Aerosol generating device and method for controlling aerosol generating device

Abstract

Provided is an aerosol generating device including a housing including an accommodating portion into which an aerosol generating article is inserted, an insertion detecting sensor configured to detect whether the aerosol generating article is inserted into the accommodating portion, a heater configured to heat the aerosol generating article inserted into the accommodating portion, a plurality of auxiliary sensors arranged around the accommodating portion, and a processor configured to control power to be supplied to the heater in response to receiving a sensing signal from the insertion detecting sensor and a sensing signal from at least one of the plurality of auxiliary sensors.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Various embodiments relate to an aerosol generating device and a method of controlling the aerosol generating device.[Background Art]

[0002] Recently, the demand for alternative methods to overcome the shortcomings of general cigarettes has increased. For example, there is an increasing demand for a system for generating aerosols by heating cigarettes or aerosol generating materials by using an aerosol generating device, rather than by burning cigarettes.

[0003] When an aerosol generating article is inserted into an accommodating space of an aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device may heat the aerosol generating article according to a preset temperature profile. Accordingly, whether the aerosol generating article is inserted into the accommodating space may be determined through various types of sensors (e.g., a capacitance sensor, an inductive sensor, an infrared sensor, a pressure sensor, etc.).[Disclosure][Technical Problem]

[0004] When an aerosol generating article is detected to be inserted into an accommodating space by using various sensors of the related art, a subsequent control operation, for example, heating of a heater, is automatically performed. In addition, if the insertion detection of aerosol generating article is dependent on a main sensor or if another auxiliary sensor is used to prevent an abnormal operation of the main sensor, when the main sensor or the auxiliary sensor is malfunctioning, using the aerosol generating device may become impossible.

[0005] According to an embodiment, provided are an aerosol generating device and a method of controlling the aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device capable of detecting an aerosol generating article and stably performing a subsequent control operation by dualizing sensors that may detect an insertion of the aerosol generating article even when one of the sensors malfunctions.

[0006] The technical problems to be solved by embodiments are not limited to the aforementioned problems, and unmentioned technical problems may be clearly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments pertain from the description and accompanying drawings.

[0007] Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the presented embodiments of the disclosure.[Technical Solution]

[0008] According to one embodiment, an aerosol generating device includes a housing including an accommodating portion into which an aerosol generating article is inserted, an insertion detecting sensor configured to detect whether the aerosol generating article is inserted into the accommodating portion, a heater configured to heat the aerosol generating article inserted into the accommodating portion, a plurality of auxiliary sensors arranged around the accommodating portion, and a processor configured to control power to be supplied to the heater in response to receiving a sensing signal from the insertion detecting sensor and a sensing signal from at least one of the plurality of auxiliary sensors.

[0009] Priorities may be preset to the plurality of auxiliary sensors.

[0010] The plurality of auxiliary sensors may perform a different function from the insertion detecting sensor in the aerosol generating device.

[0011] The processor may be further configured to receive a first sensing signal from the insertion detecting sensor when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the accommodating portion, receive a plurality of second sensing signals from the plurality of auxiliary sensors when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the accommodating portion, and determine that the aerosol generating article is inserted into the accommodating portion according to whether the received first sensing signal and one of the received plurality of second sensing signals are within a threshold range.

[0012] The processor may be further configured to determine that the aerosol generating article is inserted into the accommodating portion according to whether the first sensing signal and a second sensing signal according to preset priorities among the plurality of second sensing signals are within the threshold range.

[0013] The insertion detecting sensor may be an inductive sensor configured to detect an insertion of the aerosol generating article.

[0014] A first auxiliary sensor among the plurality of auxiliary sensors may be a proximity sensor arranged on an upper end of the accommodating portion and including a color sensor configured to detect whether the aerosol generating article inserted into the accommodating portion is reused, and a second auxiliary sensor among the plurality of auxiliary sensors may be a capacitive sensor arranged on a lower end of the accommodating portion and detecting whether the aerosol generating article inserted into the accommodating portion is over-humidified.

[0015] The proximity sensor may have a higher priority than the capacitive sensor.

[0016] The processor may be further configured to, when a sensing signal received from the proximity sensor is within the threshold range, determine that the aerosol generating article is inserted into the accommodating portion according to the sensing signal received from the insertion detecting sensor.

[0017] The processor may be further configured to determine that the proximity sensor malfunctions when a sensing signal is not received from the proximity sensor, the sensing signal received from the proximity sensor is not within the threshold range, or the sensing signal with a fixed value is received from the proximity sensor.

[0018] The processor may be further configured to, when a sensing signal received from the capacitive sensor is within the threshold range, determine that the aerosol generating article is inserted into the accommodating portion according to the sensing signal received from the insertion detecting sensor.

[0019] The insertion detecting sensor may be an inductive sensor arranged on a lower end of the accommodating portion to detect an inductance change when the aerosol generating article is inserted, one of the plurality of auxiliary sensors may be a capacitive sensor arranged on the lower end of the accommodating portion and detecting a capacitance change of the inserted aerosol generating article, and another one of the plurality of auxiliary sensors may be a proximity sensor arranged on an upper end of the accommodating portion and detecting whether the aerosol generating article approaches the accommodating portion.

[0020] The processor may be further configured to, when the sensing signal received from the proximity sensor is within the threshold range and the sensing signal received from the inductive sensor is within the threshold range, determine that the aerosol generating article is inserted into the accommodating portion and control power to be supplied to the heater.

[0021] The processor may be further configured to, when the sensing signal from the proximity sensor is not received, the sensing signal received from the proximity sensor is not within the threshold range, or the sensing signal with a fixed value is received from the proximity sensor, and when the sensing signal received from the capacitive sensor and the sensing signal received from the inductive sensor are within the threshold range, determine that the aerosol generating article is inserted into the accommodating portion and control power to be supplied to the heater.

[0022] According to another embodiment, a method of controlling an aerosol generating device includes receiving a sensing signal from an insertion detecting sensor configured to detect an insertion of an aerosol generating article, receiving a sensing signal from at least one of a plurality of auxiliary sensors according to the insertion of the aerosol generating article, and, in response to the sensing signal received from the insertion detecting sensor and the sensing signal received from at least one of the plurality of auxiliary sensors, controlling the heater to heat the inserted aerosol generating article.[Advantageous Effects]

[0023] According to one or more embodiments, by performing an insertion detection function for the aerosol generating article by dualizing a plurality of sensors, a case wherein the aerosol generating device cannot be used due to an error or failure of any one sensor may be prevented.

[0024] In addition, by prioritizing the plurality of sensors for assisting the main sensor, that is, the insertion detecting sensor, considering the arrangement position and robustness of each sensor when dualizing the plurality of sensors, an aerosol generating device with higher reliability may be provided.

[0025] In addition, by using the sensing signals of the sensors performing different functions other than the insertion detection function to assist the insertion detection function in the aerosol generating device, hardware resources and design may be optimized and the aerosol generating device may be miniaturized.

[0026] The effects according to one or embodiments are not limited to the effects described above, and unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art from the present specification and the accompanying drawings.[Description of Drawings]

[0027] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain embodiments of the disclosure will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment; FIG. 2 is a diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment; FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment; FIG. 4 is a combined perspective view of a body, a cartridge, and a cap of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment; FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment; FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment; FIG. 7 is a combined perspective view of a body, a cartridge, and a cap of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment; FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a cartridge of an aerosol generating device of another embodiment; FIG. 9 a cross-sectional view of a cartridge of an aerosol generating device of another embodiment; FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment; FIG. 11A is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment; FIG. 11B is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment; FIG.12 flowchart for a method of controlling an aerosol generating device of another embodiment; FIG. 13A is an example view of a main sensor and auxiliary sensors according to an embodiment; FIGS. 13B to 13D are diagrams for explaining a proximity sensor, which is one of the auxiliary sensors shown in FIG. 13A. FIG. 14 is a diagram for describing priorities of recognizing an aerosol generating article among auxiliary sensors, according to another embodiment; FIG.15 flowchart of a method of controlling an aerosol generating device of another embodiment; FIG. 16 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. [Mode for Invention]

[0028] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and the same or similar components will be assigned the same reference numerals regardless of the reference numerals in the drawings, and the same descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0029] The suffixes "module", "-er", and "-or" for the components used in the following description are given or used interchangeably by considering only the ease of writing the description, and do not have distinct meanings or roles in themselves.

[0030] In addition, when describing the embodiments of the disclosure, the detailed description of the related known art, which may obscure the subject matter of the embodiments, may be omitted. Also, the accompanying drawings are only intended to facilitate understanding of the embodiments described herein, and the spirit of the disclosure is not limited by the accompanying drawings and should be understood to include all changes, equivalents or alternatives included in the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

[0031] Although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements or components, these elements or components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element or component from another element or component.

[0032] When an element is referred to as being "connected to" or "coupled to" another element, it may be directly connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected to" or "directly coupled to" another element, there are no intervening elements present.

[0033] The singular forms are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0034] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an aerosol generating device 1 according to embodiments.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device 1 may include at least one of a power source 11, a controller 12, a sensor 13, a heater 18, and a cartridge 19. At least one of the power source 11, the controller 12, the sensor 13, and the heater 18 may be arranged inside a body 10 of the aerosol-generating device 1. The body 10 may provide a space opened upwards so that a stick S, which is an aerosol generating article, is inserted thereinto. The space opened upwards may be referred to as an insertion space. The insertion space may be formed by being recessed toward the inside of the body 10 by a certain depth so that at least a portion of the stick S may be inserted thereinto. The depth of the insertion space may correspond to a length of a region in the stick S, which includes an aerosol generating material and / or a medium. A lower end of the stick S may be inserted into the body 10, and an upper end of the stick S may protrude to the outside of the body 10. A user may inhale air by holding, in the mouth, the upper end of the stick S exposed to the outside.

[0036] The heater 18 may heat the stick S. The heater 18 may extend long upwards around a space into which the stick S is inserted. For example, the heater 18 may be in the form of a tube including a hollow therein. The heater 18 may be arranged around the insertion space. The heater 18 may be arranged to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. The heater 18 may heat the insertion space or the stick S inserted into the insertion space. The heater 18 may include an electrically resistive heater and / or an induction heater.

[0037] For example, the heater 18 may be a resistive heater. For example, the heater 18 may include an electrically conductive track and the heater 18 may be heated when currents flow through the electrically conductive track. The heater 18 may be electrically connected to the power source 11. The heater 18 may be provided with a current from the power source 11 and directly generate heat.

[0038] For example, the aerosol generating device 1 may include an induction coil surrounding the heater 18. The induction coil may generate heat in the heater 18. The heater 18 may be a susceptor, and the heater 18 may generate heat by a magnetic field generated by an AC current flowing through the induction coil. The magnetic field may pass through the heater 18 and generate an eddy current within the heater 18. The current may generate heat in the heater 18.

[0039] Meanwhile, a susceptor may be included inside the stick S, and the susceptor inside the stick S may generate heat by the magnetic field generated by the AC current flowing through the induction coil.

[0040] The cartridge 19 may contain an aerosol generating material in any one of a liquid state, a solid state, a gaseous state, a gel state, and the like. The aerosol generating material may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid including a tobacco-containing material having a volatile tobacco flavor component, or a liquid including a non-tobacco material.

[0041] The cartridge 19 may be integrally formed with the body 10 or detachably coupled to the body 10.

[0042] For example, referring to FIG. 1, the cartridge 19 may be integrally formed with the body 10 and may communicate with the insertion space through an air flow channel CN.

[0043] For example, referring to FIG. 2, a space may be formed in one side of the body 10, and at least a portion of the cartridge 19 may be inserted into the space formed in one side of the body 10, so that the cartridge 19 may be mounted in the body 10. The air flow channel CN may be defined by a portion of the cartridge 19 and / or a portion of the body 10, and the cartridge 19 may communicate with the insertion space through the air flow channel CN.

[0044] The body 10 may be formed in a structure in which external air may be introduced into the body 10 while the cartridge 19 is inserted the body 10. Here, the external air introduced into the body 10 may pass through the cartridge 19 and flow into the mouth of the user.

[0045] The cartridge 19 may include a storage C0 containing the aerosol generating material and / or a heater 24 heating the aerosol generating material in the storage C0. A liquid delivery element impregnated with (containing) the aerosol generating material may be arranged inside the storage C0. Here, the liquid delivery element may include a wick or the like such as a cotton fiber, a ceramic fiber, a glass fiber, or porous ceramic. An electrically conductive track of the heater 24 may be formed in a coil-shaped structure that is wound around the liquid delivery element or in a structure in contact with one side of the liquid delivery element. The heater 24 may be referred to as a cartridge heater 24.

[0046] The cartridge 19 may generate an aerosol. When the liquid delivery element is heated by the cartridge heater 24, an aerosol may be generated. The aerosol may be generated by heating the stick S by the heater 18. While the aerosol generated by the cartridge heater 24 and the heater 18 passes through the stick S, a tobacco material may be added to the aerosol, and the aerosol having the tobacco material added thereto may be inhaled into the mouth of the user through one end of the stick S.

[0047] The aerosol generating device 1 may include only the cartridge heater 24 and may not include the heater 18 in the body 10. Here, the aerosol generated by the cartridge heater 24 may have the tobacco material added thereto while passing through the stick S and may be inhaled into the mouth of the user.

[0048] The aerosol generating device 1 may include a cap (not shown). The cap may be detachably coupled to the body 10 to cover at least a portion of the cartridge 19 coupled to the body 10. The stick S may pass through the cap and be inserted into the body 10.

[0049] The power source 11 may supply power so that components of the aerosol generating device 1 operate. The power source 11 may be referred to as a battery. The power source 11 may supply power to at least one of the controller 12, the sensor 13, the cartridge heater 24, and the heater 18. When the aerosol generating device 1 includes an induction coil, the power supply 11 may supply power to the induction coil.

[0050] The controller 12 may control an overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1. The controller 12 may be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The controller 12 may control an operation of at least one of the power source 11, the sensor 13, the heater 18, and the cartridge 19. The controller 12 may control operations of a display, a motor, and the like installed in the aerosol generating device 1. The controller 12 may check a state of each of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 to determine whether or not the aerosol generating device 1 is able to operate.

[0051] The controller 12 may analyze a result of detection by the sensor 13 and control processes to be performed subsequently. For example, the controller 12 may control power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 so that the operation of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 is initiated or terminated, on the basis of the result of the detection by the sensor 13. For example, on the basis of the result of the detection by the sensor 13, the controller 12 may control an amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 and a time for which the power is supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 so that the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 may be heated to a certain temperature or maintain an appropriate temperature.

[0052] The sensor 13 may include at least one of a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, an insertion detection sensor, a color sensor, a cartridge detection sensor, and a cap detection sensor. For example, the sensor 13 may sense at least one of a temperature of the heater 18, a temperature of the power source 11, and a temperature inside and outside the body 10. For example, the sensor 13 may sense a puff by a user. For example, the sensor 13 may sense whether or not the stick S is inserted into the insertion space. For example, the sensor 13 may sense whether or not the cartridge 19 is mounted in the body 10. For example, the sensor 13 may sense whether or not the cap is mounted on the body 10.

[0053] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment, FIG. 4 is a combined perspective view of a body, a cartridge, and a cap of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 3, an aerosol generating device A100 according to an embodiment may include a body A3. The aerosol generating device A100 may include a cap A30. The aerosol generating device A100 may include a cartridge A40. The cartridge A40 may be detachably coupled to one side of the body A3. The cap A30 may be detachably coupled to the body A3 to cover the cartridge A40. A stick S may pass through the cap A30 and be inserted into the body A3.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 4, the body A3 may include a lower body A1 and an upper body A2. Components of the aerosol generating device A100, such as a battery and a controller, may be installed inside the lower body A1. The upper body A2 may be coupled to an upper side of the lower body A1.

[0056] The upper body A2 may include a column A10 and a seating portion A20. The column A10 may extend long in a vertical direction. The column A10 may include an outer wall A11, an inner wall A12, and an upper wall A13.

[0057] The seating portion A20 may protrude from a lower portion of the inner wall A12 of the column A10. The seating portion A20 may face an upper side. A cartridge area A24 may be formed between the inner wall A12 of the column A10 and the seating portion A20. The cartridge area A24 may be located on one side of the inner wall A12 of the column A10 and may be located above the seating portion A20.

[0058] The column A10 may include an insertion space A142. The insertion space A142 may extend in the vertical direction inside the column A10 and may be opened upwards so that the upper wall A13 is opened.

[0059] A body inlet A141 may be formed in one side of the column A10. The body inlet A141 may be formed by opening the inner wall A12. The body inlet A141 may be opened to the outside of the column A10. The body inlet A141 may communicate with the insertion space A142. The body inlet A141 may be arranged to face the cartridge area A24. The body inlet A141 may communicate with the cartridge area A24.

[0060] The cartridge A40 may be detachably coupled to the upper body A2 in the cartridge area A24. The cartridge A40 may be coupled to the inner wall A12 of the column A10 and may be seated on the seating portion A20 so that a bottom thereof is supported. The cartridge A40 may include a first container A41 and a second container A42. The first container A41 may be arranged on an upper side of the second container A42. The first container A41 may store a liquid.

[0061] The cap A30 may cover the upper body A2 and may be detachably coupled to the body A3. The cap A30 may cover the upper body A2 and the cartridge A40 coupled to the upper body A2. The cap A30 may have formed therein a space into which the upper body A2 and the cartridge A40 are inserted. The space inside the cap A30 may be opened downwards. A sidewall A31 of the cap A30 may surround a side portion of the space inside the cap A30. An upper wall A33 of the cap A30 may cover an upper portion of the space inside the cap A30. An insertion hole A34 may be formed by opening the upper wall A33. When the cap A30 is coupled to the body A3, the insertion hole A34 may communicate with the insertion space A142 above the insertion space A142. A cover A35 may be movably installed on the upper wall A33. The cover A35 may slide on the upper wall A33. The cover A35 may open and close the insertion hole A34.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 5, a first chamber AC1 may be formed inside the first container A41. A liquid may be stored in the first chamber AC1. A second chamber AC2 may be formed inside the second container A42.

[0063] A cartridge inlet A441 may be formed by opening the cartridge A40. A cartridge outlet A442 may be formed by opening the cartridge A40. A cartridge flow path A443 may connect the cartridge inlet A441 to the second chamber AC2. The cartridge outlet A442 may communicate with the second chamber AC2.

[0064] The cartridge outlet A442 may be formed by opening one side of the second container A42. A discharge port A422 may surround the cartridge discharge outlet A442. The discharge port A422 may protrude from one side of the second container A42. When the cartridge A40 is coupled to the upper body A2, the discharge port A422 may be inserted into the body inlet A141, and the cartridge outlet A442 and the body inlet A141 may communicate with each other.

[0065] A wick A45 may be installed in the second chamber AC2. The wick A45 may be connected to the first chamber AC1. The wick A45 may be supplied with a liquid from the first chamber AC1. A heater A46 may generate heat and heat the wick A45. The heater A46 may be arranged in the second chamber AC2. The heater A46 may be wound around the wick A45. When the heater A46 heats the wick A45, an aerosol may be generated around the wick A45 in the second chamber AC2.

[0066] A heater terminal A47 may be exposed to a lower portion of the cartridge A40. The heater terminal A47 may be formed at a bottom of the second container A42. The heater terminal A47 may be electrically connected to the heater A46. When the cartridge A40 is coupled to the upper body A2, the heater terminal A47 may be in contact with and electrically connected to a first pin A50. Here, the heater terminal A47 may be referred to as a second pin A47.

[0067] The first pin A50 may protrude to the outside of the seating portion A20. The first pin A50 may be supplied with power from a battery installed inside the lower body A1 through a connector A97 and provide the power to the heater terminal A47 and the heater A46. The heater A46 may be supplied with power and generate heat.

[0068] Air outside the cartridge A40 may be introduced into the cartridge A40 through the cartridge inlet A441. The air may sequentially flow through the cartridge inlet A441, the cartridge flow path A443, the second chamber AC2, and the cartridge outlet A442. Air inside the cartridge A40 may be discharged to the outside of the cartridge A40 through the cartridge outlet A442. The air introduced into the cartridge A40 may be accompanied by an aerosol generated in the second chamber AC2 and discharged to the outside of the cartridge A40 through the cartridge outlet A442.

[0069] The first pin A50 may be arranged inside the body A3 and may protrude to the outside of the body A3. The body A3 may include the seating portion A20.

[0070] The seating portion A20 may have an outer recessed groove A25. The outer recessed groove A25 may be formed by recessing an upper surface A21 of the seating portion A20 downwards. The outer recessed groove A25 may be located below the cartridge area A24. The upper surface A21 of the seating portion A20 may be referred to as an outer surface of the body A3. The outer recessed groove A25 may be formed in the outer surface of the body A3.

[0071] A lower portion of the outer recessed groove A25 may be covered with a bottom portion A251, and a side portion of the outer recessed groove A25 may be covered with a circumferential portion A252. An upper side of the outer recessed groove A25 may be opened. One side portion of the outer recessed groove A25 may be opened without being covered with the circumferential portion A252. When an x direction indicated in a coordinate system is defined as the front, the front of the outer recessed groove A25 may be opened. An upper end of the first pin A50 may convexly protrude or be exposed upwards from the bottom portion A251 of the outer recessed groove A25 toward the outer recessed groove A25.

[0072] The bottom of the cartridge A40 may have a shape corresponding to the seating portion A20 and the outer recessed groove A25. When the cartridge A40 is coupled to the upper body A2, the bottom of the cartridge A40 may be seated on the seating port A20, and the first pin A50 and the second pin A47 may be electrically connected to each other.

[0073] A plurality of guide portions A253 may be provided. The guide portion A253 may extend long from the front to the rear. The guide portion A253 may be formed to be inclined and gradually become higher from the front to the rear. Each of the plurality of guide portions A253 may be arranged in front of each of a plurality of first pins A50. A height of a rear end of the guide portion A253 adjacent to the first pin A50 may be the same as or similar to a height of the first pin A50.

[0074] Accordingly, when the cartridge A40 is coupled to the upper body A2, the guide portion A253 may guide the arrangement of the cartridge A40 so that the first pin A50 and the second pin A47 contact each other.

[0075] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment, FIG. 7 is a combined perspective view of a body, a cartridge, and a cap of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment, FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a cartridge of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment, FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment, and FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0076] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment may include a body B100 including an upper body B120 and a lower body B110. The upper body B120 may be located on an upper side of the lower body B110. The lower body B 110 may extend long in a vertical direction. The body B100 may accommodate therein components for driving the aerosol generating device. The upper body B120 may provide an insertion space B134 that is opened upwards. The insertion space B134 may be located inside the upper body B120. The insertion space B134 may extend long in the vertical direction. The insertion space B134 may be formed in a pipe B130 located inside the upper body B120.

[0077] An upper case B200 may have a hollow shape with an open lower portion. The upper body B120 may be inserted into a hollow of the upper case B200. The upper case B200 may be detachably coupled to the body B100. The upper case B200 may cover the upper body B120 to surround the upper body B120. A lateral portion B211 of the upper case B200 may surround and cover a sidewall B121 of the upper body B120. An upper portion B212 of the upper case B200 may cover an upper portion B180 or an outer cover B180 of the upper body B120. When the upper case B200 is coupled to the body B100, the upper case B200 may cover the body B100 and a cartridge B300 together. The cartridge B300 may be arranged inside the upper case B200.

[0078] An insertion hole B214 may be formed by opening the upper portion B212 of the upper case B200. The insertion hole B214 may correspond to an opening of the insertion space B134. A cap B215 may be movably installed on the upper portion B212 of the upper case B200. A slide hole B213 may be formed by extending from the insertion hole B214 to one side, in the upper portion B212 of the upper case B200. The cap B215 may move along the slide hole B213. The cap B215 may open and close the insertion hole B214 and the insertion space B134. A stick S may be inserted into the insertion space B134 through the insertion hole B214. For example, the stick S may be a cigarette.

[0079] An outer wall B121 and a partition wall B125 may form a lateral portion of the upper body B120. The outer wall B121 and the partition wall B125 may be connected to each other. The outer wall B121 may be covered by an inner surface of the upper case B200. The partition wall B125 may separate a cartridge coupling space B124a from the insertion space B134.

[0080] The upper body B120 may include a seating portion B122. The seating portion B122 may extend from a lower portion of the partition wall B125 to one side. The seating portion B122 may be formed on an upper side of the lower body B110. The seating portion B122 may cover a lower portion of the cartridge coupling space B124a. A bottom surface of the cartridge B300 may be seated on and supported by the seating portion B122.

[0081] The upper body B120 may include an extension portion B140. The extension portion B140 may extend from an upper portion of the partition wall B125 to one side. The extension portion B140 may extend in a direction in which the seating portion B122 is formed. The extension portion B140 may cover an upper portion of the cartridge coupling space B124a. The extension portion B140 may cover an upper end surface of the cartridge B300. The extension portion B140 may cover a cartridge inlet B301 formed in the cartridge B300. A gap through which air may flow may be formed between the extension portion B140 and the cartridge inlet B301.

[0082] The cartridge coupling space B124a may be formed on one side of the upper body B120. The cartridge coupling space B124a may be defined by the seating portion B122 and the partition wall B125 of the upper body B120 and the extension portion B140. A bottom of the cartridge coupling space B124a may be covered by the seating portion B122. One side of the cartridge coupling space B124a may be covered by the partition wall B125 of the upper body B120. An upper side of the cartridge coupling space B124a may be covered by the extension portion B140. The cartridge coupling space B124a may be opened to the outside between the seating portion B122 and the extension portion B140.

[0083] The cartridge B300 may be inserted into the cartridge coupling space B124a to be coupled to the body B100. The cartridge B300 may be detachably coupled to the body B100. A lateral surface B311 of the cartridge B300 may face the partition wall B125. An upper end surface B312 of the cartridge B300 may be covered by the extension portion B140. A bottom surface B322 of the cartridge B300 may be seated on the seating portion B122. A cartridge terminal B128 may be connected to the cartridge B300 to supply power to a heater B342 inside the cartridge B300.

[0084] A coupling hook B125a may be formed at the upper body B120. A pusher B125b may be formed on the upper body B120. The coupling hook B125a and the pusher B125b may be formed in a pair on both sides of the upper body B120 and arranged at locations facing each other. The cartridge B300 may include a hook coupling groove B315. The hook coupling groove B315 may be formed at a location corresponding to the coupling hook B125a. When the cartridge B300 is inserted into the cartridge coupling space B124a, the coupling hook B125a may be coupled to the hook coupling groove B315 to couple the cartridge B300 to the body B100. The pusher B125b and the coupling hook B125a may move in conjunction with each other. When the pusher B125b is pressed, the coupling hook B125a may be moved in a direction detached from the hook coupling groove B315, and the cartridge B300 may be detached from the body B100.

[0085] A connection flow path B133 may be formed in a lower portion of the partition wall B125. The connection flow path B133 may communicate with the insertion space B134. The connection flow path B133 may be opened to one side of the upper body B120. When the cartridge B300 is coupled to the body B100, a discharge port B323 may be inserted into the connection flow path B133, and the connection flow path B133 and a cartridge discharge port B304 may communicate with each other.

[0086] Referring to FIG. 8, the cartridge B300 may include a first container B31 and a second container B32. The first container B31 may be coupled to an upper side of the second container B32. A plate B35 may be coupled between the first container B31 and the second container B32 or between the first container B31 and a frame B33.

[0087] The first container B31 may include a first chamber BC1 that may store a liquid therein. The first container B31 may surround the first chamber BC1, and a lower portion of the first chamber BC1 may be opened. An opening of the first chamber BC1 may be covered by the plate B35.

[0088] Referring to FIG. 9, the first container B31 may include an inflow passage B302 through which air passes. The first chamber BC1 and the inflow passage B302 may be separated from each other. The inflow passage B302 may vertically extend long in one side of the first container B31.

[0089] The first container B31 may include a cartridge inlet B301. The cartridge inlet B301 may be formed by opening an upper portion of the first container B31 and may communicate with the inflow passage B302. The cartridge inlet B301 may communicate with an upper end of the inflow passage B302. A lower end of the inflow passage B302 may communicate with a connection hole B351 and a chamber inlet B303.

[0090] The second container B32 may be coupled to a lower portion of the first container B31. The second container B32 may include a space B324 having an opened upper portion and a covered lower portion. The frame B33 may be accommodated inside the space B324 of the second container B32.

[0091] The second container B32 may include the cartridge outlet B304. The cartridge outlet B304 may be formed in a lateral portion B321 of the second container B32. The cartridge outlet B304 may be formed inside a port protruding from the lateral portion of the second container B32 in a thickness direction. The cartridge outlet B304 may communicate with the space B324. The second container B32 may include a discharge port B323. The discharge port B323 may have the cartridge outlet B304 formed therein. The discharge port B323 may protrude from the lateral portion B321 of the second container B32 to one side. The discharge port B323 may surround the cartridge outlet B304. The cartridge outlet B304 may be referred to as an outlet B304.

[0092] The frame B33 may be inserted into the space B324 inside the second container B32 to be coupled to the second container B32. A fastening element B326, which protrudes from a sidewall of the second container B32 to the space B324, may be fastened to the frame B33 to fix the frame B33.

[0093] The frame B33 may include a second chamber BC2 therein. The frame B33 may surround the second chamber BC2, and an upper portion of the second chamber BC2 may be opened. The upper portion of the second chamber BC2 may be covered by the plate B35.

[0094] The frame B33 may include the chamber inlet B303. The chamber inlet B303 may be formed by opening one surface of a sidewall surrounding the second chamber BC2. The chamber inlet B303 may be bent and extend upwards from the second chamber BC2 toward the inflow passage B302. One end of the chamber inlet B303 may communicate with the second chamber BC2, and the other end of the chamber inlet B303 may be connected to the inflow passage B302 and the connection hole B351.

[0095] The frame B33 may include a chamber outlet B332. The chamber outlet B332 may be formed in a lateral portion of the frame B33. The chamber outlet B332 may communicate with the second chamber BC2. The chamber outlet B332 may be formed inside a port protruding from the lateral portion of the frame B33 in a thickness direction. The chamber outlet B332 may communicate with the second chamber BC2. The chamber outlet B332 may be formed at a location corresponding to the cartridge outlet B304. The chamber outlet B332 may be formed at a location opposite to the chamber inlet B303 with respect to the second chamber BC2. When the frame B33 is coupled to the second container B32, the chamber outlet B332 and the cartridge outlet B304 may communicate with each other.

[0096] The frame B33 may include a wick coupling groove B334 therein. The wick coupling groove B334 may communicate with the second chamber BC2. The wick coupling groove B334 may be formed by the second chamber BC2 being depressing to one side thereof. The wick coupling grooves B334 may be formed in a pair, and the pair of wick coupling grooves B334 may be formed to be located opposite to each other in the second chamber BC2. An upper portion of the wick coupling groove B334 may be opened.

[0097] A wick B341 may have a cylindrical shape extending laterally long in the second chamber BC2. Both ends of the wick B341 may be located by being inserted into the pair of wick coupling grooves B334, respectively. A central portion of the wick B341 may be located in the second chamber BC2. The wick B341 may be connected to the first chamber BC1 to be supplied with a liquid from the first chamber BC1. The wick B341 may be fixed in the wick coupling groove B334 by the frame B33 and the plate B35.

[0098] The heater B342 may be wound around the central portion of the wick B341. The heater B342 may generate heat to heat the wick B341. For example, the heater B342 may be a resistive heater. The heater B342 may be arranged in the second chamber BC2. An end of the heater B342 may pass through a bottom of the frame B33 and be electrically connected to an electrode arranged at the bottom of the second container B32.

[0099] The plate B35 may be coupled between the first container B31 and the second container B32 or between the first container B31 and the frame B33. The plate B35 of the frame B33 may cover and seal an opened portion of the first chamber BC1. The plate B35 may cover an upper portion of the frame B33. The plate B35 may cover and seal an opened portion of the second chamber BC2.

[0100] The plate B35 may have the connection hole B351 in one side thereof. The connection hole B351 may be located between the inflow passage B302 and the chamber inlet B303. The connection hole B351 may connect the inflow passage B302 to the chamber inlet B303.

[0101] The plate B35 may include a liquid inflow hole B354. A pair of liquid inflow holes B354 may be formed at locations corresponding to the wick coupling grooves B334. The pair of liquid inflow holes B354 may be located above both ends of the wick B341. The liquid inflow hole B354 may connect the first chamber BC1 to the wick coupling groove B334. The wick B341 may be connected to the first chamber BC1 through the liquid inflow hole B354.

[0102] A hook B353 may be formed above the chamber outlet B332 at a location adjacent to the chamber outlet B332. The hook B353 may protrude downwards from one side of the plate B35. The hook B353 may be inserted into and fastened to a hook groove B335 formed in an upper portion of the frame B33. The plate B35 may be fastened to the frame B33, and the first container B31 coupled to the second container B32 may press an edge portion of the plate B35 toward the frame B33.

[0103] A user may hold, in the mouth, the stick S inserted into the insertion space B134 and inhale air. While the upper case B200 is coupled to the body B100, air may be introduced into the cartridge inlet B301 through an opening B201 formed in the upper case B200. Air may be introduced into the cartridge B300 through the cartridge inlet B301 and may be discharged to the outside of the cartridge B300 through the cartridge outlet B304. The air introduced into the cartridge B300 may be discharged to the outside by sequentially passing through the inflow passage B302, the connection hole B351, the chamber inlet B303, the second chamber BC2, the chamber outlet B332, and the cartridge outlet B304.

[0104] When the heater B342 heats the wick B341, an aerosol may be formed from the wick B341 within the second chamber BC2. Air passing through the cartridge B300 may be accompanied by an aerosol from the second chamber BC2 and discharged to the cartridge outlet B304. The air discharged through the cartridge outlet B304 may be supplied through the connection flow path B133 to the insertion space B134 and the stick S inserted into the insertion space B134.

[0105] Referring to FIG. 10, the upper body B120 may include the outer wall B121 and the partition wall B125. The outer wall B121 and the partition wall B125 may be connected to each other. The partition wall B125 may be formed by extending vertically between the pipe B130 and the cartridge coupling space B124a.

[0106] The extension portion B140 may be formed by extending from the upper portion of the upper body B120 to one side. The upper end surface B312 of the cartridge B300 may be covered by the extension portion B140. The extension portion B140 may cover the cartridge inlet B301 and the periphery thereof. A gap may be formed between the extension portion B140 and the cartridge inlet B301 and between a lower portion of the extension portion B140 and the upper end surface B312 of the cartridge B300. The gap may communicate the cartridge inlet B301 with the outside.

[0107] The pipe B130 may be formed long in a vertical direction. The pipe B130 may be formed as a hollow. The insertion space B134 may be formed inside the pipe B130. The insertion space B134 may be opened upwards. The insertion space B134 may extend vertically. The connection flow path B133 may be formed inside the pipe B130. The connection flow path B133 may be formed below the insertion space B134. One end of the connection flow path B133 may communicate with the outside of the pipe B130, and the other end of the connection flow path B133 may communicate with the insertion space B134. The connection flow path B133 may be bent to one side from a lower portion of the insertion space B134.

[0108] A first sensor B161 may be installed inside the extension portion B140. The first sensor B161 may face the upper end surface B312 of the cartridge B300 or the cartridge inlet B301. The first sensor B161 may be installed adjacent to the cartridge inlet B301. The first sensor B161 may be located above the cartridge inlet B301. The first sensor B161 may overlap the cartridge inlet B301 on the basis of the vertical direction.

[0109] The first sensor B161 may sense an ambient air flow. The first sensor B161 may be an air flow sensor or a pressure sensor. The first sensor B161 may sense a flow of air through a change in ambient air pressure. At a location adjacent to the cartridge inlet B301, the extension portion B140 may include a first sensing hole B144 for sensing an air flow. The first sensor B161 may be mounted on a substrate arranged inside the extension portion B140 and may be electrically connected to a controller (not shown). The controller may control operations of various types of components connected, on the basis that the first sensor B161 detects the flow of air.

[0110] A first sealing portion B151 may be arranged between a first partition wall portion B1251 and an inner plate B171. The first sealing portion B151 may surround and be in contact with an upper end portion of the first partition wall portion B1251. The first sealing portion B151 may be in contact with a lower end of the inner plate B171.

[0111] A sensor accommodation portion B156 of a second sealing portion may seal the periphery of a first sensing hole B144. The sensor accommodation portion B156 may be in contact with an extension plate around the first sensing hole B144. A second sensing hole formed in the sensor accommodation portion B156 may communicate with the first sensing hole B144. The sensor accommodation portion B156 may surround and be in contact with the first sensor B161.

[0112] Accordingly, a failure of a substrate or sensor may be prevented by foreign substances, aerosol discharged from around an opening of the pipe B130, or foreign substances through the first sensing hole B144.

[0113] FIG. 11A is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0114] Referring to FIG. 11A, the aerosol generating device 100 according to an embodiment may include a housing 105, an accommodating portion 110, a processor 120, a battery 130, an insertion detecting sensor 140, a proximity sensor 150, and a capacitive sensor 160. Components of the aerosol generating device 10 according to an embodiment are not limited thereto, and another component may be added or at least one component may be omitted, according to an embodiment.

[0115] In an embodiment, the accommodating portion 110 may be formed inside the housing 105 of the aerosol generating device 100 and an aerosol may be generated by heating an aerosol generating article 115 accommodated in the accommodating portion 110.

[0116] In an embodiment, the insertion detecting sensor 140 may detect whether the aerosol generating article 115 is inserted into the accommodating portion 110. The insertion detecting sensor 140 may be an inductive sensor, but is not limited thereto and may include various sensors such as a capacitive sensor and an infrared (IR) sensor. The insertion detecting sensor 140 may be arranged in an appropriate position around the accommodating portion 110, for example, at the center, for detecting changes in inductance. The insertion detecting sensor 140 may detect changes in the inductance caused by the aerosol generating article 115 being inserted into the accommodating portion 110. In an embodiment, the insertion detecting sensor 140 may function as a main sensor to detect the insertion of the aerosol generating article 115.

[0117] In an embodiment, the proximity sensor 150 may include a color sensor to detect reusage of the aerosol generating article 115. The proximity sensor 150 may be arranged at an upper portion of the accommodating portion 110 to detect when the aerosol generating article 115 approaches the accommodating portion 110 or is inserted into the accommodating portion 110. To detect the reusage, when the proximity sensor 150 detects the approach or insertion of the aerosol generating article 115, the color sensor is activated and the proximity sensor 150 determines whether the inserted aerosol generating article 115 is reused from a change rate of an RGB value detected by the color sensor. In an embodiment, the change in color of the paper surrounding the article is determined based on the change rate of the RGB value, but other known technologies for determining the color change may be applied.

[0118] In an embodiment, the proximity sensor 150 is an auxiliary sensor of the insertion detecting sensor 150 and may detect the insertion of the aerosol generating article 115. The proximity sensor 150 may include a light-emitting unit including a light source and a light receiving unit receiving a reflected optical signal, and may be arranged adjacent to the accommodating portion 110. For example, the proximity sensor 150 may be apart from the accommodating portion 110 in a +x direction, and the light-emitting unit and the light receiving unit of the proximity sensor 150 may surround at least an area of the accommodating portion 110. For example, the proximity sensor 150 may be apart from the cavity 110 by a predetermined distance in a +x direction, and the light-emitting unit and the light receiving unit of the proximity sensor 150 may be arranged in the +z direction.

[0119] In an embodiment, the proximity sensor 150 may be apart from the cavity 110 by a predetermined distance in the +x direction, and a transparent plate as thick as the distance apart may be arranged on a surface of the proximity sensor 150 on which the light-emitting unit and the light receiving unit are arranged. As a separate transparent plate is arranged on one surface of the proximity sensor 150, the proximity sensor 150 may be prevented from being damaged by external foreign materials, and a sensitivity to the aerosol generating article 115 may be maintained.

[0120] In an embodiment, the processor 120 may detect whether the aerosol generating article 115 is in the cavity 110 through the proximity sensor 150. For example, when the proximity sensor 150 is an IR sensor, the proximity sensor 150 may include a light-emitting unit including an IR light source and a light receiving unit including an IR photo diode. If the aerosol generating article 115 is to be inserted into the accommodating portion 110, the processor 120 may detect a reflective light amount (i.e., an output voltage of the lights) of IR light reflected by the aerosol generating article 115. In the disclosure, when the aerosol generating device 100 detects whether the aerosol generating article 115 is inserted through the proximity sensor 150, and then the insertion detecting sensor 140 detects that the aerosol generating article 115 is inserted near the center of the accommodating portion 110, a heating operation of the aerosol generating article 115 may be automatically initiated. If the processor 120 detects that the aerosol generating article 115 is inserted, even if a separate user input is not received, the aerosol generating device 100 may control the supply of power for heating the aerosol generating article 115, thus improving the user's convenience.

[0121] In an embodiment, the processor 120 may set a reference value for the proximity sensor 150. In the disclosure, the reference value may refer to an initial reference value that is a reference for sensing foreign materials when the proximity sensor 150 is partially contaminated by the external foreign materials. That is, the reference value may be set during an initial manufacturing of the aerosol generating device and may be set to various values by the manufacturer.

[0122] For example, when a sensing range of the proximity sensor 150 is about 0 to about 10,000, the processor 120 may set the reference value for the proximity sensor 150 within the sensing range. In particular, to detect the contaminant coated on the proximity sensor 150 regardless of the type of the contaminant, the processor 120 may set the reference value for the proximity sensor 150 to 0.

[0123] In this case, when the reference value for the proximity sensor 150 is set to 0, and the contaminant is coated on the proximity sensor 150, the processor 120 may detect the contaminant through the proximity sensor 150 by detecting only values higher than the set reference value 0.

[0124] In an embodiment, the processor 120 may detect the presence of the aerosol generating article 115 based on a result of comparing a sensing value and a threshold value that are obtained through the proximity sensor 150. In the disclosure, the "threshold value" may refer to a value for determining the insertion and removal of the aerosol generating article 115 through the proximity sensor 150. In this case, the threshold may include a first threshold value and a second threshold value. For example, if the sensing value measured through the proximity sensor 150 is greater than or equal to the first threshold value, the processor 120 may determine that the aerosol generating article 115 is inserted, and if sensing value measured through the proximity sensor 150 is less than or equal to the second threshold value, the processor 120 may determine that the aerosol generating article 115 is removed.

[0125] In an embodiment, the processor 120 may update the existing threshold value to a new threshold value based on the sensing value obtained through the proximity sensor 150.

[0126] As the aerosol generating device 100 is used for a long time by the user, the inside of the aerosol generating device 100 may be contaminated by foreign materials (e.g., tobacco materials, liquid formation by aerosol, dust, etc.). In this case, when a surface on which the light-emitting unit and the light receiving unit of the proximity sensor 150 are arranged is contaminated by foreign materials, the sensing value of the proximity sensor 150 in a contaminated state may be different from the sensing value of the proximity sensor 150 that is not contaminated.

[0127] More particularly, the proximity sensor 150 may detect the light amount of reflected light to determine the presence of the aerosol generating article 115. In this case, when the contaminant is attached near the transparent plate arranged adjacent to the proximity sensor 150, the proximity sensor 150 may detect the reflective light amount due to the contaminant even when the aerosol generating article 115 is not present, thereby determining that the aerosol generating article 115 exists.

[0128] In the disclosure, the aerosol generating device 100 may prevent false detection by the proximity sensor 150 due to a contaminant by updating the existing threshold value regarding the sensing value of the proximity sensor 150 to a new threshold value.

[0129] In addition, in the aerosol generating device 100 of the disclosure, the proximity sensor 150 may assist an insertion detection function of the insertion detecting sensor 140. For example, when the insertion detecting sensor 140 recognizes the insertion, removal, type, state, etc. of the aerosol generating article 115 based on changes in electrical characteristics (e.g., inductance change), even when an object (e.g., an object with magnetism) that is not an aerosol generating article 115 approaches the outside of the aerosol generating device 100, the insertion detecting sensor 140 may falsely detect the object as an aerosol generating article 115. Accordingly, since the proximity sensor 150 detects only the reflective light amount from an object inserted into the accommodating portion 110 to assist the insertion detection, abnormal control due to false detection and false sensing by the insertion detecting sensor 140 may be prevented.

[0130] In addition, the proximity sensor 150 may not only substitute the insertion detecting sensor 140 but also double check or assist the insertion detection function of the insertion detecting sensor 140.

[0131] In an embodiment, the capacitive sensor 160 may determine the characteristics of the inserted aerosol generating article 115, for example, whether the aerosol generating article 115 is an over-humidified cigarette. The over-humidity detecting sensor 160 may be a capacitive sensor arranged at a lower portion or a lower end of the accommodating portion 110, and when the sensing value of the over-humidity detecting sensor 160, for example, a capacitance value measured after the aerosol generating article 115 is inserted, is greater than or equal to the threshold value, the processor 120 may determine that the inserted aerosol generating article 115 is an over-humidified cigarette. In this case, the processor 120 may visually or audibly output notifications of the over-humidified cigarette. In addition, when the processor 120 is an over-humidified cigarette, a preheating temperature profile may be changed to heat the aerosol generating article 115 by using a temperature profile to which a preheating section is differently applied.

[0132] In an embodiment, the over-humidity detecting sensor 160 may assist the insertion detection function of the insertion detecting sensor 140. For example, the over-humidity detecting sensor 160 may detect the insertion and removal of the aerosol generating article 115 based on the electrical characteristic changes (e.g. the capacitance change). Here, the capacitance change of the over-humidity detecting sensor 160 was described as an example, but is not limited to, and the over-humidity detecting sensor 160 may detect the insertion or removal of the aerosol generating article 115 according to a change in a period of charging and discharging time based on a measured signal applied to an electrode of the over-humidity detecting sensor 160.

[0133] In an embodiment, the insertion detecting sensor 140 may detect the insertion of the aerosol generating article 115 based on the inductance change, and the over-humidity detecting sensor 160 may detect the insertion of the aerosol generating article 115 based on the capacitance change. When the insertion detecting sensor 140 and the over-humidity detecting sensor 160 detect the insertion, the processor 120 may determine that the aerosol generating article 115 is inserted into the accommodating portion 110 and may control the heater to be heated.

[0134] In an embodiment, the processor 120 may use a plurality of auxiliary sensors, for example, the proximity sensor 150 and the over-humidity detecting sensor 160, to dualize and assist the insertion detection function of the insertion detecting sensor 140. The processor 120 may determine priorities among the plurality of auxiliary sensors in advance, and may first determine the sensing signal of the proximity sensor 150 that is not greatly affected by electromagnetic characteristics. That is, the processor 120 may determine a result value of the proximity sensor 150 as a first priority. For example, when the sensing signal of the insertion detecting sensor 140 determines that the insertion of the aerosol generating article 115 is detected and the sensing signal of the proximity sensor 150 detects the insertion, the processor 120 may determine that the aerosol generating article 115 is inserted regardless of the sensing signal of the over-humidity detecting sensor 160. In addition, when the sensing signal of the proximity sensor 150 exceeds the threshold range, for example, when occurrence of a foreign material inflow or a failure is determined, the processor may determine that the aerosol generating article 115 is inserted according to the sensing signal of the over-humidity detecting sensor 160.

[0135] In an embodiment, even if one of the plurality of auxiliary sensors is malfunctioning, the remaining auxiliary sensors may be used to prevent abnormal operation of the insertion detection function. For example, when the lens of the proximity sensor 150 operates abnormally due to a foreign material of the lens, the over-humidity detecting sensor 160 may additionally determine that the aerosol generating article 115 is inserted. In addition, even if the over-humidity detecting sensor 160 does not normally function due to electrode deterioration, the insertion detection function may be assisted by determining the sensing signal of the proximity sensor 150.

[0136] In an embodiment, the battery 130 may provide power used for operating the aerosol generating device 100. For example, when the insertion of the aerosol generating article 115 is detected through at least one sensor (e.g., the proximity sensor 150), the battery 130 may provide power to a heating element to heat the aerosol generating article 115. As another example, the battery 130 may provide power necessary for operating the processor 120.

[0137] In this case, the battery 130 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 130 may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but the type of the battery 130 is not limited thereto.

[0138] In an embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 may further include a memory (not shown) storing data in the device. For example, when a new threshold value of the sensing value of the proximity sensor 150 is obtained, the processor 120 may store the obtained new threshold value in the memory. Accordingly, even if sensing-related data is reset as the aerosol generating device 100 is reset, the processor 120 may obtain a new threshold value from the memory to compare it with the sensing value of the proximity sensor 150.

[0139] Referring to FIG. 11B, the aerosol generating device 100 according to an embodiment may include a sensor unit including the processor 120, the insertion detecting sensor 140, the proximity sensor 150, and the capacitive sensor 160. Components of the aerosol generating device 10 according to an embodiment are not limited thereto, and another component may be added or at least one component may be omitted, according to an embodiment. In addition, the sensor unit may include more sensors in addition to the three sensors.

[0140] In an embodiment, the insertion detecting sensor 140 may function as a main sensor to detect the insertion of the aerosol generating article 115, and the proximity sensor 150 and the over-humidity detecting sensor 160 may each function as an auxiliary sensor to detect the insertion, in addition to the main functions (e.g., reusage detection and over-humidity detection). Here, only the proximity sensor 150 and the over-humidity detecting sensor 160 are described as auxiliary sensors, but embodiments are not limited thereto, and other sensors may also be used.

[0141] The insertion detecting sensor 140, the proximity sensor 150, and the over-humidity detecting sensor 160 may be controlled by the same sensor unit or sensor IC (Integrated Circuit) (not shown), or may be controlled by each sensor IC. In addition, each sensor may include a sensing member, such as an electrode, a coil, or a lens, and may be arranged in various positions of the accommodating portion 110 shown in FIG. 11A.

[0142] In an embodiment, the priorities between the plurality of auxiliary sensors, the proximity sensor 150, and the over-humidity detecting sensor 160 may be set in advance. For example, in an environment in which the electromagnetic characteristics are affective, the proximity sensor 150, which is relatively resilient to electromagnetic characteristics, may have a first priority and the over-humidity detecting sensor 160 may have a second priority.

[0143] In an embodiment, when the aerosol generating article 115 is inserted into the accommodating portion 110, the processor 120 may receive a first sensing signal from the insertion detecting sensor 140 and receive a second sensing signal from the plurality of auxiliary sensors. The processor 120 may determine that the aerosol generating article 115 is inserted into the accommodating portion 110, according to whether the first sensing signal and one of the plurality of second sensing signals is within the threshold range. Here, the processor 120 may determine that the aerosol generating article 115 is inserted into the accommodating portion 110, according to whether the first sensing signal and the second sensing signal according to the pre-set priorities among the plurality of second sensing signals are within the threshold range.

[0144] In an embodiment, whether the aerosol generating article 115 is inserted into the accommodating portion 110 may be determined according to the sensing signal of the proximity sensor 150 together with the sensing signal of the insertion detecting sensor 140 while giving priority to the proximity sensor 150. In this case, abnormalities or failures may occur in the proximity sensor 150. For example, if the proximity sensor 150 is physically damaged, when information obtainable when the sensor is driven, such as a chip ID, is not obtainable several times, the proximity sensor 150 may be determined to be damaged. In addition, if the lens of the sensing member of the proximity sensor 150 is contaminated or foreign materials are on the lens, the amount of change of the sensing signal may be too low or may be constantly high due to the foreign material. In an embodiment, if the signal detected by the proximity sensor 150 exceeds the threshold range, for example, if the sensing signal value is small or a high rising edge is detected in the sensing signal, the proximity sensor may be determined to be malfunctioning.

[0145] If the processor 120 determines that the proximity sensor 150 malfunctioned, the processor 120 may determine whether the aerosol generating article 115 is inserted based on the sensing signal received from the over-humidity detecting sensor 160 with the second priority. The processor 120 may determine whether the aerosol generating article 115 is inserted based on the sensing signal from the insertion detecting sensor 140 and the sensing signal from the over-humidity detecting sensor 160.

[0146] In the aerosol generating device according to an embodiment, by performing the insertion detection function for the aerosol generating article by dualizing a plurality of sensors, a case wherein the aerosol generating device cannot be used due to an error or failure of any one sensor may be prevented. In addition, by using the sensing signals of the sensors performing different functions other than the insertion detection function to assist the insertion detection function in the aerosol generating device, hardware resources and design may be optimized and the aerosol generating device may be miniaturized.

[0147] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0148] Referring to FIG. 12, in operation 1200, a sensing signal is received from an insertion detecting sensor that detects the insertion of an aerosol generating article. Here, the insertion detecting sensor may functions as a main sensor that performs the insertion detection function.

[0149] In operation 1202, the sensing signal is received from at least one of a plurality of auxiliary sensors according to the insertion of the aerosol generating article. Here, a plurality of auxiliary sensors are sensors that perform a different function from the insertion detection and may function as an insertion detecting sensor. Here, although it is illustrated that the sensing signal is received from the auxiliary sensor after receiving the sensing signal from the insertion detecting sensor, embodiments are not limited thereto, and the order may according to the arrangement and position of each sensor. For example, if one of the auxiliary sensors is arranged, as a proximity sensor, on an upper end of the accommodating portion the sensing signal is first received from the proximity sensor.

[0150] In operation 1204, the heater is controlled to heat the inserted aerosol generating article in response to the sensing signal received from the insertion detecting sensor and the sensing signal received from at least one of the plurality of auxiliary sensors. Here, a sensing signal of an auxiliary sensor selected from the plurality of auxiliary sensors, based on preset priorities may be considered.

[0151] In the method of controlling the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment, by performing the insertion detection function for the aerosol generating article by dualizing a plurality of sensors, a case wherein the aerosol generating device cannot be used due to an error or failure of any one sensor may be prevented. In addition, by prioritizing the plurality of sensors for assisting the main sensor, that is, the insertion detecting sensor, considering the arrangement position and robustness of each sensor when dualizing the plurality of sensors, an aerosol generating device with higher reliability may be provided.

[0152] FIG. 13A is an example view of the main sensor and the auxiliary sensors according to an embodiment. FIG. 13B is a diagram showing a state in which the aerosol generating article is inserted into the aerosol generating device, according to an embodiment. FIG. 13C is a diagram showing a state in which the aerosol generating article is removed from the aerosol generating device, according to an embodiment. FIGS. 13B and 13C are diagrams of the aerosol generating device 100 of FIG. 13A viewed in the +z direction.

[0153] Referring to FIGS. 13B and 13C, an optical sensor (e.g., the proximity sensor 150 of FIG. 11) may include a light-emitting unit 1300 including a light source and a light receiving unit 1310 receiving a reflected light signal. FIGS. 13B and 13C illustrate that the light-emitting unit 1300 and the light receiving unit 1310 of the proximity sensor 150 surround at least a portion of the accommodating portion 110, but embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the light-emitting unit 1300 and the light receiving unit 1310 of the proximity sensor 150 may be arranged along a length direction (e.g., the +z direction of FIG. 13A) in which the accommodating portion 110 is formed.

[0154] In an embodiment, the light-emitting unit 1300 and the light receiving unit 1310 may each be apart from the accommodating portion 110 by a predetermined distance, and transparent plates 1305 and 1315 may be respectively arranged on a surface of the light-emitting unit 1300 and a surface of the light receiving unit 1310. In this case, the transparent plates 1305 and 1315 may be as thick as the predetermined distance between the light-emitting unit 1300 and light receiving unit 1310 and the accommodating portion 110.

[0155] The transparent plate 1305 arranged on a surface of the light-emitting unit 1300 may provide a light path such that light irradiated from the light-emitting unit 1300 may reach into the accommodating portion 110 without distortion and may prevent a foreign material from being introduced into the light-emitting unit 1300 of the proximity sensor 150.

[0156] The transparent plate 1315 arranged on a surface of the light receiving unit 1310 may provide a light path such that light emitted from the light-emitting unit 1300 and reflected from the inside of the accommodating portion 110 (i.e., the aerosol generating article 115 inserted into the accommodating portion 110) may reach the light receiving unit 1310 without distortion and may prevent a foreign material from being introduced into the light receiving unit 1310 of the proximity sensor 150.

[0157] In an embodiment, when light having a predetermined light amount is irradiated from the light-emitting unit 1300, the processor (e.g., the processor 120 of FIG. 13A) may obtain a reflective light amount (a sensing value) input into the light receiving unit 1310 based on an output signal of the light receiving unit 1310.

[0158] For example, according to FIG. 13B, the light-emitting unit 1300 of the proximity sensor 150 may irradiate light having a predetermined light amount toward the inside of the accommodating portion 110, and the light receiving unit 1310 of the proximity sensor 150 may receive some reflective light of irradiated light reflected from the aerosol generating article 115. When the output signal (e.g., an output voltage) of the light receiving unit 1310 is increased and reaches a maximum signal value, the processor 120 may determine that the aerosol generating article 115 is inserted into the accommodating portion 110 from the outside.

[0159] For example, according to FIG. 13C, the light-emitting unit 1300 of the proximity sensor 150 may irradiate light having a predetermined light amount toward the inside of the accommodating portion 110, and the light receiving unit 1310 of the proximity sensor 150 may not receive any reflective light. When the output signal (e.g., the output voltage) of the light receiving unit 1310 is decreased and reaches a minimum signal value, the processor 120 may determine that the aerosol generating article 115 is removed from the inside of the accommodating portion 110.

[0160] FIG. 13D is a graph showing the output signal of the optical sensor according to the insertion and removal of the aerosol generating article, according to an embodiment. More particularly, FIG. 13D is a graph showing the output signal of the optical sensor that is not contaminated due to a foreign material, according to an embodiment.

[0161] In an embodiment, the processor (e.g., the processor 120 of FIG. 13A) may set a threshold value for the optical sensor (e.g., the proximity sensor 150 of FIG. 13A) to determine the insertion or removal of the aerosol generating article (e.g., the aerosol generating article 115 of FIG. 13A).

[0162] For example, the processor 120 may set a first threshold value Sth1 of the proximity sensor 150 for determining the insertion of the aerosol generating article 115 and a second threshold value Sth2 for determining the removal of the aerosol generating article 115.

[0163] In an embodiment, the processor 120 may determine that the aerosol generating article 115 is inserted into a cavity (e.g., the accommodating portion 110 of FIG. 13A) when a sensing value greater than or equal to the first threshold value Sth1 is obtained through the proximity sensor 150, and may determine that the aerosol generating article 115 is removed from the accommodating portion 110 when a sensing value less than the second threshold value Sth2 is obtained through the proximity sensor 150.

[0164] For example, if a first sensing value S1 obtained through the proximity sensor 150 is greater than the first threshold value Sth1, the processor 120 may determine that the aerosol generating article 115 is inserted into the accommodating portion 110 at a first period P1. In addition, if a second sensing value S2 obtained through the proximity sensor 150 is less than the second threshold value Sth2, the processor 120 may determine that the aerosol generating article 115 is removed from the accommodating portion 110 at a second period P2.

[0165] FIG. 14 is a diagram for describing priorities of recognizing the aerosol generating article among the auxiliary sensors, according to another embodiment. Referring to FIG. 14, the main sensor is an inductive sensor arranged in the center of the accommodating portion, a first auxiliary sensor, that is, the proximity sensor is a light sensor arranged on the upper portion or an upper end of the accommodating portion, and a second auxiliary sensor, that is, the over-humidity detecting sensor is a capacitive sensor arranged on the lower portion or the lower end of the accommodating portion. However, embodiments are not limited thereto, and various functions of sensors may be used as auxiliary sensors for the insertion detection function. For example, in the case of induction heating aerosol generating device, the coil for induction heating may perform the insertion detection and heating functions, the coil may be the main sensor for performing the insertion detection function, and the auxiliary sensors performing other functions may be used for dualizing the insertion detection function.

[0166] Referring to FIG. 14, if the proximity sensor has the first priority, the proximity sensor may recognize the insertion of aerosol generating article, and when the inductive sensor recognizes the insertion of aerosol generating article, the processor may determine that the aerosol generating article is inserted and may initiate heating of the heater. In this case, the sensing signal received from the capacitive sensor, which is another auxiliary sensor, may not be considered in determining the insertion.

[0167] In another embodiment, if the proximity sensor is determined to be damaged, for example, the sensing signal from the proximity sensor may exceed the threshold range, the sensing signal from the proximity sensor may not be received, or the sensing signal of a fixed value may be constantly received from the proximity sensor. If the proximity sensor is damaged, the sensing signal from the capacitive sensor may be considered. When the inductive sensor recognizes the insertion of the aerosol generating article and the capacitive sensor recognizes the insertion of the aerosol generating article, the processor may determine that the aerosol generating article is inserted and may initiate the heating of the heater.

[0168] FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0169] Referring to FIG. 15, in operation 1500, the aerosol generating article may be inserted.

[0170] In operation 1502, when the proximity sensor arranged on the upper end of the aerosol generating device recognizes the insertion, and when, in operation 1504, the inductive sensor recognizes the insertion, the aerosol generating article may be determined to be inserted, and, in operation 1506, the heating of the heater may be initiated.

[0171] In operation 1502, when the proximity sensor does not recognize the insertion, when, in operation 1506, the capacitive sensor recognizes the insertion, and when, in operation 1504, the inductive sensor recognizes the insertion, the heating of the heater may be initiated in operation 1506.

[0172] In operation 1504, when the inductive sensor does not recognize the insertion, the operation is returned to operation 1500.

[0173] In operation 1506, when the capacitive sensor does not recognize the insertion, an error message is output in operation 1508.

[0174] In an embodiment, even if the inductive sensor recognizes the insertion of the aerosol generating article, only when at least one of the plurality of auxiliary sensors detects the insertion, the aerosol generating article is determined as inserted and the heating of the heater is initiated.

[0175] In some embodiments, even if the inductive sensor which detects the insertion of aerosol generating article does not recognize the insertion, when insertion is detected by using the plurality of auxiliary sensors substituting the inductive sensor, the aerosol generating article may be determined as inserted and the heating of the heater may be initiated.

[0176] FIG. 16 is a block diagram of the aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment.

[0177] The aerosol generating device 1 may include the power supply 11, the control unit 12, the sensor 13, an output unit 14, an input unit 15, a communication unit 16, a memory 17, and a at least one of the heaters 18 and 24. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1 is not limited to that illustrated in FIG. 16. That is, according to the design of the aerosol generating device 1, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that some of the components shown in FIG. 16 may be omitted or new components may be added.

[0178] The sensor 13 may detect the state of or around the aerosol generating device 1 and transmit detected information to the controller 12. Based on the detected information, the controller 12 may control the aerosol generating device 1 to perform various functions such as controlling operation of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18, limiting smoking, determining whether the stick S and / or the cartridge 19 is inserted, displaying a notification, etc.

[0179] The sensor 13 may include at least one of a temperature sensor 131, a puff sensor 132, an insertion detecting sensor 133, a reusage detecting sensor 134, a cartridge detecting sensor 135, a cap detecting sensor 136, and a movement detecting sensor 137.

[0180] The temperature sensor 131 may detect the temperature at which the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 are heated. The aerosol generating device 1 includes a separate temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. However, the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 itself may act as a temperature sensor.

[0181] The temperature sensor 131 may output a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may include a resistor of which a resistance value changes according to the temperature change of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. The temperature sensor 131 may be implemented by a thermistor, which is an element using characteristics of which the resistance changes according to the temperature. In this case, the temperature sensor 131 may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistor as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may include a sensor to detecting the resistance value of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. In this case, the temperature sensor 131 may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18.

[0182] The temperature sensor 131 may be arranged around the power supply 11 to monitor the temperature of the power supply 11. The temperature sensor 131 may be arranged adjacent to the power supply 11. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may be attached to one surface of the battery, which is the power supply 11. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may be mounted on one surface of a printed circuit board.

[0183] The temperature sensor 131 may be arranged inside the body 10 to detect an internal temperature of the body 10.

[0184] The puff sensor 132 may detect a user's puff based on various physical changes in an airflow path. The puff sensor 132 may output a signal corresponding to the puff. For example, the puff sensor 132 may be a pressure sensor. The puff sensor 132 may output a signal corresponding to an internal pressure of the aerosol generating device 1. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device 1 may correspond to the pressure of the airflow path through which gas flows. The puff sensor 132 may be arranged correspondingly to the airflow path through which gas flows in the aerosol generating device 1.

[0185] The insertion detecting sensor 133 may detect the insertion and / or removal of the stick S. The insertion detecting sensor 133 may detect a signal change according to the insertion and / or removal of the stick S. The insertion detecting sensor 133 may be installed around an insertion space. The insertion detecting sensor 133 may detect the insertion and / or removal of the stick S according to a change in the permittivity of the insertion space. For example, the insertion detecting sensor 133 may be an inductive sensor and / or a capacitance sensor.

[0186] The inductive sensor may include at least one coil. The coil of the inductive sensor may be adjacent to the insertion space. For example, if a magnetic field changes around the coil through which current flows, the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil may change according to Faraday's Law. Here, the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil may include frequency, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc. of the alternating current (AC).

[0187] The inductive sensor may output a signal corresponding to the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil. For example, the inductive sensor may output a signal corresponding to the inductance value of the coil.

[0188] The capacitance sensor may include a conductor. The conductor of the capacitance sensor may be adjacent to the insertion space. The capacitance sensor may output a signal corresponding to the surrounding electromagnetic characteristics, such as the capacitance around the conductor. For example, when the stick S including a wrapper of a metal material is inserted into the insertion space, the electromagnetic characteristics around the conductor may be changed by the wrapper of the stick S.

[0189] The reusage detecting sensor 134 may detect the reusage of the stick S. The reusage detecting sensor 134 may be a color sensor. The color sensor may detect the color of the stick S. The color sensor may detect the color of a portion of the wrapper surrounding the outside of the stick S. The color sensor may detect a value of the optical characteristics corresponding to the color of an object, based on light reflected from the object. For example, the optical characteristics may be a wavelength of light. The color sensor may be implemented as one configuration with the proximity sensor or as a separate configuration distinct from the proximity sensor.

[0190] The color of at least a portion of the wrapper that form the stick S may be changed by the aerosol. In a case where the stick S is inserted into the insertion space, the reusage detecting sensor 134 may be arranged correspondingly to a position in which at least a portion of the wrapper of which the color is changed by the aerosol is arranged. For example, before the stick S is used by the user, the color of at least a portion of the wrapper may be a first color. In this case, as the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating device 1 passes through the stick S, at least a portion of the wrapper may be soaked by the aerosol, and thus, the color of at least a portion of the wrapper may be changed to a second color. The color of at least a portion of the wrapper may be maintained as the second color after changing from the first color to the second color.

[0191] The cartridge detecting sensor 135 may detect the mounting and / or removal of the cartridge 19. The cartridge detecting sensor 135 may be implemented by an inductance-based sensor, an electrostatic capacitance-type sensor, a resistance sensor, a hall sensor (a hall IC) using a hall effect, etc.

[0192] The cap detecting sensor 136 may detect the mounting and / or removal of the cap. If the cap is separated from the body 10, a portion of the cartridge 19 covered by the cap and a portion of the body 10 may be exposed to the outside. The cap detecting sensor 136 may be implemented by a contact sensor, a hall IC, an optical sensor, etc.

[0193] The movement detecting sensor 137 may detect the movement of the aerosol generating device. The movement detecting sensor 137 may be implemented as at least one of an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor.

[0194] The sensor 13 may further include at least one of a humidity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a position sensor (a global position system (GPS)), and a proximity sensor, in addition to the sensors (e.g., the temperature sensor 131, the puff sensor 132, the insertion detecting sensor 133, the reusage detecting sensor 134, the cartridge detecting sensor 135, the cap detecting sensor 136, and the movement detecting sensor 137). Because the function of each sensor may be intuitively inferred from the name by one of ordinary skill in the art, the specific explanation may be omitted.

[0195] The output unit 14 may output information on a state of the aerosol generating device 1 and provide the information to the user. The output unit 14 may include at least one of a display 141, a haptic unit 142, and a sound output unit 143, but is not limited thereto. When the display 141 and a touch pad form a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display 141 may also be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0196] The display 141 may visually provide information about the aerosol generating device 1 to the user. For example, information about the aerosol generating device 1 may refer to various pieces of information, such as a charging / discharging state of the power supply 11 of the aerosol generating device 1, a preheating state of the heater 18, an insertion / removal state of the stick S and / or the cartridge 19, a mounting / removal of the cap, or a state in which the use of the aerosol generating device 1 is limited (e.g., detection of an abnormal object), etc., and the display 141 may output the information to the outside. For example, the display 141 may be in the form of a light-emitting diode (LED) light-emitting element. For example, the display 141 may be a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display panel, etc.

[0197] The haptic unit 142 may tactilely provide information about the aerosol generating device 1 to the user by converting an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus or an electrical stimulus. For example, when an initial power is supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 during a set time, a vibration corresponding to the completion of an initial preheating may be generated. The haptic unit 142 may include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0198] The sound output unit 143 may audibly provide information about the aerosol generating device 1 to the user. For example, the sound output unit 143 may convert an electrical signal to an acoustic signal and output the converted signal to the outside.

[0199] The power supply 11 may supply power to be used for the aerosol generating device 1 to operate. The power supply 11 may supply power so that the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 may be heated. In addition, the power supply 11 may supply power required for the operation of the sensor 13, the output unit 14, the input unit 15, the communication unit 16, and the memory 17, which are other configurations provided in the aerosol generating device 1. The power supply 11 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 11 may include a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery but is not limited thereto.

[0200] Although not shown in FIG. 16, the aerosol generating device 1 may further include a power protection circuit. The power protection circuit may be electrically connected to the power supply 11 and may include a switching element.

[0201] The power protection circuit may block a electric path to the power supply 11 according to a predetermined condition. For example, the power protection circuit may block the circuit to the power supply 11 if a voltage level of the power supply 11 is greater than or equal to a first voltage corresponding to overcharging. For example, the power protection circuit may block the circuit to the power supply 11 if a voltage level of the power supply 11 is less than a second voltage corresponding to overdischarging.

[0202] The heater 18 may receive power from the power supply 11 to heat a medium or aerosol generating article in the stick S. Although not shown in FIG. 16, the aerosol generating device 1 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) for converting the power of the power supply 11 and supplying the converted power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. In addition, when the aerosol generating device 1 generates aerosols in an induction heating method, the aerosol generating device 1 may further include a direct current (DC) / AC converter that converts DC power of the power supply 11 into AC power.

[0203] The controller 12, the sensor 13, the output unit 14, the input unit 15, the communication unit 16, and the memory 17 may be supplied with power from the power supply 11 to perform functions. Although not shown in FIG. 16, a power conversion circuit that converts the power of the power supply 11 and supplies the converted power to each component, for example, a low dropout (LDO) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, may further be included. In addition, although not shown in FIG. 16, a noise filter may be provided between the power supply 11 and the heater 18. The noise filter may be a low pass filter. The low pass filter may include at least one inductor and capacitor. The cutoff frequency of the low pass filter may correspond to the frequency of the high frequency switching current applied from the power supply 11 to the heater 18. The low pass filter may prevent high frequency noise components from being applied to the sensor 13, such as the insertion detecting sensor 133.

[0204] In an embodiment, the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 may be formed of any suitable electric resistance material. For example, the suitable electrically resistive material may be a metal or a metal alloy including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, or nichrome, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the heater 18 may be implemented as a metal wire, a metal plate on which an electrically conductive track is arranged, a ceramic heating element, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0205] In some embodiments, the heater 18 may be an induction heating type. For example, the heater 18 may include a susceptor that heats an aerosol generating material by generating heat through a magnetic field induced by a coil.

[0206] The input unit 15 may receive information input from the user or may output information to the user. For example, the input unit 15 may be a touch panel. The touch panel may include at least one touch sensor that detects touch. For example, the touch sensor may include a capacitive touch sensor, a resistive touch sensor, a surface acoustic wave touch sensor, an IR touch sensor, but is not limited thereto.

[0207] The display 141 and the touch panel may be implemented as one panel. For example, the touch panel may be an on-cell type or an in-cell type inserted into the display 141. For example, the touch panel may be an add-on type on the display 141.

[0208] The input unit 15 may include a button, a keypad, a dome switch, a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0209] The memory 17, as a hardware component configured to store various pieces of data processed in the aerosol generating device 1, may store data processed or to be processed by the controller 12. The memory 17 may include at least one type of storage medium from among a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type memory, a card-type memory (for example, secure digital (SD) or extreme digital (XD) memory, etc.), 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), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. The memory 17 may store an operation time of the aerosol generating device 1, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, data on a user's smoking pattern, etc.

[0210] The communication unit 16 may include at least one component for communication with another electronic device. For example, the communication unit 16 may include at least one of a short-range communication unit and a wireless communication unit.

[0211] The short-range wireless communication unit may include a Bluetooth communication unit, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication unit, a near field communication unit, a wireless LAN (WLAN) (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared data association (IrDA) communication unit, a Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) communication unit, an ultra-wideband (UWB) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0212] The wireless communication unit may include a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN)) communication unit, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0213] Although not shown in FIG. 16, the aerosol generating device 1 may further include a connection interface, such as a universal serial bus (USB) interface, and may transmit and receive information in connection with other external devices through the connection interface, such as the USB interface, to charge the power supply 11.

[0214] The controller 12 may control general operations of the aerosol generating device 1. In an embodiment, the controller 12 may include at least one processor. A processor may be implemented as an array of a plurality of logic gates or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executable in the microprocessor is stored. It will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the processor can be implemented in other forms of hardware.

[0215] The controller 12 may control the temperature of the heater 18 by controlling power of the power supply 11 supplied to the heater 18. The controller 12 may control the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 detected by the temperature sensor 131. The controller 12 may control the power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. For example, the controller 12 may determine a target temperature for the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 based on the temperature profile stored in the memory 17.

[0216] The aerosol generating device 1 may include a power supply 11 and a power supply circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the power supply 11 between the power supply 11 and the cartridge heater 24 and / or between the power supply 11 and the heater 18. The power supply circuit may be electrically connected to the cartridge heater 24, the heater 18, or an induction coil 181. The power supply circuit may include at least one switching element. The switching element may be implemented by a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), a field effective transistor (FET), etc. The controller 12 may control the power supply circuit.

[0217] The controller 12 may control the power supply by controlling the switching of the switching element of the power supply circuit. The power supply circuit may be an inverter that converts DC power output from the power supply 11 to AC power. For example, the inverter may include a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit including a plurality of switching elements.

[0218] The controller 12 may turn on the switching element, so that power from the power supply 11 is supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. The controller 12 may turn off the switching element, so that power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 is blocked. The controller 12 may control the frequency and / or the duty ratio of a current pulse input into the switching element to control the current supplied from the power supply 11.

[0219] The controller 12 may control the voltage output from the power supply 11 by controlling the switching of the switching element of the power supply circuit. A power conversion circuit may convert the voltage output from the power supply 11. For example, the power conversion circuit may include a buck-converter that steps down the voltage output from the power supply 11. For example, the power conversion circuit may be implemented through a Buck-boost converter, a zener diode, etc.

[0220] The controller 12 may control the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit by controlling an on / off operation of the switching element included in the power conversion circuit. When the on state of the switching element persists, the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit may correspond to the level of the voltage output from the power supply 11. The duty ratio of the switching element with respect to the on / off operation may correspond to the ratio of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit with respect to the voltage output from the power supply 11. As the duty ratio of the switching element with respect to the on / off operation is decreased, the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit may be decreased. The heater 18 may be heated based on the voltage output from the power conversion circuit.

[0221] The controller 12 may control the supply of power to the heater 18 by using at least one of the pulse width modulation (PWM) method and a proportional-integral-differential (PID) method.

[0222] For example, the controller 12 may control the supply of a current pulse having a predetermined frequency and duty ratio to the heater 18 by using the PWM method. The controller 12 may control the supply of power to the heater 18 by adjusting the frequency and duty ratio of the current pulse.

[0223] For example, the controller 12 may determine the target temperature for the control, based on the temperature profile. The controller 12 may control power supplied to the heater 150 by using the PID method through a difference between the temperature of the heater 18 and the target temperature, a value generated by integrating the difference according to the flow of time, and a value generated by differentiating the difference according to the flow of time.

[0224] The controller 12 may prevent the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 from being overheated. For example, based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 exceeding a preset limit temperature, the controller 12 may control the operation of the power conversion circuit such that the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 may be blocked. For example, based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 exceeding a preset limit temperature, the controller 12 may reduce the amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 by a certain percentage. For example, based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeding a limit temperature, the controller 12 may determine that the aerosol generating material accommodated in the cartridge 19 is exhausted, and block the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24.

[0225] The controller 12 may control the charge and discharge of the power supply 11. The controller 12 may check the temperature of the power supply 11 based on the output signal of the temperature sensor 131.

[0226] When a power line is connected to a battery terminal of the aerosol generating device 1, the controller 12 may check whether the temperature of the power supply 11 is greater than or equal to a reference, that is, a first limit temperature, for blocking the charging the power supply 11. The controller 12 may control the power supply 11 to be charged based on a preset charging current when the temperature of the power supply 11 is less than the first limit temperature. The controller 12 may block the charging of the power supply 11 when the temperature of the power supply 11 is greater than or equal to the first limit temperature.

[0227] When the power of the aerosol generating device 1 is on, the controller 12 may check whether the temperature of the power supply 11 is greater than or equal to a reference, that is, a second limit temperature. The controller 12 may control the power stored in the power supply 11 to be used when the temperature of the power supply 11 is less than the second limit temperature. The controller 12 may stop using the power stored in the power supply when the temperature of the power supply 11 is greater than or equal to the second limit temperature.

[0228] The controller 12 may calculate a residual capacity of the power stored in the power supply 11. For example, the controller 12 may calculate the residual capacity of the power supply 11 based on the voltage and / or current sensing value of the power supply 11.

[0229] The controller 12 may determine whether the stick S is inserted into the insertion space through the insertion detecting sensor 133. The controller 12 may determine whether the stick S is inserted based on the output signal of the insertion detecting sensor 133. If the stick S is determined to be inserted into the insertion space, the controller 12 may control power to be supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. For example, the controller 12 may supply power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 based on the temperature profile stored in the memory 17.

[0230] The controller 12 may determine whether the stick S is removed from the insertion space. For example, the controller 12 may determine whether the stick S is removed from the insertion space through the insertion detecting sensor 133. For example, the controller 12 may determine that the stick S was removed from the insertion space when the temperature of the heater 18 is greater than or equal to the limit temperature or when the temperature change is greater than or equal to a preset change rate. If the stick S is determined to be removed from the insertion space, the controller 12 may control the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 to be blocked.

[0231] The controller 12 may control the power supply time and / or power supply amount to the heater 18 according to the state of the stick S detected by the sensor 13. The controller 12 may check a level range including a level of a signal of the capacitance sensor, based on a look-up table. The controller 12 may determine the amount of water of the stick S according to the identified level range.

[0232] When the stick S is over-humidified, the controller 12 may control the power supply time to the heater 18, such that the preheating time of the stick S becomes greater than in the case of a general state.

[0233] The controller 12 may determine whether the stick S inserted into the insertion space is reused through the reusage detecting sensor 134. For example, the controller 12 may compare the sensing value of the signal of the reusage detecting sensor with a first reference range including the first color, and if the sensing value is included in the first reference range, the stick S may be determined as unused. For example, the controller 12 may compare the sensing value of the signal of the reusage detecting sensor with a second reference range including the second color, and if the sensing value is included in the second reference range, the stick S may be determined as unused. If the stick S is determined to be used, the controller 12 may block the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18.

[0234] The controller 12 may determine whether the cartridge 19 is coupled and / or removed through the cartridge detecting sensor 135. For example, the controller 12 may determine whether the cartridge 19 is coupled and / or removed based on the sensing value of the signal of the cartridge detecting sensor 135.

[0235] The controller 12 may determine whether the aerosol generating material of the cartridge 19 is exhausted. For example, the controller 12 may preheat the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 by applying power thereto, and, by determining whether the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeds the limit temperature in the preheating section, may determine that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge 19 is exhausted when the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeds the limit temperature. If the aerosol generating material of the cartridge 19 is determined to be exhausted, the controller 12 may block the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18.

[0236] The controller 12 may determine the availability of the cartridge 19. For example, the controller 12 may determine that the cartridge 19 is not available when a current number of puffs is greater than a set maximum number of puffs of the cartridge 19, based on data stored in the memory 17. For example, when the total time of which the heater 24 is heated is greater than or equal to a preset maximum time or the total amount of power supplied to the heater 24 is greater than or equal to a preset maximum amount of power, the cartridge 19 may be determined to not be available.

[0237] The controller 12 may perform determination on the user's inhalation through the puff sensor 132. For example, the controller 12 may determine whether the puff has been generated based on the sensing value of the signal of the puff sensor. For example, the controller 12 may determine the intensity of the puff based on the sensing value of the signal of the puff sensor 132. If the number of puffs reaches the preset maximum number of puffs or if the puff is not detected for a preset time or more, the controller 12 may block the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18.

[0238] The controller 12 may determine whether the cap is coupled and / or removed through the cap detecting sensor 136. For example, the controller 12 may determine whether the cap is coupled and / or removed based on the sensing value of the signal of the cap detecting sensor.

[0239] The controller 12 may control the output unit 14 based on a result detected by the sensor 13. For example, when the number of puffs counted through the puff sensor 132 reaches a preset number, the controller 12 may notify the user that the aerosol generating device 1 will soon be terminated through at least one of the display 141, the haptic unit 142, and the sound output unit 143. For example, the controller 12 may inform the user through the output unit 14 based on a determination that the stick S is not present in the insertion space. For example, the controller 12 may inform the user through the output unit 14 based on a determination that the cartridge 19 and / or cap is not mounted. For example, the controller 12 may transfer information about the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 to the user through the output unit 14.

[0240] The controller 12 may store and update a history of events generated in the memory 17 based on a predetermined event occurrence. The event may include detecting the insertion of the stick S, initiating the heating of the stick S, detecting the puff, terminating the puff, detecting overheating of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18, detecting overvoltage applied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18, terminating the heating of the stick S, performing on / off operation of the power supply of the aerosol generating device 1, initiating charging of the power supply 11, detecting overcharge of the power supply 11, terminating the charging of the power supply 11, etc., which are all performed in the aerosol generating device 1. The history of the event may include the date and time of the event, log data corresponding to the event, etc.. For example, if a predetermined event is detecting the insertion of the stick S, the log data corresponding to the event may include data on the sensing value of the insertion detecting sensor 133. For example, if a predetermined event is determining the overheating of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18, the log data corresponding to the event may include data on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18, data on the voltage applied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18, data on the current flowing through the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18, etc.

[0241] The controller 12 may control a communication link to be formed with an external device, such as a mobile terminal of the user. When authentication data is received from an external device through a communication link, the controller 12 may release a limit on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generating device 1. Here, authentication data may include data that indicates the completion of user authentication of a user corresponding to the external device. The user may perform user authentication through the external device. The external device may determine whether user data is valid based on the user's birthday and a unique number representing the user, and may receive data on permissions of the aerosol generating device 1 from the external server. The external device may transmit data indicating the completion of the user authentication through the aerosol generating device 1, based on the data on permissions. When the user authentication is completed, the controller 12 may release the limit of the use of at least one function of the aerosol generating device 1. For example, when the user authentication is completed, the controller 12 may release the limit of using of the heating function of supplying power to the heater 18.

[0242] The controller 12 may transmit data on the state of the aerosol generating device 1 to the external device through the communication link formed with the external device. Based on the received state data, the external device may output the residual capacity, operation mode, etc. of the power supply 11 of the aerosol generating device 1 through the display of the external device.

[0243] The external device may transmit the location search request to the aerosol generating device 1 based on the input to initiate the location search of the aerosol generating device 1. When the location search request is received from the external device, the controller 12 may control at least one of the output devices to perform an operation corresponding to the location search, based on the received location search request. For example, the haptic unit 142 may generate vibration in response to the location search request. For example, in response to the location search request, the display 141 may output an object corresponding to the location search and search termination.

[0244] The controller 12 may control a firmware update to be performed when firmware data is received from the external device. The external device may check the current version of the firmware of the aerosol generating device 1 and determine whether a new version of the firmware exists. The external device may receive a new version of the firmware data and transmit the new version of the firmware data to the aerosol generating device 1 when the input requesting for a firmware download is received. As the controller 12 receives the new version of the firmware data, the controller 12 may control the firmware update of the aerosol generating device 1 to be performed.

[0245] The controller 12 may transmit data on the sensing value of at least one sensor 13 through the communication unit 16 to an external server (not shown) and receive and store a training model generated by learning the sensing value through machine learning such as deep learning. The controller 12 may use the training model received from the server to perform determining the user's inhalation pattern and generating the temperature profile. The controller 12 may store the sensing value data of the at least one sensor 13, data for training the artificial neural network (ANN), etc. For example, the memory 17 may store a database regarding each configuration provided in the aerosol generating device 1 and weights and biases forming the structure of the ANN for training the ANN. The controller 12 may learn data on the sensing value of at least one sensor 13, the user's inhalation pattern, the temperature profile, etc. stored in the memory 17 to generate at least one training model used for determining the user's inhalation pattern and generating the temperature profile.

[0246] One or more embodiments described above are not exclusive or distinct from each other. Each configuration or function of the one or more embodiments described above may be combined.

[0247] For example, configuration A shown in a particular embodiment and / or drawing may be combined with configuration B shown in another embodiment and / or drawing. In other words, even if a combination between configurations is not directly described, the configurations may be combined unless otherwise described.

[0248] The detailed description above should not be interpreted limitedly in all aspects and should be considered as exemplary. The scope of the disclosure should be determined by a rational interpretation of the claims below, and all changes within the equivalent range of the disclosure are included in the scope of the disclosure.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0028]Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and the same or similar components will be assigned the same reference numerals regardless of the reference numerals in the drawings, and the same descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0029]The suffixes "module", "-er", and "-or" for the components used in the following description are given or used interchangeably by considering only the ease of writing the description, and do not have distinct meanings or roles in themselves.

[0030]In addition, when describing the embodiments of the disclosure, the detailed description of the related known art, which may obscure the subject matter of the embodiments, may be omitted. Also, the accompanying drawings are only intended to facilitate understanding of the embodiments described herein, and the spirit of the disclosure is not limited by the accompanying drawings and should be understood to include all changes, equivalents or alternatives...

[Technical Field]

[0001] Various embodiments relate to an aerosol generating device and a method of controlling the aerosol generating device.[Background Art]

[0002] Recently, the demand for alternative methods to overcome the shortcomings of general cigarettes has increased. For example, there is an increasing demand for a system for generating aerosols by heating cigarettes or aerosol generating materials by using an aerosol generating device, rather than by burning cigarettes.

[0003] When an aerosol generating article is inserted into an accommodating space of an aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device may heat the aerosol generating article according to a preset temperature profile. Accordingly, whether the aerosol generating article is inserted into the accommodating space may be determined through various types of sensors (e.g., a capacitance sensor, an inductive sensor, an infrared sensor, a pressure sensor, etc.).[Disclosure][Technical Problem]

[0004] When an aerosol generating article is detected to be inserted into an accommodating space by using various sensors of the related art, a subsequent control operation, for example, heating of a heater, is automatically performed. In addition, if the insertion detection of aerosol generating article is dependent on a main sensor or if another auxiliary sensor is used to prevent an abnormal operation of the main sensor, when the main sensor or the auxiliary sensor is malfunctioning, using the aerosol generating device may become impossible.

[0005] According to an embodiment, provided are an aerosol generating device and a method of controlling the aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device capable of detecting an aerosol generating article and stably performing a subsequent control operation by dualizing sensors that may detect an insertion of the aerosol generating article even when one of the sensors malfunctions.

[0006] The technical problems to be solved by embodiments are not limited to the aforementioned problems, and unmentioned technical problems may be clearly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments pertain from the description and accompanying drawings.

[0007] Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the presented embodiments of the disclosure.[Technical Solution]

[0008] According to one embodiment, an aerosol generating device includes a housing including an accommodating portion into which an aerosol generating article is inserted, an insertion detecting sensor configured to detect whether the aerosol generating article is inserted into the accommodating portion, a heater configured to heat the aerosol generating article inserted into the accommodating portion, a plurality of auxiliary sensors arranged around the accommodating portion, and a processor configured to control power to be supplied to the heater in response to receiving a sensing signal from the insertion detecting sensor and a sensing signal from at least one of the plurality of auxiliary sensors.

[0009] Priorities may be preset to the plurality of auxiliary sensors.

[0010] The plurality of auxiliary sensors may perform a different function from the insertion detecting sensor in the aerosol generating device.

[0011] The processor may be further configured to receive a first sensing signal from the insertion detecting sensor when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the accommodating portion, receive a plurality of second sensing signals from the plurality of auxiliary sensors when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the accommodating portion, and determine that the aerosol generating article is inserted into the accommodating portion according to whether the received first sensing signal and one of the received plurality of second sensing signals are within a threshold range.

[0012] The processor may be further configured to determine that the aerosol generating article is inserted into the accommodating portion according to whether the first sensing signal and a second sensing signal according to preset priorities among the plurality of second sensing signals are within the threshold range.

[0013] The insertion detecting sensor may be an inductive sensor configured to detect an insertion of the aerosol generating article.

[0014] A first auxiliary sensor among the plurality of auxiliary sensors may be a proximity sensor arranged on an upper end of the accommodating portion and including a color sensor configured to detect whether the aerosol generating article inserted into the accommodating portion is reused, and a second auxiliary sensor among the plurality of auxiliary sensors may be a capacitive sensor arranged on a lower end of the accommodating portion and detecting whether the aerosol generating article inserted into the accommodating portion is over-humidified.

[0015] The proximity sensor may have a higher priority than the capacitive sensor.

[0016] The processor may be further configured to, when a sensing signal received from the proximity sensor is within the threshold range, determine that the aerosol generating article is inserted into the accommodating portion according to the sensing signal received from the insertion detecting sensor.

[0017] The processor may be further configured to determine that the proximity sensor malfunctions when a sensing signal is not received from the proximity sensor, the sensing signal received from the proximity sensor is not within the threshold range, or the sensing signal with a fixed value is received from the proximity sensor.

[0018] The processor may be further configured to, when a sensing signal received from the capacitive sensor is within the threshold range, determine that the aerosol generating article is inserted into the accommodating portion according to the sensing signal received from the insertion detecting sensor.

[0019] The insertion detecting sensor may be an inductive sensor arranged on a lower end of the accommodating portion to detect an inductance change when the aerosol generating article is inserted, one of the plurality of auxiliary sensors may be a capacitive sensor arranged on the lower end of the accommodating portion and detecting a capacitance change of the inserted aerosol generating article, and another one of the plurality of auxiliary sensors may be a proximity sensor arranged on an upper end of the accommodating portion and detecting whether the aerosol generating article approaches the accommodating portion.

[0020] The processor may be further configured to, when the sensing signal received from the proximity sensor is within the threshold range and the sensing signal received from the inductive sensor is within the threshold range, determine that the aerosol generating article is inserted into the accommodating portion and control power to be supplied to the heater.

[0021] The processor may be further configured to, when the sensing signal from the proximity sensor is not received, the sensing signal received from the proximity sensor is not within the threshold range, or the sensing signal with a fixed value is received from the proximity sensor, and when the sensing signal received from the capacitive sensor and the sensing signal received from the inductive sensor are within the threshold range, determine that the aerosol generating article is inserted into the accommodating portion and control power to be supplied to the heater.

[0022] According to another embodiment, a method of controlling an aerosol generating device includes receiving a sensing signal from an insertion detecting sensor configured to detect an insertion of an aerosol generating article, receiving a sensing signal from at least one of a plurality of auxiliary sensors according to the insertion of the aerosol generating article, and, in response to the sensing signal received from the insertion detecting sensor and the sensing signal received from at least one of the plurality of auxiliary sensors, controlling the heater to heat the inserted aerosol generating article.[Advantageous Effects]

[0023] According to one or more embodiments, by performing an insertion detection function for the aerosol generating article by dualizing a plurality of sensors, a case wherein the aerosol generating device cannot be used due to an error or failure of any one sensor may be prevented.

[0024] In addition, by prioritizing the plurality of sensors for assisting the main sensor, that is, the insertion detecting sensor, considering the arrangement position and robustness of each sensor when dualizing the plurality of sensors, an aerosol generating device with higher reliability may be provided.

[0025] In addition, by using the sensing signals of the sensors performing different functions other than the insertion detection function to assist the insertion detection function in the aerosol generating device, hardware resources and design may be optimized and the aerosol generating device may be miniaturized.

[0026] The effects according to one or embodiments are not limited to the effects described above, and unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art from the present specification and the accompanying drawings.[Description of Drawings]

[0027] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain embodiments of the disclosure will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment; FIG. 2 is a diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment; FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment; FIG. 4 is a combined perspective view of a body, a cartridge, and a cap of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment; FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment; FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment; FIG. 7 is a combined perspective view of a body, a cartridge, and a cap of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment; FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a cartridge of an aerosol generating device of another embodiment; FIG. 9 a cross-sectional view of a cartridge of an aerosol generating device of another embodiment; FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment; FIG. 11A is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment; FIG. 11B is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment; FIG.12 flowchart for a method of controlling an aerosol generating device of another embodiment; FIG. 13A is an example view of a main sensor and auxiliary sensors according to an embodiment; FIGS. 13B to 13D are diagrams for explaining a proximity sensor, which is one of the auxiliary sensors shown in FIG. 13A. FIG. 14 is a diagram for describing priorities of recognizing an aerosol generating article among auxiliary sensors, according to another embodiment; FIG.15 flowchart of a method of controlling an aerosol generating device of another embodiment; FIG. 16 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. [Mode for Invention]

[0028] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and the same or similar components will be assigned the same reference numerals regardless of the reference numerals in the drawings, and the same descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0029] The suffixes "module", "-er", and "-or" for the components used in the following description are given or used interchangeably by considering only the ease of writing the description, and do not have distinct meanings or roles in themselves.

[0030] In addition, when describing the embodiments of the disclosure, the detailed description of the related known art, which may obscure the subject matter of the embodiments, may be omitted. Also, the accompanying drawings are only intended to facilitate understanding of the embodiments described herein, and the spirit of the disclosure is not limited by the accompanying drawings and should be understood to include all changes, equivalents or alternatives included in the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

[0031] Although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements or components, these elements or components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element or component from another element or component.

[0032] When an element is referred to as being "connected to" or "coupled to" another element, it may be directly connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected to" or "directly coupled to" another element, there are no intervening elements present.

[0033] The singular forms are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0034] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an aerosol generating device 1 according to embodiments.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device 1 may include at least one of a power source 11, a controller 12, a sensor 13, a heater 18, and a cartridge 19. At least one of the power source 11, the controller 12, the sensor 13, and the heater 18 may be arranged inside a body 10 of the aerosol-generating device 1. The body 10 may provide a space opened upwards so that a stick S, which is an aerosol generating article, is inserted thereinto. The space opened upwards may be referred to as an insertion space. The insertion space may be formed by being recessed toward the inside of the body 10 by a certain depth so that at least a portion of the stick S may be inserted thereinto. The depth of the insertion space may correspond to a length of a region in the stick S, which includes an aerosol generating material and / or a medium. A lower end of the stick S may be inserted into the body 10, and an upper end of the stick S may protrude to the outside of the body 10. A user may inhale air by holding, in the mouth, the upper end of the stick S exposed to the outside.

[0036] The heater 18 may heat the stick S. The heater 18 may extend long upwards around a space into which the stick S is inserted. For example, the heater 18 may be in the form of a tube including a hollow therein. The heater 18 may be arranged around the insertion space. The heater 18 may be arranged to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. The heater 18 may heat the insertion space or the stick S inserted into the insertion space. The heater 18 may include an electrically resistive heater and / or an induction heater.

[0037] For example, the heater 18 may be a resistive heater. For example, the heater 18 may include an electrically conductive track and the heater 18 may be heated when currents flow through the electrically conductive track. The heater 18 may be electrically connected to the power source 11. The heater 18 may be provided with a current from the power source 11 and directly generate heat.

[0038] For example, the aerosol generating device 1 may include an induction coil surrounding the heater 18. The induction coil may generate heat in the heater 18. The heater 18 may be a susceptor, and the heater 18 may generate heat by a magnetic field generated by an AC current flowing through the induction coil. The magnetic field may pass through the heater 18 and generate an eddy current within the heater 18. The current may generate heat in the heater 18.

[0039] Meanwhile, a susceptor may be included inside the stick S, and the susceptor inside the stick S may generate heat by the magnetic field generated by the AC current flowing through the induction coil.

[0040] The cartridge 19 may contain an aerosol generating material in any one of a liquid state, a solid state, a gaseous state, a gel state, and the like. The aerosol generating material may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid including a tobacco-containing material having a volatile tobacco flavor component, or a liquid including a non-tobacco material.

[0041] The cartridge 19 may be integrally formed with the body 10 or detachably coupled to the body 10.

[0042] For example, referring to FIG. 1, the cartridge 19 may be integrally formed with the body 10 and may communicate with the insertion space through an air flow channel CN.

[0043] For example, referring to FIG. 2, a space may be formed in one side of the body 10, and at least a portion of the cartridge 19 may be inserted into the space formed in one side of the body 10, so that the cartridge 19 may be mounted in the body 10. The air flow channel CN may be defined by a portion of the cartridge 19 and / or a portion of the body 10, and the cartridge 19 may communicate with the insertion space through the air flow channel CN.

[0044] The body 10 may be formed in a structure in which external air may be introduced into the body 10 while the cartridge 19 is inserted the body 10. Here, the external air introduced into the body 10 may pass through the cartridge 19 and flow into the mouth of the user.

[0045] The cartridge 19 may include a storage C0 containing the aerosol generating material and / or a heater 24 heating the aerosol generating material in the storage C0. A liquid delivery element impregnated with (containing) the aerosol generating material may be arranged inside the storage C0. Here, the liquid delivery element may include a wick or the like such as a cotton fiber, a ceramic fiber, a glass fiber, or porous ceramic. An electrically conductive track of the heater 24 may be formed in a coil-shaped structure that is wound around the liquid delivery element or in a structure in contact with one side of the liquid delivery element. The heater 24 may be referred to as a cartridge heater 24.

[0046] The cartridge 19 may generate an aerosol. When the liquid delivery element is heated by the cartridge heater 24, an aerosol may be generated. The aerosol may be generated by heating the stick S by the heater 18. While the aerosol generated by the cartridge heater 24 and the heater 18 passes through the stick S, a tobacco material may be added to the aerosol, and the aerosol having the tobacco material added thereto may be inhaled into the mouth of the user through one end of the stick S.

[0047] The aerosol generating device 1 may include only the cartridge heater 24 and may not include the heater 18 in the body 10. Here, the aerosol generated by the cartridge heater 24 may have the tobacco material added thereto while passing through the stick S and may be inhaled into the mouth of the user.

[0048] The aerosol generating device 1 may include a cap (not shown). The cap may be detachably coupled to the body 10 to cover at least a portion of the cartridge 19 coupled to the body 10. The stick S may pass through the cap and be inserted into the body 10.

[0049] The power source 11 may supply power so that components of the aerosol generating device 1 operate. The power source 11 may be referred to as a battery. The power source 11 may supply power to at least one of the controller 12, the sensor 13, the cartridge heater 24, and the heater 18. When the aerosol generating device 1 includes an induction coil, the power supply 11 may supply power to the induction coil.

[0050] The controller 12 may control an overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1. The controller 12 may be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The controller 12 may control an operation of at least one of the power source 11, the sensor 13, the heater 18, and the cartridge 19. The controller 12 may control operations of a display, a motor, and the like installed in the aerosol generating device 1. The controller 12 may check a state of each of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 to determine whether or not the aerosol generating device 1 is able to operate.

[0051] The controller 12 may analyze a result of detection by the sensor 13 and control processes to be performed subsequently. For example, the controller 12 may control power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 so that the operation of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 is initiated or terminated, on the basis of the result of the detection by the sensor 13. For example, on the basis of the result of the detection by the sensor 13, the controller 12 may control an amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 and a time for which the power is supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 so that the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 may be heated to a certain temperature or maintain an appropriate temperature.

[0052] The sensor 13 may include at least one of a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, an insertion detection sensor, a color sensor, a cartridge detection sensor, and a cap detection sensor. For example, the sensor 13 may sense at least one of a temperature of the heater 18, a temperature of the power source 11, and a temperature inside and outside the body 10. For example, the sensor 13 may sense a puff by a user. For example, the sensor 13 may sense whether or not the stick S is inserted into the insertion space. For example, the sensor 13 may sense whether or not the cartridge 19 is mounted in the body 10. For example, the sensor 13 may sense whether or not the cap is mounted on the body 10.

[0053] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment, FIG. 4 is a combined perspective view of a body, a cartridge, and a cap of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 3, an aerosol generating device A100 according to an embodiment may include a body A3. The aerosol generating device A100 may include a cap A30. The aerosol generating device A100 may include a cartridge A40. The cartridge A40 may be detachably coupled to one side of the body A3. The cap A30 may be detachably coupled to the body A3 to cover the cartridge A40. A stick S may pass through the cap A30 and be inserted into the body A3.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 4, the body A3 may include a lower body A1 and an upper body A2. Components of the aerosol generating device A100, such as a battery and a controller, may be installed inside the lower body A1. The upper body A2 may be coupled to an upper side of the lower body A1.

[0056] The upper body A2 may include a column A10 and a seating portion A20. The column A10 may extend long in a vertical direction. The column A10 may include an outer wall A11, an inner wall A12, and an upper wall A13.

[0057] The seating portion A20 may protrude from a lower portion of the inner wall A12 of the column A10. The seating portion A20 may face an upper side. A cartridge area A24 may be formed between the inner wall A12 of the column A10 and the seating portion A20. The cartridge area A24 may be located on one side of the inner wall A12 of the column A10 and may be located above the seating portion A20.

[0058] The column A10 may include an insertion space A142. The insertion space A142 may extend in the vertical direction inside the column A10 and may be opened upwards so that the upper wall A13 is opened.

[0059] A body inlet A141 may be formed in one side of the column A10. The body inlet A141 may be formed by opening the inner wall A12. The body inlet A141 may be opened to the outside of the column A10. The body inlet A141 may communicate with the insertion space A142. The body inlet A141 may be arranged to face the cartridge area A24. The body inlet A141 may communicate with the cartridge area A24.

[0060] The cartridge A40 may be detachably coupled to the upper body A2 in the cartridge area A24. The cartridge A40 may be coupled to the inner wall A12 of the column A10 and may be seated on the seating portion A20 so that a bottom thereof is supported. The cartridge A40 may include a first container A41 and a second container A42. The first container A41 may be arranged on an upper side of the second container A42. The first container A41 may store a liquid.

[0061] The cap A30 may cover the upper body A2 and may be detachably coupled to the body A3. The cap A30 may cover the upper body A2 and the cartridge A40 coupled to the upper body A2. The cap A30 may have formed therein a space into which the upper body A2 and the cartridge A40 are inserted. The space inside the cap A30 may be opened downwards. A sidewall A31 of the cap A30 may surround a side portion of the space inside the cap A30. An upper wall A33 of the cap A30 may cover an upper portion of the space inside the cap A30. An insertion hole A34 may be formed by opening the upper wall A33. When the cap A30 is coupled to the body A3, the insertion hole A34 may communicate with the insertion space A142 above the insertion space A142. A cover A35 may be movably installed on the upper wall A33. The cover A35 may slide on the upper wall A33. The cover A35 may open and close the insertion hole A34.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 5, a first chamber AC1 may be formed inside the first container A41. A liquid may be stored in the first chamber AC1. A second chamber AC2 may be formed inside the second container A42.

[0063] A cartridge inlet A441 may be formed by opening the cartridge A40. A cartridge outlet A442 may be formed by opening the cartridge A40. A cartridge flow path A443 may connect the cartridge inlet A441 to the second chamber AC2. The cartridge outlet A442 may communicate with the second chamber AC2.

[0064] The cartridge outlet A442 may be formed by opening one side of the second container A42. A discharge port A422 may surround the cartridge discharge outlet A442. The discharge port A422 may protrude from one side of the second container A42. When the cartridge A40 is coupled to the upper body A2, the discharge port A422 may be inserted into the body inlet A141, and the cartridge outlet A442 and the body inlet A141 may communicate with each other.

[0065] A wick A45 may be installed in the second chamber AC2. The wick A45 may be connected to the first chamber AC1. The wick A45 may be supplied with a liquid from the first chamber AC1. A heater A46 may generate heat and heat the wick A45. The heater A46 may be arranged in the second chamber AC2. The heater A46 may be wound around the wick A45. When the heater A46 heats the wick A45, an aerosol may be generated around the wick A45 in the second chamber AC2.

[0066] A heater terminal A47 may be exposed to a lower portion of the cartridge A40. The heater terminal A47 may be formed at a bottom of the second container A42. The heater terminal A47 may be electrically connected to the heater A46. When the cartridge A40 is coupled to the upper body A2, the heater terminal A47 may be in contact with and electrically connected to a first pin A50. Here, the heater terminal A47 may be referred to as a second pin A47.

[0067] The first pin A50 may protrude to the outside of the seating portion A20. The first pin A50 may be supplied with power from a battery installed inside the lower body A1 through a connector A97 and provide the power to the heater terminal A47 and the heater A46. The heater A46 may be supplied with power and generate heat.

[0068] Air outside the cartridge A40 may be introduced into the cartridge A40 through the cartridge inlet A441. The air may sequentially flow through the cartridge inlet A441, the cartridge flow path A443, the second chamber AC2, and the cartridge outlet A442. Air inside the cartridge A40 may be discharged to the outside of the cartridge A40 through the cartridge outlet A442. The air introduced into the cartridge A40 may be accompanied by an aerosol generated in the second chamber AC2 and discharged to the outside of the cartridge A40 through the cartridge outlet A442.

[0069] The first pin A50 may be arranged inside the body A3 and may protrude to the outside of the body A3. The body A3 may include the seating portion A20.

[0070] The seating portion A20 may have an outer recessed groove A25. The outer recessed groove A25 may be formed by recessing an upper surface A21 of the seating portion A20 downwards. The outer recessed groove A25 may be located below the cartridge area A24. The upper surface A21 of the seating portion A20 may be referred to as an outer surface of the body A3. The outer recessed groove A25 may be formed in the outer surface of the body A3.

[0071] A lower portion of the outer recessed groove A25 may be covered with a bottom portion A251, and a side portion of the outer recessed groove A25 may be covered with a circumferential portion A252. An upper side of the outer recessed groove A25 may be opened. One side portion of the outer recessed groove A25 may be opened without being covered with the circumferential portion A252. When an x direction indicated in a coordinate system is defined as the front, the front of the outer recessed groove A25 may be opened. An upper end of the first pin A50 may convexly protrude or be exposed upwards from the bottom portion A251 of the outer recessed groove A25 toward the outer recessed groove A25.

[0072] The bottom of the cartridge A40 may have a shape corresponding to the seating portion A20 and the outer recessed groove A25. When the cartridge A40 is coupled to the upper body A2, the bottom of the cartridge A40 may be seated on the seating port A20, and the first pin A50 and the second pin A47 may be electrically connected to each other.

[0073] A plurality of guide portions A253 may be provided. The guide portion A253 may extend long from the front to the rear. The guide portion A253 may be formed to be inclined and gradually become higher from the front to the rear. Each of the plurality of guide portions A253 may be arranged in front of each of a plurality of first pins A50. A height of a rear end of the guide portion A253 adjacent to the first pin A50 may be the same as or similar to a height of the first pin A50.

[0074] Accordingly, when the cartridge A40 is coupled to the upper body A2, the guide portion A253 may guide the arrangement of the cartridge A40 so that the first pin A50 and the second pin A47 contact each other.

[0075] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment, FIG. 7 is a combined perspective view of a body, a cartridge, and a cap of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment, FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a cartridge of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment, FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment, and FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0076] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment may include a body B100 including an upper body B120 and a lower body B110. The upper body B120 may be located on an upper side of the lower body B110. The lower body B 110 may extend long in a vertical direction. The body B100 may accommodate therein components for driving the aerosol generating device. The upper body B120 may provide an insertion space B134 that is opened upwards. The insertion space B134 may be located inside the upper body B120. The insertion space B134 may extend long in the vertical direction. The insertion space B134 may be formed in a pipe B130 located inside the upper body B120.

[0077] An upper case B200 may have a hollow shape with an open lower portion. The upper body B120 may be inserted into a hollow of the upper case B200. The upper case B200 may be detachably coupled to the body B100. The upper case B200 may cover the upper body B120 to surround the upper body B120. A lateral portion B211 of the upper case B200 may surround and cover a sidewall B121 of the upper body B120. An upper portion B212 of the upper case B200 may cover an upper portion B180 or an outer cover B180 of the upper body B120. When the upper case B200 is coupled to the body B100, the upper case B200 may cover the body B100 and a cartridge B300 together. The cartridge B300 may be arranged inside the upper case B200.

[0078] An insertion hole B214 may be formed by opening the upper portion B212 of the upper case B200. The insertion hole B214 may correspond to an opening of the insertion space B134. A cap B215 may be movably installed on the upper portion B212 of the upper case B200. A slide hole B213 may be formed by extending from the insertion hole B214 to one side, in the upper portion B212 of the upper case B200. The cap B215 may move along the slide hole B213. The cap B215 may open and close the insertion hole B214 and the insertion space B134. A stick S may be inserted into the insertion space B134 through the insertion hole B214. For example, the stick S may be a cigarette.

[0079] An outer wall B121 and a partition wall B125 may form a lateral portion of the upper body B120. The outer wall B121 and the partition wall B125 may be connected to each other. The outer wall B121 may be covered by an inner surface of the upper case B200. The partition wall B125 may separate a cartridge coupling space B124a from the insertion space B134.

[0080] The upper body B120 may include a seating portion B122. The seating portion B122 may extend from a lower portion of the partition wall B125 to one side. The seating portion B122 may be formed on an upper side of the lower body B110. The seating portion B122 may cover a lower portion of the cartridge coupling space B124a. A bottom surface of the cartridge B300 may be seated on and supported by the seating portion B122.

[0081] The upper body B120 may include an extension portion B140. The extension portion B140 may extend from an upper portion of the partition wall B125 to one side. The extension portion B140 may extend in a direction in which the seating portion B122 is formed. The extension portion B140 may cover an upper portion of the cartridge coupling space B124a. The extension portion B140 may cover an upper end surface of the cartridge B300. The extension portion B140 may cover a cartridge inlet B301 formed in the cartridge B300. A gap through which air may flow may be formed between the extension portion B140 and the cartridge inlet B301.

[0082] The cartridge coupling space B124a may be formed on one side of the upper body B120. The cartridge coupling space B124a may be defined by the seating portion B122 and the partition wall B125 of the upper body B120 and the extension portion B140. A bottom of the cartridge coupling space B124a may be covered by the seating portion B122. One side of the cartridge coupling space B124a may be covered by the partition wall B125 of the upper body B120. An upper side of the cartridge coupling space B124a may be covered by the extension portion B140. The cartridge coupling space B124a may be opened to the outside between the seating portion B122 and the extension portion B140.

[0083] The cartridge B300 may be inserted into the cartridge coupling space B124a to be coupled to the body B100. The cartridge B300 may be detachably coupled to the body B100. A lateral surface B311 of the cartridge B300 may face the partition wall B125. An upper end surface B312 of the cartridge B300 may be covered by the extension portion B140. A bottom surface B322 of the cartridge B300 may be seated on the seating portion B122. A cartridge terminal B128 may be connected to the cartridge B300 to supply power to a heater B342 inside the cartridge B300.

[0084] A coupling hook B125a may be formed at the upper body B120. A pusher B125b may be formed on the upper body B120. The coupling hook B125a and the pusher B125b may be formed in a pair on both sides of the upper body B120 and arranged at locations facing each other. The cartridge B300 may include a hook coupling groove B315. The hook coupling groove B315 may be formed at a location corresponding to the coupling hook B125a. When the cartridge B300 is inserted into the cartridge coupling space B124a, the coupling hook B125a may be coupled to the hook coupling groove B315 to couple the cartridge B300 to the body B100. The pusher B125b and the coupling hook B125a may move in conjunction with each other. When the pusher B125b is pressed, the coupling hook B125a may be moved in a direction detached from the hook coupling groove B315, and the cartridge B300 may be detached from the body B100.

[0085] A connection flow path B133 may be formed in a lower portion of the partition wall B125. The connection flow path B133 may communicate with the insertion space B134. The connection flow path B133 may be opened to one side of the upper body B120. When the cartridge B300 is coupled to the body B100, a discharge port B323 may be inserted into the connection flow path B133, and the connection flow path B133 and a cartridge discharge port B304 may communicate with each other.

[0086] Referring to FIG. 8, the cartridge B300 may include a first container B31 and a second container B32. The first container B31 may be coupled to an upper side of the second container B32. A plate B35 may be coupled between the first container B31 and the second container B32 or between the first container B31 and a frame B33.

[0087] The first container B31 may include a first chamber BC1 that may store a liquid therein. The first container B31 may surround the first chamber BC1, and a lower portion of the first chamber BC1 may be opened. An opening of the first chamber BC1 may be covered by the plate B35.

[0088] Referring to FIG. 9, the first container B31 may include an inflow passage B302 through which air passes. The first chamber BC1 and the inflow passage B302 may be separated from each other. The inflow passage B302 may vertically extend long in one side of the first container B31.

[0089] The first container B31 may include a cartridge inlet B301. The cartridge inlet B301 may be formed by opening an upper portion of the first container B31 and may communicate with the inflow passage B302. The cartridge inlet B301 may communicate with an upper end of the inflow passage B302. A lower end of the inflow passage B302 may communicate with a connection hole B351 and a chamber inlet B303.

[0090] The second container B32 may be coupled to a lower portion of the first container B31. The second container B32 may include a space B324 having an opened upper portion and a covered lower portion. The frame B33 may be accommodated inside the space B324 of the second container B32.

[0091] The second container B32 may include the cartridge outlet B304. The cartridge outlet B304 may be formed in a lateral portion B321 of the second container B32. The cartridge outlet B304 may be formed inside a port protruding from the lateral portion of the second container B32 in a thickness direction. The cartridge outlet B304 may communicate with the space B324. The second container B32 may include a discharge port B323. The discharge port B323 may have the cartridge outlet B304 formed therein. The discharge port B323 may protrude from the lateral portion B321 of the second container B32 to one side. The discharge port B323 may surround the cartridge outlet B304. The cartridge outlet B304 may be referred to as an outlet B304.

[0092] The frame B33 may be inserted into the space B324 inside the second container B32 to be coupled to the second container B32. A fastening element B326, which protrudes from a sidewall of the second container B32 to the space B324, may be fastened to the frame B33 to fix the frame B33.

[0093] The frame B33 may include a second chamber BC2 therein. The frame B33 may surround the second chamber BC2, and an upper portion of the second chamber BC2 may be opened. The upper portion of the second chamber BC2 may be covered by the plate B35.

[0094] The frame B33 may include the chamber inlet B303. The chamber inlet B303 may be formed by opening one surface of a sidewall surrounding the second chamber BC2. The chamber inlet B303 may be bent and extend upwards from the second chamber BC2 toward the inflow passage B302. One end of the chamber inlet B303 may communicate with the second chamber BC2, and the other end of the chamber inlet B303 may be connected to the inflow passage B302 and the connection hole B351.

[0095] The frame B33 may include a chamber outlet B332. The chamber outlet B332 may be formed in a lateral portion of the frame B33. The chamber outlet B332 may communicate with the second chamber BC2. The chamber outlet B332 may be formed inside a port protruding from the lateral portion of the frame B33 in a thickness direction. The chamber outlet B332 may communicate with the second chamber BC2. The chamber outlet B332 may be formed at a location corresponding to the cartridge outlet B304. The chamber outlet B332 may be formed at a location opposite to the chamber inlet B303 with respect to the second chamber BC2. When the frame B33 is coupled to the second container B32, the chamber outlet B332 and the cartridge outlet B304 may communicate with each other.

[0096] The frame B33 may include a wick coupling groove B334 therein. The wick coupling groove B334 may communicate with the second chamber BC2. The wick coupling groove B334 may be formed by the second chamber BC2 being depressing to one side thereof. The wick coupling grooves B334 may be formed in a pair, and the pair of wick coupling grooves B334 may be formed to be located opposite to each other in the second chamber BC2. An upper portion of the wick coupling groove B334 may be opened.

[0097] A wick B341 may have a cylindrical shape extending laterally long in the second chamber BC2. Both ends of the wick B341 may be located by being inserted into the pair of wick coupling grooves B334, respectively. A central portion of the wick B341 may be located in the second chamber BC2. The wick B341 may be connected to the first chamber BC1 to be supplied with a liquid from the first chamber BC1. The wick B341 may be fixed in the wick coupling groove B334 by the frame B33 and the plate B35.

[0098] The heater B342 may be wound around the central portion of the wick B341. The heater B342 may generate heat to heat the wick B341. For example, the heater B342 may be a resistive heater. The heater B342 may be arranged in the second chamber BC2. An end of the heater B342 may pass through a bottom of the frame B33 and be electrically connected to an electrode arranged at the bottom of the second container B32.

[0099] The plate B35 may be coupled between the first container B31 and the second container B32 or between the first container B31 and the frame B33. The plate B35 of the frame B33 may cover and seal an opened portion of the first chamber BC1. The plate B35 may cover an upper portion of the frame B33. The plate B35 may cover and seal an opened portion of the second chamber BC2.

[0100] The plate B35 may have the connection hole B351 in one side thereof. The connection hole B351 may be located between the inflow passage B302 and the chamber inlet B303. The connection hole B351 may connect the inflow passage B302 to the chamber inlet B303.

[0101] The plate B35 may include a liquid inflow hole B354. A pair of liquid inflow holes B354 may be formed at locations corresponding to the wick coupling grooves B334. The pair of liquid inflow holes B354 may be located above both ends of the wick B341. The liquid inflow hole B354 may connect the first chamber BC1 to the wick coupling groove B334. The wick B341 may be connected to the first chamber BC1 through the liquid inflow hole B354.

[0102] A hook B353 may be formed above the chamber outlet B332 at a location adjacent to the chamber outlet B332. The hook B353 may protrude downwards from one side of the plate B35. The hook B353 may be inserted into and fastened to a hook groove B335 formed in an upper portion of the frame B33. The plate B35 may be fastened to the frame B33, and the first container B31 coupled to the second container B32 may press an edge portion of the plate B35 toward the frame B33.

[0103] A user may hold, in the mouth, the stick S inserted into the insertion space B134 and inhale air. While the upper case B200 is coupled to the body B100, air may be introduced into the cartridge inlet B301 through an opening B201 formed in the upper case B200. Air may be introduced into the cartridge B300 through the cartridge inlet B301 and may be discharged to the outside of the cartridge B300 through the cartridge outlet B304. The air introduced into the cartridge B300 may be discharged to the outside by sequentially passing through the inflow passage B302, the connection hole B351, the chamber inlet B303, the second chamber BC2, the chamber outlet B332, and the cartridge outlet B304.

[0104] When the heater B342 heats the wick B341, an aerosol may be formed from the wick B341 within the second chamber BC2. Air passing through the cartridge B300 may be accompanied by an aerosol from the second chamber BC2 and discharged to the cartridge outlet B304. The air discharged through the cartridge outlet B304 may be supplied through the connection flow path B133 to the insertion space B134 and the stick S inserted into the insertion space B134.

[0105] Referring to FIG. 10, the upper body B120 may include the outer wall B121 and the partition wall B125. The outer wall B121 and the partition wall B125 may be connected to each other. The partition wall B125 may be formed by extending vertically between the pipe B130 and the cartridge coupling space B124a.

[0106] The extension portion B140 may be formed by extending from the upper portion of the upper body B120 to one side. The upper end surface B312 of the cartridge B300 may be covered by the extension portion B140. The extension portion B140 may cover the cartridge inlet B301 and the periphery thereof. A gap may be formed between the extension portion B140 and the cartridge inlet B301 and between a lower portion of the extension portion B140 and the upper end surface B312 of the cartridge B300. The gap may communicate the cartridge inlet B301 with the outside.

[0107] The pipe B130 may be formed long in a vertical direction. The pipe B130 may be formed as a hollow. The insertion space B134 may be formed inside the pipe B130. The insertion space B134 may be opened upwards. The insertion space B134 may extend vertically. The connection flow path B133 may be formed inside the pipe B130. The connection flow path B133 may be formed below the insertion space B134. One end of the connection flow path B133 may communicate with the outside of the pipe B130, and the other end of the connection flow path B133 may communicate with the insertion space B134. The connection flow path B133 may be bent to one side from a lower portion of the insertion space B134.

[0108] A first sensor B161 may be installed inside the extension portion B140. The first sensor B161 may face the upper end surface B312 of the cartridge B300 or the cartridge inlet B301. The first sensor B161 may be installed adjacent to the cartridge inlet B301. The first sensor B161 may be located above the cartridge inlet B301. The first sensor B161 may overlap the cartridge inlet B301 on the basis of the vertical direction.

[0109] The first sensor B161 may sense an ambient air flow. The first sensor B161 may be an air flow sensor or a pressure sensor. The first sensor B161 may sense a flow of air through a change in ambient air pressure. At a location adjacent to the cartridge inlet B301, the extension portion B140 may include a first sensing hole B144 for sensing an air flow. The first sensor B161 may be mounted on a substrate arranged inside the extension portion B140 and may be electrically connected to a controller (not shown). The controller may control operations of various types of components connected, on the basis that the first sensor B161 detects the flow of air.

[0110] A first sealing portion B151 may be arranged between a first partition wall portion B1251 and an inner plate B171. The first sealing portion B151 may surround and be in contact with an upper end portion of the first partition wall portion B1251. The first sealing portion B151 may be in contact with a lower end of the inner plate B171.

[0111] A sensor accommodation portion B156 of a second sealing portion may seal the periphery of a first sensing hole B144. The sensor accommodation portion B156 may be in contact with an extension plate around the first sensing hole B144. A second sensing hole formed in the sensor accommodation portion B156 may communicate with the first sensing hole B144. The sensor accommodation portion B156 may surround and be in contact with the first sensor B161.

[0112] Accordingly, a failure of a substrate or sensor may be prevented by foreign substances, aerosol discharged from around an opening of the pipe B130, or foreign substances through the first sensing hole B144.

[0113] FIG. 11A is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0114] Referring to FIG. 11A, the aerosol generating device 100 according to an embodiment may include a housing 105, an accommodating portion 110, a processor 120, a battery 130, an insertion detecting sensor 140, a proximity sensor 150, and a capacitive sensor 160. Components of the aerosol generating device 10 according to an embodiment are not limited thereto, and another component may be added or at least one component may be omitted, according to an embodiment.

[0115] In an embodiment, the accommodating portion 110 may be formed inside the housing 105 of the aerosol generating device 100 and an aerosol may be generated by heating an aerosol generating article 115 accommodated in the accommodating portion 110.

[0116] In an embodiment, the insertion detecting sensor 140 may detect whether the aerosol generating article 115 is inserted into the accommodating portion 110. The insertion detecting sensor 140 may be an inductive sensor, but is not limited thereto and may include various sensors such as a capacitive sensor and an infrared (IR) sensor. The insertion detecting sensor 140 may be arranged in an appropriate position around the accommodating portion 110, for example, at the center, for detecting changes in inductance. The insertion detecting sensor 140 may detect changes in the inductance caused by the aerosol generating article 115 being inserted into the accommodating portion 110. In an embodiment, the insertion detecting sensor 140 may function as a main sensor to detect the insertion of the aerosol generating article 115.

[0117] In an embodiment, the proximity sensor 150 may include a color sensor to detect reusage of the aerosol generating article 115. The proximity sensor 150 may be arranged at an upper portion of the accommodating portion 110 to detect when the aerosol generating article 115 approaches the accommodating portion 110 or is inserted into the accommodating portion 110. To detect the reusage, when the proximity sensor 150 detects the approach or insertion of the aerosol generating article 115, the color sensor is activated and the proximity sensor 150 determines whether the inserted aerosol generating article 115 is reused from a change rate of an RGB value detected by the color sensor. In an embodiment, the change in color of the paper surrounding the article is determined based on the change rate of the RGB value, but other known technologies for determining the color change may be applied.

[0118] In an embodiment, the proximity sensor 150 is an auxiliary sensor of the insertion detecting sensor 150 and may detect the insertion of the aerosol generating article 115. The proximity sensor 150 may include a light-emitting unit including a light source and a light receiving unit receiving a reflected optical signal, and may be arranged adjacent to the accommodating portion 110. For example, the proximity sensor 150 may be apart from the accommodating portion 110 in a +x direction, and the light-emitting unit and the light receiving unit of the proximity sensor 150 may surround at least an area of the accommodating portion 110. For example, the proximity sensor 150 may be apart from the cavity 110 by a predetermined distance in a +x direction, and the light-emitting unit and the light receiving unit of the proximity sensor 150 may be arranged in the +z direction.

[0119] In an embodiment, the proximity sensor 150 may be apart from the cavity 110 by a predetermined distance in the +x direction, and a transparent plate as thick as the distance apart may be arranged on a surface of the proximity sensor 150 on which the light-emitting unit and the light receiving unit are arranged. As a separate transparent plate is arranged on one surface of the proximity sensor 150, the proximity sensor 150 may be prevented from being damaged by external foreign materials, and a sensitivity to the aerosol generating article 115 may be maintained.

[0120] In an embodiment, the processor 120 may detect whether the aerosol generating article 115 is in the cavity 110 through the proximity sensor 150. For example, when the proximity sensor 150 is an IR sensor, the proximity sensor 150 may include a light-emitting unit including an IR light source and a light receiving unit including an IR photo diode. If the aerosol generating article 115 is to be inserted into the accommodating portion 110, the processor 120 may detect a reflective light amount (i.e., an output voltage of the lights) of IR light reflected by the aerosol generating article 115. In the disclosure, when the aerosol generating device 100 detects whether the aerosol generating article 115 is inserted through the proximity sensor 150, and then the insertion detecting sensor 140 detects that the aerosol generating article 115 is inserted near the center of the accommodating portion 110, a heating operation of the aerosol generating article 115 may be automatically initiated. If the processor 120 detects that the aerosol generating article 115 is inserted, even if a separate user input is not received, the aerosol generating device 100 may control the supply of power for heating the aerosol generating article 115, thus improving the user's convenience.

[0121] In an embodiment, the processor 120 may set a reference value for the proximity sensor 150. In the disclosure, the reference value may refer to an initial reference value that is a reference for sensing foreign materials when the proximity sensor 150 is partially contaminated by the external foreign materials. That is, the reference value may be set during an initial manufacturing of the aerosol generating device and may be set to various values by the manufacturer.

[0122] For example, when a sensing range of the proximity sensor 150 is about 0 to about 10,000, the processor 120 may set the reference value for the proximity sensor 150 within the sensing range. In particular, to detect the contaminant coated on the proximity sensor 150 regardless of the type of the contaminant, the processor 120 may set the reference value for the proximity sensor 150 to 0.

[0123] In this case, when the reference value for the proximity sensor 150 is set to 0, and the contaminant is coated on the proximity sensor 150, the processor 120 may detect the contaminant through the proximity sensor 150 by detecting only values higher than the set reference value 0.

[0124] In an embodiment, the processor 120 may detect the presence of the aerosol generating article 115 based on a result of comparing a sensing value and a threshold value that are obtained through the proximity sensor 150. In the disclosure, the "threshold value" may refer to a value for determining the insertion and removal of the aerosol generating article 115 through the proximity sensor 150. In this case, the threshold may include a first threshold value and a second threshold value. For example, if the sensing value measured through the proximity sensor 150 is greater than or equal to the first threshold value, the processor 120 may determine that the aerosol generating article 115 is inserted, and if sensing value measured through the proximity sensor 150 is less than or equal to the second threshold value, the processor 120 may determine that the aerosol generating article 115 is removed.

[0125] In an embodiment, the processor 120 may update the existing threshold value to a new threshold value based on the sensing value obtained through the proximity sensor 150.

[0126] As the aerosol generating device 100 is used for a long time by the user, the inside of the aerosol generating device 100 may be contaminated by foreign materials (e.g., tobacco materials, liquid formation by aerosol, dust, etc.). In this case, when a surface on which the light-emitting unit and the light receiving unit of the proximity sensor 150 are arranged is contaminated by foreign materials, the sensing value of the proximity sensor 150 in a contaminated state may be different from the sensing value of the proximity sensor 150 that is not contaminated.

[0127] More particularly, the proximity sensor 150 may detect the light amount of reflected light to determine the presence of the aerosol generating article 115. In this case, when the contaminant is attached near the transparent plate arranged adjacent to the proximity sensor 150, the proximity sensor 150 may detect the reflective light amount due to the contaminant even when the aerosol generating article 115 is not present, thereby determining that the aerosol generating article 115 exists.

[0128] In the disclosure, the aerosol generating device 100 may prevent false detection by the proximity sensor 150 due to a contaminant by updating the existing threshold value regarding the sensing value of the proximity sensor 150 to a new threshold value.

[0129] In addition, in the aerosol generating device 100 of the disclosure, the proximity sensor 150 may assist an insertion detection function of the insertion detecting sensor 140. For example, when the insertion detecting sensor 140 recognizes the insertion, removal, type, state, etc. of the aerosol generating article 115 based on changes in electrical characteristics (e.g., inductance change), even when an object (e.g., an object with magnetism) that is not an aerosol generating article 115 approaches the outside of the aerosol generating device 100, the insertion detecting sensor 140 may falsely detect the object as an aerosol generating article 115. Accordingly, since the proximity sensor 150 detects only the reflective light amount from an object inserted into the accommodating portion 110 to assist the insertion detection, abnormal control due to false detection and false sensing by the insertion detecting sensor 140 may be prevented.

[0130] In addition, the proximity sensor 150 may not only substitute the insertion detecting sensor 140 but also double check or assist the insertion detection function of the insertion detecting sensor 140.

[0131] In an embodiment, the capacitive sensor 160 may determine the characteristics of the inserted aerosol generating article 115, for example, whether the aerosol generating article 115 is an over-humidified cigarette. The over-humidity detecting sensor 160 may be a capacitive sensor arranged at a lower portion or a lower end of the accommodating portion 110, and when the sensing value of the over-humidity detecting sensor 160, for example, a capacitance value measured after the aerosol generating article 115 is inserted, is greater than or equal to the threshold value, the processor 120 may determine that the inserted aerosol generating article 115 is an over-humidified cigarette. In this case, the processor 120 may visually or audibly output notifications of the over-humidified cigarette. In addition, when the processor 120 is an over-humidified cigarette, a preheating temperature profile may be changed to heat the aerosol generating article 115 by using a temperature profile to which a preheating section is differently applied.

[0132] In an embodiment, the over-humidity detecting sensor 160 may assist the insertion detection function of the insertion detecting sensor 140. For example, the over-humidity detecting sensor 160 may detect the insertion and removal of the aerosol generating article 115 based on the electrical characteristic changes (e.g. the capacitance change). Here, the capacitance change of the over-humidity detecting sensor 160 was described as an example, but is not limited to, and the over-humidity detecting sensor 160 may detect the insertion or removal of the aerosol generating article 115 according to a change in a period of charging and discharging time based on a measured signal applied to an electrode of the over-humidity detecting sensor 160.

[0133] In an embodiment, the insertion detecting sensor 140 may detect the insertion of the aerosol generating article 115 based on the inductance change, and the over-humidity detecting sensor 160 may detect the insertion of the aerosol generating article 115 based on the capacitance change. When the insertion detecting sensor 140 and the over-humidity detecting sensor 160 detect the insertion, the processor 120 may determine that the aerosol generating article 115 is inserted into the accommodating portion 110 and may control the heater to be heated.

[0134] In an embodiment, the processor 120 may use a plurality of auxiliary sensors, for example, the proximity sensor 150 and the over-humidity detecting sensor 160, to dualize and assist the insertion detection function of the insertion detecting sensor 140. The processor 120 may determine priorities among the plurality of auxiliary sensors in advance, and may first determine the sensing signal of the proximity sensor 150 that is not greatly affected by electromagnetic characteristics. That is, the processor 120 may determine a result value of the proximity sensor 150 as a first priority. For example, when the sensing signal of the insertion detecting sensor 140 determines that the insertion of the aerosol generating article 115 is detected and the sensing signal of the proximity sensor 150 detects the insertion, the processor 120 may determine that the aerosol generating article 115 is inserted regardless of the sensing signal of the over-humidity detecting sensor 160. In addition, when the sensing signal of the proximity sensor 150 exceeds the threshold range, for example, when occurrence of a foreign material inflow or a failure is determined, the processor may determine that the aerosol generating article 115 is inserted according to the sensing signal of the over-humidity detecting sensor 160.

[0135] In an embodiment, even if one of the plurality of auxiliary sensors is malfunctioning, the remaining auxiliary sensors may be used to prevent abnormal operation of the insertion detection function. For example, when the lens of the proximity sensor 150 operates abnormally due to a foreign material of the lens, the over-humidity detecting sensor 160 may additionally determine that the aerosol generating article 115 is inserted. In addition, even if the over-humidity detecting sensor 160 does not normally function due to electrode deterioration, the insertion detection function may be assisted by determining the sensing signal of the proximity sensor 150.

[0136] In an embodiment, the battery 130 may provide power used for operating the aerosol generating device 100. For example, when the insertion of the aerosol generating article 115 is detected through at least one sensor (e.g., the proximity sensor 150), the battery 130 may provide power to a heating element to heat the aerosol generating article 115. As another example, the battery 130 may provide power necessary for operating the processor 120.

[0137] In this case, the battery 130 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 130 may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but the type of the battery 130 is not limited thereto.

[0138] In an embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 may further include a memory (not shown) storing data in the device. For example, when a new threshold value of the sensing value of the proximity sensor 150 is obtained, the processor 120 may store the obtained new threshold value in the memory. Accordingly, even if sensing-related data is reset as the aerosol generating device 100 is reset, the processor 120 may obtain a new threshold value from the memory to compare it with the sensing value of the proximity sensor 150.

[0139] Referring to FIG. 11B, the aerosol generating device 100 according to an embodiment may include a sensor unit including the processor 120, the insertion detecting sensor 140, the proximity sensor 150, and the capacitive sensor 160. Components of the aerosol generating device 10 according to an embodiment are not limited thereto, and another component may be added or at least one component may be omitted, according to an embodiment. In addition, the sensor unit may include more sensors in addition to the three sensors.

[0140] In an embodiment, the insertion detecting sensor 140 may function as a main sensor to detect the insertion of the aerosol generating article 115, and the proximity sensor 150 and the over-humidity detecting sensor 160 may each function as an auxiliary sensor to detect the insertion, in addition to the main functions (e.g., reusage detection and over-humidity detection). Here, only the proximity sensor 150 and the over-humidity detecting sensor 160 are described as auxiliary sensors, but embodiments are not limited thereto, and other sensors may also be used.

[0141] The insertion detecting sensor 140, the proximity sensor 150, and the over-humidity detecting sensor 160 may be controlled by the same sensor unit or sensor IC (Integrated Circuit) (not shown), or may be controlled by each sensor IC. In addition, each sensor may include a sensing member, such as an electrode, a coil, or a lens, and may be arranged in various positions of the accommodating portion 110 shown in FIG. 11A.

[0142] In an embodiment, the priorities between the plurality of auxiliary sensors, the proximity sensor 150, and the over-humidity detecting sensor 160 may be set in advance. For example, in an environment in which the electromagnetic characteristics are affective, the proximity sensor 150, which is relatively resilient to electromagnetic characteristics, may have a first priority and the over-humidity detecting sensor 160 may have a second priority.

[0143] In an embodiment, when the aerosol generating article 115 is inserted into the accommodating portion 110, the processor 120 may receive a first sensing signal from the insertion detecting sensor 140 and receive a second sensing signal from the plurality of auxiliary sensors. The processor 120 may determine that the aerosol generating article 115 is inserted into the accommodating portion 110, according to whether the first sensing signal and one of the plurality of second sensing signals is within the threshold range. Here, the processor 120 may determine that the aerosol generating article 115 is inserted into the accommodating portion 110, according to whether the first sensing signal and the second sensing signal according to the pre-set priorities among the plurality of second sensing signals are within the threshold range.

[0144] In an embodiment, whether the aerosol generating article 115 is inserted into the accommodating portion 110 may be determined according to the sensing signal of the proximity sensor 150 together with the sensing signal of the insertion detecting sensor 140 while giving priority to the proximity sensor 150. In this case, abnormalities or failures may occur in the proximity sensor 150. For example, if the proximity sensor 150 is physically damaged, when information obtainable when the sensor is driven, such as a chip ID, is not obtainable several times, the proximity sensor 150 may be determined to be damaged. In addition, if the lens of the sensing member of the proximity sensor 150 is contaminated or foreign materials are on the lens, the amount of change of the sensing signal may be too low or may be constantly high due to the foreign material. In an embodiment, if the signal detected by the proximity sensor 150 exceeds the threshold range, for example, if the sensing signal value is small or a high rising edge is detected in the sensing signal, the proximity sensor may be determined to be malfunctioning.

[0145] If the processor 120 determines that the proximity sensor 150 malfunctioned, the processor 120 may determine whether the aerosol generating article 115 is inserted based on the sensing signal received from the over-humidity detecting sensor 160 with the second priority. The processor 120 may determine whether the aerosol generating article 115 is inserted based on the sensing signal from the insertion detecting sensor 140 and the sensing signal from the over-humidity detecting sensor 160.

[0146] In the aerosol generating device according to an embodiment, by performing the insertion detection function for the aerosol generating article by dualizing a plurality of sensors, a case wherein the aerosol generating device cannot be used due to an error or failure of any one sensor may be prevented. In addition, by using the sensing signals of the sensors performing different functions other than the insertion detection function to assist the insertion detection function in the aerosol generating device, hardware resources and design may be optimized and the aerosol generating device may be miniaturized.

[0147] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0148] Referring to FIG. 12, in operation 1200, a sensing signal is received from an insertion detecting sensor that detects the insertion of an aerosol generating article. Here, the insertion detecting sensor may functions as a main sensor that performs the insertion detection function.

[0149] In operation 1202, the sensing signal is received from at least one of a plurality of auxiliary sensors according to the insertion of the aerosol generating article. Here, a plurality of auxiliary sensors are sensors that perform a different function from the insertion detection and may function as an insertion detecting sensor. Here, although it is illustrated that the sensing signal is received from the auxiliary sensor after receiving the sensing signal from the insertion detecting sensor, embodiments are not limited thereto, and the order may according to the arrangement and position of each sensor. For example, if one of the auxiliary sensors is arranged, as a proximity sensor, on an upper end of the accommodating portion the sensing signal is first received from the proximity sensor.

[0150] In operation 1204, the heater is controlled to heat the inserted aerosol generating article in response to the sensing signal received from the insertion detecting sensor and the sensing signal received from at least one of the plurality of auxiliary sensors. Here, a sensing signal of an auxiliary sensor selected from the plurality of auxiliary sensors, based on preset priorities may be considered.

[0151] In the method of controlling the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment, by performing the insertion detection function for the aerosol generating article by dualizing a plurality of sensors, a case wherein the aerosol generating device cannot be used due to an error or failure of any one sensor may be prevented. In addition, by prioritizing the plurality of sensors for assisting the main sensor, that is, the insertion detecting sensor, considering the arrangement position and robustness of each sensor when dualizing the plurality of sensors, an aerosol generating device with higher reliability may be provided.

[0152] FIG. 13A is an example view of the main sensor and the auxiliary sensors according to an embodiment. FIG. 13B is a diagram showing a state in which the aerosol generating article is inserted into the aerosol generating device, according to an embodiment. FIG. 13C is a diagram showing a state in which the aerosol generating article is removed from the aerosol generating device, according to an embodiment. FIGS. 13B and 13C are diagrams of the aerosol generating device 100 of FIG. 13A viewed in the +z direction.

[0153] Referring to FIGS. 13B and 13C, an optical sensor (e.g., the proximity sensor 150 of FIG. 11) may include a light-emitting unit 1300 including a light source and a light receiving unit 1310 receiving a reflected light signal. FIGS. 13B and 13C illustrate that the light-emitting unit 1300 and the light receiving unit 1310 of the proximity sensor 150 surround at least a portion of the accommodating portion 110, but embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the light-emitting unit 1300 and the light receiving unit 1310 of the proximity sensor 150 may be arranged along a length direction (e.g., the +z direction of FIG. 13A) in which the accommodating portion 110 is formed.

[0154] In an embodiment, the light-emitting unit 1300 and the light receiving unit 1310 may each be apart from the accommodating portion 110 by a predetermined distance, and transparent plates 1305 and 1315 may be respectively arranged on a surface of the light-emitting unit 1300 and a surface of the light receiving unit 1310. In this case, the transparent plates 1305 and 1315 may be as thick as the predetermined distance between the light-emitting unit 1300 and light receiving unit 1310 and the accommodating portion 110.

[0155] The transparent plate 1305 arranged on a surface of the light-emitting unit 1300 may provide a light path such that light irradiated from the light-emitting unit 1300 may reach into the accommodating portion 110 without distortion and may prevent a foreign material from being introduced into the light-emitting unit 1300 of the proximity sensor 150.

[0156] The transparent plate 1315 arranged on a surface of the light receiving unit 1310 may provide a light path such that light emitted from the light-emitting unit 1300 and reflected from the inside of the accommodating portion 110 (i.e., the aerosol generating article 115 inserted into the accommodating portion 110) may reach the light receiving unit 1310 without distortion and may prevent a foreign material from being introduced into the light receiving unit 1310 of the proximity sensor 150.

[0157] In an embodiment, when light having a predetermined light amount is irradiated from the light-emitting unit 1300, the processor (e.g., the processor 120 of FIG. 13A) may obtain a reflective light amount (a sensing value) input into the light receiving unit 1310 based on an output signal of the light receiving unit 1310.

[0158] For example, according to FIG. 13B, the light-emitting unit 1300 of the proximity sensor 150 may irradiate light having a predetermined light amount toward the inside of the accommodating portion 110, and the light receiving unit 1310 of the proximity sensor 150 may receive some reflective light of irradiated light reflected from the aerosol generating article 115. When the output signal (e.g., an output voltage) of the light receiving unit 1310 is increased and reaches a maximum signal value, the processor 120 may determine that the aerosol generating article 115 is inserted into the accommodating portion 110 from the outside.

[0159] For example, according to FIG. 13C, the light-emitting unit 1300 of the proximity sensor 150 may irradiate light having a predetermined light amount toward the inside of the accommodating portion 110, and the light receiving unit 1310 of the proximity sensor 150 may not receive any reflective light. When the output signal (e.g., the output voltage) of the light receiving unit 1310 is decreased and reaches a minimum signal value, the processor 120 may determine that the aerosol generating article 115 is removed from the inside of the accommodating portion 110.

[0160] FIG. 13D is a graph showing the output signal of the optical sensor according to the insertion and removal of the aerosol generating article, according to an embodiment. More particularly, FIG. 13D is a graph showing the output signal of the optical sensor that is not contaminated due to a foreign material, according to an embodiment.

[0161] In an embodiment, the processor (e.g., the processor 120 of FIG. 13A) may set a threshold value for the optical sensor (e.g., the proximity sensor 150 of FIG. 13A) to determine the insertion or removal of the aerosol generating article (e.g., the aerosol generating article 115 of FIG. 13A).

[0162] For example, the processor 120 may set a first threshold value Sth1 of the proximity sensor 150 for determining the insertion of the aerosol generating article 115 and a second threshold value Sth2 for determining the removal of the aerosol generating article 115.

[0163] In an embodiment, the processor 120 may determine that the aerosol generating article 115 is inserted into a cavity (e.g., the accommodating portion 110 of FIG. 13A) when a sensing value greater than or equal to the first threshold value Sth1 is obtained through the proximity sensor 150, and may determine that the aerosol generating article 115 is removed from the accommodating portion 110 when a sensing value less than the second threshold value Sth2 is obtained through the proximity sensor 150.

[0164] For example, if a first sensing value S1 obtained through the proximity sensor 150 is greater than the first threshold value Sth1, the processor 120 may determine that the aerosol generating article 115 is inserted into the accommodating portion 110 at a first period P1. In addition, if a second sensing value S2 obtained through the proximity sensor 150 is less than the second threshold value Sth2, the processor 120 may determine that the aerosol generating article 115 is removed from the accommodating portion 110 at a second period P2.

[0165] FIG. 14 is a diagram for describing priorities of recognizing the aerosol generating article among the auxiliary sensors, according to another embodiment. Referring to FIG. 14, the main sensor is an inductive sensor arranged in the center of the accommodating portion, a first auxiliary sensor, that is, the proximity sensor is a light sensor arranged on the upper portion or an upper end of the accommodating portion, and a second auxiliary sensor, that is, the over-humidity detecting sensor is a capacitive sensor arranged on the lower portion or the lower end of the accommodating portion. However, embodiments are not limited thereto, and various functions of sensors may be used as auxiliary sensors for the insertion detection function. For example, in the case of induction heating aerosol generating device, the coil for induction heating may perform the insertion detection and heating functions, the coil may be the main sensor for performing the insertion detection function, and the auxiliary sensors performing other functions may be used for dualizing the insertion detection function.

[0166] Referring to FIG. 14, if the proximity sensor has the first priority, the proximity sensor may recognize the insertion of aerosol generating article, and when the inductive sensor recognizes the insertion of aerosol generating article, the processor may determine that the aerosol generating article is inserted and may initiate heating of the heater. In this case, the sensing signal received from the capacitive sensor, which is another auxiliary sensor, may not be considered in determining the insertion.

[0167] In another embodiment, if the proximity sensor is determined to be damaged, for example, the sensing signal from the proximity sensor may exceed the threshold range, the sensing signal from the proximity sensor may not be received, or the sensing signal of a fixed value may be constantly received from the proximity sensor. If the proximity sensor is damaged, the sensing signal from the capacitive sensor may be considered. When the inductive sensor recognizes the insertion of the aerosol generating article and the capacitive sensor recognizes the insertion of the aerosol generating article, the processor may determine that the aerosol generating article is inserted and may initiate the heating of the heater.

[0168] FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0169] Referring to FIG. 15, in operation 1500, the aerosol generating article may be inserted.

[0170] In operation 1502, when the proximity sensor arranged on the upper end of the aerosol generating device recognizes the insertion, and when, in operation 1504, the inductive sensor recognizes the insertion, the aerosol generating article may be determined to be inserted, and, in operation 1506, the heating of the heater may be initiated.

[0171] In operation 1502, when the proximity sensor does not recognize the insertion, when, in operation 1506, the capacitive sensor recognizes the insertion, and when, in operation 1504, the inductive sensor recognizes the insertion, the heating of the heater may be initiated in operation 1506.

[0172] In operation 1504, when the inductive sensor does not recognize the insertion, the operation is returned to operation 1500.

[0173] In operation 1506, when the capacitive sensor does not recognize the insertion, an error message is output in operation 1508.

[0174] In an embodiment, even if the inductive sensor recognizes the insertion of the aerosol generating article, only when at least one of the plurality of auxiliary sensors detects the insertion, the aerosol generating article is determined as inserted and the heating of the heater is initiated.

[0175] In some embodiments, even if the inductive sensor which detects the insertion of aerosol generating article does not recognize the insertion, when insertion is detected by using the plurality of auxiliary sensors substituting the inductive sensor, the aerosol generating article may be determined as inserted and the heating of the heater may be initiated.

[0176] FIG. 16 is a block diagram of the aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment.

[0177] The aerosol generating device 1 may include the power supply 11, the control unit 12, the sensor 13, an output unit 14, an input unit 15, a communication unit 16, a memory 17, and a at least one of the heaters 18 and 24. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1 is not limited to that illustrated in FIG. 16. That is, according to the design of the aerosol generating device 1, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that some of the components shown in FIG. 16 may be omitted or new components may be added.

[0178] The sensor 13 may detect the state of or around the aerosol generating device 1 and transmit detected information to the controller 12. Based on the detected information, the controller 12 may control the aerosol generating device 1 to perform various functions such as controlling operation of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18, limiting smoking, determining whether the stick S and / or the cartridge 19 is inserted, displaying a notification, etc.

[0179] The sensor 13 may include at least one of a temperature sensor 131, a puff sensor 132, an insertion detecting sensor 133, a reusage detecting sensor 134, a cartridge detecting sensor 135, a cap detecting sensor 136, and a movement detecting sensor 137.

[0180] The temperature sensor 131 may detect the temperature at which the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 are heated. The aerosol generating device 1 includes a separate temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. However, the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 itself may act as a temperature sensor.

[0181] The temperature sensor 131 may output a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may include a resistor of which a resistance value changes according to the temperature change of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. The temperature sensor 131 may be implemented by a thermistor, which is an element using characteristics of which the resistance changes according to the temperature. In this case, the temperature sensor 131 may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistor as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may include a sensor to detecting the resistance value of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. In this case, the temperature sensor 131 may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18.

[0182] The temperature sensor 131 may be arranged around the power supply 11 to monitor the temperature of the power supply 11. The temperature sensor 131 may be arranged adjacent to the power supply 11. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may be attached to one surface of the battery, which is the power supply 11. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may be mounted on one surface of a printed circuit board.

[0183] The temperature sensor 131 may be arranged inside the body 10 to detect an internal temperature of the body 10.

[0184] The puff sensor 132 may detect a user's puff based on various physical changes in an airflow path. The puff sensor 132 may output a signal corresponding to the puff. For example, the puff sensor 132 may be a pressure sensor. The puff sensor 132 may output a signal corresponding to an internal pressure of the aerosol generating device 1. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device 1 may correspond to the pressure of the airflow path through which gas flows. The puff sensor 132 may be arranged correspondingly to the airflow path through which gas flows in the aerosol generating device 1.

[0185] The insertion detecting sensor 133 may detect the insertion and / or removal of the stick S. The insertion detecting sensor 133 may detect a signal change according to the insertion and / or removal of the stick S. The insertion detecting sensor 133 may be installed around an insertion space. The insertion detecting sensor 133 may detect the insertion and / or removal of the stick S according to a change in the permittivity of the insertion space. For example, the insertion detecting sensor 133 may be an inductive sensor and / or a capacitance sensor.

[0186] The inductive sensor may include at least one coil. The coil of the inductive sensor may be adjacent to the insertion space. For example, if a magnetic field changes around the coil through which current flows, the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil may change according to Faraday's Law. Here, the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil may include frequency, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc. of the alternating current (AC).

[0187] The inductive sensor may output a signal corresponding to the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil. For example, the inductive sensor may output a signal corresponding to the inductance value of the coil.

[0188] The capacitance sensor may include a conductor. The conductor of the capacitance sensor may be adjacent to the insertion space. The capacitance sensor may output a signal corresponding to the surrounding electromagnetic characteristics, such as the capacitance around the conductor. For example, when the stick S including a wrapper of a metal material is inserted into the insertion space, the electromagnetic characteristics around the conductor may be changed by the wrapper of the stick S.

[0189] The reusage detecting sensor 134 may detect the reusage of the stick S. The reusage detecting sensor 134 may be a color sensor. The color sensor may detect the color of the stick S. The color sensor may detect the color of a portion of the wrapper surrounding the outside of the stick S. The color sensor may detect a value of the optical characteristics corresponding to the color of an object, based on light reflected from the object. For example, the optical characteristics may be a wavelength of light. The color sensor may be implemented as one configuration with the proximity sensor or as a separate configuration distinct from the proximity sensor.

[0190] The color of at least a portion of the wrapper that form the stick S may be changed by the aerosol. In a case where the stick S is inserted into the insertion space, the reusage detecting sensor 134 may be arranged correspondingly to a position in which at least a portion of the wrapper of which the color is changed by the aerosol is arranged. For example, before the stick S is used by the user, the color of at least a portion of the wrapper may be a first color. In this case, as the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating device 1 passes through the stick S, at least a portion of the wrapper may be soaked by the aerosol, and thus, the color of at least a portion of the wrapper may be changed to a second color. The color of at least a portion of the wrapper may be maintained as the second color after changing from the first color to the second color.

[0191] The cartridge detecting sensor 135 may detect the mounting and / or removal of the cartridge 19. The cartridge detecting sensor 135 may be implemented by an inductance-based sensor, an electrostatic capacitance-type sensor, a resistance sensor, a hall sensor (a hall IC) using a hall effect, etc.

[0192] The cap detecting sensor 136 may detect the mounting and / or removal of the cap. If the cap is separated from the body 10, a portion of the cartridge 19 covered by the cap and a portion of the body 10 may be exposed to the outside. The cap detecting sensor 136 may be implemented by a contact sensor, a hall IC, an optical sensor, etc.

[0193] The movement detecting sensor 137 may detect the movement of the aerosol generating device. The movement detecting sensor 137 may be implemented as at least one of an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor.

[0194] The sensor 13 may further include at least one of a humidity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a position sensor (a global position system (GPS)), and a proximity sensor, in addition to the sensors (e.g., the temperature sensor 131, the puff sensor 132, the insertion detecting sensor 133, the reusage detecting sensor 134, the cartridge detecting sensor 135, the cap detecting sensor 136, and the movement detecting sensor 137). Because the function of each sensor may be intuitively inferred from the name by one of ordinary skill in the art, the specific explanation may be omitted.

[0195] The output unit 14 may output information on a state of the aerosol generating device 1 and provide the information to the user. The output unit 14 may include at least one of a display 141, a haptic unit 142, and a sound output unit 143, but is not limited thereto. When the display 141 and a touch pad form a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display 141 may also be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0196] The display 141 may visually provide information about the aerosol generating device 1 to the user. For example, information about the aerosol generating device 1 may refer to various pieces of information, such as a charging / discharging state of the power supply 11 of the aerosol generating device 1, a preheating state of the heater 18, an insertion / removal state of the stick S and / or the cartridge 19, a mounting / removal of the cap, or a state in which the use of the aerosol generating device 1 is limited (e.g., detection of an abnormal object), etc., and the display 141 may output the information to the outside. For example, the display 141 may be in the form of a light-emitting diode (LED) light-emitting element. For example, the display 141 may be a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display panel, etc.

[0197] The haptic unit 142 may tactilely provide information about the aerosol generating device 1 to the user by converting an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus or an electrical stimulus. For example, when an initial power is supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 during a set time, a vibration corresponding to the completion of an initial preheating may be generated. The haptic unit 142 may include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0198] The sound output unit 143 may audibly provide information about the aerosol generating device 1 to the user. For example, the sound output unit 143 may convert an electrical signal to an acoustic signal and output the converted signal to the outside.

[0199] The power supply 11 may supply power to be used for the aerosol generating device 1 to operate. The power supply 11 may supply power so that the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 may be heated. In addition, the power supply 11 may supply power required for the operation of the sensor 13, the output unit 14, the input unit 15, the communication unit 16, and the memory 17, which are other configurations provided in the aerosol generating device 1. The power supply 11 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 11 may include a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery but is not limited thereto.

[0200] Although not shown in FIG. 16, the aerosol generating device 1 may further include a power protection circuit. The power protection circuit may be electrically connected to the power supply 11 and may include a switching element.

[0201] The power protection circuit may block a electric path to the power supply 11 according to a predetermined condition. For example, the power protection circuit may block the circuit to the power supply 11 if a voltage level of the power supply 11 is greater than or equal to a first voltage corresponding to overcharging. For example, the power protection circuit may block the circuit to the power supply 11 if a voltage level of the power supply 11 is less than a second voltage corresponding to overdischarging.

[0202] The heater 18 may receive power from the power supply 11 to heat a medium or aerosol generating article in the stick S. Although not shown in FIG. 16, the aerosol generating device 1 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) for converting the power of the power supply 11 and supplying the converted power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. In addition, when the aerosol generating device 1 generates aerosols in an induction heating method, the aerosol generating device 1 may further include a direct current (DC) / AC converter that converts DC power of the power supply 11 into AC power.

[0203] The controller 12, the sensor 13, the output unit 14, the input unit 15, the communication unit 16, and the memory 17 may be supplied with power from the power supply 11 to perform functions. Although not shown in FIG. 16, a power conversion circuit that converts the power of the power supply 11 and supplies the converted power to each component, for example, a low dropout (LDO) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, may further be included. In addition, although not shown in FIG. 16, a noise filter may be provided between the power supply 11 and the heater 18. The noise filter may be a low pass filter. The low pass filter may include at least one inductor and capacitor. The cutoff frequency of the low pass filter may correspond to the frequency of the high frequency switching current applied from the power supply 11 to the heater 18. The low pass filter may prevent high frequency noise components from being applied to the sensor 13, such as the insertion detecting sensor 133.

[0204] In an embodiment, the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 may be formed of any suitable electric resistance material. For example, the suitable electrically resistive material may be a metal or a metal alloy including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, or nichrome, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the heater 18 may be implemented as a metal wire, a metal plate on which an electrically conductive track is arranged, a ceramic heating element, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0205] In some embodiments, the heater 18 may be an induction heating type. For example, the heater 18 may include a susceptor that heats an aerosol generating material by generating heat through a magnetic field induced by a coil.

[0206] The input unit 15 may receive information input from the user or may output information to the user. For example, the input unit 15 may be a touch panel. The touch panel may include at least one touch sensor that detects touch. For example, the touch sensor may include a capacitive touch sensor, a resistive touch sensor, a surface acoustic wave touch sensor, an IR touch sensor, but is not limited thereto.

[0207] The display 141 and the touch panel may be implemented as one panel. For example, the touch panel may be an on-cell type or an in-cell type inserted into the display 141. For example, the touch panel may be an add-on type on the display 141.

[0208] The input unit 15 may include a button, a keypad, a dome switch, a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0209] The memory 17, as a hardware component configured to store various pieces of data processed in the aerosol generating device 1, may store data processed or to be processed by the controller 12. The memory 17 may include at least one type of storage medium from among a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type memory, a card-type memory (for example, secure digital (SD) or extreme digital (XD) memory, etc.), 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), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. The memory 17 may store an operation time of the aerosol generating device 1, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, data on a user's smoking pattern, etc.

[0210] The communication unit 16 may include at least one component for communication with another electronic device. For example, the communication unit 16 may include at least one of a short-range communication unit and a wireless communication unit.

[0211] The short-range wireless communication unit may include a Bluetooth communication unit, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication unit, a near field communication unit, a wireless LAN (WLAN) (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared data association (IrDA) communication unit, a Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) communication unit, an ultra-wideband (UWB) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0212] The wireless communication unit may include a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN)) communication unit, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0213] Although not shown in FIG. 16, the aerosol generating device 1 may further include a connection interface, such as a universal serial bus (USB) interface, and may transmit and receive information in connection with other external devices through the connection interface, such as the USB interface, to charge the power supply 11.

[0214] The controller 12 may control general operations of the aerosol generating device 1. In an embodiment, the controller 12 may include at least one processor. A processor may be implemented as an array of a plurality of logic gates or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executable in the microprocessor is stored. It will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the processor can be implemented in other forms of hardware.

[0215] The controller 12 may control the temperature of the heater 18 by controlling power of the power supply 11 supplied to the heater 18. The controller 12 may control the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 detected by the temperature sensor 131. The controller 12 may control the power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. For example, the controller 12 may determine a target temperature for the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 based on the temperature profile stored in the memory 17.

[0216] The aerosol generating device 1 may include a power supply 11 and a power supply circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the power supply 11 between the power supply 11 and the cartridge heater 24 and / or between the power supply 11 and the heater 18. The power supply circuit may be electrically connected to the cartridge heater 24, the heater 18, or an induction coil 181. The power supply circuit may include at least one switching element. The switching element may be implemented by a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), a field effective transistor (FET), etc. The controller 12 may control the power supply circuit.

[0217] The controller 12 may control the power supply by controlling the switching of the switching element of the power supply circuit. The power supply circuit may be an inverter that converts DC power output from the power supply 11 to AC power. For example, the inverter may include a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit including a plurality of switching elements.

[0218] The controller 12 may turn on the switching element, so that power from the power supply 11 is supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. The controller 12 may turn off the switching element, so that power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 is blocked. The controller 12 may control the frequency and / or the duty ratio of a current pulse input into the switching element to control the current supplied from the power supply 11.

[0219] The controller 12 may control the voltage output from the power supply 11 by controlling the switching of the switching element of the power supply circuit. A power conversion circuit may convert the voltage output from the power supply 11. For example, the power conversion circuit may include a buck-converter that steps down the voltage output from the power supply 11. For example, the power conversion circuit may be implemented through a Buck-boost converter, a zener diode, etc.

[0220] The controller 12 may control the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit by controlling an on / off operation of the switching element included in the power conversion circuit. When the on state of the switching element persists, the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit may correspond to the level of the voltage output from the power supply 11. The duty ratio of the switching element with respect to the on / off operation may correspond to the ratio of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit with respect to the voltage output from the power supply 11. As the duty ratio of the switching element with respect to the on / off operation is decreased, the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit may be decreased. The heater 18 may be heated based on the voltage output from the power conversion circuit.

[0221] The controller 12 may control the supply of power to the heater 18 by using at least one of the pulse width modulation (PWM) method and a proportional-integral-differential (PID) method.

[0222] For example, the controller 12 may control the supply of a current pulse having a predetermined frequency and duty ratio to the heater 18 by using the PWM method. The controller 12 may control the supply of power to the heater 18 by adjusting the frequency and duty ratio of the current pulse.

[0223] For example, the controller 12 may determine the target temperature for the control, based on the temperature profile. The controller 12 may control power supplied to the heater 150 by using the PID method through a difference between the temperature of the heater 18 and the target temperature, a value generated by integrating the difference according to the flow of time, and a value generated by differentiating the difference according to the flow of time.

[0224] The controller 12 may prevent the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 from being overheated. For example, based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 exceeding a preset limit temperature, the controller 12 may control the operation of the power conversion circuit such that the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 may be blocked. For example, based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 exceeding a preset limit temperature, the controller 12 may reduce the amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 by a certain percentage. For example, based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeding a limit temperature, the controller 12 may determine that the aerosol generating material accommodated in the cartridge 19 is exhausted, and block the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24.

[0225] The controller 12 may control the charge and discharge of the power supply 11. The controller 12 may check the temperature of the power supply 11 based on the output signal of the temperature sensor 131.

[0226] When a power line is connected to a battery terminal of the aerosol generating device 1, the controller 12 may check whether the temperature of the power supply 11 is greater than or equal to a reference, that is, a first limit temperature, for blocking the charging the power supply 11. The controller 12 may control the power supply 11 to be charged based on a preset charging current when the temperature of the power supply 11 is less than the first limit temperature. The controller 12 may block the charging of the power supply 11 when the temperature of the power supply 11 is greater than or equal to the first limit temperature.

[0227] When the power of the aerosol generating device 1 is on, the controller 12 may check whether the temperature of the power supply 11 is greater than or equal to a reference, that is, a second limit temperature. The controller 12 may control the power stored in the power supply 11 to be used when the temperature of the power supply 11 is less than the second limit temperature. The controller 12 may stop using the power stored in the power supply when the temperature of the power supply 11 is greater than or equal to the second limit temperature.

[0228] The controller 12 may calculate a residual capacity of the power stored in the power supply 11. For example, the controller 12 may calculate the residual capacity of the power supply 11 based on the voltage and / or current sensing value of the power supply 11.

[0229] The controller 12 may determine whether the stick S is inserted into the insertion space through the insertion detecting sensor 133. The controller 12 may determine whether the stick S is inserted based on the output signal of the insertion detecting sensor 133. If the stick S is determined to be inserted into the insertion space, the controller 12 may control power to be supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. For example, the controller 12 may supply power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 based on the temperature profile stored in the memory 17.

[0230] The controller 12 may determine whether the stick S is removed from the insertion space. For example, the controller 12 may determine whether the stick S is removed from the insertion space through the insertion detecting sensor 133. For example, the controller 12 may determine that the stick S was removed from the insertion space when the temperature of the heater 18 is greater than or equal to the limit temperature or when the temperature change is greater than or equal to a preset change rate. If the stick S is determined to be removed from the insertion space, the controller 12 may control the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 to be blocked.

[0231] The controller 12 may control the power supply time and / or power supply amount to the heater 18 according to the state of the stick S detected by the sensor 13. The controller 12 may check a level range including a level of a signal of the capacitance sensor, based on a look-up table. The controller 12 may determine the amount of water of the stick S according to the identified level range.

[0232] When the stick S is over-humidified, the controller 12 may control the power supply time to the heater 18, such that the preheating time of the stick S becomes greater than in the case of a general state.

[0233] The controller 12 may determine whether the stick S inserted into the insertion space is reused through the reusage detecting sensor 134. For example, the controller 12 may compare the sensing value of the signal of the reusage detecting sensor with a first reference range including the first color, and if the sensing value is included in the first reference range, the stick S may be determined as unused. For example, the controller 12 may compare the sensing value of the signal of the reusage detecting sensor with a second reference range including the second color, and if the sensing value is included in the second reference range, the stick S may be determined as unused. If the stick S is determined to be used, the controller 12 may block the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18.

[0234] The controller 12 may determine whether the cartridge 19 is coupled and / or removed through the cartridge detecting sensor 135. For example, the controller 12 may determine whether the cartridge 19 is coupled and / or removed based on the sensing value of the signal of the cartridge detecting sensor 135.

[0235] The controller 12 may determine whether the aerosol generating material of the cartridge 19 is exhausted. For example, the controller 12 may preheat the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 by applying power thereto, and, by determining whether the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeds the limit temperature in the preheating section, may determine that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge 19 is exhausted when the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeds the limit temperature. If the aerosol generating material of the cartridge 19 is determined to be exhausted, the controller 12 may block the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18.

[0236] The controller 12 may determine the availability of the cartridge 19. For example, the controller 12 may determine that the cartridge 19 is not available when a current number of puffs is greater than a set maximum number of puffs of the cartridge 19, based on data stored in the memory 17. For example, when the total time of which the heater 24 is heated is greater than or equal to a preset maximum time or the total amount of power supplied to the heater 24 is greater than or equal to a preset maximum amount of power, the cartridge 19 may be determined to not be available.

[0237] The controller 12 may perform determination on the user's inhalation through the puff sensor 132. For example, the controller 12 may determine whether the puff has been generated based on the sensing value of the signal of the puff sensor. For example, the controller 12 may determine the intensity of the puff based on the sensing value of the signal of the puff sensor 132. If the number of puffs reaches the preset maximum number of puffs or if the puff is not detected for a preset time or more, the controller 12 may block the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18.

[0238] The controller 12 may determine whether the cap is coupled and / or removed through the cap detecting sensor 136. For example, the controller 12 may determine whether the cap is coupled and / or removed based on the sensing value of the signal of the cap detecting sensor.

[0239] The controller 12 may control the output unit 14 based on a result detected by the sensor 13. For example, when the number of puffs counted through the puff sensor 132 reaches a preset number, the controller 12 may notify the user that the aerosol generating device 1 will soon be terminated through at least one of the display 141, the haptic unit 142, and the sound output unit 143. For example, the controller 12 may inform the user through the output unit 14 based on a determination that the stick S is not present in the insertion space. For example, the controller 12 may inform the user through the output unit 14 based on a determination that the cartridge 19 and / or cap is not mounted. For example, the controller 12 may transfer information about the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 to the user through the output unit 14.

[0240] The controller 12 may store and update a history of events generated in the memory 17 based on a predetermined event occurrence. The event may include detecting the insertion of the stick S, initiating the heating of the stick S, detecting the puff, terminating the puff, detecting overheating of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18, detecting overvoltage applied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18, terminating the heating of the stick S, performing on / off operation of the power supply of the aerosol generating device 1, initiating charging of the power supply 11, detecting overcharge of the power supply 11, terminating the charging of the power supply 11, etc., which are all performed in the aerosol generating device 1. The history of the event may include the date and time of the event, log data corresponding to the event, etc.. For example, if a predetermined event is detecting the insertion of the stick S, the log data corresponding to the event may include data on the sensing value of the insertion detecting sensor 133. For example, if a predetermined event is determining the overheating of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18, the log data corresponding to the event may include data on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18, data on the voltage applied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18, data on the current flowing through the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18, etc.

[0241] The controller 12 may control a communication link to be formed with an external device, such as a mobile terminal of the user. When authentication data is received from an external device through a communication link, the controller 12 may release a limit on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generating device 1. Here, authentication data may include data that indicates the completion of user authentication of a user corresponding to the external device. The user may perform user authentication through the external device. The external device may determine whether user data is valid based on the user's birthday and a unique number representing the user, and may receive data on permissions of the aerosol generating device 1 from the external server. The external device may transmit data indicating the completion of the user authentication through the aerosol generating device 1, based on the data on permissions. When the user authentication is completed, the controller 12 may release the limit of the use of at least one function of the aerosol generating device 1. For example, when the user authentication is completed, the controller 12 may release the limit of using of the heating function of supplying power to the heater 18.

[0242] The controller 12 may transmit data on the state of the aerosol generating device 1 to the external device through the communication link formed with the external device. Based on the received state data, the external device may output the residual capacity, operation mode, etc. of the power supply 11 of the aerosol generating device 1 through the display of the external device.

[0243] The external device may transmit the location search request to the aerosol generating device 1 based on the input to initiate the location search of the aerosol generating device 1. When the location search request is received from the external device, the controller 12 may control at least one of the output devices to perform an operation corresponding to the location search, based on the received location search request. For example, the haptic unit 142 may generate vibration in response to the location search request. For example, in response to the location search request, the display 141 may output an object corresponding to the location search and search termination.

[0244] The controller 12 may control a firmware update to be performed when firmware data is received from the external device. The external device may check the current version of the firmware of the aerosol generating device 1 and determine whether a new version of the firmware exists. The external device may receive a new version of the firmware data and transmit the new version of the firmware data to the aerosol generating device 1 when the input requesting for a firmware download is received. As the controller 12 receives the new version of the firmware data, the controller 12 may control the firmware update of the aerosol generating device 1 to be performed.

[0245] The controller 12 may transmit data on the sensing value of at least one sensor 13 through the communication unit 16 to an external server (not shown) and receive and store a training model generated by learning the sensing value through machine learning such as deep learning. The controller 12 may use the training model received from the server to perform determining the user's inhalation pattern and generating the temperature profile. The controller 12 may store the sensing value data of the at least one sensor 13, data for training the artificial neural network (ANN), etc. For example, the memory 17 may store a database regarding each configuration provided in the aerosol generating device 1 and weights and biases forming the structure of the ANN for training the ANN. The controller 12 may learn data on the sensing value of at least one sensor 13, the user's inhalation pattern, the temperature profile, etc. stored in the memory 17 to generate at least one training model used for determining the user's inhalation pattern and generating the temperature profile.

[0246] One or more embodiments described above are not exclusive or distinct from each other. Each configuration or function of the one or more embodiments described above may be combined.

[0247] For example, configuration A shown in a particular embodiment and / or drawing may be combined with configuration B shown in another embodiment and / or drawing. In other words, even if a combination between configurations is not directly described, the configurations may be combined unless otherwise described.

[0248] The detailed description above should not be interpreted limitedly in all aspects and should be considered as exemplary. The scope of the disclosure should be determined by a rational interpretation of the claims below, and all changes within the equivalent range of the disclosure are included in the scope of the disclosure.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0028]Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and the same or similar components will be assigned the same reference numerals regardless of the reference numerals in the drawings, and the same descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0029]The suffixes "module", "-er", and "-or" for the components used in the following description are given or used interchangeably by considering only the ease of writing the description, and do not have distinct meanings or roles in themselves.

[0030]In addition, when describing the embodiments of the disclosure, the detailed description of the related known art, which may obscure the subject matter of the embodiments, may be omitted. Also, the accompanying drawings are only intended to facilitate understanding of the embodiments described herein, and the spirit of the disclosure is not limited by the accompanying drawings and should be understood to include all changes, equivalents or alternatives...

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device comprising: a housing comprising an accommodating portion into which an aerosol generating article is inserted; an insertion detecting sensor configured to detect whether the aerosol generating article is inserted into the accommodating portion; a heater configured to heat the aerosol generating article inserted into the accommodating portion; a plurality of auxiliary sensors arranged around the accommodating portion; and a processor configured to control power to be supplied to the heater in response to receiving a sensing signal from the insertion detecting sensor and a sensing signal from at least one of the plurality of auxiliary sensors.

2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein priorities are preset to the plurality of auxiliary sensors.

3. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of auxiliary sensors perform a different function from the insertion detecting sensor in the aerosol generating device.

4. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to receive a first sensing signal from the insertion detecting sensor when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the accommodating portion, receive a plurality of second sensing signals from the plurality of auxiliary sensors when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the accommodating portion, and determine that the aerosol generating article is inserted into the accommodating portion according to whether the received first sensing signal and one of the received plurality of second sensing signals are within a threshold range.

5. The aerosol generating device of claim 4, wherein the processor is further configured to determine that the aerosol generating article is inserted into the accommodating portion according to whether the first sensing signal and a second sensing signal according to preset priorities among the plurality of second sensing signals are within the threshold range.

6. The aerosol generating device of claim 4, wherein the insertion detecting sensor is an inductive sensor configured to detect an insertion of the aerosol generating article.

7. The aerosol generating device of claim 4, wherein a first auxiliary sensor among the plurality of auxiliary sensors is a proximity sensor arranged on an upper end of the accommodating portion and including a color sensor configured to detect whether the aerosol generating article inserted into the accommodating portion is reused, and a second auxiliary sensor among the plurality of auxiliary sensors is a capacitive sensor arranged on a lower end of the accommodating portion and detecting whether the aerosol generating article inserted into the accommodating portion is over-humidified.

8. The aerosol generating device of claim 7, wherein the proximity sensor has a higher priority than the capacitive sensor.

9. The aerosol generating device of claim 8, wherein the processor is further configured to, when a sensing signal received from the proximity sensor is within the threshold range, determine that the aerosol generating article is inserted into the accommodating portion according to the sensing signal received from the insertion detecting sensor.

10. The aerosol generating device of claim 8, wherein the processor is further configured to determine that the proximity sensor malfunctions when a sensing signal is not received from the proximity sensor, the sensing signal received from the proximity sensor is not within the threshold range, or the sensing signal with a fixed value is received from the proximity sensor.

11. The aerosol generating device of claim 10, wherein the processor is further configured to, when a sensing signal received from the capacitive sensor is within the threshold range, determine that the aerosol generating article is inserted into the accommodating portion according to the sensing signal received from the insertion detecting sensor.

12. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the insertion detecting sensor is an inductive sensor arranged on a lower end of the accommodating portion and detecting an inductance change when the aerosol generating article is inserted, one of the plurality of auxiliary sensors is a capacitive sensor arranged on the lower end of the accommodating portion and detecting a capacitance change of the inserted aerosol generating article, and another one of the plurality of auxiliary sensors is a proximity sensor arranged on an upper end of the accommodating portion and detecting whether the aerosol generating article approaches the accommodating portion.

13. The aerosol generating device of claim 12, wherein the processor is further configured to, when the sensing signal received from the proximity sensor is within the threshold range and the sensing signal received from the inductive sensor is within the threshold range, determine that the aerosol generating article is inserted into the accommodating portion and control power to be supplied to the heater.

14. The aerosol generating device of claim 12, wherein the processor is further configured to, when the sensing signal from the proximity sensor is not received, the sensing signal received from the proximity sensor is not within the threshold range, or the sensing signal with a fixed value is received from the proximity sensor, and when the sensing signal received from the capacitive sensor and the sensing signal received from the inductive sensor are within the threshold range, determine that the aerosol generating article is inserted into the accommodating portion and control power to be supplied to the heater.

15. A method of controlling an aerosol generating device, the method comprising: receiving a sensing signal from an insertion detecting sensor configured to detect an insertion of an aerosol generating article; receiving a sensing signal from at least one of a plurality of auxiliary sensors according to the insertion of the aerosol generating article; and, in response to the sensing signal received from the insertion detecting sensor and the sensing signal received from at least one of the plurality of auxiliary sensors, controlling the heater to heat the inserted aerosol generating article.

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