Aerosol generating device and method of operation thereof

Abstract

An aerosol generating device and an operating method thereof are disclosed. The aerosol generating device of the present disclosure includes a first container including a wick and a heater, a second container storing a liquid, a first sensor for detecting a connection between the first container and the second container, a second sensor for detecting a temperature of the heater, and a controller. The first container and the second container can be detachably connected to each other. When the separated first container and the second container are connected to each other, the controller controls the heater to supply an initial power corresponding to the connection, and determines at least one of whether the liquid is absorbed by the wick and whether the liquid stored in the second container is exhausted based on the temperature of the heater corresponding to the supply of the initial power.

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 can smoothly transfer liquid to a wick for generating aerosol.

[0006] 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.

[0007] It is still another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol generating device that can reduce unnecessary power consumption.

[0008] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol generating device that can determine whether liquid has been absorbed into the wick prior to generating an aerosol.

[0009] It is still another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol generating device that can determine whether liquid is stored in a cartridge prior to generating an aerosol. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, an aerosol generating device according to one aspect of the present disclosure may include a first container including a wick and a heater, a second container storing a liquid, a first sensor for detecting a connection between the first container and the second container, a second sensor for detecting a temperature of the heater, and a controller. The first container and the second container may be detachably connected to each other. When the first container and the second container separated from each other are connected, the controller controls the heater to supply an initial power corresponding to the connection, and may determine at least one of whether the liquid is absorbed by the wick and whether the liquid stored in the second container is exhausted based on the temperature of the heater corresponding to the supply of the initial power. Effect of the Invention

[0011] 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.

[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] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, it can be determined whether liquid has been absorbed into the wick prior to generating an aerosol.

[0016] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, it can be determined whether liquid is stored in the cartridge prior to generating an aerosol.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] [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 7] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the operation of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9]FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the operation of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the operation of an aerosol generating device according to an 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

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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), Bluetooth low energy (BLE), Zigbee (Zigbee), near field communication (NFC), etc.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] Additionally, the aerosol generating material may further include an aerosol forming agent such as glycerin or propylene glycol.

[0036] The aerosol generation module 130 can include at least one heater.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] On the other hand, the aerosol generating module 130 can also generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating substance by generating ultrasonic vibrations.

[0042] The aerosol generation module 130 may be referred to as a cartomizer, an atomizer, a vaporizer, or the like.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.).

[0047] The sensor module 150 may include at least one sensor.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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).

[0052] 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.

[0053] Here, the stick detection sensor and / or the cartridge detection sensor may be implemented by an inductance-based sensor, a capacitance-type sensor, a resistance sensor, a hall sensor (hall IC) using the hall effect, or the like.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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.

[0103] 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 .

[0104] 6, the core 25 can be made of a porous rigid material 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.

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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.

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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.

[0111] FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating a method of operating an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0112] 7, the aerosol generating apparatus 100 may determine whether or not the body 10 and the first container 20 are coupled together in operation S710. For example, the aerosol generating apparatus 100 may determine whether or not the body 10 and the first container 20 are coupled together based on whether or not 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.

[0113] The aerosol generating device 100 may determine whether the first container 20 and the second container 30 are coupled together in operation S720. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may determine that the first container 20 and the second container 30 are coupled together when a detection signal corresponding to physical contact is output from the cartridge detection sensor 471. Here, when the first container 20 and the second container 30 are coupled together, the body 10 and the second container 30 may also be coupled together.

[0114] 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 / or the second container 30 are not coupled to the body 10. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may cut off the supply of power to the heater 2531, the puff sensor 461, etc., when at least one of the first container 20 and the second container 30 are not coupled to the body 10. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may cut off the supply of power to the cartridge detection sensor 471, when the body 10 and the first container 20 are not coupled to each other.

[0115] When it is determined that the first container 20 and the second container 30 are combined in operation S730, the aerosol generating device 100 may determine whether the separated first container 20 and the second container 30 are combined. For example, the aerosol generating device 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 device 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.

[0116] When the separated first container 20 and second container 30 are combined in operation S740, the aerosol generation device 100 may perform preheating (hereinafter referred to as initial preheating) corresponding to the combination of the first container 20 and the second container 30. For example, when the separated first container 20 and second container 30 are combined, the aerosol generation device 100 may supply power (hereinafter referred to as initial power) corresponding to the initial preheating to the heater 2531. Here, the initial power may be lower than the power supplied to the heater 2531 for generating the aerosol.

[0117] 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.

[0118] The aerosol generating device 100 can determine whether liquid is absorbed in the wick 25 in the operation S750. When the wick 25 does not sufficiently absorb the liquid, the temperature of the heater 2531 can be increased to a certain level or higher by supplying initial power to the heater 2531. On the other hand, when the liquid is sufficiently absorbed in the wick 25, the temperature of the heater 2531 can be maintained even when initial power is supplied to the heater 2531, or the temperature of the heater 2531 can be increased in a limited manner or can be lower than when the liquid is sufficiently absorbed in the wick 25. Thus, the aerosol generating device 100 can determine whether liquid is absorbed in the wick 25 based on the temperature of the heater 2531 sensed in response to the supply of initial power.

[0119] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generation device 100 can determine that no liquid has been absorbed into the wick 25 if the temperature change of the heater 2531 during the first time when the initial power is supplied is equal to or greater than a predetermined first temperature change. According to one embodiment, the aerosol generation device 100 can determine that no liquid has been absorbed into the wick 25 if the temperature of the heater 2531 during the first time when the initial power is supplied exceeds a predetermined first temperature.

[0120] Referring to FIG. 8, the aerosol generating device 100 may include a power supply circuit 810, a resistance detection sensor 820, a battery 160 and / or a heater 2531.

[0121] When the body 10 and the first container 20 are combined, the resistance detection sensor 820 of the body 10 may be electrically connected to the heater 2531 of the first container 20. For example, the resistance detection sensor 820 may be a current sensor that detects a current.

[0122] The power supply circuit 810 disposed inside the body 100 can supply power to the heater 2531 using the power stored in the battery 16. Here, the amount of power supplied from the power supply circuit 810 to the heater 2531 can be adjusted under the control of the control unit 170.

[0123] The power supply circuit 810 may include a converter that converts the voltage output from the battery 160. For example, the converter may include a buck-boost converter, a Zener diode, or the like.

[0124] The power supply circuit 810 may include at least one switching element operated under the control of the control unit 170. Here, power may be supplied to the heater 2531 by operation of the switching element. For example, the switching element may be a bipolar junction transistor (BJT) or a field effect transistor (FET).

[0125] When the heater 2531 and the resistance detection sensor 820 are electrically connected, the same level of current may flow through the heater 2531 and the resistance detection sensor 820. Here, the resistance value Rs of the shunt resistor included in the resistance detection sensor 820 may be a value that does not change depending on the temperature.

[0126] The control unit 170 can determine a voltage V1 applied to the heater 2531 and the resistance detection sensor 820 based on the power supplied from the power supply circuit 810 to the heater 2531, the current flowing through the heater 2531 and the resistance detection sensor 820, and the like. The control unit 170 can calculate a voltage V2 applied to the shunt resistor based on the current flowing through the shunt resistor of the resistance detection sensor 820 and the resistance value Rs of the shunt resistor. Here, the control unit 170 can calculate the difference (V1-V2) between the voltage V1 applied to the heater 2531 and the resistance detection sensor 820 and the voltage V2 applied to the shunt resistor as the voltage applied to the heater 2531. In addition, the control unit 170 can calculate a resistance value Rh of the heater 2531 based on the voltage applied to the heater 2531 and the current flowing through the heater 2531.

[0127] Therefore, even while the wick is being heated by the heater 2531, the control unit 170 can determine the temperature of the heater 2531 in real time using the current flowing through the heater 2531 calculated via the resistance detection sensor 820.

[0128] Meanwhile, the resistor of the heater 2531 is a material having a resistance temperature coefficient, and the resistance value Rh of the heater 2531 may change depending on the temperature of the resistor. The control unit 170 may calculate the temperature of the heater 2531 according to a calculation formula for calculating the temperature of the heater 2531. Here, the calculation formula for calculating the temperature of the heater 2531 may be expressed by the following Equation 1.

[0129]

number

[0130] In Equation 1, TCR may be the temperature coefficient of resistance of the heater 2531, T1 may be the temperature of the heater 2531, R1 may be the resistance value of the heater 2531, T0 may be the reference temperature, and R0 may be the resistance value of the heater 2531 at the reference temperature, where T0 is 25° C. and R0 may be the resistance value of the heater 2531 at 25° C.

[0131] Meanwhile, in this figure, a current sensor is described as being connected in series to the heater 2531, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a temperature sensor arranged adjacent to the heater 2531 to detect the temperature of the heater 2531, a voltage sensor to detect the voltage applied to the heater 2531, etc. can be provided as the resistance detection sensor 820.

[0132] When no liquid is absorbed in the wick 25 in operation S760, the aerosol generation device 100 can determine whether the liquid stored in the second cartridge 30 has been exhausted. When liquid is stored in the second cartridge 30, the liquid can gradually flow to the wick 25 through the absorbing part 316. On the other hand, when no liquid is stored in the second cartridge 30, the wick 25 cannot absorb the liquid even after a certain time has passed. Therefore, the aerosol generation device 100 can determine whether liquid is stored in the second cartridge 30 based on the temperature of the heater 2531 sensed in response to the supply of initial power.

[0133] According to an embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 may determine that the liquid is exhausted if a temperature change of the heater 2531 at a second time when the initial power is supplied after the first time has elapsed is equal to or greater than a predetermined second temperature change. Here, the second temperature change may be equal to or less than the first temperature change. According to an embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 may determine that the liquid is exhausted if a temperature change of the heater 2531 at a second time when the initial power is supplied after the first time has elapsed is equal to or greater than a predetermined second temperature. Here, the second temperature may be greater than the first temperature.

[0134] 9, when the first container 20 and the second container 30 are combined 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 at which a first time has elapsed. Here, the temperature of the heater 2531 may increase from T0 to T1 due to the supply of the initial power P0.

[0135] The difference between T0 and T1, which corresponds to the temperature change of the heater 2531 at the first time, may be less than the predetermined first temperature change. Here, since the temperature change of the heater 2531 at the first time when the initial power is supplied is less than the predetermined first temperature change, the aerosol generation device 10 can determine that the liquid has been absorbed into the wick 25.

[0136] When it is determined that the liquid has been absorbed into the wick 25, the aerosol generation device 10 may terminate the supply of initial power to the heater 2531. Here, by terminating the supply of initial power to the heater 2531, the temperature of the heater 2531 may decrease again.

[0137] 10, when the first container 20 and the second container 30 are combined 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 at which a first time has elapsed. Here, the temperature of the heater 2531 may increase from T0 to T2 due to the supply of the initial power P0.

[0138] The difference between T0 and T2, which corresponds to the temperature change of the heater 2531 at the first time, may be equal to or greater than a predetermined first temperature change. Here, since the temperature change of the heater 2531 at the first time when the initial power is supplied is equal to or greater than the predetermined first temperature change, the aerosol generation device 10 can determine that no liquid has been absorbed into the wick 25.

[0139] Meanwhile, when it is determined that the liquid has not been absorbed into the wick 25, the aerosol generating device 10 may continue to supply initial power to the heater 2531 even after the time t2. Here, when the liquid is sufficiently transferred to the wick 25 during the first time, the temperature of the heater 2531 may gradually decrease despite the supply of initial power. For example, from the time t2 to the time t3 at which the second time has elapsed, the temperature of the heater 2531 may decrease from T2 to T3.

[0140] The difference between T2 and T3, which corresponds to the temperature change of the heater 2531 at the second time, may be less than the predetermined second temperature change. Here, since the temperature change of the heater 2531 at the second time when the initial power is supplied is less than the predetermined second temperature change, the aerosol generating device 10 can determine that the second container 30 is sufficiently filled with liquid.

[0141] Meanwhile, referring to Fig. 11, similarly to Fig. 10, if it is determined that the liquid has not been absorbed into the wick 25, the aerosol generating device 10 may continue to supply initial power to the heater 2531 even after time t2. Here, if the liquid is not sufficiently transferred to the wick 25 during the first time, the temperature of the heater 2531 may continue to increase due to the supply of initial power. For example, from time t2 to time t3 at which the second time has elapsed, the temperature of the heater 2531 may increase from T2 to T4.

[0142] The difference between T2 and T4, which corresponds to the temperature change of the heater 2531 at the second time, may be equal to or greater than the predetermined second temperature change. Here, since the temperature change of the heater 2531 at the second time when the initial power is supplied is equal to or greater than the predetermined second temperature change, the aerosol generating device 10 can determine that no liquid is stored in the second container 30.

[0143] According to an embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 may deactivate the operation of at least one component provided in the body 10, etc., when the liquid stored in the second cartridge 30 is exhausted. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may cut off the supply of power to the heater 2531, the puff sensor 461, etc., when the liquid stored in the second cartridge 30 is exhausted. Here, the aerosol generating device 100 may cut off the supply of power to the heater 2531, the puff sensor 461, etc., until the first container 20 and the second container 30 are separated.

[0144] Meanwhile, when liquid is stored in the second cartridge 30, 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). Here, the predetermined initial time period may be set according to the time required for liquid to flow from one side of the second wick part 252 adjacent to the absorbing unit 316 to one side of the first wick part 251 adjacent to the heater 2531. The initial time period may include a first time period and a second time period. For example, when it is determined that liquid is not absorbed in the wick 25 and liquid is stored in the second cartridge 30, the aerosol generation device 100 may supply initial power to the heater 2531 during the initial time period elapsed from the time when the first container 20 and the second cartridge 30 are coupled together.

[0145] The aerosol generation device 100 may output a notification regarding the completion of the initial pre-heating in operation S770. For example, the aerosol generation device 100 may output a notification regarding the completion of the initial pre-heating when initial power is supplied to the heater 2531 during an initial time. For example, the aerosol generation device 100 may output a notification regarding the completion of the initial pre-heating when it is determined that liquid is absorbed in the wick 25.

[0146] According to an embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 may output a notification regarding the completion of the initial pre-heating through an output device included in the input / output interface 120. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may output light corresponding to the completion of the initial pre-heating through a light emitting diode (LED) when initial power is supplied to the heater 2531 for a predetermined initial time. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may generate vibration corresponding to the completion of the initial pre-heating by a motor when initial power is supplied to the heater 2531 for a predetermined initial time.

[0147] In operation S780, the aerosol generating apparatus 100 may perform an operation by puffing in a state where the first container 20 and the second container 30 are coupled together. For example, when a puff is detected in a state where the first container 20 and the second container 30 are coupled together, the aerosol generating apparatus 100 may supply power (hereinafter, referred to as heating power) corresponding to the generation of an aerosol to the heater 2531. For example, when a puff ends in a state where the first container 20 and the second container 30 are coupled together, the aerosol generating apparatus 100 may perform preheating corresponding to the end of the puff (hereinafter, referred to as preheating between puffs). Here, when performing preheating between puffs, the aerosol generating apparatus 100 may supply power (hereinafter, referred to as preheating power) corresponding to preheating between puffs to the heater 2531. Here, the preheating power may be lower than the heating power supplied to the heater 2531 for the generation of an aerosol. The initial power and the preheating power may be different from each other. Meanwhile, the aerosol generating device 100 may cut off the supply of power to the heater 2531 if no puff is detected for a certain period of time after the puff is finished.

[0148] According to an embodiment, the initial power may be adjusted according to the external temperature. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may increase the initial power as the external temperature decreases. Meanwhile, the preheating power may be supplied to the heater 2531 at a predetermined magnitude regardless of the external temperature.

[0149] 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.

[0150] 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 t4, which is a predetermined initial time.

[0151] When a puff is detected at time t4 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 t4 when the puff is detected to time t6 when the puff ends.

[0152] The aerosol generating device 100 can supply preheating power P2 to the heater 2531 from time t6 when the puff ends.

[0153] 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 t4 when a predetermined initial time has elapsed.

[0154] The aerosol generating device 100 may cut off the supply of power to the heater 2531 from time t4 when the initial pre-heating 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.

[0155] The aerosol generating device 100 can supply heating power P1 to the heater 2531 at time t5 when the puff is detected.

[0156] 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.

[0157] The aerosol generating device 100 may supply the heating power P1 to the heater 2531 at time t7 when the puff is detected. The aerosol generating device 100 may supply the heating power P1 to the heater 2531 from time t7 when the puff is detected to time t8 when the puff ends.

[0158] The aerosol generating device 100 can supply preheating power P2 to the heater 2531 from time t8 when the puff ends.

[0159] 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.

[0160] Additionally, at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure may facilitate smooth movement of liquid to the wick 25 for aerosol generation.

[0161] 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 .

[0162] Furthermore, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce unnecessary power consumption.

[0163] Additionally, at least one embodiment of the present disclosure can determine whether liquid has been absorbed into wick 25 prior to generating an aerosol.

[0164] Additionally, at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure may determine whether liquid is stored in the cartridge prior to generating an aerosol.

[0165] 1 to 13, an aerosol generating device 100 according to an aspect of the present disclosure may include a first container 20 including a wick 25 and a heater 2531, a second container 30 storing a liquid, a first sensor 471 for detecting a connection between the first container 20 and the second container 30, a second sensor 820 for detecting a temperature of the heater 2531, and a control unit 170. The first container 20 and the second container 30 may be detachably connected to each other. When the separated first container 20 and the second container 30 are connected, the control unit 170 controls the heater 2531 to supply an initial power corresponding to the connection, and may determine at least one of whether the liquid is absorbed in the wick 25 and whether the liquid stored in the second container 30 is consumed based on the temperature of the heater 2531 detected in response to the supply of the initial power.

[0166] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, when the control unit 170 determines that the liquid in the second container 30 is exhausted, the control unit 170 may cut off the supply of power to the heater 2531 until the first container 20 and the second container 30 are separated.

[0167] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit 170 can determine that the liquid is exhausted if the temperature of the heater 2531 exceeds a predetermined reference temperature, and can determine that the liquid is not exhausted if the temperature of the heater 2531 is below the reference temperature.

[0168] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit 170 can determine whether the liquid has been absorbed into the wick 25 based on a temperature change of the heater 2531 during the first time that the initial power is supplied, and if the liquid has been absorbed into the wick 25, can determine that the liquid has not been consumed, and if the liquid has not been absorbed into the wick 25, can determine whether the liquid has been consumed based on a temperature change of the heater 2531 after the first time has elapsed.

[0169] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit 170 may determine that the liquid has not been consumed if the temperature change of the heater 2531 during a second time when the initial power is supplied after the first time has elapsed is less than a predetermined temperature change, and may determine that the liquid has been consumed if the temperature change of the heater 2531 during the second time is equal to or greater than the predetermined temperature change.

[0170] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the device may further include a third sensor 461 for detecting a puff. The control unit 170 may determine whether the liquid is absorbed into the wick 25 based on a temperature change of the heater 2531 during a first time period during which the initial power is supplied, and may terminate the supply of the initial power if the liquid is absorbed into the wick 25.

[0171] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit 170 can determine that the liquid has been absorbed into the wick 25 if the temperature change of the heater 2531 during the first time period when the initial power is supplied is less than a predetermined temperature change, and can determine that the liquid has not been absorbed into the wick 25 if the temperature change of the heater 2531 during the first time period is equal to or greater than the predetermined temperature change.

[0172] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device may further include a third sensor 461 for detecting a puff. When it is determined that the liquid is not consumed, the control unit 170 controls the heater 2531 to supply the initial power for a predetermined initial time corresponding to the initial power, and when the initial time has elapsed, monitors whether the puff is detected.

[0173] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device may further include an interface 120 for outputting a notification to a user. When it is determined that the liquid is not consumed, the control unit 170 controls the heater 2531 to supply the initial power for a predetermined initial time corresponding to the initial power, and when the initial time has elapsed, the control unit 170 may output a notification via the interface 120.

[0174] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device may further include a body including the control unit 170. The control unit 170 may monitor whether the first container 20 and the second container 30 are connected to each other when the body and the first container 20 are connected to each other.

[0175] 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.

[0176] 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.

[0177] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the core 25 may also be formed of a ceramic.

[0178] 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.

[0179] 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.

[0180] 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. a first container containing a wick and a heater; a second container for storing a liquid and releasably coupled to the first container; a first sensor for sensing coupling between the first container and the second container; a second sensor for detecting a temperature of the heater; A control unit, The control unit is providing initial power to the heater when the first sensor detects coupling between the first container and the second container; An aerosol generating device, characterized in that while supplying the initial power to the heater, it determines at least one of whether the liquid has been absorbed into the wick and whether the liquid in the second container has been exhausted based on the temperature of the heater.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit further cuts off the supply of power to the heater when it is determined that the liquid in the second container is exhausted.

3. The control unit further includes: determining that the liquid in the second container is exhausted if the temperature of the heater exceeds a predetermined reference temperature; The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein, when the temperature of the heater is lower than the reference temperature, it is determined that the liquid in the second container is not consumed.

4. The control unit further includes: determining whether the liquid has been absorbed into the wick based on a change in temperature of the heater during a first period of time while applying the initial power to the heater; determining that the liquid in the second container has not been exhausted if it is determined that the liquid has been absorbed into the wick; The aerosol generating device of claim 1, characterized in that if it is determined that the liquid has not been absorbed into the wick, after the first time has elapsed, it is determined whether the liquid in the second container has been exhausted based on a temperature change of the heater.

5. The control unit further includes: determining that the liquid in the second container has not been exhausted based on a change in temperature of the heater during a second period of time during which the initial power is applied to the heater after the first period has elapsed; 5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 4, wherein the liquid in the second container is determined to be exhausted if the temperature change of the heater during the second time period is equal to or greater than a predetermined temperature change.

6. further comprising a third sensor for detecting a puff; The control unit further includes: determining whether the liquid has been absorbed into the wick based on a change in temperature of the heater during a first period of applying the initial power to the heater; The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , characterized in that the supply of the initial power to the heater is terminated when the liquid is absorbed into the wick.

7. The control unit further includes: determining that the liquid is absorbed into the wick if a temperature change of the heater during a first period of time during which the heater is supplied with the initial power is less than a predetermined temperature change; The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , characterized in that, if the temperature change of the heater during the first time period is equal to or greater than the predetermined temperature change, it is determined that the liquid is not absorbed by the wick.

8. further comprising a third sensor for detecting a puff; The control unit is providing the initial power to the heater for a predetermined initial time corresponding to the initial power when it is determined that the liquid in the second container has not been exhausted; The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , further comprising: monitoring whether the puff is detected when the initial time has elapsed.

9. and an interface for outputting a notification to a user. The control unit is providing the initial power to the heater for an initial predetermined time period corresponding to the initial power if it is determined that the liquid in the second container has not been exhausted; The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , further comprising: a notification output via the interface when the initial time has elapsed.

10. The control unit further includes a body having the control unit. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit further monitors whether the first container and the second container are connected to each other.

11. 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.

12. 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.

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

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