Aerosol-generating device

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device is disclosed. The aerosol-generating device includes: a body providing a longitudinally extending insertion space; and a sensor disposed adjacent to the insertion space to detect an object inserted into the insertion space, the sensor including a sensing electrode and an insulator supporting the sensing electrode, and the insulator having a thickness of 40 [mu] m to 60 [mu] m.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an aerosol generating apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] An aerosol generating device is an apparatus that extracts certain components from a medium or substance by generating aerosols. The medium can contain multi-component substances. The substances contained in the medium can be multi-component flavoring substances. For example, substances contained in the medium may include nicotine components, herbal components, and / or coffee components. Recently, various studies have been conducted on aerosol generating devices.

[0003] Aerosol generating devices use multiple sensors to detect suction, rod insertion, etc. Among them, the sensor used to detect rod insertion is typically a capacitive sensor or an inductive sensor.

[0004] If an over-humidified rod that absorbs moisture is inserted into the device, it cannot heat properly when the device cannot accurately detect it, thus preventing proper aerosol generation. A drawback of conventional aerosol generating devices is their inability to accurately detect over-humidified rods. Furthermore, they cannot accurately distinguish between over-humidified and normal rods. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Technical issues

[0006] The purpose of this disclosure is to address the above and other issues.

[0007] Another object of this disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating apparatus in which an insulator disposed in a capacitive sensor has a thickness within a specific range.

[0008] Another object of this disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating apparatus that detects an object based on the difference between the current values ​​of two electrodes disposed in a capacitive sensor.

[0009] Another object of this disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating apparatus in which a capacitive sensor is configured to correspond to a portion of a rod comprising a humectant.

[0010] Another object of this disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating apparatus in which a capacitive sensor is disposed within an insulating member.

[0011] Technical solution

[0012] According to this disclosure, the above and other objectives can be achieved by providing an aerosol generating apparatus comprising: a body providing a longitudinally extending insertion space; and a sensor disposed adjacent to the insertion space to detect an object inserted into the insertion space, wherein the sensor includes a sensing electrode and an insulator supporting the sensing electrode, wherein the thickness of the insulator is 40 μm to 60 μm.

[0013] Technical effect

[0014] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the insulator disposed in the capacitive sensor may have a thickness within a specific range, thereby minimizing interference between electrodes disposed in the sensor and accurately distinguishing between over-wet rods and normal rods.

[0015] According to at least one embodiment of this disclosure, the accuracy of rod sensing can be improved by detecting an object based on the difference between the current values ​​of two electrodes disposed in a capacitive sensor.

[0016] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a capacitive sensor can be configured to correspond to a portion of a bar containing a humidifier, thereby enabling accurate detection of an overly wet bar.

[0017] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a capacitive sensor can be configured to be disposed within an insulating member, thereby enabling the elimination of sensing noise caused by the external environment.

[0018] Additional applications of this disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description. However, since those skilled in the art will clearly understand the various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of this disclosure, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific implementations (e.g., preferred embodiments of this disclosure) are given by way of example only. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 2 and Figure 3 This is a view showing an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a front perspective view of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 5 A bar is shown according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 6This is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from one side.

[0024] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from above.

[0025] Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing the heater and sensor of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 9 This is a view showing the sensor of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating rod insertion detection and type identification control of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figures 11 to 13 It is a graph showing the sensing results of the over-wet rod of the insulator thickness of the sensor of the aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Even if the same or similar elements are depicted in different drawings, they are indicated by the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions will be omitted. In the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to refer to similar or related elements.

[0030] In the following description, the suffixes “module” and “unit” are used for ease of explanation only and do not have a distinguishing meaning or function. As used herein, the suffixes “module” or “unit” can include units implemented in hardware, software, or firmware and can be used interchangeably with other terms such as “logic,” “logic block,” “part,” or “circuit.” A “module” or “unit” can be a single integral component or its smallest unit or part suitable for performing one or more functions. For example, a “module” or “unit” can be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0031] Furthermore, in the following description of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, detailed descriptions of known functions and configurations incorporated herein will be omitted where such descriptions might make the subject matter of the embodiments considerably unclear. Moreover, the accompanying drawings are provided only for a better understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification and are not intended to limit the technical ideas disclosed herein. Therefore, it should be understood that the drawings include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions within the scope and spirit of this disclosure.

[0032] It should be understood that although the terms "first," "second," etc., may be used in this document to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another.

[0033] It should be understood that when a component is referred to as "connected to" or "attached to" another component, it can be directly connected to or attached to the other component, or there may be intermediate components. On the other hand, when a component is referred to as "directly connected to" or "directly attached to" another component, there are no intermediate components.

[0034] As used in this article, the singular form is also intended to include the plural form, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0035] The embodiments described herein can be implemented as software comprising one or more instructions stored in a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., memory 17). For example, a processor (e.g., controller 12) of the machine (e.g., aerosol generating apparatus 1) can invoke at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium and can execute the instructions. This allows the machine to be operated to perform at least one function according to the invoked at least one instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, the term "non-transitory" simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not include signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), but the term does not distinguish between data that is semi-permanently stored in the storage medium and data that is temporarily stored in the storage medium.

[0036] In this disclosure, the orientation of the aerosol generating device 1 can be defined based on an orthogonal coordinate system. In the orthogonal coordinate system, the x-axis direction can be defined as the left-right direction of the aerosol generating device 1. The y-axis direction can be defined as the front-back direction of the aerosol generating device 1. The z-axis direction can be defined as the up-down direction of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0037] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 1 may include a power supply 11, a controller 12, a sensor unit 13, an output unit 14, an input unit 15, a communication unit 16, a memory 17, and / or heaters 18 and 24. However, the components included in the aerosol generating device 1 are not limited to those described above. Figure 1 The constituent elements shown. That is, those skilled in the art related to this embodiment will understand that, according to the design of the aerosol generating apparatus 1, certain components can be omitted. Figure 1Some of the components shown, or may further include new components.

[0039] According to one embodiment, sensor unit 13 can detect the state of aerosol generating device 1 or the state around aerosol generating device 1, and can send the detected information to controller 12. For example, sensor unit 13 may include a temperature sensor, a suction sensor, an insertion detection sensor, a reuse detection sensor, an over-wet state detection sensor, a cigarette identification sensor, a cartridge detection sensor, a cap detection sensor, and / or a movement detection sensor. Furthermore, sensor unit 13 may further include various sensors, such as a liquid residue sensor for detecting the amount of liquid remaining in the cartridge and an immersion sensor for detecting immersion of aerosol generating device 1.

[0040] According to one embodiment, a temperature sensor can detect the temperature to which heaters 18 and 24 are heated. The aerosol generating apparatus 1 may include separate temperature sensors for detecting the temperatures of heaters 18 and 24, or heaters 18 and 24 themselves may function as temperature sensors. In one example, the temperature sensor may be used to measure the impedance of heater 18. The impedance of heater 18 may be correlated with the temperature of heater 18. The temperature sensor can measure the current and / or voltage applied to heater 18 (or induction coil). The impedance of heater 18 may be obtained based on the measured current and / or voltage. Controller 12 may estimate the temperature of heater 18 based on the obtained impedance.

[0041] In one example, the temperature sensor may include a resistive element (e.g., a thermistor) whose resistance value changes in response to changes in the temperature of heaters 18 and 24. The temperature sensor may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistive element, and the controller 12 may determine the temperature of heaters 18 and 24 and / or changes in the temperature of heaters 18 and 24 based on the signal corresponding to the resistance value.

[0042] In another example, the temperature sensor may include a sensor that detects the resistance values ​​of heaters 18 and 24. The temperature sensor may output a signal corresponding to the resistance values ​​of heaters 18 and 24, and the controller 12 may determine the temperature of heaters 18 and 24 and / or the temperature changes of heaters 18 and 24 based on the signal corresponding to the resistance values.

[0043] According to one embodiment, a temperature sensor can detect the temperature of the power supply 11. The temperature sensor can be disposed adjacent to the power supply 11. For example, the temperature sensor can be attached to a surface of the power supply 11 (e.g., a battery) and / or can be mounted on a surface of a printed circuit board. In one example, the aerosol generating device 1 may include a power protection circuit module (PCM), and the temperature sensor may be disposed adjacent to the power supply 11 together with the power protection circuit module.

[0044] According to one embodiment, a temperature sensor may be disposed in the housing (not shown) of the aerosol generating device 1 to detect the internal temperature of the housing (not shown).

[0045] According to one implementation, the suction sensor can detect the user's suction.

[0046] In one example, the suction sensor may include a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor may output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device 1, and the controller 12 may determine the user's suction based on the signal corresponding to the internal pressure. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device 1 may correspond to the pressure of the gas flow path through which the gas flows. The suction sensor may be configured to correspond to the gas flow path through which the gas flows in the aerosol generating device 1.

[0047] In another example, the suction sensor may include a temperature sensor. When a user suction occurs, a temporary temperature drop may occur in the airflow path, the space where the aerosol-generating article is inserted (hereinafter referred to as the "insertion space"), and heaters 18 and 24. Controller 12 may determine the user suction based on a signal corresponding to the temperature of the airflow path output from the temperature sensor.

[0048] In another example, the suction sensor may include both a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor. In this case, the temperature sensor can measure the temperature used to calibrate the internal pressure measured by the pressure sensor. In one example, the suction sensor can calibrate a signal corresponding to the internal pressure based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and can output the calibrated signal. In another example, the suction sensor can output a signal corresponding to the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and a signal corresponding to the internal pressure measured by the suction sensor. In this case, the controller 12 can receive the signals and can calibrate the signal corresponding to the internal pressure based on the signal corresponding to the temperature.

[0049] In another example, the suction sensor may include a capacitive sensor. A capacitive sensor may also be referred to as a cap sensor or a capacitive sensor. When a user suction occurs, a temperature change may occur in the aerosol-generating article and / or aerosol flow in the insertion space, and correspondingly, the dielectric constant in the insertion space may change. The controller 12 may determine the user suction based on a signal output from the capacitive sensor corresponding to the dielectric constant in the insertion space.

[0050] The suction sensor is not limited to the examples above, and can be implemented as various sensors for detecting a user's suction.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the insertion detection sensor can detect the insertion and / or removal of aerosol-generating articles. The insertion detection sensor can be mounted near the insertion space. Furthermore, the insertion detection sensor can include any combination of the examples described above.

[0052] In one example, the insertion detection sensor may include a capacitance sensor. The capacitance sensor may include at least one conductor, and the at least one conductor may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space. The capacitance around the conductor may change when the aerosol-generated article is inserted into or removed from the insertion space. The controller 12 may determine the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generated article based on a signal output from the capacitance sensor corresponding to the dielectric constant of the insertion space.

[0053] In another example, the insertion detection sensor may include an inductive sensor. The inductive sensor may include at least one coil, which may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space. If the aerosol-generating article (e.g., an envelope of the aerosol-generating article) comprises a conductor, a change in the magnetic field can occur around the coil through which current flows when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into or removed from the insertion space. The controller 12 may determine the insertion and / or removal of the conductor-containing aerosol-generating article based on the characteristics of the current output from or detected by the inductive sensor (e.g., AC frequency, current value, voltage value, inductance value, and impedance value). Alternatively, a receiver such as a sink or a dielectric portion of the aerosol-generating article may be included within the aerosol-generating article (e.g., a dielectric portion of the aerosol-generating article). In this case, a change in the magnetic field can also occur around the coil based on the insertion or removal of the sink or the like into the insertion space, and the controller 12 may determine the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article based on the characteristics of the current from the inductive sensor.

[0054] The insertion detection sensor is not limited to the examples described above and can be implemented as various sensors (e.g., proximity sensors) for detecting the insertion and / or removal of aerosol-generating articles. Furthermore, the insertion detection sensor can include any combination of the examples described above. According to one embodiment, the insertion detection sensor can include a switch, etc., for detecting the pressing of an aerosol-generating article.

[0055] According to one embodiment, a reuse detection sensor can detect whether an aerosol-generating article has been reused. In one example, the reuse detection sensor can be a color sensor for detecting the color of the aerosol-generating article. If a user uses the aerosol-generating article, a portion of the package may change color due to the generated aerosol or heating. The color sensor can output a signal corresponding to the optical properties (e.g., wavelength of light) of the color of the package based on light reflected from the package. When a color change in a portion of the package is detected, the controller 12 can determine that the aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space has been used.

[0056] According to one embodiment, an over-humidity detection sensor can detect whether an aerosol-generating article is in an over-humidity state. For example, the over-humidity detection sensor may include a capacitive sensor. The capacitive sensor may include at least one conductor disposed adjacent to the insertion space. The controller 12 can determine whether the aerosol-generating article is in an over-humidity state based on the level of a signal output from the capacitive sensor corresponding to a dielectric constant, etc. In one example, the controller 12 can check a lookup table to see if the signal level falls within a certain range, and can determine the moisture content of the aerosol-generating article based on the checked range of levels.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the cigarette identification sensor can detect whether the aerosol-generating article is authentic and / or can detect the type of aerosol-generating article.

[0058] In one example, the cigarette identification sensor may include an optical sensor for detecting identification material (or identification markings) located on the outer surface (e.g., packaging) of the aerosol-generating article. The optical sensor may emit light toward the identification material (or identification markings) of the aerosol-generating article and may detect whether the aerosol-generating article is authentic and / or the type of aerosol-generating article based on the reflected light. For example, the identification material may include a material that emits light of a specific wavelength band based on light emitted toward it (i.e., a luminescent material). The controller 12 may determine whether the aerosol-generating article is authentic and / or the type of aerosol-generating article based on the wavelength range.

[0059] In another example, the cigarette identification sensor may include a capacitive sensor. The dielectric constant of the insertion space may vary depending on the type of aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space. The controller 12 may determine whether the aerosol-generating article is real and / or can determine the type of aerosol-generating article based on a signal output from the capacitive sensor that corresponds to the dielectric constant of the insertion space.

[0060] In another example, the cigarette identification sensor may include an inductive sensor. If the conductor is included in the enclosure and / or interior (e.g., dielectric portion) of the aerosol generating article inserted into the insertion space, the characteristics of the current detected by the inductive sensor (e.g., AC frequency, current value, voltage value, inductance value, and impedance value) when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the insertion space can vary depending on the type of aerosol generating article inserted into the insertion space. The controller 12 can determine whether the inserted aerosol generating article is genuine and / or can determine the type of inserted aerosol generating article based on the characteristics of the current output from or detected by the inductive sensor.

[0061] Cigarette recognition sensors are not limited to the examples described above, and can be implemented as various sensors for detecting whether an aerosol-generating article is authentic and / or for detecting the type of aerosol-generating article. Furthermore, cigarette recognition sensors can include any combination of the examples described above.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the barrel detection sensor can detect the installation and / or removal of the barrel. For example, the barrel detection sensor may include an inductive sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, a Hall sensor (Hall IC), and / or an optical sensor.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the cap detection sensor can detect the installation and / or removal of a cap. For example, the cap detection sensor may include an inductive sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, a contact sensor, a Hall sensor (Hall IC), and / or an optical sensor. The cap may cover at least a portion of the barrel installed or inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, or may cover at least a portion of the housing of the aerosol generating device 1. When the cap is installed in or removed from the housing, the cap detection sensor can output a signal corresponding to the installation or removal, and the controller 12 can determine the installation or removal of the cap based on the signal corresponding to the installation or removal.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the motion detection sensor can detect the movement of the aerosol generating device 1. The motion detection sensor can be implemented as at least one of an accelerometer or a gyroscope.

[0065] According to one embodiment, in addition to the sensors described above, sensor unit 13 may also include at least one of a humidity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a position sensor (Global Positioning System (GPS)), or a proximity sensor. Those skilled in the art can intuitively infer the function of the sensors from their names, therefore a detailed description can be omitted.

[0066] According to one embodiment, output unit 14 can output information about the status of aerosol generating apparatus 1 to provide it to a user. Output unit 14 may include, but is not limited to, a display, a tactile unit, and / or a sound output unit. For example, information about aerosol generating apparatus 1 may include the charging / discharging status of the power supply 11 of aerosol generating apparatus 1, the preheating status of heaters 18 and 24, the insertion / removal status of aerosol generating articles and / or barrels, the installation / removal status of caps, or the status of limited use of aerosol generating apparatus 1 (e.g., detection of abnormal objects). The display can visually provide the user with information about the status of aerosol generating apparatus 1. For example, the display may include light-emitting diodes (LEDs), liquid crystal display panels (LCDs), and organic light-emitting diode panels (OLEDs). If the display includes a touchpad, the display may also serve as input unit 15. The tactile unit can tactilely provide the user with information about aerosol generating apparatus 1. For example, the tactile unit may include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, and an electrical stimulation device. The sound output unit can audibly provide the user with information about aerosol generating apparatus 1. For example, a sound output unit can convert electrical signals into acoustic signals and output the acoustic signals to the outside.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the power source 11 can supply power for the operation of the aerosol generating apparatus 1. The power source 11 may include one or more batteries. The power source 11 can provide power to heat heaters 18 and 24. Additionally, the power source 11 can supply power required for the operation of other components included in the aerosol generating apparatus 1, such as the controller 12, sensor unit 13, output unit 14, input unit 15, communication unit 16, and memory 17. The power source 11 can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the power source 11 can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto. The power source 11 can be a replaceable (detachable) battery (hereinafter referred to as a "removable battery"). The removable battery can be installed in a battery housing provided in the aerosol generating apparatus 1, or can be removed from the battery housing. The removable battery can be charged via wired and / or wireless means.

[0068] According to one embodiment, heaters 18 and 24 can receive power from power source 11 to heat the aerosol-generating article (e.g., cigarette) and / or medium and / or aerosol-generating substance in the barrel. The aerosol-generating apparatus 1 may include heater 18 for heating the aerosol-generating article and / or barrel heater 24 for heating the barrel (i.e., solid and / or liquid medium).

[0069] According to one embodiment, heaters 18 and 24 may be resistance heaters. For example, resistance heaters may comprise resistive materials such as metals or metal alloys, including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, and nickel-chromium alloys. Resistance heaters may be implemented as metal wires, metal plates with conductive tracks, or ceramic heating elements.

[0070] According to one embodiment, heaters 18 and 24 may be induction heaters. For example, an induction heater may include a receiver that generates heat via a magnetic field. The magnetic field may be generated by passing an alternating current through an induction coil. The magnetic field may pass through the heater and may generate eddy currents in the receiver. The receiver may be heated based on the generation of eddy currents. According to one embodiment, the receiver may be included inside the aerosol generating article (e.g., the medium section). In this case, the receiver included inside the aerosol generating article may be heated by an induction coil.

[0071] Heaters 18 and 24 are not limited to the examples described above, and may include or be replaced by various heating methods, structures, and components for heating aerosol-generating articles and / or barrels.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the input unit 15 can receive information input from a user. For example, the input unit 15 may include a touch panel, a button, a keyboard, a dome switch, a micro wheel, and a micro switch.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the memory 17 can be hardware that stores various data processed in the aerosol generating apparatus 1. The memory 17 can store data processed and pending processing by the controller 12. For example, the memory 17 can include at least one type of storage medium selected from flash memory, hard disk memory, multimedia card micro-type memory, 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. For example, the memory 17 can store data regarding the operating time of the aerosol generating apparatus 1, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and the user's smoking pattern.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the communication unit 16 may include at least one component for communicating with other electronic devices (e.g., portable electronic devices). For example, the communication unit 16 may include a Bluetooth communication unit, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication unit, a near-field communication unit, a wireless local area network (WLAN) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an Infrared Data Association (IrDA) communication unit, a Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) communication unit, an ultra-wideband (UWB) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, a cellular network communication unit, an internet communication unit, and a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN) communication unit.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the controller 12 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the controller 12 may include at least one processor. The controller 12 may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or it may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microcontroller unit (MCU) (or microprocessor) and memory, wherein a program executable by the MCU is stored. Those skilled in the art will understand that the controller may also be implemented as other forms of hardware.

[0076] According to one embodiment, controller 12 can control the power supply from power source 11 to heaters 18 and 24 to control the temperature of heaters 18 and 24. Controller 12 can control the temperature of heaters 18 and 24 and / or the power supplied to heaters 18 and 24 based on the temperature of heaters 18 and 24 detected by temperature sensors (e.g., sensor unit 13). Controller 12 can also control the temperature of heaters 18 and 24 and / or the power supplied to heaters 18 and 24 based on temperature profiles and / or power profiles stored in memory 17.

[0077] According to one embodiment, controller 12 can control a power conversion circuit (not shown) electrically connected to heaters 18 and 24 and power supply 11 to control the power (e.g., voltage and / or current) supplied to heaters 18 and 24. For example, the power conversion circuit may include a DC / DC converter (e.g., buck converter, buck-boost converter, boost converter, or Zener diode) that converts the power to be supplied to heaters 18 and 24 and a DC / AC converter (e.g., inverter) that converts the power to be supplied to an induction coil (not shown). The DC / AC converter may be implemented as a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit including multiple switching elements. For example, the power conversion circuit may include at least one switching element, such as a bipolar junction transistor (BJT) or a field-effect transistor (FET).

[0078] According to one embodiment, controller 12 can control the frequency and / or duty cycle of current pulses input to at least one switching element of a power conversion circuit (not shown) to control the current and / or voltage supplied to heaters 18 and 24. The duty cycle for 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.

[0079] According to one embodiment, controller 12 can use at least one of pulse width modulation (PWM) scheme or proportional-integral-derivative (PID) scheme to control the power supplied to heaters 18 and 24. For example, controller 12 can use the PWM scheme to perform control such that current pulses with a predetermined frequency and a predetermined duty cycle are supplied to heaters 18 and 24. Controller 12 can control the frequency and duty cycle of the current pulses to control the power supplied to heaters 18 and 24. For example, controller 12 can determine the target temperature to be controlled based on a temperature profile. Controller 12 can use a PID scheme to control the power supplied to heaters 18 and 24, which is a feedback control scheme that uses the difference between the temperature of heater 18 and the target temperature, a value obtained by integrating the difference with respect to time, and a value obtained by differentiating the difference with respect to time.

[0080] According to one embodiment, controller 12 can determine the target power to be controlled based on a power curve. Controller 12 can control the power supplied to heaters 18 and 24 to correspond to a preset target power over time.

[0081] According to one embodiment, controller 12 can detect the power supplied to heaters 18 and 24 to determine user suction. More specifically, controller 12 can use a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) scheme to control the power supplied to heaters 18 and 24. When user suction occurs, a temporary temperature drop can occur in the space where the aerosol-generating article is inserted (hereinafter referred to as the insertion space) and in heaters 18 and 24. Therefore, during power control using the PID scheme, the power (or current) supplied to heaters 18 and 24 can change. Controller 12 can determine user suction based on the change in the controlled power.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the controller 12 can prevent heaters 18 and 24 from overheating. For example, the controller 12 can control the operation of the power conversion circuit based on the temperature of heaters 18 and 24 exceeding a preset limit temperature, such that the amount of power supplied to heaters 18 and 24 is reduced or the power supply to heaters 18 and 24 is interrupted.

[0083] According to one embodiment, controller 12 can control the charging / discharging of power supply 11. For example, controller 12 can use a temperature sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13) to check the temperature of power supply 11. If the temperature of power supply 11 is equal to or higher than a first limit temperature, controller 12 can interrupt the charging of power supply 11. If the temperature of power supply 11 is equal to or higher than a second limit temperature, controller 12 can interrupt the use of the power stored in power supply 11 (e.g., discharge). Controller 12 can calculate the remaining amount of power stored in power supply 11. For example, controller 12 can calculate the remaining capacity of power supply 11 based on the voltage and / or current detection values ​​of power supply 11.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the controller 12 can control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 based on the detection results of the sensor unit 13.

[0085] According to one embodiment, controller 12 can control the power supply to heaters 18 and 24 based on the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generation article into the insertion space. For example, when it is determined using an insertion detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13) that the aerosol generation article has been inserted into the insertion space, controller 12 can perform control such that power is supplied to heaters 18 and 24. When it is determined using an insertion detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13) that the aerosol generation article has been removed from the insertion space, controller 12 can interrupt the power supply to heaters 18 and 24. When the temperature of heaters 18 and 24 is equal to or higher than a limit temperature, or when the slope of the temperature change of heaters 18 and 24 is equal to or greater than a preset slope, controller 12 can determine that the aerosol generation article has been removed from the insertion space.

[0086] According to one embodiment, controller 12 can control the power supply time and / or power to heaters 18 and 24 based on the state of the aerosol-generating article. For example, when it is determined that the aerosol-generating article is in an over-humid state using an over-humidity state detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13), controller 12 can increase the time for powering heaters 18 and 24 (e.g., preheating time).

[0087] According to one embodiment, controller 12 can control the power supply to heaters 18 and 24 based on whether the aerosol-generating article is reused. For example, when it is determined that the aerosol-generating article has been used, controller 12 can interrupt the power supply to heaters 18 and 24.

[0088] According to one implementation, controller 12 can control the power supply to heaters 18 and 24 based on whether the barrel has been connected and / or removed. For example, when it is determined using a barrel detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13) that the barrel has been removed, controller 12 can interrupt the power supply to heaters 18 or 24, or can perform control such that no power is supplied to heaters 18 or 24.

[0089] According to one embodiment, controller 12 can control the power supply to heaters 18 and 24 based on whether the aerosol-generating material in the barrel has been depleted. For example, controller 12 can determine that the aerosol-generating material in the barrel has been depleted when it is determined that the temperature of heaters 18 and 24 exceeds a limit temperature during the preheating period (i.e., in the preheating section). Upon determining that the aerosol-generating material in the barrel has been depleted, controller 12 can interrupt the power supply to heaters 18 and 24.

[0090] According to one embodiment, the controller 12 can control the power supply to heaters 18 and 24 based on whether the hopper can be used. For example, if the controller 12 determines that the current number of suctions is equal to or greater than the maximum number of suctions set for the hopper based on data stored in the memory 17, the controller 12 can determine that the hopper cannot be used. Alternatively, the controller 12 can determine that the hopper cannot be used when the total heating time of heaters 18 and 24 is equal to or longer than a preset maximum time period, or when the total electrical power supplied to heaters 18 and 24 is equal to or greater than a preset maximum electrical power. In this case, the controller 12 can interrupt the power supply to heaters 18 or 24, or can control the power supply to heaters 18 or 24 to prevent power from being supplied.

[0091] According to one embodiment, controller 12 can control the power supply to heaters 18 and 24 based on user suction. For example, controller 12 can use a suction sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13) to determine whether suction occurs and / or the intensity of suction. When the number of suctions reaches a preset maximum number of suctions and / or when no suction is detected for a preset time period or longer, controller 12 can interrupt the power supply to heaters 18 and 24. When suction is detected, controller 12 can control the power supply to heaters 18 and 24.

[0092] According to one embodiment, controller 12 can control the power supply to heaters 18 and 24 based on whether the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is real and / or the type of the aerosol generating article (or cartridge). For example, controller 12 can use a cigarette recognition sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13) to determine whether the aerosol generating article is real and / or to determine the type of the aerosol generating article. In one example, if it is determined that the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is not real, controller 12 can interrupt the power supply to heaters 18 and 24. If it is determined that the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is real, controller 12 can control (e.g., start) the power supply to heaters 18 and 24. In another example, controller 12 can control the power supply to heaters 18 and 24 differently depending on the type of aerosol generating article (or cartridge). More specifically, when it is determined that the aerosol generating article (or cylinder) is the first aerosol generating article (or first cylinder), the controller 12 may control the temperature and / or power of the heaters 18 and 24 based on a first temperature curve (or first power curve), and when it is determined that the aerosol generating article (or cylinder) is the second aerosol generating article (or second cylinder), the controller 12 may control the temperature and / or power of the heaters 18 and 24 based on a second temperature curve (or second power curve).

[0093] According to one embodiment, the controller 12 can control the output unit 14 based on the detection results of the sensor unit 13. For example, when the number of suctions counted using the suction sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13) reaches a preset number, the controller 12 can control the output unit 14 to provide information visually, tactilely, and / or audibly that the operation of the aerosol generating device 1 will soon end. For example, the controller 12 can control the output unit 14 to provide information visually, tactilely, and / or audibly about the temperatures of the heaters 18 and 24.

[0094] According to one embodiment, based on the occurrence of a predetermined event, the controller 12 can store the history of the corresponding event in the memory 17 and can update the history. For example, the event may include events performed in the aerosol generating apparatus 1, such as detecting the insertion of an aerosol generating article, starting heating of the aerosol generating article, detecting suction, terminating suction, detecting overheating of heaters 18 and 24, detecting overvoltage applied to heaters 18 and 24, terminating heating of the aerosol generating article, switching on / off operation of the aerosol generating apparatus 1, starting charging of the power supply 11, detecting overcharging of the power supply 11, and terminating charging of the power supply 11. For example, the event history may include the date and time of the event and log data corresponding to the event. For example, when the predetermined event is the detection of the insertion of an aerosol generating article, the log data corresponding to the event may include data about the value detected by the insertion detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13). For example, when a predetermined event is the detection of overheating of heaters 18 and 24, the log data corresponding to the event may include data about the temperature of heaters 18 and 24, the voltage applied to heaters 18 and 24, and the current flowing through heaters 18 and 24.

[0095] According to one implementation, the controller 12 can control the communication unit 16 to form a communication link with an external device such as a user's mobile terminal.

[0096] According to one embodiment, when receiving authentication data from an external device via a communication link, the controller 12 can remove restrictions on the use of at least one function (e.g., heating function) of the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the authentication data may include the user's birthday, a unique identifier for the user, and whether the user has completed authentication.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the controller 12 can transmit data regarding the status of the aerosol generating apparatus 1 (e.g., the remaining capacity and operating mode of the power supply 11) to an external device via a communication link. The transmitted data can be output through a display or the like on the external device.

[0098] According to one embodiment, when a request to search for the location of the aerosol generating device 1 is received from an external device via a communication link, the controller 12 can control the output unit 14 to perform an operation corresponding to the location search. For example, the controller 12 can perform control to cause the haptic unit to vibrate, or the display to output an object corresponding to the location search and the termination of the search.

[0099] According to one implementation, when receiving firmware data from an external device via a communication link, the controller 12 can perform a firmware update.

[0100] According to one embodiment, controller 12 can transmit data about values ​​detected by at least one sensor unit 13 to an external server (not shown) via a communication link, and can receive and store a learning model generated by learning the detected values ​​through machine learning such as deep learning from the server. Controller 12 can perform operations to determine the user's suction pattern and to generate a temperature profile using the learning model received from the server.

[0101] Although Figure 1 Although not shown, the aerosol generating device 1 may also include a power protection circuit. The power protection circuit may include at least one switching element and may block the electrical path to the power supply 11 in response to overcharging and / or over-discharging. The aerosol generating device 1 may further include a connection interface (such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface) and may be connected to other external devices to send and receive information or charge the power supply 11.

[0102] The aerosol generating article mentioned in this disclosure may include at least one aerosol generating rod (e.g., a medium section) and at least one filter rod. The heater 18 may be configured to correspond to at least one aerosol generating rod and may be designed differently depending on the arrangement order and / or position of the aerosol generating rod and the filter rod. The aerosol generating rod may contain at least one of nicotine, aerosol generating material, and additives. For example, the aerosol generating material may include glycerol (e.g., vegetable glycerol (VG)) and / or propylene glycol (PG), and may also include various other substances. For example, the additives may include flavoring agents and / or organic acids, and may also include various other substances. For example, the aerosol generating rod may include an aerosol generating matrix (e.g., a sheet) impregnated with liquid non-tobacco substances (e.g., aerosol generating material and / or nicotine) and / or may contain solid tobacco materials (e.g., tobacco leaves and reconstituted tobacco). The tobacco materials may be contained in the aerosol generating rod in various forms, such as shredded tobacco, granules, and powder. According to one embodiment, the additives in the aerosol generating rod may include alkaline substances. Based on the alkaline substance, the nicotine contained in the tobacco material in the aerosol generating rod can have an alkaline pH (e.g., pH 7.0 or higher). In this case, free alkaline nicotine can be released from the aerosol generating rod even at low temperatures. According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating rod may include two or more aerosol generating rods, each of which may contain tobacco material and / or non-tobacco material. Meanwhile, although not shown, at least one aerosol generating rod and at least one filter rod may be individually and / or integrally wrapped by at least one wrapping material. In this disclosure, the aerosol generating article may be referred to as a rod.

[0103] The cartridge mentioned in this disclosure may contain an aerosol-generating substance in any of the following states: liquid, solid, gaseous, and gel. The aerosol-generating substance may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing tobacco-containing substances with volatile tobacco flavor components, or it may be a liquid containing non-tobacco substances. The cartridge may also include a storage portion for containing the aerosol-generating substance and / or a liquid delivery portion impregnated with (containing) the aerosol-generating substance. For example, the liquid delivery portion may include a core formed of, for example, cotton fibers, ceramic fibers, glass fibers, or porous ceramics. The cartridge heater 24 may be included in the cartridge as a coil-like structure surrounding (or winding) the liquid delivery portion or as a structure contacting one side of the liquid delivery portion. Alternatively, the cartridge heater 24 may be included in the aerosol-generating apparatus 1 and may be removed from the cartridge.

[0104] Figure 2 and Figure 3 This is a view showing an aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0105] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 1 may include a housing 10, a power supply 11, a controller 12, a sensor unit 13, and / or heaters 182 and 183 (e.g., Figure 1 (The heater 18 in the middle). However, those skilled in the art related to this embodiment will understand that the components included in the aerosol generating apparatus 1 are not limited to... Figure 2 or Figure 3 The components shown may be omitted or new components may be included. Figure 2 The aerosol generating device 1 shown can be referred to as an "internal heating type" aerosol generating device that heats the inside of the aerosol generating product 2. Figure 3 The aerosol generating apparatus 1 shown can be referred to as an "externally heated" aerosol generating apparatus that heats the outside of the aerosol generating article 2. In the following figures, details related to... Figure 1 The configuration shown is the same as the description of the configuration.

[0106] According to one embodiment, the housing 10 may provide an upwardly opening space to allow insertion of the aerosol generating article 2. In this disclosure, the upwardly opening space may be referred to as an insertion space. The insertion space may be formed to be recessed in the housing 10 to a predetermined depth, such that at least a portion of the aerosol generating article 2 can be inserted therein. The depth of the insertion space may be equal to or greater than the length of the region of the aerosol generating article 2 containing the aerosol generating substance and / or medium. The lower end of the aerosol generating article 2 may be inserted into the housing 10, and the upper end of the aerosol generating article 2 may protrude beyond the housing 10. A user can inhale the aerosol while holding the externally exposed upper end of the aerosol generating article 2 in their mouth.

[0107] According to one embodiment, heaters 182 and 183 can heat the aerosol-generated article 2.

[0108] Reference Figure 2 Heater 182 can be an internal heating type heater.

[0109] According to one embodiment, the internally heated heater can extend upward within the space (i.e., the insertion space) in which the aerosol generating article 2 is inserted. For example, as shown in the figures, the internally heated heater can include a rod-shaped or needle-shaped heating element. Alternatively, the internally heated heater can include various other heating elements, such as tubular or plate-shaped heating elements. The internally heated heater can be inserted through the lower part of the aerosol generating article 2.

[0110] According to one embodiment, an internally heated heater may include a resistance heater and / or an induction heater.

[0111] For example, a resistance heater may include a resistive material disposed on its inner side (e.g., in a chamber or on an inner surface) or outer side (e.g., on an outer surface), and may generate heat when an electric current flows through the resistive material. In this case, the resistance heater may be electrically connected to a power source 11, and may directly generate heat using the current received from the power source 11. Meanwhile, the induction coil 181 may be omitted.

[0112] For example, in the case of an induction heater, the aerosol generating device 1 may include an induction coil 181 surrounding at least a portion of an internally heated heater (e.g., disposed outside the heater to correspond to the length of at least a portion of the heater). In this case, to improve the efficiency of induction heating, a flux concentrator may be further disposed outside the induction coil 181. The induction heater may include a receiver and may generate heat based on the magnetic field generated by the induction coil 181. According to one embodiment, the induction heater (e.g., the receiver) (or the heater module including it) may be configured to be removable from the housing 10.

[0113] According to one embodiment, heater 182 can be multiple heaters. The multiple heaters may include a first heater and a second heater, and can be inserted into the aerosol generating article 2. The first and second heaters may be arranged side-by-side in the longitudinal direction. The first and second heaters may operate as resistance heaters and / or induction heaters, and may be heated sequentially or simultaneously. In this case, the first and second heaters may be respectively positioned at locations corresponding to the longitudinal positions of two or more aerosol generating rods. Alternatively, the first and second heaters may be respectively positioned at locations corresponding to the longitudinal positions of a first portion and a second portion of an aerosol generating rod. Meanwhile, if heater 182 is an induction heater, the aerosol generating device 1 may include a first induction coil and a second induction coil, and the first and second induction coils may be respectively positioned at locations corresponding to the longitudinal positions of the first and second heaters. Alternatively, the first and second heaters may be respectively positioned at locations corresponding to the longitudinal positions of a first portion and a second portion of a heater 182. Furthermore, three or more heaters and / or three or more induction coils may be included.

[0114] According to one embodiment, the receiver may be disposed on (or included therein) the inner side (e.g., the middle portion) of the aerosol generating article 2. The receiver included in the aerosol generating article 2 may be implemented to be heated based on a magnetic field generated by the induction coil 181.

[0115] Reference Figure 3 Heater 183 can be an external heating type heater.

[0116] According to one embodiment, an externally heated heater may extend upward around the space (i.e., the insertion space) in which the aerosol generating article 2 is inserted. For example, the externally heated heater may be configured to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. In one example, the externally heated heater may include a tubular shape (e.g., cylindrical) comprising a chamber formed therein. Alternatively, the externally heated heater may include a shape having a chamber formed therein and surrounding the chamber. In this case, the externally heated heater may be supported by a polyimide film. A heater supported by such a film is sometimes referred to as a membrane heater. The externally heated heater may be configured to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. The externally heated heater may heat the outer side of the aerosol generating article 2 inserted into the chamber.

[0117] According to one embodiment, the externally heated type heater may include a resistance heater and / or an induction heater, and the terms related to... will be omitted. Figure 2The description refers to the same configurations shown. In the case of an induction heater, the aerosol generating device 1 may include an externally heated heater implemented as a tubular support, and may include an induction coil 181 surrounding at least a portion of the externally heated heater (e.g., disposed outside the heater to correspond to the length of at least a portion of the heater). Furthermore, the induction coil 181 may include a fan coil. Meanwhile, if the externally heated heater is a resistance heater, heat can be generated by the current flowing through the tubular resistance heater (e.g., a film heater), and therefore the separate induction coil 181 can be omitted. Simultaneously, insulating material may be disposed outside the externally heated heater. Therefore, the heat emitted and released from the heater 183 in a radially outward direction to the outside of the housing 10 can be reduced.

[0118] According to one embodiment, heater 183 may be multiple heaters, and a first heater and a second heater may be arranged side-by-side in the longitudinal direction to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. The first and second heaters may operate as resistance heaters and / or induction heaters, and may be heated sequentially or simultaneously. Meanwhile, if heater 183 is an induction heater, the aerosol generating apparatus 1 may include a first induction coil and a second induction coil. The first and second induction coils may be respectively positioned at locations corresponding to the longitudinal positions of the first and second heaters. Alternatively, the first and second heaters may be respectively positioned at locations corresponding to the longitudinal positions of a first portion and a second portion of a heater 183.

[0119] and Figure 2 or Figure 3 The configurations shown are different, which can... Figure 2 heater 182 and Figure 3 Both heater 182 and heater 183 are included in the aerosol generating apparatus 1. In this case, heater 182 can heat the inner side of the aerosol generating article 2, and heater 183 can heat the outer side of the aerosol generating article 2.

[0120] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating apparatus 1 may be provided with an airflow channel through which air flows. For example, the housing 10 may include a structure (e.g., a hole) that allows external air to be introduced into the housing 10. The air introduced into the housing 10 may be introduced into the aerosol generating article 2 through the lower end (i.e., the upstream side). The aerosol generated by heating the aerosol generating article 2 may be inhaled into the user's mouth along with the introduced air through the upper end (i.e., the downstream side) of the aerosol generating article 2.

[0121] Figure 4 This is a front perspective view of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0122] Reference Figure 4 , subject 10 (for example, Figure 2 and Figure 3 The housing 10 may include longitudinally extending sidewalls 101 and 102, a cover 103 forming one end of the body 10, a base 104 forming the other end of the body 10, and a door 110 for opening and closing the insertion space 43. The body 10 may have a cylindrical shape extending in one direction.

[0123] The body 10 may include sidewalls 101 and 102 forming the outer surface of the body 10. The sidewalls 101 and 102 may include curved surfaces extending in the circumferential direction of the body 10.

[0124] Sidewalls 101 and 102 may include a first sidewall 101. The first sidewall 101 may extend in the circumferential direction of the body 10. The first sidewall 101 may be curved in the circumferential direction of the body 10 and form a space therein. The first sidewall 101 may have an open side. The cross-section of the first sidewall 101 may be annular with an opening on one side.

[0125] Sidewalls 101 and 102 may include a second sidewall 102. The second sidewall 102 may extend along the longitudinal direction of the body 10. The second sidewall 102 may be connected to the first sidewall 101. The second sidewall 102 may be located between the two ends of the first sidewall 101 in the circumferential direction and form a surface continuous with the first sidewall 101. The second sidewall 102 may cover one side of a lateral opening in the first sidewall 101.

[0126] The main body 10 may include a cover 103 forming one end of the main body 10 in the longitudinal direction. The cover 103 may be connected to one end of the first sidewall 101 in the longitudinal direction and one end of the second sidewall 102 in the longitudinal direction.

[0127] The main body 10 may include a door 110. The door 110 may be connected to the cover 103. The door 110 can slidably open and close the insertion space 43 (see...). Figure 2 and Figure 3 The guide rail 105 can be formed on the cover 103. The door 110 can slide along the guide rail 105.

[0128] The main body 10 may include a base 104 forming the other end of the main body 10 in the longitudinal direction. The base 104 may be connected to the other end of the first sidewall 101 in the longitudinal direction and the other end of the second sidewall 102 in the longitudinal direction.

[0129] Button 106 (for example, Figure 1 The input unit 15 can be provided on the main body 10. The button 106 can be inserted into a hole formed on one side of the second sidewall 102.

[0130] Figure 5 This is a view showing a bar according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0131] Reference Figure 5 The rod 2 may include an aerosol base 510. The rod 2 may include a medium portion 520. The aerosol base 510 and the medium portion 520 may be referred to as a tobacco rod. The rod 2 may include a cooling portion 530. The rod 2 may include a filter portion 540. The rod 2 may be referred to as an aerosol generating article. The rod 2 may include a covering 550 surrounding the aerosol base 510, the medium portion 520, the cooling portion 530, and / or the filter portion 540. Figure 5 In this process, the package 550 may include separate packages surrounding the aerosol base 510, the medium portion 520, and the filter portion 540, respectively, and / or a shell surrounding the aerosol base 510, the medium portion 520, and the filter portion 540 surrounded by separate packages.

[0132] The aerosol base 510 can be a portion formed into a predetermined shape by including a humectant in the pulp base paper. The humectant (matrix material) included in the aerosol base 510 can include propylene glycol and glycerin. For example, the humectant in the aerosol base 510 can include propylene glycol and glycerin, with the propylene glycol and glycerin having a certain weight ratio relative to the weight of the base paper. When the rod 2 is inserted into the aerosol generating apparatus 1 and heated to a temperature above a predetermined level by the heater 18, humectant vapor can be generated from the aerosol base 510.

[0133] The medium section 520 may include at least one of sheet, strip, or pipe tobacco formed from tiny particles of shredded tobacco. The medium section 520 may be the part that generates nicotine to provide a smoking experience to the user. Nicotine vapor can be generated from the medium section 520 when the temperature of the medium contained in the medium section 520 rises to a predetermined temperature or higher. When the rod 2 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, at least a portion of the aerosol base 510 and at least a portion of the medium section 520 may face the heater 18. For example, a portion of the upstream or downstream side of the aerosol base 510 and a portion of the downstream or upstream side of the medium section 520 may face the heater 18.

[0134] The length of the portion of the medium section 520 facing the heater 18 can be greater than the length of the portion of the aerosol base 510 facing the heater 18. The length of the portion of the aerosol base 510 facing the heater 18 can be greater than or equal to half the total length of the aerosol base 510. The length of the portion of the medium section 520 facing the heater 18 can be greater than or equal to half the total length of the medium section 520.

[0135] The portions of the aerosol base 510 and the medium portion 520 facing the heater 18 can be heated by the heater 18. Because at least a portion of the aerosol base 510 containing the humectant is heated by the heater 18, humectant vapor can be generated. Because at least a portion of the medium portion 520 containing the medium is heated by the heater 18, nicotine vapor can be generated. When the rod 2 is configured to change the ratio of the length of the portion of the aerosol base 510 facing the heater 18 to the length of the portion of the medium portion 520 facing the heater 18, the ratio of the amount of humectant vapor generated to the amount of nicotine vapor generated can be appropriately adjusted.

[0136] In one embodiment, although the rod 2 is inserted into the aerosol generating apparatus 1, the medium portion 520 may not be directly heated by the heater 18. The medium portion 520 may be indirectly heated by conduction, convection, and radiation from the aerosol base 510 and the medium portion enclosure (or enclosure) surrounding the medium portion 520. After the aerosol base 510 is heated by the heater 18, the temperature of the medium portion 520 may be indirectly increased.

[0137] The cooling section 530 can be manufactured as a tubular filter containing a predetermined weight of plasticizer. Humectant vapor and nicotine vapor generated from the aerosol base 510 and the medium section 520 can be mixed together for atomization and cooled while passing through the cooling section 530. According to one embodiment, unlike the aerosol base 510, the medium section 520, and the filter section 540, the cooling section 530 may not be surrounded by a separate enclosure.

[0138] The filter section 540 can be a cellulose acetate filter. There are no limitations on the shape of the filter section 540. The filter section 540 can be a cylindrical rod or a tubular structure including a cavity formed therein. For example, when the filter section 540 is composed of multiple segments, at least one of the segments can be manufactured in a different shape. The filter section 540 can be manufactured to generate a fragrance. In one example, a flavoring agent can be sprayed into the filter section 540, or individual fibers coated with flavoring agent can be inserted into the filter section 540.

[0139] Additionally, the filter section 540 may include at least one capsule. Here, the capsule may perform the function of generating flavor. For example, the capsule may be a structure that encapsulates a liquid containing a flavoring agent with a membrane, and may be spherical or cylindrical. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0140] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from one side. Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from above. Figure 6 It is along Figure 4 The sectional view of the main body taken by line AA. Figure 7 It is along Figure 4 The sectional view of the main body is taken by line BB.

[0141] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 The aerosol generating device 1 may include at least one of a heater 18, a first sensor 131, or a controller 12.

[0142] An insertion space 43 may be disposed within the main body 10. The insertion space 43 may extend in one direction (e.g., the z-axis direction). A heater 18 may surround the insertion space 43. The heater 18 may have a cylindrical shape in which a hollow portion is present. At least a portion of the insertion space 43 may be formed within the heater 18.

[0143] The heater 18 can be housed in the main body housing 111 disposed within the main body 10. The main body housing 111 within the main body 10 can support the main body 10. At least a portion of the main body housing 111 can be coupled to or in contact with the inner surface of the main body 10.

[0144] Heater 18 can be coupled to heater housings 241 and 242. Heater 18 and heater housings 241 and 242 can be housed within the interior space of the main housing 111. Heater housings 241 and 242 can surround the exterior of heater 18. Heater housings 241 and 242 can include a first heater housing 241 and a second heater housing 242. The first heater housing 241 can surround a portion of the side surface of heater 18. The second heater housing 242 can surround the remaining portion of the side surface of heater 18. For example, the first heater housing 241 can surround the upper portion of the side surface of heater 18, and the second heater housing 242 can surround the lower portion of the side surface of heater 18.

[0145] The heater 18 may include a receiver 210 and a conductive track 220. The receiver 210 may have a cylindrical shape and surround at least a portion of the insertion space 43. The conductive track 220 may surround at least a portion of the receiver 210. The conductive track 220 may receive power from the power source 11 and generate heat. The conductive track 220 may be connected to the power source 11 via a flexible heater substrate 260. The conductive track 220 may be referred to as a heating element. The heat generated by the conductive track 220 can heat the rod 2 inserted into the insertion space 43 (see [link to product]). Figure 2 and Figure 3 ( ) media and / or humectants, thereby generating aerosols.

[0146] The heater 18 may include a support tube 230. The support tube 230 may surround at least a portion of the exterior of the conductive track 220 and be in close contact with the exterior of the conductive track 220 to support the support 210 and the conductive track 220.

[0147] The first sensor 131 may be disposed within the main body 10. The first sensor 131 may detect the insertion and / or removal of the rod 2. For example, the first sensor 131 may be a capacitive sensor. The first sensor 131 may be disposed adjacent to the lower end of the insertion space 43. The first sensor 131 may be disposed around at least a portion of the lower part of the heater 18. The first sensor 131 may be disposed in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43 at the lower part of the receiver 210 and / or conductive track 220 of the heater 18. The first sensor 131 may be spaced apart from the receiver 210 and / or conductive track 220 in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43.

[0148] Therefore, the heat transfer to the first sensor 131 generated by the receiver 210 and the conductive track 220 can be minimized. Additionally, the detection accuracy of the first sensor 131 on the rod 2 can be improved.

[0149] Rod 2 can be inserted into insertion space 43. Rod 2 can be inserted into engagement protrusion 2421 formed at the lower end of insertion space 43. Rod 2 can be inserted into insertion space 43 from one end of aerosol base 510. With rod 2 inserted into insertion space 43, aerosol base 510, medium 520, cooling 530 and filter 540 can be sequentially arranged in insertion space 43 from the lower or upper side.

[0150] The first sensor 131 can be positioned at a location corresponding to the aerosol base 510 of the rod 2 inserted into the insertion space 43 containing the humectant.

[0151] If rod 2 has been exposed to a humid environment or has been used by a user, there may be a specified level or higher of moisture in rod 2. In this case, a relatively maximum amount of moisture may be present in the aerosol base 510 of rod 2.

[0152] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the first sensor 131 may be configured to correspond to the portion of the rod 2 that includes the humectant, thereby accurately detecting an over-wet rod.

[0153] The aerosol generating apparatus 1 may include an insulating member 400. The insulating member 400 may be disposed within the main body 10. The insulating member 400 may surround the exterior of a heater 18 within the main body 10. The insulating member 400 may insulate the heater 18. The insulating member 400 may have an open top. The insulating member 400 may have a bottom formed at its lower end, and a hole may be formed in a portion of the bottom. The insulating member 400 may be arranged to surround the sides and lower portion of the heater 18. The insulating member 400 may include two layers. The inner and outer layers may be spaced apart from each other and form a space VS between them. The space VS formed by the layers of the insulating member 400 may be sealed from the outside. The space VS formed by the layers of the insulating member 400 may be in a vacuum state. The insulating member 400 may be referred to as a vacuum tube. The insulating member 400 may be formed of a metallic material.

[0154] Therefore, the transfer of heat generated by heater 18 to the outer peripheral surface of body 10 can be minimized by insulation member 400. Even if heater 18 is heated to a high temperature, the insulation member 400 can prevent the transfer of high-temperature heat to the body of the user holding body 10.

[0155] The first sensor 131 can be disposed in the heat insulation member 400 in the radial direction of the insertion space 43. The first sensor 131 and the insertion space 43 can be disposed in the heat insulation member 400.

[0156] Therefore, the influence of the movement of objects outside the insulation component 400 and / or the aerosol generating device 1 on the first sensor 131 can be eliminated, as well as the sensing noise of the first sensor 131 caused by the external environment.

[0157] Inflow paths P1 and P2 can be formed within the main body housing 111. Inflow paths P1 and P2 can communicate with the exterior of the main body 10 and the insertion space 43. Inflow paths P1 and P2 can communicate with the insertion space 43 through inflow holes 2424 formed in the second heater housing 242.

[0158] Inflow paths P1 and P2 may include a first inflow path P1 and a second inflow path P2. The second inflow path P2 may communicate with the insertion space 43. The second inflow path P2 may extend at the lower part of the insertion space 43 in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43. The first inflow path P1 may communicate with the second inflow path P2. The first inflow path P1 may extend from one end of the second inflow path P2 along the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43. The first inflow path P1 may communicate with the outside of the main body housing 111. External air from the aerosol generating device 1 may be introduced into the main body 10 through gaps provided in the main body 10, pass through the first inflow path P1 and the second inflow path P2, and then flow into the insertion space 43 through the inflow hole 2424. In other words, the direction from the lower part to the upper part of the insertion space 43 may be defined as a direction from the upstream side to the downstream side.

[0159] The second sensor 132 can be disposed on one side of the inflow paths P1 and P2. The second sensor 132 can output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure or changes in internal pressure of the inflow paths P1 and P2. The second sensor 132 can be referred to as a suction sensor. The suction sensor 132 can output a signal corresponding to the user's suction. The suction sensor 132 can communicate with the inflow paths P1 and P2 and the insertion space 43. The suction sensor 132 can be disposed facing the inflow paths P1 and P2. The suction sensor 132 can be disposed radially on the outside of the insulation member 400 in the insertion space 43.

[0160] Inflow paths P1 and P2 may be disposed adjacent to heater 18 within the main housing 111. First inflow path P1 may be disposed within heater housings 241 and 242. At least a portion of inflow paths P1 and P2 may be disposed within the insulation member 400. The insulation member 400 may surround at least a portion of the exterior of inflow paths P1 and P2.

[0161] The external air introduced through inflow paths P1 and P2 can be heated by the heat generated by heater 18. The external air heated in inflow paths P1 and P2 can flow into insertion space 43 and into the interior of rod 2 through one end of rod 2 housed in insertion space 43.

[0162] In this way, inflow paths P1 and P2 can be set in the insulation member 400, thereby enabling the external air flowing into the insertion space 43 to be heated effectively.

[0163] The controller 12 can detect objects inserted into the insertion space 43 based on signals output from the first sensor 131. For example, the controller 12 can determine whether the rod 2 is inserted into or removed from the insertion space 43, the type of rod 2 inserted into the insertion space 43, etc., based on signals output from the first sensor 131.

[0164] Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing the heater and sensor of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 9 This is a view showing the sensor of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0165] refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9 The first sensor 131 may include sensing electrodes 1311 and 1312 and an insulator 1313. The sensing electrodes 1311 and 1312 may include a first electrode 1311 and a second electrode 1312.

[0166] The first electrode 1311 may extend along the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43 and along the periphery of the insertion space 43. The first electrode 1311 may be housed in a sensor receiving portion 2425 formed outside the second heater housing 242. The sensor receiving portion 2425 may be recessed into the second heater housing 242 and formed to have a curved surface therein. The first electrode 1311 may surround and contact the curved surface inside the sensor receiving portion 2425. The first electrode 1311 may be bent or have a bent shape to correspond to the bent shape inside the sensor receiving portion 2425. The first electrode 1311 may be referred to as a first antenna or a first channel.

[0167] The second electrode 1312 may have a shape corresponding to the first electrode 1311. The second electrode 1312 may extend along the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43 and along the periphery of the insertion space 43. The second electrode 1312 may be spaced apart from the first electrode 1311 in the radial direction of the insertion space 43. The second electrode 1312 may surround the outside of the first electrode 1311. The second electrode 1312 may be referred to as a second antenna or a second channel.

[0168] The first electrode 1311 and the second electrode 1312 can be connected to a sensor driving circuit (not shown). The sensor driving circuit can be a component included in the first sensor 131, or it can be separately disposed from and connected to the first sensor 131. A set voltage can be applied to the first electrode 1311 and the second electrode 1312 via the sensor driving circuit. If the set voltage is applied, current can flow through the first electrode 1311 and the second electrode 1312. The current flowing through the first electrode 1311 and the current flowing through the second electrode 1312 can vary depending on whether an object is present around the first sensor 131, the type of object present around the first sensor 131, etc. The difference between the current flowing through the first electrode 1311 and the current flowing through the second electrode 1312 can change in response to the type of object present around the first sensor 131.

[0169] An insulator 1313 may be disposed between the first electrode 1311 and the second electrode 1312. The inner surface of the insulator 1313 may contact the first electrode 1311, and the outer surface of the insulator 1313 may contact the second electrode 1312. The insulator 1313 may be bent together with the first electrode 1311 and the second electrode 1312, or may have a bent shape.

[0170] The sensor cover 250 can be disposed on the outside of the first sensor 131. The sensor cover 250 can be connected to the second heater housing 242. The sensor cover 250 can externally support or fix the first sensor 131 housed in the receiving portion of the second heater housing 242.

[0171] The first electrode 1311 and the second electrode 1312 may comprise a metallic material. For example, the first electrode 1311 and the second electrode 1312 may comprise copper. However, the materials of the sensing electrodes 1311 and 1312 are not limited thereto, and the sensing electrodes 1311 and 1312 may comprise other metals or metal mixtures that are conductive.

[0172] Insulator 1313 may include insulating materials. For example, insulator 1313 may include polyimide. However, the material of insulator 1313 is not limited to this, and insulator 1313 may include other materials that are elastic, heat-resistant and electrically insulating.

[0173] The insulator 1313 may have a thickness T1 within a specific range. For example, the thickness T1 of the insulator 1313 may be from 40 μm to 60 μm. For example, the thickness T1 of the insulator 1313 may be from 45 μm to 55 μm.

[0174] If the thickness T1 of the insulator 1313 is less than 40 μm, the difference between the current flowing through the first electrode 1311 and the current flowing through the second electrode 1312 may be small even if the moisture content of the object near the first sensor 131 changes. In other words, it may not be possible to accurately detect the state of the object near the first sensor 131 based on the difference between the current flowing through the first electrode 1311 and the current flowing through the second electrode 1312.

[0175] If the thickness T1 of the insulator 1313 is greater than 60 μm, the sensitivity of the first sensor 131 may be reduced. In other words, the first sensor 131 may not be able to accurately detect the insertion and / or removal of surrounding objects.

[0176] The characteristics of the first sensor 131 based on the thickness of insulator 113 will be referenced later. Figures 10 to 13 Detailed description.

[0177] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating rod insertion detection and type identification control of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figures 11 to 13 This is a graph showing the sensing results of the insulation thickness of the sensor of the aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0178] Reference Figure 10 The controller 12 can determine whether the rod 2 is inserted into the insertion space 43 and the type of the inserted rod 2 based on the signal output from the first sensor 131.

[0179] The controller 12 can activate the first sensor 131 (S1010). The controller 12 can activate the first sensor 131 by controlling the voltage applied to the first sensor 131 for driving or by controlling the signal applied to the first sensor 131 for activating the first sensor 131.

[0180] The controller 12 can receive a signal output from the first sensor 131 (S1020). The signal output from the first sensor 131 may include a first output corresponding to the current flowing through the first electrode 1311 and a second output corresponding to the current flowing through the second electrode 1312.

[0181] The controller 12 can determine the difference between the first output and the second output based on the signal output from the first sensor 131. The controller 12 can then compare the determined output difference with a first threshold Th1.

[0182] If the determined output difference is less than the first threshold Th1 ("Yes" in S1030), the controller 12 can determine that the rod 2 is not inserted into the insertion space 43 (S1040). Here, the first threshold Th1 may correspond to a value determined based on a statistic obtained by accumulating the signal output from the first sensor 131 when the rod 2 used in the aerosol generating device 1 is inserted into the insertion space 43 through experiments, etc. For example, the first threshold Th1 may be a value corresponding to the original counting signal output from the first sensor 131, and may be a value between 5000 and 6000.

[0183] If the determined output difference is greater than or equal to the first threshold Th1 ("No" in S1030), the controller 12 can determine that the rod 2 is inserted into the insertion space 43, and then determine the over-wet state of the inserted rod 2. The controller 12 can compare the determined output difference with the second threshold Th2 (S1050). Here, the second threshold Th2 can correspond to a value determined based on statistics obtained by accumulating the signal output from the first sensor 131 through experiments, etc., in order to distinguish whether the rod 2 inserted into the insertion space 43 is a normal rod or an over-wet rod. The second threshold Th2 can be a value located at the boundary between the signal output from the first sensor 131 when multiple normal rods are inserted and the signal output from the first sensor 131 when multiple over-wet rods are inserted. For example, the second threshold Th2 can be a value corresponding to the original count signal output from the first sensor 131, and can be a value between 7500 and 7900.

[0184] Rod 2 can be broadly divided into a first rod 2A and a second rod 2B. The internal moisture content of rod 2 can vary depending on the surrounding environment, the condition of rod 2, and other factors. Based on the internal moisture content, rod 2 can be classified as a first rod 2A or a second rod 2B. First rod 2A may contain less than a specified percentage of moisture and is referred to as a non-overly moist rod or a normal rod. Second rod 2B may contain a specified percentage or more of moisture and is referred to as an overly moist rod. For example, first rod 2A can be defined as a rod in which the medium portion 520 contains less than about 15 wt% moisture relative to the total weight of the medium portion 520, or a rod in which the aerosol base portion 510 contains less than about 15 wt% moisture relative to the total weight of the aerosol base portion 510. For example, second rod 2B can be defined as a rod in which the medium portion 520 contains more than about 15 wt% moisture relative to the total weight of the medium portion 520, or a rod in which the aerosol base portion 510 contains more than about 15 wt% moisture relative to the total weight of the aerosol base portion 510. However, the criteria used to distinguish between the first rod 2A and the second rod 2B are not limited to this and can vary depending on the type of aerosol generating device 1 or the type of rod 2.

[0185] If the determined output difference is less than the second threshold Th2 ("Yes" in S1050), then the controller 12 can determine that the first rod 2A is inserted into the insertion space 43 (S1060). The controller 12 can set a heating curve or a power curve based on the insertion of the first rod 2A into the insertion space 43. The controller 12 can control the power to be supplied to the heater 18 based on the set curve.

[0186] If the determined output difference is greater than or equal to the second threshold Th2 ("No" in S1050), then the controller 12 can determine that the second rod 2B is inserted into the insertion space 43 (S1070). The controller 12 can set a corresponding heating curve or power curve based on the insertion of the second rod 2B into the insertion space 43. The controller 12 can control the power to be supplied to the heater 18 based on the set curve. Alternatively, the controller 12 can control the cutting off of the power supply to the heater 18 based on the insertion of the second rod 2B into the insertion space 43.

[0187] Therefore, the power supplied to the heater 18 can be controlled or cut off depending on the over-wet state of the rod 2 inserted into the insertion space 43, thereby enabling the over-wet rod 2B to be either not heated or appropriately heated, even if the over-wet rod 2B has a different curve than the normal rod 2A.

[0188] Figure 11 The sensing results for an over-wet rod with an insulator thickness of 50 μm are shown. Figure 11 In the diagram, the ellipse represents the difference between the first output and the second output when the first rod 2A is inserted, and the square represents the difference between the first output and the second output when the second rod 2B is inserted.

[0189] Combination Figure 10 refer to Figure 11 If the thickness of the insulator 1313 of the first sensor is 50 μm, then when the first rod 2A is inserted, the difference between the first output and the second output is distributed between a minimum of 6200 and a maximum of 7300, with an average value avg1 or median of approximately 6800. Conversely, it can be confirmed that when the second rod 2B is inserted, the difference between the first output and the second output is distributed between a minimum of 7950 and a maximum of 9400, with an average value avg2 or median of approximately 8650.

[0190] In this case, the maximum value Ns_max of the difference between the first output and the second output when the first bar 2A is inserted and the minimum value Hs_min of the difference between the first output and the second output when the second bar 2B is inserted have a gap G1 of approximately 650.

[0191] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the second threshold Th2 may correspond to 86% to 92% of the average avg2 of the difference corresponding to the second rod 2B. The second threshold Th2 may be a value corresponding to approximately 91% of the average avg2 of the difference corresponding to the second rod 2B. The second threshold Th2 may correspond to 110% to 116% of the average avg1 of the difference corresponding to the first rod 2A. The second threshold Th2 may be a value corresponding to approximately 116% of the average avg1 of the difference corresponding to the first rod 2A. The second threshold Th2 may be a value that is approximately 7% or more larger than the maximum value Ns_max of the difference corresponding to the first rod 2A.

[0192] For example, the second threshold Th2 can be a value between 7500 and 7900. For example, the second threshold Th2 can be 7900.

[0193] Figure 12 The sensing results for an over-wet rod with an insulator thickness of 37.5 μm are shown, and Figure 13 The sensing results for an over-wet rod with an insulator thickness of 25 μm are shown. Figure 12 and Figure 13 In the diagram, the ellipse represents the difference between the first output and the second output when the first rod 2A is inserted, and the square represents the difference between the first output and the second output when the second rod 2B is inserted.

[0194] Combination Figure 11 refer to Figure 12 and Figure 13 If the thickness of the insulator 1313 of the first sensor is 37.5 μm, then when the first rod 2A is inserted, the difference between the first output and the second output is distributed between a minimum value of 6500 and a maximum value of 7450, with an average or median value of approximately 7000. Conversely, it can be confirmed that when the second rod 2B is inserted, the difference between the first output and the second output is distributed between a minimum value of 7600 and a maximum value of 9650, with an average or median value of approximately 8650.

[0195] If the thickness of the insulator 1313 of the first sensor is 25 μm, then when the first rod 2A is inserted, the difference between the first output and the second output is distributed between a minimum of 6500 and a maximum of 8450, with an average or median of approximately 7500. Conversely, it can be confirmed that when the second rod 2B is inserted, the difference between the first output and the second output is distributed between a minimum of 8050 and a maximum of 10550, with an average or median of approximately 9300.

[0196] If the thickness of the insulator 1313 of the first sensor is 37.5 μm, then the maximum value Ns_max of the difference between the first and second outputs when the first rod 2A is inserted and the minimum value Hs_min of the difference between the first and second outputs when the second rod 2B is inserted have a gap G1 of approximately 150. If the thickness of the insulator 1313 of the first sensor is 25 μm, then the maximum value Ns_max of the difference between the first and second outputs when the first rod 2A is inserted and the minimum value Hs_min of the difference between the first and second outputs when the second rod 2B is inserted have a gap G1 of approximately -400.

[0197] If the thickness of the insulator 1313 of the first sensor is 37.5 μm, the output data when the first rod 2A is inserted and the output data when the second rod 2B is inserted are separated from each other, but the gap between them is very small, for example, about 150. Therefore, even if the second threshold Th2 is set within the gap G1, it may be difficult to accurately detect the first rod 2A and the second rod 2B. Alternatively, if the thickness of the insulator 1313 of the first sensor is 25 μm, the output data when the first rod 2A is inserted and the output data when the second rod 2B is inserted are not separated from each other, therefore it is impossible to detect the first rod 2A and the second rod 2B.

[0198] Therefore, according to one embodiment of this disclosure, the insulator 1313 of the first sensor 131 may have a thickness in the range of 40 μm to 60 μm, or in the range of 45 μm to 55 μm, thereby minimizing interference between electrodes disposed in the sensor and accurately distinguishing between over-wet rods and normal rods.

[0199] As described above, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the insulator disposed in the capacitive sensor may have a thickness within a specific range, thereby minimizing interference between the electrodes disposed in the sensor and accurately distinguishing between over-wet rods and normal rods.

[0200] According to at least one embodiment of this disclosure, the accuracy of rod sensing can be improved by detecting an object based on the difference between the current values ​​of two electrodes disposed in a capacitive sensor.

[0201] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a capacitive sensor can be configured to correspond to a portion of a bar containing a humidifier, thereby enabling accurate detection of an overly wet bar.

[0202] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a capacitive sensor can be configured to be disposed within an insulating member, thereby enabling the elimination of sensing noise caused by the external environment.

[0203] Reference Figures 1 to 13According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating apparatus 1 may include: a body 10, the body providing a longitudinally extending insertion space 43; and a sensor 131, the sensor being disposed adjacent to the insertion space 43 to detect an object inserted into the insertion space 43, the sensor 131 may include sensing electrodes 1311 and 1312, and an insulator 1313 supporting the sensing electrodes 1311 and 1312, the thickness of the insulator 1313 being 40 μm to 60 μm.

[0204] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, the thickness of the insulator 1313 can be from 45 μm to 55 μm.

[0205] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, the sensing electrodes 1311 and 1312 may include a first electrode 1311 extending along the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43 and a second electrode 1312 extending along the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43 and spaced apart from the first electrode 1311 in the radial direction of the insertion space 43, and an insulator 1313 may be disposed between the first electrode 1311 and the second electrode 1312.

[0206] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, the aerosol generating apparatus 1 may also include a controller 12 configured to detect an object inserted into the insertion space 43 based on the difference between a first output corresponding to the current flowing through the first electrode 1311 and a second output corresponding to the current flowing through the second electrode 1312.

[0207] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, the controller 12 can be configured to compare the difference with a first threshold Th1 and determine that the rod 2 is inserted into the insertion space 43 based on the difference being greater than or equal to the first threshold Th1.

[0208] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, the rod 2 may include a first rod 2A containing less than a specified percentage of moisture or a second rod 2B containing a specified percentage or more of moisture, and the controller 12 is configured to compare the difference with a second threshold Th2 that is greater than a first threshold Th1, and determine that the second rod 2B is inserted into the insertion space 43 based on the difference being greater than or equal to the second threshold Th2.

[0209] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, the second threshold Th2 may correspond to a range of 86% to 92% of the average value of the difference between the first output and the second output when the second bar 2B is inserted into the insertion space.

[0210] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, the second threshold Th2 may correspond to a range of 110% to 116% of the average of the difference between the first output and the second output when the first bar 2A is inserted into the insertion space.

[0211] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, the second threshold Th2 is set to be more than 7% greater than the maximum value of the difference between the first output and the second output when the first bar 2A is inserted into the insertion space.

[0212] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, the sensor 131 may be positioned at a location corresponding to the aerosol base 510 of the rod 2 inserted into the insertion space 43, the aerosol base comprising a humectant.

[0213] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, the aerosol generating apparatus may also include a heater 18 surrounding at least a portion of the insertion space 43 and configured to heat the insertion space 43, and an insulating member 400 surrounding the heater 18 and at least a portion of the insertion space 43, wherein the sensor 131 is disposed inside the insulating member 400 in the radial direction of the insertion space 43.

[0214] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, sensing electrodes 1311 and 1312 may comprise copper, and insulator 1313 may comprise polyimide.

[0215] Some or other embodiments of this disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or different from each other. Any or all elements of the embodiments disclosed above may be combined with each other in configuration or function.

[0216] For example, configuration "A" described in one embodiment and accompanying drawings of this disclosure and configuration "B" described in another embodiment and accompanying drawings of this disclosure can be combined with each other. That is, although the combination between configurations is not directly described, they can be combined except in cases where combination is not possible.

[0217] The above detailed description should not be construed as limiting in all respects, but rather as illustrative. The scope of this disclosure should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all variations within the equivalent scope of this disclosure are included within its scope.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating apparatus, the aerosol generating apparatus comprising: The main body provides a longitudinally extending insertion space; as well as A sensor is disposed adjacent to the insertion space to detect an object inserted into the insertion space; The sensor includes: Sensing electrodes; and An insulator supporting the sensing electrodes. The thickness of the insulator is 40 μm to 60 μm.

2. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The thickness of the insulator is 45 μm to 55 μm.

3. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The sensing electrode includes: A first electrode, extending along the longitudinal direction of the insertion space; and The second electrode extends along the longitudinal direction of the insertion space and is spaced apart from the first electrode in the radial direction of the insertion space. The insulator is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode.

4. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a controller configured to detect the object inserted into the insertion space based on the difference between a first output corresponding to a current flowing through the first electrode and a second output corresponding to a current flowing through the second electrode.

5. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, The controller is configured to: The difference is compared with a first threshold; and The rod is inserted into the insertion space based on the difference being greater than or equal to the first threshold.

6. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, The rod includes a first rod containing less than a specified percentage of moisture or a second rod containing the specified percentage or more of moisture, and The controller is configured to: The difference is compared with a second threshold that is greater than the first threshold; and The insertion of the second rod into the insertion space is determined based on the difference being greater than or equal to the second threshold.

7. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 6, wherein, The second threshold corresponds to 86% to 92% of the average difference between the first output and the second output when the second rod is inserted into the insertion space.

8. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 6, wherein, The second threshold corresponds to a range of 110% to 116% of the average difference between the first output and the second output when the first rod is inserted into the insertion space.

9. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 6, wherein, The second threshold is set to be at least 7% greater than the maximum value of the difference between the first output and the second output when the first rod is inserted into the insertion space.

10. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The sensor is positioned at a location corresponding to the aerosol base of the rod inserted into the insertion space, the aerosol base comprising a humectant.

11. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: A heater, the heater surrounding at least a portion of the insertion space and configured to heat the insertion space; and A thermal insulation component surrounding at least a portion of the heater and the insertion space. The sensor is disposed on the inner side of the insulation member in the radial direction of the insertion space.

12. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The sensing electrode comprises copper; and The insulator includes polyimide.

Images