Aerosol generating device and method for controlling the aerosol generating device

Abstract

According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device includes a housing including a storage portion into which an aerosol product is inserted, an insertion detection sensor that detects whether an aerosol product is inserted into the storage portion, a heater that heats the aerosol product inserted into the storage portion, a plurality of auxiliary sensors arranged around the storage portion, and a processor that controls the supply of power to the heater in response to receiving a sensing signal from the insertion detection sensor and a sensing signal from at least one auxiliary sensor among the plurality of auxiliary sensors.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device and a method for controlling an aerosol generating device. [Background technology]

[0002] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for alternative methods to overcome the shortcomings of conventional cigarettes, such as systems that generate aerosols by heating a cigarette or an aerosol-generating substance using an aerosol-generating device, rather than by burning a cigarette to generate aerosol.

[0003] When an aerosol product is inserted into the storage space of the aerosol generating device, the device can heat the aerosol product according to a set temperature profile, and can determine whether the aerosol product has been inserted into the storage space using various types of sensors (e.g., capacitance sensor, inductive sensor, infrared sensor, pressure sensor, etc.). Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the past, when various sensors were used to detect the insertion of an aerosol product into the storage space, subsequent control operations, such as heating a heater, were automatically performed. Furthermore, when the insertion of an aerosol product was dependent on a main sensor or an auxiliary sensor was used to prevent malfunction of the main sensor, there was a problem that the aerosol generating device itself became unusable in the event of a malfunction of the main sensor or the auxiliary sensor.

[0005] One embodiment of the present invention aims to provide an aerosol generating device and a control method thereof that can stably detect the aerosol product and perform subsequent control operations even if one of the sensors malfunctions by duplicating the sensors that detect the insertion of the aerosol product.

[0006] The problems to be solved through the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the problems described above, and problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments pertain from this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device includes a housing including a storage section into which an aerosol product is inserted, an insertion detection sensor that detects whether the aerosol product is inserted into the storage section, a heater that heats the aerosol product inserted into the storage section, a plurality of auxiliary sensors arranged around the storage section, and a processor that controls the supply of power to the heater in response to receiving a sensing signal from the insertion detection sensor and a sensing signal from at least one auxiliary sensor among the plurality of auxiliary sensors.

[0008] Priority may be preset among the plurality of auxiliary sensors.

[0009] The plurality of auxiliary sensors are also sensors that perform the mutually different functions.

[0010] The processor receives a first sensing signal from the insertion detection sensor when the aerosol product is inserted into the storage section, and receives a plurality of second sensing signals from the plurality of auxiliary sensors when the aerosol product is inserted into the storage section, and determines that the aerosol product has been inserted into the storage section based on whether the received first sensing signal and any one of the received second sensing signals are within a threshold range.

[0011] The processor determines that the aerosol product has been inserted into the storage section based on whether the first sensing signal and a second sensing signal among the plurality of second sensing signals, selected according to a predetermined priority, are within a threshold range.

[0012] The insertion sensor is also an inductive sensor that senses the insertion of the aerosol product.

[0013] The first auxiliary sensor of the plurality of auxiliary sensors is a proximity sensor including a color sensor arranged at the upper end of the storage section and detects whether the aerosol product inserted in the storage section has been reused, and the second auxiliary sensor of the plurality of auxiliary sensors is arranged at the lower end of the storage section and is also a capacitive sensor that detects whether the aerosol product inserted in the storage section is excessively wet.

[0014] The GUNZOB sensor may be set to have a higher priority than the capacitive sensor.

[0015] When the sensing signal received from the proximity sensor is within a threshold range, the processor determines that the aerosol product has been inserted into the container based on the sensing signal received from the insertion detection sensor.

[0016] The processor determines that the proximity sensor has failed if a sensing signal is not received from the proximity sensor, if the sensing signal received from the proximity sensor does not fall within a threshold range, or if a sensing signal of a fixed value is received from the proximity sensor.

[0017] When the sensing signal received from the capacitive sensor falls within a threshold range, the processor determines that the aerosol product has been inserted into the receptacle based on the sensing signal received from the insertion detection sensor.

[0018] The insertion detection sensor is an inductive sensor arranged at the lower end of the storage portion and detects a change in inductance when the aerosol product is inserted, one of the plurality of auxiliary sensors is a capacitive sensor arranged at the lower end of the storage portion and detects a change in capacitance of the inserted aerosol product, and another of the plurality of auxiliary sensors is a proximity sensor arranged at the upper end of the storage portion and detects whether the aerosol product is approaching the storage portion.

[0019] The processor may determine that the aerosol product has been inserted into the container when the sensing signal received from the proximity sensor is within a threshold range and the sensing signal received from the inductive sensor is within a threshold range, and may control the heater to supply power.

[0020] The processor may determine that the aerosol product has been inserted into the container and control the heater to supply power if no sensing signal is received from the proximity sensor, if the sensing signal received from the proximity sensor is not within a threshold range, or if a sensing signal of a fixed value is received from the proximity sensor, if the sensing signal received from the capacitive sensor is within a threshold range, and if the sensing signal received from the inductive sensor is within the threshold range.

[0021] In another embodiment, a method for controlling an aerosol generating device includes receiving a sensing signal from an insertion detection sensor that detects the insertion of an aerosol product product, receiving a sensing signal from at least one auxiliary sensor among a plurality of auxiliary sensors due to the insertion of the aerosol product product, and controlling a heater to heat the inserted aerosol product product in response to the sensing signal received from the insertion detection sensor and the sensing signal received from at least one auxiliary sensor among the plurality of auxiliary sensors. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] According to various embodiments of the present invention, the function of detecting the insertion of an aerosol product is duplicated using multiple sensors, thereby solving the problem of the aerosol generating device becoming unusable due to an error or failure of any one sensor.

[0023] In addition, when multiple sensors are duplicated, a more reliable aerosol generating device can be provided by giving each sensor a priority of assisting the insertion detection sensor, which is the main sensor, taking into consideration its placement position and robustness.

[0024] In addition, by using the sensing signal of a sensor that performs a different function other than the insertion detection function in the aerosol generating device to assist the insertion detection function, hardware resources and design can be optimized and the aerosol generating device can be made smaller.

[0025] However, the effects of the embodiments are not limited to the effects described above, and effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those having ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments pertain from this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram showing an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a front perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view of a main body, a cartridge, and a cap of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 5] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the body, cartridge, and cap of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a cartridge of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11A] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. [Figure 11B] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a control method for an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. [Figure 13A] 4 is a diagram illustrating a main sensor and an auxiliary sensor according to an embodiment; [Figure 13B] 13B is a diagram illustrating a proximity sensor, which is one of the auxiliary sensors shown in FIG. 13A. [Figure 13C] 13B is a diagram illustrating a proximity sensor, which is one of the auxiliary sensors shown in FIG. 13A. [Figure 13D] 13B is a diagram illustrating a proximity sensor, which is one of the auxiliary sensors shown in FIG. 13A. [Figure 14] 10 is a diagram illustrating the priority of recognizing aerosol product among auxiliary sensors according to another embodiment. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. [Figure 16] 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] Hereinafter, the embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Regardless of the drawing numbers, identical or similar components will be designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0028] The suffixes "module" and "section" for components used in the following description are given or used interchangeably solely for the convenience of writing the specification, and do not have any meanings or roles that are distinct from each other in themselves.

[0029] Furthermore, when describing the embodiments disclosed herein, if a detailed description of related publicly known technologies is deemed to obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed herein, the detailed description will be omitted. Furthermore, the attached drawings are intended to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein, and the technical ideas disclosed herein should not be limited by the attached drawings, and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

[0030] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., are used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms. The terms are used only to distinguish one component from another.

[0031] When a component is said to be "coupled" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it is directly coupled or connected to the other component, but that there may be other components in between. On the other hand, when a component is said to be "directly coupled" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0032] A singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0033] 1 and 2 show an aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device 1 may include at least one of a power source 11, a control unit 12, a sensor 13, a heater 18, and a cartridge 19. At least one of the power source 11, the control unit 12, the sensor 13, and the heater 18 may be disposed inside a main body 10 of the aerosol generating device. The main body 10 may provide a space open at its upper side into which an aerosol generating product, a stick S, may be inserted. The space open at its upper side may be referred to as an insertion space. The insertion space may be recessed to a predetermined depth into the main body 10 so that at least a portion of the stick S may be inserted. The depth of the insertion space may correspond to the length of a region of the stick S containing the aerosol generating material and / or medium. The lower end of the stick S may be inserted into the main body 10, and the upper end of the stick S may protrude outside the main body 10. A user may inhale air through the exposed upper end of the stick S.

[0035] The heater 18 can heat the stick S. The heater 18 extends long upward around the space into which the stick S is inserted. For example, the heater 18 can be tubular and hollow inside. The heater 18 can be arranged around the insertion space. The heater 18 can be arranged to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. The heater 18 can heat the insertion space or the stick S inserted into the insertion space. The heater 18 can include an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heater.

[0036] For example, the heater 18 may be a resistive heater. For example, the heater 18 may include a conductive track, and the heater 18 may be heated by passing a current through the conductive track. The heater 18 may be electrically connected to the power source 11. The heater 18 may be directly heated by receiving a current from the power source 11.

[0037] For example, the aerosol generating device 1 may include an induction coil surrounding the heater 18. The induction coil may cause the heater 18 to generate heat. The heater 18 is a susceptor, and the heater 18 may be heated by a magnetic field generated by AC current flowing through the induction coil. The magnetic field may penetrate the heater 18 and generate eddy currents within the heater 18. The current may cause the heater 18 to generate heat.

[0038] Meanwhile, a susceptor is included within the stick S, and the susceptor within the stick S can be heated by a magnetic field generated by an AC current flowing through an induction coil.

[0039] Cartridge 19 may contain an aerosol-forming material in any one of a liquid state, a solid state, a gas state, or a gel state. The aerosol-forming material may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance including a volatile tobacco flavor component, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance.

[0040] The cartridge 19 may be integrally formed with the main body 10 or may be detachably coupled to the main body 10 .

[0041] For example, referring to FIG. 1, the cartridge 19 may be integrally formed with the main body 10 and communicate with the insertion space via the airflow channel CN.

[0042] 2, a space may be formed on one side of the main body 10, and at least a portion of the cartridge 19 may be inserted into the space formed on one side of the main body 10 to mount the cartridge 19 on the main body 10. An airflow channel CN ​​may be defined by a portion of the cartridge and / or a portion of the main body 10, and the cartridge 19 may communicate with the insertion space via the airflow channel CN.

[0043] The main body 10 has a structure in which the cartridge 19 is inserted and the outside air flows into the main body 10. In this case, the outside air flowing into the main body 10 passes through the cartridge 19 and flows into the user's mouth.

[0044] The cartridge 19 may include a storage portion C0 containing an aerosol-generating substance and / or a heater 24 for heating the aerosol-generating substance in the storage portion C0. A liquid transfer means impregnated with (containing) the aerosol-generating substance may be disposed inside the storage portion C0. Here, the liquid transfer means may include a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic. The conductive track of the heater 24 may be formed by a coil-like structure that wraps around the liquid transfer means or a structure that contacts one side of the liquid transfer means. The heater 24 may be referred to as a cartridge heater 24.

[0045] The cartridge 19 may generate an aerosol. The aerosol may be generated by heating the liquid transfer means with the cartridge heater 24. The aerosol may be generated by heating the stick S with the heater 18. As the aerosol generated by the cartridge heater 24 and the heater 18 passes through the stick S, tobacco substances are added to the aerosol, and the aerosol with the added tobacco substances may be inhaled into the user's oral cavity through one end of the stick S.

[0046] The aerosol generating device 1 may include only the cartridge heater 24, and the main body 10 may not include the heater 18. In this case, the aerosol generated by the cartridge heater 24 passes through the stick S, and is mixed with tobacco substances before being inhaled into the user's oral cavity.

[0047] The aerosol generating device 1 may include a cap (not shown). The cap may be detachably coupled to the main body 10 so as to cover at least a portion of the cartridge 19 coupled to the main body 10. The stick S may be inserted into the main body 10 through the cap.

[0048] The power source 11 may supply power to operate the components of the aerosol generation device. The power source 11 may be referred to as a battery. The power source 11 may supply power to at least one of the control unit 12, the sensor 13, the cartridge heater 24, and the heater 18. If the aerosol generation device 1 includes an induction coil, the power source 11 may supply power to the induction coil.

[0049] The control unit 12 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generation device. The control unit can be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The control unit 12 can control the operation of at least one of the power supply 11, the sensor 13, the heater 18, and the cartridge 19. The control unit 12 can control the operation of a display, a motor, and the like provided in the aerosol generation device. The control unit 12 can check the status of each component of the aerosol generation device and determine whether the aerosol generation device is in an operable state.

[0050] The control unit 12 may analyze the results sensed by the sensor 13 and control subsequent processing. For example, the control unit 12 may control the power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 so as to start or stop operation of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 based on the results sensed by the sensor 13. For example, the control unit 12 may control the amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 and the time for which the power is supplied so that the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 are heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature based on the results sensed by the sensor 13.

[0051] The sensor 13 may include at least one of a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, an insertion detection sensor, a color sensor, a cartridge detection sensor, and a cap detection sensor. For example, the sensor 13 may sense at least one of the temperature of the heater 18, the temperature of the power source 11, and the temperature inside or outside the main body 10. For example, the sensor 13 may sense a puff by a user. For example, the sensor 13 may sense whether the stick S is inserted into the insertion space. For example, the sensor 13 may sense whether a cartridge is attached. For example, the sensor 13 may sense whether a cap is attached.

[0052] Figure 3 is a front perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 4 is a combined perspective view of the body, cartridge and cap of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] 3, an aerosol generating device A100 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a main body A3. The aerosol generating device A100 may include a cap A30. The aerosol generating device A100 may include a cartridge A40. The cartridge A40 may be detachably coupled to one side of the main body A3. The cap A30 may be detachably coupled to the main body A3 to cover the cartridge A40. A stick S may be inserted into the main body A3 through the cap A30.

[0054] 4, the main body A3 may include a lower body A1 and an upper body A2. Components of the aerosol generating device A100, such as a battery and a controller, may be provided inside the lower body A1. The upper body A2 may be coupled to the upper side of the lower body A1.

[0055] The upper body A2 may include a column A10 and a mounting portion A20. The column A10 may extend vertically. The column A10 may include an outer wall A11, an inner wall A12, and an upper wall A13.

[0056] The mounting portion A20 may protrude from the lower portion of the inner wall A12 of the column A10. The mounting portion A20 faces upward. The cartridge region A24 may be formed between the inner wall A12 of the column A10 and the mounting portion A20. The cartridge region A24 may be located on one side of the inner wall A12 of the column A10 and above the mounting portion A20.

[0057] The column A10 includes an insertion space A142. The insertion space A142 extends vertically from the interior of the column A10 and may be open at the top so that the top wall A13 is open.

[0058] The main body inlet A141 may be formed on one side of the column A10. The main body inlet A141 may be formed by opening the inner wall A12. The main body inlet A141 may be open to the outside of the column A10. The main body inlet A141 may be connected to the insertion space A142. The main body inlet A141 may be disposed toward the cartridge region A24. The main body inlet A141 may be connected to the cartridge region A24.

[0059] The cartridge A40 may be detachably coupled to the upper body A2 from the cartridge region A24. The cartridge A40 may be coupled to the inner wall A12 of the column A10 and placed on the mounting portion A20 so that its bottom is supported. The cartridge A40 may include a first container A41 and a second container A42. The first container A41 may be disposed above the second container A42. The first container A41 may store a liquid.

[0060] The cap A30 may cover the upper body A2 and be detachably coupled to the main body A3. The cap A30 may cover the upper body A2 and the cartridge A40 coupled to the upper body A2. The cap A30 may have a space formed therein into which the upper body A2 and the cartridge A40 are inserted. The space inside the cap A30 may be open at the bottom. The sidewall A31 of the cap A30 may surround the sides of the space inside the cap A30. The top wall A33 of the cap A30 may cover the top of the space inside the cap A30. The insertion opening A34 may be formed by opening the top wall A33. When the cap A30 is coupled to the main body A3, the insertion opening A34 may be connected to the insertion space A142 above the insertion space A142. A cover may be movably provided on the top wall A33. The cover A35 may slide on the top wall A33. The cover A35 can open and close the insertion opening A34.

[0061] 5, a first chamber C1 may be formed inside a first container A41. A liquid may be stored in the first chamber AC1. A second chamber AC2 may be formed inside a second container A42.

[0062] The cartridge inlet A441 may be formed by opening the cartridge A40. The cartridge outlet A442 may be formed by opening the cartridge A40. The cartridge flow path A443 may connect the cartridge inlet A441 and the second chamber AC2. The cartridge outlet A442 may be in communication with the second chamber AC2.

[0063] The cartridge outlet A442 may be formed by opening one side of the second container A42. The outlet port A422 may surround the cartridge outlet A442. The outlet port A422 may protrude from one side of the second container A42. When the cartridge A40 is coupled to the upper body A2, the outlet port A422 may be inserted into the body inlet A141, and the cartridge outlet A442 and the body inlet A141 may be connected to each other.

[0064] The wick A45 may be provided in the second chamber AC2. The wick A45 may be connected to the first chamber AC1. The wick A45 may be supplied with liquid from the first chamber AC1. The heater A46 may generate heat to heat the wick A45. The heater A46 may be disposed in the second chamber AC2. The heater A46 may be wound around the wick A45. When the heater A46 heats the wick A45, an aerosol may be generated around the wick A45 in the second chamber AC2.

[0065] The heater terminal A47 may be exposed at the bottom of the cartridge A40. The heater terminal A47 may be formed on the bottom of the second container A42. The heater terminal A47 may be electrically connected to the heater A46. When the cartridge A40 is coupled to the upper body A2, the heater terminal A47 may come into contact with and be electrically connected to the first pin A50.

[0066] The first pin A50 may protrude outside the mounting portion A20. The first pin A50 may receive power from a battery installed inside the lower body A1 through the connector A97 and provide it to the heater terminal A47 and the heater A46. The heater A46 may generate heat upon receiving the power.

[0067] Air outside the cartridge A40 may flow into the cartridge A40 through the cartridge inlet A441. The air may sequentially flow through the cartridge inlet A441, the cartridge flow path A443, the second chamber AC2, and the cartridge outlet A442. The air inside the cartridge A40 may be discharged to the outside of the cartridge A40 through the cartridge outlet A442. The air flowing into the cartridge A40 may be discharged to the outside of the cartridge A40 through the cartridge outlet A442, carrying the aerosol generated in the second chamber AC2.

[0068] The first pin A50 is disposed inside the main body A3 but may protrude to the outside of the main body A3. The main body A3 may include a mounting portion A20.

[0069] The mounting portion A20 may include an outer groove A25. The outer groove A25 may be formed by recessing the upper surface A21 of the mounting portion A20 downward. The outer groove A25 may be located below the cartridge region A24. The upper surface A21 of the mounting portion A20 is also referred to as the outer surface of the main body A3. The outer groove A25 may be formed on the outer surface of the main body A3.

[0070] The lower portion of the outer groove A25 may be covered by a bottom portion A251, and the side portion may be covered by a peripheral portion A252. The upper portion of the outer groove A25 may be open. One side portion of the outer groove A25 may be open and not covered by the peripheral portion A252. If the x direction in the coordinate system is defined as the front, the front of the outer groove A25 may be open. The upper end of the first pin A50 may protrude upward from the bottom portion A251 of the outer groove A25 toward the outer groove A25 or may be exposed.

[0071] The bottom of the cartridge A40 may have a shape corresponding to the mounting portion A20 and the outer groove A25. When the cartridge A40 is coupled to the upper body A2, the bottom of the cartridge A40 is placed on the mounting portion A20, and the first pin A50 and the second pin A47 may be electrically connected to each other.

[0072] A plurality of guide portions A253 may be provided. The guide portion A253 may extend longitudinally from the front to the rear. The guide portion A253 may be formed with an inclination so that it gradually becomes higher from the front to the rear. Each of the plurality of guide portions A253 may be disposed in front of each of the plurality of first pins A50. The height of the rear end of the guide portion A253 adjacent to the first pin A50 may be the same as or similar to the height of the first pin A50.

[0073] As a result, when the cartridge A40 is coupled to the upper body A2, the guide portion A253 can guide the arrangement of the cartridge A40 so that the first pin A50 and the second pin A47 come into contact with each other.

[0074] Figure 6 is a front oblique view of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present invention, Figure 7 is a combined oblique view of the body, cartridge and cap of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present invention, Figure 8 is an exploded oblique view of the cartridge of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present invention, Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] 6 and 7, in an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present invention, a main body B100 may include an upper main body B120 and a lower main body B110. The upper main body B120 may be located above the lower main body B110. The lower main body B110 may be elongated in the vertical direction. The main body B100 may house a configuration for driving the device therein. The upper main body B120 may provide an insertion space B134 that is open upward. The insertion space B134 may be located inside the upper main body B120. The insertion space B134 may be elongated in the vertical direction. The insertion space B134 may be formed in a pipe B130 located inside the upper main body B120.

[0076] The upper case B200 may have a hollow shape with an open bottom. The upper body B120 may be inserted into the hollow of the upper case B200. The upper case B200 may be detachably coupled to the main body B100. The upper case B200 may surround and cover the upper body B120. A lateral portion B211 of the upper case B200 may surround and cover a side wall B121 of the upper body B120. An upper portion B212 of the upper case B200 may cover the upper portion B180 or the outer cover B180 of the upper body B120. When the upper case B200 is coupled to the main body B100, the upper case B200 may cover both the main body B100 and the cartridge B300. The cartridge B300 may be disposed inside the upper case B200.

[0077] The insertion opening B214 may be formed by opening the upper part B212 of the upper case B200. The insertion opening B214 may correspond to the opening of the insertion space B134. The cap B215 may be movably provided on the upper part B212 of the upper case B200. The sliding hole B213 may be formed in the upper part B212 of the upper case B200 and extend to one side from the insertion opening B214. The cap B215 may move along the sliding hole B213. The cap B215 may open and close the insertion opening B214 and the insertion space B134. The stick S may be inserted into the insertion space B134 through the insertion opening B214. For example, the stick S may be a cigarette.

[0078] The outer wall B121 and the partition B125 may form a lateral portion of the upper body B120. The outer wall B121 and the partition B125 may be connected to each other. The outer wall B121 is covered by the inner surface of the upper case B200. The partition B125 may separate the cartridge coupling space B124a and the insertion space B134.

[0079] The upper body B120 may include a mounting portion B122. The mounting portion B122 may extend to one side from a lower portion of the partition B125. The mounting portion B122 may be formed on an upper side of the lower body B110. The mounting portion B122 may cover a lower portion of the coupling space B124a. The bottom surface of the cartridge B300 may be placed on and supported by the mounting portion B122.

[0080] The upper body B120 may include an extension B140. The extension B140 may extend to one side from an upper portion of the partition B125. The extension B140 may extend in a direction in which the mounting portion B122 is formed. The extension B140 may cover an upper portion of the cartridge coupling space B124a. The extension B140 may cover an upper end surface of the cartridge B300. The extension B140 may cover a portion of the cartridge inlet B301 formed in the cartridge B300. A gap through which air can flow may be formed between the extension B140 and the cartridge inlet B301.

[0081] The cartridge coupling space B124a may be formed on one side of the upper body B120. The cartridge coupling space B124a may be defined by the mounting portion B122, the partition wall B125, and the extension portion B140 of the upper body B120. The bottom of the cartridge coupling space B124a may be covered by the mounting portion B122. One side of the cartridge coupling space B124a may be covered by the partition wall B125 of the upper body B120. The upper side of the cartridge coupling space B124a may be covered by the extension portion B140. The cartridge coupling space B124a may be open to the outside between the mounting portion B122 and the extension portion B140.

[0082] The cartridge B300 may be inserted into the coupling space B124a and coupled to the main body B100. The cartridge B300 may be detachably coupled to the main body B100. A lateral surface B311 of the cartridge B300 may face the partition wall B125. An upper end surface B312 of the cartridge B300 may be covered by the extension portion B140. A bottom surface B322 of the cartridge B300 may be mounted on the mounting portion B122. The cartridge terminal B128 may be connected to the cartridge B300 to supply power to the heater B342 inside the cartridge B300.

[0083] The coupling hook B125a may be formed on the upper body B120. The pusher B125b may be formed on the upper body B120. The coupling hook B125a and the pusher B125b may be formed in pairs on both sides and positioned facing each other. The cartridge B300 may include a hook coupling groove B315. The hook coupling groove B315 may be formed in a position corresponding to the coupling hook B125a. When the cartridge B300 is inserted into the coupling space B124a, the coupling hook B125a may be coupled to the hook coupling groove B315 to couple the cartridge B300 to the main body B100. The pusher B125b and the coupling hook B125a may move in conjunction with each other. By pushing the pusher B125b, the coupling hook B125a moves in a direction separating from the hook coupling groove B315, and the cartridge B300 may be separated from the main body B100.

[0084] The connecting channel B133 may be formed in a lower portion of the partition B125. The connecting channel B133 may be connected to the insertion space B134. The connecting channel B133 may be opened to one side of the upper body B120. When the cartridge B300 is coupled to the body B100, the discharge port B323 may be inserted into the connecting channel B133, and the connecting channel B133 and the cartridge discharge port B304 may be connected to each other.

[0085] 8, the cartridge B300 may include a first container B31 and a second container B32. The first container B31 may be coupled to the upper side of the second container B32. A plate B35 may be coupled between the first container B31 and the second container B32 or between the first container B31 and the frame B33.

[0086] The first container B31 may include a first chamber C1 for storing a liquid therein. The first container B31 surrounds the first chamber C1, and the bottom of the first chamber C1 may be open. The opening of the first chamber C1 may be covered by a plate B35.

[0087] 9, the first container B31 may include an inlet passage B302 through which air passes. The first chamber C1 and the inlet passage B302 may be separated from each other. The inlet passage B302 may extend vertically on one side of the first container B31.

[0088] The first container B31 may include a cartridge inlet B301. The cartridge inlet B301 may be formed by opening an upper portion of the first container B31 and may be connected to the inlet passage B302. The cartridge inlet B301 may be connected to an upper end of the inlet passage B302. A lower end of the inlet passage B302 may be connected to the connection hole B351 and the chamber inlet B303.

[0089] The second container B32 may be coupled to the lower part of the first container B31. The second container B32 may have a space B324 that is open at the top and covered at the bottom. The frame B33 may be accommodated inside the space B324 of the second container B32.

[0090] The second container B32 may include a cartridge outlet B304. The cartridge outlet B304 may be formed on one side B321 of the second container B32. The cartridge outlet B304 may be formed inside a port protruding from the side of the second container B32 in the thickness direction. The cartridge outlet B304 may be in communication with the space B324. The second container B32 may include an outlet port B323. The outlet port B323 may have the cartridge outlet B304 formed therein. The outlet port B323 may protrude to one side from one side B321 of the second container B32. The outlet port B323 may surround the cartridge outlet B304. The cartridge outlet B304 may also be referred to as an outlet B304.

[0091] The frame B33 may be inserted into a space B324 inside the second container B32 and coupled to the second container B32. A fastening member B326 protruding from a sidewall of the second container B32 into the space B324 may be fastened to the frame B33 to fix the frame B33.

[0092] The frame B33 may include a second chamber C2 therein. The frame B33 surrounds the second chamber C2, and the top of the second chamber C2 is open. The top of the second chamber C2 is covered by a plate B35.

[0093] The frame B33 may include a chamber inlet B303. The chamber inlet B303 may be formed by opening one surface of a sidewall surrounding the second chamber C2. The chamber inlet B303 may be bent upward and extend from the second chamber C2 toward the inlet channel B302. One end of the chamber inlet B303 may be connected to the second chamber C2, and the other end of the chamber inlet B303 may be connected to the inlet channel B302 and the connecting hole B351.

[0094] The frame B33 may include a chamber outlet B332. The chamber outlet B332 may be formed on a lateral portion of the frame B33. The chamber outlet B332 may be connected to the second chamber C2. The chamber outlet B332 may be formed inside a port protruding from a side portion of the frame B33 in a thickness direction. The chamber outlet B332 may be connected to the second chamber C2. The chamber outlet B332 may be formed at a position corresponding to the cartridge outlet B304. The chamber outlet B332 may be formed at a position opposite the chamber inlet B303 with respect to the second chamber C2. When the frame B33 is coupled to the second container B32, the chamber outlet B332 and the cartridge outlet B304 may be connected to each other.

[0095] The frame B33 may have a core coupling groove B334 formed therein. The core coupling groove B334 may be connected to the second chamber C2. The core coupling groove B334 may be formed by recessing one side of the second chamber C2. A pair of core coupling grooves B334 may be formed, and each pair of core coupling grooves B334 may be positioned on opposite sides of the second chamber C2. An upper portion of the core coupling groove B334 may be open.

[0096] The wick B341 may have a cylindrical shape extending horizontally into the second chamber C2. Both ends of the wick B341 may be inserted into the pair of wick coupling grooves B334, respectively. The center of the wick B341 may be located in the second chamber C2. The wick B341 may be connected to the first chamber BC1 and may receive liquid from the first chamber C1. The wick B341 may be fixed by the frame B33 and plate B35 through the wick coupling grooves B334.

[0097] The heater B342 may be wound around the center of the core B341. The heater B342 may generate heat to heat the core B341. For example, the heater B342 may be a resistive heater. The heater B342 may be disposed in the second chamber C2. An end of the heater B342 may penetrate the bottom of the frame B33 and be electrically connected to an electrode disposed at the bottom of the second container B32.

[0098] The plate B35 may be coupled between the first container B31 and the second container B32 or between the first container B31 and the frame B33. The plate B35 of the frame B33 may cover and seal the opening of the first chamber C1. The plate B35 may cover the top of the frame B33. The plate B35 may cover and seal the opening of the second chamber C2.

[0099] The plate B35 may have a connection hole B351 on one side thereof. The connection hole B351 may be located between the inlet channel B302 and the chamber inlet B303. The connection hole B351 may connect the inlet channel B302 and the chamber inlet B303.

[0100] The plate B35 may have liquid inflow holes B354. The liquid inflow holes B354 may be formed in pairs at positions corresponding to the core coupling grooves B334. The pair of liquid inflow holes B354 may be located above both ends of the core B341. The liquid inflow holes B354 may connect the first chamber C1 and the core coupling grooves B334. The core B341 may be connected to the first chamber C1 through the liquid inflow holes B354.

[0101] The hook groove B335 may be formed adjacent to the chamber outlet B332 and above the chamber outlet B332. The hook B335 may protrude downward from one side of the plate B35. The hook B353 may be inserted into the hook groove B335 formed in the upper part of the frame B33 to be fastened. When the plate B35 is fastened to the frame B33, the first container B31 coupled to the second container B32 may press the edge of the plate B35 toward the frame B33.

[0102] A user may inhale air by holding the stick S inserted into the insertion space B134 in their mouth. When the upper case B200 is coupled to the main body B100, air may flow into the cartridge inlet B301 through an opening B201 formed in the upper case B200. The air may flow into the cartridge B300 through the cartridge inlet B301 and be discharged to the outside of the cartridge B300 through the cartridge outlet B304. The air flowing into the cartridge B300 may sequentially pass through the inlet flow path B302, the connecting hole B351, the chamber inlet B303, the second chamber C2, the chamber outlet B332, and the cartridge outlet B304 before being discharged to the outside.

[0103] When the heater B342 heats the wick B341, an aerosol may be formed from the wick B341 in the second chamber C2. Air passing through the cartridge B300 may be discharged from the second chamber B2 to the cartridge outlet B304 together with the aerosol. The air discharged through the cartridge outlet B304 may be supplied to the insertion space B134 and the stick S inserted into the insertion space B134 via the connecting flow path B133.

[0104] 10, the upper body B120 may include an outer wall B121 and a partition B125. The outer wall B121 and the partition B125 may be connected to each other. The partition B125 may be formed to extend vertically between the pipe B130 and the cartridge connecting space B124a.

[0105] The extension B140 may be formed extending to one side from the top of the upper body B120. The upper end surface B312 of the cartridge B300 may be covered by the extension B140. The extension B140 may cover the cartridge inlet B301 and its surroundings. Gaps may be formed between the extension B140 and the cartridge inlet B301, and between the lower part of the extension B140 and the upper end surface B312 of the cartridge B300. The gaps may connect the cartridge inlet B301 to the outside.

[0106] The pipe B130 may be formed long in the vertical direction. The pipe B130 may be formed hollow. The insertion space B134 may be formed inside the pipe B130. The insertion space B134 may be open to the upper side. The insertion space B134 may extend vertically. The connection channel B133 may be formed inside the pipe B130. The connection channel B133 may be formed below the insertion space B134. One end of the connection channel B133 may be connected to the outside of the pipe B130, and the other end may be connected to the insertion space B134. The connection channel B133 may be bent to one side from the lower part of the insertion space B134.

[0107] The first sensor B161 may be provided inside the extension portion B140. The first sensor B161 faces the upper end surface of the cartridge B300 or the cartridge inlet B301. The first sensor B161 may be provided adjacent to the cartridge inlet B301. The first sensor B161 may be located above the cartridge inlet B301. The first sensor B161 may overlap with the cartridge inlet B301 in the up-down direction.

[0108] The first sensor B161 may sense the flow of air in the surrounding area. The first sensor B161 may be an air flow sensor or a pressure sensor. The first sensor B161 may sense the flow of air through changes in the surrounding air pressure. The extension B140 may have a hole for sensing the flow of air at a position adjacent to the cartridge inlet B301. The first sensor B161 may be mounted on a board disposed inside the extension B140 and electrically connected to the controller B20. The controller B20 may control the operation of various components connected to the first sensor B161 based on the detection of the flow of air by the first sensor B161.

[0109] The first sealing portion B151 may be disposed between the first partition portion B1251 and the inner plate B171. The first sealing portion B151 may surround and closely contact an upper end of the first partition portion B1251. The first sealing portion B151 may be closely contacted to a lower end of the inner plate B171.

[0110] The sensor receiving portion B156 of the second sealing portion B152 may seal the periphery of the first sensing hole B144. The sensor receiving portion B156 may be closely attached to the extension plate B141 around the periphery of the first sensing hole B144. The second sensing hole B1564 formed in the sensor receiving portion B156 may be in communication with the first sensing hole B144. The sensor receiving portion B156 may be closely attached to surround the first sensor B161.

[0111] This can prevent damage to the substrate or sensor due to foreign matter or aerosols discharged around the opening of the pipe B130 or foreign matter passing through the first sensing hole B144.

[0112] FIG. 11A is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0113] 11A, an aerosol generating device 100 according to an embodiment may include a housing 105, a storage portion 110, a processor 120, a battery 130, an insertion detection sensor 140, a proximity sensor 150, and a capacitive sensor 160. The components of the aerosol generating device 100 according to an embodiment are not limited thereto, and other components may be added or at least one component may be omitted depending on the embodiment.

[0114] In one embodiment, the container 110 is formed in the internal space of the housing 105 of the aerosol generating device 100, and the aerosol product 115 contained in the container 110 can be heated to generate the aerosol.

[0115] In one embodiment, the insertion detection sensor 140 detects whether the aerosol product 115 is inserted into the receptacle 110. The insertion detection sensor 140 may be an inductive sensor, but may also be various other sensors, such as, but not limited to, a capacitive sensor or an infrared sensor. The insertion detection sensor 140 may be disposed around the receptacle 110 at a suitable location, such as the center, to detect a change in inductance. The insertion detection sensor 140 detects a change in inductance that occurs when the aerosol product 115 is inserted into the receptacle 110. In one embodiment, the insertion detection sensor 140 functions as a main sensor that detects the insertion of the aerosol product 115.

[0116] In one embodiment, the proximity sensor 150 may include a color sensor that detects reuse of the aerosol product 115. The proximity sensor 150 may be disposed above the container 110 and may detect when the aerosol product 115 approaches or is inserted into the container 110. To detect reuse, when the proximity sensor 150 detects the approach or insertion of the aerosol product 115, it activates the color sensor and determines whether the inserted aerosol product 115 is reused based on the rate of change in RGB values ​​sensed by the color sensor. In one embodiment, a change in the color of the paper wrapping the item is determined based on the rate of change in RGB values, but it goes without saying that other known techniques for determining color changes may be applied.

[0117] In an embodiment, the proximity sensor 150 may be an auxiliary sensor of the insertion detection sensor 150 and may detect the insertion of the aerosol product 115. The proximity sensor 150 may include a light-emitting unit including a light source and a light-receiving unit that receives a reflected optical signal, and may be disposed adjacent to the container 110. For example, the proximity sensor 150 may be disposed a predetermined distance away from the cavity 215 in the +x direction, and the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit of the proximity sensor 150 may be disposed to surround at least a region of the container 110. As another example, the proximity sensor 150 may be disposed a predetermined distance away from the container 110 in the +x direction, and the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit of the proximity sensor 150 may be disposed to be aligned in the +z direction.

[0118] In one embodiment, the proximity sensor 150 may be disposed a predetermined distance in the +x direction from the receiving unit 110, and a separate transparent plate having a thickness equivalent to the distance may be disposed on one side where the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit of the proximity sensor 150 are disposed. By disposing a separate transparent plate on one side of the proximity sensor 150, the proximity sensor 150 may be prevented from being damaged by external foreign objects and the sensing sensitivity for the aerosol product 115 may be maintained.

[0119] In one embodiment, the processor 120 may detect the presence or absence of the aerosol product 115 in the container 110 through the proximity sensor 150. For example, if the proximity sensor 150 is an infrared sensor, the proximity sensor 150 may include a light-emitting unit including an infrared light source and a light-receiving unit including an infrared photodiode. When the aerosol product 115 is inserted into the container 110, the processor 120 may detect the amount of infrared light reflected by the aerosol product 115 (i.e., the output voltage of the light-receiving unit). In the present invention, the aerosol generation device 100 detects the insertion of the aerosol product 115 through the proximity sensor 150, and then, when the insertion detection sensor 140 detects the insertion of the aerosol product 115 near the center of the container 110, may automatically initiate a heating operation on the aerosol product 115. When the processor 120 detects that the aerosol product 115 has been inserted, the aerosol generating device 100 can control the power supply for heating the aerosol product 115 even if no further user input is received, thereby improving user convenience.

[0120] In one embodiment, the processor 120 may set a reference value for the proximity sensor 150. In the present invention, the "reference value" may refer to an initial reference value that serves as a reference for the proximity sensor 150 to sense external foreign matter when the proximity sensor 150 is partially contaminated by the foreign matter. That is, the reference value is set when the aerosol generating device is initially manufactured, and may be set to various values ​​by different manufacturers.

[0121] For example, if the sensing range of the proximity sensor 150 is 0 to 10,000, the processor 120 may set the reference value for the proximity sensor 150 within the sensing range. In particular, to detect the presence of contaminants coated on the proximity sensor 150 regardless of the type of contaminant, the processor 120 may set the reference value for the proximity sensor 150 to 0.

[0122] In this case, if the reference value for the proximity sensor 150 is set to 0 and coated contaminants are present on the proximity sensor 150, the processor 120 can detect the presence of contaminants by sensing only values ​​higher than the set reference value of 0 through the proximity sensor 150.

[0123] In one embodiment, the processor 120 may detect the presence of the aerosol product 115 based on a comparison result between the sensing value acquired through the proximity sensor 150 and a threshold value. In the present invention, the "threshold value" refers to a value used to determine whether the aerosol product 115 has been inserted or removed through the proximity sensor 150. In this case, the threshold value may include a first threshold value and a second threshold value. For example, if the sensing value measured through the proximity sensor 150 is equal to or greater than the first threshold value, the processor 120 may determine that the aerosol product 115 has been inserted, and if the sensing value measured through the proximity sensor 150 is equal to or less than the second threshold value, the processor 120 may determine that the aerosol product 115 has been removed.

[0124] In one embodiment, the processor 120 may update the existing threshold value to a new threshold value based on the sensing value obtained via the proximity sensor 150 .

[0125] As the aerosol generating device 100 is used by a user for a long period of time, the inside of the aerosol generating device 100 may become contaminated with foreign matter (e.g., tobacco particles, aerosol droplets, dust, etc.). In this case, if the surface of the proximity sensor 150 on which the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit are disposed is contaminated with foreign matter, the sensing value of the contaminated proximity sensor 150 may differ from the sensing value of the proximity sensor 150 in an uncontaminated state.

[0126] More specifically, the proximity sensor 150 may detect the amount of reflected light to determine the presence or absence of the aerosol product 115. In this case, if contaminants are attached to the proximity sensor 150 or near the transparent plate disposed adjacent to the proximity sensor 150, the proximity sensor 150 may detect the amount of reflected light from the contaminants and determine that the aerosol product 115 is present, even if the aerosol product 115 is not present.

[0127] In the present invention, the aerosol generating device 100 can prevent false detection of the proximity sensor 150 due to pollutants by updating the existing threshold for the sensing value of the proximity sensor 150 to a new threshold.

[0128] Furthermore, in the aerosol generation device 100 of the present invention, the proximity sensor 150 may assist the insertion detection function of the insertion detection sensor 140. For example, if the insertion detection sensor 140 recognizes the insertion, removal, type, and state of the aerosol production product 115 based on a change in electrical characteristics (e.g., a change in inductance), the insertion detection sensor 140 may erroneously detect an object other than the aerosol production product 115 (e.g., a magnetic object) as the aerosol production product 115 even when the object is close to the outside of the aerosol generation device 100. To assist in this, the proximity sensor 150 detects only the amount of reflected light from the inserted object in the container 110, thereby preventing erroneous detection by the insertion detection sensor 140 and abnormal control due to the erroneous detection.

[0129] In addition, the proximity sensor 150 not only functions as a substitute for the insertion sensor 140 but also double-checks or assists the insertion detection function of the insertion sensor 140 .

[0130] In one embodiment, the excessively moist sensor 160 may determine the characteristics of the inserted aerosol product 115, for example, whether it is an excessively moist cigarette. The excessively moist sensor 160 is a capacitive sensor disposed at the bottom or bottom end of the receptacle 110. If the sensing value of the excessively moist sensor 160, for example, the capacitance value measured after the insertion of the aerosol product 115, is equal to or greater than a threshold, the processor 120 may determine that the inserted aerosol product 115 is an excessively moist cigarette. In this case, the processor 120 may output a visual or audible notification indicating that the cigarette is excessively moist. Furthermore, if the cigarette is excessively moist, the processor 120 may change the preheating temperature profile and heat the aerosol product 115 using a temperature profile with a different preheating section.

[0131] In one embodiment, the excessive moisture detection sensor 160 may assist the insertion detection function of the insertion detection sensor 140. For example, the excessive moisture detection sensor 160 may detect the insertion or removal of the aerosol product 115 based on a change in an electrical characteristic (e.g., a change in capacitance). Here, the excessive moisture detection sensor 160 has been described as an example of a change in capacitance, but is not limited thereto. The excessive moisture detection sensor 160 may detect the insertion or removal of the aerosol product 115 based on a periodic change in charge / discharge time based on a measurement signal applied to the electrodes of the excessive moisture detection sensor 160.

[0132] In one embodiment, the insertion detection sensor 140 may detect the insertion of the aerosol product 115 based on a change in inductance, and the excessive moisture detection sensor 160 may detect the insertion of the aerosol product 115 based on a change in capacitance. If both the insertion detection sensor 140 and the excessive moisture detection sensor 160 detect insertion, the processor 120 may determine that the aerosol product 115 has been inserted into the container 110 and control the heater to heat.

[0133] In one embodiment, the processor 120 may use multiple auxiliary sensors, such as a proximity sensor 150 and an excessively wet sensor 160, to duplicate and complement the insertion detection function of the insertion sensor 140. The processor 120 may predetermine the priority of the multiple auxiliary sensors and prioritize the sensing signal of the proximity sensor 150, which is not significantly affected by electromagnetic characteristics. That is, the processor 120 may prioritize the result value of the proximity sensor 150. For example, if the sensing signal of the insertion sensor 140 determines that an aerosol product 115 has been inserted, and the sensing signal of the proximity sensor 150 also detects insertion, the processor 120 may determine that an aerosol product 115 has been inserted, regardless of the sensing signal of the excessively wet sensor 160. In addition, if the processor 120 determines that the sensing signal of the proximity sensor 150 is outside the threshold range, for example, due to the inflow of a foreign object or a malfunction, it determines that an aerosol product 115 has been inserted based on the sensing signal of the excessive moisture detection sensor 160.

[0134] According to an embodiment, even if one of the auxiliary sensors fails, the remaining sensors can be used to normally prevent the insertion detection function from malfunctioning. For example, if the proximity sensor 150 malfunctions due to a foreign object in the lens, the excessive moisture detection sensor 160 can auxiliary determine that an aerosol product 115 has been inserted. Also, even if the excessive moisture detection sensor 160 is unable to function normally due to electrode deterioration, the insertion detection function can be supplemented by determining the sensing signal of the proximity sensor 150.

[0135] In one embodiment, the battery 130 may provide power for operation of the aerosol generating device 100. For example, if insertion of the aerosol product article 115 is detected via at least one sensor (e.g., the proximity sensor 150), the battery 130 may provide power to a heating element that heats the aerosol product article 115. In another example, the battery 130 may provide power necessary for operation of the processor 120.

[0136] In this case, the battery 130 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 130 may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but the type of the battery 130 is not limited thereto.

[0137] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 may further include a memory (not shown) for storing data within the device. For example, if a new threshold value for the sensing value of the proximity sensor 150 is obtained, the processor 120 may store the obtained new threshold value in memory. Thus, even if the aerosol generating device 100 is subsequently reset and the sensing-related data of the proximity sensor 150 is reset, the processor 120 may obtain the new threshold value from the memory and compare it with the sensing value of the proximity sensor 150.

[0138] 11B, the aerosol generating device 100 according to an embodiment may include a sensor unit including a processor 120, an insertion detection sensor 140, a proximity sensor 150, and an excessive humidity detection sensor 160. The components of the aerosol generating device 100 according to an embodiment are not limited thereto, and other components may be added or at least one component may be omitted depending on the embodiment. Also, it goes without saying that the sensor unit may include more sensors than three sensors.

[0139] In this embodiment, the insertion sensor 140 functions as a main sensor that detects the insertion of the aerosol product 115, and the proximity sensor 150 and the excessive moisture sensor 160 function as auxiliary sensors that detect insertion in addition to their basic functions (reuse detection, excessive moisture detection), respectively. Here, only the proximity sensor 150 and the excessive moisture sensor 160 are described as auxiliary sensors, but it goes without saying that they are not limited to these and other sensors can be used.

[0140] The insertion sensor 140, the proximity sensor 150, and the excessive moisture sensor 160 may be controlled by the same sensor unit or sensor IC (not shown), or may be controlled by their own respective sensor ICs. Each sensor may include a sensing element, such as an electrode, a coil, or a lens, and may be positioned at various locations in the receiving portion 110 shown in FIG. 11A.

[0141] In an embodiment, a priority order may be preset among the multiple auxiliary sensors, the proximity sensor 150, and the excessive humidity detection sensor 160. For example, in an environment affected by electromagnetic characteristics, the proximity sensor 150, which is relatively resistant to electromagnetic characteristics, is given first priority, and the excessive humidity detection sensor 160 is given second priority.

[0142] In an embodiment, when the aerosol product 115 is inserted into the receptacle 110, the processor 120 may receive a first sensing signal from the insertion detection sensor 140 and a plurality of second sensing signals from the plurality of auxiliary sensors. The processor 120 may determine that the aerosol product 115 has been inserted into the receptacle 110 based on whether the first sensing signal and any one of the plurality of second sensing signals are within a threshold range. Here, the processor 120 may determine that the aerosol product 115 has been inserted into the receptacle 110 based on whether the second sensing signal, which is prioritized according to a predetermined order, among the first sensing signal and the plurality of second sensing signals is within a threshold range.

[0143] In an embodiment, priority is given to the proximity sensor 150, and whether or not an aerosol product 115 has been inserted into the receptacle 110 is determined based on the sensing signal from the proximity sensor 150, along with the sensing signal from the insertion sensor 140. In this case, an abnormality or failure may occur in the proximity sensor 150. For example, if the proximity sensor 150 is physically damaged, it is determined to have failed if it is unable to obtain information that would be obtainable if the sensor were activated, such as a chip ID, more than a few times. Furthermore, if the lens of the sensing element of the proximity sensor 150 is contaminated or has foreign matter on it, the amount of change in the sensing signal may be very low or may be persistently high due to the foreign matter, and such cases may also be determined to have failed. In one embodiment, if the signal sensed by the proximity sensor 150 falls outside a threshold range, for example, if the sensing signal value is low or if a high rising edge is detected in the sensing signal, it may be determined that the proximity sensor has failed.

[0144] If the processor 120 determines that the proximity sensor 150 has failed, it determines whether the aerosol product 115 has been inserted based on the sensing signal received from the second-order excessive moisture detection sensor 160. The processor 120 may determine whether the aerosol product 115 has been inserted based on the sensing signal from the insertion detection sensor 140 and the sensing signal from the excessive moisture detection sensor 160.

[0145] The aerosol generating device according to the embodiment uses multiple sensors to perform the insertion detection function of an aerosol product, thereby solving the problem of the aerosol generating device becoming unusable due to an error or failure of any one sensor. Furthermore, by using sensing signals from sensors that perform different functions other than the insertion detection function in the aerosol generating device as a function to supplement the insertion detection function, hardware resources and design can be optimized and the aerosol generating device can be made smaller.

[0146] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0147] 12, a sensing signal is received from an insertion detection sensor that detects the insertion of an aerosol product in step 1200. Here, the insertion detection sensor functions as a main sensor that performs the insertion detection function.

[0148] In step 1202, a sensing signal is received from at least one of the plurality of auxiliary sensors upon insertion of the aerosol product. Here, the plurality of auxiliary sensors are sensors that perform a function different from insertion detection and function as auxiliary sensors to the insertion detection sensor. Here, it is shown that the sensing signal is received from the insertion detection sensor and then the sensing signal is received from the auxiliary sensor, but this is not limited thereto, and the order may vary depending on the arrangement and position of each sensor. For example, if one of the auxiliary sensors is a proximity sensor located at the top of the container, the sensing signal is received from the proximity sensor first.

[0149] In step 1204, a heater is controlled to heat the inserted aerosol product in response to a sensing signal received from the insertion detection sensor and a sensing signal received from at least one auxiliary sensor of the plurality of auxiliary sensors, where sensing signals from the auxiliary sensors of the plurality of auxiliary sensors may be considered in a predetermined order of priority.

[0150] The control method of the aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiment can solve the problem of the aerosol generating apparatus becoming unusable due to an error or failure of any one of the sensors by duplicating the function of detecting the insertion of an aerosol product using multiple sensors. Furthermore, when multiple sensors are duplicated, the arrangement position and robustness of each sensor are taken into consideration, and priority is given to supporting the insertion detection sensor, which is the main sensor, thereby providing a more reliable aerosol generating apparatus.

[0151] Fig. 13A is an exemplary view of a main sensor and an auxiliary sensor according to an embodiment. Fig. 13B is a view showing a state in which an aerosol product is inserted into an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. Fig. 13C is a view showing a state in which an aerosol product is removed from an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. Figs. 13B and 13C are views of the aerosol generating device 100 of Fig. 13A viewed from the +z direction.

[0152] 13B and 13C, an optical sensor (e.g., the proximity sensor 150 of FIG. 11) may include a light-emitting unit 1300 including a light source and a light-receiving unit 1310 that receives a reflected optical signal. Although FIGS. 13B and 13C illustrate that the light-emitting unit 1300 and the light-receiving unit 1310 of the proximity sensor 150 are arranged to surround at least a region of the accommodating unit 110, the arrangement is not limited thereto. As another example, the light-emitting unit 1300 and the light-receiving unit 1310 of the proximity sensor 150 may be arranged to be aligned along the longitudinal direction in which the accommodating unit 110 is formed (e.g., the "+z direction" of FIG. 13A).

[0153] In one embodiment, the light emitting unit 1300 and the light receiving unit 1310 may be disposed at a predetermined distance from the receiving unit 110, and transparent plates 1305 and 1315 may be disposed on one side of the light emitting unit 1300 and the light receiving unit 1310, respectively. In this case, the transparent plates 1305 and 1315 may be formed to have a thickness corresponding to the predetermined distance by which the light emitting unit 1300 and the light receiving unit 1310 are separated from the receiving unit 110.

[0154] The transparent plate 1305 arranged on one side of the light-emitting unit 1300 provides a light path so that light emitted from the light-emitting unit 1300 can reach the inside of the receiving unit 110 without distortion, while also preventing external foreign matter from entering the light-emitting unit 1300 of the proximity sensor 150.

[0155] The transparent plate 1315 arranged on one side of the light receiving unit 1310 provides a light path so that light emitted from the light emitting unit 1300 and reflected inside the storage unit 110 (i.e., the aerosol product 115 inserted inside the storage unit 110) can reach the light receiving unit 1310 without distortion, while also preventing external foreign matter from entering the light receiving unit 1310 of the proximity sensor 150.

[0156] In one embodiment, when light having a predetermined light intensity is emitted from the light-emitting unit 1300 of the proximity sensor 150, a processor (e.g., processor 120 of FIG. 13A) may acquire the amount of reflected light (sensing value) input to the light-receiving unit 1310 based on the output signal of the light-receiving unit 1310.

[0157] 13B, the light-emitting unit 1300 of the proximity sensor 150 may irradiate light having a predetermined amount toward the inside of the container 110, and the light-receiving unit 1310 of the proximity sensor 150 may receive a portion of the irradiated light reflected from the aerosol product 115. If the output signal (e.g., output voltage) of the light-receiving unit 1310 increases and reaches a maximum signal value, the processor 120 may determine that the aerosol product 115 has been inserted into the container 110 from the outside.

[0158] 13C, the light-emitting unit 1300 of the proximity sensor 150 emits a predetermined amount of light toward the inside of the container 110, and the light-receiving unit 1310 of the proximity sensor 150 does not receive any reflected light. If the output signal (e.g., output voltage) of the light-receiving unit 1310 decreases and reaches a minimum signal value, the processor 120 may determine that the aerosol product 115 has been removed from the inside of the container 110 to the outside.

[0159] 13D is a graph showing the output signal of an optical sensor upon insertion and removal of an aerosol product according to one embodiment. More specifically, FIG. 13D is a graph showing the output signal of an optical sensor in a state where the optical sensor is not contaminated by external foreign matter, etc.

[0160] In one embodiment, a processor (e.g., processor 120 of FIG. 13A) may set a threshold for an optical sensor (e.g., proximity sensor 150 of FIG. 13A) to determine the insertion and removal of an aerosol product item (e.g., aerosol product item 115 of FIG. 13A).

[0161] For example, the processor 120 may determine a first threshold value (S th1 ) and a second threshold S of the proximity sensor 150 for determining removal of the aerosol product 115 th2 can be set.

[0162] In one embodiment, the processor 120 detects a first threshold S via the proximity sensor 150. th1 If the sensing value is greater than or equal to the second threshold value S, it is determined that the aerosol product 115 is inserted into the cavity (e.g., the container 110 in FIG. 13A). th2 If a sensing value less than 0.05 is obtained, it may be determined that the aerosol product 115 has been removed from the container 110.

[0163] For example, when the first sensing value S1 obtained via the proximity sensor 150 is greater than or equal to the first threshold value S th1 If the second sensing value S2 obtained via the proximity sensor 150 is greater than the second threshold value S, the processor 120 may determine that the aerosol product 115 was inserted into the container 110 at the first time point P1. th2 If the value is less than 1, the processor 120 may determine that the aerosol product 115 was removed from the container 110 at the second time P2.

[0164] 14 is a diagram illustrating the priority of detecting aerosol product among auxiliary sensors according to another embodiment. Referring to FIG. 14, the main sensor is an inductive sensor located in the center of the container, the proximity sensor serving as the first-priority auxiliary sensor is an optical sensor located at the top or end of the container, and the excessive humidity sensor serving as the second-priority auxiliary sensor is a capacitive sensor located at the bottom or end of the container. However, this is not limited to this, and sensors with various functions can be used as auxiliary sensors for the insertion detection function. For example, in the case of an induction heating aerosol generator, a coil for induction heating performs insertion detection and heating functions, and the coil serves as the main sensor for the insertion detection function, while an auxiliary sensor performing another function can be used to duplicate the insertion detection function.

[0165] 14, if the proximity sensor is the primary sensor, and if the proximity sensor detects the insertion of an aerosol product and the inductive sensor detects the insertion of an aerosol product, the processor determines that the aerosol product has been inserted and starts heating the heater. In this case, the sensing signal received from the other auxiliary sensor, the capacitive sensor, does not need to be taken into consideration when determining whether the aerosol product has been inserted.

[0166] In another embodiment, if the proximity sensor is determined to have failed, for example, if the sensing signal from the proximity sensor falls outside a threshold range, if no sensing signal is received from the proximity sensor, or if a sensing signal of a fixed value is continuously received from the proximity sensor, the proximity sensor is determined to have failed. If the proximity sensor is failed, the sensing signal from the capacitive sensor is considered. If the inductive sensor recognizes the insertion of an aerosol product and the capacitive sensor recognizes the insertion of an aerosol product, the processor determines that an aerosol product has been inserted and starts heating the heater.

[0167] FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0168] Referring to FIG. 15, at step 1500, an aerosol production item is inserted.

[0169] In step 1502, if a proximity sensor located at the top end of the container of the aerosol generating device detects an insertion, in step 1504, if an inductive sensor detects an insertion, it is determined that an aerosol product has been inserted, and in step 1506, the heater starts heating.

[0170] If the proximity sensor does not recognize the presence of the heater in step 1502, if the capacitive sensor recognizes the presence of the heater in step 1506, and if the inductive sensor recognizes the presence of the heater in step 1504, the heater starts heating in step 1506.

[0171] If the inductive sensor does not recognize the object in step 1504, the process returns to step 1500 or earlier.

[0172] If the capacitive sensor is not recognized in step 1506, an error message is output in step 1508.

[0173] In an embodiment, even if the inductive sensor that detects the insertion of an aerosol product detects it, it is determined that an aerosol product has been inserted and heater heating is initiated only if at least one of the multiple auxiliary sensors detects the insertion.

[0174] In another embodiment, even if the inductive sensor that detects the insertion of the aerosol product does not recognize it, if multiple auxiliary sensors that replace it are used to detect the insertion, it may be determined that the aerosol product has been inserted and heater heating may begin.

[0175] FIG. 16 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0176] The aerosol generation device 1 may include a power supply 11, a control unit 12, a sensor 13, an output unit 14, an input unit 15, a communication unit 16, a memory 17, and at least one heater 18, 24. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generation device 1 is not limited to that shown in Fig. 16. That is, a person skilled in the art would understand that, depending on the design of the aerosol generation device 1, some of the components shown in Fig. 16 may be omitted or new components may be added.

[0177] The sensor 13 may sense the state of the aerosol generation device 1 or the state around the aerosol generation device 1, and transmit the sensed information to the control unit 12. Based on the sensed information, the control unit 12 may control the aerosol generation device 1 to perform various functions such as controlling the operation of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18, restricting smoking, determining whether to insert the stick S and / or the cartridge 19, and displaying notifications.

[0178] The sensor 13 may include at least one of a temperature sensor 131 , a puff sensor 132 , an insertion detection sensor 133 , a reuse detection sensor 134 , a cartridge detection sensor 135 , a cap detection sensor 136 , and a movement detection sensor 137 .

[0179] The temperature sensor 131 may sense the temperature to which the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 is heated. The aerosol generating device 1 may include a separate temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18, or the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 itself may function as a temperature sensor.

[0180] The temperature sensor 131 may output a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may include a resistive element whose resistance value changes in response to a change in temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. The temperature sensor 131 may be implemented using a thermistor, which is an element that has a property of changing resistance depending on temperature. In this case, the temperature sensor 131 may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistive element as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may be configured as a sensor that detects the resistance value of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. In this case, the temperature sensor 131 may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18.

[0181] Temperature sensor 131 may be disposed around power supply 11 to monitor the temperature of power supply 11. Temperature sensor 131 may be disposed adjacent to power supply 11. For example, temperature sensor 131 may be attached to one side of a battery that is power supply 11. For example, temperature sensor 131 may be mounted on one side of a printed circuit board.

[0182] The temperature sensor 131 may be disposed inside the main body 10 to sense the internal temperature of the main body 10 .

[0183] The puff sensor 132 may detect a user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow path. The puff sensor 132 may output a signal corresponding to the puff. For example, the puff sensor 132 may also be a pressure sensor. The puff sensor 132 may output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generation device. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol generation device 1 may correspond to the pressure of the airflow path through which the gas flows. The puff sensor 132 may be disposed in the aerosol generation device 1 corresponding to the airflow path through which the gas flows.

[0184] The insertion detection sensor 133 may detect the insertion and / or removal of the stick S. The insertion detection sensor 133 may detect a signal change caused by the insertion and / or removal of the stick S. The insertion detection sensor 133 may be provided around the insertion space. The insertion detection sensor 133 may detect the insertion and / or removal of the stick S based on a change in the dielectric constant inside the insertion space. For example, the insertion detection sensor 133 may be an inductive sensor and / or a capacitance sensor.

[0185] The inductive sensor may include at least one coil. The coil of the inductive sensor may be disposed adjacent to the insertion space. For example, when a magnetic field changes around a coil through which a current flows, the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil may change according to Faraday's law. Here, the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil may include the frequency, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc. of the alternating current.

[0186] An inductive sensor may output a signal corresponding to a characteristic of the current flowing through a coil, for example, the inductance value of the coil.

[0187] The capacitance sensor may include a conductor. The conductor of the capacitance sensor may be disposed adjacent to the insertion space. The capacitance sensor may output a signal corresponding to a surrounding electromagnetic characteristic, e.g., a capacitance around the conductor. For example, when a stick S including a metallic wrapper is inserted into the insertion space, the electromagnetic characteristic around the conductor may vary depending on the wrapper of the stick S.

[0188] The reuse detection sensor 134 may detect whether the stick S has been reused. The reuse detection sensor 134 may also be a color sensor. The color sensor may detect the hue of the stick S. The color sensor may detect the hue of a part of the wrapper surrounding the outside of the stick S. The color sensor may detect a value for an optical characteristic corresponding to the hue of an object based on light reflected from the object. For example, the optical characteristic may be the wavelength of light. The color sensor may be implemented as a single component together with the proximity sensor, or as a separate component separate from the proximity sensor.

[0189] At least some of the bells constituting the stick S may change color depending on the aerosol. The reuse detection sensor 134 may be disposed corresponding to a position where at least some of the bells, whose color changes depending on the aerosol, are disposed when the stick S is inserted into the insertion space. For example, before the stick S is used by a user, the color of at least some of the bells is a first color. In this case, while the aerosol generated by the aerosol generation device 1 passes through the stick S, at least some of the bells may become wet with the aerosol, thereby changing the color of at least some of the bells to a second color. Meanwhile, after the color of at least some of the bells is changed from the first color to the second color, the color may be maintained at the second color.

[0190] The cartridge detection sensor 135 may detect the installation and / or removal of the cartridge 19. The cartridge detection sensor 135 may be implemented by an inductance-based sensor, a capacitance-type sensor, a resistance sensor, a Hall sensor (hall IC) using the Hall effect, or the like.

[0191] The cap detection sensor 136 may detect the attachment and / or removal of the cap. When the cap is separated from the body 10, parts of the cartridge 19 and the body 10 that were covered by the cap may be exposed to the outside. The cap detection sensor 136 may be implemented by a contact sensor, a hall sensor (hall IC), an optical sensor, etc.

[0192] The motion detection sensor 137 may detect the motion of the aerosol generating device and may be implemented by at least one of an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor.

[0193] The sensor 13 may further include at least one of a humidity sensor, an air pressure sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, a position sensor (GPS), and a proximity sensor in addition to the above-described sensors 131 to 137. The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by a skilled artisan from its name, so a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0194] The output unit 14 may output and provide to a user information related to the status of the aerosol generating device 1. The output unit 14 may include, but is not limited to, at least one of a display 141, a haptic unit 142, and an audio output unit 143. When the display 141 and the touchpad form a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display 141 may be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0195] The display 141 may visually provide a user with information related to the aerosol generation device 1. For example, the information related to the aerosol generation device 1 may refer to various information such as the charge / discharge status of the power supply 11 of the aerosol generation device 1, the preheating status of the heater 18, the insertion / removal status of the stick S and / or cartridge 19, the attachment / removal status of the cap, or a status that restricts the use of the aerosol generation device 1 (e.g., abnormal item detection), and the display 141 may output the information to the outside. For example, the display 141 may be in the form of an LED light-emitting element. For example, the display 141 may be a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), etc.

[0196] The haptic unit 142 may convert an electrical signal into a mechanical or electrical stimulus to provide a user with tactile information related to the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the haptic unit 142 may generate a vibration corresponding to the completion of initial preheating when initial power is supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 for a set time. The haptic unit 142 may include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0197] The acoustic output unit 143 can audibly provide the user with information related to the aerosol generation device 1. For example, the acoustic output unit 143 can convert an electric signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

[0198] The power supply 11 may supply power used to operate the aerosol generation device 1. The power supply 11 may supply power to heat the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. The power supply 11 may also supply power necessary for the operation of other components provided in the aerosol generation device 1, such as the sensor 13, the output unit 14, the input unit 15, the communication unit 16, and the memory 17. The power supply 11 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the power supply 11 may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0199] 16, the aerosol generating device 1 may further include a power protection circuit. The power protection circuit may be electrically connected to the power supply 11 and may include a switching element.

[0200] The power supply protection circuit may cut off the electrical path to the power supply 11 under predetermined conditions. For example, the power supply protection circuit may cut off the electrical path to the power supply 11 when the voltage level of the power supply 11 is equal to or higher than a first voltage corresponding to overcharging. For example, the power supply protection circuit may cut off the electrical path to the power supply 11 when the voltage level of the power supply 11 is lower than a second voltage corresponding to overdischarging.

[0201] The heater 18 can receive power from the power supply 11 to heat the medium or aerosol-generating substance in the stick S. Although not shown in FIG. 16 , the aerosol generation device 1 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power from the power supply 11 and supplies it to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. Furthermore, when the aerosol generation device 1 generates aerosol using an induction heating method, the aerosol generation device 1 may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power of the power supply 11 into AC power.

[0202] The control unit 12, the sensor 13, the output unit 14, the input unit 15, the communication unit 16, and the memory 17 can function by receiving power from the power supply 11. Although not shown in FIG. 16, the power supply 11 may further include a power conversion circuit, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that converts power from the power supply 11 and supplies it to each component. Also, although not shown in FIG. 16, a noise filter may be provided between the power supply 11 and the heater 18. The noise filter may also be a low-pass filter. The low-pass filter may include at least one inductor and capacitor. The cutoff frequency of the low-pass filter may correspond to the frequency of the high-frequency switching current applied from the power supply 11 to the heater 18. The low-pass filter may prevent high-frequency noise components from being applied to the sensor 13, such as the insertion detection sensor 133.

[0203] In one embodiment, the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 may be made of any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, suitable electrically resistive materials include, but are not limited to, metals or metal alloys including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc. Additionally, the heater 18 may be embodied by, but is not limited to, a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate having a conductive track disposed thereon, a ceramic heating element, etc.

[0204] In other embodiments, heater 18 is an induction heater. For example, heater 18 may include a susceptor that generates heat via a magnetic field applied by a coil to heat the aerosol-generating material.

[0205] The input unit 15 may receive information input by a user or output information to a user. For example, the input unit 15 may be a touch panel. The touch panel may include at least one touch sensor that detects a touch. For example, the touch sensor may include, but is not limited to, a capacitive touch sensor, a resistive touch sensor, a surface acoustic wave touch sensor, an infrared touch sensor, etc.

[0206] The display 141 and the touch panel may be implemented by a single panel. For example, the touch panel may be inserted (on-cell type or in-cell type) into the display 141. For example, the touch panel may be an add-on type on the display 141.

[0207] Meanwhile, the input unit 15 may include, but is not limited to, a button, a keypad, a dome switch, a jog wheel, a jog switch, and the like.

[0208] The memory 17 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generation device 1 and may store data that has been processed by the control unit 12 and data to be processed by the control unit 12. The memory 17 may include at least one type of recording medium selected from the group consisting of a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card-type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), a random access memory (RAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, and an optical disk. The memory 17 may store data related to the operation time of the aerosol generation device 1, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and the user's smoking pattern.

[0209] The communication unit 16 may include at least one component for communicating with other electronic devices, for example, the communication unit 16 may include at least one of a short-range communication unit and a wireless communication unit.

[0210] The short-range wireless communication unit 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 IrDA (infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, a UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc.

[0211] The wireless communication portion may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication portion, an Internet communication portion, a computer network (eg, LAN or WAN) communication portion, and the like.

[0212] Although not shown in Figure 16, the aerosol generating device 1 may further include a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and may connect to other external devices via the connection interface such as the USB interface to send and receive information or charge the power supply 11.

[0213] The control unit 12 may control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1. In one embodiment, the control unit 12 may include at least one processor. The processor may be implemented by an array of multiple logic gates, or may be implemented by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program that can be executed by the microprocessor. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention may also be implemented by other forms of hardware.

[0214] The control unit 12 may control the temperature of the heater 18 by controlling the power supply 11 to supply to the heater 18. The control unit 12 may control the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 sensed by the temperature sensor 131. The control unit 12 may adjust the power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. For example, the control unit 12 may determine a target temperature for the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 based on a temperature profile stored in the memory 17.

[0215] The aerosol generating device 1 may include a power supply circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the power supply 11 between the power supply 11 and the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. The power supply circuit may be electrically connected to the cartridge heater 24, the heater 18, or the induction coil 181. The power supply circuit may include at least one switching element. The switching element may be implemented by a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), a field effect transistor (FET), or the like. The control unit 12 may control the power supply circuit.

[0216] The control unit 12 can control the power supply by controlling the switching of the switching elements of the power supply circuit. The power supply circuit also serves as an inverter that converts DC power output from the power supply 11 into AC power. For example, the inverter can be configured as a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit including multiple switching elements.

[0217] The control unit 12 may turn on the switching element so that power is supplied from the power source 11 to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. The control unit 12 may turn off the switching element so that power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 is cut off. The control unit 12 may adjust the frequency and / or duty ratio of the current pulse input to the switching element to adjust the current supplied from the power source 11.

[0218] The control unit 12 may control the voltage output from the power supply 11 by controlling the switching of a switching element of the power supply circuit. The power conversion circuit may convert the voltage output from the power supply 11. For example, the power conversion circuit may include a buck converter that boosts the voltage output from the power supply 11. For example, the power conversion circuit may be implemented using a buck-boost converter, a Zener diode, etc.

[0219] The control unit 12 may adjust the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit by controlling the on / off operation of a switching element included in the power conversion circuit. When the on state of the switching element is maintained, the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit may correspond to the level of the voltage output from the power source 11. The duty ratio of the on / off operation of the switching element may correspond to the ratio of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit to the voltage output from the power source 11. As the duty ratio of the on / off operation of the switching element decreases, the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit decreases. The heater 18 may be heated based on the voltage output from the power conversion circuit.

[0220] The control unit 12 may control the supply of power to the heater 18 using at least one of a pulse width modulation (PWM) method and a proportional-integral-differential (PID) method.

[0221] For example, the control unit 12 may use a PWM method to control current pulses having a predetermined frequency and duty ratio to be supplied to the heater 18. The control unit 12 may control the power supplied to the heater 18 by adjusting the frequency and duty ratio of the current pulses.

[0222] For example, the control unit 12 may determine a target temperature based on the temperature profile, and may control the power supplied to the heater 18 using a PID method, which is a feedback control method that uses a difference between the temperature of the heater 18 and the target temperature, a value obtained by integrating the difference over time, and a value obtained by differentiating the difference over time.

[0223] The control unit 12 may prevent the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 from overheating. For example, the control unit 12 may control the operation of the power conversion circuit to stop the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 when the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 exceeds a predetermined limit temperature. For example, the control unit 12 may reduce the amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 by a certain percentage when the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 exceeds a predetermined limit temperature. For example, the control unit 12 may determine that the aerosol-generating material contained in the cartridge 19 has been consumed when the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeds the limit temperature, and may cut off the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24.

[0224] The control unit 12 can control the charging and discharging of the power supply 11. The control unit 12 can check the temperature of the power supply 11 based on the output signal of the temperature sensor 131.

[0225] When a power line is connected to the battery terminal of the aerosol generating device 1, the control unit 12 may check whether the temperature of the power source 11 is equal to or higher than a first limit temperature, which is a criterion for cutting off charging of the power source 11. When the temperature of the power source 11 is lower than the first limit temperature, the control unit 12 may control the power source 11 to be charged based on a predetermined charging current. When the temperature of the power source 11 is equal to or higher than the first limit temperature, the control unit 12 may cut off charging of the power source 11.

[0226] When the aerosol generating device 1 is powered on, the control unit 12 may check whether the temperature of the power source 11 is equal to or higher than a second limit temperature, which is a criterion for cutting off discharge of the power source 11. If the temperature of the power source 11 is lower than the second limit temperature, the control unit 12 may control the power source 11 to use the power stored in the power source 11. If the temperature of the power source 11 is equal to or higher than the second limit temperature, the control unit 12 may stop using the power stored in the power source 11.

[0227] The control unit 12 may calculate the remaining capacity of the power stored in the power source 11. For example, the control unit 12 may calculate the remaining capacity of the power source 11 based on the voltage and / or current sensing value of the power source 11.

[0228] The control unit 12 may determine whether the stick S is inserted into the insertion space through the insertion detection sensor 133. The control unit 12 may determine that the stick S has been inserted based on an output signal from the insertion detection sensor 133. If it is determined that the stick S has been inserted into the insertion space, the control unit 12 may control the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 to supply power. For example, the control unit 12 may supply power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 based on a temperature profile stored in the memory 17.

[0229] The control unit 12 may determine whether the stick S has been removed from the insertion space. For example, the control unit 12 may determine whether the stick S has been removed from the insertion space via the insertion detection sensor 133. For example, the control unit 12 may determine that the stick S has been removed from the insertion space if the temperature of the heater 18 is equal to or higher than a limit temperature or if the temperature change gradient of the heater 18 is equal to or higher than a set gradient. If it is determined that the stick S has been removed from the insertion space, the control unit 12 may cut off the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18.

[0230] The control unit 12 may control the time and / or amount of power supply to the heater 18 depending on the state of the stick S sensed by the sensor 13. The control unit 12 may check the level range that includes the signal level of the capacitance sensor based on a lookup table. The control unit 12 may determine the amount of moisture in the stick S based on the checked level range.

[0231] When the stick S is in an over-humid state, the control unit 12 controls the time for which power is supplied to the heater 18, and can increase the pre-heating time of the stick S compared to when the stick S is in a normal state.

[0232] The control unit 12 may determine whether the stick S inserted into the insertion space has been reused through the reuse detection sensor 134. For example, the control unit 12 may compare the sensing value of the signal from the reuse detection sensor with a first reference range including a first color, and determine that the stick S has not been used if the sensing value is within the first reference range. For example, the control unit 12 may compare the sensing value of the signal from the reuse detection sensor with a second reference range including a second color, and determine that the stick S has been used if the sensing value is within the second reference range. If it is determined that the stick S has been used, the control unit 12 may cut off the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18.

[0233] The control unit 12 may determine whether to connect and / or remove the cartridge 19 via the cartridge detection sensor 135. For example, the control unit 12 may determine whether to connect and / or remove the cartridge 19 based on the sensing value of the signal of the cartridge detection sensor.

[0234] The control unit 12 may determine whether the aerosol generating material in the cartridge 19 has been exhausted. For example, the control unit 12 may apply power to preheat the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, determine whether the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeds a limit temperature during the preheating period, and determine that the aerosol generating material in the cartridge 19 has been exhausted if the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeds the limit temperature. If the control unit 12 determines that the aerosol generating material in the cartridge 19 has been exhausted, it may cut off the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

[0235] The control unit 12 may determine whether the cartridge 19 is usable. For example, the control unit 12 may determine that the cartridge 19 is unusable if the current number of puffs is equal to or greater than the maximum number of puffs set for the cartridge 19 based on data stored in the memory 17. For example, the control unit 12 may determine that the cartridge 19 is unusable if the total time that the heater 24 has been heated is equal to or greater than a predetermined maximum time, or if the total amount of power supplied to the heater 24 is equal to or greater than a predetermined maximum amount of power.

[0236] The control unit 12 may determine whether a user is inhaling through the puff sensor 132. For example, the control unit 12 may determine whether a puff has occurred based on the sensed value of the signal from the puff sensor. For example, the control unit 12 may determine the strength of a puff based on the sensed value of the signal from the puff sensor 132. If the number of puffs reaches a predetermined maximum number of puffs or if no puffs have been sensed for a predetermined period of time or longer, the control unit 12 may cut off the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18.

[0237] The control unit 12 may determine whether the cap is attached and / or removed through the cap detection sensor 136. For example, the control unit 12 may determine whether the cap is attached and / or removed based on the sensing value of the signal of the cap detection sensor.

[0238] The control unit 12 may control the output unit 14 based on the results sensed by the sensor 13. For example, when the number of puffs counted via the puff sensor 132 reaches a predetermined number, the control unit 12 may notify the user via at least one of the display 141, the haptic unit 142, and the audio output unit 143 that the aerosol generating device 1 will soon be shut down. For example, the control unit 12 may notify the user via the output unit 14 based on the determination that the stick S is not present in the insertion space. For example, the control unit 12 may notify the user via the output unit 14 based on the determination that the cartridge 19 and / or the cap are not attached. For example, the control unit 12 may transmit information related to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 to the user via the output unit 14.

[0239] The control unit 12 may store and update a history of an event that has occurred in the memory 17 based on the occurrence of a predetermined event. The event may include, for example, an operation performed by the aerosol generation device 1, such as detecting the insertion of the stick S, starting heating of the stick S, detecting puffing, ending puffing, detecting overheating of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, detecting application of an overvoltage to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, ending heating of the stick S, turning the power of the aerosol generation device 1 on / off, starting charging of the power source 11, detecting overcharging of the power source 11, and ending charging of the power source 11. The history of an event may include the date and time of the event, log data corresponding to the event, etc. For example, if the predetermined event is detecting the insertion of the stick S, the log data corresponding to the event may include data related to the sensing value of the insertion detection sensor 133, etc. For example, if a given event is the detection of overheating of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, the log data corresponding to the event may include data related to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, the voltage applied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, the current flowing through the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, etc.

[0240] The control unit 12 may control the establishment of a communication link with an external device, such as a user's mobile terminal. Upon receiving authentication-related data from the external device via the communication link, the control unit 12 may remove restrictions on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generation device 1. Here, the authentication-related data may include data indicating the completion of user authentication for the user corresponding to the external device. The user may perform user authentication through the external device. The external device may determine whether user data is valid based on the user's birthday, a unique number identifying the user, etc., and receive data regarding the usage authority of the aerosol generation device 1 from an external server. The external device may transmit data indicating the completion of user authentication to the aerosol generation device 1 based on the data regarding the usage authority. Upon completion of user authentication, the control unit 12 may remove restrictions on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generation device 1. For example, upon completion of user authentication, the control unit 12 may remove restrictions on the use of a heating function that supplies power to the heater 18.

[0241] The control unit 12 can transmit data related to the status of the aerosol generation device 1 to the external device through a communication link formed with the external device. Based on the received status data, the external device can output the remaining capacity of the power supply 11 of the aerosol generation device 1, the operation mode, etc. through a display of the external device.

[0242] The external device may transmit a location search request to the aerosol generation device 1 based on an input to start a location search of the aerosol generation device 1. When receiving a location search request from the external device, the control unit 12 may control at least one of the output devices to perform an operation corresponding to the location search based on the received location search request. For example, the haptic unit 142 may generate vibration in response to the location search request. For example, the display 141 may output an object corresponding to the location search and the end of the search in response to the location search request.

[0243] The control unit 12 may control to perform a firmware update when it receives firmware data from an external device. The external device may check the current version of the firmware of the aerosol generation device 1 and determine whether a new version of the firmware is available. When an input requesting a firmware download is received, the external device may receive firmware data of the new version and transmit the firmware data of the new version to the aerosol generation device 1. The control unit 12 may control to perform a firmware update of the aerosol generation device 1 by receiving the firmware data of the new version.

[0244] The control unit 12 may transmit data related to sensing values ​​of at least one sensor 13 to an external server (not shown) via the communication unit 16 and receive and store a learning model generated by learning the sensing values ​​through machine learning, such as deep learning, from the server. The control unit 12 may perform operations such as determining a user's inhalation pattern and generating a temperature profile using the learning model received from the server. The control unit 12 may store sensing value data of at least one sensor 13 and data for training an artificial neural network (ANN) in the memory 17. For example, the memory 17 may store a database related to each component included in the aerosol generation device 1 for training the artificial neural network (ANN), as well as weights and biases constituting the artificial neural network (ANN) structure. The control unit 12 can learn data related to the sensing values ​​of at least one sensor 13, the user's inhalation pattern, temperature profile, etc. stored in the memory 17, and generate at least one learning model to be used for determining the user's inhalation pattern, generating a temperature profile, etc.

[0245] The above-described embodiment of the present invention or other embodiments are not mutually exclusive or distinct, and the respective configurations or functions of the above-described embodiment of the present invention or other embodiments may be used together or combined.

[0246] For example, it means that a configuration A described in a particular embodiment and / or drawing can be combined with a configuration B described in another embodiment and / or drawing. In other words, even if a combination between components is not directly described, it means that the combination is possible unless it is described that the combination is impossible.

[0247] The above description should not be construed as limiting in any respect, but should be considered as illustrative. The scope of the present invention should be determined by reasonable interpretation of the claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the present invention are included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. In the aerosol generating device, a housing including a receptacle into which the aerosol-producing article is inserted; an insertion detection sensor that detects whether the aerosol product is inserted into the container; a heater for heating the aerosol product inserted into the container; a plurality of auxiliary sensors arranged around the housing; An aerosol generating device comprising: a processor that controls the heater to supply power in response to receiving a sensing signal from the insertion detection sensor and a sensing signal from at least one auxiliary sensor among the plurality of auxiliary sensors.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein a priority is predetermined among the plurality of auxiliary sensors.

3. The plurality of auxiliary sensors include: The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the sensor performs a different function from the insertion detection sensor within the aerosol generating device.

4. The processor: When the aerosol product is inserted into the receiving portion, a first sensing signal is received from the insertion detection sensor; receiving a plurality of second sensing signals from the plurality of auxiliary sensors when the aerosol product is inserted into the receptacle; The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the aerosol generating device determines that the aerosol product has been inserted into the storage section based on whether the received first sensing signal and any one of the plurality of received second sensing signals are within a threshold range.

5. The processor: The aerosol generating device of claim 4, wherein the aerosol product is determined to be inserted into the storage section based on whether the first sensing signal and the second sensing signal selected from the plurality of second sensing signals according to a predetermined priority are within a threshold range.

6. The insertion detection sensor is 5. The aerosol generating device of claim 4, wherein the aerosol generating device is an inductive sensor that senses insertion of the aerosol producing article.

7. A first auxiliary sensor of the plurality of auxiliary sensors is a proximity sensor including a color sensor disposed at an upper end of the container for detecting whether an aerosol product inserted in the container has been reused; A second auxiliary sensor among the plurality of auxiliary sensors is 5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 4, further comprising a capacitive sensor disposed at the lower end of the container for detecting whether the aerosol product inserted in the container is excessively wet.

8. The aerosol generating device according to claim 7 , wherein the proximity sensor is set to have a higher priority than the capacitive sensor.

9. The processor: The aerosol generating device of claim 8, wherein when the sensing signal received from the proximity sensor is within a threshold range, it is determined that the aerosol product has been inserted into the storage section based on the sensing signal received from the insertion detection sensor.

10. The processor: The aerosol generating device described in claim 8, wherein the proximity sensor is determined to have failed if a sensing signal is not received from the proximity sensor, if the sensing signal received from the proximity sensor does not fall within a threshold range, or if a sensing signal of a fixed value is received from the proximity sensor.

11. The processor: The aerosol generating device of claim 10, wherein when the sensing signal received from the capacitive sensor falls within a threshold range, it is determined that the aerosol product has been inserted into the storage section based on the sensing signal received from the insertion detection sensor.

12. the insertion detection sensor is an inductive sensor disposed at a lower end of the receiving portion and detecting a change in inductance when the aerosol product is inserted; one of the plurality of auxiliary sensors is a capacitive sensor disposed at a lower end of the receptacle for sensing a change in capacitance of the inserted aerosol product; The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein another of the plurality of auxiliary sensors is a proximity sensor disposed at an upper end of the storage portion and configured to detect whether the aerosol product is approaching the storage portion.

13. The processor: the sensing signal received from the proximity sensor is within a threshold range; The aerosol generating device described in claim 12, wherein when the sensing signal received from the inductive sensor is within a threshold range, it is determined that the aerosol product has been inserted into the storage section, and the heater is controlled to be supplied with power.

14. The processor: If a sensing signal is not received from the proximity sensor, the sensing signal received from the proximity sensor does not fall within a threshold range, or a sensing signal of a fixed value is received from the proximity sensor, The aerosol generating device described in claim 12, wherein when the sensing signal received from the capacitive sensor falls within a threshold range and the sensing signal received from the inductive sensor is within the threshold range, it is determined that the aerosol product item has been inserted into the storage section and the heater is controlled to supply power.

15. 1. A method for controlling an aerosol generating device, comprising: receiving a sensing signal from an insertion detection sensor that detects insertion of an aerosol product; receiving a sensing signal from at least one auxiliary sensor of a plurality of auxiliary sensors upon insertion of the aerosol product article; A method for controlling an aerosol generating device, comprising: controlling a heater to heat the inserted aerosol product in response to a sensing signal received from the insertion detection sensor and a sensing signal received from at least one auxiliary sensor among the plurality of auxiliary sensors.

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