Aerosol generator

Abstract

Various embodiments of the present invention provide an aerosol generating device that can sense changes in the capacitance of a housing into which aerosol products are inserted and perform various types of control.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device.

Background Art

[0002] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for alternative methods to overcome the disadvantages of conventional cigarettes. For example, there has been an increasing demand for a system that generates an aerosol by heating a cigarette or an aerosol generating substance using an aerosol generating device, rather than by burning a cigarette to generate an aerosol. As a result, research on heat-type aerosol generating devices has been actively conducted.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] Various embodiments of the present invention provide an aerosol generating device that can sense a change in the capacitance of a housing portion into which an aerosol generating article is inserted and perform various controls.

[0004] The problems to be solved through the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the problems described above, and problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the embodiments belong from the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] An aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment includes a housing including a containment section into which an aerosol product is inserted, a heater for heating the aerosol product inserted into the containment section, a sensor disposed at a distance from the aerosol product inserted into the containment section and generating a sensing signal corresponding to a change in the capacitance of the containment section, and a processor electrically connected to the heater and the sensor and controlling the power supplied to the heater based on a temperature profile including a preheating section and a smoking section, wherein the processor receives the sensing signal from the sensor and determines that the aerosol product has been inserted into the containment section if the capacitance of the containment section exceeds a first reference value, and after determining that the aerosol product has been inserted, determines that the aerosol product has been removed from the containment section if the capacitance of the containment section is less than a second reference value greater than the first reference value. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to various embodiments of the present invention, changes in the capacitance of the containment section into which aerosol products are inserted can be sensed, and various types of control can be performed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing an example of an aerosol product being inserted into an aerosol generating device. [Figure 2] This is a diagram showing an example of an aerosol product being inserted into an aerosol generating device. [Figure 3] This is a diagram showing an example of an aerosol product being inserted into an aerosol generating device. [Figure 4] This is a diagram showing an example of an aerosol product. [Figure 5] This is a diagram showing an example of an aerosol product. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram illustrating an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment. [Figure 7A] This is a perspective view showing the housing of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. [Figure 7B] This is a cross-sectional view of the housing of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment, cut in the direction A-A'. [Figure 8A] This is a perspective view showing the housing of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. [Figure 8B] This is a cross-sectional view of the housing of an aerosol generator according to another embodiment, cut in the direction A-A'. [Figure 9A] This is a perspective view showing the housing of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. [Figure 9B] Furthermore, this is a cross-sectional view of the housing of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment, cut in the direction A-A'. [Figure 10] This is an illustrative diagram showing the electrode positions of an aerosol generator according to another embodiment. [Figure 11A] This graph shows the change in capacitance of the housing according to one embodiment. [Figure 11B] This graph shows the change in capacitance of the housing according to one embodiment. [Figure 12A] This diagram illustrates the principle by which capacitance decreases after an aerosol product is inserted. [Figure 12B] This diagram illustrates the principle by which capacitance decreases after an aerosol product is inserted. [Figure 13] This is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The terms used in the embodiments are chosen as general terms that are currently widely used as much as possible while considering the functions in the present invention. However, this may vary depending on the intentions or precedents of those skilled in the art, the emergence of new technologies, etc. Also, in certain cases, there are terms arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in such cases, the meaning thereof will be described in detail in the description part of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention must be defined based not on merely the names of the terms but on the meaning the terms have and the overall content of the present invention.

[0009] Throughout the specification, when a certain part “includes” a certain component, it means that, unless there is a particularly contrary description, it does not exclude other components and may further include other components. Also, terms such as “... part” and “... module” described in the specification mean units that process at least one function or operation, and these are implemented by hardware or software, or by the combination of hardware and software.

[0010] Throughout the specification, “puff” means the inhalation of the user, and inhalation means a situation where the user inhales into the oral cavity, nasal cavity or lungs of the user through the mouth or nose of the user.

[0011] As used in this specification, when an expression such as “at least any one of” is in front of the arranged components, it modifies the entire components that are not each of the arranged components. For example, the expression “at least any one of a, b, and c” must be interpreted as including a, b, c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c.

[0012] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device is also a device that electrically heats a cigarette housed in an internal space to generate an aerosol.

[0013] The aerosol generating device includes a heater. In one embodiment, the heater is also an electric resistance heater. For example, the heater includes a conductive track, and when an electric current flows through the conductive track, the heater can be heated.

[0014] The heater includes a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element, and can heat the inside or outside of the cigarette according to the shape of the heating element.

[0015] The cigarette includes a tobacco rod and a filter rod. The tobacco rod can be made in the form of a sheet or a strand, and can be made of shredded tobacco with a finely cut tobacco sheet. Also, the tobacco rod is surrounded by a heat conductive material. For example, the heat conductive material is a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited thereto.

[0016] The filter rod is also a cellulose acetate filter. The filter rod can be composed of at least one or more segments. For example, the filter rod includes a first segment for cooling the aerosol and a second segment for filtering a predetermined component contained in the aerosol.

[0017] In other embodiments, the aerosol generating device is also a device that generates an aerosol using a cartridge holding an aerosol generating substance.

[0018] The aerosol generating device includes a cartridge holding an aerosol generating substance and a body supporting the cartridge. The cartridge is detachably coupled to the body, but is not limited thereto. The cartridge can be integrally formed with the body, assembled, and fixed so as not to be detached by the user. The cartridge can be mounted on the body with the aerosol generating substance accommodated therein. However, it is not limited thereto, and it is also possible to inject the aerosol generating substance into the cartridge while the cartridge is coupled to the body.

[0019] The cartridge contains an aerosol-generating substance that exists in one of several states, such as liquid, solid, gaseous, or gel. The aerosol-generating substance may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance that includes volatile tobacco flavor components, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance.

[0020] The cartridge operates via electrical or wireless signals transmitted from the main unit, converting the phase of the aerosol-generating material inside the cartridge to a gas phase and generating an aerosol. An aerosol refers to a gaseous state in which vaporized particles generated from the aerosol-generating material and air are mixed.

[0021] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generator heats a liquid composition to generate an aerosol, which can then be delivered to the user through a cigarette. That is, the aerosol generated from the liquid composition moves along an airflow path in the aerosol generator, and the airflow path can be configured so that the aerosol is delivered to the user through a cigarette.

[0022] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating device is also a device that generates aerosols from aerosol-generating material using an ultrasonic vibration method. In this case, the ultrasonic vibration method refers to a method of generating aerosols by atomizing the aerosol-generating material with ultrasonic vibrations generated by a transducer.

[0023] The aerosol generator includes a transducer, which generates short-period vibrations to atomize aerosol-generating materials. The vibrations generated by the transducer are ultrasonic vibrations, and the frequency range of ultrasonic vibrations is approximately 100 kHz to 3.5 MHz, but it is not limited to this range.

[0024] The aerosol generator may further include a core that absorbs the aerosol-generating material. For example, the core may be positioned to surround at least one region of the oscillator or to be in contact with at least one region of the oscillator.

[0025] When a voltage (e.g., AC voltage) is applied to the transducer, heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations are generated from the transducer, and these heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations are transmitted to the aerosol-generating material absorbed in the core. The aerosol-generating material absorbed in the core is converted into a gas phase by the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations transmitted from the transducer, and as a result, an aerosol is generated.

[0026] For example, aerosols are generated when the viscosity of the aerosol-generating material absorbed into the core decreases due to the heat generated from the transducer, and the aerosol-generating material with reduced viscosity is atomized by ultrasonic vibrations generated from the transducer, but this is not the only way in which aerosols are formed.

[0027] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating apparatus is also a device that generates aerosols by heating the aerosol product contained within the aerosol generating apparatus using induction heating.

[0028] The aerosol generator includes a susceptor and a coil. In one embodiment, the coil can apply a magnetic field to the susceptor. Power is supplied to the coil from the aerosol generator, forming a magnetic field inside the coil. In one embodiment, the susceptor is a magnetic material that generates heat in response to an external magnetic field. The aerosol product is heated as the susceptor is located inside the coil and generates heat due to the application of a magnetic field. Alternatively, the susceptor can be selectively located within the aerosol product.

[0029] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generator may further include a cradle.

[0030] The aerosol generator can be configured as a system with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle can charge the aerosol generator's battery. Alternatively, the heater can be heated when the cradle and the aerosol generator are coupled together.

[0031] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings, so as to be easily implemented by a person with ordinary skill in the art. The present invention may be implemented in a form that can be embodied in the aerosol generating apparatus of the various embodiments described above, or in a variety of different forms, and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0032] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0033] Figures 1 to 3 are diagrams showing examples of aerosol products being inserted into an aerosol generating apparatus.

[0034] Referring to Figure 1, the aerosol generator 1 includes a battery 11, a control unit 12, and a heater 13. Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the aerosol generator 1 further includes a vaporizer 14. Furthermore, the aerosol product 2 can be inserted into the internal space of the aerosol generator 1.

[0035] The aerosol generator 1 shown in Figures 1 to 3 represents the components according to this embodiment. Therefore, a person with ordinary skill in the art according to this embodiment can understand that other general-purpose components may be further included in the aerosol generator 1 in addition to those shown in Figures 1 to 3.

[0036] Furthermore, although Figures 2 and 3 show that the aerosol generator 1 includes a heater 13, the heater 13 can be omitted if necessary.

[0037] Figure 1 shows the battery 11, control unit 12, and heater 13 arranged in a row. Figure 2 shows the battery 11, control unit 12, vaporizer 14, and heater 13 arranged in a row. Figure 3 shows the vaporizer 14 and heater 13 arranged in parallel. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generator 1 is not limited to what is shown in Figures 1 to 3. In other words, the arrangement of the battery 11, control unit 12, heater 13, and vaporizer 14 can be changed depending on the design of the aerosol generator 1.

[0038] When the aerosol product 2 is inserted into the aerosol generator 1, the aerosol generator 1 activates the heater 13 and / or vaporizer 14 to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generated by the heater 13 and / or vaporizer 14 passes through the aerosol product 2 and is transmitted to the user.

[0039] If necessary, the aerosol generator 1 can heat the heater 13 even if the aerosol product 2 is not inserted into the aerosol generator 1.

[0040] The battery 11 supplies the power used to operate the aerosol generator 1. The battery 11 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 11 can supply power to heat the heater 13 or the vaporizer 14, and can supply the power necessary for the operation of the control unit 12. The battery 11 can also supply the power necessary for the operation of the display, sensors, motors, etc., provided in the aerosol generator 1.

[0041] The control unit 12 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generator 1. Specifically, the control unit 12 controls the operation of not only the battery 11, heater 13, and vaporizer 14, but also other components included in the aerosol generator 1. The control unit 12 can also check the status of each component of the aerosol generator 1 and determine whether the aerosol generator 1 is in an operational state.

[0042] In one embodiment, the control unit 12 may include at least one processor. The control unit 12 may be configured to include the processors shown in Figures 6 and 10 to 13, which will be described later. The processor may be embodied as an array of numerous logic gates, or it may be embodied as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor. Furthermore, it will be understood by those with ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment belongs that it may also be embodied by other forms of hardware.

[0043] The heater 13 can be heated by power supplied from the battery 11. For example, if an aerosol product is inserted into the aerosol generator 1, the heater 13 can be located outside the aerosol product. Therefore, the heated heater 13 can raise the temperature of the aerosol-generating substance within the aerosol product.

[0044] Heater 13 is also an electrical resistance heater. Alternatively, as another example, heater 13 is also an induction heater. Specifically, heater 13 includes a conductive coil for heating the aerosol product by induction heating, and the aerosol product may include a susceptor heated by the induction heater.

[0045] For example, the heater 13 includes tubular heating elements, plate-shaped heating elements, needle-shaped heating elements, or rod-shaped heating elements, and the inside or outside of the aerosol product 2 can be heated depending on the shape of the heating elements.

[0046] Furthermore, the aerosol generator 1 may have multiple heaters 13. In this case, the multiple heaters 13 may be arranged so as to be inserted inside the aerosol product 2, or they may be arranged outside the aerosol product 2. Alternatively, some of the multiple heaters 13 may be arranged so as to be inserted inside the aerosol product 2, and the rest may be arranged outside the aerosol product 2. Also, the shape of the heater 13 is not limited to the shapes shown in Figures 1 to 3, and can be manufactured in a variety of shapes.

[0047] The vaporizer 14 heats the liquid composition to generate an aerosol, and the generated aerosol is transmitted to the user through the aerosol product 2. That is, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 moves along the airflow passage of the aerosol generator 1, and the airflow passage may be configured so that the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 is transmitted to the user through the aerosol product.

[0048] For example, the vaporizer 14 includes, but is not limited to, a liquid storage unit, a liquid transfer means, and a heating element. For instance, the liquid storage unit, liquid transfer means, and heating element may be included in the aerosol generator 1 as independent modules.

[0049] The liquid storage section can store a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing tobacco-containing substances including volatile tobacco flavor components, or a liquid containing non-tobacco substances. The liquid storage section may be manufactured to be detachable from the vaporizer 14, or it may be manufactured integrally with the vaporizer 14.

[0050] For example, the liquid composition may contain water, solvent, ethanol, plant extracts, fragrances, flavoring agents, or vitamin mixtures. Fragrances may include, but are not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and various fruit fragrance components. Flavoring agents may include components capable of providing users with a variety of flavors or aromas. Vitamin mixtures may be mixtures of at least one of vitamins A, B, C, and E, but are not limited to these. The liquid composition may also contain aerosol-forming agents such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0051] The liquid transfer means can transfer the liquid composition of the liquid storage section to the heating element. For example, the liquid transfer means may be, but is not limited to, a wick made of cotton fibers, ceramic fibers, glass fibers, or porous ceramic.

[0052] A heating element is an element for heating a liquid composition that is transmitted by a liquid transfer means. For example, a heating element may be a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate, or a ceramic heater, but is not limited to these. Alternatively, a heating element may be composed of a conductive filament, such as a nichrome wire, and arranged in a structure wound around the liquid transfer means. The heating element is heated by an electric current supply, and heat is transferred to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element, thereby heating the liquid composition. As a result, an aerosol is generated.

[0053] For example, the steam generator 14 is also called a cartomizer or atomizer, but is not limited to these terms.

[0054] On the other hand, the aerosol generator 1 may further include general-purpose components in addition to the battery 11, control unit 12, heater 13, and vaporizer 14. For example, the aerosol generator 1 may include a display capable of outputting visual information and / or a motor for outputting tactile information. The aerosol generator 1 may also include at least one sensor (such as a puff detection sensor, a temperature detection sensor, or an aerosol product insertion detection sensor). Furthermore, the aerosol generator 1 is constructed in such a way that outside air can flow in or internal gas can be discharged even when the aerosol product 2 is inserted.

[0055] Although not shown in Figures 1 to 3, the aerosol generator 1 may be configured with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle may be used to charge the battery 11 of the aerosol generator 1. Alternatively, the heater 13 may be heated while the cradle and the aerosol generator 1 are coupled together.

[0056] Aerosol product 2 is similar to a typical combustible cigarette. For example, aerosol product 2 is divided into a first part containing an aerosol-generating substance and a second part containing a filter, etc. Alternatively, the second part of aerosol product 2 may also contain an aerosol-generating substance. For example, an aerosol-generating substance made in the form of granules or capsules may be inserted into the second part. The aerosol-generating substance may have a predetermined dielectric constant. Dielectric constant refers to the ratio of the dielectric constant of a particular substance to the dielectric constant of vacuum. The dielectric constant of air at room temperature and atmospheric pressure is about 1.0006, and the dielectric constant of pure water is about 80.4. Since the aerosol-generating substance is a solution in which various substances are dissolved in water or other liquid solvent, the aerosol-generating substance may also have a relatively high dielectric constant compared to the dielectric constant of air.

[0057] The entire first part is inserted into the aerosol generator 1, while the second part is exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a portion of the first part may be inserted into the aerosol generator 1, or both the entire first part and a portion of the second part may be inserted. The user inhales the aerosol with the second part in their mouth. At this time, the aerosol is generated as outside air passes through the first part, and the generated aerosol is transmitted to the user's mouth by passing through the second part.

[0058] As an example, outside air may flow in through at least one air passage formed in the aerosol generator 1. For example, the opening and closing of the air passage formed in the aerosol generator 1 and / or the size of the air passage may be adjusted by the user. This allows the amount of atomization, the smoking sensation, etc., to be adjusted by the user. As another example, outside air may flow into the aerosol product 2 through at least one hole formed on the surface of the aerosol product 2.

[0059] Examples of aerosol products 2 and 3 will be described below with reference to Figures 4 and 5.

[0060] Figures 4 and 5 are diagrams showing examples of aerosol products.

[0061] Referring to Figure 4, the aerosol product 2 comprises a tobacco rod 21 and a filter rod 22. Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the aforementioned first part 21 includes the tobacco rod 21, and the second part 22 includes the filter rod 22.

[0062] Figure 4 shows the filter rod 22 as a single segment, but it is not limited to this. In other words, the filter rod 22 may consist of multiple segments. For example, the filter rod 22 may include a segment for cooling the aerosol and a segment for filtering out predetermined components contained in the aerosol. Furthermore, the filter rod 22 may optionally include at least one additional segment performing other functions.

[0063] The aerosol product 2 is packaged by at least one trumpet 24. The trumpet 24 has at least one hole through which outside air enters or internal gases exit. As an example, the aerosol product 2 is packaged by one trumpet 24. As another example, the aerosol product 2 may be packaged in layers by two or more trumpets 24. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be packaged by a first trumpet 241, and the filter rod 22 may be packaged by trumpets 242, 243, and 244. The entire aerosol product 2 may then be repackaged by a single trumpet 245. If the filter rod 22 consists of multiple segments, each segment may be packaged by trumpets 242, 243, and 244.

[0064] The tobacco rod 21 contains an aerosol-generating substance. For example, the aerosol-generating substance includes, but is not limited to, at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol. The tobacco rod 21 may also contain other additives such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids. Furthermore, a flavoring liquid such as menthol or a humectant may be added to the tobacco rod 21 by spraying it.

[0065] The tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured in sheet form or strand form. Alternatively, the tobacco rod 21 may be made from shredded tobacco obtained by finely cutting tobacco sheets. Furthermore, the tobacco rod 21 may be surrounded by a heat conductive material. For example, the heat conductive material may be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited to this. As an example, the heat conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can uniformly distribute the heat transferred to the tobacco rod 21, improving the thermal conductivity applied to the tobacco rod and thereby improving the tobacco flavor. The heat conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can also function as a susceptor heated by an induction heater. In this case, although not shown in the drawings, the tobacco rod 21 may further include a susceptor in addition to the heat conductive material surrounding the outside.

[0066] The filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. On the other hand, there are no restrictions on the shape of the filter rod 22. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a cylindrical rod, or a tubular rod containing a hollow inside. The filter rod 22 may also be a recessed rod. If the filter rod 22 is composed of multiple segments, at least one of the segments may be made in a different shape.

[0067] Furthermore, the filter rod 22 includes at least one capsule 23. Here, the capsule 23 may perform a function to generate flavor or a function to generate an aerosol. For example, the capsule 23 has a structure in which a liquid containing a fragrance is enclosed in a film. The capsule 23 may be spherical or cylindrical, but is not limited to these.

[0068] Referring to Figure 5, the aerosol product 3 further comprises a front plug 33. The front plug 33 is located on one side of the tobacco rod 31 opposite the filter rod 32. The front plug 33 prevents the tobacco rod 31 from detaching to the outside and prevents liquefied aerosol from flowing from the tobacco rod 31 into the aerosol generator 1 (Figures 1 to 3) during smoking.

[0069] The filter rod 32 comprises a first segment 321 and a second segment 322. Here, the first segment 321 corresponds to the first segment of the filter rod 22 in Figure 4, and the second segment 322 corresponds to the third segment of the filter rod 22 in Figure 4.

[0070] The diameter and overall length of aerosol product 3 correspond to the diameter and overall length of aerosol product 2 in Figure 4. For example, the length of the front plug 33 is approximately 7 mm, the length of the tobacco rod 31 is approximately 15 mm, the length of the first segment 321 is approximately 12 mm, and the length of the second segment 322 is approximately 14 mm, but are not limited to these.

[0071] The aerosol product 3 is packaged by at least one trumpet 35. The trumpet 35 has at least one hole through which outside air enters or internal gases exit. For example, the front plug 33 is packaged by a first trumpet 351, the tobacco rod 31 is packaged by a second trumpet 352, the first segment 321 is packaged by a third trumpet 353, and the second segment 322 is packaged by a fourth trumpet 354. The entire aerosol product 3 may then be repackaged by a fifth trumpet 355.

[0072] Furthermore, at least one perforation 36 may be formed in the fifth trumpet 355. For example, the perforation 36 may be formed in the region surrounding the tobacco rod 31, but is not limited to this. The perforation 36 serves to transfer the heat generated by the heater 13 shown in Figures 2 and 3 into the interior of the tobacco rod 31.

[0073] Furthermore, the second segment 322 may include at least one capsule 34. Here, the capsule 34 may perform a function of generating flavor or a function of generating an aerosol. For example, the capsule 34 has a structure in which a liquid containing a flavor is enclosed in a film. The capsule 34 may be spherical or cylindrical, but is not limited to these.

[0074] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0075] The aerosol generator 600 may include a housing 610, a housing 610i containing the aerosol product 605, a sensor 620, a processor 640, and a heater 650. The aerosol product 605 has the same configuration as the examples of aerosol products 2 and 3 described in Figures 1 to 5. The processor 640 may be included as a component of the control unit 12 described in Figures 1 to 3.

[0076] The housing 610 can be cylindrical in shape, including its outer and inner surfaces. In this case, the housing portion 610i refers to the space surrounded by the inner surface of the housing 610, or to the region corresponding to the inner surface of the housing 610. However, the shape of the housing 610 is not limited to this and can be varied in various ways depending on the manufacturer's design.

[0077] In one embodiment, the sensor 620 may be positioned away from the inner surface of the housing 610 in the direction of the outer surface of the housing 610. For example, the housing 610 may extend along a first direction (e.g., the +y direction), and the sensor 620 may be positioned away from the first direction in a direction perpendicular to it (e.g., the +x direction). Alternatively, the sensor 620 may be positioned embedded between the inner and outer surfaces of the housing 610 by being separated from the inner surface of the housing 610 by a certain distance x.

[0078] By positioning the sensor 620 inside the housing 610, noise in the data measurement results measured by the processor 640 through the sensor 620 can be reduced. For example, if the sensor 620 is positioned to be exposed to the outside and in contact with the aerosol product 605, the sensor 620 may be affected in data measurement by external substances (e.g., tobacco leaves, dust, etc.). In contrast, the sensor 620 according to the present invention is positioned embedded inside the housing 610 or not exposed to the outside by a separate protective layer, so contamination by external substances does not occur, thus reducing noise in data measurement.

[0079] In one embodiment, when an aerosol product 605 is inserted into a part of the aerosol generator 600 (e.g., a housing 610i), the sensor 620 may be positioned at a predetermined distance from the inserted aerosol product 605. For example, the predetermined distance means the distance at which a change in the charging or discharging time of the sensor 620 generated by the aerosol product 605 is detected. In one embodiment, the sensor 620 may be positioned corresponding to at least one region of the inserted aerosol product 605. For example, the sensor 620 may be positioned corresponding to at least one region where the aerosol-generating substance of the aerosol product 605 is located.

[0080] Sensor 620 can generate a sensing signal corresponding to a change in the capacitance of the housing 610i. Sensor 620 may be positioned to correspond to at least one region where the aerosol generating material 630 is located. For example, the position of sensor 620 may correspond to the region where the aerosol generating material 630 is located when the aerosol product 605 is fully inserted into the housing 610i of the aerosol generating device 600. Sensor 620 may include at least one electrode positioned at a distance from the aerosol product 605 inserted into the housing 610i and corresponding to one region of the aerosol product 605. At least one electrode may constitute a capacitor plate. Sensor 620 can charge and discharge the electrode. The specific shape of the electrode will be described later with reference to Figures 7 to 9.

[0081] The processor 640 can perform the function of determining whether or not to insert / remove the aerosol product 605 based on the sensing signal transmitted from the sensor 620, and the function of controlling the power supplied to the heater 650 depending on whether or not the aerosol product 605 is inserted / removed.

[0082] In one embodiment, the processor 640 can apply a specific voltage to the sensor 620 to measure the charging time of the sensor 620. Based on the measured charging time of the sensor 620 or the change in charging time, the processor 640 can perform a variety of functions. As another example, the processor 640 may measure the discharge time of the sensor 620 due to natural discharge. That is, when the charging voltage of the sensor 620 is the same as the applied voltage, the processor 640 can measure the discharge time of the sensor 620 and determine the capacitance of the housing 610i based on the measured charging time or discharge time of the sensor 620.

[0083] In one embodiment, the processor 640 may determine the capacitance of the housing 610i based on at least one of the number of charge cycles or discharge cycles of the sensor 620 per unit time. The processor 640 may determine that the capacitance decreases in response to an increase in the number of charge cycles or discharge cycles of the sensor 620 per unit time.

[0084] In one embodiment, the processor 640 may determine the capacitance of the housing 610i based on at least one of the charging time or discharging time of the sensor 620 per unit cycle. The processor 640 may determine that the capacitance increases in response to an increase in the charging time or discharging time of the sensor 620 per unit cycle.

[0085] In one embodiment, the heater 650 is an internal heating type heater that heats the inside of the aerosol product 605, and has the same configuration as the heater 13 in Figure 1. However, this is merely an example, and the aerosol generator 600 may consist of an external heating type heater that heats the outside of the aerosol product 605, as shown in the heater 13 in Figures 2 and 3.

[0086] Figure 7A shows a perspective view of the housing of an aerosol generator according to one embodiment. Figure 7B shows a cross-sectional view of the housing of the aerosol generator according to one embodiment, cut in the direction AA. Figures 7A and 7B are specific examples of the sensor 620 included in the aerosol generator 600 of Figure 6.

[0087] Referring to Figures 7A and 7B, the housing portion 715 is a space surrounded by the inner circumferential surface of the housing 710, in which the aerosol product 700 can be contained. In one embodiment, the sensor 720 is an electrode having a plate shape without curvature. In one embodiment, the sensor 720 may be positioned at a certain distance from the housing portion 715. In this case, since the sensor 720 is a plate shape without curvature, the central portion of the sensor 720 may be spaced x away from the housing portion 715, and the distal portion of the sensor 720 may be spaced further than x away from the housing portion 715. In order to minimize the difference between the distance between the housing portion 715 and the central portion of the sensor 720 and the distance between the housing portion 715 and the distal portion of the sensor 720, the width of the sensor 720 may be formed to be substantially narrow.

[0088] Figure 8A shows a perspective view of the housing of an aerosol generator according to another embodiment. Figure 8B shows a cross-sectional view of the housing of an aerosol generator according to another embodiment, cut in the direction AA. Figure 9A shows a perspective view of the housing of an aerosol generator according to yet another embodiment. Figure 9B shows a cross-sectional view of the housing of an aerosol generator according to yet another embodiment, cut in the direction AA. Figures 8A, 8B, 9A, and 9B are specific examples of the sensor 620 included in the aerosol generator 600 of Figure 6.

[0089] Referring to Figures 8A, 8B, 9A, and 9B, the housing portions 815, 915 can accommodate aerosol products 800, 900 as spaces surrounded by the inner circumferential surfaces of the housings 810, 910. In one embodiment, the sensors 820, 920 are electrodes having a plate shape with a specific curvature. For example, the sensors 820, 920 may have a curvature smaller than the curvature of the inner circumferential surface of the housings 810, 910 and larger than the curvature of the outer circumferential surface. When the sensors 820, 920 are plate shapes with curvature, the entire portion of the sensors 820, 920 (e.g., central portion, end portion, etc.) may be positioned at a certain distance from the housing portions 815, 915.

[0090] In one embodiment, sensors 820 and 920 may be positioned at a certain distance x from housings 815 and 915, and surrounding at least a portion of housings 815 and 915. For example, in Figures 8A and 8B, sensor 820 may be positioned to surround only a portion (e.g., 25%) of the housing 815. For example, in Figures 9A and 9B, sensor 920 may be positioned to surround a portion (e.g., 90%) of the housing 915. However, the area surrounded by sensors 820 and 920 is not limited to this.

[0091] Figure 10 is an illustrative diagram showing the electrode positions of an aerosol generator according to another embodiment. Figure 10 is a specific example of the heater 650 included in the aerosol generator 600 of Figure 6. Figure 10 includes a heater heated by induction heating and further includes an induction coil 1040 compared to Figure 6.

[0092] In one embodiment, the heater may include an internal heating heater 1030 and an induction coil 1040. The induction coil 1040 generates an alternating magnetic field and can induce the internal heating heater 1030 of the aerosol generator 1000 to generate heat. In this case, the internal heating heater 1030 is an example of a susceptor. The internal heating heater 1030 generates heat due to the magnetic field generated from the induction coil and can heat the aerosol product 1005 inserted into the housing section 1010i.

[0093] In one embodiment, the sensor 1020 may be positioned between the inner circumferential surface of the housing 1010 and the induction coil 1040. In one embodiment, the sensor 1020 may be formed so as not to affect the variable magnetic field generated by the induction coil 1040. For example, the width of the sensor 1020 may be formed to be substantially narrow in order to prevent a decrease in the strength of the variable magnetic field generated by the induction coil 1040.

[0094] Figures 11A and 11B are graphs showing the change in capacitance of the housing according to one embodiment.

[0095] Figures 12A and 12B are diagrams illustrating the principle by which capacitance decreases after the aerosol product is inserted.

[0096] Figure 11A shows only graph 1110, while Figure 11B shows both graph 1110 and graph 1120. The principle by which the processor 640 determines insertion into / removal from the aerosol product 605 based on the sensing signal from sensor 620 will be explained below with reference to Figures 6 and 11 to 12.

[0097] Graphs 1110 and 1120 show the change in capacitance of the housing 610i before and after the aerosol product 605 is inserted into the housing 610i. After the first time point t1 in which the aerosol product 605 is inserted, the processor 640 controls the power supplied to the heater 650 so that the heater 650 preheats, and the aerosol product 605 inserted into the housing 610i is heated by the preheating heater 650.

[0098] The y-axis of the graph represents the capacitance of the housing 610i, and the x-axis represents time. The capacitance of the housing 610i can be determined based on the charging time, discharging time, charging and discharging time of the sensor 620, the number of charges per unit time, the number of discharges per unit time, or the number of completed charges and discharges per unit time. The time constant, which is a measure of the time it takes for the sensor 620 to charge or discharge, is proportional to the capacitance of the housing 610i sensed by the sensor. Therefore, the charging / discharging rate of the sensor 620 has an inverse relationship with its capacitance, i.e., an inverse relationship.

[0099] Graph 1110 assumes an ideal situation in which no substance having a predetermined dielectric constant remains in the containment 610i before the aerosol product 605 is inserted into the containment 610i.

[0100] Graph 1120 shows the case where a certain substance having a predetermined dielectric constant remains in the containment section 610i before the aerosol product 605 is inserted into the containment section 610i. This substance having a predetermined dielectric constant is, for example, a substance that remains on the wall surface of the containment section 610i as a residue of aerosols (or droplets) generated from the aerosol product 605 that was inserted before or immediately before the aerosol product being inserted.

[0101] For the sake of explanation, we will assume that Graph 1120 differs from Graph 1110 in the p2 interval, but does not differ in the p1 and p3 intervals.

[0102] First, let's explain Graph 1110.

[0103] In section p1, the capacitance of the housing 610i has the value c1. Section p1 is the section prior to the first time point t1 in which the aerosol product is inserted into the housing 610i, and represents the capacitance when the housing 610i is empty. As mentioned above, the capacitance of the housing 610i is inversely proportional to the charge / discharge rate of the sensor 620.

[0104] The p2 section is the section between the first time point t1 and the second time point t2, when the aerosol product 605 is inserted into the containment section 610i. When the aerosol product 605, which has a relatively high dielectric constant compared to the dielectric constant of air, is inserted into the containment section 610i, the capacitance of the containment section 610i has a value c2 that is greater than c1. From one point in the p2 section, the aerosol product 605 inserted into the containment section 610i is heated by a heater 650 that is in a preheating operation. As the aerosol product 605 is heated by the heater 650 that is in a preheating operation, the temperature of the aerosol generating material with dielectric constant rises, and the dielectric constant of the aerosol generating material increases further due to the rise in temperature. As a result, in the latter half of the p2 section, the capacitance of the containment section 610i rises even further than c2, which is the capacitance value immediately after the aerosol product 605 is inserted.

[0105] Section p3 is the smoking section after preheating is complete. In section p3, the capacitance of the housing 610i can repeatedly rise and fall due to the user's puffs. The reason for the repeated rise and fall of the capacitance of the housing 610i in section p3 is that when the user puffs, the temperature of the housing 610i changes, and the amount of aerosol-generating substance with dielectric constant inserted into the housing changes as it is inhaled by the user.

[0106] The capacitance of the housing section 610i changes depending on whether or not the aerosol product 605 is inserted. Therefore, by comparing the capacitance of the housing section 610i with a reference value, it is possible to determine whether or not the aerosol product 605 is inserted.

[0107] When considering noise and other factors contained in the sensor 620, it is desirable that the reference value for determining whether to insert the aerosol product 605 be set differently from the reference value for determining whether to remove the aerosol product 605. In the first embodiment, the processor 640 determines that the aerosol product 605 is inserted into the housing 610i if the capacitance of the housing 610i exceeds the first reference value th1. After determining that the aerosol product 605 is inserted into the housing 610i, the processor 640 determines that the aerosol product 605 has been removed from the housing 610i if the capacitance of the housing 610i is less than the second reference value th2. The second reference value th2 is a different value from the first reference value th1, and the second reference value th2 may be a value greater than the first reference value th1.

[0108] Next, we will explain Graph 1120 with reference to Figure 11B.

[0109] The inventors of the present invention have found that, according to the first embodiment, the processor 640 misjudges the removal of the aerosol product 605.

[0110] In the case of the first embodiment, the reason why the removal of aerosol product 605 is misinterpreted will be explained with reference to Figures 11B and 12.

[0111] Figure 12A shows the state after the user has finished smoking the aerosol product 605 and the aerosol product 605 has been removed from the containment section 610i, with some of the aerosol remaining in the containment section 610i in the form of droplets dr.

[0112] The housing section 610i may be configured in a cylinder shape, including a side surface 610a and a bottom surface 610b. Aerosols are generated from the aerosol product through heating by the heater 650, and most of them are inhaled by the user. However, some of the aerosols generated from the aerosol product are not inhaled by the user and remain as droplets dr on the side surface 610a or bottom surface 610b of the housing section 610i. Since the droplets dr have a relatively high dielectric constant compared to the dielectric constant of air, they can affect the capacitance of the housing section 610i.

[0113] Figure 12B shows the state after the aerosol product 605 has been inserted into the housing 610i, following the state in 12a. When the aerosol product 605 is inserted into the housing 610i, the droplets dr remaining on the side surface 610a or bottom surface 610b of the housing 610i may be absorbed by the aerosol product 605, and the position of the droplets dr may move from the side surface 610a of the housing 610i towards the center of the housing 610i. The capacitance of the housing 610i is affected not only by the dielectric constant of the droplets dr but also by the distance between the droplets dr and the sensor 620. Therefore, if the droplets dr remaining on the side surface 610a or bottom surface 610b of the housing 610i are moved to and absorbed by the aerosol product 605 inserted into the housing 610i, a change in the distance between the droplets dr and the sensor 620 may occur, resulting in a change in the capacitance of the housing 610i.

[0114] Referring to Figure 11B, graph 1120 differs from graph 1110 in that it has a convex shape downward from the p2 section. Specifically, the capacitance of the housing section 610i gradually decreases in the p21 section and then increases again in the p22 section. In the p2 section, the capacitance of the housing section 610i has its minimum value at the third time point t3 and has a value of "c2-d" which is d smaller than c2.

[0115] In section p21, the reason for the decrease in capacitance of the housing 610i is presumed to be that, as explained in Figure 12B, droplets dr remaining on the side surface 610a or bottom surface 610b of the housing 610i are absorbed and moved to the aerosol product 605 inserted into the housing 610i, causing a change in the distance between the droplets dr and the sensor 620.

[0116] In section p22, the reason the capacitance of the housing 610i increases again is presumed to be that, while the heater 650 is preheating, the droplets dr remaining in the housing 610i are vaporized and removed, or the droplets dr absorbed by the aerosol product 605 are vaporized and removed. Furthermore, as the aerosol product 605 is heated by the preheating heater 650, the temperature of the aerosol generating material, which has a dielectric constant, rises, and the dielectric constant of the aerosol generating material increases further due to the rise in temperature. As a result, in the latter half of section p22, the capacitance of the housing 610i rises even further than the capacitance value c2 immediately after the aerosol product 605 is inserted.

[0117] As described in the first embodiment, if the capacitance of the containment section 610i is less than the second reference value th2, it can be determined that the aerosol product 605 has been removed from the containment section 610i. However, as shown in graph 1120, due to the influence of droplet dr remaining in the containment section 610i, the p2 section has a pattern in which the capacitance of the containment section 610i decreases and then rises again (a downward convex pattern). As shown in graph 1120, if the value of "c2-d", which is the capacitance value of the containment section 610i, becomes less than the second reference value th2 at the third time point, according to the first embodiment, it may be incorrectly determined that the aerosol product 605 has been removed from the containment section 610i even though it has not been removed. Therefore, in the preheating section, which is at least included in the p2 section, it is necessary to adjust the second reference value th2 by taking into account the change in capacitance of the containment section 610i due to the movement of droplet dr in order to improve the accuracy of determining the removal of the aerosol product 605.

[0118] The processor 640 according to the second embodiment can adjust the reference value for determining whether aerosol products 605 have been removed from the housing 610i during the preheating section. Specifically, the processor 640 determines that aerosol products 605 have been removed from the housing 605 if the capacitance of the housing 610i during the preheating section is less than a third reference value th3, which is obtained by subtracting the w value from a second reference value th2. In contrast, during the smoking section, the processor 640 may determine that aerosol products 605 have been removed from the housing 605 if the capacitance of the housing 610i is less than the second reference value th2.

[0119] However, in order to improve the accuracy of determining the removal of aerosol product 605, the third reference value th3 cannot be lowered below the second reference value th2 without a lower limit. As mentioned above, when considering noise and other factors included in the sensor 620, it is desirable that the reference value for determining the insertion of aerosol product 605 be set differently from the reference value for determining the removal of aerosol product 605. Therefore, it is desirable that the second reference value th2 be set to a value at least higher than the first reference value th1. That is, it is desirable that the w value be set to be greater than 0 and less than the difference between the first reference value th1 and the second reference value th2, th2-th1.

[0120] The w value can be determined in accordance with the width d of the decrease in capacitance of the housing 610i in the p2 section. In one embodiment, the w value can be determined in proportion to the width d of the decrease in capacitance of the housing 610i in the p2 section. In another embodiment, the w value can be determined to be the same value as the width d of the decrease in capacitance of the housing 610i in the p2 section. The width d of the decrease in capacitance of the housing 610i in the p2 section can be proportional to the amount of droplet dr remaining in the housing 610i before the aerosol product 605 is inserted into the housing 610i. Consequently, the w value can be set based on the amount of droplet dr remaining in the housing 610i before the aerosol product 605 is inserted into the housing 610i.

[0121] In one embodiment, the processor 640 can set the w value in proportion to the time between the last puffing time for another aerosol product 605 inserted immediately before the insertion of the aerosol product 605 and the end of heating for the other aerosol product 605 inserted immediately before. This is because the longer the time between the last puffing time for the other aerosol product 605 inserted immediately before the insertion of the aerosol product 605 and the end of heating for the other aerosol product 605 inserted immediately before, the greater the amount of droplet dr remaining in the containment section 610i. In this specification, "other aerosol generating article 605" is a term used to distinguish it from the aerosol product 605 inserted at the present time, and means the previously inserted aerosol product 605 inserted immediately before the insertion of the aerosol product 605.

[0122] In one embodiment, the processor 640 can set the w value inversely proportional to the total number of puffs for other aerosol product 605s inserted immediately before the insertion of the aerosol product 605. This is because if the total number of puffs for other aerosol product 605s inserted immediately before the insertion of the aerosol product 605 is large, most of the aerosol generated from the other aerosol product 605s is inhaled by the user, and the amount remaining in the containment section 610i as droplets dr is relatively small.

[0123] In one embodiment, the processor 640 can set the w value inversely proportional to the time between the end of heating for another aerosol product 605 inserted immediately before the insertion of the aerosol product 605 and the time of insertion of the aerosol product 605. This is because the longer the time between the end of heating for another aerosol product 605 inserted immediately before the insertion of the aerosol product 605 and the time of insertion of the aerosol product 605, the more the droplet dr remaining in the containment section 610i will vaporize and be removed.

[0124] Figure 13 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0125] Figure 13 is a block diagram of an aerosol generator 1300 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0126] The aerosol generator 1300 includes a power supply 1310, a processor 1320, a sensor 1330, an output unit 1340, a communication unit 1350, a memory 1360, an input unit 1370, and at least one heater 1380, 1390. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generator 1300 is not limited to that shown in Figure 13. That is, a person with ordinary skill in the art according to this embodiment will understand that depending on the design of the aerosol generator 1300, some of the configurations shown in Figure 13 may be omitted or new configurations may be added. The processor 1320 may be included as a component of the control unit 12 described in Figures 1 to 3.

[0127] The sensor 1330 can sense the state of the aerosol generator 1300 or the state of the area surrounding the aerosol generator 1300, and transmit the sensed information to the processor 1320. Based on the sensed information, the processor 1320 can control the aerosol generator 1300 to perform various functions such as controlling the operation of the cartridge heater 1390 and / or heater 1380, restricting smoking, determining whether or not an aerosol product and / or cartridge is inserted, and displaying notifications.

[0128] Sensor 1330 includes at least one of the following: temperature sensor 1331, puff sensor 1332, insertion sensor 1333, reuse sensor 1334, cartridge sensor 1335, cap sensor 1336, and motion sensor 1337.

[0129] The temperature sensor 1331 can sense the temperature at which the cartridge heater 1390 and / or heater 1380 are heated. The aerosol generator 1300 may include a separate temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the cartridge heater 1390 and / or heater 1380, or the cartridge heater 1390 and / or heater 1380 themselves may act as the temperature sensor.

[0130] The temperature sensor 1331 can output a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 1390 and / or heater 1380. For example, the temperature sensor 1331 includes a resistive element whose resistance changes in response to temperature changes in the cartridge heater 1390 and / or heater 1380. This is embodied by an element such as a thermistor, which utilizes the property that resistance changes with temperature. In this case, the temperature sensor 1331 can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistive element as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 1390 and / or heater 1380.

[0131] The temperature sensor 1331 may be positioned around the power supply 1310 to monitor its temperature.

[0132] The puff sensor 1332 can detect user puffs based on various physical changes in the airflow path. The puff sensor 1332 can detect user puffs based on any one of the following: temperature changes, flow rate changes, voltage changes, and pressure changes. The puff sensor 1332 can output a signal corresponding to a puff. For example, the puff sensor 1332 is also a pressure sensor. The puff sensor 1332 can output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generator. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol generator 1300 corresponds to the pressure in the airflow path through which the gas flows. The puff sensor 1332 can be positioned in the aerosol generator 1300 corresponding to the airflow path through which the gas flows.

[0133] The insertion sensing sensor 1333 can detect the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol product (e.g., aerosol product 2 in Figures 1 to 3) into and from the housing. The insertion sensing sensor 1333 can detect signal changes due to the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol product. The insertion sensing sensor 1333 can be installed around the housing. The insertion sensing sensor 1333 can detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol product by changes in capacitance inside the housing. For example, the insertion sensing sensor 1333 is an inductive sensor. The insertion sensing sensor 1333 is a capacitance sensor that senses capacitance inside the housing, and is sensor 620 in Figure 6 or sensor 1020 in Figure 10.

[0134] The inductive sensor includes at least one coil. The coil of the inductive sensor is positioned adjacent to the housing.

[0135] A capacitance sensor includes a conductor. The conductor of the capacitance sensor is positioned adjacent to the housing. The capacitance sensor can output a signal corresponding to the surrounding electromagnetic properties, such as the capacitance around the conductor. For example, if an aerosol product having a relatively high dielectric constant compared to the dielectric constant of air is inserted into the housing, the electromagnetic properties around the conductor may change.

[0136] The reuse detection sensor 1334 can detect whether the aerosol product is being reused. The reuse detection sensor 1334 is also a color sensor. The color sensor can detect the hue of the aerosol product. At least a portion of the trumpet that makes up the aerosol product may change hue due to the aerosol.

[0137] The cartridge sensing sensor 1335 can detect the insertion and / or removal of a cartridge. The cartridge sensing sensor 1335 can be implemented as an inductance substrate sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, or a Hall sensor (Hall IC) using the Hall effect.

[0138] The cap sensing sensor 1336 can detect the attachment and / or removal of the cap. When the cap is separated from the body, the cartridge and part of the body that were covered by the cap may be exposed to the outside. The cap sensing sensor 1336 can be implemented by a contact sensor, a Hall sensor (Hall IC), an optical sensor, or the like.

[0139] The motion sensor 1337 can detect the movement of the aerosol generator. The motion sensor 1337 is embodied by at least one of an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor.

[0140] Sensor 1330 may further include at least one of the following sensors in addition to the aforementioned sensors 1331 to 1337: a humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a position sensor (GPS), and a proximity sensor. The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by an average engineer from its name, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0141] The output unit 1340 can output and provide to the user information about the status of the aerosol generator 1300. The output unit 1340 includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the display 1341, the haptic unit 1342, and the acoustic output unit 1343. If the display 1341 and the touchpad form a layered structure to constitute a touchscreen, the display 1341 can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0142] The display 1341 can visually provide the user with information about the aerosol generator 1300. For example, the information about the aerosol generator 1300 can include various types of information such as the charging / discharging status of the power supply 1310 of the aerosol generator 1300, the preheating status of the heater 1380, the insertion / removal status of the aerosol product and / or cartridge, the attachment / removal status of the cap, or a state in which the use of the aerosol generator 1300 is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal item), and the display 1341 can output this information externally. For example, the display 1341 can also be in the form of an LED light-emitting element. For example, the display 1341 can be a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), etc.

[0143] The haptic unit 1342 can convert electrical signals into mechanical or electrical stimuli, providing the user with tactile information about the aerosol generator 1300. For example, if initial power is supplied to the cartridge heater 1390 and / or heater 1380 for a set time, the haptic unit 1342 generates vibrations corresponding to the completion of initial preheating. The haptic unit 1342 may include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulator.

[0144] The acoustic output unit 1343 can provide the user with auditory information about the aerosol generator 1300. For example, the acoustic output unit 1343 can convert electrical signals into acoustic signals and output them externally.

[0145] The power supply 1310 can supply the power used to operate the aerosol generator 1300. The power supply 1310 can supply power to heat the cartridge heater 1390 and / or heater 1380. The power supply 1310 can also supply the power necessary for the operation of other components within the aerosol generator 1300, namely the sensor 1330, output unit 1340, input unit 1370, communication unit 1350, and memory 1360. The power supply 1310 may be a rechargeable battery, such as the battery 11 of the aerosol generator 1 described in Figures 1 to 3, or it may be a disposable battery. For example, the power supply 1310 is a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited to that.

[0146] Although not shown in Figure 13, the aerosol generator 1300 may further include a power protection circuit. The power protection circuit is electrically connected to the power supply 1310 and may include a switching element.

[0147] The power protection circuit can interrupt the circuit to the power supply 1310 under predetermined conditions.

[0148] Heater 1380 is powered by power supply 1310 and can heat the medium or aerosol-generating material within the aerosol product. Heater 1380 has the same configuration as any one of the heaters shown in Figures 1 to 3 (heater 13), Figure 6 (heater 650), or Figure 10 (heater 1030). Heater 1380 can heat the inside or outside of the aerosol product.

[0149] The processor 1320, sensor 1330, output unit 1340, input unit 1370, communication unit 1350, and memory 1360 can function by being powered by the power supply 1310. Although not shown in Figure 13, a noise filter may be provided between the power supply 1310 and the heater 1380. The noise filter is also a low-pass filter. The low-pass filter may include at least one inductor and a capacitor. The cutoff frequency of the low-pass filter corresponds to the frequency of the high-frequency switching current applied from the power supply 1310 to the heater 1380. The low-pass filter prevents high-frequency noise components from being applied to sensors 1330, such as the insertion sensing sensor 1333.

[0150] In one embodiment, the cartridge heater 1390 and / or heater 1380 may consist of any suitable electrical resistant material.

[0151] In other embodiments, the heater 1380 is also an induction heating heater. For example, the heater 1380 may include a susceptor that generates heat via a magnetic field applied by a coil to heat the aerosol-generating material.

[0152] The input unit 1370 can receive information entered by the user or output information to the user. For example, the input unit 1370 is also a touch panel.

[0153] The display 1341 and the touch panel can be realized as a single panel.

[0154] On the other hand, the input section 1370 includes, but is not limited to, buttons, keypads, dome switches, jog wheels, jog switches, etc.

[0155] Memory 1360 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generator 1300, and can store data processed by the processor 1320 and data being processed. Memory 1360 includes at least one type of recording medium from among flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia card micro type, card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), RAM (random access memory), SRAM (static random access memory), ROM (read-only memory), EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), PROM (programmable read-only memory), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk. Memory 1360 can store data such as the operating time of the aerosol generator 1300, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and data related to the user's smoking pattern. At least one of the following data points may be stored in memory 1360: the time when heating of the aerosol generator 1300 is completed, the total number of puffs for a single aerosol product, or the time of the last puff.

[0156] The communication unit 1350 includes at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 1350 includes at least one of a short-range communication unit and a wireless communication unit.

[0157] Although not shown in Figure 13, the aerosol generator 1300 further includes a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and can connect to other external devices via the USB interface to send and receive information or charge the power supply 1310.

[0158] The processor 1320 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator 1300. In one embodiment, the processor 1320 includes at least one processor. The processor may be embodied as an array of numerous logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor. It will be understood by those ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment belongs that it may also be embodied by other forms of hardware.

[0159] The processor 1320 can control the temperature of the heater 1380 by controlling the power supplied to the heater 1380 from the power supply 1310. The processor 1320 can control the temperature of the cartridge heater 1390 and / or heater 1380 based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 1331 sensed by the temperature sensor 1331. The processor 1320 can adjust the power supplied to the cartridge heater 1390 and / or heater 1380 based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 1390 and / or heater 1380. For example, the processor 1320 can determine a target temperature for the cartridge heater 1390 and / or heater 1380 based on a temperature profile stored in memory 1360.

[0160] The aerosol generator 1300 may include a power supply circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the power supply 1310 between the power supply 1310 and the cartridge heater 1390 and / or heater 1380. The power supply circuit may be electrically connected to the cartridge heater 1390 or heater 1380. The power supply circuit includes at least one switching element. The switching element is embodied by a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), a field-effect transistor (FET), and the like. The processor 1320 can control the power supply circuit.

[0161] The processor 1320 can control the power supply by controlling the switching of the switching elements in the power supply circuit. The power supply circuit is also an inverter that converts the DC power output from the power supply 1310 into AC power. For example, the inverter consists of a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit that includes multiple switching elements.

[0162] The processor 1320 can turn on the switching element so that power is supplied from the power supply 1310 to the cartridge heater 1390 and / or heater 1380. The processor 1320 can turn off the switching element so that the power supply to the cartridge heater 1390 and / or heater 1380 is cut off. The processor 1320 can adjust the current supplied from the power supply 1310 by adjusting the frequency and / or duty cycle of the current pulses input to the switching element.

[0163] The processor 1320 can control the voltage output from the power supply 1310 by controlling the switching of the switching elements in the power supply circuit. The power conversion circuit can convert the voltage output from the power supply 1310. For example, the power conversion circuit includes a buck converter that steps down the voltage output from the power supply 1310. For example, the power conversion circuit is implemented through a buck boost converter, a Zener diode, etc.

[0164] The processor 1320 can control the on / off operation of the switching elements included in the power conversion circuit and adjust the level of voltage output from the power conversion circuit. When the switching elements remain in the on state, the level of voltage output from the power conversion circuit corresponds to the level of voltage output from the power supply 1310. The duty cycle for the on / off operation of the switching elements corresponds to the ratio of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit to the voltage output from the power supply 1310. The lower the duty cycle for the on / off operation of the switching elements, the lower the level of voltage output from the power conversion circuit may be. The heater 1380 may be heated based on the voltage output from the power conversion circuit.

[0165] The processor 1320 can control the supply of power to the heater 1380 using at least one of the following methods: pulse width modulation (PWM) and proportional-integral-differential (PID).

[0166] For example, the processor 1320 can use a PWM method to control the supply of current pulses having a predetermined frequency and duty cycle to the heater 1380. The processor 1320 can adjust the frequency and duty cycle of the current pulses to control the power supplied to the heater 1380.

[0167] For example, the processor 1320 can determine a target temperature for control based on the temperature profile. The processor 1320 can control the power supplied to the heater 1380 using a PID (Pulse Input Differential) feedback control method that uses the difference between the heater temperature and the target temperature, the integral of the difference over time, and the derivative of the difference over time.

[0168] The processor 1320 can prevent the cartridge heaters 1390 and / or heater 1380 from overheating. For example, the processor 1320 can control the operation of the power conversion circuit so that the power supply to the cartridge heaters 1390 and / or heater 1380 is interrupted based on the temperature of the cartridge heaters 1390 and / or heater 1380 exceeding a predetermined limit temperature. For example, the processor 1320 can reduce the amount of power supplied to the cartridge heaters 1390 and / or heater 1380 by a certain percentage based on the temperature of the cartridge heaters 1390 and / or heater 1380 exceeding a predetermined limit temperature. For example, the processor 1320 can determine that the aerosol-generating material contained in the cartridge has been exhausted based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 1390 exceeding a limit temperature and cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 1390.

[0169] The processor 1320 can control the charging and discharging of the power supply 1310. The processor 1320 can check the temperature of the power supply 1310 based on the output signal of the temperature sensor 1331.

[0170] When a power line is connected to the battery terminal of the aerosol generator 1300, the processor 1320 can check whether the temperature of the power supply 1310 is above a first limit temperature, which is the criterion for shutting off the charging of the power supply 1310. If the temperature of the power supply 1310 is below the first limit temperature, the processor 1320 can control the charging of the power supply 1310 based on a predetermined charging current. If the temperature of the power supply 1310 is above the first limit temperature, the processor 1320 can shut off the charging of the power supply 1310.

[0171] With the aerosol generator 1300 powered on, the processor 1320 can check whether the temperature of the power supply 1310 is above the second limit temperature, which is the criterion for shutting off the discharge of the power supply 1310. If the temperature of the power supply 1310 is below the second limit temperature, the processor 1320 can control the use of the power stored in the power supply 1310. If the temperature of the power supply 1310 is above the second limit temperature, the processor 1320 can interrupt the use of the power stored in the power supply 1310.

[0172] The processor 1320 can calculate the remaining capacity of the power supply 1310 based on the voltage and / or current sensing values ​​of the power supply 1310.

[0173] The processor 1320 can determine whether or not an aerosol product is inserted into the containment via the insertion sensing sensor 1333. Based on the output signal of the insertion sensing sensor 1333, the processor 1320 can determine that an aerosol product has been inserted. If it determines that an aerosol product has been inserted into the containment, the processor 1320 can control the supply of power to the cartridge heater 1390 and / or heater 1380. For example, the processor 1320 can supply power to the cartridge heater 1390 and / or heater 1380 based on a temperature profile stored in the memory 1360.

[0174] The processor 1320 can determine whether or not the aerosol product has been removed from the containment. For example, the processor 1320 can determine whether or not the aerosol product has been removed from the containment through the insertion sensing sensor 1333. For example, the processor 1320 can determine that the aerosol product has been removed from the containment if the capacitance of the containment containing the aerosol product is smaller than a reference value.

[0175] In one embodiment, if the processor 1320 determines that the aerosol product has been removed from the containment unit, it can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 1390 and / or heater 1380.

[0176] In another embodiment, if it is determined that aerosol products have been removed from the containment, a cleaning operation on the heater 1380 can be controlled. Specifically, if it is determined that aerosol products have been removed from the containment, after a set time, the processor 1320 can control the power supply to the heater 1380 so that the heater 1380 is heated to a temperature higher than the target temperature of the preheating and smoking sections. Specifically, the heating temperature of the heater 1380 for the cleaning operation is higher than the heating temperature of the heater 1380 for heating the aerosol products. For example, to perform a cleaning operation, the processor 1320 can control the power supply so that the heater 1380 has a temperature range of about 450°C to 550°C. More preferably, to perform a cleaning operation, the processor 1320 can control the power supply so that the heater 1380 has a temperature range of about 500°C to 550°C. However, the heating temperature range for performing a cleaning operation on the heater 1380 is illustrative and may be varied depending on the manufacturer's design.

[0177] The processor 1320 can control the power supply time and / or power supply amount to the heater 1380 based on the state of the aerosol product sensed by the sensor 1330. The processor 1320 can determine the level range that includes the signal level of the capacitance sensor based on a lookup table. The processor 1320 can determine the amount of moisture in the aerosol product based on the determined level range.

[0178] When the aerosol product is in an over-humid condition, the processor 1320 can control the power supply time to the heater 1380, thereby increasing the preheating time of the aerosol product compared to normal conditions.

[0179] The processor 1320 can determine whether the aerosol product inserted into the housing is to be reused through the reuse sensing sensor 1334. For example, the processor 1320 can compare the sensing value of the reuse sensing sensor's signal with a first reference range that includes a first hue, and if the sensing value falls within the first reference range, it can determine that the aerosol product is not being used. For example, the processor 1320 can compare the sensing value of the reuse sensing sensor's signal with a second reference range that includes a second hue, and if the sensing value falls within the second reference range, it can determine that the aerosol product has been used. If it is determined that the aerosol product has been used, the processor 1320 can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 1390 and / or heater 1380.

[0180] The processor 1320 can determine whether to connect and / or remove a cartridge through the cartridge sensing sensor 1335. For example, the processor 1320 can determine whether to connect and / or remove a cartridge based on the sensing value of the signal from the cartridge sensing sensor.

[0181] The processor 1320 can determine whether or not the aerosol-generating material in the cartridge has been exhausted. For example, the processor 1320 can preheat the cartridge heater 1390 and / or heater 1380 by applying power, determine whether the temperature of the cartridge heater 1390 exceeds a limit temperature during the preheating period, and if the temperature of the cartridge heater 1390 exceeds the limit temperature, it can determine that the aerosol-generating material in the cartridge has been exhausted. If it determines that the aerosol-generating material in the cartridge has been exhausted, the processor 1320 can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 1390 and / or heater 1380.

[0182] The processor 1320 can determine whether or not a cartridge can be used. For example, based on data stored in memory 1360, the processor 1320 can determine that a cartridge cannot be used if the current number of puffs is greater than or equal to the maximum number of puffs set for the cartridge. For example, the processor 1320 can determine that a cartridge cannot be used if the total time the cartridge heater 1390 has been heated is greater than or equal to a predetermined maximum time, or if the total amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater 1390 is greater than or equal to a predetermined maximum amount of power.

[0183] The processor 1320 can make decisions regarding the user's inhalation through the puff sensor 1332. For example, the processor 1320 can determine whether or not a puff has occurred based on the sensing value of the signal from the puff sensor. For example, the processor 1320 can determine the intensity of the puff based on the sensing value of the signal from the puff sensor 1332. If the number of puffs reaches a predetermined maximum number of puffs, or if no puff is detected for a predetermined time or longer, the processor 1320 can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 1390 and / or heater 1380.

[0184] The processor 1320 can determine whether or not a puff has occurred based on the sensing value of the insertion sensing sensor 1333. The aerosol-generating material inserted into the containment has a dielectric constant, but if a user puff occurs, the amount of aerosol-generating material inserted into the containment decreases, causing a change in the capacitance of the containment. Specifically, if the insertion sensing sensor 1333 consists of capacitance, the processor 1320 may determine that a user puff has occurred if the gradient of the change in the charging time or discharging time of the insertion sensing sensor 1333 has a negative value and its absolute value exceeds a reference value. Alternatively, the processor 640 may determine that a user puff has occurred if the amount of change in the charging or discharging time of the insertion sensing sensor 1333 decreases to or below a reference value.

[0185] The processor 1320 can determine whether or not a puff has occurred based on the sensing value of the temperature sensor 1331, which measures the temperature of the heater 1380. If a user puff occurs, the temperature of the heater 1380 drops instantaneously as outside air flows in, and the processor 1320 can determine that a user puff has occurred if the amount of change in the temperature drop of the heater 1380 is greater than or equal to a reference value.

[0186] The processor 1320 can determine whether the cap is attached and / or removed via the cap sensing sensor 1336. For example, the processor 1320 can determine whether the cap is attached and / or removed based on the sensed value of the signal from the cap sensing sensor.

[0187] The processor 1320 can control the output unit 1340 based on the results sensed by the sensor 1330. For example, if the number of puffs counted through the puff sensor 1332 reaches a predetermined number, the processor 1320 can notify the user that the aerosol generator 1300 will immediately shut down through at least one of the display 1341, the haptic unit 1342, and the acoustic output unit 1343. For example, the processor 1320 can notify the user through the output unit 1340 based on the determination that there are no aerosol products in the containment unit. For example, the processor 1320 can notify the user through the output unit 1340 based on the determination that the cartridge and / or cap is not installed. For example, the processor 1320 can transmit information about the temperature of the cartridge heater 1390 and / or heater 1380 to the user through the output unit 1340.

[0188] The processor 1320 can save and update a history of events in the memory 1360 based on the occurrence of a predetermined event. Events include operations performed by the aerosol generator 1300, such as sensing the insertion of an aerosol product, starting the heating of the aerosol product, detecting puffing, ending the puffing, detecting overheating of the cartridge heater 1390 and / or heater 1380, detecting the application of overvoltage to the cartridge heater 1390 and / or heater 1380, ending the heating of the aerosol product, turning the power of the aerosol generator 1300 on / off, starting charging of the power supply 1310, detecting overcharging of the power supply 1310, and ending charging of the power supply 1310. The history of events includes the date and time the event occurred, log data corresponding to the event, etc. For example, if a predetermined event is the sensing of insertion of an aerosol product, the log data corresponding to the event includes data such as the sensing value of the insertion sensing sensor 1333. For example, if a predetermined event is the detection of overheating in the cartridge heater 1390 and / or heater 1380, the log data corresponding to the event will include data on the temperature of the cartridge heater 1390 and / or heater 1380, the voltage applied to the cartridge heater 1390 and / or heater 1380, and the current flowing through the cartridge heater 1390 and / or heater 1380.

[0189] The processor 1320 can be controlled to form a communication link with an external device, such as a user's mobile terminal.

[0190] The aforementioned embodiments of the present invention are not mutually exclusive or distinct from each other. The aforementioned embodiments of the present invention may be used in combination or in combination with each other, depending on their respective configurations or functions.

[0191] For example, it means that configuration A described in a particular embodiment and / or drawing can be combined with configuration B described in another embodiment and / or drawing. In other words, even if the combination of configurations is not directly described, it means that combination is possible unless it is stated that such combination is impossible.

[0192] The detailed description set forth herein should not be interpreted restrictively in any way, but should be considered illustrative. The scope of the invention shall be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the invention shall be included within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A housing including a containment section into which aerosol products are inserted, A heater for heating the aerosol product inserted into the containment section, A sensor is positioned at a distance from the aerosol product inserted into the housing and generates a sensing signal corresponding to the change in capacitance of the housing, The system includes a processor electrically connected to the heater and the sensor, which controls the power supplied to the heater based on a temperature profile including a preheating section and a smoking section, The aforementioned processor, The sensing signal is transmitted from the sensor, If the capacitance of the housing exceeds the first reference value, it is determined that the aerosol product has been inserted into the housing. An aerosol generating apparatus that determines that the aerosol product has been removed from the containment if, after it has been determined that the aerosol product has been inserted, the capacitance of the containment is less than a second reference value greater than the first reference value.

2. The aforementioned processor, In the preheating section, if the capacitance of the housing is less than the third reference value obtained by subtracting the w value from the second reference value, it is determined that the aerosol product has been removed from the housing. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in the smoking section, if the capacitance of the containment is less than the second reference value, it is determined that the aerosol product has been removed from the containment.

3. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the w value is greater than 0 and less than the difference between the first reference value and the second reference value.

4. The aforementioned processor, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the w value is set in proportion to the time between the last puffing point for another aerosol product inserted immediately before the insertion of the aerosol product and the end of heating for the other aerosol product inserted immediately before.

5. The aforementioned processor, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the w value is set in inverse proportion to the total number of puffs applied to other aerosol products inserted immediately before the insertion of the aerosol product.

6. The aforementioned processor, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the w value is set in inverse proportion to the time between the end of heating for another aerosol product inserted immediately before the insertion of the aerosol product and the insertion of the aerosol product.

7. The aforementioned sensor is The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, comprising an electrode positioned at a distance from the aerosol product inserted into the housing and corresponding to at least one region of the aerosol product.

8. The aforementioned processor, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 7, comprising obtaining at least one of the charging time or discharging time of the electrode per unit number of cycles, and calculating the capacitance of the housing.

9. The aforementioned processor, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 7, comprising obtaining at least one of the number of charge cycles or discharge cycles of the electrode per unit time and calculating the capacitance of the housing.

10. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the electrode is positioned corresponding to at least one region in which the aerosol generating substance of the aerosol product is arranged by insertion of the aerosol product.

11. The aforementioned processor, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the aerosol product is inserted, power is supplied to the heater for preheating.

12. The aforementioned processor, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when it is determined that the aerosol product has been removed, the power supplied to the heater is controlled so that, after a predetermined time, the heater is heated to a temperature higher than the target temperature of the preheating section and the smoking section.

13. The aforementioned heater is A coil that generates an alternating magnetic field, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a susceptor that generates heat by a magnetic field generated from the coil and heats the aerosol product inserted into the housing.

14. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the sensor is disposed between the housing and the coil.

15. The aforementioned processor, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the power supplied to the heater is cut off when it is determined that the aerosol product has been removed.

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