Aerosol generating device and method of operation thereof

Abstract

An aerosol generating device is disclosed. The aerosol generating device includes a first container including a body, a wick, a heater, and an identifier, a second container for storing a liquid, a cartridge detection sensor for detecting a connection between the first container and the second container, a memory, and a control unit. The body and the first container are detachably connected to each other. The first container and the second container are detachably connected to each other. When the body and the first container are connected, the control unit checks the identifier included in the first container, and determines whether to supply initial power corresponding to the connection to the heater based on data of the confirmed identifier stored in the memory, and controls the heater to supply the initial power based on the determination to supply the initial power to the heater.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device and a method of operation thereof. [Background technology]

[0002] The aerosol generating device is for extracting a predetermined component from a medium or substance via an aerosol. The medium may contain a substance having a variety of components. The substance contained in the medium may be a flavoring substance having a variety of components. For example, the substance contained in the medium may contain a nicotine component, a herb component, and / or a coffee component. In recent years, much research has been conducted on such aerosol generating devices. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] The present disclosure is directed to solving the above-referenced problems and other problems.

[0004] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device that can be alternated between a liquid storage configuration and a wick-containing configuration independently of each other.

[0005] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol generating device that is capable of efficiently managing and using a wick-containing configuration.

[0006] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol generating device that can smoothly transfer liquid to a wick for generating aerosol.

[0007] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol generating device that can notify a user when liquid has sufficiently flowed into the wick.

[0008] It is still another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol generating device that can reduce unnecessary power consumption. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, an aerosol generating device according to one aspect of the present disclosure may include a body, a first container including a wick, a heater, and an identifier, a second container for storing a liquid, a cartridge detection sensor for detecting a connection between the first container and the second container, a memory, and a control unit. The body and the first container may be detachably connected to each other. The first container and the second container may be detachably connected to each other. When the body and the first container are connected, the control unit may check the identifier included in the first container, and determine whether to supply initial power corresponding to the connection to the heater based on data of the confirmed identifier stored in the memory, and control the heater to supply the initial power based on the determination to supply the initial power to the heater. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the liquid storage structure and the wick-containing structure can be interchanged independently of each other.

[0011] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a configuration including a core can be efficiently managed and used.

[0012] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the liquid can be smoothly transferred to the wick for the generation of the aerosol.

[0013] At least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a notification to the user when liquid has sufficiently flowed into the wick.

[0014] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce unnecessary power consumption.

[0015] Further scope of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, such as preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, are given by way of example only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] The above and other objects, features and other characteristics of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 illustrates an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 illustrates an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 illustrates an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 illustrates an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 illustrates an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7a] FIG. 1 illustrates an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7b] FIG. 1 illustrates an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the operation of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12]FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the operation of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the operation of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] Hereinafter, the embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals are given to the same or similar components even if they are illustrated in different drawings, and redundant description thereof will be omitted.

[0018] The suffixes "module" and "section" for components used in the following description are used only for ease of description of the specification. "Module" and "section" do not have different meanings or roles from each other.

[0019] In addition, in the following description of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if a specific description of related known technologies may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, the detailed description will be omitted. In addition, the attached drawings are provided to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical ideas disclosed in this specification are not limited by the attached drawings. Therefore, the attached drawings should be interpreted as including all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives included in the idea and scope of the present disclosure.

[0020] Terms including ordinal numbers such as first, second, etc. may be used to describe various components, but it should be understood that the components are not limited by the terms, and the terms are used only to distinguish one component from another.

[0021] When an element is said to be "connected" to another element, it will be understood that there can be other elements in between, whereas when an element is said to be "directly connected" to another element, it will be understood that there are no other elements in between.

[0022] The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Referring to FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device 100 may include a communication interface 110, an input / output interface 120, an aerosol generating module 130, a memory 140, a sensor module 150, a battery 160, and / or a control unit 170.

[0025] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 may be composed of only a main body. In this case, the components included in the aerosol generating device 100 may be located in the main body. In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 may be composed of a cartridge that stores an aerosol generating material and a main body. In this case, the components included in the aerosol generating device 100 may be located in at least one of the main body and the cartridge.

[0026] The communication interface 110 may include at least one communication module for communication with an external device and / or a network. For example, the communication interface 110 may include a communication module for wired communication, such as a universal serial bus (USB). For example, the communication interface 110 may include a communication module for wireless communication, such as wireless fidelity (WiFi), Bluetooth®, Bluetooth® Low Power (BLE), Zigbee®, near field communication (NFC), etc.

[0027] The input / output interface 120 may include an input device for receiving commands from a user and / or an output device for outputting information to a user. For example, the input device may include a touch panel, a physical button, a microphone, etc. For example, the output device may include a display device for outputting visual information such as a display, a light emitting diode (LED), an audio device for outputting auditory information such as a speaker or a buzzer, a motor for outputting tactile information such as a haptic effect, etc.

[0028] The input / output interface 120 can transmit data corresponding to a command input by a user via an input device to other components (etc.) of the aerosol generating device 100. The input / output interface 120 can output information corresponding to data received from other components (etc.) of the aerosol generating device 100 via an output device.

[0029] The aerosol generating module 130 can generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material. Here, the aerosol generating material can be any one or a combination of two or more materials in various states, such as a liquid state, a solid state, a gel state, etc., capable of generating an aerosol.

[0030] The liquid aerosol generating material may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing material, including volatile tobacco flavor components, according to one embodiment. The liquid aerosol generating material may be a liquid containing a non-tobacco material, according to another embodiment. For example, the liquid aerosol generating material may include water, solvent, nicotine, botanical extracts, flavors, flavorings, vitamin mixtures, and the like.

[0031] The solid-state aerosol-generating material may include solid materials based on tobacco raw materials such as reconstituted tobacco sheets, shredded tobacco, and granulated tobacco. The solid-state aerosol-generating material may also include solid materials containing taste modifiers, seasonings, and the like. For example, taste modifiers may include calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, calcium oxide, and the like. For example, seasonings may include natural materials such as herb granules, silica containing fragrance ingredients, zeolite, dextrin, and the like.

[0032] Additionally, the aerosol generating material may further include an aerosol forming agent such as glycerin or propylene glycol.

[0033] The aerosol generation module 130 can include at least one heater.

[0034] The aerosol generation module 130 can include an electrically resistive heater. For example, the electrically resistive heater can include at least one electrically conductive track and can be heated by passing an electric current through the electrically conductive track. Here, the aerosol generating material can be heated by the heated electrically resistive heater.

[0035] The electrically conductive track may comprise an electrically resistive material. As an example, the electrically conductive track may be made of a metallic material. As another example, the electrically conductive track may be made of a ceramic material, carbon, a metal alloy, or a composite of a ceramic material and a metal.

[0036] The electrical resistive heater may include an electrically conductive track formed in a variety of shapes, for example, the electrically conductive track may be formed in any one of a tube, a plate, a needle, a rod, and a coil.

[0037] The aerosol generating module 130 may include a heater using an induction heating method. For example, an induction heater may include an electric conductive coil, and an alternating magnetic field whose direction changes periodically may be generated by adjusting a current flowing through the electric conductive coil. Here, when an alternating magnetic field is applied to a magnetic material, energy loss due to eddy current loss and hysteresis loss may occur in the magnetic material, and the lost energy may be released as thermal energy to heat the aerosol generating material adjacent to the magnetic material. Here, the object that generates heat due to the magnetic field may be called a susceptor.

[0038] On the other hand, the aerosol generating module 130 can also generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating substance by generating ultrasonic vibrations.

[0039] The aerosol generation module 130 may be referred to as a cartomizer, an atomizer, a vaporizer, or the like.

[0040] The memory 140 can store programs for each signal processing and control in the control unit 170, and can store data processed by the control unit 170 and data to be processed.

[0041] For example, the memory 140 can store application programs designed to perform various tasks that can be processed by the control unit 170, and can selectively provide some of the stored application programs upon request of the control unit 170.

[0042] For example, the memory 140 may store the operating time of the aerosol generating device 100, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, the number of times the battery 160 has been charged, the number of times the battery 160 has been discharged, at least one temperature profile, data on the user's inhalation pattern, data on charging and discharging, etc. Here, the puff may refer to the user's inhalation, and the inhalation may be a situation in which the user inhales into the user's oral cavity, nasal cavity, or lungs through the mouth or nose.

[0043] The memory 140 may include at least one of a volatile memory (e.g., DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, etc.), a non-volatile memory (e.g., flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid-state drive (SSD), etc.).

[0044] The sensor module 150 may include at least one sensor.

[0045] For example, the sensor module 150 may include a sensor for detecting a puff (hereinafter, referred to as a puff sensor). Here, the puff sensor may be implemented by a proximity sensor such as an IR sensor, a pressure sensor, a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, a magnetic field sensor, or the like.

[0046] For example, the sensor module 150 may include a sensor for detecting a puff (hereinafter, referred to as a puff sensor). Here, the puff sensor may be implemented by a pressure sensor, a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, a magnetic field sensor, or the like.

[0047] For example, the sensor module 150 may include a sensor (hereinafter, referred to as a temperature sensor) for detecting the temperature of a heater included in the aerosol generation module 130, the temperature of an aerosol generating material, etc. Here, the heater included in the aerosol generation module 130 may also function as a temperature sensor. For example, the electrically resistive material of the heater may be a material having a temperature coefficient of resistance. The sensor module 150 may sense the temperature of the heater by measuring the resistance of the heater, which changes depending on the temperature.

[0048] For example, if a stick can be inserted into the main body of the aerosol generating device 100, the sensor module 150 can include a sensor that detects the insertion of the stick (hereinafter, referred to as a stick detection sensor).

[0049] For example, in the case where the aerosol generating device 100 includes a cartridge, the sensor module 150 may include a sensor (hereinafter referred to as a cartridge detection sensor) that detects the attachment / detachment, position, etc. of the cartridge relative to the main body.

[0050] Here, the stick detection sensor and / or the cartridge detection sensor may be implemented using an inductance-based sensor, a capacitance-type sensor, a resistance sensor, a hall sensor (hall IC) using the hall effect, or the like.

[0051] For example, the sensor module 150 may include a voltage sensor that detects the voltage applied to a component (e.g., battery 160) provided in the aerosol generating device 100 and / or a current sensor that detects the current.

[0052] The battery 160 may supply power used for the operation of the aerosol generating device 100 under the control of the control unit 170. The battery 160 may supply power to other components included in the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the battery 160 may supply power to a communication module included in the communication interface 110, an output device included in the input / output interface 120, a heater included in the aerosol generating module 130, etc.

[0053] The battery 160 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 160 may be, but is not limited to, a lithium ion battery or a lithium polymer battery. For example, if the battery 160 is rechargeable, the charge rate (C-rate) of the battery 160 may be, but is not limited to, 10C and the discharge rate (C-rate) of the battery 160 may be, but is not limited to, 10C to 20C. In addition, for stable use, the battery 160 may be manufactured to ensure 80% or more of its total capacity even after 2000 charge / discharge cycles.

[0054] The aerosol generating device 100 may further include a protection circuit module (PCM) which is a circuit for protecting the battery 160. The protection circuit module (PCM) may be disposed adjacent to an upper surface of the battery 160. For example, in order to prevent overcharging and overdischarging of the battery 160, the protection circuit module (PCM) may cut off an electric path to the battery 160 when a short circuit occurs in a circuit connected to the battery 160, when an overvoltage is applied to the battery 160, when an overcurrent flows through the battery 160, etc.

[0055] The aerosol generating device 100 may further include a charging terminal to which power supplied from an external source is input. For example, a charging terminal is formed on one side of the body of the aerosol generating device 100, and the aerosol generating device 100 may charge the battery 160 using power supplied through the charging terminal. Here, the charging terminal may be a wired terminal for USB communication, a pogo pin, or the like.

[0056] The aerosol generating device 100 can also wirelessly receive power supplied from an external source via the communication interface 110. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 can wirelessly receive power using an antenna included in a communication module for wireless communication, and can charge the battery 160 using the wirelessly supplied power.

[0057] The control unit 170 may control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 100. The control unit 170 may be connected to each component included in the aerosol generating device 100, and may transmit and / or receive signals between each component to control the overall operation of each component.

[0058] The control unit 170 may include at least one processor and may use the processor to control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 100. Here, the processor may be a general processor such as a central processing unit (CPU). Of course, the processor may be a dedicated device such as an ASIC or a processor based on other hardware.

[0059] The control unit 170 can perform any one of a plurality of functions of the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the control unit 170 can execute any one of a plurality of functions of the aerosol generating device 100 (e.g., a preheating function, a heating function, a charging function, a cleaning function, etc.) according to the state of each component included in the aerosol generating device 100, a user's command received via the input / output interface 120, etc.

[0060] The control unit 170 can control the operation of each component included in the aerosol generating device 100 based on the data stored in the memory 140. For example, the control unit 170 can control the battery 160 to supply a predetermined amount of power to the aerosol generating module 130 for a predetermined period of time based on data about a temperature profile, a user's inhalation pattern, etc. stored in the memory 140.

[0061] The control unit 170 may determine the occurrence of a puff through a puff sensor included in the sensor module 150. For example, the control unit 170 may check a temperature change, a flow change, a pressure change, a voltage change, etc. in the aerosol generating device 100 based on a sensing value of the puff sensor, and may determine the occurrence of a puff according to the confirmed result based on the sensing value of the puff sensor.

[0062] The control unit 170 may control the operation of each component included in the aerosol generating device 100 depending on the presence or absence of puffing and / or the number of puffs. For example, the control unit 170 may control the temperature of the heater to be changed or maintained based on the temperature profile stored in the memory 140.

[0063] The control unit 170 may control to cut off the power supply to the heater under a predetermined condition, for example, when the stick is removed and the cartridge is separated, when the number of puffs reaches a preset maximum number of puffs, when no puffs are detected for a preset time or more, when the remaining amount of the battery 160 is less than a preset value, etc.

[0064] The control unit 170 may calculate the remaining amount of power (hereinafter, referred to as the remaining amount) stored in the battery 160. For example, the control unit 170 may calculate the remaining amount of the battery 160 based on a sensing value of a voltage sensor and / or a current sensor included in the sensor module 150.

[0065] The control unit 170 may control the supply of power to the heater using at least one of a pulse width modulation (PWM) method and a proportional-integral-differential (PID) method.

[0066] For example, the control unit 170 may use a PWM method to control the supply of a current pulse having a predetermined frequency and duty ratio to the heater. Here, the control unit 170 may control the power supplied to the heater by adjusting the frequency and duty ratio of the current pulse.

[0067] For example, the control unit 170 may determine a target temperature to be a control target based on the temperature profile. Here, the control unit 170 may control the power supplied to the heater using a PID method, which is a feedback control method based on a difference between the heater temperature and the target temperature, an integrated value of the difference over time, and a differentiated value of the difference over time.

[0068] Meanwhile, the PWM method and the PID method have been described as examples of control methods for supplying power to the heater, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and various control methods such as a Proportional-Integral (PI) method and a Proportional-Differential (PD) method can be used.

[0069] Meanwhile, the control unit 170 may control the heater to supply power under preset conditions. For example, when a cleaning function for cleaning the heater according to a command input by a user via the input / output interface 120 is selected, the control unit 170 may control the heater to supply a predetermined power.

[0070] 2, the aerosol generating device 100 may include a body 10 and cartridges 20, 30. The cartridges 20, 30 may include a first container 20 and a second container 30. The cartridges 20, 30 may be coupled to the body 10.

[0071] The body 10 can accommodate a power source 11 (e.g., battery 160 in FIG. 1) and a control unit 12 (e.g., control unit 170 in FIG. 1). The power source 11 can provide the power required for the configuration to operate. The power source 11 can be referred to as a battery 11. The control unit 12 can control the operation of the configuration.

[0072] The first container 20 may include a first chamber C1 therein. The first container 20 may include a wick 25. The wick 25 may be disposed in the first chamber C1. An upper end of the wick 25 may protrude from the first chamber C1 to the upper side of the first container 20.

[0073] The first container 20 may include a heater 2531. The heater 2531 may be disposed in the first chamber C1. The heater 2531 may heat the wick 25. The heater 2531 may be attached to the wick 25. The first container 20 may include a terminal 223 therein. The terminal 223 may be exposed to a lower side of the first container 20. The terminal 223 may be electrically connected to the heater 2531. The first container 20 may be referred to as a lower container 20 or a heating module 20.

[0074] The first container 20 may include a first airflow inlet 241 formed by opening the first chamber C1. The first container 20 may include a first airflow outlet 242 formed by opening the first chamber C1.

[0075] The second container 30 may include a second chamber C2 therein. The second container 30 may store liquid in the second chamber C2. The second container 30 may include an airflow discharge passage 340. Both ends 341, 342 of the airflow discharge passage 340 may be open. The airflow discharge passage 340 may be partitioned from the second chamber C2. The second container 30 may be referred to as an upper container 30 or a liquid storage portion 30.

[0076] The mouthpiece 35 may be coupled to the upper side of the second container 30. The mouthpiece 35 may cover the upper part of the second container 30. The mouthpiece 35 may have a second airflow exhaust port 354 therein. The second airflow exhaust port 354 may be in communication with the other end 342 of the airflow exhaust passage 340.

[0077] The first container 20 may be coupled to the body 10. The first container 20 may be inserted into the body 10. When the first container 20 is coupled to the body, the heater 2531 may be electrically connected to the power source 11 via the terminal 223. The heater 2531 may receive power from the power source 11 to generate heat. The heater 2531 may be a resistive heater.

[0078] The second container 30 may be coupled to an upper side of the first container 20. The coupling of the second container 30 to the first container 20 may include the coupling of the second container 30 directly to the first container 20 and the coupling of the second container 30 to the body 10 and thus indirectly to the first container 20.

[0079] When the second container 30 is coupled to the first container 20, the second container 30 can supply a stored liquid to the wick 25. The wick 25 can absorb the liquid supplied from the second container 30. The heater 2531 can heat the wick that has absorbed the liquid to generate an aerosol in the first chamber C1.

[0080] The body 10 may have one side open to form the second airflow inlet 141. When the first container 20 is coupled to the body 10, the first airflow inlet 241 may be connected to the second airflow inlet 141. When the second container 30 is coupled to the first container 20, one end 341 of the airflow discharge passage 340 may be connected to the first airflow outlet 242. This may form a passage through which air flows. A user may inhale air by holding the mouthpiece 35 in their mouth. When the user inhales air, the outside air may be provided to the user by sequentially passing through the second airflow inlet 141, the first airflow inlet 241, the first chamber C1, the first airflow outlet 242, the airflow discharge passage 340, and the second airflow outlet 354. The air may flow together with the aerosol generated in the first chamber C1.

[0081] The puff sensor 461 may output a signal corresponding to a puff. For example, the puff sensor 461 may output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device 100. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device 100 may correspond to the pressure of an airflow passage through which gas flows. The puff sensor 461 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the airflow passage through which air flows in the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the puff sensor 461 may be disposed inside the body 10 adjacent to the first airflow inlet 241.

[0082] The first container 20 and the second container 30 can be replaced independently of each other. For example, the consumption cycle of the liquid stored in the second container 30 and the proper replacement cycle of the first container 20 may be different from each other. A user can replace only the second container 30 separately, or replace only the first container 20 separately. For example, the consumption cycle of the liquid stored in the second container 30 may be shorter than the proper replacement cycle of the first container 20, and when the second container 30 is replaced multiple times, the first container 20 can be replaced only once. Therefore, the first container 20 can be used for a longer period of time, and the cost of replacing cartridges can be reduced.

[0083] 3 to 5, the first container 20 may be detachably coupled to the body 10. The first coupler 151 may detachably couple the first container 20 and the body 10 to each other. For example, the first coupler 151 may include a hook groove 225 and a hook 125 detachably fastened to the hook groove 225. The hook 125 may be made of a material such as rubber or silicone, and may seal between the body and the first container 20 around the second air inlet 141. As another example, the first coupler 151 may couple the first container 20 and the body 10 by magnetic force.

[0084] The second container 30 may be detachably coupled to the first container 20. The second container 30 may be coupled to an upper side of the first container 20. The second container 30 may be coupled to the body 10 and indirectly coupled to the first container 20. The second coupler 152 may detachably couple the second container 30 and the body 10 to each other. For example, the second coupler 152 may include a hook groove 325 and a hook 135 detachably fastened to the hook groove 325. As another example, the second coupler 152 may couple the second container 30 and the body 10 by magnetic force.

[0085] The first container 20 may be detachably coupled to the body 10. The first coupler 151 may detachably couple the first container 20 and the body 10 to each other. The second container 30 may be detachably coupled to the first container 20. The second container 30 may be indirectly coupled to the first container 20 by being coupled to the body 10 via the second coupler 152. The second container 30 may be coupled to the upper side of the first container 20.

[0086] When the second container 30 is combined with the first container 20, the second container 30 can supply liquid to the wick 25. The liquid stored in the second chamber C2 can pass through the liquid outlet 314 and be absorbed into the absorbing part 316. The absorbing part 316 that has absorbed the liquid can contact the second wick part 252 and transfer the liquid. The liquid absorbed into the second wick part 252 can diffuse into the first wick part 251. The heater 3531 can heat the first wick part 251 that has absorbed the liquid to generate an aerosol.

[0087] According to an embodiment, a film may be detachably attached to the absorbent part 316. The film may be attached to a lower part of the absorbent part 316. An edge of the film may be attached to a lower surface of the bracket 317. The film may be made of a waterproof material. The film may prevent liquid from leaking from the absorbent part 316. Prior to combining the second container 30 with the first container 20, a user may remove the film from the absorbent part 316.

[0088] The sealer 26 may seal the periphery of the liquid inlet 235 through which the wick 25 is exposed from the first chamber C1. When the second container 30 is coupled to the upper side of the first container 20, the sealer 26 may seal between the first container 20 and the second container 30. The sealing walls 266 and 267 may protrude toward the second container 30. The sealing walls 266 and 267 may be in close contact with the second container 30. The sealing walls 266 and 267 may surround the periphery of the liquid inlet 235. This may prevent the liquid discharged from the second container 30 from leaking into the gap between the first container 20 and the second container 30.

[0089] The sealer 26 may include an airflow sealing portion 268. The airflow sealing portion 268 may surround the periphery of the first airflow outlet 242. The second sealing wall 267 may protrude higher than the airflow sealing portion 268. The airflow sealing portion 268 may be formed on the outer side of the sealing walls 266 and 267.

[0090] The cartridge detection sensor 471 may be installed inside the body 10. The cartridge detection sensor 471 may sense whether the second container 30 is coupled to the first container 20. The control unit 12 may control the operation of various components based on the sensing of the cartridge detection sensor 471. For example, the cartridge detection sensor 471 may be a contact sensor. The cartridge detection sensor 471 may sense whether the second container 30 is coupled to the first container 20 through physical contact. When the second container 30 is coupled to the first container 20, physical contact may occur at the cartridge detection sensor 471. The cartridge detection sensor 471 may sense the physical contact that occurs at the cartridge detection sensor 471. For example, the physical contact may occur when the cartridge detection sensor 471 comes into direct contact with the second container 30. For example, the physical contact may occur via an intermediate component between the cartridge detection sensor 471 and the second container 30.

[0091] The pusher 40 may be disposed between the cartridge detection sensor 471 and the second container 30. The pusher 40 may be inserted into the pusher moving path 44. The pusher 40 may include a first pusher part 41 and a second pusher part 42. The first pusher part 41 and the second pusher part 42 may be coupled to each other vertically. The pusher 40 may extend long between the cartridge detection sensor 471 and the second container 30. The pusher 40 may move between the cartridge detection sensor 471 and the second container 30. One end of the pusher 40 may be disposed adjacent to the second container 30. One end of the pusher 40 may be exposed toward the second container 30 through one end of the pusher moving path 44. The other end of the pusher 40 may be disposed adjacent to the cartridge detection sensor 471. The other end of the pusher 40 may be exposed toward the cartridge detection sensor 471 through the other end of the pusher moving path 44.

[0092] For example, the pusher 40 and the pusher moving path 44 may have a shape that extends vertically. The pusher 40 can move up and down. When the second container 30 is coupled to the upper side of the first container 20, the lower portion 312 of the second container 30 contacts the upper end of the pusher 40 and pushes the pusher 40 downward, so that the lower end of the pusher 40 can contact the cartridge detection sensor 471.

[0093] The cartridge detection sensor 471 may transmit a detection signal corresponding to the physical contact to the controller 12. The controller 12 may determine whether the second container 30 is coupled to the first container 20 based on the detection signal received from the cartridge detection sensor 471.

[0094] As a result, the cartridge detection sensor 471 can detect the connection of the second container 30 to the first container 20 without providing an additional terminal configuration for electrical connection. As a result, the configuration of the second container 30 for sensing is simplified, and manufacturing costs can be reduced. In addition, when the connection of the second container 30 is determined using a physical contact method, the influence of external noise is small, and therefore the accuracy of sensing can be improved.

[0095] The actuator 472 may transmit a physical contact to the cartridge detection sensor 471 by being pushed by the pusher 40. The actuator 472 may be formed integrally with the cartridge detection sensor 471. The actuator 472 may protrude long from the cartridge detection sensor 471 toward the pusher 40. The actuator 472 may provide a repulsive force to the pusher 40 in a direction away from the cartridge detection sensor 471. The actuator 472 may provide a repulsive force to the pusher 40 from the other end toward one end of the pusher moving path 44. For example, the actuator 472 may provide a repulsive force that pushes the pusher 40 upward.

[0096] When the second container 30 is coupled to the first container 20, the pusher 40 can push the actuator 472 towards the cartridge detection sensor 471. When the pusher 40 pushes the actuator 472 towards the cartridge detection sensor 471, the cartridge detection sensor 471 can detect physical contact. When the second container 30 is separated from the first container 20, the pusher 40 can move in a direction away from the cartridge detection sensor 471 due to the repulsive force of the actuator 472. Here, the pusher 40 can return to the position before the second container 30 was coupled to the first container 20.

[0097] A sealing membrane 48 may be formed between the cartridge detection sensor 471 and the pusher movement path 44. The sealing membrane 48 may be formed between the actuator 472 and the pusher movement path 44. The sealing membrane 48 is made of an elastic material and is capable of deforming its shape. For example, the sealing membrane may be made of rubber or silicone.

[0098] When the actuator 472 pushes out the sealing film 48, the sealing film 48 may have a shape that bulges toward the pusher 40. When the pusher 40 presses the cartridge detection sensor 471, the curvature of the sealing film 48 may decrease or the sealing film 48 may be deformed so as to bulge toward the cartridge detection sensor 471. In this way, the sealing film 48 can prevent foreign matter such as liquid from leaking around the cartridge detection sensor 471 through the pusher moving path 44.

[0099] In the present disclosure, the cartridge detection sensor 471 is described as being a contact sensor, but is not limited thereto. According to an embodiment, the cartridge detection sensor 471 may be a non-contact sensor. For example, the cartridge detection sensor 471 may be one of a magnetic proximity sensor, an optical proximity sensor, an ultrasonic proximity sensor, an inductive proximity sensor, a capacitive proximity sensor, and an eddy current proximity sensor.

[0100] According to an embodiment, whether the first container 20 is coupled to the body 10 may be detected by a separate sensor or by an electrical connection between the second terminal 223 and the power source 11 .

[0101] 6, the core 25 can be made of a porous rigid body that absorbs liquid. For example, the core 25 can be made of a porous ceramic. The core 25 can be more rigid and heat resistant than a cotton core.

[0102] As a result, the core 25 is not deformed or is only deformed to a small extent, and can be embodied in various shapes. In addition, the durability of the core 25 is improved, and the replacement cycle of the first container 20 including the core 25 can be extended.

[0103] The first core part 251 may extend long in the horizontal direction. The first core part 251 may have a hexahedral shape. The second core part 252 may protrude above the first core part 251. The second core part 252 may extend long in the horizontal direction. The second core part 252 may have a hexahedral shape.

[0104] The first core part 251 may be larger than the second core part 252. A circumference corresponding to a side surface 2512 of the first core part 251 may be larger than a circumference corresponding to a side surface 2522 of the second core part 252.

[0105] The heater 2531 may be attached to the first wick part 251. The heater 2531 may form a pattern on the lower surface 2513 of the first wick part 251. The heater 2531 may form various patterns along the longitudinal direction of the first wick part 251. Both ends of the heater 2531 may be disposed adjacent to both ends of the first wick part 251.

[0106] A pair of first terminals 2533 may be formed on both ends of the heater 2531. The first terminals 2533 may be coupled to the lower surface of the first wick part 251. The pair of first terminals 2533 may be disposed adjacent to both ends of the first wick part 251. The first terminals 2533 may protrude from the lower side of the first wick part 251.

[0107] The first terminal 2533 is in contact with the second terminal 223 to electrically connect the heater 2531 and the second terminal 223. The second terminal 223 can support the first terminal 2533 and the lower surface 2513 of the first core part 251.

[0108] Referring to FIG. 7 a , the body 10 may include a controller 12 , a memory 715 and / or a temperature sensor 730 .

[0109] The first container 20 may include a heater 2531 and a memory 725 .

[0110] The memory 715 of the body 10 may store data corresponding to the components included in the body 10. For example, the memory 715 of the body 10 may store data regarding the total capacity of the battery 160, data regarding the manufacturing date of the body 10, etc.

[0111] The memory 725 of the first container 20 may store an identifier corresponding to the first container 20, where the identifier may be comprised of letters, numbers, preferences, or a combination thereof that identify the first container 20.

[0112] 7c, the identifier may be composed of a plurality of detail identifiers. For example, if the identifier is composed of a plurality of numbers, some of the numbers may correspond to a first detail identifier and another part may correspond to a second detail identifier. The plurality of detail identifiers may each indicate characteristics of the first container 20. For example, the plurality of detail identifiers may each indicate a resistance value of the heater 2531, a temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) of the heater 2531, a type of the wick 25, etc.

[0113] The body 10 and the first container 20 may each include at least one connection terminal 710, 720. When the body 10 and the first container 20 are combined, the connection terminal 710 of the body 10 and the connection terminal 720 of the first container 20 may be electrically connected to each other.

[0114] The control unit 12 of the body 10 and the memory 725 of the first container 20 can communicate with each other. For example, the control unit 12 of the body 10 and the memory 725 of the first container 20 can communicate with each other according to a predetermined protocol using a single wire communication interface (1-wire interface). Here, signals can be transmitted between the control unit 12 of the body 10 and the memory 725 of the first container 20 via the connection terminals 710, 720 of the body 10 and the first container 20.

[0115] The control unit 12 may obtain data from the memory 725 of the first container 20. For example, the control unit 12 may obtain an identifier corresponding to the first container 20 from the memory 725 of the first container 20.

[0116] The control unit 12 may check the characteristics of the first container 20 based on the identifier corresponding to the first container 20. For example, the control unit 12 may check the resistance value of the heater 2531, the temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) of the heater 2531, the type of the wick 25, etc. based on a plurality of detailed identifiers constituting the identifier corresponding to the first container 20. According to an embodiment, the memory 715 of the body 10 may store a lookup table related to the characteristics of the first container 20. The control unit 12 may extract the characteristics of the first container 20 corresponding to each of the plurality of detailed identifiers from the lookup table stored in the memory 715 of the body 10.

[0117] The control unit 12 may determine whether data stored in the memory 725 of the first container 20 is valid. According to an embodiment, the identifier corresponding to the first container 20 may be encrypted data. The control unit 12 may decrypt the identifier corresponding to the first container 20 based on an encryption key stored in the memory 715 of the body 10. Here, the control unit 12 may determine that the first container 20 is an authenticated configuration when the decryption of the identifier corresponding to the first container 20 is completed. According to an embodiment, the control unit 12 may decrypt the identifier corresponding to the first container 20 and then extract a plurality of detailed identifiers from the decrypted identifier.

[0118] The control unit 12 may generate identifier data corresponding to the first container 20. The identifier data may include characteristics of components included in the first container 20. For example, the identifier data may include an identifier corresponding to the first container 20, a resistance value of the heater 2531, a temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) of the heater 2531, a type of the wick 25, a maximum number of puffs, etc. The identifier data may include data regarding a history of the use of the first container 20 (hereinafter, referred to as a usage history). For example, the identifier data may include a current number of puffs, a maximum number of puffs, a total time during which the heater 2531 is heated, a total amount of power supplied to the heater 2531, a time point when the heater 2531 is coupled to the body 10, a time point when the heater 2531 is separated from the second container 30, a history of when the liquid is determined to be exhausted, etc.

[0119] The memory 715 of the body 10 can store a database composed of identifier data. The database can be composed of data corresponding to a plurality of identifiers. When the control unit 12 generates identifier data, the control unit 12 can add the generated identifier data to the database stored in the memory 715 of the body 10.

[0120] The control unit 12 may determine the temperature of the heater 2531 through the temperature sensor 730. The temperature sensor 730 may sense a current flowing through the heater 2531, a voltage applied to the heater 2531, and / or a current resistance value of the heater 2531. The control unit 12 may determine the temperature of the heater 2531 based on an identifier corresponding to the first container 20. For example, the control unit 12 may determine a resistance value and a temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) of the heater 2531 based on an identifier corresponding to the first container 20. Here, the control unit 12 may calculate the current temperature of the heater 2531 based on a calculation equation for calculating the temperature of the heater 2531. Here, the calculation equation for calculating the temperature of the heater 2531 may be expressed as the following Equation 1.

[0121]

number

[0122] In Equation 1, TCR may be the temperature coefficient of resistance of the heater 2531, T1 may be the current temperature of the heater 2531, R1 may be the current resistance value of the heater 2531, T0 may be a reference temperature, and R0 may be the resistance value of the heater 2531 corresponding to the reference temperature.

[0123] 7b, the first container 20 may include an identification portion 740. The identification portion 740 may be disposed on one side of the first container 20. For example, the identification portion 740 may be disposed on a lower portion of the first container 20 in contact with the body 10.

[0124] The identification unit 740 may include an identifier corresponding to the first container 20. The identification unit 740 may include text and / or an image corresponding to the identifier. The identifier included in the identification unit 740 may be disposed so as to be exposed to the outside of the first container 20. For example, the identifier included in the identification unit 740 may be embodied as a product code, a QR code, a barcode, etc.

[0125] The body 10 may include an identifier detection sensor 745. The identifier detection sensor 745 may be disposed on one side of the body 10. The identifier detection sensor 745 may be disposed to face the identifier 740 when the body 10 and the first container 20 are combined. For example, the identifier detection sensor 745 may be disposed on an upper portion of the body 10 that contacts the first cartridge 20.

[0126] The identifier detection sensor 745 may detect an identifier corresponding to the first container 20 included in the identifier 740. For example, the identifier detection sensor 745 may be implemented by an optical sensor that scans a product code, a QR code, a barcode, or the like.

[0127] The control unit 12 may obtain an identifier corresponding to the first container 20 through the identification unit detection sensor 745. The control unit 12 may confirm characteristics of the first container 20 based on the identifier corresponding to the first container 20 obtained through the identification unit detection sensor 745.

[0128] 8 to 10 are flowcharts showing a method of operating the aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0129] 8, the aerosol generating apparatus 100 may determine whether the first container 20 is coupled to the body 10 in operation S810. For example, the aerosol generating apparatus 100 may determine whether the body 10 and the first container 20 are coupled to each other based on whether the power source 11 included in the body 10 and the second terminal 223 included in the first container 20 are electrically connected to each other.

[0130] The aerosol generating device 100 may deactivate the operation of at least one component provided in the body 10, etc., when the body 10 and the first container 20 are separated from each other. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may cut off the supply of power to the heater 2531, the puff sensor 461, the cartridge detection sensor 471, etc.

[0131] In operation S802, when the separated body 10 and the first container 20 are combined with each other, the aerosol generating apparatus 100 may acquire an identifier corresponding to the first container 20 stored in the memory 725 of the first container 20 when the first container 20 is combined with the body 10. For example, the aerosol generating apparatus 100 may acquire the identifier included in the identifier 740 through the identifier detecting sensor 745. Meanwhile, when the separated body 10 and the first container 20 are combined with each other, the aerosol generating apparatus 100 may store data on the time when the first container 20 is combined with the body 10 in the memory 725 of the first container 20.

[0132] The aerosol generating device 100 may determine whether identifier data corresponding to the first container 20 is stored in the memory 715 of the body 10 in operation S803. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may check whether the database stored in the memory 715 of the body 10 includes identifier data corresponding to the first container 20.

[0133] In operation S804, if identifier data corresponding to the first container 20 is not stored in the memory 715 of the body 10, the aerosol generating device 100 may generate identifier data corresponding to the first container 20. The aerosol generating device 100 may store the generated identifier data in the memory 715 of the body 10.

[0134] Referring to FIG. 11, the identifier data 1100 may include characteristics of the first container 20 .

[0135] The identifier data 1100 may include an identifier 1110 corresponding to the first container 20, a resistance value 1120 of the heater 2531, a temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) 1130 of the heater 2531, a type 1140 of the wick 25, a current puff count 1150, a maximum puff count 1160, etc.

[0136] According to an embodiment, the aerosol generating apparatus 100 may determine whether an identifier corresponding to the first container 20 is valid. For example, the aerosol generating apparatus 100 may perform decryption on the identifier corresponding to the first container 20 based on an encryption key stored in the memory 715 of the body 10. Here, the aerosol generating apparatus 100 may determine that the identifier corresponding to the first container 20 is valid when the decryption on the identifier corresponding to the first container 20 is completed. Meanwhile, the aerosol generating apparatus 100 may control to cut off the supply of power to the heater 2531 when the identifier corresponding to the first container 20 is invalid. Also, the aerosol generating apparatus 100 may determine that the first container 20 cannot be used when the identifier corresponding to the first container 20 is invalid.

[0137] 8, the aerosol generating apparatus 100 may determine whether the first container 20 coupled to the body 10 is usable if the identifier data corresponding to the first container 20 is stored in the memory 715 of the body 10 in operation S805. For example, the aerosol generating apparatus 100 may determine that the first container 20 is usable if the current number of puffs is equal to or greater than the maximum number of puffs based on the identifier data stored in the memory 715 of the body 10. For example, the aerosol generating apparatus 100 may determine that the first container 20 is usable if the total time the heater 2531 is heated is equal to or greater than a predetermined maximum time based on the identifier data stored in the memory 715 of the body 10. For example, the aerosol generating apparatus 100 may determine that the first container 20 is usable if the total amount of power supplied to the heater 2531 is equal to or greater than a predetermined maximum amount of power based on the identifier data stored in the memory 715 of the body 10.

[0138] When the first container 20 is available for use, the aerosol generating apparatus 100 may determine whether the first container 20 and the second container 30 are combined in operation S806. For example, the aerosol generating apparatus 100 may determine that the first container 20 and the second container 30 are separated before a detection signal corresponding to physical contact is output from the cartridge detecting sensor 471. Here, the aerosol generating apparatus 100 may determine that the separated first container 20 and the second container 30 are combined when a detection signal corresponding to physical contact is output from the cartridge detecting sensor 471. When the first container 20 and the second container 30 are combined, the body 10 and the second container 30 may also be combined.

[0139] The aerosol generating device 100 may deactivate the operation of at least one component provided in the body 10, etc., when the first container 20 and the second container 30 are separated from each other. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may cut off the supply of power to the heater 2531, the puff sensor 461, etc.

[0140] In operation S807, when the first container 20 and the second container 30 are connected to each other, the aerosol generating device 100 can determine whether it is necessary to perform preheating (hereinafter referred to as initial preheating) corresponding to the connection of the first container 20 and the second container 30.

[0141] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 can determine whether or not it is necessary to perform initial pre-heating based on whether or not liquid has been absorbed in the wick 25. The determination of whether or not it is necessary to perform initial pre-heating will be described with reference to FIG.

[0142] 9, the aerosol generating device 100 may determine whether the first container 20 is used for the first time in operation S901. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may determine that the first container 20 has already been used if the identifier data stored in the memory 715 of the body 10 includes a time point when the first container 20 was separated from the second container 30. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may determine that the first container 20 has already been used if the current puff count included in the identifier data stored in the memory 715 of the body 10 is one or more.

[0143] In operation S902, when the first container 20 has already been used, the aerosol generating device 100 may determine whether the time elapsed from when the first container 20 and the second container 30 are separated to when they are recombined exceeds a predetermined reference time. Here, the predetermined reference time may correspond to the time when the liquid absorbed in the wick 25 evaporates to a certain level or more as the first container 20 and the second container 30 are separated and the wick 25 is exposed to the outside through the liquid inlet 235. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may determine whether the time elapsed from when the first container 10 and the second container 30 included in the identifier data are separated to when the first container 20 and the second container 30 are combined exceeds a predetermined reference time.

[0144] The aerosol generating device 100 may determine whether the liquid is consumed before the first container 20 and the second container 30 are separated in operation S903. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may determine whether the liquid is consumed before the first container 20 and the second container 30 are separated based on whether the identifier data stored in the memory 715 of the body 10 includes a history of the liquid being determined to be consumed. According to an embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 may determine that the liquid stored in the second chamber C2 is consumed when the temperature of the heater 2531 is equal to or higher than a limit temperature while the heating power is supplied to the heater 2531. In addition, the aerosol generating device 10 may include a history of the liquid being determined to be consumed in the identifier data stored in the memory 715 of the body 10 when the liquid is determined to be consumed.

[0145] In operation S904, the aerosol generating device 100 can determine that it is not necessary to perform initial preheating if the first container 20 has already been used, the time that has elapsed since the first container 20 and the second container 30 were separated and then recombined is less than a predetermined reference time, and the liquid has not been consumed prior to the first container 20 and the second container 30 being separated.

[0146] Meanwhile, in operation S905, the aerosol generating device 100 may determine that initial pre-heating is necessary when the first container 20 is used for the first time, when the time elapsed between the separation of the first container 20 and the second container 30 and their combination exceeds a predetermined reference time, and / or when the liquid is exhausted prior to the separation of the first container 20 and the second container 30.

[0147] 8, the aerosol generating device 100 may perform initial preheating in operation S808. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may supply power corresponding to the initial preheating (hereinafter, referred to as initial power) to the heater 2531. Here, the initial power may be lower than the power supplied to the heater 2531 for generating the aerosol.

[0148] According to an embodiment, the aerosol generation device 100 may supply initial power to the heater 2531 for a time period corresponding to the initial power (hereinafter, referred to as the initial time period). The aerosol generation device 100 may cut off the supply of power to the heater 2531 when the time period during which the initial power is supplied to the heater 2531 is equal to or longer than the predetermined initial time period. Here, the predetermined initial time period may be set according to the time period required for liquid to flow from one surface of the second wick part 252 adjacent to the absorbing part 316 to one surface of the first wick part 251 adjacent to the heater 2531.

[0149] When the first container 20 and the second container 30 are combined, the liquid stored in the second chamber C2 can flow to the wick 25 through the absorption part 316. If the liquid is not absorbed in the wick 25, it may take a considerable amount of time for the wick 25 to absorb enough liquid to generate an aerosol. Here, when the temperature of the heater 2531 increases due to the initial power supplied to the heater 2531, the temperature of the liquid flowing in the wick 25 can increase. In addition, when the temperature of the liquid flowing in the wick 25 increases, the viscosity of the liquid decreases and the liquid can flow more smoothly in the wick 25. Therefore, the time it takes for the wick 25 to fully absorb the liquid can be shortened.

[0150] When the initial pre-heating is completed in operation S809, the aerosol generating device 100 may output a notification of the completion of the initial pre-heating. For example, when initial power is supplied to the heater 2531 for a predetermined initial time, the aerosol generating device 100 may output light corresponding to the completion of the initial pre-heating through a light emitting diode (LED). For example, when initial power is supplied to the heater 2531 for a predetermined initial time, the aerosol generating device 100 may generate vibration corresponding to the completion of the initial pre-heating by a motor.

[0151] In operation S808, the aerosol generating device 100 can perform an operation by puffing in a state in which the first container 20 and the second container 30 are coupled together. The execution of an operation by puffing will be described with reference to FIG.

[0152] 10, in operation S1001, the aerosol generating device 100 may determine whether a puff is detected through the puff sensor 461. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may determine that a puff has occurred when the internal pressure value of the aerosol generating device 100 is less than a reference pressure value. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may determine that a puff has occurred when the amount of change in the internal pressure value of the aerosol generating device 100 is equal to or greater than a minimum amount of change.

[0153] When a puff is detected in operation S1002, the aerosol generating device 100 may heat the heater 2531 to generate an aerosol. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may supply power (hereinafter, referred to as heating power) corresponding to the generation of an aerosol to the heater 2531 based on the temperature profile. According to an embodiment, the temperature profile may be stored in the memory 715 of the body 10. The aerosol generating device 100 may determine a temperature profile corresponding to the first container 10 from a plurality of temperature profiles stored in the memory 715 of the body 10 based on an identifier corresponding to the first container 10. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may determine a temperature profile corresponding to the first container 10 according to a type of the wick 25 acquired from the identifier corresponding to the first container 10.

[0154] The aerosol generation device 100 can determine whether the puff has ended in operation S1003. For example, the aerosol generation device 100 can determine that the puff has ended when the internal pressure value of the aerosol generation device 100 is less than the reference pressure value. For example, the aerosol generation device 100 can determine that the puff has ended when the slope corresponding to the change in the internal pressure value of the aerosol generation device 100 is greater than 0.

[0155] When the puff ends in operation S1004, the aerosol generating device 100 may update the identifier data stored in the memory 715 of the body 10. For example, when the puff ends, the aerosol generating device 100 may increment the current puff count, the total time the heater 2531 has been heated, the total amount of power supplied to the heater 2531, etc., included in the identifier data.

[0156] In operation S1005, the aerosol generating device 100 may determine whether the first container 20 cannot be used. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may determine that the first container 20 cannot be used if the current puff count included in the identifier data is equal to or greater than the maximum puff count included in the identifier data.

[0157] 8, the aerosol generating device 100 may determine whether the first container 20 and the second container 30 are separated from each other in operation S811. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may determine that the first container 20 and the second container 30 are separated from each other when a detection signal corresponding to physical contact is not output from the cartridge detection sensor 471. Here, the aerosol generating device 100 may include the time point at which the first container 20 and the second container 30 are separated in the identifier data stored in the memory 715 of the body 10.

[0158] The aerosol generating device 100 can perform a puff-based operation while the first container 20 and the second container 30 are coupled to each other.

[0159] The aerosol generating apparatus 100 may determine whether the body 10 and the first container 20 are separated from each other in a state in which the second container 30 is separated in operation S812. For example, the aerosol generating apparatus 100 may determine that the body 10 and the first container 20 are separated from each other when the power source 11 included in the body 10 and the second terminal 223 included in the first container 20 are electrically disconnected. The aerosol generating apparatus 100 may monitor whether the second container 30 is connected while the body 10 and the first container 20 are connected to each other.

[0160] According to an embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 may determine whether a predetermined input is received within a predetermined time when the first container 20 and the second container 30 are separated from each other while the body 10 and the first container 20 are coupled together. Here, the predetermined time may be a time limit that has already been set corresponding to a cleaning function. Here, the predetermined input may correspond to a user input that has already been set to execute the cleaning function. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may determine that a predetermined input is received when an input of pressing a physical button a predetermined number of times is received. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may determine that a predetermined input is received when a tap input of hitting the aerosol generating device 100 a predetermined number of times is received based on a signal from an acceleration sensor and / or a gyro sensor.

[0161] When the aerosol generating device 100 receives a predetermined input within a predetermined time, the aerosol generating device 100 may determine whether a predetermined condition related to the cleaning function is satisfied. Here, the predetermined condition may correspond to the extent to which the first container 20 has been used. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may determine that the predetermined condition is satisfied when the cumulative number of puffs related to the cleaning function included in the identifier data is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (e.g., 1000 times). When the cleaning function is executed, the aerosol generating device 100 may initialize the cumulative number of puffs related to the cleaning function included in the identifier data. Meanwhile, the predetermined number may be determined according to the number of times the cleaning function is executed. For example, the predetermined number may be decreased as the number of times the cleaning function is executed increases.

[0162] The aerosol generating device 100 may perform a cleaning operation when a predetermined condition related to the cleaning function is satisfied. Here, the cleaning operation may refer to an operation of removing impurities generated by the generation of aerosol and accumulated on the wick 25. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may supply power to the heater 2531 according to a temperature profile corresponding to the cleaning function. Here, the maximum target temperature (e.g., 300°C) for the heater 2531 determined by the temperature profile corresponding to the cleaning function may exceed the maximum target temperature (e.g., 220°C) for the generation of aerosol. Meanwhile, the aerosol generating device 100 may update the number of cleanings included in the identifier data when the cleaning operation is performed. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may increase the number of cleanings included in the identifier data when the cleaning operation is performed.

[0163] Meanwhile, in operation S813, the aerosol generation device 100 may output a notification regarding replacement of the first container 20. For example, when it is determined that the first container 20 cannot be used, the aerosol generation device 100 may output light corresponding to a request to replace the first container 20 via a light emitting diode (LED).

[0164] Referring to reference numeral 1201 in FIG. 12, when the first container 20 and the second container 30 are separated from each other, the supply of power to the heater 2531 can be cut off.

[0165] When the first container 20 and the second container 30 are coupled together at time t1, the aerosol generating device 100 may supply an initial power P0 to the heater 2531. The aerosol generating device 100 may supply the initial power P0 to the heater 2531 from time t1 to time t2, which is a predetermined initial time.

[0166] When a puff is detected at time t2 when the initial pre-heating is completed, the aerosol generating device 100 may supply the heating power P1 to the heater 2531. The aerosol generating device 100 may supply the heating power P1 to the heater 2531 from time t2 when the puff is detected to time t6 when the puff ends.

[0167] The aerosol generating device 100 can supply preheating power P2 to the heater 2531 from time t3 when the puff ends.

[0168] Meanwhile, referring to reference numeral 1202 in FIG. 12, the aerosol generating device 100 may supply initial power P0 to the heater 2531 from time t1 when the first container 20 and the second container 30 are combined to time t2 when a predetermined initial time has elapsed.

[0169] The aerosol generating device 100 may cut off the supply of power to the heater 2531 from time t2 when the initial preheating is completed. Here, the aerosol generating device 100 may monitor whether a puff is detected in a state where the supply of power to the heater 2531 is cut off.

[0170] The aerosol generating device 100 can supply heating power P1 to the heater 2531 at time t3 when the puff is detected. The aerosol generating device 100 can supply preheating power P2 to the heater 2531 from time t4 when the puff ends.

[0171] 13, when the first container 20 and the second container 30 are coupled together, the supply of power to the heater 2531 may be cut off. The aerosol generating device 100 may monitor whether a puff is detected when the first container 20 and the second container 30 are coupled together and the supply of power to the heater 2531 is cut off.

[0172] The aerosol generating device 100 may supply heating power P1 to the heater 2531 at time t1 when the puff is detected. The aerosol generating device 100 may supply heating power P1 to the heater 2531 from time t1 when the puff is detected to time t2 when the puff ends.

[0173] The aerosol generating device 100 can supply preheating power P2 to the heater 2531 from time t2 when the puff ends.

[0174] As noted above, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the liquid storage structure and the wick 25-containing structure may be interchangeable independently of one another.

[0175] Additionally, at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure allows for efficient management and use of the configuration including the wick 25 .

[0176] Additionally, at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure may facilitate smooth movement of liquid to the wick 25 for aerosol generation.

[0177] Additionally, at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure may provide an indication to the user when liquid has sufficiently flowed into the wick 25 .

[0178] Furthermore, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce unnecessary power consumption.

[0179] 1 to 13, an aerosol generating device 100 according to an aspect of the present disclosure may include a body 10, a first container 20 including a wick 25, a heater 2531, and an identifier, a second container 30 for storing a liquid, a cartridge detection sensor 471 for detecting a connection between the first container 20 and the second container 30, a memory 715, and a control unit 170. The body 10 and the first container 20 may be detachably connected to each other. The first container 20 and the second container 30 may be detachably connected to each other. When the body 10 and the first container 20 are connected to each other, the control unit 170 may check the identifier included in the first container 20, and determine whether to supply initial power corresponding to the connection to the heater 2531 based on the data of the confirmed identifier stored in the memory 715, and control the heater 2531 to supply the initial power based on the determination of supplying the initial power to the heater 2531.

[0180] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the memory 715 may store a database configured with identifier data. The controller 170 may determine whether the confirmed identifier data is included in the database, and if the confirmed identifier data is not included in the database, may add the confirmed identifier data to the database.

[0181] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the identifier may include a plurality of detailed identifiers each indicating a characteristic of the first container 20. The control unit 170 may generate data of the identifier including the characteristic of the first container 20 based on the detailed identifier.

[0182] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first container 20 may further include sub-memories 725, 715 for storing the identifier. The control unit 170 may obtain the identifier stored in the sub-memory 725 when the body 10 and the first container 20 are combined.

[0183] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit 170 can control the heater 2531 to receive the initial power for an initial time corresponding to the initial power, and can control the heater 2531 to stop supplying power when the initial time has elapsed.

[0184] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, when the first container 20 and the second container 30 are separated from each other while they are combined, the control unit 170 may store the point in time when the first container 20 and the second container 30 are separated in the identifier data stored in the memory 715.

[0185] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the identifier data may store a first point in time at which the first container 20 and the second container 30 are separated from each other in a combined state. The control unit 170 may calculate an amount of time that has elapsed from the first point in time to a second point in time at which the first container 20 and the second container 30 are combined in a separated state, and may control the heater 2531 to be supplied with the initial power if the elapsed time exceeds a predetermined reference time, and may control the heater 2531 to stop supplying power if the elapsed time is equal to or less than the reference time.

[0186] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device may further include a puff sensor 461 for detecting a puff, and a temperature sensor 730 for detecting a temperature of the heater 2531. The control unit 170 may determine whether the liquid contained in the second container 30 is consumed based on at least one of the temperature of the heater 2531 and the number of times the puff is detected, and may include a history of the liquid being determined to be consumed in the identifier data stored in the memory 715 when it is determined that the liquid is consumed.

[0187] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the identifier data may include a history of the determination that the liquid has been consumed. The control unit 170 may determine whether the liquid has been consumed prior to the separation of the first container 20 and the second container 30 based on the identifier data, and may control the supply of the initial power to the heater 2531 when it is determined that the liquid has been consumed, and may control the supply of power to the heater 2531 to be cut off when it is determined that the liquid has not been consumed.

[0188] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device may further include an interface 120 for outputting a notification. The control unit 170 may determine whether the liquid is consumed prior to the separation of the first container 20 and the second container 30 based on the identifier data, and if it is determined that the liquid is consumed, output a notification corresponding to the initial power for a first time via the interface 120, and if it is determined that the liquid is not consumed based on the acquired data, output a notification corresponding to the initial power for a second time shorter than the first time via the interface 120.

[0189] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first time period may correspond to the initial time period that corresponds to the initial power.

[0190] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the wick 25 may include a first wick part 251 disposed inside the first container 20, and a second wick part 252 disposed to be exposed to the outside of the first container 20 through a liquid inlet formed in the first container 20. The heater 2531 may be disposed in contact with the first wick part 251.

[0191] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the second container 30 may include a chamber C2 for storing the liquid, and an absorbing unit 316 for absorbing the liquid. The absorbing unit 316 is disposed to be exposed to the outside of the second container 30, and when the first container 20 and the second container 30 are combined, the liquid absorbed in the absorbing unit 316 can be supplied to the first container 20.

[0192] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the core 25 may also be formed of a ceramic.

[0193] The specific embodiments or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct, and the structure or function of any or all of the elements of the embodiments of the present disclosure described above can be combined with other elements or combined with each other.

[0194] For example, configuration A described in one embodiment of this disclosure and the drawings and configuration B described in another embodiment of this disclosure and the drawings can be combined with each other. That is, even if a combination between configurations is not directly described, the combination is possible unless it is described that the combination is not possible.

[0195] Although the embodiments have been described above according to a number of exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that many other variations and embodiments are possible for those skilled in the art that fall within the scope of the principles of the present disclosure. More specifically, various modifications and variations are possible in the components and / or arrangements of the subject combinations within the scope of the present disclosure, the drawings, and the appended claims. In addition to the modifications and variations of the components and / or arrangements, other applications will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. Body and a first container associated with an identifier and releasably coupled to the body, the first container including a wick and a heater; a second container detachably coupled to the first container for storing a liquid; a cartridge detection sensor for detecting a connection between the first container and the second container; A first memory; A control unit, The control unit is obtaining an identifier of the first container when the body and the first container are combined; determining whether to provide initial power to the heater in response to coupling of the first container and the second container based on identifier data associated with the first container; An aerosol generating device, characterized in that the initial power is provided to the heater based on the determination.

2. the first memory stores a database of identifier data; The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit adds the identifier data to the database when it is determined that the identifier data is not already included in the database.

3. the identifier includes a plurality of detail identifiers each indicating one or more characteristics of the first container; The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit generates identifier data indicating one or more characteristics of the first container based on the plurality of detailed identifiers.

4. the first container includes a second memory configured to store the identifier associated with the first container; The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit acquires the identifier stored in the second memory when the body and the first container are combined.

5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit cuts off the supply of initial power to the heater when the initial time has elapsed.

6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit adds information about a time point when the first container and the second container are separated from each other to the stored identifier data.

7. the identifier data includes a first time point at which the first container and the second container are separated from each other; The control unit is Calculating a time that has elapsed from the first time point to a second time point at which the first container and the second container are coupled to each other; The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , further comprising: a step of determining to supply the initial power to the heater when the elapsed time exceeds a predetermined reference time.

8. A puff sensor that detects a puff by a user; and a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of the heater. The control unit is determining whether the liquid stored in the second container is exhausted based on at least one of the temperature of the heater and the number of puffs; The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , characterized in that information about a history of judgments as to whether the liquid is exhausted is added to the stored identifier data.

9. the stored identifier data includes information about a history of determinations as to whether the liquid is exhausted; The aerosol generating device of claim 1, characterized in that the control unit decides to supply the initial power to the heater when the stored identifier data indicates that the liquid was not consumed when the first container and the second container were already separated.

10. Further comprising an interface for outputting a notification; the stored identifier data includes information about a history of determinations as to whether the liquid is exhausted; The control unit is When the first container and the second container are already separated, if it is determined that the liquid is exhausted, control the interface to output a notification corresponding to the initial power being supplied for a first time period; The aerosol generating device of claim 1, characterized in that when the first container and the second container have already been separated, if it is determined that the liquid has not been exhausted, the interface is controlled to output a notification corresponding to the initial power being supplied for a second time period that is shorter than the first time period.

11. 11. The aerosol generating device according to claim 10, wherein the first time corresponds to an initial time at which the initial power is supplied to the heater.

12. The core is a first core part disposed inside the first container; a second wick part disposed so as to be exposed to the outside of the first container through a liquid inlet of the first container; The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the heater is disposed in contact with the first wick part.

13. The second container comprises: a chamber for storing said liquid; an absorbent portion that absorbs the liquid; the absorbing portion is disposed so as to be exposed to the outside of the second container, The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein, when the first container and the second container are coupled together, the liquid absorbed in the absorbing section is supplied to the first container.

14. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the wick comprises a ceramic.

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