Aerosol-generating device

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device is disclosed. The aerosol generating device includes: a body providing an insertion space in which a wand is accommodated; a heater configured to heat the rod; a rod detection sensor disposed adjacent to the insertion space; a suction sensor configured to detect a suction; a temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature of the heater; and a control section configured to determine whether or not the rod is inserted into or removed from the insertion space, in which the control section is configured to: determine whether or not the rod is inserted into or removed from the insertion space based on a signal detected by the rod detection sensor, and determine whether or not the rod is inserted into or removed from the insertion space based on the signal detected by the rod detection sensor; and abolishing the insertion determination or the removal determination based on at least one of a signal detected by the suction sensor or a signal detected by the temperature sensor.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] An aerosol generating device is a device that extracts certain components from a medium or substance using aerosols. The medium can contain multiple components. These components can be multi-component flavoring agents. For example, the substances contained in the medium may include nicotine, herbal ingredients, and / or coffee components. Various studies on aerosol generating devices have been conducted recently.

[0003] Multiple sensors are used in aerosol generation devices to detect rod insertion or removal, suction, etc. Among these sensors, capacitive sensors have been widely used as rod detection sensors for detecting rod insertion or removal.

[0004] Traditional aerosol generating devices suffer from the following problem: due to other factors such as the external environment or the user, the rod detection sensor may erroneously detect that the rod has been inserted or removed even if it has not been inserted or removed. For example, the rod detection sensor may erroneously detect the rod when droplets accumulated in the space where the rod is inserted move within that space, when the user performs a suction, or when the user rotates the inserted rod.

[0005] Even when the rod is not inserted, the device may unnecessarily operate the heater based on the rod detection sensor's error in response to a false detection. Unnecessary operation of the heater may cause overheating of the heater or device, and poses a risk of heater or device malfunction. Furthermore, even when the rod is not removed, the device may unnecessarily stop heater operation based on the rod detection sensor's error in response to a false detection. Unnecessary stopping of heater operation may cause the rod to stop heating, preventing the user from inhaling aerosols. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical issues The purpose of this disclosure is to resolve the above-mentioned problems and other issues.

[0007] Another object of this disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating apparatus configured to determine whether a rod detection sensor is malfunctioning based on a signal detected by a sensor other than a rod detection sensor.

[0008] Another object of this disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating apparatus configured to: invalidate a determination based on the detection result of a rod detection sensor based on user suction detected by a suction sensor.

[0009] Another object of this disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating apparatus configured to: invalidate a determination based on the detection result of a rod detection sensor based on a temperature change of a heater detected by a temperature sensor.

[0010] Another object of this disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating apparatus configured to control the power supplied to a heater based on the presence of erroneous detection by a rod detection sensor.

[0011] Solution to the problem According to one aspect of this disclosure to achieve the above-mentioned objectives, an aerosol generating apparatus includes: a body having an insertion space for accommodating a rod; a heater configured to heat the rod; a rod detection sensor disposed adjacent to the insertion space; a suction sensor configured to detect suction; a temperature sensor configured to detect the temperature of the heater; and a control unit configured to determine whether a rod is inserted into or removed from the insertion space, wherein the control unit is configured to: determine whether a rod is inserted into or removed from the insertion space based on a signal detected by the rod detection sensor; and invalidate the insertion determination or removal determination based on at least one of the signal detected by the suction sensor or the signal detected by the temperature sensor.

[0012] Beneficial effects of the invention According to at least one embodiment of this disclosure, by determining whether the rod detection sensor is malfunctioning based on signals detected by a sensor other than the rod detection sensor, rod insertion and removal events can be accurately detected.

[0013] According to at least one embodiment of this disclosure, by invalidating the determination based on the detection result of the rod detection sensor based on the user's suction detected by the suction sensor, it is possible to prevent the erroneous detection of rod insertion or removal events due to external factors.

[0014] According to at least one embodiment of this disclosure, based on the temperature change of the heater detected by a temperature sensor, it is possible to prevent the erroneous detection of rod insertion or removal events due to external factors.

[0015] According to at least one embodiment of this disclosure, by controlling the power supplied to the heater based on the presence of erroneous detection by a rod detection sensor, unnecessary operation or cessation of operation of the heater can be prevented, and device malfunction can be prevented.

[0016] Other 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 that may be made within the spirit and scope of this disclosure, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific embodiments, such as preferred embodiments, are given by way of example only. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figures 2 to 4 An aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown; Figure 5 The flowchart illustrates the determination of rod insertion and the control of canceling the determination in an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 The signals related to the insertion or removal of the rod, output by the rod detection sensor and the suction sensor, are shown. Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view showing the direction of the airflow that occurs in the insertion space when suction is generated; Figure 8 The flowchart illustrates the determination of insertion of a rod according to an embodiment of the present disclosure and the control of canceling the determination; Figure 9 The output signals from the rod detection sensor and temperature sensor related to the insertion or removal of the rod are shown. Figure 10 A cross-sectional view showing the motion of a droplet in the insertion space; and Figures 11 to 13 The output signals from the rod detection sensor and temperature sensor related to the insertion or removal of the rod are shown. Detailed Implementation

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Regardless of the reference numerals, the same or similar components will be assigned the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions will be omitted. Similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components in the description of the drawings.

[0019] The suffixes “module” and “unit” used in the following description for the purpose of drafting the specification are used interchangeably or for convenience only, and do not inherently have different meanings or functions. Furthermore, the suffixes “module” or “unit” can include units implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and can be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A “module” or “unit” can be a component that is integrally formed or the smallest unit or part of said component that performs one or more functions. For example, a “module” or “unit” can be implemented as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0020] Furthermore, when describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, detailed descriptions of relevant well-known technologies will be omitted if it is determined that such detailed descriptions may obscure the spirit of the embodiments disclosed in this specification. Additionally, the accompanying drawings are only for easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification; the technical concepts disclosed in this specification are not limited by the drawings and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and even substitutions included within the scope of the concepts and techniques of this disclosure.

[0021] Terms including ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" can be used to describe multiple constituent elements, but the constituent elements are not limited by the terms. The above terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one constituent element from other constituent elements.

[0022] When it is mentioned that a component is "connected" or "coupled" to another component, it should be understood that it can be directly connected or directly coupled to the other component, but there may also be other components in between. Conversely, when it is mentioned that a component is "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0023] Unless the context clearly indicates that they have different meanings, the singular form of a statement covers the plural form of a statement.

[0024] Embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented in software that includes one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., memory 17) readable by a machine (e.g., aerosol generating apparatus 1). For example, a processor (e.g., control unit 12) of the machine (e.g., aerosol generating apparatus 1) can invoke at least one of the more than one stored instructions from the storage medium and execute that instruction. This enables the machine to operate in a manner that performs at least one function according to the invoked at least one instruction. The more than one instruction may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The storage medium readable by the machine can be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. The term "non-transitory" simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and this term does not distinguish between semi-permanent and temporary storage of data in the storage medium.

[0025] In this disclosure, the orientation of the aerosol generating device 1 can be defined using a Cartesian coordinate system as a reference. The x-axis direction in the Cartesian coordinate system 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.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to one embodiment.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating apparatus 1 may include a power supply 11, a control unit 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, those skilled in the art will understand that, according to the design of the aerosol generating apparatus 1, certain components may be omitted. Figure 1 The elements shown are part of the constituent elements, or new constituent elements can be added.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the sensor unit 13 can sense the state of the aerosol generating device 1 or the state around the aerosol generating device 1, and transmit the sensed information to the control unit 12. For example, the sensor unit 13 may include a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, an insertion sensor, a reuse sensor, an overly moist sensor, a cigarette identification sensor, a cartridge sensor, a cap sensor, and / or a motion sensor. In addition, the sensor unit 13 may also include various sensors such as a liquid level sensor for sensing the remaining liquid in the cartridge and a water immersion sensor for sensing water immersion in the aerosol generating device 1.

[0029] According to one embodiment, a temperature sensor can sense the temperature at which heaters 18 and 24 are heated. The aerosol generating apparatus 1 may include a separate temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of heaters 18 and 24, or the heaters 18 and 24 themselves may function as temperature sensors. As an example, the temperature sensor can 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). Based on the measured current and / or voltage, the impedance of heater 18 can be calculated. The control unit 12 can estimate the temperature of heater 18 based on the calculated impedance.

[0030] As an example, the temperature sensor may include a resistive element (e.g., a thermistor) whose resistance value changes in response to temperature changes in the heaters 18 and 24. The temperature sensor may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistive element, and the control unit 12 may detect the temperature and / or temperature changes of the heaters 18 and 24 based on the aforementioned signal corresponding to the resistance value.

[0031] As another example, the temperature sensor may include a sensor that detects the resistance value of heaters 18 and 24. The temperature sensor may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of heaters 18 and 24, and the control unit 12 may detect the temperature and / or temperature change of heaters 18 and 24 based on the aforementioned signal corresponding to the resistance value.

[0032] According to one embodiment, a temperature sensor can sense the temperature of the power supply 11. The temperature sensor can be arranged 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 mounted on a surface of a printed circuit board. As an example, the aerosol generating apparatus 1 may include a power protection circuit (PCM), and the temperature sensor can be arranged adjacent to the power supply 11 together with the power protection circuit.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the temperature sensor may also be arranged inside the housing (not shown) of the aerosol generating device 1 to sense the temperature inside the housing (not shown).

[0034] According to one embodiment, the suction sensor can sense the user's suction.

[0035] As an example, the suction sensor may include a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor can output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device 1, and the control unit 12 can detect the user's suction based on the aforementioned signal corresponding to the internal pressure. The internal pressure of the aerosol generating device 1 may correspond to the pressure of the gas flow channel. The suction sensor may be arranged in the aerosol generating device 1 corresponding to the gas flow channel.

[0036] As another example, the suction sensor may include a temperature sensor. When a user performs suction, a temporary temperature drop may occur in the airflow channel, the space where the aerosol-generating article is inserted (hereinafter referred to as the insertion space), heaters 18, 24, etc. The control unit 12 can detect the user's suction based on a signal output from the temperature sensor corresponding to the temperature of the airflow channel, etc.

[0037] As 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 correct the internal pressure measured by the pressure sensor. As an example, the suction sensor can correct the signal corresponding to the internal pressure based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and output the corrected signal. As another example, the suction sensor can output both 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 control unit 12 can receive the signals and correct the signal corresponding to the internal pressure based on the signal corresponding to the temperature.

[0038] As another example, the suction sensor may include a capacitive sensor. In this disclosure, a capacitive sensor may also be referred to as a cap sensor or capacitive sensor. When a user performs suction, temperature changes and / or aerosol flow may occur within the insertion space of the aerosol-generating article, thereby potentially changing the dielectric constant inside the insertion space. The control unit 12 can detect the user's suction based on a signal output from the capacitive sensor corresponding to the dielectric constant, etc., inside the insertion space.

[0039] The suction sensor is not limited to the examples above and can be implemented by a variety of sensors used to sense a user's suction.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the insertion sensing sensor is capable of sensing the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article. The insertion sensing sensor may be disposed around the periphery of the insertion space. Furthermore, the insertion sensing sensor may also include any combination of the examples described above.

[0041] As an example, the insertion sensing sensor may include a capacitive sensor. The capacitive sensor may include at least one conductor, and the at least one conductor may be arranged adjacent to the insertion space. When an aerosol-generating article is inserted into or removed from the insertion space, the dielectric constant around the conductor may change. The control unit 12 may detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article based on a signal output from the capacitive sensor corresponding to the dielectric constant, etc., inside the insertion space.

[0042] As another example, the insertion sensing sensor may include an inductive sensor. The inductive sensor may include at least one coil, and the at least one coil may be arranged adjacent to the insertion space. When the aerosol generating article (e.g., a wrapper of the aerosol generating article) includes a conductor, a change in the magnetic field may be generated around the coil through which the current flows when the aerosol generating article is inserted into or removed from the insertion space. The control unit 12 may sense the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article including the conductor based on the characteristics of the current output from or sensed by the inductive sensor (e.g., the frequency, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc. of the alternating current). Alternatively, an inductive heating element (SUS) may also be included in the aerosol generating article (e.g., the dielectric portion of the aerosol generating article). Even in this case, the magnetic field around the coil may change based on the insertion or removal of the heating element or the like in the insertion space, and the control unit 12 can sense the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article based on the current characteristics of the inductive sensor.

[0043] The insertion sensing sensor is not limited to the examples described above, and can be implemented by various sensors (e.g., proximity sensors) used to sense the insertion and / or removal of aerosol-generating articles. Furthermore, the insertion sensing sensor can also include any combination of the examples described above. According to one embodiment, the insertion sensing sensor may also include a switch, etc., for sensing pressure generated by the aerosol-generating article.

[0044] According to one embodiment, a reuse sensing sensor can detect whether an aerosol-generating article has been reused. As an example, the reuse sensing sensor can be a color sensor for sensing the color of the aerosol-generating article. If a user uses the aerosol-generating article, the color of a portion of the outer casing of the aerosol-generating article may change due to the generated aerosol or heating. The color sensor can output a signal corresponding to the optical characteristics (e.g., wavelength of light) of the color of the outer casing based on the light reflected from it. If a color change is detected in a portion of the outer casing, the control unit 12 can determine that the aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space has been used.

[0045] According to one embodiment, an over-humidity sensing sensor can sense whether an aerosol-generating article is in an over-humid state. For example, the over-humidity sensing sensor may include a capacitive sensor. The capacitive sensor may include at least one conductor arranged adjacent to the insertion space. The control unit 12 can detect whether the aerosol-generating article is in an over-humid state based on the level of a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant, etc., output from the capacitive sensor. As an example, the control unit 12 can confirm the level range that the signal level falls into according to a lookup table, and determine the moisture content of the aerosol-generating article based on the confirmed level range.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the cigarette identification sensor can sense whether the aerosol-generating article is genuine and / or the type of aerosol-generating article.

[0047] As an example, a cigarette identification sensor may include a light sensor for sensing an identification substance (or identification mark) located on the outer surface (e.g., packaging component) of an aerosol-generating article. The light sensor may illuminate the identification substance (or identification mark) of the aerosol-generating article and sense whether the aerosol-generating article is genuine and / or its type based on the reflected light. For example, the identification substance may include a substance that emits light of a specific wavelength based on the illuminated light. The control unit 12 may detect whether the aerosol-generating article is genuine and / or its type based on the range of said wavelengths.

[0048] As another example, the cigarette identification sensor may include a capacitive sensor. Depending on the type of aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space, the dielectric constant inside the insertion space may vary. The control unit 12 can detect whether the aerosol-generating article is genuine and / or its type based on a signal output from the capacitive sensor corresponding to the dielectric constant, etc., inside the insertion space.

[0049] As another example, a cigarette identification sensor may include an inductive sensor. When the packaging and / or interior (e.g., the dielectric portion) of the aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space includes a conductor, the characteristics of the current sensed by the inductive sensor (e.g., frequency, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc.) may vary depending on the type of aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space. The control unit 12 can detect whether the inserted aerosol-generating article is genuine and / or its type based on the characteristics of the current output from or sensed by the inductive sensor.

[0050] Cigarette identification sensors are not limited to the examples described above and can be implemented using various sensors for sensing whether an aerosol-generating article is genuine and / or for sensing the type of aerosol-generating article. Furthermore, cigarette identification sensors can also include any combination of the examples described above.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the cartridge sensing sensor can sense the installation and / or removal of the cartridge. For example, the cartridge sensing sensor may include an inductive sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, a Hall effect sensor (Hall IC), and / or an optical sensor.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the cap sensing sensor can sense the installation and / or removal of the cap. For example, the cap sensing sensor may include an inductive sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, a contact sensor, a Hall effect sensor (HAL IC), and / or an optical sensor. The cap may include a structure that covers at least a portion of a cartridge mounted or inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, or covers at least a portion of the housing of the aerosol generating device 1. If the cap is installed in or removed from the housing, the cap sensing sensor can output a signal corresponding to the installation or removal, and the control unit 12 can sense the installation or removal of the cap based on the signal corresponding to the installation or removal.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the motion sensing sensor is capable of sensing the motion of the aerosol generating device 1. The motion sensing sensor can be implemented by at least one of an accelerometer and a gyroscope.

[0054] According to one embodiment, in addition to the sensors described above, the sensor unit 13 may also include at least one of a humidity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, a position sensor (Global Positioning System (GPS)), or a proximity sensor. Since a person skilled in the art can intuitively infer the function of each sensor from its name, detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the output unit 14 can output information about the status of the aerosol generating device 1. The output unit 14 may include, but is not limited to, a display, a haptic unit, and / or an audio output unit. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device 1 may include the charging / discharging status of the power supply 11, the preheating status of the heaters 18 and 24, the insertion / removal status of the aerosol generating article and / or cartridge, the installation and / or removal status of the cover, or a status where the use of the aerosol generating device 1 is restricted (e.g., abnormal object detected). The display can visually provide the user with information about the status of the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the display may include a light-emitting diode (LED), a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), etc. If the display includes a touchpad, the display can also be used as an input unit 15. The haptic unit can tactilely provide the user with information about the status of the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the tactile part may include a vibrating motor, a piezoelectric element, an electrical stimulation device, etc. The sound output part can provide the user with information about the aerosol generating device 1 in an auditory manner. For example, the sound output part can convert an electrical signal into a sound signal and output the sound signal to the outside.

[0056] 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 supply power to heat the heaters 18 and 24. Furthermore, the power source 11 can supply power required for the operation of other components included in the aerosol generating apparatus 1, such as the control unit 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, a removable battery). The removable battery can be installed in a battery housing provided within the aerosol generating apparatus 1, or it can be removed from the battery housing. The removable battery can be charged via wired and / or wireless means.

[0057] According to one embodiment, heaters 18 and 24 receive power from power source 11, thereby enabling them to heat the aerosol generating article and / or the medium and / or aerosol generating substance within the cartridge. The aerosol generating apparatus 1 may include heater 18 for heating the aerosol generating article and / or cartridge heater 24 for heating the cartridge (i.e., the solid and / or liquid medium).

[0058] According to one embodiment, heaters 18 and 24 can be resistance heaters. For example, resistance heaters can include resistive materials such as metals or metal alloys like titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, and nichrome. Resistance heaters can be implemented using metal heating wires, metal heating plates with conductive tracks, or ceramic heating elements.

[0059] According to one embodiment, heaters 18 and 24 can be induction heating heaters. For example, an induction heating heater may include an induction heating element (susceptor) that heats up by a magnetic field. An alternating current flowing through an induction coil can generate a magnetic field in the induction coil. The generated magnetic field can pass through the heater and can generate eddy currents in the induction heating element. Based on the generation of eddy currents, the induction heating element can be heated. According to one embodiment, the induction heating element may also be included inside an aerosol generating article (e.g., a medium section). In this case, the induction heating element included inside the aerosol generating article can also be heated by an induction coil.

[0060] Heaters 18 and 24 are not limited to the examples above, and may include various heating methods, structures, components, etc. for heating aerosol generating articles and / or smoke cartridges, or may be used in place of them.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the input unit 15 can receive information input by a user. For example, the input unit 15 may include a touch panel, a button, a keyboard, a dome switch, a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the memory 17 is hardware used to store various data processed within the aerosol generating device 1, and can store data processed in the control unit 12 and data to be processed. For example, the memory 17 may include at least one type of storage medium selected from flash memory, hard disk, multimedia card microtype, card-type memory (e.g., SD (Secure Digital) or XD (Extreme Digital) 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 may store data such as the operating time of the aerosol generating device 1, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and data regarding the user's smoking pattern.

[0063] 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+ (Adaptive Network Topology) communication unit, a Cellular Network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a Computer Network (e.g., a Local Area Network (LAN) or a Wide Area Network (WAN)) communication unit, etc.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the entire operation of the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the control unit 12 may include at least one processor. The control unit 12 may be implemented by an array of multiple logic gates, or by a combination of a general-purpose microcontroller (MCU) (or microprocessor) and a memory storing a program that can be executed in the MCU. Furthermore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art to which this embodiment pertains that the control unit may also be implemented by other forms of hardware.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the temperature of heaters 18 and 24 by controlling the power supply 11 to supply power to heaters 18 and 24. The control unit 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 sensed by a temperature sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13). The control unit 12 can also control the temperature of heaters 18 and 24 and / or the power supplied to heaters 18 and 24 based on temperature curves and / or power curves stored in the memory 17.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the power (e.g., voltage and / or current) supplied to the heaters 18 and 24 by controlling a power conversion circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the heaters 18 and 24 and the power supply 11. For example, the power conversion circuit may include a DC / DC converter (e.g., a buck converter, buck-boost converter, boost converter, Zener diode, etc.) for converting the power supplied to the heaters 18 and 24, and a DC / AC converter (e.g., an inverter) for converting the power supplied to the induction coil (not shown). The DC / AC converter can be implemented using 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), a field-effect transistor (FET), etc.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can regulate the current and / or voltage supplied to the heaters 18 and 24 by adjusting the frequency and / or duty ratio of the current pulses input to at least one switching element of the power conversion circuit (not shown). The duty ratio of the on / off operation of the switching element can correspond to the ratio of the output voltage of the power conversion circuit to the output voltage of the power supply 11.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the power supplied to the heaters 18 and 24 using at least one of pulse width modulation (PWM) and proportional-integral-differential (PID) methods. For example, the control unit 12 can use PWM to supply current pulses with a predetermined frequency and duty cycle to the heaters 18 and 24. The control unit 12 can control the power supplied to the heaters 18 and 24 by adjusting the frequency and duty cycle of the current pulses. For example, the control unit 12 can determine the target temperature as the control objective based on a temperature curve. The control unit 12 can use PID to control the power supplied to the heaters 18 and 24, which is a feedback control method based on the difference between the temperature of the heaters 18 and 24 and the target temperature, the integral value of the difference over time, and the derivative value of the difference over time.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can determine the target power as a control objective based on the power curve. Over time, the control unit 12 can control the power supplied to the heaters 18 and 24 to correspond to the preset target power.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can detect user suction by sensing the power supplied to the heaters 18 and 24. More specifically, the control unit 12 can use a PID control method to control the power supplied to the heaters 18 and 24. When a user performs suction, a temporary temperature drop may occur in the space where the aerosol-generating article is inserted (hereinafter referred to as the insertion space), the heaters 18 and 24, etc. Therefore, during the PID power control, the power (or current) supplied to the heaters 18 and 24 may change. The control unit 12 can detect user suction based on the controlled power change.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can prevent the heaters 18 and 24 from overheating. For example, the control unit 12 can control the operation of the power conversion circuit based on the temperature of the heaters 18 and 24 exceeding a preset limit temperature, so as to reduce the power supplied to the heaters 18 and 24 or interrupt the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the charging / discharging of the power supply 11. For example, the control unit 12 can use a temperature sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13) to determine the temperature of the power supply 11. When the temperature of the power supply 11 exceeds a first limit temperature, the control unit 12 can cut off the charging of the power supply 11. When the temperature of the power supply 11 exceeds a second limit temperature, the control unit 12 can interrupt the use of the power stored in the power supply 11 (e.g., discharging). The control unit 12 can calculate the remaining capacity of the power stored in the power supply 11. For example, the control unit 12 can calculate the remaining capacity of the power supply 11 based on the voltage and / or current detection values ​​of the power supply 11.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 based on the results sensed by the sensor unit 13.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 based on the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article relative to the insertion space. For example, if the insertion sensing sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13) determines that the aerosol-generating article has been inserted into the insertion space, the control unit 12 can control the supply of power to the heaters 18 and 24. If the insertion sensing sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13) determines that the aerosol-generating article has been removed from the insertion space, the control unit 12 can cut off the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24. If the temperature of the heaters 18 and 24 is above a limit temperature or the temperature change slope of the heaters 18 and 24 is above a set slope, the control unit 12 can determine that the aerosol-generating article has been removed from the insertion space.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the power supply time and / or power supply amount to the heaters 18 and 24 based on the state of the aerosol generating article. For example, if the aerosol generating article is determined to be in an over-humidity state by using an over-humidity sensing sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13), the control unit 12 can increase the power supply time (e.g., preheating time) to the heaters 18 and 24.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 based on whether the aerosol-generating article has been reused. For example, if the control unit 12 determines that the aerosol-generating article has been used, it can cut off the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 based on whether the cartridge is attached and / or removed. For example, if the cartridge sensing sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13) determines that the cartridge is in a separated state, the control unit 12 can control the interruption of the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 or prevent the supply of power to the heaters 18 and 24.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 based on whether the aerosol-generating material of the cartridge has been depleted. For example, if the control unit 12 determines that the temperature of the heaters 18 and 24 exceeds a limit temperature during the preheating period (i.e., the preheating interval), it can determine that the aerosol-generating material of the cartridge has been depleted. In the case that the aerosol-generating material of the cartridge has been depleted, the control unit 12 can cut off the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 based on whether the e-cigarette cartridge is available. For example, if the control unit 12 determines, based on data stored in the memory 17, that the current number of puffs exceeds the maximum number of puffs set for the e-cigarette cartridge, it can determine that the e-cigarette cartridge cannot be used. Alternatively, the control unit 12 can determine that the e-cigarette cartridge cannot be used if the total heating time of the heaters 18 and 24 exceeds a preset maximum time or if the total electrical power supplied to the heaters 18 and 24 exceeds a preset maximum electrical power. In this case, the control unit 12 can control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 to be interrupted or not to be supplied with power.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 based on the user's suction. For example, the control unit 12 can use a suction sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13) to determine whether suction has occurred and / or the intensity of suction. If the number of suctions has reached a preset maximum number of suctions and / or no suction is detected for a preset time, the control unit 12 can cut off the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24. When suction is sensed, the control unit 12 can control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 based on whether the aerosol-generating article (or cartridge) is genuine and / or its type. For example, the control unit 12 can use a cigarette identification sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13) to detect whether the aerosol-generating article is genuine and / or its type. As an example, if the aerosol-generating article (or cartridge) is detected to be counterfeit, the control unit 12 can cut off the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24. If the aerosol-generating article (or cartridge) is detected to be genuine, the control unit 12 can control (e.g., start) the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24. As another example, the control unit 12 can control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 in different ways depending on the type of aerosol-generating article (or cartridge). More specifically, if the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is detected as a first aerosol generating article (or first cartridge), the control unit 12 can control the temperature and / or power of the heaters 18 and 24 based on a first temperature curve (or first power curve). If the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is detected as a second aerosol generating article (or second cartridge), the control unit 12 can control the temperature and / or power of the heaters 18 and 24 based on a second temperature curve (or second power curve).

[0082] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the output unit 14 based on the results sensed by the sensor unit 13. For example, if the number of suctions counted by the suction sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13) reaches a preset number, the control unit 12 can control the output unit 14 to provide information that the aerosol generating device 1 is about to end its operation in a visual, tactile, and / or audible manner. For example, the control unit 12 can control the output unit 14 to provide information about the temperature of the heaters 18 and 24 in a visual, tactile, and / or audible manner.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can store and update the history of events that have occurred in the memory 17 based on the occurrence of predetermined events. For example, events may include operations performed in the aerosol generating apparatus 1 such as sensing the insertion of an aerosol generating article, starting heating of the aerosol generating article, sensing suction, ending suction, sensing overheating of heaters 18 and 24, sensing overvoltage applied to heaters 18 and 24, ending heating of the aerosol generating article, turning the power supply of the aerosol generating apparatus 1 on / off, starting charging of the power supply 11, sensing overcharging of the power supply 11, and ending charging of the power supply 11. For example, the history of events may include the date and time of the event, log data corresponding to the event, etc. For example, if the predetermined event is sensing the insertion of an aerosol generating article, the log data corresponding to the event may include data such as the sensing value of the insertion sensing sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13). For example, if the predetermined event is the sensing 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, the current flowing in heaters 18 and 24, etc.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the communication unit 16 to form a communication link with an external device such as a user's mobile terminal.

[0085] According to one embodiment, if authentication data is received from an external device via a communication link, the control unit 12 can remove usage restrictions on at least one function of the aerosol generating device 1 (e.g., heating function). For example, the authentication data may include the user's birthday, a unique phone number representing the user, and whether the user has completed authentication.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can send data about the status of the aerosol generating device 1 (e.g., remaining capacity of the power supply 11, operating mode, etc.) to an external device via a communication link. The sent data can be output through a display or the like on the external device.

[0087] According to one embodiment, if a location search request for the aerosol generating device 1 is received from an external device via a communication link, the control unit 12 can control the output unit 14 to perform an operation corresponding to the location search. For example, the control unit 12 can control the tactile unit to vibrate, or control the display to output objects corresponding to the location search and the end of the search.

[0088] According to one embodiment, if firmware data is received from an external device via a communication link, the control unit 12 can perform a firmware update.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can send data about the detection values ​​of 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 detection values ​​through machine learning such as deep learning from the server. The control unit 12 can use the learning model received from the server to perform operations such as determining the user's inhalation pattern and generating a temperature curve.

[0090] 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 disconnect the power supply 11 in response to overcharging and / or over-discharging. The aerosol generating device 1 may also include a connection interface such as a universal serial bus (USB) interface, and may be connected to other external devices via the connection interface to send and receive information or charge the power supply 11.

[0091] 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 arranged corresponding to at least one aerosol generating rod and may be designed differently depending on the arrangement and / or position of the aerosol generating rod and the filter rod. The aerosol generating rod may contain at least one of nicotine, an aerosol generating substance, and additives. For example, the aerosol generating substance may contain glycerin (e.g., vegetable glycerin (VG)) and / or propylene glycol (PG), or may contain a variety of other substances. For example, the additive may contain flavoring agents and / or organic acids, or may contain a variety of other substances. For example, the aerosol generating rod may contain an aerosol generating substrate (e.g., a sheet) impregnated with a liquid non-tobacco substance (e.g., the aerosol generating substance and / or nicotine), and / or may contain solid tobacco substances (e.g., tobacco leaves, reconstituted tobacco, etc.). Tobacco substances can be contained in the aerosol generating rod in various forms such as shreds, granules, and powder. According to one embodiment, the additives in the aerosol generating rod may contain an alkaline substance. Based on the alkaline substance, the nicotine in the tobacco substances contained in the aerosol generating rod can have an alkaline pH value (e.g., pH 7.0 or higher). In this case, the aerosol generating rod can release free base nicotine even at lower temperatures. According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating rod may comprise two or more aerosol generating rods, and the two or more aerosol generating rods may each contain tobacco substances and / or non-tobacco substances. Additionally, although not shown, at least one aerosol generating rod and at least one filter rod may each be wrapped by at least one wrapper, and / or wrapped together by at least one wrapper. In this disclosure, the aerosol generating article may also be referred to as a stick.

[0092] The cartridge mentioned in this disclosure may contain an aerosol-generating substance in any of the following states: liquid, solid, gaseous, or gel. The aerosol-generating substance may comprise a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing substances found in tobacco (including volatile tobacco flavor components) or a liquid containing non-tobacco substances. Additionally, the cartridge may include a storage section for containing the aerosol-generating substance and / or a liquid delivery member for impregnating (containing) the aerosol-generating substance. For example, the liquid delivery member may include a core material such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic. The cartridge heater 24 may be included in the cartridge in the form of a coil surrounding (or winding) the liquid delivery member or in a structure contacting one side of the liquid delivery member. Alternatively, the cartridge heater 24 may also be included in an aerosol-generating device 1 that can be separated from the cartridge.

[0093] Figures 2 to 4 An aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 1 may include a housing 10, a power supply 11, a control unit 12, a sensor unit 13, and / or heaters 182, 183 (e.g., Figure 1 (The heater 18). However, those skilled in the art will understand that the components of the aerosol generating apparatus 1 are not limited to those described in this embodiment. Figure 2 or Figure 3 The constituent elements shown can be omitted or new constituent elements can be added. 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 article 2. Figure 3 The aerosol generating device 1 shown can be referred to as an "externally heated" aerosol generating device that heats the outside of the aerosol generating article 2. In the following figures, details related to... Figure 1 Repeated explanation.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the housing 10 may provide an upwardly opening space for 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 recessed into the interior of the housing 10 to a predetermined depth to allow insertion of at least a portion of the aerosol generating article 2. The depth of the insertion space may be 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 interior of the housing 10, and the upper end of the aerosol generating article 2 may protrude outward from the housing 10. A user may hold the exposed upper end of the aerosol generating article 2 in their mouth and inhale the aerosol.

[0096] According to one embodiment, heaters 182 and 183 can heat the aerosol-generated article 2.

[0097] Reference Figure 2 Heater 182 can be an internal heating type heater.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the internally heated heater can extend relatively far upward within the space (i.e., the insertion space) into which the aerosol-generating article 2 is inserted. For example, as shown, the internally heated heater can include rod-shaped or needle-shaped heating elements, but can also include various 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.

[0099] According to one embodiment, an internally heated heater may include a resistance heater and / or an induction heater.

[0100] For example, the resistance heater may include a resistive material on its inner side (e.g., an internal hollow or inner surface) or outer side (e.g., an outer surface), and can be heated as an electric current flows through the resistive material. In this case, the resistance heater may be electrically connected to the power supply 11 and can be heated directly by receiving current from the power supply 11. Furthermore, the induction coil 181 may be omitted.

[0101] For example, for an induction heating heater, the aerosol generating device 1 may include an induction coil 181 surrounding at least a portion of an internal heating type heater (e.g., arranged externally in a manner corresponding to at least a portion of the heater's length). In this case, to improve the efficiency of induction heating, a magnetic flux concentrator or similar device may also be included outside the induction coil 181. The induction heating heater may include an induction heating element (susceptor) and may generate heat based on a magnetic field generated from the induction coil 181. According to one embodiment, the induction heating heater (e.g., an induction heating element) (or a heater module including it) may be arranged to be detachable from the housing 10.

[0102] According to one embodiment, heater 182 can also be a multiple heater. 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 can be arranged side-by-side along the length direction. The first and second heaters can operate as resistance heaters and / or induction heaters, and can be heated sequentially or simultaneously. In this case, the first and second heaters can be arranged respectively at positions corresponding to the length directions of two or more aerosol generating rods. Alternatively, the first and second heaters can also be arranged respectively at positions corresponding to the length directions of a first and second part of an aerosol generating rod. Furthermore, when heater 182 is an induction heater, the aerosol generating device 1 may include a first induction coil and a second induction coil, which can also be arranged respectively at positions corresponding to the length directions of the first and second heaters. Alternatively, the first and second heaters can also be arranged respectively at positions corresponding to the length directions of a first and second part of a heater 182. In addition, heaters and / or induction coils may include three or more.

[0103] According to one embodiment, the induction heating element is arranged (or contained) inside the aerosol generating article 2 (e.g., the medium section), and can be implemented to heat the induction heating element contained inside the aerosol generating article 2 based on the magnetic field generated from the induction coil 181.

[0104] Reference Figure 3 Heater 183 can be an external heating type heater.

[0105] According to one embodiment, the externally heated heater can extend upwardly and relatively long around the space where the aerosol generating article 2 is inserted (i.e., the insertion space). For example, the externally heated heater can be arranged to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. As an example, the externally heated heater can include a tubular shape (e.g., cylindrical) with a hollow interior. The externally heated heater can also include a shape with a hollow interior that surrounds the hollow space. In this case, the externally heated heater can be supported by a polyimide film. A heater supported by such a film can be referred to as a film heater. The externally heated heater can be arranged to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. The externally heated heater is capable of heating the outside of the aerosol generating article 2 inserted into the hollow space.

[0106] According to one embodiment, the external heating type heater may include a resistance heater and / or an induction heater, and the terms related to... will be omitted. Figure 2To reiterate. Furthermore, for induction heating heaters, the aerosol generating apparatus 1 may include an external heating type heater formed by a tubular induction heating element, and may include an induction coil 181 surrounding at least a portion of the external heating type heater (e.g., arranged externally in a manner corresponding to at least a portion of the heater's length). Additionally, the induction coil 181 may also include a fan coil. Furthermore, if the external heating type heater is a resistance heater, since heating can be achieved by current flowing through the tubular resistance heater (e.g., a thin-film heater), a separate induction coil 181 can be omitted. Additionally, insulating material may be arranged externally to the external heating type heater. This reduces the heat dissipated from the heater 183 in the radially outward direction and applied to the outside of the housing 10.

[0107] According to one embodiment, heater 183 can be multiple heaters, with the first and second heaters arranged side-by-side along the length direction and each surrounding at least a portion of the insertion space. The first and second heaters can operate as resistance heaters and / or induction heaters, and can be heated sequentially or simultaneously. Alternatively, when heater 183 is an induction heater, the aerosol generating device 1 can include a first induction coil and a second induction coil, which can be arranged respectively at positions corresponding to the length directions of the first and second heaters. Alternatively, the first and second heaters can also be arranged respectively at positions corresponding to the length directions of a first and a second portion of heater 183.

[0108] and Figure 2 or Figure 3 The situation shown is different, Figure 2 heater 182 and Figure 3 The heater 183 can be included in the aerosol generating apparatus 1. In this case, the heater 182 can heat the inside of the aerosol generating article 2, and the heater 183 can heat the outside of the aerosol generating article 2.

[0109] According to one embodiment, an airflow channel for air circulation can be provided in the aerosol generating apparatus 1. For example, the housing 10 may include a structure (e.g., a hole) that allows air to flow from the outside into the interior of the housing 10. The air flowing into the interior of the housing 10 can enter the aerosol generating article 2 through its lower end (i.e., upstream side). The aerosol generated by heating the aerosol generating article 2 can be inhaled into the user's mouth along with the inflowing air through its upper end (i.e., downstream side).

[0110] Reference Figure 4 According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 1 may include a housing 10, a power supply 11, a control unit 12, a sensor unit 13, and / or heaters 183, 24 (e.g., Figure 1 (Heats 18, 24). However, those skilled in the art will understand that the components of the aerosol generating apparatus 1 are not limited to those described in this embodiment. Figure 4 The constituent elements shown may be partially omitted, or new constituent elements may be added. In the following figures, those omitted and... Figure 1 Repeated explanation.

[0111] According to one embodiment, the housing 10 may provide an upwardly opening space (hereinafter referred to as an insertion space) for inserting the aerosol generating article 2. The insertion space may be recessed into the interior of the housing 10 to a predetermined depth to allow at least a portion of the aerosol generating article 2 to be inserted. The lower end of the aerosol generating article 2 may be inserted into the interior of the housing 10, and the upper end of the aerosol generating article 2 may protrude outward from the housing 10.

[0112] Unlike the case shown in the attached figures, the cartridge 19 may also provide an insertion space for accommodating the aerosol generating article 2. In this case, the insertion space may be recessed into the interior of the cartridge 19 to a predetermined depth, allowing at least a portion of the aerosol generating article 2 to be inserted. The lower end of the aerosol generating article 2 may be inserted into the interior of the cartridge 19, while the upper end of the aerosol generating article 2 may protrude outward from the cartridge 19. Furthermore, in this case, the aerosol generating device 1 may not include the heater 183.

[0113] According to one embodiment, the depth of the insertion space can be greater than the length of the region of the aerosol generating article 2 containing the aerosol generating substance and / or medium. The user can hold the exposed upper end of the aerosol generating article 2 in their mouth and inhale air.

[0114] According to one embodiment, heater 183 can heat aerosol generating article 2. Heater 183 can extend relatively long upwards around the periphery of the space into which aerosol generating article 2 is inserted (i.e., the insertion space). As an example, heater 183 can be a tubular shape (e.g., cylindrical) with a hollow interior. Heater 183 can also include a shape with a hollow interior that encloses the hollow space. In this case, heater 183 can be supported by a polyimide film. A heater supported by such a film can be referred to as a film heater. Heater 183 can be arranged to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. Heater 183 can heat the outside of the hollow aerosol generating article 2 inserted therein. In this disclosure, heater 183 can be referred to as an external heating type heater that heats the outside of the aerosol generating article 2. Additionally, an insulating material can also be arranged on the outside of heater 183. This reduces the heat dissipated from heater 183 in a radially outward direction and applied to the outside of housing 10.

[0115] According to one embodiment, heater 183 may include a resistance heater and / or an induction heater.

[0116] For example, a resistance heater may include a resistive material and can be heated as an electric current flows through it. In this case, the resistance heater may be electrically connected to power source 11 and can be heated directly by receiving current from power source 11.

[0117] For example, for an induction heating heater, the aerosol generating device 1 may further include an induction coil (not shown) surrounding at least a portion of the heater 183 (e.g., arranged externally in a manner corresponding to at least a portion of the length of the heater 183). In this case, to improve the efficiency of induction heating, a magnetic flux concentrator or the like may also be included outside the induction coil (not shown). The induction heating heater may include an induction heating element (susceptor) and may generate heat based on a magnetic field generated from the induction coil (not shown).

[0118] According to one embodiment, heater 183 can also be a multiple heater. 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 can be arranged side-by-side along the length direction. The first and second heaters can operate as resistance heaters and / or induction heaters, and can be heated sequentially or simultaneously. In this case, the first and second heaters can be arranged respectively at positions corresponding to the length directions of two or more aerosol generating rods. Alternatively, the first and second heaters can also be arranged respectively at positions corresponding to the length directions of a first and second part of an aerosol generating rod. Furthermore, when heater 183 is an induction heater, the aerosol generating device 1 may include a first induction coil and a second induction coil, which can also be arranged respectively at positions corresponding to the length directions of the first and second heaters. Alternatively, the first and second heaters can also be arranged respectively at positions corresponding to the length directions of a first and second part of a heater 183. In addition, heaters and / or induction coils may include three or more.

[0119] Unlike the case shown in the attached diagram, the aerosol generating device 1 may also exclude the heater 183. The aerosol generating article 2 may be directly or indirectly heated by the cartridge heater 24, or substantially unheated. Indirect heating means that the aerosol generating article 2 receives heat contained within the aerosol as it passes through the cartridge heater 24. In this case, the aerosol generating device 1 may be referred to as a non-heating (or, indirectly heated) aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating rod of the aerosol generating article 2 may contain additives such as alkaline substances. Based on this alkaline substance, the nicotine contained in the aerosol generating rod may have an alkaline pH (e.g., pH 7.0 or higher). This alkaline nicotine can flow into the user's mouth along with the aerosol flowing from the cartridge 19 into the aerosol generating article 2, as described later.

[0120] Unlike the case shown in the attached figures, heater 183 may also include an internally heated type heater. For example, an internally heated type heater may include various heating elements such as rod-type, tubular-type, plate-type, or needle-type heating elements. The internally heated type heater can be inserted through the lower part of the aerosol generating article 2 and can be configured to heat the inner side of the aerosol generating article 2.

[0121] According to one embodiment, the cartridge 19 can be detachably attached to the housing 10. For example, a space can be formed on one side of the housing 10, and at least a portion of the cartridge 19 can be inserted into the space formed on one side of the housing 10, so that the cartridge 19 can be installed in the housing 10. Alternatively, the cartridge 19 can be integrally formed with the housing 10.

[0122] According to one embodiment, an airflow channel for air circulation can be provided in the aerosol generating device 1 and / or the cartridge 19. For example, the housing 10 may include a structure that allows air to flow from the outside into the interior of the housing 10 when the cartridge 19 is inserted. The inflowing air can pass through the cartridge 19 and flow into the insertion space through the airflow channel CN, and can flow into the user's mouth. The airflow channel CN ​​may also include various structures for reducing residual droplets or promoting airflow.

[0123] exist Figure 4 Although the illustration shows the cartridge 19 positioned to the side of the aerosol generating article 2 and the airflow channel CN ​​forming from the side surface of the aerosol generating article 2 toward the lower end (i.e., the upstream side) of the aerosol generating article 2, the positions of the cartridge 19 and the airflow channel CN ​​are not limited to this. For example, the cartridge 19 may be positioned adjacent to the lower end (i.e., the upstream side) of the aerosol generating article 2, and in this case, the airflow channel CN ​​may be formed substantially in a straight line to connect the cartridge 19 to the lower end (i.e., the upstream side) of the aerosol generating article 2.

[0124] According to one embodiment, the cartridge 19 may include a storage section C0 containing aerosol-generating material, a cartridge heater 24, and / or a liquid delivery member impregnated with (containing) aerosol-generating material. The liquid delivery member is capable of being impregnated with aerosol-generating material supplied from the chamber C0. For example, the liquid delivery member may include a core material such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic.

[0125] According to one embodiment, the cartridge heater 24 can heat the aerosol-generating substance contained in the cartridge 19. For example, the cartridge heater 24 may include a resistance heater and / or an induction heater.

[0126] As an example, a resistance heater may include a resistive material and can be heated as an electric current flows through it. As another example, for an induction heater, the aerosol generating device 1 may also include an induction coil (not shown) around the periphery of the induction heater. The induction heater may include an induction heating element and can generate heat based on a magnetic field generated from the induction coil (not shown). The cartridge heater 24 can be formed in a coil configuration surrounding (or winding around) the liquid delivery member and / or in contact with one side of the liquid delivery member (e.g., a patterned shape).

[0127] Unlike the case shown in the attached figures, the cartridge heater 24 may also be included in the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the cartridge heater 24 may be included inside the housing 10. In this case, the cartridge 19 can be separated from the cartridge heater 24 by removing the cartridge 19.

[0128] According to one embodiment, an aerosol can be generated based on the heating of the cartridge heater 24. For example, as the aerosol generating material impregnated in the liquid delivery member is heated by the cartridge heater 24, vapor can be generated from the aerosol generating material, and as the generated vapor mixes with external air flowing into the cartridge 19, an aerosol can be generated. The aerosol generated by the cartridge heater 24 flows into the aerosol generating article 2 through the airflow channel CN. As the aerosol passes through the aerosol generating article 2, tobacco or flavoring substances can be added to the aerosol, and the aerosol with added tobacco or flavoring substances can be inhaled into the user's mouth through one end of the aerosol generating article 2. Figure 5 The flowchart illustrates the control of inserting and deleting a rod in an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 The diagram shows signals from the rod detection sensor and suction sensor related to the insertion or removal of the rod. Figure 7 The diagram is a cross-sectional view showing the direction of the airflow that occurs in the insertion space when suction is generated.

[0129] Reference Figures 5 to 7 The control unit 12 of the aerosol generating device 1 (see Figure 1 The control unit 12 can determine whether the rod 2 (e.g., the aerosol generating article 2) is inserted into the insertion space 43 provided in the body 10 (e.g., the housing 10) or removed from the insertion space 43 provided in the body 10 (e.g., the housing 10). For example, the control unit 12 can determine whether the rod 2 is inserted into the insertion space 43 or removed from the insertion space 43 based on the signal detected by the rod detection sensor 131 or the signal output from the rod detection sensor 131.

[0130] Sensor section 13 (see Figure 1 The device may include a rod detection sensor 131. The rod detection sensor 131 (e.g., an insertion detection sensor) can detect the insertion and / or removal of the rod 2. The rod detection sensor 131 may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space 43. The rod detection sensor 131 may include a capacitive sensor. The capacitive sensor may include at least one conductor, and at least one conductor may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space 43. When the rod 2 is inserted or removed within the insertion space 43, the dielectric constant around the conductor may change. The rod detection sensor 131 may be referred to as a cigarette detection sensor, an insertion detection sensor, etc.

[0131] The rod detection sensor 131 may include two 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.

[0132] The first electrode 1311 may extend in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43 and may extend along the outer periphery of the insertion space 43. The first electrode 1311 may be bent or have a bent shape to correspond to the shape of the side portion of the insertion space 43. The first electrode 1311 may be referred to as a first antenna or a first channel.

[0133] The second electrode 1312 may have a shape corresponding to the first electrode 1311. The second electrode 1312 may extend in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43 and may extend along the circumferential portion 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 outer side of the first electrode 1311. The second electrode 1312 may be referred to as a second antenna or a second channel.

[0134] 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 configured 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. When the set voltage is applied, current can flow to the first electrode 1311 and the second electrode 1312. The current flowing to the first electrode 1311 and the second electrode 1312 can vary depending on the presence and type of object around the first sensor 131. The difference between the current flowing to the first electrode 1311 and the current flowing to the second electrode 1312 can vary in response to the type of object present around the rod detection sensor 131.

[0135] An insulator 1313 may be placed between the first electrode 1311 and the second electrode 1312. The insulator 1313 may have an inner surface that contacts the first electrode 1311 and an outer surface that contacts 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.

[0136] The first electrode 1311 and the second electrode 1312 may comprise metallic materials. For example, the first electrode 1311 and the second electrode 1312 may comprise copper. However, the materials of the sensing electrodes are not limited to this and may comprise other metals or mixtures of conductive metals.

[0137] 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 may include other materials that are elastic, heat-resistant and electrically insulating.

[0138] The rod detection sensor 131 can output signals corresponding to the current flowing to the first electrode 1311 and the current flowing to the second electrode 1312. For example, the rod detection sensor 1311 can output a first signal corresponding to the current flowing to the first electrode 1311 and a second signal corresponding to the current flowing to the second electrode 1312, respectively. For example, the rod detection sensor 1311 can use the difference between the first signal corresponding to the current flowing to the first electrode 1311 and the second signal corresponding to the current flowing to the second electrode 1312 as a signal.

[0139] In addition to the rod detection sensor 131, the sensor unit 13 may also include at least one of the suction sensor 132 or the temperature sensor 133.

[0140] The suction sensor 132 can detect the user's inhalation. The suction sensor 132 can be configured to correspond to an airflow path through which gas flows within the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the suction sensor 132 can be positioned adjacent to the insertion space 43. The suction sensor 132 can output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device 1, and the control unit 12 can detect the user's inhalation based on this signal. The suction sensor 132 may include a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a capacitive sensor, etc., but is not limited to these, and can be implemented as various sensors for detecting user inhalation.

[0141] Temperature sensor 133 can detect the temperature of heater 182. Temperature sensor 133 can be provided as a separate temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of heater 182, or heater 182 can function as a temperature sensor. Control unit 12 can detect or determine the temperature of heater 182 based on the signal output from temperature sensor 113. For example, temperature sensor 133 can output a signal corresponding to the impedance of the heater, which is related to the temperature of heater 182. For example, temperature sensor 133 can include a resistive element (e.g., a thermistor) whose resistance changes in response to temperature changes in heater 182, and temperature sensor 133 can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistive element. However, temperature sensor 133 is not limited to this and can be implemented as various sensors for detecting the temperature of heater 182.

[0142] The control unit 12 can receive signals detected by the rod detection sensor 131 or signals output from the rod detection sensor 131, and determine whether the rod 2 has been inserted into the insertion space 43 or removed from the insertion space 43 based on the signals (S510). For example, when the rod detection sensor 131 outputs a positive (+) signal greater than a certain amplitude, or when the difference between the first signal and the second signal output from the rod detection sensor 131 has a positive (+) value greater than a certain amplitude, the control unit 12 can determine that the rod 2 has been inserted into the insertion space 43. For example, when the rod detection sensor 131 outputs a negative (-) signal greater than a certain amplitude, or when the difference between the first signal and the second signal output from the rod detection sensor 131 has a negative (-) value greater than a certain amplitude, the control unit 12 can determine that the rod 2 has been removed from the insertion space 43.

[0143] The control unit 12 can receive signals detected by the suction sensor 132 or signals output from the suction sensor 132, and determine whether suction has occurred based on the signals (S520). For example, when the amplitude of the signal output from the suction sensor is greater than a preset value, the control unit 12 can determine that the user has performed suction.

[0144] The control unit 12 can cancel the determination made in the S510 process regarding whether the rod 2 has been inserted into the insertion space 43 (hereinafter referred to as "insertion determination") or whether the rod 2 has been removed from the insertion space 43 (hereinafter referred to as "removal determination") based on whether suction has occurred.

[0145] The control unit 12 can cancel the insertion or removal determination based on the detection of the user's inhalation by the suction sensor 132 within a specific time period from the time the rod detection sensor 131 detects the insertion or removal of the rod 2. For example, when the rod detection sensor 131 detects the insertion or removal of the rod 2 and outputs a signal corresponding to the user's inhalation from the suction sensor 132 at the same time, or when the rod detection sensor 131 detects the insertion or removal of the rod 2 and outputs a signal corresponding to the user's inhalation from the suction sensor 132 within a relatively short time period (e.g., 0.1 seconds) from the time the rod detection sensor 131 detects the insertion or removal of the rod 2, the control unit 12 can cancel the insertion or removal determination.

[0146] Therefore, under normal circumstances where the user generates suction after the rod 2 is inserted into the insertion space 43, the insertion determination of the rod 2 can be prevented from being cancelled.

[0147] When suction has occurred (S530 "Yes"), the control unit 12 can cancel the insertion determination or removal determination (S540). Therefore, it can be assumed that no event has occurred in which the rod 2 was inserted into or removed from the insertion space 43.

[0148] When no suction has occurred ("No" in S530), the control unit 12 can maintain the insertion determination or removal determination (S550). Therefore, it can be considered that an event has occurred in which the rod 2 is inserted into or removed from the insertion space 43.

[0149] To help understand Figure 5 Control Figure 6 Various scenarios are shown of signals related to the insertion or removal of the rod 2, output from the rod detection sensor 131 and the suction sensor 132.

[0150] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 At the first time point t11, rod 2 is inserted into the insertion space 43. In this case, no user suction occurs. At the first time point t11, a signal S1 can be output from the rod detection sensor 131. The output signal S1 can have an absolute value greater than a preset first value and has a positive (+) sign. The control unit 12 can determine that rod 2 has been inserted into the insertion space 43 based on the signal S1 output from the rod detection sensor 131. Figure 6 In this example, the output of one signal can be taken as an example, but two signals can be output from the bar detection sensor 131. The control unit 12 can determine the amplitude of the output and whether the output is positive or negative based on the difference between the output values ​​of the two signals.

[0151] Signal S2 can be the output from suction sensor 132, or the output signal can vary within a specific time period starting from the first time point t11. The amplitude of the change in output signal S2 can be less than a preset second value. Control unit 12 can determine that no suction has occurred based on the signal output from suction sensor 132.

[0152] The control unit 12 can determine that the rod 2 has been inserted based on the signal detected by the rod detection sensor 131 or the signal output from the rod detection sensor 131, and further maintain the insertion determination of the rod 2 based on the signal detected by the suction sensor 132 or the signal output from the suction sensor 132, without canceling it. Therefore, the insertion event of the rod 2 can be accurately detected.

[0153] At the second time point t12, user suction occurs. Regardless of whether rod 2 is inserted or removed, signal S1 can be output from rod detection sensor 131. Due to user suction, airflow can be generated in the space within rod 2, the space within insertion space 43, and the space within aerosol generating device 1 connected to insertion space 43. For example, airflow can be generated along a direction F1 in the longitudinal direction of insertion space 43 (see... Figure 7 An airflow is generated in the opposite direction, F2. Even if the rod 2 is not inserted into or removed from the insertion space 43, the rod detection sensor 131, which is set to be adjacent to the insertion space 43, can output a signal S1 through the airflow generated by the user's suction.

[0154] The output signal S1 at this time is a signal output due to a false detection by the rod detection sensor 131. The output signal S1 may have an absolute value greater than a preset first value and has a positive (+) sign. The control unit 12 can determine that the rod 2 has been inserted into the insertion space 43 based on the signal S1 output from the rod detection sensor 131.

[0155] At the second time point t12 or within a specific time period from the second time point t12, a signal S2 may be output from the suction sensor 132, or the output signal may change. The amplitude of the change in the output signal S2 may be greater than a preset second value. The control unit 12 can determine that suction has occurred based on the signal output by the suction sensor 132.

[0156] The control unit 12 determines the insertion of the rod 2 based on the signal detected by or output from the rod detection sensor 131, and can further cancel the insertion determination of the rod 2 based on the signal detected by or output from the suction sensor 132. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the event from being mistakenly determined to have occurred even if the insertion event of the rod 2 has not occurred.

[0157] At the third time point t13, user suction occurs. At the third time point t13, the rod detection sensor 131 may not output a signal. At the third time point t13 or within a specific time period from the third time point t13, the suction sensor 132 may output a signal S2, or the output signal may change. The amplitude of the change in the output signal S2 may be greater than a preset second value. The control unit 12 can determine that suction has occurred based on the signal output from the suction sensor 132.

[0158] At the fourth time point t14, user suction occurs. At the fourth time point t14, regardless of whether rod 2 is inserted or removed, signal S1 can be output from rod detection sensor 131. The output signal S1 at this time is the signal output by rod detection sensor 131 during user suction. The output signal S1 can have an absolute value greater than a preset first value and has a negative (-) sign. Control unit 12 can determine that rod 2 has been removed from insertion space 43 based on signal S1 output from rod detection sensor 131.

[0159] At the fourth time point t14 or within a specific time period starting from the fourth time point t14, a signal S2 may be output from the suction sensor 132, or the output signal may be changed. The magnitude of the change in the output signal S2 may be greater than a preset second value. The control unit 12 may determine that suction has occurred based on the signal output from the suction sensor 132.

[0160] The control unit 12 can determine that the rod 2 has been removed based on the signal detected by the rod detection sensor 131 or the signal output from the rod detection sensor 131, and can further cancel the removal determination of the rod 2 based on the signal detected by the suction sensor 132 or the signal output from the suction sensor 132. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the erroneous determination that the event has occurred when the removal event of the rod 2 has not occurred.

[0161] At the fifth time point t15, rod 2 is removed from insertion space 43. In this case, no user suction occurs. At the fifth time point t15, signal S1 can be output from rod detection sensor 131. Output signal S1 can have an absolute value greater than a preset first value and has a negative (-) sign. Control unit 12 can determine that rod 2 has been removed from insertion space 43 based on signal S1 output from rod detection sensor 131.

[0162] At the fifth time point t15 or within a specific period starting from the fifth time point t15, the suction sensor 132 may not output signal S2, or the output signal may remain unchanged. The control unit 12 can determine that no suction has occurred based on the signal output from the suction sensor 132.

[0163] The control unit 12 can determine that the rod 2 has been removed based on the signal detected by the rod detection sensor 131 or the signal output from the rod detection sensor 131, and can further maintain the determination of rod 2 removal based on the signal detected by the suction sensor 132 or the signal output from the suction sensor 132, without canceling it. Therefore, the removal event of the rod 2 can be accurately detected.

[0164] In this manner, according to one embodiment, by determining whether the rod 2 has been inserted or removed based on the signals detected by the rod detection sensor 131 and the suction sensor 132 or the signals output from the rod detection sensor 131 and the suction sensor 132, the user's suction can prevent erroneous determination that the rod 2 has been inserted or removed even if the rod 2 has not been inserted or removed, and the insertion or removal of the rod 2 can be accurately detected.

[0165] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the determination of rod insertion in an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure and the control of canceling such determination. Figure 9 The diagram shows signals related to the insertion or removal of a rod, output from a rod detection sensor and a temperature sensor. Figure 10 It shows a cross-sectional view of the droplet's motion in the insertion space, and Figures 11 to 13 The signals related to the insertion or removal of the rod are shown from the rod detection sensor and the temperature sensor.

[0166] Reference Figures 8 to 13 The control unit 12 can determine whether the rod 2 has been inserted into the insertion space 43 or removed from the insertion space 43 based on the signal detected by the rod detection sensor 131 or the signal output from the rod detection sensor 131.

[0167] The control unit 12 can receive signals detected by or output from the rod detection sensor 131, and determine whether the rod 2 has been inserted into or removed from the insertion space 43 based on the signals (S810). For example, when the rod detection sensor 131 outputs a positive (+) signal with a specific amplitude, or when the difference between the first signal and the second signal output from the rod detection sensor 131 has a positive (+) value with a specific amplitude, the control unit 12 can determine that the rod 2 has been inserted into the insertion space 43. For example, when the rod detection sensor 131 outputs a negative (-) signal with a specific amplitude, or when the difference between the first signal and the second signal output from the rod detection sensor 131 has a negative (-) value with a specific amplitude, the control unit 12 can determine that the rod 2 has been removed from the insertion space 43.

[0168] The control unit 12 can repeatedly receive signals detected by or output from the temperature sensor 133, and determine the temperature of the heater 182 and the temperature-related parameter PM based on that temperature (S820). For example, the control unit 12 can determine the temperature of the heater 182 by comparing the signal output from the temperature sensor 133 with the data stored in the memory 17. The control unit 12 can store temperature values ​​of the heater 182 corresponding to multiple time points in the memory 17, and determine the temperature-related parameter PM from the stored temperature values ​​of the heater 182.

[0169] The temperature-related parameter PM can include a first parameter PM1 and a second parameter PM2. The first parameter PM1 can be the temperature value of the heater 182 before the time point when the rod detection sensor 131 detects the insertion or removal of the rod 2. The second parameter PM2 can be the temperature value of the heater 182 after the time point when the rod detection sensor 131 detects the insertion or removal of the rod 2.

[0170] For example, the first parameter PM1 can be the average change or average slope of the temperature of heater 182 over a specific time up to the point when the insertion or removal of rod 2 is detected, and the second parameter PM2 can be the average change or average slope of the temperature of heater 182 over a specific time after the point when the insertion or removal of rod 2 is detected. For example, the first parameter PM1 can be the standard deviation of the temperature value of heater 182 over a specific time up to the point when the insertion or removal of rod 2 is detected, and the second parameter PM2 can be the standard deviation of the temperature value of heater 182 over a specific time after the point when the insertion or removal of rod 2 is detected. Here, the specific time can be determined in advance through experiments, etc. For example, the specific time can be from 5 seconds to 15 seconds.

[0171] The control unit 12 can compare the first parameter PM1 and the second parameter PM2. The control unit 12 can cancel the insertion decision or the removal decision based on the comparison result of the first parameter PM1 and the second parameter PM2.

[0172] The control unit 12 can determine the difference between the first parameter PM1 and the second parameter PM2. The control unit 12 can determine the ratio of the difference between the first parameter PM1 and the second parameter PM2 to the first parameter PM1, PM1-PM2 / PM1. The control unit 12 can compare the following two: the ratio of the difference between the first parameter PM1 and the second parameter PM2 to the first parameter PM1; and a first threshold.

[0173] When the ratio is less than the first threshold ("Yes" in S830), the control unit 12 can cancel the insertion decision or removal decision (S840). Therefore, it can be assumed that no event has occurred in inserting the rod 2 into or removing it from the insertion space 43.

[0174] The first threshold can be determined in advance through experiments, etc. For example, the first threshold can be 0.05 to 0.15 (5% to 15%). A first threshold of 0.05 can mean that the amplitude or standard deviation of the average temperature change of heater 182 over a specific time until the insertion or removal of rod 2 is detected is 5% of the amplitude or standard deviation of the average temperature change of heater 182 over a specific time until the insertion or removal of rod 2 is detected.

[0175] When the ratio is equal to or greater than the first threshold (No in S830), the control unit 12 can maintain the insertion determination or removal determination (S850). Therefore, it can be considered that an event of inserting the rod 2 into the insertion space 43 or removing it from the insertion space 43 has occurred.

[0176] To help understand Figure 8 Control Figure 9 and Figure 11 Various scenarios of signals related to the insertion event of rod 2, output from rod detection sensor 131 and temperature sensor 132, are shown.

[0177] Reference Figure 9 and Figure 10 Insertion space 43 remains empty from the sixth time point t22 to the eighth time point t23, with no rod 2 inserted into it. In this state, at the seventh time point t21, regardless of whether rod 2 is inserted or removed, signal S1 can be output from rod detection sensor 131. When droplets D accumulated in insertion space 43 move within insertion space 43 (see...) Figure 10 As droplets D move, the rod detection sensor 131, which is positioned adjacent to the insertion space 43, can output a signal S1.

[0178] The output signal S1 at this time is the signal output due to the erroneous detection of the rod detection sensor 131. The output signal S1 may have an absolute value greater than a preset first value and has a positive (+) sign. The control unit 12 can determine that the rod 2 has been inserted into the insertion space 43 based on the signal S1 output from the rod detection sensor 131.

[0179] The control unit 12 can determine a first average change or a first average slope Tp1 / P1 in the temperature of the heater 182 up to the sixth time point t22—that is, a specific time point P1 before the seventh time point t21. The first average change or the first average slope corresponds to a first parameter PM1. The control unit 12 can determine a second average change or a second average slope Tp2 / P1 in the temperature of the heater 182 up to the eighth time point t23—that is, a specific time point P1 after the seventh time point t21. The second average change or the second average slope corresponds to a second parameter PM2.

[0180] The control unit 12 can compare the following two: the ratio of the difference between the first parameter PM1 and the second parameter PM2 to the first parameter PM1; and the first threshold. Since the insertion space 43 remains empty from the sixth time point t22 to the eighth time point t23, and there is no insertion rod 2 in the insertion space 43, the first parameter PM1 and the second parameter PM2 can have the same or significantly similar values. Therefore, the ratio of the difference between the first parameter PM1 and the second parameter PM2 to the first parameter PM1 becomes less than the first threshold.

[0181] The control unit 12 can determine that the rod 2 has been inserted based on the signal detected by the rod detection sensor 131 or the signal output from the rod detection sensor 131, and can further cancel the insertion determination of the rod 2 based on the signal detected by the temperature sensor 133 or the signal output from the temperature sensor 133. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the incorrect determination that the insertion event has occurred when the insertion event of the rod 2 has not occurred.

[0182] Reference Figure 11 When the insertion space 43 is empty and there is no insertion rod 2 in the insertion space 43, the rod 2 can be inserted into the insertion space 43 at the seventh time point t21. In this case, the rod detection sensor 131 can output signal S1 at the seventh time point t21.

[0183] The signal S1 output from the rod detection sensor 131 can have an absolute value greater than a preset first value and has a positive (+) sign. The control unit 12 can determine that the rod 2 has been inserted into the insertion space 43 based on the signal S1 output from the rod detection sensor 131.

[0184] The control unit 12 can determine a first average change or a first average slope Tp1 / P1 in the temperature of the heater 182 up to the sixth time point t22—that is, a specific time point P1 before the seventh time point t21. The first average change or the first average slope corresponds to a first parameter PM1. The control unit 12 can determine a second average change or a second average slope Tp2 / P1 in the temperature of the heater 182 up to the eighth time point t23—that is, a specific time point P1 after the seventh time point t21. The second average change or the second average slope corresponds to a second parameter PM2.

[0185] The control unit 12 can compare the following two: the ratio of the difference between the first parameter PM1 and the second parameter PM2 to the first parameter PM1; and a first threshold. Since the rod 2 is inserted into the insertion space 43 at the seventh time point t21, the temperature of the heater 182 can decrease more quickly than when the rod 2 is not inserted. Therefore, the ratio of the difference between the first parameter PM1 and the second parameter PM2 to the first parameter PM1 becomes greater than the first threshold.

[0186] The control unit 12 can determine that the rod 2 has been inserted based on the signal detected by the rod detection sensor 131 or the signal output from the rod detection sensor 131, and can further maintain the insertion determination of the rod 2 based on the signal detected by the temperature sensor 133 or the signal output from the temperature sensor 133, without canceling it. Therefore, the insertion event of the rod 2 can be accurately detected.

[0187] To help understand Figure 8 Control Figure 12 and Figure 13 Various scenarios are shown where signals related to the removal event of rod 2 are output from rod detection sensor 131 and temperature sensor 132.

[0188] Reference Figure 12 From the sixth time point t22 to the eighth time point t23, the rod 2 remains inserted into the insertion space 43. In this state, at the seventh time point t21, regardless of whether the rod 2 is inserted or removed, the rod detection sensor 131 can output a signal S1. When the droplet D accumulated in the insertion space 43 moves within the insertion space 43 or when the user rotates the inserted rod 2 within the insertion space 43, the rod detection sensor 131 located near the insertion space 43 can output a signal S1.

[0189] In this example, the output signal S1 is the signal detected and output by the rod detection sensor 131. The output signal S1 may have an absolute value greater than a preset first value and has a negative (-) sign. The control unit 12 can determine that the rod 2 has been removed from the insertion space 43 based on the signal S1 output from the rod detection sensor 131.

[0190] The control unit 12 can determine a first average change or a first average slope Tp1 / P1 in the temperature of the heater 182 up to the sixth time point t22—that is, a specific time point P1 before the seventh time point t21. The first average change or the first average slope corresponds to a first parameter PM1. The control unit 12 can determine a second average change or a second average slope Tp2 / P1 in the temperature of the heater 182 up to the eighth time point t23—that is, a specific time point P1 after the seventh time point t21. The second average change or the second average slope corresponds to a second parameter PM2.

[0191] The control unit 12 can compare the following two: the ratio of the difference between the first parameter PM1 and the second parameter PM2 to the first parameter PM1; and a first threshold. Since the state of inserting the rod 2 into the insertion space 43 is maintained from the sixth time point t22 to the eighth time point t23, the first parameter PM1 and the second parameter PM2 may have the same or significantly similar values. Therefore, the ratio of the difference between the first parameter PM1 and the second parameter PM2 to the first parameter PM1 is less than the first threshold.

[0192] The control unit 12 can determine that the rod 2 has been removed based on the signal detected by the rod detection sensor 131 or the signal output from the rod detection sensor 131, and can further cancel the removal determination of the rod 2 based on the signal detected by the temperature sensor 133 or the signal output from the temperature sensor 133. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the erroneous determination that the event has occurred even if the removal event of the rod 2 has not occurred.

[0193] Reference Figure 13 At the seventh time point t21, the state of rod 2 changing from being inserted into the insertion space 43 to being removed from the insertion space 43. In this case, signal S1 can be output from rod detection sensor 131 at the seventh time point t21.

[0194] The signal S1 output from the rod detection sensor 131 can have an absolute value greater than a preset first value and has a negative (-) sign. The control unit 12 can determine that the rod 2 has been removed from the insertion space 43 based on the signal S1 output from the rod detection sensor 131.

[0195] The control unit 12 can determine a first average change or a first average slope Tp1 / P1 in the temperature of the heater 182 up to the sixth time point t22—that is, a specific time point P1 before the seventh time point t21. The first average change or the first average slope corresponds to a first parameter PM1. The control unit 12 can determine a second average change or a second average slope Tp2 / P1 in the temperature of the heater 182 up to the eighth time point t23—that is, a specific time point P1 after the seventh time point t21. The second average change or the second average slope corresponds to a second parameter PM2.

[0196] The control unit 12 can compare the following two: the ratio of the difference between the first parameter PM1 and the second parameter PM2 to the first parameter PM1; and the first threshold. Since the rod 2 is removed from the insertion space 43 at the seventh time point t21, the temperature of the heater 182 can drop faster than when the rod 2 was inserted. Therefore, the ratio of the difference between the first parameter PM1 and the second parameter PM2 to the first parameter PM1 becomes greater than the first threshold.

[0197] The control unit 12 can determine that the rod 2 has been removed based on the signal detected by or output from the rod detection sensor 131, and can further maintain the determination of rod 2 removal based on the signal detected by or output from the temperature sensor 133, without canceling it. Therefore, the removal event of rod 2 can be accurately detected.

[0198] Reference Figure 8 The control unit 12 can only perform the cancellation operation of inserting or removing the rod 2 based on the signal output from the temperature sensor 133 when the temperature of the heater 182 is greater than the second threshold. That is, during S820, the control unit 12 can compare the temperature of the heater 182 with the second threshold, and can compare the first parameter PM1 and the second parameter PM2 based on the temperature of the heater 182 being greater than the second threshold.

[0199] When the heater 182 in the aerosol generating device 1 is not heated and is not used for a specific period of time or longer, the temperature of the heater 182 may be the same as or similar to the temperature around or outside the aerosol generating device 1. In this case, even if the rod 2 is inserted into or removed from the insertion space 43, the temperature of the heater 182 may hardly change.

[0200] Therefore, when the temperature drops after the heater 182 has heated the material, the control unit 12 can perform control to cancel or maintain the insertion or removal decision of the rod 2 based on the signal output from the temperature sensor 133. The second threshold can be determined as a temperature between the temperature at which the heater 182 heats the aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol (e.g., 300 °C to 400 °C) and room temperature (e.g., 10 °C to 30 °C). For example, the second threshold could be 40 °C to 60 °C.

[0201] Refer to Figure 5 and Figure 8 When the insertion determination of rod 2 is cancelled (S540 and S840), the control unit 12 can control the power supplied to the heater 18 in response to the cancellation of the determination. For example, the control unit 12 can control the power supply 11 to interrupt the power supply to the heater 18 based on the cancellation of the insertion determination of rod 2.

[0202] Therefore, even if the rod 2 is not inserted into the insertion space 43, it can prevent the heater 182 from being unnecessarily heated, and it can prevent the heater 182 or the aerosol generating device 1 from malfunctioning due to overheating.

[0203] When the removal decision for rod 2 is cancelled (S540 and S840), the control unit 12 can control the power supplied to the heater 18 in response to the cancellation of the decision. For example, the control unit 12 can control the power supply 11 to supply power to the heater 18 based on the cancellation of the removal decision for rod 2.

[0204] Therefore, even without removing the rod 2 from the insertion space 43, it is possible to prevent the heating of the heater 182 from being unnecessarily stopped and to prevent the user from being unable to inhale the aerosol.

[0205] Simultaneously, when it is determined that rod 2 has been inserted or removed, the control unit 12 can store information related to the insertion determination and information related to the removal determination in the memory 17. When the insertion determination or removal determination of rod 2 is invalidated, the control unit 12 can delete the corresponding insertion determination information or removal determination information stored in the memory 17. Therefore, insertion determination information indicating that insertion was determined and the determination was not invalidated, and removal determination information indicating that removal was determined and the determination was not invalidated, can be stored in the memory 17 in chronological order.

[0206] When the insertion decision of the rod 2 is cancelled (S540 and S840), the control unit 12 can check the insertion decision information or removal decision information stored in the memory 17 at the time point closest to the current time point or the immediately preceding time point.

[0207] When the information from the nearest or immediately preceding time point is insertion determination information, the control unit 12 can control the power supply 11 based on the cancellation of the insertion determination of rod 2, so as to maintain the power supply to the heater 18. When the information from the nearest or immediately preceding time point is insertion determination information, it means that the rod detection sensor 131 erroneously detected that rod 2 was inserted when it was already inserted into the insertion space 43. Therefore, the control unit 12 can perform a control operation to keep the aerosol generating device 1 operating normally by maintaining the power supply to the heater 18.

[0208] When the information at the nearest or immediately preceding time point is removal determination information, the control unit 12 can interrupt the power supply to the heater 18 by controlling the power supply 11 based on the cancellation of the insertion determination of rod 2. When the information at the nearest or immediately preceding time point is removal determination information, it means that the rod detection sensor 131 erroneously detected that rod 2 was inserted when rod 2 has been removed from the insertion space 43. Therefore, the control unit 12 can perform a control operation to enable the aerosol generating device 1 to operate normally by interrupting the power supply to the heater 18.

[0209] When the removal decision for rod 2 is cancelled (S540 and S840), the control unit 12 can check the insertion decision information or removal decision information stored in the memory 17 at the time point closest to the current time point or the immediately preceding time point.

[0210] When the information at the nearest or immediately preceding time point is insertion determination information, the control unit 12 can maintain the power supply to the heater 18 by controlling the power supply 11 based on the cancellation of the removal determination of rod 2. When the information at the nearest or immediately preceding time point is insertion determination information, it means that the rod detection sensor 131 erroneously detected that rod 2 was removed when it was already inserted into the insertion space 43. Therefore, the control unit 12 can perform a control operation to keep the aerosol generating device 1 operating normally by maintaining the power supply to the heater 18.

[0211] When the information at the nearest or immediately preceding time point is removal determination information, the control unit 12 can interrupt the power supply to the heater 18 by controlling the power supply 11 based on the cancellation of the removal determination of rod 2. When the information at the nearest or immediately preceding time point is removal determination information, it means that the rod detection sensor 131 erroneously detected that rod 2 was removed when it had already been removed from the insertion space 43. Therefore, the control unit 12 can perform a control operation to enable the aerosol generating device 1 to operate normally by interrupting the power supply to the heater 18.

[0212] Figure 5 and Figure 8 An embodiment is shown in which the control unit 12 cancels the insertion or removal determination of the rod 2 based on the signal output from the suction sensor 132 or the temperature sensor 133. However, the control unit 12 may cancel the insertion or removal determination of the rod 2 based on the signals output from the suction sensor 132 and the temperature sensor 133.

[0213] For example, the control unit 12 can determine whether the rod 2 has been inserted into or removed from the insertion space 43 based on the signal detected by the rod detection sensor 131. The control unit 12 can determine whether suction has occurred based on the signal detected by the suction sensor 132 or the signal output from the suction sensor 132, and compare the signal detected by the temperature sensor 133 or the signal output from the temperature sensor 133 with the first parameter PM1 and the second parameter PM2 related to the temperature of the heater 182. If suction has occurred, or if the ratio of the difference between the first parameter PM1 and the second parameter PM2 to the first parameter PM1 is less than a first threshold, the insertion determination or removal determination is canceled.

[0214] For example, the control unit 12 can determine whether the rod 2 has been inserted into or removed from the insertion space 43 based on the signal detected by the rod detection sensor 131. The control unit 12 can determine the temperature of the heater 182 based on the signal detected by the temperature sensor 133 or the signal output from the temperature sensor 133. When the temperature of the heater 182 is less than or equal to a second threshold, the insertion determination or removal determination can be cancelled based on whether suction has occurred. When the temperature of the heater 182 is greater than the second threshold, the insertion determination or removal determination can be cancelled based on the comparison result of the first parameter PM1 and the second parameter PM2.

[0215] As described above, according to at least one embodiment of this disclosure, by determining whether the rod detection sensor is malfunctioning based on signals detected by a sensor other than the rod detection sensor, rod insertion and removal events can be accurately detected.

[0216] According to at least one embodiment of this disclosure, by invalidating the determination based on the detection result of the rod detection sensor based on the user's suction detected by the suction sensor, it is possible to prevent the erroneous detection of rod insertion or removal events due to external factors.

[0217] According to at least one embodiment of this disclosure, by basing the temperature change of the heater detected by a temperature sensor, it is possible to prevent the erroneous detection of rod insertion or removal events due to external factors.

[0218] According to at least one embodiment of this disclosure, by controlling the power supplied to the heater based on the presence of erroneous detection by a rod detection sensor, unnecessary operation or cessation of operation of the heater can be prevented, and device malfunction can be prevented.

[0219] Reference Figures 1 to 13 The aerosol generating device 1 may include: a body 10, the body 10 having an insertion space 43 for accommodating a rod 2; a heater 18 configured to heat the rod 2; a rod detection sensor 131 disposed adjacent to the insertion space 43; a suction sensor 132 configured to detect suction; a temperature sensor 133 configured to detect the temperature of the heater 18; and a control unit 12 configured to determine whether the rod 2 is inserted into or removed from the insertion space 43. The control unit 12 may be configured to: determine whether the rod 2 is inserted into or removed from the insertion space 43 based on a signal detected by the rod detection sensor 131; and invalidate the insertion or removal determination based on at least one of the signals detected by the suction sensor 132 or the temperature sensor 133.

[0220] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the control unit 12 can be configured to: when the insertion or removal of the rod 2 is detected by the rod detection sensor 131, determine whether the suction sensor 132 has detected the user's inhalation, and based on the user's inhalation detected by the suction sensor 132, cancel the insertion determination or removal determination.

[0221] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the control unit 12 can be configured to cancel the insertion or removal determination based on the user's inhalation detected by the suction sensor 132 at the time point when the insertion or removal of the rod 2 is detected by the rod detection sensor 131 or within a specific time period from that time point.

[0222] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the control unit 12 can be configured to: determine the temperature of the heater 18 by repeatedly receiving signals detected by the temperature sensor 133; determine whether the rod 2 has been inserted or removed when the rod detection sensor 131 detects the insertion or removal of the rod 2; compare a first parameter PM1 with a second parameter PM2, wherein the first parameter PM1 is related to the temperature of the heater 18 before the time point at which the rod detection sensor 131 detects the insertion or removal of the rod 2, and the second parameter PM2 is related to the temperature of the heater 18 after the time point at which the insertion or removal of the rod 2 is detected; and invalidate the insertion determination or removal determination based on the comparison result between the first parameter PM1 and the second parameter PM2.

[0223] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the control unit 12 can be configured to: compare the following two: the difference between the first parameter PM1 and the second parameter PM2 and the ratio of the first parameter PM1, and a first threshold; and cancel the insertion decision or removal decision based on the ratio being less than the first threshold.

[0224] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the first threshold may be 5% to 15%.

[0225] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the first parameter PM1 may be the average change in temperature of heater 18 during a specific time period prior to the time point when the insertion or removal of rod 2 is detected, and the second parameter PM2 may be the average change in temperature of heater 18 during a specific time period after the time point when the insertion or removal of rod 2 is detected.

[0226] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the first parameter PM1 may be the standard deviation of the temperature of the heater 18 during a specific time period before the time point when the insertion or removal of the rod 2 is detected, and the second parameter PM2 may be the standard deviation of the temperature of the heater 18 during a specific time period after the time point when the insertion or removal of the rod 2 is detected.

[0227] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the specific time period can be from 5 seconds to 15 seconds.

[0228] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the control unit 12 can be configured to: compare the temperature of the heater 18 with a second threshold, and compare the first parameter PM1 with the second parameter PM2 based on the fact that the temperature of the heater 18 is greater than the second threshold.

[0229] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the second threshold may be 40°C to 60°C.

[0230] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the aerosol generating apparatus may include a power supply 11 configured to supply power to the heater 18, wherein the control unit 12 may be configured to interrupt the supply of power to the heater 18 by controlling the power supply 11 based on the cancellation of the insertion determination.

[0231] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the aerosol generating apparatus may include a power supply 11 configured to supply power to the heater 18, wherein the control unit 12 may be configured to supply power to the heater 18 by controlling the power supply 11 based on the rejection of the removal determination.

[0232] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the rod detection sensor 131 may include a capacitive sensor.

[0233] The embodiments of this disclosure described above, or other embodiments, are not mutually exclusive or distinct from each other. The constituent elements or functions of the embodiments of this disclosure described above, or other embodiments, can be used together or combined with each other.

[0234] For example, this means that component A illustrated in a particular embodiment and / or drawing can be combined with component B illustrated in other embodiments and / or drawings. That is, this means that even if the combination between components is not directly described, they can be combined except where it is stated that combination is impossible.

[0235] The detailed description above should be considered exemplary in all respects and not construed as restrictive. The scope of the invention should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the invention are included within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating apparatus, the aerosol generating apparatus comprising: The body provides an insertion space for accommodating a rod; A heater configured to heat the rod; A rod detection sensor is positioned adjacent to the insertion space; A suction sensor configured to detect inhalation; A temperature sensor configured to detect the temperature of the heater; as well as A control unit configured to determine whether the rod is inserted into the insertion space or removed from the insertion space. The control unit is configured to: Based on the signal detected by the rod detection sensor, a determination is made as to whether the rod has been inserted into the insertion space or removed from the insertion space, and The insertion or removal decision is invalidated based on at least one of the signals detected by the suction sensor or the temperature sensor.

2. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit is configured to: When the insertion or removal of the rod is detected by the rod detection sensor, a determination is made as to whether the suction sensor detects the user's inhalation, and The insertion decision or the removal decision is invalidated based on the user's inhalation detected by the suction sensor.

3. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The control unit is configured to invalidate the insertion determination or the removal determination based on the time point at which the insertion or removal of the rod is detected by the rod detection sensor or the user's inhalation is detected by the suction sensor within a specific time period from the time point.

4. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit is configured to: The temperature of the heater is determined by repeatedly receiving signals detected by the temperature sensor. When the rod detection sensor detects the insertion or removal of the rod, it determines that the rod has been inserted or removed. A first parameter is compared with a second parameter, the first parameter being related to the temperature of the heater before the time point at which the rod detection sensor detects the insertion or removal of the rod, and the second parameter being related to the temperature of the heater after the time point at which the insertion or removal of the rod is detected. Based on the comparison result between the first parameter and the second parameter, the insertion decision or the removal decision is invalidated.

5. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, The control unit is configured to: Compare the following two: the difference between the first parameter and the second parameter and the ratio of the first parameter; and the first threshold; and If the ratio is less than the first threshold, the insertion decision or the removal decision is invalidated.

6. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, The first threshold is 5% to 15%.

7. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 4, wherein: The first parameter is the average change in the temperature of the heater during a specific time period prior to the time point at which the insertion or removal of the rod is detected, and The second parameter is the average change in the temperature of the heater over a specific time period following the time point at which the insertion or removal of the rod is detected.

8. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 4, wherein: The first parameter is the standard deviation of the heater's temperature during a specific time period prior to the point in time when the insertion or removal of the rod is detected, and The second parameter is the standard deviation of the heater's temperature during a specific time period following the point at which the insertion or removal of the rod is detected.

9. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 7, wherein, The specific time period is 5 to 15 seconds.

10. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, The control unit is configured to: The temperature of the heater is compared with a second threshold, and The first parameter is compared with the second parameter based on the fact that the temperature of the heater is greater than the second threshold.

11. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 10, wherein, The second threshold is 40°C to 60°C.

12. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the aerosol generating apparatus includes a power source configured to supply power to the heater. in, The control unit is configured to interrupt the power supply to the heater by controlling the power supply based on the rejection of the insertion determination.

13. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the aerosol generating apparatus includes a power source configured to supply power to the heater. in, The control unit is configured to supply power to the heater by controlling the power supply based on the cancellation of the removal determination.

14. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The rod detection sensor includes a capacitive sensor.

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