Aerosol generating device and method of operation thereof

Abstract

According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device includes a housing including a cavity for accommodating an aerosol product, an optical sensor for detecting whether an aerosol product is present in the cavity based on a comparison result between a sensing value and a threshold, wherein the threshold includes a first threshold and a second threshold, and a processor electrically connected to the optical sensor, wherein the processor acquires a first sensing value of the optical sensor detected when the aerosol product is inserted and a second sensing value of the optical sensor detected when the aerosol product is removed, and updates the threshold to a new threshold based on the first sensing value and the second sensing value. Various other embodiments are possible as will be understood throughout the specification.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device and an operating method for setting a sensing threshold based on the sensing value of an optical sensor. [Background technology]

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

[0003] Recently, there has been a trend toward a variety of aerosol generating devices equipped with separate sensors to detect whether a cigarette has been inserted / removed, the type of cigarette, etc. For example, aerosol generating devices include cigarette recognition sensors (e.g., capacitance sensors, inductive sensors, etc.) that detect a cigarette based on an electrical signal, and cigarette recognition sensors (e.g., optical sensors) that detect a cigarette based on an optical signal.

[0004] In particular, to improve the accuracy of cigarette detection and prevent false detection, the aerosol generating device may detect cigarettes through various combinations of cigarette recognition sensors (for example, an inductive sensor and an optical sensor). Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When an aerosol generating device detects a cigarette through a cigarette recognition sensor based on an optical signal, the aerosol generating device's sensing sensitivity to the insertion / removal of a cigarette may be reduced due to external foreign matter, etc. That is, a cigarette recognition sensor that detects the insertion of a cigarette based on the amount of light reflected from the cigarette may have a sensing area contaminated by external foreign matter, and the device may continue to operate by mistakenly detecting the external foreign matter as a cigarette even though the cigarette has been removed. Because the external foreign matter is mistakenly detected as a cigarette, the device cannot enter standby mode, which may increase the power consumption of the device.

[0006] When an aerosol generating device detects a cigarette through a cigarette recognition sensor based on an electrical signal, the aerosol generating device may mistakenly detect the approach of not only a cigarette but also an object that generates a magnetic field (e.g., a magnet) as the insertion of a cigarette. That is, as an object that generates a magnetic field approaches the device, a change in the electrical signal occurs in the cigarette recognition sensor, and the device may mistakenly detect the approach of the object as the insertion of a cigarette and perform subsequent control operations.

[0007] In various embodiments of the present invention, an aerosol generating device is provided that can continuously update the sensing threshold of an optical sensor based on the sensing value and determine the insertion / removal of a cigarette based on the updated sensing threshold.

[0008] The problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and unmentioned problems 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]

[0009] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment includes a housing including a cavity in which an aerosol product is accommodated, an optical sensor that detects whether an aerosol product is present in the cavity based on a comparison result between a sensing value and a threshold value, wherein the threshold value includes a first threshold value and a second threshold value, and a processor electrically connected to the optical sensor, wherein the processor acquires a first sensing value of the optical sensor detected when the aerosol product is inserted and a second sensing value of the optical sensor detected when the aerosol product is removed, and can update the threshold value to a new threshold value based on the first sensing value and the second sensing value.

[0010] An operating method of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment includes the steps of acquiring a first sensing value detected when an aerosol product is inserted and a second sensing value detected when the aerosol product is removed through an optical sensor that detects the presence of an aerosol product in a cavity based on a comparison result between the sensing value and a threshold value, and updating the threshold value to a new threshold value based on the first sensing value and the second sensing value. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to various embodiments of the present invention, when an aerosol generating device detects a cigarette through an optical sensor, the device determines the insertion / removal of a cigarette based on an updated sensing threshold for the optical sensor, thereby preventing false detection due to foreign matter attached near the optical sensor.

[0012] In addition, when the aerosol generating device detects cigarettes through a cigarette recognition sensor based on an electrical signal and an optical sensor, the device can prevent erroneous detection by the cigarette recognition sensor based on an electrical signal through sensing by the optical sensor.

[0013] 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]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a view showing an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a view 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; FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view of the body, cartridge, and 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 11] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. [Figure 12] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method for setting a threshold value in an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. [Figure 13A] 1 is a view illustrating a state in which an aerosol product is inserted into an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. [Figure 13B]1 is a view illustrating a state in which an aerosol product is removed from an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. [Figure 13C] 10 is a graph illustrating an output signal of an optical sensor upon insertion and removal of an aerosol production article according to one embodiment. [Figure 14A] 1 is a view illustrating a state in which an aerosol product is inserted into an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. [Figure 14B] 1 is a view illustrating a state in which an aerosol product is removed from an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. [Figure 14C] 10 is a graph illustrating an output signal of an optical sensor upon insertion and removal of an aerosol production article according to one embodiment. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method in which an aerosol generating device outputs a user notification according to an embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] 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 redundant description thereof will be omitted.

[0016] The suffixes "module" and "section" used in the following description relating to components 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.

[0017] Furthermore, when describing the embodiments disclosed herein, if a detailed description of the related known technology is deemed to obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed herein, the detailed description will be omitted. Furthermore, the attached drawings are intended only 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.

[0018] Terms including ordinal numbers such as first, second, etc. may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms. The terms are used merely to distinguish one component from another.

[0019] When a component is referred to as being "coupled" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the component 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 referred to as being "directly coupled" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0020] The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0021] 1 and 2 show an aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Referring to FIG. 1, the aerosol generator 1 includes 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 generator. The main body 10 may provide a space with an opening at the top into which an aerosol-producing product, a stick S, can be inserted. The space with an opening at the top is also referred to as an insertion space. The insertion space is recessed to a predetermined depth toward the inside of the main body 10 so that at least a portion of the stick S can be inserted. The depth of the insertion space corresponds to the length of a region of the stick S containing the aerosol-generating material and / or medium. The bottom end of the stick S is inserted into the main body 10, and the top end of the stick S protrudes outside the main body 10. A user can inhale air through the top end of the stick S exposed to the outside.

[0023] The heater 18 can heat the stick S. The heater 18 can extend long upward around the periphery of the space into which the stick S is inserted. For example, the heater 18 can be tubular with a hollow interior. The heater 18 can be arranged around the periphery of the insertion space. The heater 18 can be arranged so as 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 includes an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heater.

[0024] 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.

[0025] For example, the aerosol generating device 1 includes an induction coil surrounding the heater 18. The induction coil can cause the heater 18 to generate heat. The heater 18 is a susceptor, and the heater 18 can be heated by a magnetic field generated by AC current flowing through the induction coil. The magnetic field penetrates the heater 18 and generates eddy currents within the heater 18. The current causes the heater 18 to generate heat.

[0026] Meanwhile, a susceptor is included inside the stick S, and the susceptor inside the stick S can be heated by a magnetic field generated by an AC current flowing through an induction coil.

[0027] Cartridge 19 contains an aerosol-forming material that can be in any one of a liquid, solid, gaseous, or 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 that includes a volatile tobacco flavor component, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance.

[0028] The cartridge 19 is either integrally formed with the main body 10 or detachably coupled to the main body 10 .

[0029] For example, referring to FIG. 1, the cartridge 19 may be integrally formed with the main body 10 and communicate with the insertion space through the airflow channel CN.

[0030] 2, a space is formed on one side of the main body 10, and at least a portion of the cartridge 19 is 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 ​​is defined by a portion of the cartridge and / or a portion of the main body 10, and the cartridge 19 can communicate with the insertion space through the airflow channel CN.

[0031] The main body 10 may be configured to allow outside air to flow into the main body 10 when the cartridge 19 is inserted. In this case, the outside air flowing into the main body 10 may pass through the cartridge 19 and flow into the user's mouth.

[0032] The cartridge 19 includes a storage section C0 containing an aerosol-generating substance and / or a heater 24 for heating the aerosol-generating substance in the storage section C0. A liquid transfer means impregnated with (containing) the aerosol-generating substance is disposed inside the storage section C0. 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 in a coil-like structure that wraps around the liquid transfer means or in a structure that contacts one side of the liquid transfer means. The heater 24 is also referred to as a cartridge heater 24.

[0033] The cartridge 19 can generate an aerosol. The aerosol is generated by heating the liquid transfer means with the cartridge heater 24. The aerosol is 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 is inhaled into the user's mouth through one end of the stick S.

[0034] The aerosol generating device 1 is equipped with only the cartridge heater 24, and the main body 10 is not equipped with a 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.

[0035] The aerosol generating device 1 includes a cap (not shown), which is releasably 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 is inserted into the main body 10 through the cap.

[0036] The power source 11 can supply power to operate the components of the aerosol generation device. The power source 11 is also referred to as a battery. The power source 11 can 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 can supply power to the induction coil.

[0037] 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, etc. 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.

[0038] The control unit 12 can analyze the results sensed by the sensor 13 and control subsequent processing. For example, the control unit 12 can control the power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 so as to start or end the 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 can control the amount of power and the time for which power is supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 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.

[0039] The sensor 13 includes 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 can sense at least one of the temperature of the heater 18, the temperature of the power source 11, and the temperature inside and outside the main body 10. For example, the sensor 13 can sense a puff by a user. For example, the sensor 13 can sense whether the stick S is inserted into the insertion space. For example, the sensor 13 can sense whether a cartridge is attached. For example, the sensor 13 can sense whether a cap is attached.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 3, an aerosol generating device A100 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a main body A3. The aerosol generating device A100 includes a cap A30. The aerosol generating device A100 also includes 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.

[0042] 4, the main body A3 includes a lower body A1 and an upper body A2. Components of the aerosol generating device A100, such as a battery and a control unit, may be installed inside the lower body A1. The upper body A2 is coupled to the upper side of the lower body A1.

[0043] The upper body A2 includes a column A10 and a mounting portion A20. The column A10 may be elongated in the vertical direction. The column A10 includes an outer wall A11, an inner wall A12, and an upper wall A13.

[0044] 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 area A24 is formed between the inner wall A12 of the column A10 and the mounting portion A20. The cartridge area A24 is located on one side of the inner wall A12 of the column A10 and above the mounting portion A20.

[0045] 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 upward so that the upper wall A13 is open.

[0046] The main body inlet A141 is 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 arranged to face the cartridge region A24. The main body inlet A141 may be connected to the cartridge region A24.

[0047] The cartridge A40 is detachably coupled to the upper body A2 in the cartridge region A24. The cartridge A40 is coupled to the inner wall A12 of the column A10 and can be placed on the mounting portion A20 so that its bottom is supported. The cartridge A40 includes a first container A41 and a second container A42. The first container A41 is disposed above the second container A42. The first container A41 can store liquid.

[0048] The cap A30 covers the upper body A2 and is detachably coupled to the main body A3. The cap A30 can cover the upper body A2 and the cartridge A40 coupled to the upper body A2. The cap A30 has a space formed therein into which the upper body A2 and the cartridge A40 are inserted. The space inside the cap A30 can be open downward. The sidewall A31 of the cap A30 can enclose the sides of the space inside the cap A30. The top wall A33 of the cap A30 can cover the top of the space inside the cap A30. The insertion opening A34 can be formed by opening the top wall A33. When the cap A30 is coupled to the main body A3, the insertion opening A34 can communicate with the insertion space A142 above the insertion space A142. The cover A35 can be movably installed on the top wall A33. The cover A35 can slide on the top wall A33. The cover A35 can open and close the insertion opening A34.

[0049] 5, a first chamber AC1 is formed inside a first container A41. A liquid is stored in the first chamber AC1. A second chamber AC2 is formed inside a second container A42.

[0050] The cartridge inlet A441 is formed by opening the cartridge A40. The cartridge outlet A442 is formed by opening the cartridge A40. The cartridge flow path A443 can connect the cartridge inlet A441 and the second chamber AC2. The cartridge outlet A442 can communicate with the second chamber AC2.

[0051] The cartridge outlet A442 is 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 is inserted into the main body inlet A141, and the cartridge outlet A442 and the main body inlet A141 may communicate with each other.

[0052] The wick A45 is disposed in the second chamber AC2. The wick A45 is connected to the first chamber AC1. The wick A45 is supplied with liquid from the first chamber AC1. The heater A46 is heated to heat the wick A45. The heater A46 is disposed in the second chamber AC2. The heater A46 can be wound around the wick A45. When the heater A46 heats the wick A45, an aerosol can be generated around the wick A45 in the second chamber AC2.

[0053] The heater terminal A47 may be exposed at the bottom of the cartridge A40. The heater terminal A47 is formed at the bottom of the second container A42. The heater terminal A47 is electrically connected to the heater A46. When the cartridge A40 is coupled to the upper body A2, the heater terminal A47 comes into contact with and is electrically connected to the first pin A50.

[0054] 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 a connector A97 and provide it to the heater terminal A47 and the heater A46. The heater A46 may generate heat upon receiving the power.

[0055] Air outside the cartridge A40 flows into the cartridge A40 through the cartridge inlet A441. The air can flow sequentially 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 is discharged to the outside of the cartridge A40 through the cartridge outlet A442. The air flowing into the cartridge A40, along with the aerosol generated in the second chamber AC2, is discharged to the outside of the cartridge A40 through the cartridge outlet A442.

[0056] The first pin A50 is disposed inside the main body A3 but may protrude outside the main body A3. The main body A3 includes a mounting portion A20.

[0057] The mounting portion A20 has an outer recessed groove A25. The outer recessed groove A25 is formed by recessing the upper surface A21 of the mounting portion A20 downward. The outer recessed groove A25 is located below the cartridge area 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 recessed groove A25 is formed on the outer surface of the main body A3.

[0058] The lower portion of the outer recessed groove A25 is covered by the bottom portion A251, and the side portion is covered by the peripheral portion A252. The upper portion of the outer recessed groove A25 may be open. One side of the outer recessed 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 recessed groove A25 is open. The upper end of the first pin A50 may protrude or be exposed in a convex shape upward from the bottom A251 of the outer recessed groove A25 toward the outer recessed groove A25.

[0059] The bottom of the cartridge A40 may have a shape corresponding to the mounting portion A20 and the outer recessed 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.

[0060] A plurality of guide portions A253 may be provided. The guide portions A253 may extend long from the front to the rear. The guide portions A253 are formed at an angle so that they gradually become higher from the front to the rear. Each of the plurality of guide portions A253 is 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 is the same as or similar to the height of the first pin A50.

[0061] As a result, when the cartridge A40 is coupled to the upper main 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 6 and 7, in an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present invention, a main body B100 includes an upper main body B120 and a lower main body B110. The upper main body B120 is located above the lower main body B110. The lower main body B110 may be elongated vertically. The main body B100 may house components for driving the device therein. The upper main body B120 may provide an insertion space B134 that is open upward. The insertion space B134 is located inside the upper main body B120. The insertion space B134 may be elongated vertically. The insertion space B134 is formed in a pipe B130 located inside the upper main body B120.

[0064] The upper case B200 may have a hollow shape with an open bottom. The upper body B120 is inserted into the hollow of the upper case B200. The upper case B200 is detachably coupled to the 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 body B100, the upper case B200 may cover both the body B100 and the cartridge B300. The cartridge B300 may be disposed inside the upper case B200.

[0065] The insertion opening B214 is formed by opening the upper part B212 of the upper case B200. The insertion opening B214 corresponds to the opening of the insertion space B134. The cap B215 is movably installed on the upper part B212 of the upper case B200. A slide hole B213 is formed in the upper part B212 of the upper case B200, extending from the insertion opening B214 to one side. The cap B215 can move along the slide hole B213. The cap B215 can open and close the insertion opening B214 and the insertion space B134. The stick S is inserted into the insertion space B134 through the insertion opening B214. For example, the stick S can be a cigarette.

[0066] 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 are 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.

[0067] The upper body B120 includes a mounting portion B122. The mounting portion B122 extends to one side from the lower portion of the partition B125. The mounting portion B122 is formed on the upper side of the lower body B110. The mounting portion B122 may cover the lower portion of the cartridge coupling space B124a. The bottom surface of the cartridge B300 may be placed on and supported by the mounting portion B122.

[0068] The upper body B120 includes an extension B140. The extension B140 extends to one side from the upper portion of the partition B125. The extension B140 may extend in the direction in which the mounting portion B122 is formed. The extension B140 may cover the upper portion of the cartridge coupling space B124a. The extension B140 may cover the upper end surface of the cartridge B300. The extension B140 may cover 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.

[0069] The cartridge coupling space B124a is formed on one side of the upper body B120. The cartridge coupling space B124a is 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 is covered by the mounting portion B122. One side of the cartridge coupling space B124a is covered by the partition wall B125 of the upper body B120. The top of the cartridge coupling space B124a is 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.

[0070] The cartridge B300 is inserted into the cartridge coupling space B124a and coupled to the main body B100. The cartridge B300 is detachably coupled to the main body B100. One lateral surface B311 of the cartridge B300 faces the partition wall B125. The upper end surface B312 of the cartridge B300 is covered by the extension portion B140. The bottom surface B322 of the cartridge B300 is placed on the mounting portion B122. The cartridge terminal B128 is connected to the cartridge B300 and can supply power to the heater B342 inside the cartridge B300.

[0071] The coupling hook B125a is formed on the upper body B120. The pusher B125b is formed on the upper body B120. The coupling hook B125a and the pusher B125b are formed in pairs on both sides and positioned opposite each other. The cartridge B300 includes a hook coupling groove B315. The hook coupling groove B315 is formed at a position corresponding to the coupling hook B125a. When the cartridge B300 is inserted into the cartridge coupling space B124a, the coupling hook B125a is coupled to the hook coupling groove B315, thereby coupling the cartridge B300 and the main body B100. The pusher B125b and the coupling hook B125a can move in conjunction with each other. When the pusher B125b is pressed, the coupling hook B125a moves in a direction away from the hook coupling groove B315, and the cartridge B300 can be separated from the main body B100.

[0072] The connecting channel B133 is formed in the lower part of the partition B125. The connecting channel B133 may be in communication with the insertion space B134. The connecting channel B133 may be open to one side of the upper body B120. When the cartridge B300 is coupled to the body B100, the discharge port B323 is inserted into the connecting channel B133, and the connecting channel B133 and the cartridge discharge port B304 may be in communication with each other.

[0073] 8, the cartridge B300 includes a first container B31 and a second container B32. The first container B31 is coupled to the top 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.

[0074] The first container B31 includes a first chamber BC1 capable of storing a liquid therein. The first container B31 surrounds the first chamber BC1, and the bottom of the first chamber BC1 may be open. The opening of the first chamber BC1 is covered by a plate B35.

[0075] 9, the first container B31 includes an inlet passage B302 through which air passes. The first chamber BC1 and the inlet passage B302 may be separated from each other. The inlet passage B302 extends vertically on one side of the first container B31.

[0076] The first container B31 has a cartridge inlet B301. The cartridge inlet B301 is formed by opening the top of the first container B31 and can be connected to the inlet channel B302. The cartridge inlet B301 can be connected to the upper end of the inlet channel B302. The lower end of the inlet channel B302 can be connected to the connection hole B351 and the chamber inlet B303.

[0077] The second container B32 is coupled to the bottom of the first container B31. The second container B32 has a space B324 that is open at the top and covered at the bottom. The frame B33 is accommodated inside the space B324 of the second container B32.

[0078] The second container B32 has a cartridge outlet B304. The cartridge outlet B304 is formed on one side portion B321 of the second container B32. The cartridge outlet B304 is formed inside a port protruding from the side portion of the second container B32 in the thickness direction. The cartridge outlet B304 may communicate with the space B324. The second container B32 includes 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 portion 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.

[0079] The frame B33 is inserted into the space B324 inside the second container B32 and coupled to the second container B32. A fastening member B326 protruding from the sidewall of the second container B32 into the space B324 can be fastened to the frame B33 to fix the frame B33.

[0080] The frame B33 includes a second chamber BC2 therein. The frame B33 surrounds the second chamber BC2, and the top of the second chamber BC2 may be open. The top of the second chamber BC2 is covered by a plate B35.

[0081] The frame B33 includes a chamber inlet B303. The chamber inlet B303 is formed by opening one surface of a sidewall surrounding the second chamber BC2. The chamber inlet B303 may be bent upward and extend from the second chamber BC2 toward the inlet channel B302. One end of the chamber inlet B303 communicates with the second chamber BC2, and the other end of the chamber inlet B303 is connected to the inlet channel B302 and the connecting hole B351.

[0082] The frame B33 has a chamber outlet B332. The chamber outlet B332 is formed on one side of the frame B33. The chamber outlet B332 can be connected to the second chamber BC2. The chamber outlet B332 is formed inside a port protruding from the side of the frame B33 in the thickness direction. The chamber outlet B332 can be connected to the second chamber BC2. The chamber outlet B332 is formed at a position corresponding to the cartridge outlet B304. The chamber outlet B332 is formed at a position opposite the chamber inlet B303 with respect to the second chamber BC2. When the frame B33 is coupled to the second container B32, the chamber outlet B332 and the cartridge outlet B304 can be connected to each other.

[0083] The frame B33 has a core coupling groove B334 formed therein. The core coupling groove B334 may be connected to the second chamber BC2. The core coupling groove B334 is formed by recessing one side of the second chamber BC2. A pair of core coupling grooves B334 are formed, and the pair of core coupling grooves B334 are formed on opposite sides of the second chamber BC2. The top of the core coupling groove B334 may be open.

[0084] The wick B341 may have a cylindrical shape extending laterally into the second chamber BC2. Both ends of the wick B341 are inserted into the pair of wick coupling grooves B334, respectively. The center of the wick B341 is located in the second chamber BC2. The wick B341 is connected to the first chamber BC2 and receives liquid from the first chamber BC1. The wick B341 is fixed in the wick coupling groove B334 by the frame B33 and the plate B35.

[0085] The heater B342 can be wound around the center of the core B341. The heater B342 can generate heat to heat the core B341. For example, the heater B342 can be a resistive heater. The heater B342 is disposed in the second chamber BC2. An end of the heater B342 penetrates the bottom of the frame B33 and is electrically connected to an electrode disposed at the bottom of the second container B32.

[0086] The plate B35 is 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 can cover and seal the open portion of the first chamber BC1. The plate B35 can cover the top of the frame B33. The plate B35 can cover and seal the open portion of the second chamber BC2.

[0087] The plate B35 has a connecting hole B351 on one side thereof. The connecting hole B351 is located between the inlet channel B302 and the chamber inlet B303. The connecting hole B351 can connect the inlet channel B302 and the chamber inlet B303.

[0088] The plate B35 has a pair of liquid inflow holes B354 formed at positions corresponding to the core coupling grooves B334. The pair of liquid inflow holes B354 are located above both ends of the core B341. The liquid inflow holes B354 can connect the first chamber BC1 and the core coupling grooves B334. The core B341 is connected to the first chamber BC1 through the liquid inflow holes B354.

[0089] The hook groove B353 is 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 is inserted into the hook groove B353 formed in the upper part of the frame B33 and fastened to the frame B33. When the plate B35 is fastened to the frame B33, the first container B31 coupled to the second container B32 can push the edge of the plate B35 toward the frame B33.

[0090] A user can inhale air by inserting the stick S into the insertion space B134 into their mouth. When the upper case B200 is coupled to the main body B100, air flows into the cartridge inlet B301 through an opening B201 formed in the upper case B200. The air flows into the cartridge B300 through the cartridge inlet B301 and is discharged to the outside of the cartridge B300 through the cartridge outlet B304. The air that flows into the cartridge B300 passes sequentially through the inlet flow path B302, the connecting hole B351, the chamber inlet B303, the second chamber BC2, the chamber outlet B332, and the cartridge outlet B304 before being discharged to the outside.

[0091] When the heater B342 heats the wick B341, an aerosol is formed from the wick B341 in the second chamber BC2. Air passing through the cartridge B300 is discharged from the second chamber BC2 to the cartridge outlet B304 together with the aerosol. The air discharged through the cartridge outlet B304 is supplied to the insertion space B134 and the stick S inserted into the insertion space B134 through the connecting flow path B133.

[0092] 10, the upper body B120 includes an outer wall B121 and a partition B125. The outer wall B121 and the partition B125 are connected to each other. The partition B125 extends vertically between the pipe B130 and the cartridge connecting space B124a.

[0093] The extension B140 extends from the top of the upper body B120 to one side. The upper end surface B312 of the cartridge B300 is covered by the extension B140. The extension B140 can cover the cartridge inlet B301 and its surroundings. Gaps are 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 can connect the cartridge inlet B301 to the outside.

[0094] The pipe B130 is formed long in the vertical direction. The pipe B130 is formed hollow. An insertion space B134 is formed inside the pipe B130. The insertion space B134 is open to the upper side. The insertion space B134 extends vertically. A connecting flow path B133 is formed inside the pipe B130. The connecting flow path B133 is formed below the insertion space B134. One end of the connecting flow path B133 communicates with the outside of the pipe B130, and the other end communicates with the insertion space B134. The connecting flow path B133 is bent to one side from the bottom of the insertion space B134.

[0095] The first sensor B161 is installed inside the extension portion B140. The first sensor B161 faces the upper end surface B312 of the cartridge B300 or the cartridge inlet B301. The first sensor B161 is installed adjacent to the cartridge inlet B301. The first sensor B161 is located above the cartridge inlet B301. In terms of the up-down direction, the first sensor B161 may overlap with the cartridge inlet B301.

[0096] The first sensor B161 can sense the flow of air in the surrounding area. The first sensor B161 can also be an air flow sensor or a pressure sensor. The first sensor B161 can sense the flow of air through changes in the surrounding air pressure. The extension B140 has a first sensing hole B144 for sensing the air flow at a position adjacent to the cartridge inlet B301. The first sensor B161 is mounted on a board disposed inside the extension B140 and is electrically connected to a controller (not shown). The controller can control the operation of various components connected to the first sensor B161 based on the air flow detected by the first sensor B161.

[0097] The first sealing part B151 is disposed between the first partition wall part B1251 and the inner plate B171. The first sealing part B151 encloses and closely contacts the upper end of the first partition wall part B1251. The first sealing part B151 is closely contacted to the lower end of the inner plate B171.

[0098] The sensor receiving portion B156 of the second sealing portion can seal the periphery of the first sensing hole B144. The sensor receiving portion B156 is tightly attached to the extension plate around the periphery of the first sensing hole B144. The second sensing hole formed in the sensor receiving portion B156 is in communication with the first sensing hole B144. The sensor receiving portion B156 is tightly attached to cover the first sensor B161.

[0099] This makes it possible to prevent damage to the substrate or sensor due to foreign matter, aerosols discharged from around the opening of the pipe B130, or foreign matter passing through the first sensing hole B144.

[0100] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0101] 11, an aerosol generating device 100 according to one embodiment includes a housing 105, a cavity 110, a processor 120, a battery 130, and an optical sensor 140. The components of the aerosol generating device 100 according to one embodiment are not limited to these, and other components may be added or at least one component may be omitted depending on the embodiment.

[0102] In one embodiment, a cavity 110 is formed in the interior space of the housing 105 of the aerosol generating device 100, and in the cavity 110, a contained aerosol producing article 115 is heated to generate the aerosol.

[0103] In one embodiment, the optical sensor 140 includes a light-emitting portion including a light source and a light-receiving portion that receives a reflected optical signal, and is disposed adjacent to the cavity 110. For example, the optical sensor 140 is disposed a predetermined distance away from the cavity 215 in the +x direction, and the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion of the optical sensor 140 are disposed to surround at least a region of the cavity 110. As another example, the optical sensor 140 may be disposed a predetermined distance away from the cavity 110 in the +x direction, and the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion of the optical sensor 140 may be disposed to be aligned in the +z direction.

[0104] In one embodiment, the optical sensor 140 is disposed at a predetermined distance in the +x direction from the cavity 110, and a separate transparent plate having a thickness equal to the distance may be disposed on one side of the optical sensor 140 where the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit are disposed. By disposing a separate transparent plate on one side of the optical sensor 140, the optical sensor 140 is prevented from being damaged by external foreign objects, and the sensing sensitivity for the aerosol product 115 can be maintained.

[0105] In one embodiment, the processor 120 can detect whether the aerosol product 115 is present in the cavity 110 through the optical sensor 140. For example, if the optical sensor 140 is an infrared sensor (IR sensor), the optical sensor 140 includes a light-emitting unit including an infrared light source and a light-receiving unit including an infrared photodiode. If the aerosol product 115 is present in the cavity 110, the processor 120 can detect the amount of infrared light reflected by the aerosol product 115 (i.e., the output voltage of the light-receiving unit).

[0106] In the present invention, the aerosol generating device 100 can automatically initiate a heating operation for the aerosol generating device 115 when the presence or absence of the aerosol generating device 115 is detected through the optical sensor 140. When the optical sensor 140 detects that the aerosol generating device 115 has been inserted into the cavity 110, the aerosol generating device 100 can control the power supply for heating the aerosol generating device 115 even if no separate user input is subsequently received, thereby improving user convenience.

[0107] In the present invention, the aerosol generating device 100 may further include a separate cigarette recognition sensor (not shown), and the optical sensor 140 can prevent false detection by the cigarette recognition sensor. For example, if the cigarette recognition sensor recognizes the insertion, removal, type, and state of the aerosol product 115 based on a change in an electrical characteristic (e.g., a change in inductance), the cigarette recognition sensor may falsely detect an object other than the aerosol product 115 (e.g., a magnetic object) as the aerosol product 115 when the object is close to the outside of the aerosol generating device 100. In contrast, the optical sensor 140 detects only the amount of reflected light from the object inserted into the cavity 110, thereby preventing false detection by the cigarette recognition sensor and abnormal control due to the false detection.

[0108] In one embodiment, the processor 120 may set a reference value for the optical sensor 140. In the present invention, the "reference value" refers to an initial reference value that serves as a reference when the optical sensor 140 senses foreign matter when the optical sensor 140 is partially contaminated by the external foreign matter. That is, the reference value is set when the aerosol generating device is first manufactured, and may be set to various values ​​depending on the manufacturer.

[0109] For example, if the sensing range of the optical sensor 140 is 0 to 10,000, the processor 120 may set the reference value for the optical sensor 140 within the sensing range. In particular, to detect the presence of contaminants coated on the optical sensor 140 regardless of the type of contaminant, the processor 120 may set the reference value for the optical sensor 140 to 0.

[0110] In this case, if the reference value for the optical sensor 140 is set to 0 and coated contaminants are present on the optical sensor 140, the processor 120 can detect the presence of contaminants by sensing only values ​​higher than the set reference value of 0 through the optical sensor 140.

[0111] In one embodiment, the processor 120 can detect the presence of the aerosol product 115 based on a comparison result between the sensing value acquired through the optical sensor 140 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 optical sensor 140. In this case, the threshold value includes a first threshold value and a second threshold value. For example, if the sensing value measured through the optical sensor 140 is equal to or greater than the first threshold value, the processor 120 can determine that the aerosol product 115 has been inserted, and if the sensing value measured through the optical sensor 140 is equal to or less than the second threshold value, the processor 120 can determine that the aerosol product 115 has been removed.

[0112] In one embodiment, the processor 120 may update the existing threshold value to a new threshold value based on the sensing value obtained through the optical sensor 140 .

[0113] As a user uses the aerosol generating device 100 for a long period of time, the inside of the aerosol generating device 100 becomes contaminated with foreign matter (e.g., tobacco matter, liquid condensation due to aerosol, dust, etc.). In this case, if the surface of the optical sensor 140 on which the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit are disposed is contaminated with foreign matter, the sensing value of the contaminated optical sensor 140 will be different from the sensing value of the optical sensor 140 in an uncontaminated state.

[0114] More specifically, the optical sensor 140 can detect the amount of reflected light to determine whether or not an aerosol product 115 is present. In this case, if contaminants are attached to the optical sensor 140 or near a transparent plate disposed adjacent to the optical sensor 140, the optical sensor 140 may detect the amount of reflected light from the contaminants and determine that an aerosol product 115 is present, even if no aerosol product 115 is present.

[0115] In the present invention, the aerosol generating device 100 can prevent false detection of the optical sensor 140 due to pollutants by updating the existing threshold value for the sensing value of the optical sensor 140 to a new threshold value. A detailed description of this will be given later.

[0116] In one embodiment, the battery 130 can 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 optical sensor 140), the battery 130 can provide power to a heating element that heats the aerosol product article 115. In another example, the battery 130 can provide power necessary for operation of the processor 120.

[0117] In this case, the battery 130 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 130 is a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but the type of the battery 130 is not limited thereto.

[0118] 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 optical sensor 140 is obtained, the processor 120 can store the obtained new threshold value in memory. In this way, even if the aerosol generating device 100 is later reset, which resets the sensing-related data of the optical sensor 140, the processor 120 can obtain the new threshold value from the memory and compare it with the sensing value of the optical sensor 140.

[0119] 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method for setting a threshold value in an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. In the description of FIG. 12, descriptions that correspond to, are the same as, or are similar to the above content will be omitted.

[0120] Referring to FIG. 12, in operation 1201, a processor (e.g., processor 120 of FIG. 11) can acquire a first sensing value of an optical sensor (e.g., optical sensor 140 of FIG. 11) detected upon insertion of an aerosol product product (e.g., aerosol product product 115 of FIG. 11).

[0121] In the present invention, the "first sensing value" means the sensing value of the optical sensor 140 when the aerosol product 115 is inserted into a cavity (e.g., cavity 110 in Figure 11), and in particular, means the maximum sensing value obtained through the optical sensor 140.

[0122] That is, if an aerosol product 115 is present in the cavity 110, the light emitted from the light emitting portion of the optical sensor 140 is reflected from the aerosol product 115, and the reflected light is input to the light receiving portion of the optical sensor 140. As a result, the light receiving portion of the optical sensor 140 outputs a maximum voltage, and the optical sensor 140 can acquire a sensing value corresponding to the output maximum voltage as a first sensing value (i.e., a maximum sensing value).

[0123] In one embodiment, when the insertion of the aerosol product 115 is detected through a cigarette recognition sensor (not shown), the processor 120 may acquire a first sensing value through the optical sensor 140. For example, if the cigarette recognition sensor is an inductive sensor, the processor 120 may detect the insertion of the aerosol product 115 by detecting a change in inductance through the cigarette recognition sensor, and may determine the sensing value acquired through the optical sensor 140 at the time the insertion is detected as the first sensing value.

[0124] In still another embodiment, if a sensing value is acquired through the optical sensor 140, the processor 120 may acquire the first sensing value based on a plurality of sensing values ​​acquired through the optical sensor 140 at a predetermined time from the time the sensing value is acquired. For example, if the sensing value acquired through the optical sensor 140 increases, the processor 120 may acquire a plurality of sensing values ​​at a predetermined time from the time the increasing sensing value is acquired, and determine the maximum value of the acquired plurality of sensing values ​​as the first sensing value.

[0125] According to one embodiment, the processor 120 may, in operation 1203, obtain a second sensing value of the optical sensor 140 detected upon removal of the aerosol product article 115.

[0126] In the present invention, the "second sensing value" means the sensing value of the optical sensor 140 when the aerosol product 115 inserted in the cavity 110 is removed from the cavity 110, and in particular, means the minimum sensing value obtained through the optical sensor 140.

[0127] That is, if no aerosol product 115 is present in the cavity 110, the light emitted from the light-emitting portion of the optical sensor 140 reaches the wall surface inside the cavity 110 facing the optical sensor 140 and is only partially reflected, so that no significant signal is input to the light-receiving portion of the optical sensor 140. As a result, the light-receiving portion of the optical sensor 140 outputs a minimum voltage, and the optical sensor 140 can obtain a sensing value corresponding to the output minimum voltage as a second sensing value (i.e., a minimum sensing value).

[0128] In one embodiment, if removal of the aerosol product 115 is detected through a cigarette recognition sensor (not shown), the processor 120 may acquire a second sensing value through the optical sensor 140. For example, if the cigarette recognition sensor is an inductive sensor, the processor 120 may detect a change in inductance through the cigarette recognition sensor to detect removal of the aerosol product 115, and determine the sensing value acquired through the optical sensor 140 at the time the removal is detected as the second sensing value.

[0129] In still another embodiment, if a sensing value is acquired through the optical sensor 140, the processor 120 may acquire the second sensing value based on a plurality of sensing values ​​acquired through the optical sensor 140 at a predetermined time from the time the sensing value was acquired. For example, if the sensing value acquired through the optical sensor 140 decreases, the processor 120 may acquire a plurality of sensing values ​​at a predetermined time from the time the decreasing sensing value was acquired, and determine the minimum value of the acquired plurality of sensing values ​​as the second sensing value.

[0130] According to one embodiment, the processor 120 may update the existing threshold value to a new threshold value in operation 1205 based on the first sensed value and the second sensed value.

[0131] In the present invention, the "threshold" refers to a reference value of the sensing value of the optical sensor 140 that determines whether the aerosol product 115 is inserted or removed. In this case, the threshold includes a first threshold and a second threshold. For example, if the sensing value of the optical sensor 140 is equal to or greater than the first threshold, the processor 120 may determine that the aerosol product 115 has been inserted, and if the sensing value of the optical sensor 140 is equal to or less than the second threshold, the processor 120 may determine that the aerosol product 115 has been removed.

[0132] In the present invention, the "new threshold" refers to a reference value that reflects a change in the sensing condition (e.g., the degree of pollution in the environment surrounding the sensor) of the optical sensor 140. In this case, the new threshold includes a new first threshold and a new second threshold.

[0133] For example, the processor 120 may set a first threshold for the optical sensor 140 at 8,000 and a second threshold at 2,000 upon initial setup.

[0134] Thereafter, due to the accumulated usage amount by the user, incorrect usage (for example, use of a reusable stick), etc., some area around the optical sensor 140 becomes contaminated with foreign matter.

[0135] When the aerosol product 115 is inserted, the sensing value of the optical sensor 140 changes due to the foreign matter, and the optical sensor 140 can acquire a value of 8,200, which is greater than the first threshold value, as the first sensing value. Furthermore, even though the aerosol product 115 is removed, the sensing value of the optical sensor 140 changes due to the foreign matter, and the optical sensor 140 can acquire a value of 2,500, which is greater than the second threshold value, as the second sensing value.

[0136] In one embodiment, the processor 120 may update the thresholds to new thresholds based on a new first threshold that is smaller than the first sensed value and a new second threshold that is greater than the second sensed value. In this case, the processor 120 may determine the new first threshold and the new second threshold in various ways. For example, the processor 120 may set the new first threshold and the new second threshold based on the amount of change in the sensed value relative to the existing threshold. As another example, the processor 120 may set the new first threshold and the new second threshold by applying a predetermined ratio to the existing threshold.

[0137] In one embodiment, the processor 120 may update the existing threshold value to a new threshold value when a second sensing value is acquired from the optical sensor 140. That is, the processor 120 may acquire a second sensing value through the optical sensor 140 at the time of removal of the aerosol product, and set and update a new threshold value in response to the acquisition of the second sensing value. The updated new threshold value may be applied when a new aerosol product is subsequently inserted.

[0138] 13A is a diagram illustrating a state in which an aerosol product is inserted into an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment, and FIG. 13B is a diagram illustrating a state in which an aerosol product is removed from an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0139] 13A and 13B, an optical sensor (e.g., optical sensor 140 in FIG. 11) includes a light-emitting unit 1300 including a light source and a light-receiving unit 1310 that receives a reflected optical signal. Although FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate that light-emitting unit 1300 and light-receiving unit 1310 of optical sensor 140 are arranged along the longitudinal direction in which cavity 110 is formed (e.g., the "+z direction" in FIG. 11), the arrangement is not limited thereto. As another example, light-emitting unit 1300 and light-receiving unit 1310 of optical sensor 140 may be arranged to surround at least a region of cavity 110.

[0140] In one embodiment, the light emitting unit 1300 and the light receiving unit 1310 are each disposed at a predetermined distance from the cavity 110, and transparent plates 1305 and 1315 are 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 are formed to have a thickness equivalent to the predetermined distance by which the light emitting unit 1300 and the light receiving unit 1310 are separated from the cavity 110.

[0141] The transparent plate 1305 arranged on one side of the light-emitting unit 1300 provides an optical path so that the light emitted from the light-emitting unit 1300 reaches the inside of the cavity 110 without distortion, while also preventing external foreign matter from entering the light-emitting unit 1300 of the optical sensor 140.

[0142] The transparent plate 1315 arranged on one side of the light receiving unit 1310 provides an optical path so that light irradiated from the light emitting unit 1300 and reflected inside the cavity 110 (i.e., the aerosol product 115 inserted inside the cavity 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 optical sensor 140.

[0143] In one embodiment, when light having a predetermined light amount is irradiated from the light-emitting unit 1300 of the optical sensor 140, a processor (e.g., processor 120 of FIG. 11) can obtain 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.

[0144] 13A, for example, the light-emitting unit 1300 of the optical sensor 140 irradiates light having a predetermined amount toward the inside of the cavity 110, and the light-receiving unit 1310 of the optical sensor 140 receives 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 can determine that the aerosol product 115 has been inserted into the cavity 110 from the outside.

[0145] 13B, the light-emitting unit 1300 of the optical sensor 140 emits a predetermined amount of light toward the interior of the cavity 110, and the light-receiving unit 1310 of the optical sensor 140 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 can determine that the aerosol product 115 has been removed from the interior of the cavity 110 to the exterior.

[0146] 13C 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, 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.

[0147] In one embodiment, a processor (e.g., processor 120 of FIG. 11) can set a threshold for an optical sensor (e.g., optical sensor 140 of FIG. 11) to determine the insertion and removal of an aerosol product item (e.g., aerosol product item 115 of FIG. 11).

[0148] For example, the processor 120 may determine a first threshold S of the optical sensor 140 for determining insertion of the aerosol product article 115. th1 , and a second threshold S of the optical sensor 140 for determining removal of the aerosol product 115. th2 can be set.

[0149] In one embodiment, the processor 120 detects a first threshold S 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., cavity 110 in FIG. 11). th2 When a sensing value less than 0.1 is obtained, it can be determined that the aerosol-producing article 115 has been removed from the cavity 110.

[0150] For example, when the first sensing value S1 obtained through the optical sensor 140 is greater than or equal to the first threshold value S th1 If the second sensing value S2 obtained by the optical sensor 140 is greater than the second threshold value S, the processor 120 can determine that the aerosol product 115 was inserted into the cavity 110 at the first time point P1. th2 If it is less, the processor 120 can determine that the aerosol product 115 was removed from the cavity 110 at the second time point P2.

[0151] Fig. 14A is a view showing a state in which an aerosol product is inserted into an aerosol generation device according to an embodiment. Fig. 14B is a view showing a state in which an aerosol product is removed from an aerosol generation device according to an embodiment. Figs. 14A and 14B are views of the aerosol generation device 100 of Fig. 11 as viewed from the +z direction. In the description of Figs. 14A and 14B, descriptions that correspond to, are the same as, or are similar to the above content will be omitted.

[0152] 14A and 14B, an optical sensor (e.g., optical sensor 140 of FIG. 11) includes a light-emitting unit 1300 including a light source and a light-receiving unit 1310 that receives a reflected optical signal. Although FIGS. 14A and 14B illustrate that light-emitting unit 1300 and light-receiving unit 1310 of optical sensor 140 are arranged to surround at least a region of cavity 110, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0153] In one embodiment, when light having a predetermined light amount is irradiated from the light-emitting unit 1300 of the optical sensor 140, a processor (e.g., processor 120 of FIG. 11) can obtain 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.

[0154] According to Figure 14A, in one embodiment, the light-emitting section 1300 of the optical sensor 140 irradiates light having a predetermined amount of light toward the inside of the cavity 110, and the light-receiving section 1310 of the optical sensor 140 can receive a portion of the irradiated light, namely, reflected light 1405 reflected from the contaminant 1400 and a portion of reflected light 1410 reflected from the aerosol product 115.

[0155] In this case, since the contaminant 1400 is located adjacent to the optical sensor 140, the output signal of the light receiving unit 1310 due to the portion of the reflected light 1405 reflected from the contaminant 1400 is substantially larger than the output signal of the light receiving unit 1310 due to the portion of the reflected light 1410 reflected from the aerosol product 115.

[0156] In one embodiment, if the output signal (e.g., output voltage) of the light receiving unit 1310 increases to and then remains at a signal value greater than the existing maximum signal value, the processor 120 can determine that an aerosol product 115 has been inserted into the cavity 110 from the outside and that a portion of the optical sensor 140 has been contaminated by a foreign object.

[0157] According to FIG. 14B, in one embodiment, the light-emitting unit 1300 of the optical sensor 140 irradiates light having a predetermined amount of light toward the inside of the cavity 110, and the light-receiving unit 1310 of the optical sensor 140 can receive a portion of the irradiated light, that is, reflected light 1405, reflected from the contaminant 1400.

[0158] In one embodiment, if the output signal (e.g., output voltage) of the light receiving unit 1310 decreases to a signal value greater than the existing minimum signal value and then remains there, the processor 120 can determine that the aerosol product 115 has been removed from the inside of the cavity 110 to the outside and that a portion of the optical sensor 140 has been contaminated by foreign matter.

[0159] 14C 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, the output signal of an optical sensor in a state where the optical sensor is contaminated by external foreign matter, etc.

[0160] In one embodiment, a processor (e.g., processor 120 of FIG. 11) can set a threshold for an optical sensor (e.g., optical sensor 140 of FIG. 11) to determine the insertion and removal of an aerosol product item (e.g., aerosol product item 115 of FIG. 11).

[0161] For example, the processor 120 may determine a first threshold S of the optical sensor 140 for determining insertion of the aerosol product article 115. th1 , and a second threshold S of the optical sensor 140 for determining removal of the aerosol product 115. th2 can be set.

[0162] In one embodiment, a first threshold value S th1 By obtaining the above sensing values, the processor 120 can determine that the aerosol product 115 has been inserted into the cavity (e.g., cavity 110 in FIG. 11). In addition, the sensing value through the optical sensor 140 gradually decreases, and in the second section 1430, the second threshold value S th2 With these sensing values ​​obtained, the processor 120 can determine that the aerosol product 115 has been removed from the cavity 110 and that a portion of the optical sensor 140 has been contaminated by foreign matter.

[0163] In one embodiment, the processor 120 determines a new first threshold S′ based on the sensed values ​​of the optical sensor 140 in the first interval 1420 and the sensed values ​​of the optical sensor 140 in the second interval 1430. th1 and a new second threshold S' th2 can be set.

[0164] For example, the processor 120 may calculate the sensing value of the optical sensor 140 in the first section 1420 and the first threshold value S th1 A new first threshold S' is calculated within the range of th1 can be set.

[0165] For example, the processor 120 may calculate the sensed value of the optical sensor 140 in the second section 1430 based on the sensed value of the optical sensor 140 in the second section 1430 and the second threshold value S th2 The value obtained by adding the difference between th2 can be set to.

[0166] However, when the processor 120 sets a new first threshold S' th1 and a new second threshold S' th2 The method for setting is not limited to this.

[0167] In one embodiment, a new first threshold value S′ is detected through the optical sensor 140 in the third section 1440. th1 By obtaining the above sensing values, the processor 120 can determine that the aerosol-producing item 115 has been inserted into the cavity 110 .

[0168] 15 is a flowchart illustrating a method for outputting a user notification by an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. The operations in FIG. 15 are those following operation 1203 in FIG. 12, and descriptions that correspond to, are the same as, or are similar to, those described above will be omitted.

[0169] 15, a processor (e.g., processor 120 of FIG. 11) may determine whether the value obtained by subtracting the second sensing value from the first sensing value is less than a predetermined difference value in operation 1501. In the present invention, the "predetermined difference value" refers to a reference value of the difference between the first sensing value and the second sensing value that determines that internal cleaning is necessary due to contaminants accumulated around the optical sensor 140.

[0170] For example, the rate of increase of the second sensed value due to the accumulation of a coating of contaminants around an optical sensor (eg, optical sensor 140 of FIG. 11) is faster than the rate of increase of the first sensed value.

[0171] As the amount of contaminants accumulated around the optical sensor 140 increases, the field of view within which the optical sensor 140 can detect the presence or absence of an aerosol product (e.g., the aerosol product 115 in FIG. 11) narrows, causing the second sensing value, which depends on the amount of contaminants, to increase gradually faster, while the first sensing value, which depends on the field of view of the aerosol product, to increase gradually slower.

[0172] That is, since the second sensing value increases faster than the first sensing value, the difference between the first sensing value and the second sensing value decreases over time (ie, as the amount of pollutants increases).

[0173] According to one embodiment, if the difference value between the first sensing value and the second sensing value decreasing over time is less than a predetermined difference value, the processor 120 may output a notification through a user interface in operation 1503.

[0174] For example, if the difference value between the first sensing value and the second sensing value is less than a predetermined difference value, the processor 120 can determine that internal cleaning is necessary due to contaminants accumulated around the optical sensor 140.

[0175] This allows the processor 120 to output a notice guiding the internal cleaning of the aerosol generating device through a user interface (e.g., a haptic module, a display, a speaker, etc.).

[0176] If the first sensed value minus the second sensed value is greater than or equal to the predetermined difference value, the processor 120 may update the existing threshold value to the new threshold value via operation 1205 .

[0177] FIG. 16 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0178] The aerosol generation device 1 includes 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, it is understandable to a person skilled in the art of the present embodiment 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.

[0179] The sensor 13 can 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 can 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 the stick S and / or the cartridge 19 is inserted, and displaying notifications.

[0180] The sensor 13 includes 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 .

[0181] The temperature sensor 131 can 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.

[0182] The temperature sensor 131 can output a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. For example, the temperature sensor 131 includes a resistive element whose resistance value changes in response to a change in temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. The temperature sensor 131 can be implemented using a thermistor, which is an element that utilizes the property of changing resistance depending on temperature. In this case, the temperature sensor 131 can 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 heater 18. For example, the temperature sensor 131 is configured with a sensor that detects the resistance value of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. In this case, the temperature sensor 131 can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

[0183] 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.

[0184] The temperature sensor 131 is disposed inside the main body 10 and is capable of sensing the internal temperature of the main body 10 .

[0185] The puff sensor 132 can detect a user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow path. The puff sensor 132 can output a signal corresponding to the puff. For example, the puff sensor 132 can also be a pressure sensor. The puff sensor 132 can output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generation device. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol generation device 1 corresponds to the pressure of the airflow path through which the gas flows. The puff sensor 132 can be arranged in the aerosol generation device 1 corresponding to the airflow path through which the gas flows.

[0186] The insertion detection sensor 133 can detect the insertion and / or removal of the stick S. The insertion detection sensor 133 can detect a signal change caused by the insertion and / or removal of the stick S. The insertion detection sensor 133 can be installed around the insertion space. The insertion detection sensor 133 can 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 can be an inductive sensor and / or a capacitance sensor.

[0187] The inductive sensor includes at least one coil. The coil of the inductive sensor is 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 include the frequency, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc. of the alternating current.

[0188] An inductive sensor can output a signal corresponding to a characteristic of the current flowing through a coil, for example, the inductance value of the coil.

[0189] The capacitance sensor includes a conductor. The conductor of the capacitance sensor is disposed adjacent to the insertion space. The capacitance sensor can output a signal corresponding to the surrounding electromagnetic characteristics, for example, the capacitance around the conductor. For example, when a stick S including a metal wrapper is inserted into the insertion space, the wrapper of the stick S may change the electromagnetic characteristics around the conductor.

[0190] The reuse detection sensor 134 can detect whether the stick S has been reused. The reuse detection sensor 134 is also a color sensor. The color sensor can detect the color of the stick S. The color sensor can detect the color of a part of the wrapper surrounding the outside of the stick S. The color sensor can detect a value related to an optical characteristic corresponding to the color of an object based on light reflected from the object. For example, the optical characteristic can be the wavelength of light. The color sensor may be implemented as one component together with the proximity sensor, or as a separate component separate from the proximity sensor.

[0191] At least a portion of the bells constituting the stick S may change color due to the aerosol. The reuse detection sensor 134 may be disposed corresponding to a position where at least a portion of the bells, the color of which changes due to the aerosol, is 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 a portion 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 a portion of the bells may be wetted by the aerosol, thereby changing the color of at least a portion of the bells to a second color. Meanwhile, after the color of at least a portion of the bells is changed from the first color to the second color, the color may be maintained at the second color.

[0192] The cartridge detection sensor 135 can detect the installation and / or removal of the cartridge 19. The cartridge detection sensor 135 can 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.

[0193] The cap detection sensor 136 can 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.

[0194] The motion detection sensor 137 can detect the motion of the aerosol generating device and is implemented by at least one of an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor.

[0195] 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-mentioned sensors 131 to 137. The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by an ordinary engineer from its name, so a detailed description will be omitted.

[0196] The output unit 14 can output and provide to the user information about the status of the aerosol generation device 1. The output unit 14 includes, 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 is used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0197] The display 141 can visually provide a user with information about the aerosol generation device 1. For example, the information about the aerosol generation device 1 can mean 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 a cap, or a status that restricts the use of the aerosol generation device 1 (e.g., abnormal item detection), and the display 141 can output the information to the outside. For example, the display 141 can be in the form of an LED light-emitting element. For example, the display 141 can be a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), etc.

[0198] The haptic unit 142 can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical or electrical stimulus and provide a user with tactile information about the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the haptic unit 142 generates 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.

[0199] The acoustic output unit 143 can audibly provide the user with information about 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.

[0200] The power source 11 can supply power used to operate the aerosol generation device 1. The power source 11 can supply power to heat the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. The power source 11 can 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 source 11 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the power source 11 may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited to this.

[0201] 16, the aerosol generating device 1 may further include a power protection circuit. The power protection circuit is electrically connected to the power supply 11 and may include a switching element.

[0202] The power supply protection circuit can cut off the electrical path to the power supply 11 under predetermined conditions. For example, the power supply protection circuit can 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 can 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.

[0203] Heater 18 can heat the medium or aerosol-generating substance in stick S by receiving power from power supply 11. Although not shown in Fig. 16, aerosol generation device 1 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power of power supply 11 and supplies it to cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. Furthermore, when aerosol generation device 1 generates aerosol by induction heating, aerosol generation device 1 may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power of power supply 11 into AC power.

[0204] 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 the 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 corresponds to the frequency of the high-frequency switching current applied from the power supply 11 to the heater 18. The low-pass filter can prevent high-frequency noise components from being applied to the sensors 13, such as the insertion detection sensor 133.

[0205] 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.

[0206] 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.

[0207] The input unit 15 can receive information input by a user or output information to a user. For example, the input unit 15 can be a touch panel. The touch panel can include at least one touch sensor that detects a touch. For example, the touch sensor can 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.

[0208] The display 141 and the touch panel may be implemented as 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.

[0209] Meanwhile, the input unit 15 includes, but is not limited to, a button, a keypad, a dome switch, a jog wheel, a jog switch, and the like.

[0210] The memory 17 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generation device 1 and can store data that has been processed by the control unit 12 and data to be processed by the control unit 12. The memory 17 includes at least one type of recording medium selected from the group consisting of flash memory, hard disk, micro multimedia card, card-type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk. The memory 17 can store data related to the operating 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.

[0211] The communication unit 16 includes at least one component for communicating with other electronic devices, such as at least one of a short-range communication unit and a wireless communication unit.

[0212] The short-range wireless communication unit includes, 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.

[0213] The wireless communication unit includes, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (eg, LAN or WAN) communication unit, and the like.

[0214] Although not shown in Figure 16, the aerosol generating device 1 further includes a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and can connect to other external devices through the connection interface such as the USB interface to send and receive information or charge the power source 11.

[0215] The control unit 12 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1. In one embodiment, the control unit 12 includes at least one processor. The processor may be embodied as an array of multiple logic gates, or may be embodied by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor. Those skilled in the art will understand that the processor may also be embodied by other forms of hardware.

[0216] The control unit 12 can control the temperature of the heater 18 by controlling the supply of power from the power source 11 to the heater 18. The control unit 12 can 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 can 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 can determine a target temperature for the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 based on a temperature profile stored in the memory 17.

[0217] 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 the 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 includes 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.

[0218] 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 functions as an inverter that converts DC power output from the power supply 11 into AC power. For example, the inverter is configured with a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit including multiple switching elements.

[0219] The control unit 12 can 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 can 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 can 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.

[0220] The control unit 12 controls the switching of the switching element of the power supply circuit to control the voltage output from the power supply 11. The power conversion circuit can convert the voltage output from the power supply 11. For example, the power conversion circuit includes a buck converter that reduces the voltage output from the power supply 11. For example, the power conversion circuit is implemented using a buck-boost converter, a Zener diode, etc.

[0221] The control unit 12 controls the on / off operation of a switching element included in the power conversion circuit to adjust the level of the voltage output from 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 corresponds to the level of the voltage output from the power source 11. The duty ratio of the on / off operation of the switching element corresponds 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 may decrease. The heater 18 may be heated based on the voltage output from the power conversion circuit.

[0222] The control unit 12 can 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.

[0223] For example, the control unit 12 can 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 can adjust the frequency and duty ratio of the current pulses to control the power supplied to the heater 18.

[0224] For example, the control unit 12 can determine a target temperature based on the temperature profile, and can control the power supplied to the heater 18 using a PID method, which is a feedback control method that uses the difference between the temperature of the heater 18 and the target temperature, the value obtained by integrating the difference over time, and the value obtained by differentiating the difference over time.

[0225] The control unit 12 can prevent the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 from overheating. For example, the control unit 12 can control the operation of the power conversion circuit to interrupt 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 can 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 can 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 can interrupt the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24.

[0226] 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.

[0227] When a power line is connected to the battery terminal of the aerosol generating device 1, the control unit 12 can 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 can 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 can cut off charging of the power source 11.

[0228] When the aerosol generating device 1 is powered on, the control unit 12 can 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 the 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 can 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 can stop the use of the power stored in the power source 11.

[0229] 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.

[0230] The control unit 12 can determine whether the stick S is inserted into the insertion space through the insertion detection sensor 133. The control unit 12 can determine that the stick S has been inserted based on the output signal of the insertion detection sensor 133. If it is determined that the stick S has been inserted into the insertion space, the control unit 12 can control the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 to supply power. For example, the control unit 12 can supply power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 based on a temperature profile stored in the memory 17.

[0231] The control unit 12 can determine whether the stick S has been removed from the insertion space. For example, the control unit 12 can determine whether the stick S has been removed from the insertion space via the insertion detection sensor 133. For example, the control unit 12 can determine that the stick S has been removed from the insertion space when the temperature of the heater 18 is equal to or higher than a limit temperature or when the temperature change gradient of the heater 18 is equal to or higher than a set gradient. When it is determined that the stick S has been removed from the insertion space, the control unit 12 can cut off the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18.

[0232] The control unit 12 can 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 can check the level range that includes the level of the signal from the capacitance sensor based on a lookup table. The control unit 12 can determine the amount of moisture in the stick S based on the checked level range.

[0233] 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.

[0234] The control unit 12 can determine whether the stick S inserted into the insertion space is reused through the reuse detection sensor 134. For example, the control unit 12 can 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 can 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 can cut off the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18.

[0235] The control unit 12 can determine whether to connect and / or remove the cartridge 19 through the cartridge detection sensor 135. For example, the control unit 12 can determine whether to connect and / or remove the cartridge 19 based on the sensing value of the signal of the cartridge detection sensor.

[0236] The control unit 12 can determine whether the aerosol generating material in the cartridge 19 has been exhausted. For example, the control unit 12 can 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 can cut off the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

[0237] The control unit 12 can determine whether the cartridge 19 can be used. For example, the control unit 12 can determine that the cartridge 19 cannot be used if the current number of puffs is equal to or greater than the maximum number of puffs set for the cartridge 19 based on the data stored in the memory 17. For example, the control unit 12 can determine that the cartridge 19 cannot be used 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.

[0238] The control unit 12 can determine whether the user is inhaling through the puff sensor 132. For example, the control unit 12 can determine whether a puff is occurring based on the sensed value of the signal from the puff sensor. For example, the control unit 12 can determine the strength of the 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 are sensed for a predetermined period of time or longer, the control unit 12 can cut off the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18.

[0239] The control unit 12 can determine whether the cap is attached and / or removed through the cap detection sensor 136. For example, the control unit 12 can determine whether the cap is attached and / or removed based on the sensing value of the signal of the cap detection sensor.

[0240] The control unit 12 can control the output unit 14 based on the results sensed by the sensor 13. For example, if the number of puffs counted by the puff sensor 132 reaches a predetermined number, the control unit 12 can notify the user through 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 can notify the user through 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 can notify the user through 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 can transmit information about the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 to the user through the output unit 14.

[0241] The control unit 12 can store and update a history of events that have occurred in the memory 17 based on the occurrence of a predetermined event. The events include, for example, detection of insertion of the stick S, start of heating of the stick S, detection of puffing, end of puffing, detection of overheating of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, detection of overvoltage application to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, end of heating of the stick S, operations such as turning the power of the aerosol generation device 1 on / off, start of charging the power source 11, detection of overcharging of the power source 11, and end of charging the power source 11, which are performed in the aerosol generation device 1. The history of events includes the date and time when the event occurred, log data corresponding to the event, etc. For example, if the predetermined event is detection of insertion of the stick S, the log data corresponding to the event includes data on 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 regarding 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.

[0242] The control unit 12 can control the establishment of a communication link with an external device, such as a user's mobile terminal. When authentication-related data is received from the external device through the communication link, the control unit 12 can remove restrictions on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generation device 1. Here, the authentication-related data includes data indicating completion of user authentication for the user corresponding to the external device. The user can perform user authentication through the external device. The external device can determine whether user data is valid based on the user's birthday, a unique number identifying the user, etc., and receive data regarding usage authority for the aerosol generation device 1 from an external server. The external device can transmit data indicating completion of user authentication to the aerosol generation device 1 based on the data regarding usage authority. When user authentication is completed, the control unit 12 can remove restrictions on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generation device 1. For example, when user authentication is completed, the control unit 12 can remove restrictions on the use of a heating function that supplies power to the heater 18.

[0243] 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.

[0244] 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 a 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.

[0245] The control unit 12 can control to perform a firmware update when it receives firmware data from an external device. The external device can check the current version of the firmware of the aerosol generation device 1 and determine whether a new version of the firmware exists. When the external device receives an input requesting a firmware download, it can 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 can control to perform a firmware update of the aerosol generation device 1 by receiving the firmware data of the new version.

[0246] 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). The control unit 12 may learn data related to sensing values ​​of at least one sensor 13, a user's inhalation pattern, a temperature profile, and the like stored in the memory 17, and generate at least one learning model used for determining a user's inhalation pattern, generating a temperature profile, and the like.

[0247] The above-described embodiments of the present invention or other embodiments are not mutually exclusive or distinct, and the respective configurations or functions of the above-described embodiments of the present invention or other embodiments may be used together or combined.

[0248] 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.

[0249] The above detailed 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 appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent range of the present invention are included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. In the aerosol generating device, a housing including a cavity in which the aerosol-producing article is contained; an optical sensor for detecting whether an aerosol product is present in the cavity based on a comparison result between the sensing value and a threshold value, wherein the threshold value includes a first threshold value and a second threshold value; a processor electrically coupled to the optical sensor; The processor: obtaining a first sensing value of the optical sensor detected upon insertion of an aerosol product product and a second sensing value of the optical sensor detected upon removal of the aerosol product product; An aerosol generating device that updates the threshold value to a new threshold value based on the first sensing value and the second sensing value.

2. The processor: The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the threshold is updated to the new threshold based on a new first threshold that is smaller than the first sensed value and a new second threshold that is larger than the second sensed value.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2 , wherein the new first threshold value is greater than the first threshold value, and the new second threshold value is greater than the second threshold value.

4. further comprising a cigarette recognition sensor that detects the presence of the aerosol-producing article based on a change in an electrical characteristic; The processor: acquiring the first sensing value of the optical sensor based on the insertion of the aerosol product detected through the cigarette recognition sensor; The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the second sensing value of the optical sensor is obtained based on removal of the aerosol product detected through the cigarette recognition sensor.

5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 4 , wherein the cigarette recognition sensor is an inductive sensor that detects a change in inductance.

6. The processor: The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the threshold value is updated to the new threshold value when the second sensing value is obtained through the optical sensor.

7. further comprising a user interface; The processor: The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein when a value obtained by subtracting the second sensing value from the first sensing value is less than a predetermined difference value, a notification is output through the user interface.

8. The aerosol generating device according to claim 7 , wherein the notification output through the user interface is a notification guiding internal cleaning of the aerosol generating device.

9. The processor: determining a maximum value among a first plurality of sensing values ​​acquired during a predetermined time from a point in time when the sensing value acquired through the optical sensor increases as the first sensing value; The aerosol generating device of claim 1 , wherein the minimum value among a second plurality of sensing values ​​acquired during a predetermined time from the point at which the sensing value acquired through the optical sensor decreases is determined as the second sensing value.

10. 1. A method of operating an aerosol generating device, comprising: obtaining a first sensing value detected when the aerosol product is inserted and a second sensing value detected when the aerosol product is removed through an optical sensor that detects the presence of the aerosol product in the cavity based on a comparison result between the sensing value and a threshold value; and updating the threshold to a new threshold based on the first sensing value and the second sensing value.

11. The method of operating an aerosol generating device described in claim 10, further comprising a step of updating the threshold to the new threshold based on a new first threshold that is smaller than the first sensing value and a new second threshold that is greater than the second sensing value.

12. acquiring the first sensing value of the optical sensor based on insertion of the aerosol product detected through a cigarette recognition sensor that detects the presence of the aerosol product based on a change in an electrical characteristic; The method of operating an aerosol generating device according to claim 10, further comprising: acquiring the second sensing value of the optical sensor based on the removal of the aerosol product detected through the cigarette recognition sensor.

13. The method of claim 10, further comprising updating the threshold value to the new threshold value when the second sensing value is obtained through the optical sensor.

14. The method of claim 10, further comprising outputting a notification through a user interface when the value obtained by subtracting the second sensing value from the first sensing value is less than a predetermined difference value.

15. determining a maximum value of a first plurality of sensing values ​​acquired during a predetermined time from a point in time when the sensing value acquired through the optical sensor increases as the first sensing value; The method of claim 10, further comprising determining the minimum value of a second plurality of sensing values ​​acquired at a predetermined time from the point at which the sensing value acquired through the optical sensor decreases as the second sensing value.

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