Aerosol generating device

Abstract

An aerosol generation device, a control unit, and a method are provided, the aerosol generation device (100) including: a body (106) for receiving an aerosol substrate (102), the body (106) having an opening (118) configured to receive the aerosol substrate (102), a controller (122) housed within the body (106) for controlling the aerosol generation device (100), a movable cover (128) operable to move between a first position that prevents insertion of the aerosol substrate (102) and a second position that allows insertion of the aerosol substrate (102), and a sensor (130) configured to generate a signal indicative of the position of the movable cover (128), the sensor (130) being electrically connected to the controller (122) such that the controller (122) controls the aerosol generation device (100) based on the position of the movable cover (128).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device. [Background technology]

[0002] A conventional aerosol generation device includes a heater and control electronics configured to control the heater to heat an aerosol substrate, which a user can insert into a cavity of the aerosol generation device through an opening, thereby allowing the heater to heat the aerosol substrate to generate an aerosol for inhalation.

[0003] Some aerosol generating devices may have a cover that covers an opening in the aerosol generating device. Typically, the cover simply covers the opening and functions to prevent unwanted materials from entering the aerosol generating device. The cover typically does not interact with any other elements of the aerosol generating device.

[0004] Because aerosol generating devices are typically portable, continued operation of the aerosol generating device can quickly deplete the power source of the aerosol generating device.

[0005] In these conventional aerosol generating devices, the heater may be manually controlled by the user or may be configured to be "on" whenever the aerosol generating device is "on," regardless of the presence or absence of an aerosol substrate or the position of the cover. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to overcome at least some of the above problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to a first aspect, there is provided an aerosol generation device for receiving an aerosol substrate, the aerosol generation device comprising: a body having an opening configured to receive the aerosol substrate; a controller housed within the body for controlling the aerosol generation device; a movable cover operable to move between a first position that prevents insertion of the aerosol substrate and a second position that allows insertion of the aerosol substrate; and a sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of the position of the movable cover, the sensor being electrically connected to the controller such that the controller controls the aerosol generation device based on the position of the movable cover.

[0008] Such a design is highly advantageous because it allows the device to operate when the cover is in a specific position, thus conserving power by powering the device only when needed.

[0009] Additionally, this configuration prevents accidental activation of the device.

[0010] In one example, the aerosol generating device further includes at least one heater configured to heat an accepted aerosol substrate during use, one or more secondary electronic components, and a first voltage regulator having an enable pin electrically connected to an I / O pin of the controller and an output pin electrically connected to the one or more secondary electronic components, the first voltage regulator configured to be activated when the movable cover is moved from a first position to a second position, and the first voltage regulator configured to control the supply of power to the one or more secondary electronic components when activated.

[0011] In this way, the one or more secondary electronic components are activated only when the cover is moved from the first position to the second position, thus reducing power consumption. However, the at least one heater does not necessarily have to be activated when the cover is moved from the first position to the second position to avoid unnecessary heating.

[0012] In one example, the aerosol generating device further includes a circuit board configured to be attached to the controller and the first voltage regulator, and the one or more secondary electronic components include a first thermistor configured to detect user inhalation, and the at least one heater is electrically connected to the circuit board via a first connecting member, and the first thermistor is electrically connected to the circuit board via a second connecting member different from the first connecting member.

[0013] Because the thermistor consumes power continuously when activated, the power consumed by the thermistor is large compared to other electronic components. Therefore, by activating the thermistor only when the movable cover moves from the first position to the second position, power consumption is reduced. Furthermore, the large current supplied to the at least one heater may generate noise when flowing through the first connecting member. If such noise interferes with the output signal of the first thermistor, it becomes difficult to detect inhalation by a user using the output signal of the first thermistor. By separating the first connecting member from the second connecting member, the output signal of the first thermistor is effectively protected from such noise.

[0014] In one example, the one or more secondary electronic components include a second thermistor configured to detect a temperature of the at least one heater, the second thermistor being electrically connected to the circuit board via the first connecting member.

[0015] In this way, the second thermistor is activated only when the cover is moved from the first position to the second position, thereby reducing power consumption. To detect the temperature of the at least one heater more accurately, the second thermistor is preferably mounted near the at least one heater. Since the first connecting member is connected to the at least one heater, the second thermistor can be connected to the circuit board via the second connecting member, effectively reducing the number of components while maintaining the accuracy of the detected temperature of the at least one heater.

[0016] In one example, the first connection member includes a first GND line connected to at least one heater and a second GND line connected to the second thermistor, and the first GND line and the second GND line are insulated on the first connection member.

[0017] The generated noise is absorbed by the ground (GND) line, converted into heat, and absorbed by the ground. In this way, noise generated due to a larger current supplied to at least one heater is effectively absorbed by the first GND rather than interfering with the output signal of the second thermistor. By separating the first GND and the second GND, even if there is a temporary fluctuation in the potential of the first GND when noise is absorbed and converted into heat, it has little effect on the output signal of the second thermistor.

[0018] In one example, the circuit board includes a first ground and a second ground different from the first ground, the first GND line is electrically connected to the first ground, and the second GND line is electrically connected to the second ground.

[0019] In this way, the first GND line may be substantially isolated from the second GND line, thereby reducing or eliminating electrical interaction between them. The first GND may also function as a power ground (GND), and the second GND may function as a signal ground (GND).

[0020] In one example, the aerosol generating device further includes at least one heater configured to heat an accepted aerosol substrate when in use, one or more secondary electronic components, a NOT gate having an input pin electrically connected to the sensor and an output pin, and a first voltage regulator having an enable pin electrically connected to the output pin of the NOT gate and an output pin electrically connected to the one or more secondary electronic components, wherein the first voltage regulator is configured to activate when the movable cover is moved from a first position to a second position, and when activated, the first voltage regulator is configured to control the supply of power to the one or more secondary electronic components.

[0021] In this way, by bypassing the controller, more responsive operation can be achieved. Furthermore, a smaller controller can be used, thus saving space and cost inside the aerosol generating device. In addition, the controller can use its computational resources for other calculations. As a result, the computational efficiency of the controller may be improved.

[0022] In one example, the controller is not electrically connected to the enable pin of the first voltage regulator.

[0023] In this way, the controller may be bypassed in the process of sensing the position of the movable cover, and a smaller controller may be used because a common input / output (I / O) pin for the enable pin of the first voltage regulator is no longer needed.

[0024] In one example, the aerosol generating device further includes one or more tertiary electronic components and a second voltage regulator having an output pin electrically connected to the one or more tertiary electronic components and an enable pin, the second voltage regulator configured to control the supply of power to the one or more tertiary electronic components when activated.

[0025] In this manner, the timing of operation of the secondary electronic component and one or more tertiary electronic components can be independently controlled, which may result in improved functionality and energy consumption.

[0026] In one example, the second voltage regulator is configured to be continuously operated regardless of the signal generated by the sensor.

[0027] In this way, power supply to the basic electronic components, which may consist of one or more tertiary electronic components, can continue regardless of the position of the movable cover.

[0028] In one example, the aerosol generating device further includes a first resistor, wherein the VDD pin of the controller is electrically connected to the output pin of the second voltage regulator, one end of the resistor is electrically connected in parallel to the enable pin of the first voltage regulator and the I / O pin of the controller, and the other end of the resistor is electrically connected to the enable pin of the second voltage regulator.

[0029] In this way, even if a low-level signal is input to the enable pin of the first voltage regulator from another electronic component (for example, the NOT gate described above), the potential of the enable pin of the second voltage regulator can be maintained at a high level, thereby allowing one or more tertiary electronic components connected to the output pin of the second voltage regulator to operate continuously.

[0030] In one example, the aerosol generating device further includes a power supply configured to supply power to at least one heater and a charger IC configured to charge the power supply, and an enable pin of the first voltage regulator and an enable pin of the second voltage regulator are electrically connected to a SYS pin of the power supply or the charger IC.

[0031] In this way, even if a low-level signal is input to the enable pin of the first voltage regulator from another electronic component (e.g., the NOT gate mentioned above), the potential of the enable pin of the second voltage regulator can be maintained at a high level by the SYS pin of the power supply or charger IC.

[0032] In one example, the aerosol generating device further includes a thermistor electrically connected to the power source, and a voltage regulator having an output pin electrically connected to the thermistor, an input pin electrically connected to the power source, and an enable pin electrically connected to the power source, wherein the controller is configured to suppress power from the power source to the thermistor via the voltage regulator when the movable cover is in a first position, and the controller is configured to enable power to be supplied from the power source to the thermistor via the voltage regulator when the movable cover is in a second position.

[0033] In this way, the number of integrated circuits is reduced, thus simplifying the construction of the aerosol-generating device. This reduction simplifies the manufacturing process and therefore reduces costs. In addition, it can provide manufacturing continuity during the global semiconductor shortage.

[0034] In one example, one end of the thermistor is electrically connected to an output pin of the voltage regulator, and the other end of the thermistor is electrically connected to an I / O pin of the controller, and the controller is configured to output a voltage signal having the same voltage value as the output voltage of the voltage regulator from the I / O pin when the movable cover is in the first position.

[0035] In this way, the potential across the thermistor is kept at the same level, so that the power supply to the thermistor is easily suppressed.

[0036] In one example, the aerosol generating device further includes a switch configured to be operable by a user, and the controller is configured to be restarted when a user input is received and when the movable cover is moved between the first position and the second position.

[0037] In this way, accidental or erroneous restarts of the controller are avoided.

[0038] In one example, the aerosol generating device further includes a restart controller having a reset pin configured to output a reset signal, a first input pin electrically connected to the switch, and a second input pin electrically connected to the sensor, wherein the restart controller is configured to be activated when the first input pin and the second input pin receive signals of respective predetermined levels for a predetermined duration, and the activated restart controller is configured to output the reset signal only for the predetermined time so that the controller is restarted.

[0039] In this way, the controller can be rebooted to resolve any associated issues (e.g., freezing).

[0040] In one example, the sensor includes a Hall Effect sensor.

[0041] In this way, rather than relying on constant monitoring of the cover's position, a Hall effect sensor can be used to detect when the cover crosses a threshold position, thereby reducing the power consumption of the sensor. Additionally, the mechanical robustness of the device may be improved because physical contact between the cover and the sensor is no longer required.

[0042] According to a second aspect, a control unit for an aerosol generating device is provided, the control unit including a controller for controlling the aerosol generating device and a sensor configured to generate data indicating the position of a movable cover on the aerosol generating device, the sensor being electrically connected to the controller, such that the controller outputs a control signal to the aerosol generating device based on the data received from the sensor.

[0043] Such a control unit is highly advantageous as it can operate the device when the cover is in a particular position, thus conserving power by only powering the device when needed.

[0044] Additionally, the control unit prevents accidental activation of the device.

[0045] According to a third aspect, there is provided a method for controlling an aerosol generating device, the method comprising: generating, in a sensor, data indicating the position of a movable cover on said aerosol generating device; receiving, in a controller, the generated data; and outputting a control signal to said aerosol generating device based on the data received from the sensor.

[0046] Such an approach is highly advantageous as it allows the device to operate when the cover is in a particular position, thus conserving power by only powering the device when needed.

[0047] Additionally, the control unit prevents accidental activation of the device.

[0048] Such a construction is highly advantageous, particularly for the reasons discussed above in relation to the first embodiment.

[0049] Examples of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0050] [Figure 1a] 1 shows a perspective view of an aerosol generation device with a movable cover in a first position. [Figure 1b] 1 shows a perspective view of an aerosol generation device with a movable cover in a second position. [Figure 2a] 1 shows a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generation device with a movable cover in a first position. [Figure 2b] 1 shows a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generation device with a movable cover in a second position. [Figure 3] 1 shows a representative circuit diagram corresponding to a first configuration of the aerosol generation device in which the movable cover is in a first position. [Figure 4] 1 shows a representative circuit diagram corresponding to a first configuration of the aerosol generation device in which the movable cover is in a second position. [Figure 5] 1 shows a representative circuit diagram corresponding to a second configuration of the aerosol generating device. [Figure 6] 1 shows a representative circuit diagram corresponding to a third configuration of the aerosol generating device. [Figure 7] A representative circuit diagram corresponding to a fourth configuration of the aerosol generation device in which the movable cover is in a first position is shown. [Figure 8] A representative circuit diagram corresponding to a fourth configuration of the aerosol generating device in which the movable cover is in a second position is shown. [Figure 9] 10 shows a representative circuit diagram corresponding to a fifth configuration of the aerosol generating device. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram illustrating a method for controlling an aerosol generating device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0051] 1a and 1b, perspective views of an aerosol generation device 100 are shown. The aerosol generation device 100 comprises a body 106. The aerosol generation device 100 further comprises an opening 118 and a movable cover 128 configured to move between a first position (as shown in FIG. 1a) and a second position (as shown in FIG. 1b). In the first position, the movable cover 128 may cover the opening 118. In the second position, the movable cover 128 may be spaced from the opening 118 so that the opening 118 is exposed so that a user can insert the aerosol substrate 102. In the first position, the movable cover 128 prevents insertion of the aerosol substrate 102. In the second position, the movable cover 128 allows insertion of the aerosol substrate 102. In other words, the first position can be interpreted as a closed position, and the second position can be interpreted as an open position.

[0052] 2a, there is shown a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device 100. The aerosol generating device 100 is suitable for receiving an aerosol substrate 102 (as shown in FIG. 2b). The aerosol generating device 100 is also suitable for generating an aerosol from the aerosol substrate 102. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may include a passageway 120 through which the aerosol substrate 102 is received and a chamber 104 within which at least a portion of the aerosol substrate 102 is housed.

[0053] The aerosol substrate 102 may form part of a consumable product or may be a consumable product. The consumable product may include the aerosol substrate 102. The consumable product may include a housing that contains the aerosol substrate 102.

[0054] The present invention is not limited to the particular aerosol generating device 100 or aerosol substrate 102 described herein, provided that the aerosol generating device 100 or aerosol substrate 102 is in accordance with the appended claims. That is, the description of the aerosol generating device 100 and aerosol substrate 102 is provided for illustrative purposes only. Those skilled in the art will recognize that alternative configurations of the aerosol generating device and consumables are compatible with the present invention.

[0055] As used herein, the term aerosol substrate is a label used to refer to an aerosol- or vapor-generating medium. It may be synonymous with inhalable material or aerosol-generating medium. The term aerosol substrate includes liquid or solid materials that typically provide volatile components in the form of a vapor or aerosol. The aerosol substrate 102 may be a non-tobacco-containing material or a tobacco-containing material. The aerosol substrate 102 may include, for example, one or more of tobacco itself, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco extract, homogenized tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. The aerosol substrate 102 may also include other non-tobacco products that may or may not contain nicotine, depending on the product. The aerosol substrate 102 may also include one or more humectants, such as glycerin or propylene glycol.

[0056] The aerosol generating device 100 includes a body 106. The body 106 may be an outer casing or other structure for housing the components of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0057] The aerosol generating device 100 may include at least one heater 112 as an example of a vaporizer. The at least one heater 112 may include a heating circuit and / or may be part of a heating assembly. In one example, the at least one heater 112 is for heating the aerosol substrate 102 during use, as shown in FIG. 2b.

[0058] In one example, the at least one heater 112 includes a single heater 112. In a further example, the at least one heater 112 includes multiple heaters 112. The at least one heater 112 may include a resistive heater and / or an electromagnetic induction heater.

[0059] The at least one heater 112 may include a chamber or volume. The chamber may be suitable for receiving the aerosol substrate 102 therein. That is, the chamber of the at least one heater 112 may be the chamber 104 of the aerosol generating device 100. The chamber may provide or define an oven. The at least one heater 112 may be provided inside the chamber (i.e., inside the chamber) or outside the chamber. That is, the at least one heater 112 may be provided inside the oven or outside the oven.

[0060] 2b, the body 106 includes an opening 118 through which a user can insert the aerosol substrate 102 into the aerosol generation device 100. Upon insertion, a portion of the aerosol substrate 102 may protrude from the opening 118, allowing a user to draw on the aerosol substrate 102 and inhale the generated aerosol during use. In other words, the movable cover 128 preferably cannot be moved from the second position to the first position while the aerosol substrate 102 is being inserted or has been inserted into the chamber 104. The opening 118 may be sized to receive the aerosol substrate 102.

[0061] The aerosol generating device 100 includes a controller 122 (or control circuit). The controller 122 may be a microcontroller unit (MCU) or a microprocessing unit (MPU). The controller 122 may be for electronic management of the aerosol generating device 100. The aerosol generating device 100 may include a circuit board 124, such as a printed circuit board (PCB). The circuit board 124 may have the controller 122 mounted thereon. The circuit board 124 may have several additional components mounted thereon. For example, the circuit board 124 may have a charger IC 138, a first voltage regulator 150, a second voltage regulator 156, a tertiary electronic component 158, a NOT gate 180, and a restart controller 172 mounted thereon. The at least one heater 112 may be electrically connected to the circuit board 124. The electrical connection between the at least one heater 112 and the circuit board 124 is facilitated by a first connecting member 126.

[0062] The controller 122 may include a memory 142 for storing instructions and / or data internally. The controller 122 may be configured to control the at least one heater 112 by using instructions and / or data stored in the memory. Alternatively or additionally, memory located external to the controller 122 may be utilized.

[0063] The movable cover 128 is operable to move between a first position that prevents insertion of the aerosol substrate 102 and a second position that allows insertion of the aerosol substrate 102. The movable cover 128 may be disposed in the first position so that it can cover the opening 118. The movable cover 128 may be disposed in the second position so that it can expose the opening 118. The movable cover 128 may be operable to move between the first position in which it substantially covers the opening 118 (as shown in FIGS. 1a, 2a, and 3) and the second position in which the opening 118 is substantially uncovered by the movable cover 128 (as shown in FIGS. 1b, 2b, and 4). In the second position, a user can insert the aerosol substrate 102 into the opening 118 to be received within the chamber 104.

[0064] The movable cover 128 may be a slidable cover. The movable cover 128 may be movable along corresponding rails within the body 106. The movable cover 128 may be held in place by cooperating magnets. The movable cover 128 may be biased to a closed position. In other examples, the movable cover 128 may pivot about an axis of rotation (not shown) to move between a first position and a second position.

[0065] The aerosol generation device 100 includes a sensor 130 configured to generate a signal indicative of the position of the movable cover 128. The sensor 130 is electrically connected to the controller 122 such that the controller 122 controls the aerosol generation device 100 based on the detected position of the movable cover 128.

[0066] In one example, the sensor 130 includes a Hall effect sensor. In this example, the movable cover 128 may include a magnet and / or a magnetic metal. The sensor 130 may detect the movement and / or position of the movable cover 128. For example, when the movable cover 128 is in a first position, as shown in FIG. 2A, the movable cover 128 does not cover the sensor 130, and therefore the sensor 130 does not magnetically interact with the movable cover 128. In this case, the sensor 130 outputs a first level signal (e.g., a high level signal) to the controller 122. The sensor 130 may detect the movement and / or position of the movable cover 128. On the other hand, when the movable cover 128 is in a second position, as shown in FIG. 2B, the movable cover 128 covers the sensor 130, and therefore the sensor 130 magnetically interacts with the movable cover 128. In this case, the sensor 130 outputs a second level signal (e.g., a low level signal) to the controller 122. The controller 122 interprets this signal as movement of the movable cover 128 from the first position to the second position or vice versa. That is, the controller 122 may determine whether the movable cover 128 is in the open position or the closed position based on the signal from the sensor 130.

[0067] Sensor 130 may be any mechanical / electrical / magnetic sensor configured to directly or indirectly sense the position of movable cover 128 .

[0068] The aerosol generating device 100 may include one or more secondary electronic components 132. The one or more secondary electronic components 132 may be, for example, a thermistor, an input sensor, or a puff sensor. The thermistor may be configured to detect a user's inhalation due to a temperature change during inhalation. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the one or more secondary electronic components 132 may be electrically connected to the circuit board 124 via a second connection member 134 that is different from the first connection member 126 connecting the at least one heater 112 and the circuit board 124. That is, the at least one heater 112 and the one or more secondary electronic components 132 are separately and distinctly connected to the circuit board 124.

[0069] If one of the one or more secondary electronic components 132 is a thermistor configured to detect user inhalation, another of the one or more secondary electronic components 132 may be a second thermistor 144 configured to detect the temperature of the at least one heater 112. The controller 122 may control the temperature of the at least one heater 112 based on the output signal of the second thermistor 144 so that a preferred taste and amount of aerosol is generated. That is, the one or more secondary electronic components 132 may include a first thermistor 132 and a second thermistor 144. In this example, the first thermistor 132 may be configured to detect user inhalation, and the second thermistor 144 may be configured to detect the temperature of the at least one heater 112.

[0070] Resistor 194 is connected between output pin 186 of first voltage regulator 150 and one end of first thermistor 132. In other words, first thermistor 132 and resistor 194 form a voltage divider circuit that divides the regulated voltage output from output pin 186 of first voltage regulator 150. A divided voltage dependent on the temperature of first thermistor 132 is input to I / O pin 198 of controller 122, allowing controller 122 to detect the user's inhalation based on the input signal from I / O pin 198.

[0071] The resistor 196 is connected between the output pin 186 of the first voltage regulator 150 and one end of the second thermistor 144. In other words, the second thermistor 144 and the resistor 196 form a voltage divider circuit that divides the regulated voltage output from the output pin 186 of the first voltage regulator 150. The divided voltage, which is dependent on the temperature of the second thermistor 144, is input to an I / O pin 200 of the controller 122, allowing the controller 122 to detect the temperature of the at least one heater 112.

[0072] In this example, the first thermistor 132 is electrically connected to the circuit board 124 via the second connecting member 134, and the second thermistor 144 is electrically connected to the circuit board 124 via the first connecting member 126. The first connecting member 126 and the second connecting member 134 may be flexible printed circuit boards.

[0073] The first connection member 126 may include a first GND line 146 connected to the at least one heater 112. The first connection member 126 may include a second GND line 148 connected to the second thermistor 144. The first GND line 146 and the second GND line 148 may be insulated on the first connection member 126.

[0074] In one example, the circuit board 124 includes a first ground and a second ground (not shown). The first ground may be, for example, a wide copper foil inside the circuit board 124. The second ground may also be, for example, another wide copper foil separated from the copper foil formed on the first ground. In this example, the first GND 146 line of the first connection member 126 is electrically connected to the first ground of the circuit board 124. The second GND line 148 of the first connection member 126 may be electrically connected to the second ground of the circuit board 124. That is, the first GND 146 line and the second GND line 148 are separately connected to ground.

[0075] By separating the first GND line 146 and the second GND line 148 and connecting the first GND line 146 and the second GND line 148 to separate grounds, noise generated by a larger current supplied to the at least one heater 112 is effectively absorbed by the first ground connected to the first GND line 146 rather than interfering with the output signal of the second thermistor 144. Temporary fluctuations in the potential of the first ground when the noise is absorbed and converted into heat have little effect on the output signal of the second thermistor 144.

[0076] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the aerosol generating device 100 may further include a first voltage regulator 150. The first voltage regulator 150 may be a low dropout regulator (LDO) or a DC / DC converter. The first voltage regulator 150 may be configured to be activated when the movable cover 128 is moved from the first position to the second position. The first voltage regulator 150 may include an enable pin 152. The enable pin 152 may be electrically connected to a general input / output (I / O) pin 154 on the controller 122. The first voltage regulator 150 may include an output pin 186. The output pin 186 may be connected to one or more secondary components 132. If the enable pin 152 of the first voltage regulator 150 employs positive logic, the first voltage regulator 150 outputs a regulated voltage from the output pin only when a high-level signal is input to the enable pin 152. On the other hand, if the enable pin 152 of the first voltage regulator 150 employs negative logic, the first voltage regulator 150 outputs a regulated voltage from the output pin only when a low-level signal is input to the enable pin 152.

[0077] In this example, when the movable cover 128 is moved from a first position to a second position, the sensor 130 can detect the movement of the movable cover 128, and the sensor 130 can then send a signal to the controller 122. The controller 122 may then send a signal to activate the first voltage regulator 150. The first voltage regulator 150 may be configured to control the supply of power to the one or more secondary electronic components 132 upon receiving the signal from the controller 122. That is, the first voltage regulator 150 may be configured to control the supply of power to the one or more secondary electronic components 132 upon being activated. This is explicitly shown by the connection between the first voltage regulator 150 and the one or more secondary electronic components 132 being a dashed line in FIG. 3 (i.e., when the movable cover 128 is in the first position) and a solid line in FIG. 4 (i.e., when the movable cover 128 is in the second position).

[0078] In another example, the aerosol generation device 100 includes at least one heater 112 configured to heat the received aerosol substrate 102 during use. In this example, the aerosol generation device 100 further includes one or more secondary electrical components 132. In one example, as shown in FIG. 5 , the aerosol generation device 100 includes a NOT gate 180 having an input pin 182 and an output pin 184. The NOT gate 180 outputs an inverse signal of a signal input to the input pin 182 from the output pin 184. For example, when a low-level signal is input to the input pin 182, the NOT gate 180 outputs a high-level signal, and vice versa. The input pin 182 of the NOT gate 180 may be electrically connected to the sensor 130. In this example, the aerosol generation device 100 includes a first voltage regulator 150. The first voltage regulator 150 may include an enable pin 152 and an output pin 186. The enable pin 152 of the first voltage regulator 150 may be electrically connected to the output pin 184 of the NOT gate 180. The output pin 186 of the first voltage regulator 150 may be electrically connected to one or more secondary electronic components 132. In this example, the sensor 130 outputs a low-level signal when the movable cover 128 is in the second position, and the enable pin 152 of the first voltage regulator 150 uses positive logic. A high-level signal, which is an inverted low-level signal from the sensor 130, is input to the enable pin 152 of the first voltage regulator 150, so that the first voltage regulator 150 is configured to be activated when the movable cover 128 moves from the first position to the second position. When activated, the first voltage regulator 150 may be configured to control the supply of power to the one or more secondary electronic components 132.

[0079] In this example, controller 122 is not electrically connected to enable pin 152 of first voltage regulator 150. Therefore, a smaller controller can be employed as controller 122 because the I / O pin connected to enable pin 152 is no longer needed.

[0080] The aerosol generating device 100 may include one or more tertiary electronic components 158. The aerosol generating device 100 may include a second voltage regulator 156. The second voltage regulator 156 may be a low dropout regulator (LDO) or a DC / DC converter. In this example, the second voltage regulator 156 includes an output pin 160 and an enable pin 162. The output pin 160 may be electrically connected to one or more tertiary electronic components 158. The second voltage regulator 156 may be configured, when activated, to control the supply of power to the one or more tertiary electronic components 158.

[0081] The tertiary electronic component 158 ​​may be, for example, an MCU (controller 122), an LED driver, a memory IC, a Hall IC (sensor 130), a switch 140, a restart controller 172, a haptic driver, an accelerometer, a gyro sensor, or a wireless communication module. Although the controller 122 and the sensor 130 are shown separate from the tertiary electronic component 158 ​​in Figures 3, 4, 6, and 9, they may form part of the tertiary electronic component 158.

[0082] In one example, the second voltage regulator 156 is configured to operate continuously regardless of the signal generated by the sensor 130 .

[0083] The aerosol generation device 100 may include a power source 136. The power source may be a battery (e.g., a lithium-ion secondary battery) and / or a capacitor. The power source 136 may supply the aerosol generation device 100 with power providing a voltage in the range of 2.5 V to 4.2 V. In a preferred embodiment, the voltage source is a lithium-ion secondary battery delivering a value of 3.7 V. Such a voltage source is particularly advantageous for modern aerosol generation devices 100 in that it is rechargeable.

[0084] The power source 136 may be housed in the body 106. The power source 136 may be permanently disposed within the body 106 or may be replaceable with another power source (e.g., by using a replacement battery or the like). The power source 136 may provide power to at least one heater 112. The at least one heater 112 may be energized by the power source 136. The power source 136 may also be configured to provide power to other electrical components of the aerosol generation device 100 (e.g., the controller 122).

[0085] The aerosol generating device 100 may further include a charger IC 138. In this example, the charger IC 138 is configured to charge the power supply 136 by using power supplied from an external power source. As shown in FIG. 6, the charger IC 138 may include a SYS pin 164. In one example, as shown in FIG. 6, the enable pin 152 of the first voltage regulator 150 and the enable pin 162 of the second voltage regulator 156 are electrically connected in parallel to the SYS pin 164 of the charger IC 138. In this example, the power supply 136 supplies power through the SYS pin 164 of the charger IC 138. In this example, external power may also supply power through the SYS pin 164 of the charger IC 138 by using a power path function.

[0086] The aerosol generating device 100 may further include a first resistor 192. The controller 122 may include a VDD pin 190 electrically connected to the output pin 160 of the second voltage regulator 156, the output pin 186 of the first voltage regulator 150, or the output pin 168 of the voltage regulator 166. One end of the first resistor 192 may be electrically connected in parallel to the enable pin 152 of the first voltage regulator 150 and the I / O pin 154 of the controller 122. In this example, the other end of the first resistor 192 is electrically connected in parallel to the enable pin 162 of the second voltage regulator 156 and the SYS pin 164 of the charger IC 164. The first resistor 192 may separate the input signal of the enable pin 152 of the first voltage regulator 150 from the input signal of the enable pin 162 of the second voltage regulator 156. Therefore, the input signal to the enable pin 162 of the second voltage regulator 156 is maintained at a high level even while the controller outputs a low level signal to the enable pin 152 of the first voltage regulator 150. This may lead to continuous operation of the tertiary electronic component 158.

[0087] In another example, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 , the aerosol generating device 100 includes a thermistor 132 electrically connected to a power supply 136. In this example, the aerosol generating device 100 includes a voltage regulator 166, but does not include the second voltage regulator 156 described above. Note that the number of voltage regulators present in the aerosol generating device is not limited to one. The aerosol generating device 100 in this example may include an additional voltage regulator for another purpose. The voltage regulator 166 may be a low-dropout regulator or a DC / DC converter. The voltage regulator 166 includes an output pin 168 and an enable pin 170. The output pin 168 may be connected to the thermistor 132 and the thermistor 144. The enable pin 170 may be electrically connected to the power supply 136 and the I / O pin 154 of the controller 122. In this example, the voltage regulator 166 is the only voltage regulator associated with the thermistor 132 and the thermistor 144.

[0088] In this example, controller 122 is configured to inhibit power from power source 136 to thermistor 132 via voltage regulator 166 when movable cover 128 is in a first position (as shown in FIG. 7 ). That is, controller 132 may inhibit power from power source 136 to thermistor 132 via voltage regulator 166 when movable cover 128 is closed and, therefore, aerosol substrate 102 is not present in chamber 104.

[0089] In this example, controller 122 is configured to enable power to be supplied from power supply 136 to thermistor 132 via voltage regulator 166 when movable cover 128 is in the second position (as shown in FIG. 8 ). That is, controller 122 may enable power to be supplied from power supply 136 to thermistor 132 via voltage regulator 166 when movable cover 128 is open and, therefore, aerosol substrate 102 may be present within chamber 104.

[0090] In this example, one end of thermistor 132 may be electrically connected to output pin 168 of voltage regulator 166. The other end of thermistor 132 may be electrically connected to I / O pin 202 of controller 122. In this example, controller 132 is configured to output a voltage signal from I / O pin 154 having the same voltage value as the output voltage from voltage regulator 166 when movable cover 128 is in the first position (i.e., when cover 128 is closed and therefore no aerosol substrate 102 is present in chamber 104).

[0091] Referring to FIG. 9 , the aerosol generating device 100 may further include a switch 140 configured to be operable by a user. The switch 140 may be configured to receive input from a user. In one example, the switch 140 is a push button. In another example, the switch 140 is a slide switch. In yet another example, the switch 140 is an operable portion on a screen. The controller 122 may be configured to be restarted when a user input is received at the switch 140 and the movable cover 128 is moved between the first position and the second position, or when the movable cover 128 is in either the first position or the second position. That is, the controller 122 may return to a default state when a user input is received at the switch 140 and the movable cover 128 is moved between the first position and the second position, or when the movable cover 128 is in either the first position or the second position.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 9 , the aerosol generating device 100 may further include a restart controller 172. In this example, the restart controller 172 includes a reset pin 174 configured to output a reset signal. The reset pin 174 may be connected to a VDD pin 190 of the controller 122. The restart controller 172 may further include a first input pin 176 and a second input pin 178. The first input pin 176 may be electrically connected to one end of a switch 140. This end of the switch 140 may also be connected to an output pin 160 of the second voltage regulator 156. The other end of the switch 140 may be connected to ground. When the switch 140 is operated by a user, the first input pin 176 of the restart controller 172 is connected to ground via the switch 140. In other words, the first input pin 176 of the restart controller 172 is connected to ground by the switch. Therefore, while the switch 140 is operated, a low-level signal is input to the first input pin 176 of the restart controller 172. On the other hand, when the switch 140 is not operated, one end of the switch 140 is isolated from the other end of the switch 140. Therefore, a high-level signal provided from the output pin 160 of the second voltage regulator 156 is input to the first input pin 176 of the restart controller 172. To isolate the input signal of the tertiary electronic component 158 ​​from the input signal of the first input pin 176 of the restart controller, a resistor 188 is preferably connected in parallel to the output pin 160 of the second voltage regulator 156 and the tertiary electronic component 158. The second input pin 178 may be electrically connected to the sensor 130. The restart controller 172 may be configured to activate when each of the first input pin 176 and the second input pin 178 receives a signal of a predetermined level for a predetermined duration. Once activated, the restart controller 172 outputs a low-level reset signal from the reset pin 174. In one example, both the first input pin 176 and the second input pin 178 may be low. The restart controller 172 may be configured to output a reset signal only for a predetermined period of time.This means that the VDD pin 190 of the controller 122 is held low for only a predetermined time. While the VDD pin 190 is held low, the power to the controller 122 is turned off. After the predetermined time has elapsed, the restart controller 172 may be configured to stop outputting the reset signal so that the controller 122 is restarted. Such a restart of the controller 122 may lead to the resolution of a problem (e.g., a freeze) with the controller 122.

[0093] In another embodiment, a control unit for an aerosol generation device 100 is provided. The control unit includes a controller 122 for controlling the aerosol generation device 100. The control unit includes a sensor 130. The sensor 130 is configured to generate data indicative of the position of a movable cover 128 on the aerosol generation device 100. That is, the sensor 130 may be configured to generate data indicative of whether the movable cover 128 is in a first position (closed position) or a second position (open position). In this example, the sensor 130 is electrically connected to the controller 122, such that the controller 122 outputs a control signal to the aerosol generation device 100 based on the data received from the sensor 130.

[0094] 10, a method 1000 for controlling an aerosol generating device 100 is provided. Step 1010 includes generating data indicative of a position of a movable cover 128 on the aerosol generating device 100 at a sensor 130. Step 1020 includes receiving the generated data at a controller 122. Step 1030 includes outputting a control signal to the aerosol generating device 100 based on the data received from the sensor 130. The method may include any of the features or functions of the aerosol generating device 100 described above.

[0095] While preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims and as described above.

Claims

1. 1. An aerosol generating device for receiving an aerosol substrate, comprising: a body having an opening configured to receive the aerosol substrate; a controller housed within the body for controlling the aerosol generating device; a movable cover operable to move between a first position that prevents insertion of the aerosol base and a second position that allows insertion of the aerosol base; a sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of the position of the movable cover; The aerosol generating device, wherein the sensor is electrically connected to the controller such that the controller controls the aerosol generating device based on the position of the movable cover.

2. at least one heater configured to heat the received aerosol substrate in use; one or more secondary electronic components; a first voltage regulator having an enable pin electrically connected to an I / O pin of the controller and an output pin electrically connected to the one or more secondary electronic components; the first voltage regulator is configured to be activated when the movable cover is moved from the first position to the second position; The aerosol generation device according to claim 1 , wherein the first voltage regulator, when activated, is configured to control the supply of power to the one or more secondary electronic components.

3. further comprising a circuit board configured to be attached to the controller and the first voltage regulator; the one or more secondary electronic components include a first thermistor configured to detect user inhalation; the at least one heater is electrically connected to the circuit board via a first connecting member; The aerosol generation device according to claim 2 , wherein the first thermistor is electrically connected to the circuit board via a second connection member different from the first connection member.

4. the one or more secondary electronic components include a second thermistor configured to detect a temperature of the at least one heater; The aerosol generating device according to claim 3 , wherein the second thermistor is electrically connected to the circuit board via the first connecting member.

5. the first connection member includes a first GND wire connected to the at least one heater and a second GND wire connected to the second thermistor; The aerosol generating device according to claim 4 , wherein the first GND line and the second GND line are insulated on the first connecting member.

6. the circuit board includes a first ground and a second ground different from the first ground; the first GND line is electrically connected to the first ground, The aerosol generating device according to claim 5 , wherein the second GND line is electrically connected to the second ground.

7. at least one heater configured to heat the received aerosol substrate in use; one or more secondary electronic components; a NOT gate having an input pin electrically connected to the sensor and an output pin; a first voltage regulator having an enable pin electrically connected to the output pin of the NOT gate and an output pin electrically connected to the one or more secondary electronic components; the first voltage regulator is configured to be activated when the movable cover is moved from the first position to the second position; The aerosol generation device according to claim 1 , wherein the first voltage regulator, when activated, is configured to control the supply of power to the one or more secondary electronic components.

8. The aerosol generating device of claim 7 , wherein the controller is not electrically connected to the enable pin of the first voltage regulator.

9. one or more tertiary electronic components; a second voltage regulator having an output pin electrically connected to the one or more tertiary electronic components and an enable pin; An aerosol generation device according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the second voltage regulator is configured to control the supply of power to the one or more tertiary electronic components when activated.

10. 10. The aerosol generation device according to claim 9, wherein the second voltage regulator is configured to be continuously operated regardless of the signal generated by the sensor.

11. further comprising a first resistor; a VDD pin of the controller electrically connected to the output pin of the second voltage regulator; one end of the first resistor is electrically connected in parallel to the enable pin of the first voltage regulator and the I / O pin of the controller; The aerosol generating device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the other end of the first resistor is electrically connected to the enable pin of the second voltage regulator.

12. a power source configured to power the at least one heater; a charger IC configured to charge the power source; The aerosol generation device of claim 11 , wherein the enable pin of the first voltage regulator and the enable pin of the second voltage regulator are electrically connected to a SYS pin of the power supply or the charger IC.

13. a thermistor electrically connected to a power supply; a voltage regulator having an output pin electrically connected to the thermistor, an input pin electrically connected to the power supply, and an enable pin electrically connected to the power supply; the controller is configured to throttle power from the power supply to the thermistor via the voltage regulator when the movable cover is in the first position; The aerosol generation device of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to supply power to the thermistor from the power supply via the voltage regulator when the movable cover is in the second position.

14. one end of the thermistor is electrically connected to the output pin of the voltage regulator; the other end of the thermistor is electrically connected to an I / O pin of the controller; The aerosol generating device described in claim 13, wherein the controller is configured to output a voltage signal from the I / O pin having the same voltage value as the output voltage from the voltage regulator when the movable cover is in the first position.

15. a switch configured to be operable by a user; a restart controller having a reset pin configured to output a reset signal, a first input pin electrically connected to the switch, and a second input pin electrically connected to the sensor; the restart controller is configured to be activated when the first input pin and the second input pin receive signals of respective predetermined levels for a predetermined duration; An aerosol generating device as described in any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the activated restart controller is configured to output the reset signal only for a predetermined time so that the controller is restarted.

Images