection sensor 136 can detect the installation and / or removal of the cap. When the cap is removed from the body 10, the cartridge 19 covered by the cap and a portion of the body 10 may be exposed. The cap detection sensor 136 can be implemented by a contact sensor, a Hall sensor (Hall IC), an optical sensor, etc.

[0205] The motion detection sensor 137 can detect the motion of the aerosol generating device. The motion detection sensor 137 can be implemented as at least one of an accelerometer and a gyroscope.

[0206] In addition to the sensors 131 to 137 described above, sensor 13 may also include at least one of a humidity sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a position sensor (GPS), and a proximity sensor. Those skilled in the art can intuitively infer the function of each sensor from its name; therefore, a detailed description is unnecessary.

[0207] The output unit 14 can output information about the status of the aerosol generating device 1 and provide that information to the user. The output unit 14 may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the display 141, the tactile unit 142, and the sound output unit 143. When the display 141 and the touchpad form a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display 141 can also be used as an input device in addition to being an output device.

[0208] Display 141 can visually provide the user with information about the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device 1 can refer to various types of information, such as the charging / discharging status of the power supply 11, the preheating status of the heater 18, the insertion / removal status of the stick S and / or cartridge 19, the installation / removal status of the cap, or the status where the use of the aerosol generating device 1 is restricted (e.g., an abnormal object is detected), and display 141 can output the above information externally. For example, display 141 can be in the form of an LED light-emitting device. For example, display 141 can be a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), etc.

[0209] The tactile unit 142 can provide information about the aerosol generating device 1 to the user in a tactile manner by converting electrical signals into mechanical or electrical stimulation. For example, when the initial power is supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 for a set time, the tactile unit 142 can generate a vibration corresponding to the completion of the initial preheating. The tactile unit 142 may include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0210] The sound output unit 143 can provide users with information about the aerosol generating device 1 through auditory means. For example, the sound output unit 143 can convert an electrical signal into a sound signal and output the sound signal to the outside.

[0211] Power source 11 provides electricity for operating the aerosol generating device 1. Power source 11 supplies power to heat the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. Additionally, power source 11 supplies power required for the operation of other components within the aerosol generating device 1, such as the sensor 13, output unit 14, input unit 15, communication unit 16, and memory 17. Power source 11 can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, power source 11 can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited to this.

[0212] Although not in Figure 18 As shown, the aerosol generating device 1 may also include a power protection circuit. The power protection circuit may be electrically connected to the power supply 11 and may include a switching element.

[0213] The power protection circuit can disconnect the electrical path of power supply 11 according to preset conditions. For example, when the voltage level of power supply 11 is a first voltage corresponding to overcharging or greater, the power protection circuit can disconnect the electrical path of power supply 11. For example, when the voltage level of power supply 11 is less than a second voltage corresponding to over-discharging, the power protection circuit can disconnect the electrical path of power supply 11.

[0214] Heater 18 can be powered by power supply 11 and heats the medium or aerosol-generating substance within rod S. Although Figure 18 As not shown, the aerosol generating apparatus 1 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power from the power source 11 and supplies the converted power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. Additionally, when the aerosol generating apparatus 1 generates aerosol by induction heating, the aerosol generating apparatus 1 may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power from the power source 11 to AC power.

[0215] The control unit 12, sensor 13, output unit 14, input unit 15, communication unit 16, and memory 17 can be powered by the power supply 11 to perform their functions. Although not explicitly stated... Figure 18 As shown, the aerosol generating device 1 may also include a power conversion circuit that converts the power from the power supply 11 and supplies it to the various components, such as a low dropout (LDO) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit. Furthermore, although... Figure 18 Although not shown, a noise filter can be provided between the power supply 11 and the heater 18. The noise filter can be a low-pass filter. The low-pass filter can include at least one inductor and a capacitor. The cutoff frequency of the low-pass filter can correspond to the frequency of the high-frequency switching current applied from the power supply 11 to the heater 18. The low-pass filter can prevent high-frequency noise components from being applied to the sensor 13 (such as the insertion detection sensor 133, etc.).

[0216] In one embodiment, the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 can be formed of any suitable resistive material. For example, suitable resistive materials may be metals or metal alloys including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nickel-chromium alloys, etc., but are not limited thereto. Furthermore, heater 18 may be implemented by a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate on which conductive tracks are arranged, a ceramic heating element, etc., but are not limited thereto.

[0217] In another embodiment, heater 18 may be an induction heating type heater. For example, heater 18 may include an induction heating element that generates heat by a magnetic field applied by a coil to heat the aerosol-generating substance.

[0218] The input unit 15 can receive information input from the 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, but is not limited to, a capacitive touch sensor, a resistive touch sensor, an ultrasonic touch sensor, an infrared touch sensor, etc.

[0219] The display 141 and the touch panel can be implemented as a single panel. For example, the touch panel can be embedded within the display 141 (on-cell type or in-cell type). Alternatively, the touch panel can be attached to the display 141 panel (add-on type).

[0220] On the other hand, the input unit 15 may include buttons, a keypad, a dome switch, a rotary dial, a scroll wheel switch, etc., but is not limited to these.

[0221] The memory 17 can be hardware used to store various data processed within the aerosol generating device 1, and can store data processed by the control unit 12 and data to be processed by the control unit 12. The memory 17 can include at least one type of storage medium selected from flash memory, hard disk, multimedia card microtype, card-type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), magnetic storage, magnetic disk, and optical disk. The memory 17 can store data such as the operating time of the aerosol generating device 1, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and the user's smoking pattern.

[0222] The communication unit 16 may include at least one component for communicating with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 16 may include at least one of a short-range communication unit and a wireless communication unit.

[0223] A short-range wireless communication unit can include, but is not limited to, Bluetooth communication units, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication units, Near Field Communication units, WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication units, Zigbee communication units, Infrared Data Association (IrDA) communication units, Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) communication units, Ultra Wideband (UWB) communication units, Ant+ communication units, etc.

[0224] The wireless communications unit may include, but is not limited to, cellular network communications, internet communications, computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN) communications, etc.

[0225] Although not in Figure 18 As shown, the aerosol generating device 1 may also include a connection interface such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, and can be connected to other external devices through the connection interface such as a USB interface to send and receive information or charge the power supply 11.

[0226] The control unit 12 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1. In one embodiment, the control unit 12 may include at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing programs that can be executed by the microprocessor. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that the processor may be implemented as other forms of hardware.

[0227] The control unit 12 can control the temperature of the heater 18 by controlling the power supply from the power source 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 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. For example, the control unit 12 can determine the target temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 based on the temperature profile stored in the memory 17.

[0228] The aerosol generating device 1 may include a power supply circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the power supply 11 between the power source 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 using a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), a field-effect transistor (FET), or the like. The control unit 12 can control the power supply circuit.

[0229] The control unit 12 can control the power supply by controlling the switching of 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 containing multiple switching elements.

[0230] The control unit 12 can turn on the switching element to supply power 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 regulate 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.

[0231] The control unit 12 can control the voltage output from the power supply 11 by controlling the switching of 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 reduces 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, etc.

[0232] 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 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.

[0233] The control unit 12 can control the power supply of the heater 18 by using at least one of pulse width modulation (PWM) and proportional-integral-differential (PID) methods.

[0234] For example, the control unit 12 can control the current pulses supplied to the heater 18 to have a predetermined frequency and duty cycle using PWM. The control unit 12 can control the power supply to the heater 18 by adjusting the frequency and duty cycle of the current pulses.

[0235] For example, the control unit 12 can determine the target temperature to be controlled based on the temperature curve. The control unit 12 can control the power supply to the heater 18 using a PID method, which is a feedback control method based on the difference between the temperature of the heater 18 and the target temperature, the value obtained by integrating the difference over time, and the value obtained by differentiating the difference over time.

[0236] The control unit 12 can prevent the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 from overheating. For example, if the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 exceeds a preset limit temperature, the control unit 12 can control the operation of the power conversion circuit to stop supplying power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. For example, if the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 exceeds a preset limit temperature, the control unit 12 can reduce the power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 by a predetermined percentage. For example, if the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeds a limit temperature, the control unit 12 can determine that the aerosol generating material contained in the cartridge 19 has been depleted and cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 24.

[0237] The control unit 12 can control the charging and discharging of the power supply 11. The control unit 12 can confirm the temperature of the power supply 11 based on the output signal of the temperature sensor 131.

[0238] When the power line is connected to the battery terminal of the aerosol generating device 1, the control unit 12 can check whether the temperature of the power supply 11 is above a first limit temperature, which is a reference for preventing the power supply 11 from charging. When the temperature of the power supply 11 is below the first limit temperature, the control unit 12 can control the power supply 11 to charge based on a preset charging current. When the temperature of the power supply 11 is above the first limit temperature, the control unit 12 can prevent the power supply 11 from charging.

[0239] When the power supply to the aerosol generating device 1 is turned on, the control unit 12 can check whether the temperature of the power supply 11 is above a second limit temperature, which is a reference temperature to prevent the power supply 11 from discharging. The control unit 12 can control the use of the power stored in the power supply 11 when the temperature of the power supply 11 is below the second limit temperature. When the temperature of the power supply 11 is above the second limit temperature, the control unit 12 can stop using the power stored in the power supply 11.

[0240] The control unit 12 can calculate the remaining capacity of the power stored in the power source 11. For example, the control unit 12 can calculate the remaining capacity of the power source 11 based on the voltage and / or current sensing values ​​of the power source 11.

[0241] The control unit 12 can determine whether the detection rod S is inserted into the insertion space by using the insertion detection sensor 133. The control unit 12 can determine that the rod S is inserted based on the output signal of the insertion detection sensor 133. When the detection rod S is inserted into the insertion space, the control unit 12 can control the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. For example, the control unit 12 can supply power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 based on the temperature profile stored in the memory 17.

[0242] The control unit 12 can determine whether the stick S has been removed from the insertion space. For example, the control unit 12 can determine whether the stick S has been removed from the insertion space by using the insertion detection sensor 133. For example, when the temperature of the heater 18 is above a limit temperature, or when the temperature change gradient of the heater 18 is above a set gradient, the control unit 12 can determine that the stick S has been removed from the insertion space. When it is determined that the stick S has been removed from the insertion space, the control unit 12 can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18.

[0243] The control unit 12 can control the power supply time and / or power supply amount to the heater 18 based on the state of the rod S detected by the sensor 13. The control unit 12 can confirm the level range of the signal level, including that of the capacitive sensor, based on a lookup table. The control unit 12 can determine the amount of moisture in the rod S based on the confirmed level range.

[0244] When the rod S is in an over-wet state, the control unit 12 can control the power supply time to the heater 18 to increase the preheating time of the rod S compared to the normal state.

[0245] The control unit 12 can determine whether the stick S inserted into the insertion space has been reused by the reuse detection sensor 134. For example, the control unit 12 can compare the sensed value of the signal from the reuse detection sensor with a first reference range including the first color, and determine that the stick S has not been used when the sensed value is included in the first reference range. For example, the control unit 12 can compare the sensed value of the signal from the reuse detection sensor 134 with a second reference range including the second color, and determine that the stick S has been used when the sensed value is included in the second reference range. When it is determined that the stick S has been used, the control unit 12 can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18.

[0246] The control unit 12 can determine whether the tobacco cartridge 19 has been attached and / or removed by the cartridge detection sensor 135. For example, the control unit 12 can determine whether the tobacco cartridge 19 has been attached or removed based on the sensing value of the signal from the cartridge detection sensor.

[0247] The control unit 12 can determine whether the aerosol-generating material of the cartridge 19 has been depleted. For example, the control unit 12 can apply electricity to preheat the cartridge heater 24 and / or 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 has been 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 has been depleted, the control unit 12 can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

[0248] The control unit 12 can determine whether the cartridge 19 can be used. For example, if the current number of puffs is greater than or equal to the maximum number of puffs set in the cartridge 19 based on data stored in the memory 17, the control unit 12 can determine that the cartridge 19 cannot be used. For example, if the total heating time of the heater 24 is greater than or equal to the preset maximum time or the total electrical power supplied to the heater 24 is greater than or equal to the preset maximum electrical power, the control unit 12 can determine that the cartridge 19 cannot be used.

[0249] The control unit 12 can determine the user's inhalation through the inhalation sensor 132. For example, the control unit 12 can determine whether an inhalation has occurred based on the sensing value of the signal from the inhalation sensor 132. For example, the control unit 12 can determine the inhalation intensity based on the sensing value of the signal from the inhalation sensor 132. When the number of inhalations reaches the preset maximum number of inhalations, or when no inhalation is detected for a preset time or longer, the control unit 12 can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18.

[0250] The control unit 12 can determine whether the cap has been attached and / or removed by the cap detection sensor 136. For example, the control unit 12 can determine whether the cap has been attached and / or removed based on the sensed value of the signal from the cap detection sensor.

[0251] The control unit 12 can control the output unit 14 based on the detection results of the sensor 13. For example, when the number of puffs counted by the puff sensor 132 reaches a preset number, the control unit 12 can notify the user that the aerosol generating device 1 is about to terminate through at least one of the display 141, the tactile unit 142, and the sound output unit 143. For example, based on the determination that the stick S is not present in the insertion space, the control unit 12 can notify the user through the output unit 14. For example, the control unit 12 can notify the user through the output unit 14 based on the determination that the cartridge 19 and / or the cap are not installed. For example, the control unit 12 can transmit information about the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 to the user through the output unit 14.

[0252] The control unit 12 can store and update the history of events that have occurred in the memory 17 based on the occurrence of preset events. Events may include operations performed in the aerosol generating device 1 such as detecting the insertion of the stick S, starting the heating of the stick S, detecting inhalation, terminating inhalation, detecting overheating of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, detecting overvoltage applied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, terminating the heating of the stick S, powering on / off the aerosol generating device 1, starting the charging of the power supply 11, detecting overcharging of the power supply 11, and stopping the charging of the power supply 11. The event history may include the date and time 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 this event may include data related to the sensing value of the insertion detection sensor 133, etc. For example, when the preset event is the detection of overheating of cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, the log data corresponding to the event may include data about the temperature of cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, the voltage applied to cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, the current flowing through cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, etc.

[0253] The control unit 12 can control the establishment of a communication link with an external device (such as a user's mobile terminal). When authentication data is received from the external device via the communication link, the control unit 12 can remove restrictions on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generating device 1. Here, the authentication data may include data indicating that user authentication for the user corresponding to the external device is complete. The user can perform user authentication through the external device. The external device can determine the validity of user data based on the user's birthday, a unique identifier indicating the user, etc., and receive data regarding the usage rights of the aerosol generating device 1 from an external server. The external device can send data indicating that user authentication is complete to the aerosol generating device 1 based on the data regarding usage rights. When user authentication is complete, the control unit 12 can remove restrictions on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generating device 1. For example, when user authentication is complete, the control unit 12 can remove restrictions on the use of the heating function that supplies power to the heater 18.

[0254] The control unit 12 can transmit data regarding the status of the aerosol generating device 1 to an external device via a communication link. Based on the received status data, the external device can output information such as the remaining capacity of the power supply 11 of the aerosol generating device 1 and its operating mode through its display.

[0255] An external device can transmit a location search request to the aerosol generating device 1 based on an input initiating a location search. When a location search request is received from the external device, the control unit 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 unit 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 end of the search in response to the location search request.

[0256] When firmware data is received from an external device, the control unit 12 can control the execution of a firmware update. The external device can verify the current version of the firmware of the aerosol generating device 1 and determine whether a new firmware version exists. When an input requesting firmware download is received, the external device can receive the new firmware data and transmit the new firmware data to the aerosol generating device 1. When the new firmware data is received, the control unit 12 can control the execution of a firmware update for the aerosol generating device 1.

[0257] The control unit 12 can send data about the sensing 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 sensing values ​​through machine learning such as deep learning from the server. The control unit 12 can perform operations such as determining the user's inhalation pattern and generating a temperature curve by using the learning model received from the server. The control unit 12 can store the sensing value data of at least one sensor 13, data for learning an artificial neural network (ANN), etc., in the memory 17. For example, the memory 17 can store a database about the various components provided in the aerosol generating device 1 for learning an artificial neural network (ANN), as well as the weights and biases constituting the structure of the artificial neural network (ANN). The control unit 12 can generate at least one learning model for determining the user's inhalation pattern and generating a temperature curve by learning the data about the sensing values ​​of at least one sensor 13, the user's inhalation pattern, temperature curve, etc., stored in the memory 17. Any embodiment or other embodiment of the present disclosure described above is not exclusive or different from one another. The constituent elements or functions of some embodiments or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above can be used together or combined.

[0258] For example, this means that configuration A described in a particular embodiment and / or figure and configuration B described in another embodiment and / or figure can be combined with each other. In other words, combinations can be made even if they are not directly described, unless it is stated that such combinations are not feasible.

[0259] The above detailed description should be considered exemplary in all respects and not construed as restrictive. The scope of the invention should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the invention are included within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating apparatus, comprising: The detachable e-cigarette cartridge includes a liquid storage section for storing aerosol-generating substances and a heater for vaporizing the aerosol-generating substances. The battery supplies power to the heater; An electrode component is arranged on one surface of the main body, facing one surface of the cartridge; A capacitive sensor applies a predetermined measurement signal to the electrode component and receives a sensing signal from the electrode component; as well as The processor calculates the capacitance value based on the sensing signal received from the capacitance sensor, and calculates the remaining amount of aerosol-generating material stored in the liquid storage section based on the calculated capacitance value and the temperature compensation value according to the operating conditions of the aerosol generating device.

2. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The processor calculates the capacitance value based on the charging and discharging times for the electrode components.

3. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The temperature compensation value, depending on the usage conditions, is either a first temperature compensation value based on the heating operation of a cigarette heater that heats the aerosol-generating article, or a second temperature compensation value based on the charging of the battery.

4. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, When the capacitance of the electrode component has a temperature-proportional characteristic, the processor calculates the remaining amount of the aerosol-generating substance based on the capacitance value obtained by subtracting the first temperature compensation value or the second temperature compensation value from the calculated capacitance value.

5. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 3 further comprises: A first temperature sensor measures the temperature of the cigarette heater; as well as The second temperature sensor measures the temperature of the battery. The processor calculates the remaining amount of the aerosol-generating substance based on the capacitance value obtained by subtracting the capacitance value of the first temperature value measured by the first temperature sensor and the second temperature value measured by the second temperature sensor from the calculated capacitance value.

6. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 5, comprising: The first coefficient is multiplied by the first temperature value; as well as The second coefficient is multiplied by the second temperature value. The first coefficient reflects the temperature change of the cigarette heater. The second coefficient reflects the temperature change of the battery. The first coefficient is less than the second coefficient.

7. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The processor sets a predetermined difference between the levels of the aerosol-generating substances by reflecting noise caused by external interference and the hysteresis effect of water level changes in the liquid storage section.

8. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: A suction sensor detects the inhalation of vaporized aerosols. The processor counts the number of suctions detected by the suction sensor and calculates the cumulative sum of the counted suctions and the corresponding suction-based margin.

9. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 8, wherein, The processor compares the calculated remaining amount of aerosol-generating material with the remaining amount based on suction, and does not output the calculated remaining amount of aerosol-generating material if the difference between them is above a critical value.

10. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The display outputs icons corresponding to the remaining amount of the aerosol-generating substances. The processor, when the cartridge is installed on the main body, controls the calculation of the remaining amount of aerosol-generating material and outputs an icon corresponding to the calculated remaining amount on the display.

11. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 10, wherein, The display outputs the remaining amount of the aerosol-generating substance using at least four icons corresponding to more / medium / few / none.

12. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The electrode component has an area corresponding to the area of ​​the liquid storage section of the cartridge.

13. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The electrode component is separated from the liquid storage portion of the cartridge by 0.55 mm to 1.55 mm.

14. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The electrode components and the capacitive sensor are connected using a connector that includes a C-clamp.

15. A control method for an aerosol generating device, wherein, Includes the following steps: A predetermined measurement signal is applied to an electrode component, which is arranged on one surface of the main body and faces one surface of a detachable cartridge; The capacitive sensor receives sensing signals from the electrode components; The capacitance value is calculated based on the sensing signal received from the capacitance sensor; as well as The remaining amount of aerosol-generating material stored in the liquid storage section of the cartridge is calculated based on the calculated capacitance value and the temperature compensation value according to the operating conditions of the aerosol generating device.

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