Aerosol Generation Device and Method

Abstract

An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a main body including a quasi-appearance part having an accommodation space into which a cigarette is inserted, a cartridge detachably coupled to the quasi-appearance part, an antenna disposed on one surface of the quasi-appearance part so as to face one surface of the cartridge, a sensor that senses a capacitance value of the antenna, and a control unit electrically connected to the sensor. The control unit determines the remaining amount of the aerosol generating substance in the cartridge and whether the cartridge is detached based on the capacitance value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device and method, and more specifically, to an aerosol generating device capable of detecting the attachment / detachment of a cartridge and the remaining liquid amount in the cartridge by means of a capacitance sensor.

Background Art

[0002] Recently, the demand for smoking methods that replace conventional cigarettes has been increasing. For example, there is an increasing demand for methods of generating an aerosol by heating an aerosol-producing substance in a cigarette, rather than by burning the cigarette to generate an aerosol. As a result, research related to heated cigarettes or heated aerosol generating devices has been actively pursued.

[0003] An aerosol generating device may include a cartridge for generating an aerosol. The cartridge may include a storage unit for storing an aerosol-producing substance and an atomization unit for vaporizing the aerosol-producing substance. For the aerosol generating device to operate safely and properly, information on the attachment / detachment of the cartridge and the remaining liquid amount in the cartridge may be required.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an aerosol generating device and method capable of obtaining information on the attachment / detachment of a cartridge and the remaining liquid amount in the cartridge with low power consumption.

[0005] Another problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an aerosol generating device and method capable of correcting an error in the remaining liquid amount information due to the inclination of the cartridge.

[0006] The problems to be solved through the embodiments are not limited to the problems described above, and the problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the embodiments belong from the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a main body including a quasi-appearance part having a housing space into which a cigarette is inserted, a cartridge detachably coupled to the quasi-appearance part, an antenna disposed on one surface of the quasi-appearance part so as to face one surface of the cartridge, a sensor for sensing a capacitance value of the antenna, and a control unit electrically connected to the sensor. The control unit determines a remaining amount of an aerosol generating substance in the cartridge and whether the cartridge is detached based on the capacitance value.

[0008] An operating method of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention is an operating method of an aerosol generating device including a main body including a quasi-appearance part having a housing space into which a cigarette is inserted, a cartridge detachably coupled to the quasi-appearance part, an antenna disposed on one surface of the quasi-appearance part so as to face one surface of the cartridge, and a sensor for sensing a capacitance value of the antenna, and includes a step of applying a driving signal to the antenna, a step of receiving a sensing signal corresponding to the driving signal from the antenna, and a step of determining a remaining amount of an aerosol generating substance in the cartridge and whether the cartridge is detached based on the sensing signal.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] An aerosol generating device and method according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can obtain information on whether a cartridge is detached and a remaining amount of liquid in the cartridge using a cartridge sensor.

[0010] The effects according to the embodiments are not limited to the effects described above, and the effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the embodiments belong from the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5A

Figure 5B

Figure 6A

Figure 6B

Figure 6C

Figure 6D

Figure 7A

Figure 7B

Figure 8

Figure 9

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] The terms used in the embodiments are, as much as possible, general terms that are currently widely used while considering the functions in the present invention. However, this may also vary depending on the intentions or precedents of those skilled in the art, the emergence of new technologies, etc. In addition, in certain cases, there are terms arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in such cases, the meaning thereof is described in detail in the description part of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention are not merely the names of the terms, but must be defined based on the meaning of the terms and the overall content of the present disclosure.

[0013] Throughout the specification, when a certain part "includes" a certain component, it means that, unless there is a particularly contrary description, it does not exclude other components and may further include other components. Also, terms such as "… part" and "… module" described in the specification mean a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be implemented by hardware or software, or may also be implemented by a combination of hardware and software.

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail based on the accompanying drawings so that those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can easily implement it. However, the present invention can be embodied in various mutually different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described here.

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment in which an aerosol generating article is inserted.

[0017] Referring to FIG. 1, an aerosol generating device 100 according to an embodiment may include a cover 1000 and a main body 1100.

[0018] The cover 1000 is coupled to one end of the main body 1100, so that the main body 1100 and the cover 1000 can together form the appearance of the aerosol generating device 100. An external hole 1000h into which the cigarette 200 can be inserted may be formed on the upper surface of the cover 1000 coupled to the main body 1100.

[0019] The main body 1100 forms a part of the appearance of the aerosol generating device 100 and can perform the function of accommodating and protecting the components of the aerosol generating device 100. For example, inside the main body 1100, a battery (not shown), a processor (not shown) and / or a heater (not shown) may be accommodated, but it is not limited thereto. Further, the main body 1100 can accommodate the cigarette 200 inserted through the external hole 1000h.

[0020] The main body 1100 and the cover 1000 can be made of a plastic material that does not transfer heat well, or a metal material coated with a heat insulating substance on the surface. The main body 1100 and the cover 1000 can be made, for example, by an injection molding method, a 3D printing method, or a method of assembling small parts made by injection molding.

[0021] A holding device (not shown) for maintaining the coupling state between the main body 1100 and the cover 1000 may be provided between the main body 1100 and the cover 1000. The holding device may include, for example, a protrusion and a groove. By maintaining the state where the protrusion is inserted into the groove, the coupling state between the cover 1000 and the main body 1100 is maintained, and a structure may be used in which the protrusion moves by an operation button to which a user input is applied and the protrusion is separated from the groove.

[0022] On the upper surface of the cover 1000 coupled to the main body 1100, an external hole 1000h into which the cigarette 200 is inserted may be formed. Further, a rail 1000r may be formed at a position adjacent to the external hole 1000h on the upper surface of the cover 1000. A door 1000d slidable along the upper surface of the cover 1000 may be provided on the rail 1000r. The door 1000d slides linearly along the rail 1000r. The upper surface of the cover 1000 may be provided with an upper plate 1000t having an opening formed along the movement path of the door 1000d.

[0023] By moving along the rail 1000r, the door 1000d functions to expose the external hole 1000h through which the cigarette 200 is inserted into the main body 1100 through the cover 1000 to the outside.

[0024] When the external hole 1000h is exposed to the outside by the door 1000d, the user can insert the cigarette 200 into the external hole 1000h and an insertion hole (not shown) and attach the cigarette 200 to a storage passage (not shown) formed inside the cover 1000.

[0025] The rail 1000r has a groove, but the embodiment is not limited by the shape of the rail 1000r. For example, the rail 1000r may have a protrusion and extend in a curved shape rather than a straight line.

[0026] The main body 1100 may be provided with an operation button 1100bu. By operating the operation button 1100bu, the operation of the aerosol generating device 100 can be controlled.

[0027] FIG. 2 is an exploded side view schematically showing the appearance of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0028] Referring to FIG. 2, an aerosol generating device 100 according to an embodiment may include a cover 1000, a main body 1100, a button 1200, and a cartridge 2000.

[0029] The main body 1100 can be composed of a quasi-exterior part 1100a into which the cigarette 200 is inserted and the cartridge 2000 is coupled, and a lower case 1100b that supports and protects various components provided inside. Hereinafter, the description of the main body 1100 means including both the quasi-exterior part 1100a and the lower case 1100b.

[0030] The cover 1000 can be detached from the main body 1100 by releasing the coupling with the main body 1100. For example, the cover 1000 can be separated from the main body 1100 in the +z direction. If the cover 1000 is separated from the main body 1100, the quasi-exterior part 1100a of the main body 1100, the button 1200, and the cartridge 2000 can be exposed to the outside.

[0031] The button 1200 is arranged so that at least a part thereof is exposed outside the quasi-exterior part 1100a, and serves to release the fastening relationship between the main body 1100 and the cartridge 2000 by a user's input. For example, if a user input is applied to the button 1200, the cartridge 2000 can be detached from the quasi-exterior part 1100a.

[0032] The cartridge 2000 can be detachably coupled to one end of the quasi-exterior part 1100a where the aerosol product substance is stored.

[0033] The aerosol product substance has any one of various states such as a liquid state, a solid state, a gaseous state, and a gel state. The aerosol product substance can include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition can be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance containing a volatile tobacco flavor component, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance.

[0034] The cartridge 2000 performs a function of converting the phase of the aerosol product substance inside the cartridge 2000 into a gas phase to generate an aerosol by operating with an electrical signal or a wireless signal transmitted from the main body 1100. An aerosol means a gas in a state where vaporized particles generated from the aerosol product substance and air are mixed.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the cartridge 2000 can be coupled to a main body 1100 including a processor (not shown) and / or a battery (not shown) and applied as a component of an aerosol generating device. For example, a heating element (not shown) included in the cartridge 2000 can be electrically connected to the main body 1100, supplied with power from a battery, and the power supply can be controlled by a processor.

[0036] That is, by supplying and controlling power to the heating element in the aerosol generating device 100 including the cartridge 2000, an aerosol can be generated from a liquid or gel-like aerosol generating substance stored in the cartridge 2000.

[0037] That is, the aerosol generating device including the cartridge 2000 may not only heat the aerosol generating substance stored in the cartridge 2000 to generate an aerosol, but also heat an inserted cigarette (200 in FIG. 1) to generate an aerosol. Thereby, a hybrid form of aerosol generating device can be realized.

[0038] In FIG. 2, a shape is depicted in which the cartridge 2000 approaches from the side of the quasi-exterior part 1100a and is coupled to the main body 1100, but the coupling method between the cartridge 2000 and the main body 1100 is not limited thereto. For example, the cartridge 2000 can be coupled to the main body 1100 by approaching in the -z direction at a position spaced apart from the main body 1100 in the +z direction together with the cover 1000.

[0039] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view for explaining internal components of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 3, the internal space of the aerosol generating device 100 according to one embodiment may include a heater 110, a battery 120, a printed circuit board 130, an antenna 140, an antenna cover 150, a connection passage 160, and a cartridge 2000.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 may include a receiving passage 1100p into which the cigarette 200 can be inserted. At least a part of the cigarette 200 can be inserted or received inside the aerosol generating device 100 through the receiving passage 1100p.

[0042] The cartridge 2000 may include a storage unit 2100 for storing the aerosol generating substance and an atomizing unit 2200 for vaporizing the aerosol generating substance. The aerosol generating device 100 can generate an aerosol from the aerosol generating substance through the cartridge 2000. The aerosol generated by the cartridge 2000 can be transmitted to the user.

[0043] The aerosol generating substance may include a liquid composition and an aerosol forming agent. The liquid composition is also a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance including a volatile tobacco flavor component and may also be a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance. For example, the liquid composition may include water, a solvent, ethanol, a plant extract, a fragrance, a flavoring agent, or a vitamin mixture. The fragrance includes menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and aroma components of various fruits, etc., and the flavoring agent may include components that provide various fragrances or flavors to the user. The vitamin mixture may also be a mixture in which at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E is mixed, but is not limited thereto.

[0044] The aerosol forming agent can increase the amount of aerosol smoke provided by the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the aerosol forming agent may include at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol, but is not limited thereto. Further, the aerosol forming agent contains other additive substances such as a flavoring agent, a wetting agent, and / or an organic acid, and may further include a flavoring liquid such as menthol or a humectant.

[0045] The storage unit 2100 can store aerosol generating substances. When smoking is performed on the aerosol generating device 100, the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating device 100 is transmitted to the user, whereby the aerosol generating substances stored in the storage unit 2100 are consumed, and the remaining amount of the aerosol generating substances in the storage unit 2100 can decrease.

[0046] When the remaining amount of the aerosol generating substances is changed, it is required that the heating characteristics for vaporizing the aerosol generating substances are also changed. Also, when the remaining amount of the aerosol generating substances is insufficient, the provision of the aerosol may be interrupted during smoking, or no aerosol is generated from the aerosol generating device 100. Therefore, it is required that the remaining amount of the aerosol generating substances inside the storage unit 2100 is detected.

[0047] Also, the main body 1100 of the aerosol generating device 100 includes a heater 110 for heating the cigarette 200. When the heater 110 operates with the cover (1000 in FIG. 1) removed, there is a risk that the user may get burned. Therefore, it may be required to detect how the main body 1100 and the cover 1000 are coupled.

[0048] The storage unit 2100 is also fabricated in various shapes. The storage unit 2100 may include an internal space for storing the liquid aerosol generating substances and a wall surface forming the internal space. For example, the storage unit 2100 is also columnar having an internal space composed of a bottom surface, a ceiling surface, and side surfaces. However, it is not limited thereto, and the storage unit 2100 may be implemented in other shapes that can store the liquid aerosol generating substances.

[0049] The atomization unit 2200 can vaporize the aerosol generating substances. The atomization unit 2200 can vaporize the aerosol generating substances by heating the aerosol generating substances stored in the storage unit 2100. For example, the atomization unit 2200 can transfer the aerosol generating substances outside the storage unit 2100 and heat the aerosol generating substances transferred outside.

[0050] The atomization unit 2200 may include a liquid transfer means and a heating element. The liquid transfer means is also a means for transferring the aerosol product substance to the outside of the storage unit 2100, and the heating element is also an element for heating the aerosol product substance transferred to the outside of the storage unit 2100 by the liquid transfer means. For example, the liquid transfer means may also be a wick for transferring the aerosol product substance to the outside of the storage unit 2100, and the heating element may also be a coil for heating the aerosol product substance transferred along the wick, but is not limited thereto.

[0051] Specifically, the wick may also be at least one of cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, and porous ceramic that transfers the aerosol product substance through capillary action, and the coil may be arranged in a shape wound around the wick and may include a conductive filament such as a nichrome wire that generates heat by the supplied current, but is not limited thereto.

[0052] The cartridge 2000 is detachable from the aerosol generating device 100. The cartridge 2000 can be coupled to the aerosol generating device 100 to generate an aerosol and separated from the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the cartridge 2000 may also be a consumable that is periodically replaced when the aerosol generating device 100 is used. When all the aerosol product substances stored in the storage unit 2100 of the cartridge 2000 are consumed, the cartridge 2000 can be replaced by the user.

[0053] The heater 110 is located in the internal space of the quasi-exterior part 1100a and can heat the cigarette 200 inserted into the internal part of the quasi-exterior part 1100a through the accommodation passage 1100p to generate an aerosol.

[0054] The vaporized particles generated by heating the cigarette 200 and the air flowing into the internal space of the quasi-exterior part 1100a through the accommodation passage 1100p can be mixed to generate an aerosol.

[0055] In one example, the heater 110 may include an induction heater. For example, the heater 110 may include a coil (or "conductive coil") that generates an alternating magnetic field when power is supplied, and a susceptor that generates heat by the alternating magnetic field generated by the coil. The susceptor is disposed so as to surround at least a part of the outer peripheral surface of the cigarette 200 inserted inside the quasi-appearance portion 1100a, and can heat the inserted cigarette 200.

[0056] In other examples, the heater 110 may include an electrical resistance heater. For example, the heater 110 may include a film heater disposed so as to surround at least a part of the outer peripheral surface of the cigarette 200 inserted inside the quasi-appearance portion 1100a. The film heater includes a conductive track, and when an electric current flows through the conductive track, the film heater can generate heat to heat the cigarette 200 inserted into the quasi-appearance portion 1100a.

[0057] In still other examples, the heater 110 may include at least one of a needle heater, a rod heater, and a tubular heater that can heat the inside of the cigarette 200 inserted into the quasi-appearance portion 1100a. The heater 110 described above can be inserted into at least one region of the cigarette 200, for example, and can heat the inside of the cigarette 200.

[0058] The heater 110 is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the embodiment of the heater 110 can be varied as long as it can heat the cigarette 200 to a specified temperature. In the present disclosure, the "specified temperature" means a temperature at which the aerosol product substance contained in the cigarette 200 can be heated to generate an aerosol. The specified temperature is also the preset temperature of the aerosol generating device 100, but this temperature can be changed depending on the type of the aerosol generating device 100 and / or the user's operation.

[0059] The aerosol generation device 100 according to an embodiment may include an antenna 140 and an antenna cover 150 inside the quasi-exterior part 1100a. The antenna 140 for measuring the capacitance of the cartridge 2000 may be arranged in a space separated from the cartridge 2000 so as not to directly contact the aerosol generating substance in order to improve the measurement accuracy. Also, in order to improve the measurement accuracy, the antenna 140 may be arranged inside the quasi-exterior part 1100a so as not to be directly exposed to the outside.

[0060] The antenna 140 may be arranged on one surface of the quasi-exterior part 1100a so as to face one surface of the cartridge 2000. The antenna 140 according to an embodiment may be composed of a single electrode. The total capacitance of the cartridge 2000 is measured by the antenna 140, and it is possible to determine the connection state between the cover 1000 and the main body 1100 and the remaining amount of the aerosol generating substance from the measured total capacitance.

[0061] Structural examples related to the antenna 140 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B, and a method for detecting the total capacitance of the cartridge 2000 by the antenna 140 and the sensor (SS in FIG. 6A) will be described later with reference to FIGS. 6A to 6D.

[0062] The antenna cover 150 can perform the role of protecting the antenna 140 from the outside. For example, the antenna cover 150 may be arranged so as to surround at least one region of the antenna 140 and prevent the antenna cover 150 from being exposed to the outside of the quasi-exterior part 1100a, thereby protecting the antenna 140 from external impacts or foreign substances from the outside (for example, droplets, dust, etc.).

[0063] The form of one side surface of the antenna cover 150 may be formed to correspond to the form of one side surface of the cartridge 2000 in contact therewith. The antenna 140 insert-molded so as to correspond to the form of one side surface of the antenna cover 150 formed in this way can minimize the distance from the cartridge 2000. The closer the distance between the antenna 140 and the cartridge 2000, the higher the accuracy of measuring the remaining amount of the aerosol generating substance by the antenna 140 can be.

[0064] The higher the accuracy of measuring the remaining amount of the aerosol of the antenna 140, the more homogeneous the aerosol can be generated. The antenna 140 according to one embodiment measures the remaining amount of the aerosol generating substance inside the cartridge 2000, and based on this, the control unit can supply power from the battery 120 to the atomizing unit 2200, so that a more homogeneous aerosol can be generated. The generated more homogeneous aerosol is discharged to the outside through the cigarette 200 along the connection passage 160, and the user can be provided with a better smoking experience.

[0065] The aerosol generating device 100 may further include a battery 120 and a printed circuit board 130. The battery 120 and the printed circuit board 130 included in the aerosol generating device 100 may be arranged at the lower end of the aerosol generating device 100. However, it is not limited thereto, and depending on the design, the positions of the components arranged in the aerosol generating device 100 can be changed. In addition to the components illustrated in FIG. 3, other general-purpose components may be further included in the aerosol generating device 100.

[0066] The battery 120 is also a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery, but is not limited thereto. For example, the battery 120 may also be a lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) battery, a lithium titanate battery, etc.

[0067] The battery 120 can supply power to the atomizing unit 2200. When the atomizing unit 2200 includes a core and a coil, the battery 120 can supply power to the coil surrounding the core and heat the aerosol generating substance transferred along the core. In addition, the battery 120 can supply the power required for the operation of the antenna 140 and the printed circuit board 130 to the antenna 140 and the printed circuit board 130.

[0068] The printed circuit board 130 may be implemented by an array of a number of logic gates and may be implemented by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executed by the microprocessor is stored. The printed circuit board 130 may be composed of a plurality of processing elements. Further, the printed circuit board 130 may be implemented by other forms of hardware.

[0069] The processor disposed on the printed circuit board 130 can detect the remaining amount of the aerosol product substance based on the capacitance of the cartridge 2000 measured by the antenna 140. For example, the processor can receive data regarding the capacitance of the cartridge 2000 from the antenna 140 and derive the remaining amount (or "remaining amount level") of the aerosol product substance stored in the cartridge 2000 based on the received data regarding the capacitance of the cartridge 2000. The processor can determine the portion where the aerosol product substance exists inside the cartridge 2000 based on the measured capacitance.

[0070] The processor can detect the remaining amount of the aerosol product substance in various ways. The capacitance measurement value of the cartridge 2000 is experimentally determined in advance according to the remaining amount level of the aerosol product substance, and the processor can output the remaining amount level of the aerosol product substance stored in the cartridge 2000 with the capacitance input based on a database regarding the correspondence relationship between the capacitance and the remaining amount level. However, without being limited thereto, the processor can derive the remaining amount level of the aerosol product substance stored in the cartridge 2000 by an algorithm that calculates the remaining amount level based on the measured capacitance.

[0071] The connecting passage 160 is disposed in the internal space of the quasi-appearance part 1100a and can fluidly communicate (or fluidly connect) the cigarette 200 and the cartridge 2000.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the connection passage 160 may be arranged such that the aerosol generated in the cartridge 2000 is discharged to the outside through the cigarette 200. For example, the connection passage 160 is formed in an "L" shape and arranged to fluidly link the cigarette 200 and the cartridge 2000, but the shape of the connection passage 160 is not limited to the above-described embodiment.

[0073] Due to the above-described arrangement structure of the connection passage 160, the cigarette 200 and the cartridge 2000 are in fluid communication. As a result, the aerosol generated in the cartridge 2000 can flow into the interior of the connection passage 160, pass through the cigarette 200, and then be discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0074] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of some components of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0075] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, an aerosol generating device 100 according to one embodiment may include a sealing portion 170, a cartridge coupling member 180, and an electrical connection member 190 in the internal space of the quasi-exterior portion 1100a.

[0076] The sealing portion 170 can prevent leakage of liquid generated during the movement of the aerosol generated in the cartridge 2000 through the connection passage 160 to the accommodation passage 1100p. For example, the aerosol generated in the cartridge 2000 can flow into the interior of the connection passage 160 and then move along the connection passage 160 to the accommodation passage 1100p in which the cigarette 200 is accommodated. Although at least a part of the aerosol leaks to the outside of the connection passage 160 during the movement of the aerosol along the connection passage 160, the aerosol generating device 100 according to one embodiment can prevent the leakage of the aerosol through the sealing portion 170 disposed between the cartridge 2000 and the connection passage 160.

[0077] The cartridge 2000 is detachable from the quasi-exterior part 1100a. When all of the aerosol product substances inside the cartridge 2000 are exhausted, the user can replace the cartridge 2000.

[0078] The aerosol generating device 100 may include a cartridge coupling member 180 for coupling the cartridge 2000 to an area of the quasi-exterior part 1100a. When the cartridge 2000 is coupled to the aerosol generating device 100, the cartridge coupling member 180 can fix the cartridge 2000 to the aerosol generating device 100.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the antenna cover 150 is in contact with one surface of the antenna 140, and the antenna cover 150 can be disposed between the antenna 140 and the cartridge 2000. The cartridge coupling member 180 can fix the antenna 140 and the antenna cover 150 to the aerosol generating device 100 together with the cartridge 2000.

[0080] The electrical connection member 190 can connect the antenna 140 to a printed circuit board 130 disposed at the lower part of the quasi-exterior part 1100a. The printed circuit board 130 includes a processor (or a control unit), and the processor can be connected to the antenna 140 through the electrical connection member 190. Through the above-described electrical connection, the processor can receive a sensing signal regarding the capacitance of the cartridge 2000 from the antenna 140, and can detect the remaining amount of the aerosol product substance based on the received sensing signal.

[0081] FIG. 5A is a drawing showing one surface of the antenna cover. FIG. 5B is a drawing showing the other surface of the antenna cover.

[0082] Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, according to one embodiment, the antenna 140 can be disposed such that at least one side surface of the antenna 140 is in contact with the antenna cover 150. The entire one side surface of the antenna 140 can be disposed in contact with the antenna cover 150. For example, the entire one side surface of the antenna 140 can be disposed so as to be surrounded by the antenna cover 150.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the antenna 140 and the antenna cover 150 can be integrally formed. For example, by insert molding (or "insert injection") the antenna 140 into at least one region of the antenna cover 150, the antenna 140 and the antenna cover 150 can be integrally formed. By insert molding the antenna 140 into the antenna cover 150, all of one side surface of the antenna 140 can be arranged to be in contact with the antenna cover 150. That is, one side surface of the antenna 140 can be arranged to face one side surface of the antenna cover 150.

[0084] The antenna 140 and the antenna cover 150 can be made of a material capable of insert molding (or "material"). For example, the antenna 140 can be made of a metal material so that insert molding can be performed, and the antenna cover 150 can be made of a plastic material. However, the materials of the antenna 140 and the antenna cover 150 are not limited thereto.

[0085] The antenna 140 and the antenna cover 150 according to one embodiment can include a groove GR through which a coupling member (180 in FIG. 4) passes and a hole HL through which a sealing portion (170 in FIG. 4) passes.

[0086] The antenna 140 according to one embodiment can be composed of a single electrode. The single electrode is also a plate-shaped electrode extending along the z direction. The single electrode according to one embodiment can have an area corresponding to the area of one side surface of the storage portion 2100 of the cartridge 2000, thereby enhancing the accuracy of measurement related to the remaining amount of the aerosol product substance inside the cartridge 330. For example, the single electrode has a height corresponding to the height of the cartridge 2000.

[0087] Also, the single electrode may include a connection portion 141 at one end. The connection portion 141 may protrude in a direction (the +x direction in FIG. 3) from the antenna cover 150 toward the heater (110 in FIG. 3). One region of the connection portion 141 may be connected to the antenna 140, and another region of the connection portion 141 may be connected to an electrical connection member (190 in FIG. 4).

[0088] Information related to the capacitance of the cartridge 2000 measured by the antenna 140 may be provided to a sensor (SS in FIG. 6A) and a control unit (CTR in FIG. 6A) included in the printed circuit board (130 in FIG. 3) through the connection portion 141 and the electrical connection member 190.

[0089] FIG. 6A is a drawing for explaining a sensor according to an embodiment. FIGS. 6B to 6D are drawings for explaining the operation of a sensor according to an embodiment. FIGS. 7A and 7B are graphs showing changes in the total capacitance due to the remaining amount of the aerosol product substance (or liquid) in the cartridge.

[0090] Referring to FIG. 6A, a sensor SS according to an embodiment may include a transmission unit TDC, a reception unit TRC, and an output interface unit INF.

[0091] The transmission unit TDC may be configured to supply a drive signal to the antenna 140. The transmission unit TDC may be configured to supply a drive signal to the antenna 140 during a first period.

[0092] The reception unit TRC may be configured to receive a sensing signal from the antenna 140. The reception unit TRC may be configured to receive a sensing signal from the antenna 140 during a second period after the first period. The first period and the second period do not overlap each other.

[0093] The output interface unit INF may be configured to transmit the sensing signal to the control unit CRT. The output interface unit INF may be configured to transmit the sensing signal to the control unit CRT during the second period.

[0094] The transmission unit TDC may include a power supply PSP and a first switch SW1. The first switch SW1 may connect the power supply PSP and the antenna 140. The power supply PSP can supply a drive signal VDD or an initialization signal VSS. The voltage level of the drive signal VDD may be greater than the voltage level of the initialization signal VSS. For example, when the third switch SW3 is turned on, the power supply PSP can supply the drive signal VDD to the output terminal, and when the fourth switch SW4 is turned on, the power supply PSP can supply the initialization signal VSS to the output terminal.

[0095] The reception unit TRC may include an integrator ITG and a second switch SW2. The integrator ITG can output a voltage signal with a voltage level corresponding to the amount of charge charged in the antenna 140 to the output terminal OUT1. That is, the integrator ITG can function as a kind of sensor channel. The second switch SW2 may connect the integrator ITG and the antenna 140.

[0096] For example, the integrator ITG may include an amplifier AMP, a capacitor Ca, and a reset switch SWr. The amplifier AMP may include a first input terminal IN1 connected to the second switch SW2, a second input terminal IN2 receiving a reference voltage Vref, and an output terminal OUT1. For example, the amplifier AMP may also be an operational amplifier. For example, the first input terminal IN1 is an inverting terminal, and the second input terminal IN2 is also a non-inverting terminal. The voltage level of the reference voltage Vref is higher than the voltage level of the initialization signal VSS and lower than the voltage level of the drive signal VDD. The capacitor Ca may connect the first input terminal IN1 and the output terminal OUT1. The reset switch SWr may connect the first input terminal IN1 and the output terminal OUT1.

[0097] The output interface unit INF may include an analog-to-digital converter ADC. The analog-to-digital converter ADC can receive the output signal of the integrator ITG. The analog-to-digital converter ADC can convert the analog voltage level output by the integrator ITG into a digital value and output it to the control unit CTR.

[0098] The control unit CTR can receive the output signal of the analog-to-digital converter ADC. The control unit CTR can calculate the capacitance of the antenna 140 using the received digital value.

[0099] Referring to FIG. 6B, a first period for charging the antenna 140 will be described.

[0100] The power supply PSP can supply a drive signal VDD to the antenna 140 during the first period. For example, when the third switch SW3 is turned on during the first period, the power supply PSP can supply the drive signal VDD to the antenna 140.

[0101] The first switch SW1 can electrically connect the power supply PSP and the antenna 140 during the first period. That is, the first switch SW1 can be turned on during the first period. Therefore, the drive signal VDD can be applied to the antenna 140 during the first period. At this time, the second switch SW2 can electrically separate the integrator ITG and the antenna 140 during the first period. That is, the second switch SW2 is also in the off state during the first period.

[0102] At this time, depending on the remaining amount of the aerosol product substance (or liquid) in the cartridge 2000, the capacitance between the antenna 140 and the cartridge 2000 is different, and a difference occurs in the amount of charge charged to the antenna 140.

[0103] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 7A, the total capacitance between the antenna 140 and the cartridge 2000 can depend on the amount of the aerosol product substance stored in the storage unit 2100 of the cartridge 2000. For example, the capacitance can decrease as the amount of the aerosol product substance stored in the storage unit 2100 decreases.

[0104] As shown in FIG. 7A, the total capacitance between the antenna 140 and the cartridge 2000 according to one embodiment gradually decreases when more than half of the aerosol product remains in the storage unit 2100, and relatively rapidly decreases when less than half of the aerosol product remains in the storage unit 2100. Specifically, when the storage unit 2100 is filled with the aerosol product, the total capacitance between the antenna 140 and the cartridge 2000 is 100 [pF]. When the storage unit 2100 is filled about half with the aerosol product, the total capacitance between the antenna 140 and the cartridge 2000 is 90 [pF]. When the storage unit 2100 is empty, the total capacitance between the antenna 140 and the cartridge 2000 can converge to 5 [pF]. At this time, even when there is no aerosol product in the storage unit 2100, there is capacitance between the cartridge 2000 itself and the antenna 2000. The capacitance at this time (for example, 5 [pF]) can be set as a threshold value and used as a criterion for determining whether the cartridge 2000 is coupled to the main body 1100.

[0105] Also, referring to FIG. 6C, a second period for sensing the antenna 140 will be described.

[0106] The second switch SW2 can electrically connect the integrator ITG and the antenna 140 during the second period after the first period. That is, the second switch SW2 is also in the ON state during the second period.

[0107] The integrator ITG can receive the sensing signal SI from the antenna 140 during the second period. For example, the integrator ITG can output a voltage signal corresponding to the amount of charge charged in the antenna 140 to the output terminal OUT1. At the end of the second period, the voltage level of the antenna 140 is also the same as the voltage level of the reference voltage Vref.

[0108] At this time, the first switch SW1 can electrically separate the power supply PSP and the antenna 140 during the second period. That is, the first switch SW1 is also in the OFF state during the second period.

[0109] The analog-to-digital converter ADC converts the voltage signal received from the integrator ITG into a digital value and transmits it to the control unit CTR. The control unit CTR can calculate the total capacitance of the antenna 140 using the received digital value. At this time, the total capacitance of the antenna 140 means the total capacitance of the single electrode and the aerosol product substance.

[0110] Referring to FIG. 7B, when the total capacitance corresponds to the first range (for example, 100 [pF] to 92 [pF]), the control unit CTR determines the remaining amount of the aerosol product substance as the first level LV1. When the total capacitance corresponds to the second range (for example, 92 [pF] to 70 [pF]), the control unit CTR determines the remaining amount of the aerosol product substance as the second level LV2. When the total capacitance corresponds to the third range (for example, 70 [pF] to 5 [pF]), the control unit CTR can determine the remaining amount of the aerosol product substance as the third level LV3. At this time, when the capacitance corresponding to the first range, the second range, and the third range in order is large, it can be determined that the remaining amount of the aerosol product substance is large in the order of the first level LV1, the second level LV2, and the third level LV3.

[0111] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7B, the remaining amount of the aerosol product substance is arithmetically equally divided and classified into the first level LV1, the second level LV2, and the third level LV3. That is, the intervals between the first level LV1, the second level LV2, and the third level LV3 are substantially the same. However, the intervals between the levels are not limited thereto. For example, by classifying according to the remaining amount section to which an equal heating profile can be applied, the intervals between the levels can be set differently.

[0112] The control unit (CTR in FIG. 6A) can control the power supplied from the battery (120 in FIG. 3) to the atomization unit 2200 based on the remaining amount of the aerosol generating substance (i.e., the first level LV1, the second level LV2, and the third level LV3). For the atomization unit 2200 including the core and the coil, when the level of the remaining amount of the aerosol generating substance is high (e.g., the first level LV1, the second level LV2), the speed at which the aerosol generating substance is transferred outside the cartridge 2000 along the core is fast, and when the level of the remaining amount of the aerosol generating substance is low (e.g., the third level LV3), the speed at which the aerosol generating substance is transferred outside the cartridge 2000 along the core is slow.

[0113] Thereby, when the transfer speed of the aerosol generating substance is fast, more power is supplied to the coil, and when the transfer speed of the aerosol generating substance is slow, less power supply to the coil is required.

[0114] If the power supply is not controlled to match the speed at which the aerosol generating substance is transferred, the aerosol may be generated non-uniformly from the aerosol generating device 100. Also, when the transfer speed of the aerosol generating substance is slow, if the power supply is not reduced, the core may burn. The control unit (CTR in FIG. 6A) can improve the aerosol quality by controlling the power supplied to the coil based on the remaining amount level of the aerosol generating substance and maintaining the amount of the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating device 100 uniformly.

[0115] When the total capacitance is equal to or less than a preset threshold value (e.g., 5 [pF]), the control unit CTR can determine that the cartridge 2000 is separated from the quasi-exterior part 1100a (or the main body 1100). In this way, the aerosol generating device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention uses a sensor (SS in FIG. 6A) that detects the remaining amount of the aerosol generating substance in the cartridge 2000 to simultaneously detect not only the remaining amount but also whether the cartridge 2000 is coupled to the main body 1100, so that an effect of reducing power consumption can be expected. In the case of an embodiment in which it is determined whether the cartridge 2000 is attached to the main body 1100 based on whether a current flows between the connection electrodes of the cartridge 2000, an additional power consumption is generated because a current is supplied to the electrodes using the power supply of the heater (110 in FIG. 3).

[0116] The control unit CTR according to an embodiment can sense the total capacitance of the cartridge 2000 using the antenna 140 and the sensor SS at a specific time. For example, the control unit CTR can sense the total capacitance when the cover (1000 in FIG. 1) is separated from the main body (1100 in FIG. 1), when the power supply of the aerosol generating device 100 is turned on, and when the power supply of the aerosol generating device 100 is turned off. That is, by utilizing the period when the user does not use the aerosol generating device 100, it is possible to check whether the cartridge 2000 is detached and the remaining amount of the aerosol generating substance in the cartridge 2000.

[0117] Referring to FIG. 6D, a third period for initializing the antenna 140 will be described.

[0118] The first switch SW1 can electrically connect the power supply PSP and the antenna 140 during the third period after the second period. That is, the first switch SW1 is in the on state during the third period.

[0119] During the third period, the power supply PSP can supply the initialization signal VSS to the antenna 140. For example, when the fourth switch SW4 is turned on during the third period, the power supply PSP can supply the initialization signal VSS to the antenna 140. As a result, at the end of the third period, the voltage level of the antenna 140 is also the same as the voltage level of the initialization signal VSS. For example, the voltage level of the initialization signal VSS is lower than the voltage level of the reference voltage Vref.

[0120] Also, when the reset switch SWr is turned on during the third period, the charge amount of the capacitor Ca can be initialized. In other embodiments, the reset switch SWr can be turned on during other periods rather than the third period.

[0121] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0122] The aerosol generating device 8000 may include a control unit 8100, a sensing unit 8200, an output unit 8300, a battery 8400, a heater 8500, a user input unit 8600, a memory 8700, and a communication unit 8800. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 8000 is not limited to what is shown in FIG. 8. That is, those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field related to this embodiment will understand that depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 8000, some of the configurations shown in FIG. 8 may be omitted or new configurations may be further added.

[0123] The sensing unit 8200 can sense the state of the aerosol generating device 8000 or the state around the aerosol generating device 8000 and transmit the sensed information to the control unit 8100. Based on the sensed information, the control unit 8100 can control the aerosol generating device 8000 so that various functions such as operation control of the heater 8500, restriction of smoking, determination of the presence or absence of insertion of an aerosol generating article (e.g., cigarette, cartridge, etc.), and notification display are performed.

[0124] The sensing unit 8200 may include, but is not limited to, at least one of a temperature sensor 8220, an insertion detection sensor 8240, and a puff sensor 8260.

[0125] The temperature sensor 8220 may sense the temperature at which the heater 8500 (or the aerosol generating substance) is heated. The aerosol generating device 8000 may include a separate temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the heater 8500, or the heater 8500 itself may serve as a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 8220 may be disposed around the battery 8400 to monitor the temperature of the battery 8400.

[0126] The insertion detection sensor 8240 may sense the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article. For example, the insertion detection sensor 8240 may include at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, and an infrared sensor, and may sense a signal change due to the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article.

[0127] The puff sensor 8260 may sense the user's puff based on various physical changes in the air flow path or air flow channel. For example, the puff sensor 8260 may sense the user's puff based on any one of a temperature change, a flow change, a voltage change, and a pressure change.

[0128] In addition to the temperature sensor 8220, the insertion detection sensor 8240, and the puff sensor 8260 described above, the sensing unit 8200 may further include at least one of a temperature / humidity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS), a proximity sensor, and an RGB sensor (illuminance sensor). Since the functions of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by an ordinary technician from its name, specific descriptions may be omitted.

[0129] The output unit 8300 can output information related to the state of the aerosol generating device 8000 and provide it to the user. The output unit 8300 may include at least one of a display unit 8320, a haptic unit 8340, and an acoustic output unit 8360, but is not limited thereto. When the display unit 8320 and the touch pad form a layer structure and are configured as a touch screen, the display unit 8320 can also be used as an input device in addition to the output device.

[0130] The display unit 8320 visually provides information related to the aerosol generating device 8000 to the user. For example, the information related to the aerosol generating device 8000 means various information such as the charge / discharge state of the battery 8400 of the aerosol generating device 8000, the preheating state of the heater 8500, the insertion / removal state of the aerosol generating article, or the state in which the use of the aerosol generating device 8000 is restricted (for example, abnormal article detection), and the display unit 8320 can output the information to the outside. The display unit 8320 is, for example, also a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), etc. Further, the display unit 8320 is also in the form of an LED light emitting element.

[0131] The haptic unit 8340 converts an electrical signal into a mechanical or electrical stimulus and provides information related to the aerosol generating device 8000 to the user tactilely. For example, the haptic unit 8340 may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0132] The acoustic output unit 8360 aurally provides information related to the aerosol generating device 8000 to the user. For example, the acoustic output unit 8360 can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

[0133] The battery 8400 can supply the power used for the operation of the aerosol generating device 8000. The battery 8400 can supply power so that the heater 8500 is heated. Also, the battery 8400 can supply the power necessary for the operation of other components (for example, the sensing unit 8200, the output unit 8300, the user input unit 8600, the memory 8700, and the communication unit 8800) provided in the aerosol generating device 8000. The battery 8400 can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 8400 can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0134] The heater 8500 can be supplied with power from the battery 8400 to heat the aerosol generating substance. Although not shown in FIG. 8, the aerosol generating device 8000 can further include a power conversion circuit (for example, a DC / DC converter) that converts the power of the battery 8400 and supplies it to the heater 8500. Also, when the aerosol generating device 8000 generates aerosol by an induction heating method, the aerosol generating device 8000 can further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power source of the battery 8400 into an AC power source.

[0135] The control unit 8100, the sensing unit 8200, the output unit 8300, the user input unit 8600, the memory 8700, and the communication unit 8800 can be supplied with power from the battery 8400 to perform their functions. Although not shown in FIG. 8, it can further include a power conversion circuit, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that converts the power of the battery 8400 and supplies it to each component.

[0136] In one embodiment, the heater 8500 can be made of any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, suitable electrically resistive materials can include, but are not limited to, metals or metal alloys such as titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc. Also, the heater 8500 can be embodied by, but is not limited to, a metal wire, a metal plate with conductive tracks disposed thereon, a ceramic heating element, and the like.

[0137] In other embodiments, the heater 8500 is also an induction heating type heater. For example, the heater 8500 can include a susceptor that generates heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil and heats the aerosol product substance.

[0138] The user input unit 8600 receives information input from the user or outputs information to the user. For example, the user input unit 8600 includes, but is not limited to, a keypad, a dome switch, a touch pad (a touch pad using, for example, a capacitive touch method, a resistive film pressure method, an infrared sensing method, a surface acoustic wave conduction method, an integrated tension measurement method, a piezo - effect method, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, and the like. Also, although not shown in FIG. 8, the aerosol generating device 8000 further includes a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and can be connected to other external devices via a connection interface such as a USB interface to transmit and receive information, or can charge the battery 8400.

[0139] The memory 8700 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device 8000, and can store the data processed by the control unit 8100 and the data to be processed. The memory 8700 can include at least one type of recording medium among flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia card micro type, card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), RAM (Random Access Memory), SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), ROM (Read-Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk. The memory 8700 can store data related to the operating time of the aerosol generating device 8000, the maximum puff count, the current puff count, at least one temperature profile, and the user's smoking pattern, etc.

[0140] The communication unit 8800 may include at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 8800 may include a short-range communication unit 8820 and a wireless communication unit 8840.

[0141] The short-range wireless communication unit 8820 may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee (registered trademark) communication unit, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, a UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc.

[0142] The wireless communication unit 8840 may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc. The wireless communication unit 8840 can identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device 8000 within the communication network using subscriber information (e.g., the International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)).

[0143] The control unit 8100 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 8000. In one embodiment, the control unit 8100 may include at least one processor. The processor can be implemented by an array of a large number of logic gates and can be implemented by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executed by the microprocessor. Also, those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which this embodiment belongs will understand that it can also be implemented by other forms of hardware.

[0144] The control unit 8100 can control the temperature of the heater 8500 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 8400 to the heater 8500. For example, the control unit 8100 can control the power supply by controlling the switching of a switching element between the battery 8400 and the heater 8500. In other examples, the heating direct circuit may control the power supply to the heater 8500 according to the control instructions of the control unit 8100.

[0145] The control unit 8100 can analyze the results sensed by the sensing unit 8200 and control subsequent processes. For example, based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 8200, the control unit 8100 can control the power supplied to the heater 8500 so that the operation of the heater 8500 is started or terminated. As another example, based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 8200, the control unit 8100 can control the amount and power supply time of the power supplied to the heater 8500 so that the heater 8500 is heated to a predetermined temperature or maintains an appropriate temperature.

[0146] The control unit 8100 can control the output unit 8300 based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 8200. For example, if the number of puffs counted via the puff sensor 8260 reaches a preset number, the control unit 8100 notifies the user that the aerosol generator 8000 is about to end via at least one of the display unit 8320, the haptic unit 8340, and the acoustic output unit 8360.

[0147] FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining a method of detecting the remaining amount of the aerosol generating substance and determining whether the main body is detached in the aerosol generator.

[0148] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 9, a method of operating the aerosol generator 100 according to an embodiment may include a step of applying a driving signal to the antenna 140 (S100), a step of receiving a sensing signal from the antenna 140 (S200), and a step of determining the remaining amount of the aerosol generating substance (or liquid) in the cartridge 2000 and whether the cartridge 2000 is detached based on the sensing signal (S300).

[0149] At this time, the aerosol generating device 100 may include a main body 1100 including a quasi-exterior portion 1100a having an accommodation space 1100p into which the cigarette 200 is inserted, a cartridge 2000 detachably coupled to the quasi-exterior portion 1100a, an antenna 140 disposed on one surface of the quasi-exterior portion 1100a so as to face one surface of the cartridge 2000, and a sensor SS that senses the capacitance value of the antenna 140.

[0150] In one embodiment, the antenna 140 may be composed of a single electrode. The single electrode is also a plate-shaped electrode extending along the z direction. By using the single electrode as the antenna 140 instead of a plurality of pair electrodes, the total capacitance between the antenna 140 and the cartridge 2000 can be calculated more accurately regardless of the inclination of the aerosol generating device 100. The single electrode according to one embodiment may have an area corresponding to the area of one side surface of the storage portion 2100 of the cartridge 2000, thereby enhancing the accuracy of measurement related to the remaining amount of the aerosol generating substance inside the cartridge 330.

[0151] Also, the single electrode may include a connection portion 141 at one end. The connection portion 141 may protrude in the direction (the +x direction in FIG. 3) from the antenna cover 150 toward the heater (110 in FIG. 3). One region of the connection portion 141 may be connected to the antenna 140, and another region of the connection portion 141 may be connected to an electrical connection member (190 in FIG. 4).

[0152] Information related to the capacitance of the cartridge 2000 measured by the antenna 140 may be provided to a sensor (SS in FIG. 6A) and a control unit (CTR in FIG. 6A) included in the printed circuit board (130 in FIG. 3) through the connection portion 141 and the electrical connection member 190. In one embodiment, the sensor SS may include a transmission unit TDC, a reception unit TRC, and an output interface unit INF.

[0153] The transmission unit TDC may be configured to supply a drive signal to the antenna 140. The transmission unit TDC may be configured to supply a drive signal to the antenna 140 during the first period. The transmission unit TDC may include a power supply PSP, a first switch SW1, a third switch SW3, and a fourth switch SW4.

[0154] The reception unit TRC may be configured to receive a sensing signal from the antenna 140. The reception unit TRC may be configured to receive a sensing signal from the antenna 140 during a second period after the first period. The first period and the second period do not overlap with each other. The reception unit TRC may include an integrator ITG and a second switch SW2. The integrator ITG may include an amplifier AMP, a capacitor Ca, and a reset switch SWr.

[0155] The output interface unit INF may be configured to transmit the sensing signal to the control unit CRT. The output interface unit INF may be configured to transmit the sensing signal to the control unit CRT during the second period. The output interface unit INF may include an analog-to-digital converter ADC.

[0156] In the step (S100) of applying a drive signal to the antenna 140, the power supply PSP can supply a drive signal VDD to the antenna 140 during the first period. For example, when the third switch SW3 is turned on during the first period, the power supply PSP can supply a drive signal VDD to the antenna 140. At this time, the capacitance between the antenna 140 and the cartridge 2000 is different depending on the remaining amount of the aerosol product substance (or liquid) in the cartridge 2000, and a difference occurs in the amount of charge charged to the antenna 140.

[0157] In the step of receiving a sensing signal from antenna 140 (S200), the second switch SW2 can electrically connect the integrator ITG and the antenna 140 during a second period after a first period. That is, the second switch SW2 is also in an on state during the second period. The integrator ITG can receive the sensing signal SI from the antenna 140 during the second period. For example, the integrator ITG can output a voltage signal corresponding to the amount of charge charged in the antenna 140 to the output terminal OUT1. The analog-to-digital converter ADC converts the voltage signal received from the integrator ITG into a digital value and transmits it to the control unit CTR, and the control unit CTR can calculate the total capacitance of the antenna 140 using the received digital value. At this time, the total capacitance of the antenna 140 means the total capacitance between the single electrode and the aerosol product substance.

[0158] In the step of determining the remaining amount of the aerosol product substance (or liquid) in the cartridge 2000 and whether the cartridge 2000 is detached based on the sensing signal (S300), when the total capacitance corresponds to a first range (for example, 100 [pF] to 92 [pF]), the control unit CTR determines the remaining amount of the aerosol product substance to the first level LV1, and when the total capacitance corresponds to a second range (for example, 92 [pF] to 70 [pF]), the control unit CTR determines the remaining amount of the aerosol product substance to the second level LV2, and when the total capacitance corresponds to a third range (for example, 70 [pF] to 5 [pF]), the control unit CTR determines the remaining amount of the aerosol product substance to the third level LV3. At this time, when the capacitances corresponding to the first range, the second range, and the third range are large in order, it is determined that the remaining amount of the aerosol product substance is large in the order of the first level LV1, the second level LV2, and the third level LV3.

[0159] The control unit (CTR in FIG. 6A) can control the power supplied from the battery (120 in FIG. 3) to the atomization unit 2200 based on the remaining amount of the aerosol generating substance (i.e., the first level LV1, the second level LV2, and the third level LV3). For the atomization unit 2200 including the core and the coil, when the level of the remaining amount of the aerosol generating substance is high (e.g., the first level LV1, the second level LV2), the speed at which the aerosol generating substance is transferred outside the cartridge 2000 along the core is fast, and when the level of the remaining amount of the aerosol generating substance is low (e.g., the third level LV3), the speed at which the aerosol generating substance is transferred outside the cartridge 2000 along the core is slow.

[0160] Thereby, when the transfer speed of the aerosol generating substance is fast, it may be required that more power is supplied to the coil, and when the transfer speed of the aerosol generating substance is slow, it may be required that less power is supplied to the coil.

[0161] If the power supply is not controlled to match the speed at which the aerosol generating substance is transferred, the aerosol may be generated non-uniformly from the aerosol generating device 100. Also, when the transfer speed of the aerosol generating substance is slow, if the power supply is not decreased, the core may burn. The control unit (CTR in FIG. 6A) can improve the aerosol quality by controlling the power supplied to the coil based on the remaining amount level of the aerosol generating substance and maintaining the amount of the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating device 100 uniformly.

[0162] When the total capacitance is less than or equal to a preset threshold value (e.g., 5 [pF]), the control unit CTR determines that the cartridge 2000 is separated from the quasi-exterior part 1100a (or the main body 1100). As such, the aerosol generating device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention can not only detect the remaining amount of the aerosol generating substance in the cartridge 2000 using a sensor (SS in FIG. 6A), but also simultaneously detect whether the cartridge 2000 is coupled to the main body 1100, so that the effect of reducing power consumption can be expected. In the case of an embodiment in which it is determined whether the cartridge 2000 is attached to the main body 1100 based on whether a current flows between the connection electrodes of the cartridge 2000, since a current is supplied to the electrodes using the power supply of the heater (110 in FIG. 3), additional power consumption occurs.

[0163] The control unit CTR according to an embodiment can sense the total capacitance of the cartridge 2000 using the antenna 140 and the sensor SS at a specific time. For example, the control unit CTR can sense the total capacitance when the cover (1000 in FIG. 1) is separated from the main body (1100 in FIG. 1), when the power supply of the aerosol generating device 100 is turned on, and when the power supply of the aerosol generating device 100 is turned off, if any one of these cases applies. That is, by utilizing the period when the user does not use the aerosol generating device 100, it is possible to check whether the cartridge 2000 is detached and the remaining amount of the aerosol generating substance in the cartridge 2000.

[0164] One embodiment may also be embodied in the form of a recording medium including computer-executable instructions such as program modules executed by a computer. A computer-readable medium is also any available medium accessible by a computer, including both volatile and non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media. Also, a computer-readable medium may include both computer storage media and communication media. A computer storage media includes any method or technology embodied by volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media for the storage of information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. A communication media typically includes modulated data signals such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data, or other transmission mechanisms, and includes any information delivery media.

[0165] The description of the above-described embodiments is merely illustrative, and those having ordinary knowledge in the relevant technical field will understand that various modifications and equivalent other embodiments are possible therefrom. Therefore, the true scope of protection of the invention must be determined by the claims, and all differences within the scope equivalent to the content described in the claims must be construed as being included in the scope of protection determined by the claims.

Claims

1. A main body including a quasi-exterior part having a receiving space into which a cigarette is inserted, a cartridge detachably coupled to the quasi-exterior part, an antenna disposed on one surface of the quasi-exterior part so as to face one surface of the cartridge, a sensor for sensing a capacitance value of the antenna, and a control unit electrically connected to the sensor, wherein the control unit determines a remaining amount of an aerosol generating substance in the cartridge and whether the cartridge is detached based on the capacitance value, an aerosol generating device.

2. further including an antenna cover disposed between the antenna and the cartridge, wherein the antenna is disposed on a first surface of the antenna cover, and one surface of the cartridge is disposed to contact a second surface of the antenna cover, which is the opposite surface of the first surface, the aerosol generating device according to claim 1.

3. wherein the antenna is made of a metal material, the antenna cover is made of a plastic material, and the antenna and the antenna cover are formed through insert molding, the aerosol generating device according to claim 2.

4. wherein the antenna is composed of a single electrode having a height corresponding to a height of the cartridge, the aerosol generating device according to claim 1.

5. The sensor includes a transmitting unit for applying a driving signal to the single electrode, a receiving unit for receiving a sensing signal from the single electrode, and an output interface unit for transmitting the sensing signal to the control unit, the aerosol generating device according to claim 4.

6. wherein the control unit calculates a total capacitance between the single electrode and the aerosol generating substance based on the sensing signal, the aerosol generating device according to claim 5.

7. wherein the control unit determines that the cartridge is separated from the quasi-exterior part when the total capacitance is equal to or less than a preset threshold value, the aerosol generating device according to claim 6.

8. wherein the control unit determines the remaining amount of the aerosol generating substance as a first level based on the total capacitance corresponding to a first range, determines the remaining amount of the aerosol generating substance as a second level based on the total capacitance corresponding to a second range, and determines the remaining amount of the aerosol generating substance as a third level based on the total capacitance corresponding to a third range, the aerosol generating device according to claim 6.

9. If the capacitance decreases in the order of the first range, the second range, and the third range, the remaining amount of the aerosol product substance decreases in the order of the first level, the second level, and the third level, the aerosol generating device according to claim 8.

10. The cartridge includes a storage unit for storing the aerosol product substance and an atomization unit for vaporizing the aerosol product substance, the aerosol generating device according to claim 1.

11. Further including a cover detachably coupled to the main body, When the cover is separated from the main body, when it corresponds to either one of when the power is turned on and when the power is turned off, the control unit senses the capacitance value using the sensor, the aerosol generating device according to claim 1.

12. In an operating method of an aerosol generating device including a main body including a quasi-exterior portion having a storage space into which a cigarette is inserted, a cartridge detachably coupled to the quasi-exterior portion, an antenna disposed on one surface of the quasi-exterior portion so as to face one surface of the cartridge, and a sensor for sensing the capacitance value of the antenna, Applying a driving signal to the antenna; Receiving a sensing signal corresponding to the driving signal from the antenna; Determining the remaining amount of the aerosol product substance in the cartridge and whether the cartridge is detached based on the sensing signal, an operating method of an aerosol generating device.

13. The step of determining the remaining amount of the aerosol product substance in the cartridge and whether the cartridge is detached includes calculating the total capacitance between the single electrode and the aerosol product substance based on the sensing signal, the operating method of the aerosol generating device according to claim 12.

14. The determining step determines that the cartridge is separated from the quasi-exterior portion based on the total capacitance that is less than or equal to a preset threshold value, the operating method of the aerosol generating device according to claim 13.

15. The determining step determines the remaining amount of the aerosol product substance to be at the first level based on the total capacitance corresponding to the first range, determines the remaining amount of the aerosol product substance to be at the second level based on the total capacitance corresponding to the second range, and determines the remaining amount of the aerosol product substance to be at the third level based on the total capacitance corresponding to the third range, the operating method of the aerosol generating device according to claim 13.

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