Aerosol generating apparatus and its operating method

Abstract

An aerosol generating apparatus and a method of operating the same are disclosed. The aerosol generating apparatus of this disclosure includes a body having an insertion space formed therein, a heater for heating a stick inserted into the insertion space, a sensor that outputs a sensing value corresponding to the capacitance of the insertion space, a memory, and a control unit, wherein the control unit stores the sensing value in the memory at a predetermined period, calculates a representative value of a plurality of consecutive sensing values ​​stored in the memory, calculates a delta value which is the difference between two consecutive representative values, determines whether the stick has been inserted based on the sum of a predetermined number of consecutive delta values, and if the stick has been inserted, adjusts the power supply to the heater based on the change in the delta value.

Description

Technical Field

[0005] ,

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device and an operating method thereof.

Background Art

[0002] An aerosol generating device is for extracting a predetermined component from a medium or a substance through an aerosol. The medium can contain substances with various components. The substances contained in the medium may be flavor substances with various components. For example, the substances contained in the medium can include a nicotine component, a herb component, and / or a coffee component, etc. In recent years, many studies have been conducted on such aerosol generating devices.

[0003] Generally, in order to heat the aerosol generating substance contained in the stick, an internal heating method, an external heating method, an induction heating method using an induction coil and a susceptor, etc. are used. Also, although it is common for an aerosol generating device to heat a single substance (or region) to generate an aerosol, in recent years, in order to improve the smoking feeling, the atomization amount, etc., a method of heating a plurality of substances (or a plurality of regions) together to generate an aerosol is also used.

[0004] Conventionally, the state of the stick is determined by whether the difference between the sensing values of the sensor is above a certain level or by using the average of the sensing values for a certain period of time, etc. However, according to the conventional method, when noise occurs in the sensing value of the sensor, the difference between the sensing values or the average of the sensing values may temporarily change significantly due to the noise, so the accuracy of the determination regarding the stick state may be significantly reduced. Also, there is a problem that it is difficult to consider various patterns of users using the stick, such as gradually inserting or removing the stick, or adjusting the position of the stick after inserting a part of the stick and then inserting the remaining part of the stick.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] This disclosure aims to resolve the aforementioned issues and other problems.

[0006] Another objective is to provide an aerosol generating device and its operating method that can accurately determine the state of a stick using sensor sensing values.

[0007] Another objective is to provide an aerosol generator and a method of operation thereof that can adjust the power supply to the heater based on the state of the insertion space into which the stick is inserted.

[0008] Another objective is to provide an aerosol generator and its operating method that can optimize the criteria for determining the condition of a stick based on the user's pattern of using the stick. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] An aerosol generating apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure for achieving the above-described objectives includes a body having an insertion space formed therein, a heater for heating a stick inserted into the insertion space, a sensor that outputs a sensing value corresponding to the capacitance of the insertion space, a memory, and a control unit, wherein the control unit stores the sensing value in the memory at a predetermined interval, calculates a representative value of a plurality of consecutive sensing values ​​stored in the memory, calculates a delta value which is the difference between two consecutive representative values, determines whether the stick has been inserted based on the sum of a predetermined number of consecutive delta values, and if the stick has been inserted, adjusts the power supply to the heater based on the change in the delta value.

[0010] A method for operating an aerosol generator according to one aspect of the present disclosure to achieve the above-mentioned objectives may include: storing sensing values ​​corresponding to the capacitance of the insertion space in a memory at predetermined intervals; calculating a representative value of a plurality of consecutive sensing values ​​stored in the memory; calculating a delta value which is the difference between two consecutive representative values; determining whether a stick has been inserted based on the sum of a predetermined number of consecutive delta values; and, if the stick has been inserted, adjusting the power supply to the heater based on the change in the delta value. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the state of the stick can be accurately determined using sensor sensing values ​​that are periodically stored in memory.

[0012] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the power supply to the heater can be adjusted based on the state of the insertion space into which the stick is inserted.

[0013] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the criteria for determining the state of the stick can be optimized based on the user's pattern of using the stick.

[0014] Any additional applicable scope of this disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description. However, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of this disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, the detailed description and specific embodiments, such as preferred embodiments of this disclosure, should be understood to be given only as examples. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This figure shows an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] [Figure 2]A diagram showing an aerosol generation device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] [Figure 3] A diagram showing an aerosol generation device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] [Figure 4] A front perspective view of an aerosol generation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] [Figure 5] A cross-sectional view of an aerosol generation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in a state where the upper case, body, and heater holder are disassembled.

[0020] [Figure 6] A cross-sectional view of an aerosol generation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in a state where the upper case, body, and heater holder are combined.

[0021] [Figure 7] A cross-sectional view of a heater holder of an aerosol generation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] [Figure 8] A block diagram of an aerosol generation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] [Figure 9] A flowchart showing an operation method of an aerosol generation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] [Figure 10] A diagram referred to for explaining data stored in a memory of an aerosol generation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] [Figure 11]This figure shows a graph of the signal from a stick sensing sensor when a stick according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is inserted.

[0026] [Figure 12] This figure shows a graph of the signal from the stick sensing sensor when a portion of the stick according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is inserted and then removed.

[0027] [Figure 13] This figure shows a graph of the signal from the stick sensing sensor when a stick according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is inserted.

[0028] [Figure 14] This flowchart shows the operation method of an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] [Figure 15] This figure shows a graph of the signal from a stick sensing sensor when a stick according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is inserted. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0030] The embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Identical or similar components will be given the same reference numerals even if they are shown in different drawings, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0031] The suffixes "module" and "part" used in the following description are used solely for the sake of clarity in the description. "Module" and "part" do not have any distinct meaning or role from each other.

[0032] Furthermore, in subsequent descriptions of the embodiments disclosed herein, detailed explanations of related known technologies will be omitted if they could obscure the essence of the embodiments disclosed herein. The accompanying drawings are provided to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein, and the accompanying drawings do not limit the technical ideas disclosed herein. Therefore, the accompanying drawings should be construed as including all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions included in the ideas and scope of this disclosure.

[0033] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as "first," "second," etc., can be used to describe a variety of components, but it should be understood that the components are not limited by such terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0034] When we say that one component is "linked" to another, it is understandable that other components may exist in between. On the other hand, when we say that one component is "directly linked" to another, it is understandable that there are no other components in between.

[0035] A singular expression includes plural expressions unless explicitly indicated otherwise in the context.

[0036] Throughout this specification, the orientation of the aerosol generator 1 can be defined with respect to a Cartesian coordinate system. In the Cartesian coordinate system, the x-axis can be defined as the left-right direction of the aerosol generator 1. The y-axis can be defined as the front-back direction of the aerosol generator 1. The z-axis can be defined as the up-down direction of the aerosol generator 1.

[0037] Figures 1 to 3 show aerosol generating apparatus according to various embodiments of this disclosure.

[0038] Referring to Figure 1, an aerosol generator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one of a power supply 11, a control unit 12, a sensor 13, and a heater 18. At least one of the power supply 11, the control unit 12, the sensor 13, and the heater 18 may be located inside the body 10 of the aerosol generator. The body 10 may have an upwardly opening space into which a stick S, which is an aerosol product, is inserted. The upwardly opening space can be called an insertion space. The insertion space may be formed by recessing inward to a predetermined depth so that at least a portion of the stick S can be inserted. The depth of the insertion space may correspond to the length of the region in the stick S that contains the aerosol generating substance and / or medium. The lower end of the stick S is inserted inside the body 10, and the upper end of the stick S may protrude outside the body 10. The user can inhale air by putting the exposed upper end of the stick S in their mouth.

[0039] The heater 18 can heat the stick S. The heater 18 may extend upward in the space into which the stick S is inserted. For example, the heater 18 may include a tubular heating element, a plate heating element, a needle heating element, or a rod heating element. The heater 18 may be inserted into the bottom of the stick S. The heater 18 may include an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heating heater.

[0040] For example, referring to Figure 1, the heater 18 may be a resistive heater. For example, the heater 18 may be electrically connected to the power supply 11. The heater 18 can directly generate heat by receiving current from the power supply 11.

[0041] For example, a hollow can be formed inside the heater 18. An electrically conductive track and / or a temperature sensor can be mounted in the hollow of the heater 18. The electrically conductive track receives an electric current from the power supply 11 and generates heat, and the heater 18 can be heated by the heat generated by the electrically conductive track.

[0042] For example, the heater 18 may be a multi-heater. The heater 18 may include a first heater 18A and a second heater 18B. The first and second heaters 18A and 18B may be arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction. The first and second heaters 18A and 18B may be heated sequentially or simultaneously.

[0043] For example, referring to Figure 2, the aerosol generator may include an induction coil 181 surrounding a heater 18. The induction coil 181 can cause the heater 18 to heat up. The heater 18 is a susceptor, and it can heat up due to the magnetic field generated by the AC current flowing through the induction coil 181. The magnetic field penetrates the heater 18 and can generate eddy currents within the heater 18. The current can generate heat in the heater 18.

[0044] For example, referring to Figure 3, a susceptor SS can be included inside the stick S, and the susceptor SS inside the stick S can be heated by the magnetic field generated by the AC current flowing through the induction coil 181. The susceptor SS is located inside the stick S and does not need to be electrically connected to the aerosol generator. The susceptor SS can be inserted into the insertion space together with the stick S and can be removed from the insertion space together with the stick S. The stick S can be heated by the susceptor SS inside the stick S.

[0045] Power supply 11 can supply power to the components of the aerosol generator so that they can operate. Power supply 11 can be described as a battery. Power supply 11 can supply power to at least one of the control unit 12, sensor 13, and heater 18. Power supply 11 can supply power to induction coil 181.

[0046] The control unit 12 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator. The control unit can be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The control unit 12 can control the operation of at least one of the power supply 11, sensor 13, and heater 18. The control unit 12 can control the operation of the induction coil 181. The control unit 12 can control the operation of displays, motors, etc., installed in the aerosol generator. The control unit 12 can check the status of each component of the aerosol generator and determine whether the aerosol generator is in an operational state.

[0047] The control unit 12 can analyze the results sensed by the sensor 13 and control the processes to be performed thereafter. For example, based on the results sensed by the sensor 13, the control unit 12 can control the power supplied to the heater 18 so that the heater 18 starts or stops operating. For example, based on the results sensed by the sensor 13, the control unit 12 can control the amount of power supplied to the heater 18 and the duration of power supply so that the heater 18 is heated to a predetermined temperature or maintains an appropriate temperature.

[0048] Sensor 13 may include at least one of a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, a stick sensing sensor, and an acceleration sensor. For example, sensor 13 can sense at least one of the temperature of the heater 18, the temperature of the power supply 11, and the internal and external temperatures of the body 10. For example, sensor 13 can sense the user's puff. For example, sensor 13 can sense whether the stick S is inserted into the insertion space. For example, sensor 13 can sense the movement of the aerosol generator.

[0049] Figure 4 is a front perspective view of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] Referring to Figure 4, the upper case 40 can be detachably coupled to the body 10. The upper case 40 may be coupled to the upper side of the body 10. The upper case 40 can cover the upper perimeter of the body 10. The upper case 40 may have an insertion opening 44. The stick S can be inserted into the insertion opening 44. The upper case 40 may include a cap 45 for opening and closing the insertion opening 44. The cap 45 can slide laterally to open and close the insertion opening 44.

[0051] The upper case 40 may include upper case wings 42. The upper case wings 42 may extend downward from both sides of the upper case body 41.

[0052] The body 10 may include body wings 16. The body wings 16 may extend upward from the upper edge of the body 10. The body wings 16 may be formed as a pair facing each other, centered on the upper part of the body 10. The body wings 16 may be formed at a position offset from the upper case wing 42.

[0053] When the upper case 40 is coupled to the body 10, the upper case 40 can form the upper exterior of the aerosol generator. When the upper case 40 is coupled to the body 10, the body wings 16 can cover the exposed sides of the upper case 40 between the upper case wings 42. When the upper case 40 is coupled to the body 10, the upper case wings 42 can cover the outer walls of the body 10.

[0054] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the upper case, body, and heater holder of an aerosol generator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure in a disassembled state; Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the upper case, body, and heater holder of an aerosol generator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure in a assembled state; and Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the heater holder of an aerosol generator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] Referring to Figures 5 and 6, the body C10 of an aerosol generator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may have a shape that extends vertically. The body C10 may provide a first insertion space C14 inside. The first insertion space C14 may open upward. The first insertion space C14 may have a vertically extending cylindrical shape. The first insertion space C14 may be defined by a body pipe C11 formed inside the body C10. The body pipe C11 may include a lateral wall C111 surrounding the first insertion space C14 and a bottom wall C112 covering the bottom of the first insertion space C14.

[0056] The heater holder C20 and the extractor C30 can be detachably inserted into the first insertion space C14. The pipe C20' may include a long vertically extending side wall C21 and a bottom wall C22 formed at the lower end of the side wall C21. The bottom wall C22 of the pipe C20' can be called the bottom C22 or mount C22. The bottom wall C22 of the pipe C20' can form the bottom C22 of the heater holder C20. The heater C50 can be coupled to or fixed to the heater holder C20.

[0057] The side wall C21 of the heater holder C20 and the side wall C31 of the extractor C30 can together define a second insertion space C24 that opens upward. Each of the side wall C21 of the heater holder C20 and the side wall C31 of the extractor C30 can cover at least one side of the second insertion space C24. The side wall C21 of the heater holder C20 and the side wall C31 of the extractor C30 can together form the perimeter of the side of the second insertion space C24.

[0058] The side wall C31 of the extractor C30 can extend vertically. The side wall C21 of the heater holder C20 and the side wall C31 of the extractor C30 can each be spaced the same distance from the center of the second insertion space C24 with respect to the radial direction. The side wall C21 of the heater holder C20 and the side wall C31 of the extractor C30 can each be located on the same circumferential extension of the second insertion space C24. The side wall C21 of the heater holder C20 and the side wall C31 of the extractor C30 can each extend with circumferential curvature along the periphery of the second insertion space C24.

[0059] Multiple side walls C21 of the heater holder C20 may be arranged around the bottom wall C22 of the heater holder C20. Between each of the multiple side walls C21 of the heater holder C20, a first slit C214 extending vertically may be formed. The multiple side walls C21 and multiple first slits C214 of the heater holder C20 may be arranged alternately around each other in a circumferential direction around the second insertion space C24.

[0060] Multiple side walls C31 of the extractor C30 may be arranged around the bottom wall C32 of the extractor C30. Between each of the multiple side walls C31 of the extractor C30, a second slit C314 extending vertically may be formed. The multiple side walls C31 and the multiple second slits C314 of the extractor C30 may be arranged alternately around each other in a circumferential direction around the second insertion space C24.

[0061] The extractor C30 can be inserted into the heater holder C20. When the extractor C30 is inserted into the heater holder C20, the side wall C21 of the heater holder C20 may be positioned in the second slit C314, and the side wall C31 of the extractor C30 may be positioned in the first slit C214.

[0062] Therefore, the side wall C21 of the heater holder C20 and the side wall C31 of the extractor C30 can form a second insertion space C24. Furthermore, by reducing the thickness of the wall between the induction coil C15 and the heater C50, the heating efficiency of the heater C50 can be improved.

[0063] The lower end of the stick S is inserted into the second insertion space C24, and the upper end of the stick S can protrude outside the aerosol generator. The heater C50 can heat the first insertion space C14 and the second insertion space C24. The heater C50 can heat the stick S inserted into the second insertion space C24.

[0064] The lower end of the heater C50 can be fixed to the mount C22. The heater C50 can extend elongated toward the opening of the second insertion space C24. The heater C50 may be formed in a cylindrical shape with its upper end pointed upwards. In another example, the heater C50 may have a circumferential shape and be coupled to the side wall C21 of the heater holder C20. However, this is illustrative, and the shape of the heater C50 is not limited to those described or illustrated above, as long as it can be coupled to the heater holder C20 and heat the stick S inserted into the second insertion space C24. The heater holder C20 can be formed by insert injection molding of the heater C50.

[0065] The through-hole C35 can be formed by an opening in the lower wall C32 of the extractor C30. The through-hole C35 can open vertically. When the extractor C30 is inserted into the heater holder C20, the heater C50 can protrude through the through-hole C35 into the second insertion space C24. When the stick S is inserted into the second insertion space C24, the heater C50 can be inserted below the stick S.

[0066] The induction coil C15 can surround the first insertion space C14. The induction coil C15 can be wound around the side wall C111 of the body pipe C11. The induction coil C15 can cause the heater C50 to generate heat. As another example, the heater C50 can also be directly electrically connected to a power source via terminals formed on the heater holder C20 and generate heat by receiving power.

[0067] Therefore, heater C50 can be easily replaced. The size of the insertion spaces C14 and C24 and the heater C50 placed in insertion spaces C14 and C24 is very small and may be difficult to replace, but the user can easily replace heater C50 by separating heater holder C20 from the aerosol generator and placing a new heater holder C20 in the aerosol generator.

[0068] Furthermore, the stick S can be easily separated from the heater C50. The user can easily separate the stick S from the heater C50 by separating the extractor C30 and the heater holder C20 from each other. The stick S, which is inserted inside the extractor C30, can be more easily separated from the extractor C30 by separating it from the heater C50. The stick S can also be separated even if the extractor C30 and the heater holder C20 are not separated from each other.

[0069] Furthermore, foreign matter generated from the stick S does not remain around the heater C50 or the heater holder C20, but can be extracted via the extractor C30. Therefore, cleaning of the aerosol generating device around the heater C50 becomes easier, improving ease of management. In addition, factors that reduce the performance of the heater C50 are reduced, improving the durability of the heater C50 and extending the replacement cycle of the heater C50. Furthermore, factors that alter the taste of the stick S are reduced.

[0070] The heater holder C20 may be positioned between the body C10 and the extractor C30. The side wall C111 of the body pipe C11 can surround the side wall C21 of the heater holder C20 and the side wall C31 of the extractor C30. The bottom wall C112 of the body pipe C11 can face the bottom wall C22 of the heater holder C20. The bottom wall C22 of the heater holder C20 can face the bottom wall C32 of the extractor C30.

[0071] The lower wall C32 of the extractor C30 can be separated upward from the lower wall C22 of the heater holder C20. Air can flow between the extractor C30 and the heater holder C20, pass through the through hole C35, and then be supplied to the stick S inserted into the second insertion space C24.

[0072] The upper wall C12 of body C10 may extend horizontally outward from the upper end of body pipe C11. The outer lateral wall C13 of body C10 may extend downward from the outer end of the upper wall C12 of body C10. The induction coil C15 may be positioned between body pipe C11 and the outer wall C13 of body C10.

[0073] The upper case C40 can be detachably coupled to the body C10. The upper case C40 may be coupled to the upper side of the body C10. The upper case C40 can cover the area around the first insertion space C14 and the upper area of ​​the body C10. The upper case C40 may have an insertion opening C44. The stick S can be inserted into the insertion opening C44. The upper case C40 may include a cap C45 for opening and closing the insertion opening C44. The cap C45 can slide laterally to open and close the insertion opening C44. The heater holder C20 may be positioned between the body C10 and the upper case C40.

[0074] The extractor C30 may be coupled to the upper case C40. The upper end of the extractor C30 may be coupled to the upper case C40, and the lower end of the extractor C30 may protrude below the upper case C40. The extractor C30 may be coupled to a position corresponding to the insertion port C44. The insertion port C44 may be located above the second insertion space C24. The insertion port C44 can connect the second insertion space C24 to the outside of the aerosol generator.

[0075] When the upper case C40 is coupled to the body C10, the upper case C40 can form the upper exterior of the aerosol generating device.

[0076] Therefore, the user can more easily separate the extractor C30 from the body C10. The user can separate the extractor C30 from the body C10 by grasping the exterior of the upper case C40, without the inconvenience of gripping the extractor C30 inserted into the second insertion space C24.

[0077] The heater holder C20 may include an extension C23. The extension C23 may be formed at the upper end of the heater holder C20. The extension C23 may extend outward horizontally from the upper end of the pipe C20'. The extension C23 can be called a heater holder extension C23.

[0078] The heater holder C20 may include heater holder wings C26. The heater holder wings C26 may extend downward from both ends of the extension C23.

[0079] The extension C23 may have a shape corresponding to the upper wall C12 of the body C10. The heater holder wing C26 may have a shape corresponding to the outer wall C13 of the body C10. When the pipe C20' is inserted into the first insertion space C14, the extension C23 can be supported or seated on the upper wall C12 of the body C10, and the heater holder wing C26 can face or contact the outer wall C13 of the body C10.

[0080] The upper wall C12 of the body C10 supports the extension, and the extension C23 can support the pipe C20'. The pipe C20' hangs from the extension C23 and can form an air gap by moving upward away from the bottom C112 of the body pipe C11. The side wall C21 of the pipe C20' and the side wall C31 of the extractor C30 can form an air gap by moving inward away from the side wall C111 of the body pipe C11.

[0081] The extension C23 may have a shape that corresponds to the lower surface of the upper case C40. When the upper case C40 is coupled to the body C10 and the extractor C30 is inserted into the pipe C20', the extension C23 can come into contact with the lower surface of the upper case C40.

[0082] Each of the upper case C40, extension C23, and body C10 may be provided with a coupling member. Each coupling member may be provided within the upper case C40, extension C23, and body C10 such that they are adjacent to each other when the upper case C40, extension C23, and body C10 are coupled to each other. The heater holder C20 can be detachably coupled to the upper case C40 and / or extractor C30 by each coupling member. For example, each coupling member may include at least one of a projection and a corresponding groove. However, the coupling members are not limited to these, and any configuration that allows the heater holder C20 to be detachably coupled to the upper case C40 and / or extractor C30 by each coupling member is acceptable.

[0083] Therefore, the user can selectively connect the heater holder C20 to either the body C10 or the extractor C30, with the heater holder C20 separated from the upper case C40 and / or the extractor C30 from the body C10. Furthermore, the upper case C40 and / or the extractor C30 can be easily and stably connected to the body C10.

[0084] The side wall C21 of pipe C20' and the side wall C31 of extractor C30 can be separated inward from the side wall C111 of body pipe C11 to form an air gap. The heater C50 may be surrounded by extractor C30 and pipe C20'.

[0085] Therefore, the amount of heat generated from heater C50 that is transferred to body pipe C11 via pipe C20' and extractor C30 can be reduced, thereby reducing the phenomenon of the aerosol generator overheating.

[0086] The upper case C40 can be separated from the body C10. The heater holder C20 can be detachably attached to the upper case C40. The heater holder C20 can be detachably attached to the upper case C40 by means of magnetic attraction, screw connection, snap-fit ​​connection, etc.

[0087] When the upper case C40 is separated from the body C10, the heater holder C20 can be separated from the body C10 together with the upper case C40 while still attached to it. When the upper case C40, to which the heater holder C20 is attached, is separated from the body C10, the heater holder C20 can be separated from the upper case C40.

[0088] As another example, the heater holder C20 can be detachably coupled to the extractor C30. When the extractor C30 is separated from the body, the heater holder C20 can be separated from the body C10 together with the extractor C30, while still coupled to the extractor C30. When the extractor C30, to which the heater holder C20 is coupled, is separated from the body C10, the heater holder C20 can be separated from the extractor C30.

[0089] The heater holder C20, which is coupled to the upper case C40, can protrude downward from the upper case C40. Therefore, the heater holder C20 can be easily separated from the upper case C40 while still being stably coupled to the upper case C40. In addition, the heater C50 can be conveniently replaced.

[0090] The heater holder C20 can be detachably coupled to the body C10. With the heater holder C20 coupled to the body C10, the upper case C40 and / or extractor C30 can be separated from the body C10 and heater holder C20. With the upper case C40 and / or extractor C30 separated from the body C10 and heater holder C20, the heater holder C20 can be separated from the body C10. The heater holder C20 can be detachably coupled to the body C10 by means of magnetic attraction, screw coupling, snap-fit ​​coupling, etc.

[0091] The extension C23, which is coupled to the body C10, may be exposed upward from the body C10. The heater holder wing C26, which is coupled to the body C10, may be exposed laterally from the body C10. This makes it easier to grip the heater holder C20.

[0092] Therefore, the heater holder C20 can be easily separated from the body C10, while still being stably attached to the body C10. Furthermore, the heater C50 can be conveniently replaced.

[0093] Furthermore, the stick S can be easily separated from the heater C50. The user can easily separate the stick S from the heater C50 by separating the extractor C30 and the heater holder C20 from each other. The stick S, inserted inside the extractor C30, can be more easily separated from the extractor C30 by separating it from the heater C50. Referring to Figure 7, the guide portion C25 may be formed on the inner circumferential surface of the upper end of the pipe C20'. The guide portion C25 may be positioned between the pipe C20' and the extension portion C23. The guide portion C25 may extend diagonally downward.

[0094] Therefore, the guide portion C25 contacts the lower part of the extractor C30, guiding the extractor C30 so that it can be easily inserted into the heater holder C20.

[0095] The lower end of the heater C50 can be inserted into and secured to the mount C22. The heater C50 may include a heater rod C51. The heater rod C51 may extend long vertically. The heater rod C51 may have a cylindrical shape. The heater rod C51 may have a hollow C52 that opens downwards. The hollow C52 may extend long vertically. The hollow C52 inside the heater rod C51 may be formed in a cylindrical shape. The upper end of the heater rod C51 may be formed to be pointed upwards.

[0096] The heater rod C51 may be made of a resistant metal.

[0097] The heater C50 may include a support C53. The support C53 may be positioned below the heater rod C51. The support C53 can be fixed to the heater rod C51. The support C53 can support the lower part of the heater rod C51. The support C53 can fill the lower part of the hollow C52. The sides of the support C53 can be supported by a mount C22. The support C53 may have high heat resistance. The support C53 may not deform due to the heat generated by the heater rod C51.

[0098] The lower end of the heater rod C51 can be inserted into the support C53. The support C53 may have an insertion groove C531 that opens upward. The insertion groove C531 may extend circumferentially and have a ring shape. The lower end of the heater rod C51 can be inserted into and joined to the insertion groove C531.

[0099] The heater rod C51 can be coupled to the support C53. The projection C511 can protrude outward from the outer circumferential surface of the lower end of the heater rod C51. Multiple projections C511 can be spaced apart and arranged along the outer circumferential surface of the lower end of the heater rod C51. A projection groove can be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the insertion groove C531. The projection C511 can be inserted into the projection groove.

[0100] A flange C532 may be formed on the side of the support C53. The flange C532 may extend outward along the periphery from the side of the support C53. The flange C532 may be inserted into the mount C22. The mount C22 may be integrally coupled to the flange C532 by insert injection molding of the heater holder C20 into the heater C50.

[0101] The inner circumferential surface of mount C22 may have a shape corresponding to the outer circumferential surface of flange C532. The inner circumferential surface of mount C22 and the outer circumferential surface of flange C532 can interlock with each other in the circumferential direction. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the heater C50 from separating from the heater holder C20 during the process of separating or inserting the stick S into the heater C50.

[0102] Although not shown in the drawings, aerosol generating apparatuses according to other embodiments of the present disclosure may not include a heater holder C20. A heater C50 can be fixed to the body C10. The heater C50 can be fixed to the lower wall C112 of the body pipe C11 and can protrude long into the upper second insertion space C14. The upper part of the heater C50 can protrude through a through hole C35 into a second insertion space C24. A hollow can be formed inside the heater C50. An electrically conductive track and / or a temperature sensor can be mounted in the hollow of the heater C50. The electrically conductive track receives current from the power supply 11 and generates heat, and the heater C50 can be heated by the heat generated in the electrically conductive track.

[0103] As another example, the heater C50 can be fixed to the extractor C30. The heater C50 can be fixed to the lower wall C32 of the extractor C30 and can protrude long upward into the second insertion space C24. The extractor C30 can be detachably inserted into the first insertion space C14. When the extractor C30 is separated from the body C10, the heater C50 can be separated from the body C10 together with the extractor C30.

[0104] Figure 8 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0105] The aerosol generator 1 may include a power supply 11, a control unit 12, a sensor 13, an output unit 14, an input unit 15, a communication unit 16, a memory 17, and at least one heater 18, 24. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generator 1 is not limited to that shown in Figure 8. In other words, it will be understood by those with ordinary skill in the art relating to this embodiment that the design of the aerosol generator 1 may allow for the omission of some of the components shown in Figure 8 or the addition of new components.

[0106] The sensor 13 can sense the state of the aerosol generator 1 or the state of the area around the aerosol generator 1, and transmit the sensed information to the control unit 12. Based on the sensed information, the control unit 12 can control the aerosol generator 1 to perform various functions such as controlling the operation of the heater 18, restricting smoking, determining whether a stick S has been inserted, and displaying notifications.

[0107] Sensor 13 may include at least one of the following: temperature sensor 131, puff sensor 132, stick detection sensor 133, reuse detection sensor 134, upper case detection sensor 136, and motion detection sensor 137.

[0108] The temperature sensor 131 can sense the temperature at which the heater 18 is heated. The aerosol generator 1 may include a separate temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the heater 18, or the heater 18 itself may function as a temperature sensor.

[0109] The temperature sensor 131 can output a signal corresponding to the temperature of the heater 18. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may include a resistive element whose resistance changes in response to temperature changes in the heater 18. The temperature sensor 131 can be implemented using a thermistor or other element that utilizes the property that resistance changes with temperature. Here, the temperature sensor 131 can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistive element as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the heater 18. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may be composed of a sensor that detects the resistance value of the heater 18. Here, the temperature sensor 131 can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the heater 18 as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the heater 18.

[0110] The temperature sensor 131 may be positioned around the power supply 11 to monitor its temperature. The temperature sensor 131 may be positioned adjacent to the power supply 11. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may be attached to one side of the battery which is the power supply 11. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may be mounted on one side of a printed circuit board.

[0111] The temperature sensor 131 is located inside the body 10 and can sense the internal temperature of the body 10.

[0112] The puff sensor 132 can detect a user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow path. The puff sensor 132 can output a signal corresponding to the puff. For example, the puff sensor 132 may be a pressure sensor. The puff sensor 132 can output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generator. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol generator 1 may correspond to the pressure of the airflow path through which the gas flows. The puff sensor 132 may be positioned in the aerosol generator 1 corresponding to the airflow path through which the gas flows.

[0113] The stick sensing sensor 133 can detect the insertion and / or removal of the stick S. The stick sensing sensor 133 can detect the signal change caused by the insertion and / or removal of the stick S. The stick sensing sensor 133 may be provided around the insertion space. The stick sensing sensor 133 can detect the insertion and / or removal of the stick S by the change in dielectric constant inside the insertion space. For example, the stick sensing sensor 133 may be an inductive sensor and / or a capacitance sensor.

[0114] An induction sensor may include at least one coil. The coil of the induction sensor may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space. For example, if the magnetic field changes around a coil through which current flows, the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil may change according to Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction. Here, the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil may include the frequency of the alternating current, the current value, the voltage value, the inductance value, the impedance value, etc.

[0115] Induction sensors can output signals that correspond to the characteristics of the current flowing through a coil. For example, an induction sensor can output a signal that corresponds to the inductance value of a coil.

[0116] A capacitance sensor may include a conductor. The conductor of the capacitance sensor may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space. The capacitance sensor can output a signal corresponding to the surrounding electromagnetic properties, such as the capacitance around the conductor. For example, if a stick S including a metal wrapper is inserted into the insertion space, the wrapper of the stick S may alter the electromagnetic properties around the conductor.

[0117] The reuse detection sensor 134 can detect whether the stick S has been reused. The reuse detection sensor 134 may also be a color sensor. The color sensor can detect the hue of the stick S. The color sensor can detect the hue of a portion of the wrapper surrounding the outside of the stick S. The color sensor can detect a value for an optical property corresponding to the hue of an object based on light reflected from the object. For example, the optical property may be the wavelength of light. The color sensor may be implemented as an integrated configuration with the proximity sensor, or as a separate configuration separated from the proximity sensor.

[0118] At least a portion of the wrapper constituting the stick S can change hue due to aerosols. The reuse sensing sensor 134 may be positioned corresponding to the location where at least a portion of the wrapper whose hue changes due to aerosols is located when the stick S is inserted into the insertion space. For example, before the stick S is used by the user, at least a portion of the wrapper may have a first hue. Here, as the aerosol generated by the aerosol generator 1 passes through the stick S, at least a portion of the wrapper becomes wet with the aerosol, causing the hue of at least a portion of the wrapper to change to a second hue. On the other hand, after the hue of at least a portion of the wrapper has changed from the first hue to the second hue, it can be maintained at the second hue.

[0119] The upper case sensing sensor 136 can detect the installation and / or removal of the upper case. When the upper case is separated from the body 10, a portion of the body 10 that was covered by the upper case may be exposed to the outside. The upper case sensing sensor 136 can be implemented by a contact sensor, a Hall sensor (Hall IC), an optical sensor, or the like.

[0120] The motion sensor 137 can detect the movement of the aerosol generator. The motion sensor 137 can be implemented using at least one of an accelerometer and a gyroscope.

[0121] Sensor 13 may further include at least one of the following, in addition to the sensors 131 to 137 described above: a humidity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a GPS position sensor, and a proximity sensor. The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by a person skilled in the art from its name, so a detailed explanation can be omitted.

[0122] The output unit 14 can output and provide to the user information about the status of the aerosol generator 1. The output unit 14 may include, but is not limited to, a display 141, a haptic unit 142, and an acoustic output unit 143. If the display 141 and the touchpad form a layered structure and constitute a touchscreen, the display unit 141 can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0123] The display 141 can visually provide the user with information about the aerosol generator 1. For example, the information about the aerosol generator 1 can include various types of information such as the charging / discharging status of the power supply 11 of the aerosol generator 1, the preheating status of the heater 18, the insertion / removal status of the stick S, the attachment / removal status of the upper case, or a state in which the use of the aerosol generator 1 is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal object), and the display 141 can output this information to the outside. For example, the display 141 may be in the form of an LED light-emitting element. For example, the display 141 may be a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), etc.

[0124] The haptic unit 142 can convert electrical signals into mechanical or electrical stimuli, providing the user with tactile information about the aerosol generator 1. For example, if initial power is supplied to the heater 18 during a set time, the haptic unit 142 can generate vibrations corresponding to the completion of initial preheating. The haptic unit 142 may include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulator.

[0125] The acoustic output unit 143 can provide the user with auditory information about the aerosol generator 1. For example, the acoustic output unit 143 can convert electrical signals into acoustic signals and output them externally.

[0126] The power supply 11 can supply the power used to operate the aerosol generator 1. The power supply 11 can supply power so that the heater 18 can heat up. The power supply 11 can also supply the power necessary for the operation of other components provided in the aerosol generator 1, namely the sensor 13, output unit 14, input unit 15, communication unit 16, and memory 17. The power supply 11 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the power supply 11 may be, but is not limited to, a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery.

[0127] Although not shown in Figure 8, the aerosol generator 1 may further include a power protection circuit. The power protection circuit is electrically connected to the power supply 11 and may include a switching element.

[0128] The power protection circuit can shut off the circuit to the power supply 11 under predetermined conditions. For example, the power protection circuit can shut off the circuit to the power supply 11 if the voltage level of the power supply 11 is equal to or greater than a first voltage corresponding to overcharging. For example, the power protection circuit can shut off the circuit to the power supply 11 if the voltage level of the power supply 11 is less than a second voltage corresponding to over-discharge.

[0129] The heater 18 receives power from the power supply 11 and can heat the medium or aerosol-generating material inside the stick S. Although not shown in Figure 8, the aerosol generator 1 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power from the power supply 11 and supplies it to the heater 18. Furthermore, if the aerosol generator 1 generates aerosols using an induction heating method, the aerosol generator 1 may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power supply of the power supply 11 into AC power.

[0130] The control unit 12, sensor 13, output unit 14, input unit 15, communication unit 16, and memory 17 can function by receiving power from the power supply 11. Although not shown in Figure 8, a power conversion circuit, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a constant voltage circuit, may be further included to convert the power from the power supply 11 and supply it to each component. Also, although not shown in Figure 8, a noise filter may be provided between the power supply 11 and the heater 18. The noise filter may be 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 may correspond to the frequency of the high-frequency switching current applied from the power supply 11 to the heater 18. The low-pass filter prevents high-frequency noise components from being applied to the sensor 13, such as the stick sensing sensor 133.

[0131] In one embodiment, the heater 18 may be formed from any suitable electrical resistant material. For example, suitable electrical resistant materials may be, but are not limited to, metals or metal alloys including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc. The heater 18 may also be, but are not limited to, a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate on which an electrically conductive track is arranged, a ceramic heating element, etc.

[0132] In other embodiments, the heater 18 may be an induction heating type heater. For example, the heater 18 may include a susceptor that generates heat by a magnetic field applied by a coil and heats the aerosol-generating material.

[0133] The input unit 15 can receive information input from the user or output information to the user. For example, the input unit 15 may be a touch panel. The touch panel may include at least one touch sensor that senses touch. For example, the touch sensor may include, but is not limited to, a capacitive touch sensor, a resistive touch sensor, an ultrasonic touch sensor (surface acoustic wave touch sensor), or an infrared touch sensor.

[0134] The display 141 and the touch panel can be realized by a single panel. For example, the touch panel can be embedded within the display 141 (on-cell type or in-cell type). For example, the touch panel may be added on top of the display panel 141 (add-on type).

[0135] On the other hand, the input section 15 may include, but is not limited to, buttons, keypads, dome switches, jog wheels, jog switches, etc.

[0136] Memory 17 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generator 1, and can store data processed by the control unit 12 and data to be processed. Memory 17 can include at least one type of storage 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 17 can store data such as the operating time of the aerosol generator 1, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and the user's smoking pattern.

[0137] The communication unit 16 may include at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 16 may include at least one of a short-range communication unit and a wireless communication unit.

[0138] The short-range wireless communication unit may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, a UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, or an Ant+ communication unit.

[0139] The wireless communication unit may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN) communication unit.

[0140] Although not shown in Figure 8, the aerosol generator 1 further includes a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and can connect to other external devices via the connection interface, such as a USB interface, to send and receive information or charge the power supply 11.

[0141] The control unit 12 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator 1. In one embodiment, the control unit 12 may include at least one processor. The processor can also be realized by an array of numerous logic gates, or by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and memory storing a program executable by this microprocessor. It is also understandable to those with ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment belongs that it can be realized by other forms of hardware.

[0142] The control unit 12 can control the temperature of the heater 18 by controlling the supply of power from the power supply 11 to the heater 18. The control unit 12 can control the temperature of the heater 18 based on the temperature of the heater 18 sensed by the temperature sensor 131. The control unit 12 can adjust the power supplied to the heater 18 based on the temperature of the heater 18. For example, the control unit 12 can determine a target temperature for the heater 18 based on a temperature profile stored in the memory 17.

[0143] The aerosol generator 1 may include a power supply circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the power supply 11 between the power supply 11 and the heater 18. The power supply circuit may be electrically connected to the heater 18 or the induction coil 181. The power supply circuit may include at least one switching element. The switching element can be embodied by a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), a field-effect transistor (FET), or the like. The control unit 12 can control the power supply circuit.

[0144] The control unit 12 can control the power supply by controlling the switching of the switching elements of the power supply circuit. The power supply circuit may be an inverter that converts the DC power output from the power supply 11 into AC power. For example, the inverter can be configured as a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit that includes multiple switching elements.

[0145] The control unit 12 can turn on the switching element so that power is supplied from the power supply 11 to the heater 18. The control unit 12 can turn off the switching element so that power is cut off to the heater 18. The control unit 12 can adjust the current supplied from the power supply 11 by adjusting the frequency and / or duty cycle of the current pulse input to the switching element.

[0146] The control unit 12 can control the voltage output from the power supply 11 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 11. For example, the power conversion circuit may include a buck converter that steps down the voltage output from the power supply 11. For example, the power conversion circuit can be implemented using a buck-boost converter, a Zener diode, or the like.

[0147] The control unit 12 can adjust the voltage level output from the power conversion circuit by controlling the on / off operation of the switching element included in the power supply circuit. When the switching element remains in the on state, the voltage level output from the power conversion circuit may correspond to the voltage level output from the power supply 11. The duty cycle for the on / off operation of the switching element may correspond to the ratio of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit to the voltage output from the power supply 11. The lower the duty cycle for the on / off operation of the switching element, the lower the voltage level output from the power conversion circuit can be. The heater 18 may be heated based on the voltage output from the power conversion circuit.

[0148] The control unit 12 can control the supply of power to the heater 18 using at least one of the following methods: pulse width modulation (PWM) and proportional-integral-differential (PID).

[0149] For example, the control unit 12 can use a PWM method to control the supply of current pulses having a predetermined frequency and duty cycle to the heater 18. The control unit 12 can control the power supplied to the heater 18 by adjusting the frequency and duty cycle of the current pulses.

[0150] For example, the control unit 12 can determine a target temperature for control based on the temperature profile. The control unit 12 can control the power supplied to the heater 18 using a PID method, which is a feedback control method that uses the difference between the heater temperature 18 and the target temperature, the integral of the difference over time, and the derivative of the difference over time.

[0151] The control unit 12 can prevent the heater 18 from overheating. For example, the control unit 12 can control the operation of the power conversion circuit to interrupt the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 if the temperature of the heater 18 exceeds a previously set limit temperature. For example, the control unit 12 can reduce the amount of power supplied to the heater 18 by a certain ratio if the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 exceeds a previously set limit temperature.

[0152] The control unit 12 can control the charging and discharging of the power supply 11. The control unit 12 can check the temperature of the power supply 11 in accordance with the output signal of the temperature sensor 131.

[0153] When a power line is connected to the battery terminal of the aerosol generator 1, the control unit 12 can check whether the temperature of the power supply 11 is equal to or above a first limiting temperature, which is the criterion for shutting off the charging of the power supply 11. If the temperature of the power supply 11 is below the first limiting temperature, the control unit 12 can control the charging of the power supply 11 based on a previously set charging current. If the temperature of the power supply 11 is equal to or above the first limiting temperature, the control unit 12 can shut off the charging of the power supply 11.

[0154] With the aerosol generator 1 powered on, the control unit 12 can check whether the temperature of the power supply 11 is above the second limiting temperature, which is the criterion for shutting off the discharge of the power supply 11. If the temperature of the power supply 11 is below the second limiting temperature, the control unit 12 can control the system to use the power stored in the power supply 11. If the temperature of the power supply 11 is above the second limiting temperature, the control unit 12 can interrupt the use of the power stored in the power supply 11.

[0155] The control unit 12 can calculate the remaining capacity of the power supply 11 relative to the power stored in the power supply 11. For example, the control unit 12 can calculate the remaining capacity of the power supply 11 based on the voltage and / or current sensing values ​​of the power supply 11.

[0156] The control unit 12 can determine whether the stick S is inserted into the insertion space using the stick sensing sensor 133. The control unit 12 can determine that the stick S has been inserted based on the output signal from the stick sensing sensor 133. If it determines that the stick S has been inserted into the insertion space, the control unit 12 can control the supply of power to the heater 18. For example, the control unit 12 can supply power to the heater 18 based on a temperature profile stored in the memory 17.

[0157] The control unit 12 can determine whether the stick S has been removed from the insertion space. For example, the control unit 12 can determine whether the stick S has been removed from the insertion space using the insertion sensing sensor 133. For example, the control unit 12 can determine that the stick S has been removed from the insertion space if the temperature of the heater 18 is above a limit temperature or if the temperature change gradient of the heater 18 is above a set gradient. If the control unit 12 determines that the stick S has been removed from the insertion space, it can cut off the power supply to the heater 18.

[0158] The control unit 12 can control the power supply time and / or power supply amount to the heater 18 based on the state of the stick S sensed by the sensor 13. The control unit 12 can check the level range that includes the level of the capacitance sensor signal based on a lookup table. The control unit 12 can determine the amount of moisture in the stick S based on the checked level range.

[0159] If the stick S is in an over-humidified state, the control unit 12 can control the power supply time to the heater 18, thereby increasing the preheating time of the stick S compared to normal conditions.

[0160] The control unit 12 can determine whether the stick S inserted into the insertion space has been reused by using the reuse sensing sensor 134. For example, the control unit 12 can compare the sensing value of the reuse sensing sensor 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 stick S has not been used. For example, the control unit 12 can compare the sensing value of the reuse sensing sensor 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 stick S has been used. If it is determined that the stick S has been used, the control unit 12 can cut off the power supply to the heater 18.

[0161] The control unit 12 can make decisions regarding the user's inhalation based on the puff sensor 132. For example, the control unit 12 can determine whether a puff has occurred based on the sensing value of the signal from the puff sensor. For example, the control unit 12 can determine the intensity of the puff based on the sensing value of the signal from the puff sensor 132. If the number of puffs reaches a pre-set maximum number of puffs or if no puff is detected for a period of time longer than a pre-set time, the control unit 12 can cut off the power supply to the heater 18.

[0162] The control unit 12 can determine whether to connect and / or remove the upper case based on the upper case sensing sensor 136. For example, the control unit 12 can determine whether to connect and / or remove the upper case based on the sensing value of the signal from the upper case sensing sensor.

[0163] The control unit 12 can control the output unit 14 based on the results sensed by the sensor 13. For example, when the number of puffs counted by the puff sensor 132 reaches a pre-set number, the control unit 12 can notify the user that the aerosol generator 1 will immediately shut off via at least one of the display 141, the haptic unit 142, and the acoustic output unit 143. For example, if the control unit 12 determines that there is no stick S in the insertion space, it can notify the user via the output unit 14. For example, if the control unit 12 determines that the upper case has not been attached, it can notify the user via the output unit 14. For example, the control unit 12 can transmit information about the temperature of the heater 18 to the user via the output unit 14.

[0164] The control unit 12 can save and update a history of the event in the memory 17 when a predetermined event occurs. Events can include operations performed by the aerosol generator 1, such as detection of stick S insertion, start of stick S heating, puff detection, end of puffing, detection of heater 18 overheating, detection of overvoltage application to heater 18, end of stick S heating, on / off power of the aerosol generator 1, start of charging of power supply 11, detection of overcharge of power supply 11, and end of charging of power supply 11. The history of an event can include the date and time the event occurred, log data corresponding to the event, etc. For example, if the predetermined event is detection of stick S insertion, the log data corresponding to the event can include data such as the sensing value of the stick sensing sensor 133. For example, if the predetermined event is detection of heater 18 overheating, the log data corresponding to the event can include data such as the temperature of heater 18, the voltage applied to heater 18, and the current flowing through heater 18.

[0165] The control unit 12 can be controlled to form a communication link with an external device, such as the user's mobile terminal. Upon receiving authentication data from the external device via the communication link, the control unit 12 can remove the restriction on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generator 1. Here, the authentication data may include data indicating the completion of user authentication for the user corresponding to the external device. The user can perform user authentication via the external device. The external device can determine whether the user data is valid based on the user's date of birth, a unique number identifying the user, etc., and can receive data regarding the right to use the aerosol generator 1 from an external server. Based on the data regarding the right to use, the external device can transmit data indicating the completion of user authentication to the aerosol generator 1. Once user authentication is complete, the control unit 12 can remove the restriction on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generator 1. For example, once user authentication is complete, the control unit 12 can remove the restriction on the use of the heating function that supplies power to the heater 18.

[0166] The control unit 12 can transmit data about the status of the aerosol generator 1 to the external device via a communication link formed with the external device. Based on the received status data, the external device can output the remaining capacity of the power supply 11 of the aerosol generator 1, the operating mode, and other information via the external device's display.

[0167] An external device can transmit a location search request to the aerosol generator 1 based on an input that initiates a location search for the aerosol generator 1. When the control unit 12 receives a location search request from the external device, it can control at least one of the output devices to perform an operation corresponding to the location search based on the received location search request. For example, the haptic unit 142 can generate vibrations in response to the location search request. For example, the display 141 can output an object corresponding to the location search and the end of the search in response to the location search request.

[0168] The control unit 12 can control the aerosol generator 1 to perform a firmware update when it receives firmware data from an external device. The external device can check the current firmware version of the aerosol generator 1 and determine if a new firmware version is available. When the external device receives an input requesting a firmware download, it can receive the new firmware data and transmit the new firmware data to the aerosol generator 1. When the control unit 12 receives the new firmware data, it can control the aerosol generator 1 to perform a firmware update.

[0169] The control unit 12 can transmit data about the sensing values ​​of at least one sensor 13 to an external server (not shown) via the communication unit 16, learn the sensing values ​​from the server via machine learning such as deep learning, and receive and store the generated learning model. Using the learning model received from the server, the control unit 12 can perform operations such as determining the user's inhalation pattern and generating a temperature profile. The control unit 12 can store the sensing value data of at least one sensor 13 and data for training an artificial neural network (ANN) in the memory 17. For example, the memory 17 can store a database of each component provided in the aerosol generator 1, weights and biases that make up the artificial neural network (ANN) structure, etc., for training the artificial neural network (ANN). The control unit 12 can learn the data about the sensing values ​​of at least one sensor 13, the user's inhalation pattern, the temperature profile, etc., stored in the memory 17, and generate at least one learning model used for determining the user's inhalation pattern and generating a temperature profile.

[0170] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the operation method of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The present disclosure describes the case in which the stick S is inserted into the insertion space, but it is also applicable when the stick S is removed from the insertion space.

[0171] Referring to Figure 9, the aerosol generator 1 can store the sensing value output from the stick sensing sensor 133 in the memory 17 at a predetermined interval in S901 operation. According to one embodiment, the sensing value of the stick sensing sensor 133 may correspond to the capacitance of the insertion space. For example, when a stick S is inserted into the insertion space, the capacitance of the insertion space may increase. Here, as the charging voltage to the stick sensing sensor 133 increases, the sensing value of the signal output from the stick sensing sensor 133 may decrease. In this disclosure, the explanation is based on the premise that when a stick S is inserted into the insertion space, the level of the sensing value of the signal output from the stick sensing sensor 133 decreases.

[0172] On the other hand, the predetermined period can be set in various ways. For example, the predetermined period can be set to any one of the periods from 0.1 seconds to 0.7 seconds.

[0173] According to one embodiment, the period in which the sensing value output from the stick sensing sensor 133 is stored in the memory 17 can be changed depending on the state of the stick S. For example, the aerosol generator 1 can store the sensing value of the stick sensing sensor 133 in the memory in the first period when the stick S is removed. For example, the aerosol generator 1 can store the sensing value of the stick sensing sensor 133 in the memory in the second period when the stick S is inserted. Here, the first period may be shorter than the second period. For example, the first period may be 0.6 seconds and the second period may be 0.5 seconds. Therefore, a decision regarding the removal of the stick can be made earlier than a decision regarding the insertion of the stick S.

[0174] The aerosol generator 1 can calculate a representative value of a series of sensing values ​​stored in memory 17 in operation S902. Here, the representative value includes the mean, median, etc., but in this disclosure, the case where the representative value is the mean will be explained as an example. For example, the aerosol generator 1 can calculate the average of the first sensing value stored in memory 17 and the second sensing value stored immediately after the first sensing value was stored as a representative value of both sensing values.

[0175] The aerosol generator 1 can calculate a delta value, which is the difference between two consecutive representative values, in operation S903. For example, the aerosol generator 1 can calculate a delta value, which is the difference between a first representative value and a second representative value calculated immediately after the first representative value is calculated.

[0176] Referring to Figure 10, the sensing values ​​output from the stick sensing sensor 133 can be stored in the multiple sensing buffers 1010 to 1018 of the memory 17 at predetermined intervals. The first sensing value Lt1 to the eighth sensing value Lt8 can be sequentially stored in the multiple sensing buffers 1010 to 1018.

[0177] Multiple average buffers 1021 to 1028 in memory 17 can store representative values ​​of the sensing values ​​stored in multiple sensing buffers 1010 to 1018. The sensing value Lt0 stored immediately before the first sensing value Lt1 is stored, and the first average value Lav1, which is a representative value of the first sensing value, can be stored in the first average buffer 1021, and the second average value Lav2, which is a representative value of the first sensing value Lt1 and the second sensing value Lt2, can be stored in the second average buffer 1022. That is, the first average value Lav1 to the eighth average value Lav8 can be sequentially stored in the multiple average buffers 1021 to 1028.

[0178] Multiple delta buffers 1031 to 1037 in memory 17 may store delta values, which are the differences between representative values ​​stored in multiple mean buffers 1021 to 1028. The first delta value Ld1, which is the result of subtracting the second mean value Lav2 from the first mean value Lav1, may be stored in the first delta buffer 1031. The first delta value Ld1 to the seventh delta value Ld7 may be sequentially stored in the multiple delta buffers 1031 to 1037.

[0179] Referring to Figure 9, the aerosol generator 1 can determine whether a stick S is inserted into the insertion space based on the sum of a predetermined number of consecutive delta values ​​in operation S904. Here, the aerosol generator 1 can determine whether a stick S is inserted into the insertion space based on the sum of a predetermined number of recently calculated delta values. For example, the aerosol generator 1 can determine that a stick S has been inserted into the insertion space if the sum of the delta values ​​is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold. On the other hand, the accuracy of the determination regarding the stick S can be improved as the predetermined number increases. The time required to determine the stick S can be reduced as the predetermined number decreases.

[0180] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generator 1 can calculate the sum of delta values ​​if the magnitude of the delta value is greater than or equal to a predetermined minimum value. For example, if the magnitude of the first delta value Ld1 is greater than or equal to the minimum value, the aerosol generator 1 can calculate the sum of a predetermined number of delta values, including the first delta value Ld1, which are calculated sequentially.

[0181] The aerosol generator 1 can be powered on when the stick S is inserted. When the aerosol generator 1 is powered on, it can perform preliminary operations for supplying power to the heater 18. For example, the aerosol generator 1 can supply power to the temperature sensor 131. For example, the aerosol generator 1 can drive a power conversion circuit that converts power from the power supply 11 and supplies it to the heater 18. On the other hand, in operation S905, once the preliminary operations for supplying power to the heater 18 are completed, the aerosol generator 1 can supply power to the heater 18 in response to the insertion of the stick S.

[0182] In the S905 operation, when the stick S is inserted, the aerosol generator 1 can adjust the power supply to the heater 18 based on the change in delta value. When the stick S is inserted while aerosol remains in the insertion space, the aerosol remaining in the insertion space may be absorbed by the stick S. Here, the absorption of the aerosol remaining in the insertion space by the stick S may change the capacitance of the insertion space.

[0183] The aerosol generator 1 can adjust the power supply to the heater 18 based on a first temperature profile if all delta values ​​have the same sign. Here, the first temperature profile may be the temperature profile corresponding to the case where the stick S is inserted when no aerosol remains in the insertion space. On the other hand, the aerosol generator 1 can adjust the power supply to the heater 18 based on a second temperature profile if at least one sign of the delta values ​​and the remaining signs are different from each other. Here, the second temperature profile may be the temperature profile corresponding to the case where the stick S is inserted when aerosol remains in the insertion space.

[0184] Referring to Figure 11, when the stick S is inserted into the insertion space, the sensing value 1100 output from the stick sensing sensor 133 can be continuously decreased as the capacitance of the insertion space increases.

[0185] As the stick S is inserted into the insertion space, the representative values ​​Lav1 to Lav8 of a series of sensing values ​​and the delta values ​​Ld1 to Ld7, which are the differences between the representative values ​​Lav1 to Lav8, can be calculated. If the sum of seven consecutive delta values ​​Ld1 to Ld7, which is a predetermined number, is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold, the aerosol generator 1 can determine that the stick S has been inserted into the insertion space.

[0186] On the other hand, since the signs of the delta values ​​Ld1 to Ld7 are all the same, the aerosol generator 1 can adjust the power supply to the heater 18 based on the first temperature profile.

[0187] Referring to Figure 12, as a portion of the stick S is inserted into the insertion space, the sensing value 1200 output from the stick sensing sensor 133 can decrease as the capacitance of the insertion space increases. On the other hand, as the stick S is removed from the insertion space, the sensing value 1200 output from the stick sensing sensor 133 can increase again as the capacitance of the insertion space decreases.

[0188] As the stick S is inserted into the insertion space, representative values ​​Lav1 to Lav8 of a series of sensing values ​​and delta values ​​Ld1 to Ld7, which are the differences between representative values ​​Lav1 to Lav8, can be calculated. If the sum of seven consecutive delta values ​​Ld1 to Ld7 is less than a predetermined threshold, the aerosol generator 1 can determine that the stick S is not inserted into the insertion space.

[0189] On the other hand, if the predetermined number is 4, the sum of the four consecutive delta values ​​Ld1 to Ld4 may be greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold. At this point, the aerosol generator 1 can determine that a stick S has been inserted into the insertion space. Furthermore, if the sum of the four consecutive delta values ​​Ld4 to Ld7 is less than a predetermined threshold corresponding to the removal of the stick S, the aerosol generator 1 can determine that the stick S has been removed from the insertion space. In this case, the power to the aerosol generator 1 can be turned on and then turned off again.

[0190] Referring to Figure 13, when the stick S is inserted into the insertion space, the sensing value 1300 output from the stick sensing sensor 133 can be continuously decreased as the capacitance of the insertion space increases.

[0191] As the stick S is inserted into the insertion space, the representative values ​​Lav1 to Lav8 of a series of sensing values ​​and the delta values ​​Ld1 to Ld7, which are the differences between the representative values ​​Lav1 to Lav8, can be calculated. If the sum of seven consecutive delta values ​​Ld1 to Ld7, which is a predetermined number, is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold, the aerosol generator 1 can determine that the stick S has been inserted into the insertion space.

[0192] On the other hand, since the signs of some of the delta values ​​Ld3 and Ld4 among Ld1 to Ld7 are different from the signs of the rest, the aerosol generator 1 can adjust the power supply to the heater 18 based on the second temperature profile.

[0193] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing the operation method of an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed explanations of content that overlaps with what has been described above will be omitted.

[0194] Referring to Figure 14, the aerosol generator 1 can store the sensing values ​​output from the stick sensing sensor 133 in the memory 17 at predetermined intervals during operation S1401.

[0195] The aerosol generator 1 can calculate a representative value of a series of sensing values ​​stored in memory 17 in operation S1402.

[0196] The aerosol generator 1 can calculate a delta value, which is the difference between two consecutive representative values, in operation S1403.

[0197] In operation S1404, the aerosol generator 1 can determine whether the sum of a first consecutive number of delta values ​​is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold. For example, the aerosol generator 1 can determine whether the sum of three consecutive delta values ​​is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold.

[0198] In operation S1405, the aerosol generator 1 can be powered on if the sum of the first consecutive delta values ​​is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold.

[0199] In operation S1406, the aerosol generator 1 can determine whether the sum of a second consecutive number of delta values ​​is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold. Here, the second number may be greater than the first number. For example, the aerosol generator 1 can determine whether the sum of seven consecutive delta values ​​is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold.

[0200] Some of the second set of consecutive delta values ​​may be the first set of consecutive delta values. For example, the aerosol generator 1 can first calculate the sum of three consecutive delta values, and then add four more delta values ​​to calculate the sum of the second set of consecutive delta values.

[0201] In operation S1407, the aerosol generator 1 can be turned off if the sum of two consecutive delta values ​​is less than a predetermined threshold.

[0202] In operation S1408, the aerosol generator 1 can determine that the stick S has been inserted into the insertion space if the sum of two consecutive delta values ​​is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold. At this point, since the power supply of the aerosol generator 1 is turned on, power can be supplied to the heater 18 quickly.

[0203] In operation S1409, when a stick S is inserted, the aerosol generator 1 can adjust the power supply to the heater 18 based on the change in delta value.

[0204] On the other hand, in operation S1410, the aerosol generator 1 can determine whether the sum of the delta values ​​of the second consecutive number of consecutive numbers is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold if the sum of the delta values ​​of the first consecutive number of consecutive numbers is less than a predetermined threshold.

[0205] In operation S1411, the aerosol generator 1 can be turned on if the sum of the delta values ​​of the first consecutive number of values ​​is less than a predetermined threshold, and the sum of the delta values ​​of the second consecutive number of values ​​is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold. The aerosol generator 1 can also determine that the stick S has been inserted into the insertion space.

[0206] The aerosol generator 1 can update the number of repetitions if the sum of the delta values ​​of the first consecutive number of particles is less than a predetermined threshold, and the sum of the delta values ​​of the second consecutive number of particles is greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold. For example, the aerosol generator 1 can increase the number of repetitions by 1. On the other hand, the aerosol generator 1 can reset the number of repetitions if the sum of the delta values ​​of the first consecutive number of particles is greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold. For example, the aerosol generator 1 can reset the number of repetitions to 0.

[0207] The aerosol generator 1 can determine in operation S1412 whether the number of repetitions corresponds to a predetermined number. For example, the predetermined number may already be set to 3 times.

[0208] In operation S1413, the aerosol generator 1 can perform at least one of the following: increasing the first number and decreasing a predetermined threshold, if the number of repetitions corresponds to a predetermined number. For example, if the first number of aerosols has already been set to 3, the aerosol generator 1 can change the first number to 4. For example, the aerosol generator 1 can decrease a predetermined threshold by a predetermined value. On the other hand, if the aerosol generator 1 has performed at least one of the following: increasing the first number and decreasing a predetermined threshold, the number of repetitions can be initialized.

[0209] Referring to Figure 15, as a portion of the stick S is inserted into the insertion space, the sensing value 1500 output from the stick sensing sensor 133 can decrease as the capacitance of the insertion space increases. On the other hand, with a portion of the stick S inserted, the remaining portion of the stick S can be inserted at regular time intervals. For example, the user can adjust the insertion position of the stick S to match the heater C50, and then insert the remaining portion of the stick S.

[0210] Here, the sum of the first consecutive delta values ​​Ld1, Ld2, and Ld3 may be less than a predetermined threshold, while the sum of the second consecutive delta values ​​Ld1 to Ld7 may be greater than or equal to the threshold. On the other hand, if the predetermined threshold decreases in accordance with a predetermined number of repetitions, the sum of the subsequent first consecutive delta values ​​Ld1, Ld2, and Ld3 may be greater than or equal to the changed predetermined threshold. This allows the power of the aerosol generator 1 to be turned on more quickly in accordance with the user's pattern of using the stick.

[0211] As described above, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the state of the stick S can be accurately determined using sensing values ​​from the sensor 133 that are periodically stored in the memory 17.

[0212] Furthermore, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the power supply to the heater 18 can be adjusted based on the state of the insertion space into which the stick S is inserted.

[0213] Furthermore, according to at least one embodiment of this disclosure, the criteria for determining the state of the stick S can be optimized based on the user pattern of the stick S.

[0214] Referring to Figures 1 to 15, an aerosol generating device 1 according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a body 10 with an insertion space formed therein, a heater for heating a stick S inserted into the insertion space, a sensor 133 that outputs a sensing value corresponding to the capacitance of the insertion space, a memory 17, and a control unit 12. The control unit 12 stores the sensing value in the memory 17 at a predetermined interval, calculates a representative value of a plurality of consecutive sensing values ​​stored in the memory 17, calculates a delta value which is the difference between two consecutive representative values, determines whether the stick S has been inserted based on the sum of a predetermined number of consecutive delta values, and if the stick S has been inserted, adjusts the power supply to the heater based on the change in the delta value.

[0215] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, the control unit 12 can calculate the average value of two consecutive sensing values ​​as the representative value.

[0216] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, the control unit 12 can calculate the sum of the delta values ​​if the magnitude of the delta values ​​is greater than or equal to the minimum value.

[0217] Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit 12 may, when the stick S is inserted, adjust the power supply to the heater based on a first temperature profile if the signs of the plurality of delta values ​​are all the same, and adjust the power supply to the heater based on a second temperature profile if the signs of at least one of the plurality of delta values ​​are different from the signs of the remaining ones.

[0218] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, the control unit 12 turns on the power to the aerosol generator 1 if the sum of the first delta values ​​of a first number is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold, and determines that the stick S has been inserted if the sum of the second delta values ​​of a second number greater than the first number is greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold, and a portion of the second delta values ​​may be the first delta values.

[0219] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, the control unit 12 can turn on the power to the aerosol generator 1 when the sum of the first delta values ​​is less than the predetermined threshold and the sum of the second delta values ​​is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold.

[0220] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, the control unit 12 can update the number of repetitions if the sum of the first delta values ​​is less than the predetermined threshold and the sum of the second delta values ​​is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, and if the number of repetitions corresponds to a predetermined number, it can perform at least one of increasing the first number and decreasing the predetermined threshold.

[0221] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, when the power supply to the aerosol generator 1 is turned on, the control unit 12 can perform a preliminary operation for supplying power to the heater, and once the preliminary operation is complete, it can adjust the power supply to the heater in response to the insertion of the stick S.

[0222] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, the control unit 12 can store the sensing value in the memory 17 in a first cycle when the stick S is removed, and store the sensing value in the memory 17 in a second cycle which is shorter than the first cycle when the stick S is inserted.

[0223] An operation method of the aerosol generator 1 according to one aspect of this disclosure may include: storing sensing values ​​corresponding to the capacitance of the insertion space in a memory 17 at predetermined intervals; calculating a representative value of a plurality of consecutive sensing values ​​stored in the memory 17; calculating a delta value which is the difference between two consecutive representative values; determining whether the stick S has been inserted based on the sum of a predetermined number of consecutive delta values; and, if the stick S has been inserted, adjusting the power supply to the heater 18 based on the change in the delta value.

[0224] The specific or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinguishable. The specific or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above may be used in combination or in combination with each other in terms of their respective configurations or functions.

[0225] For example, this means that configuration A described in a particular embodiment and / or drawing can be combined with configuration B described in other embodiments and / or drawings. In other words, even if a combination of configurations is not directly described, it means that such a combination is possible unless it is explicitly stated that such a combination is not possible.

[0226] The foregoing detailed description should not be interpreted restrictively in any way and should be considered illustrative. The scope of the invention should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the invention are included within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A body in which an insertion space is formed, A heater for heating the stick inserted into the aforementioned insertion space, A sensor that outputs a sensing value corresponding to the capacitance of the insertion space, Memory and Includes a control unit, The control unit, The sensing values ​​are stored in the memory at predetermined intervals. A representative value is calculated for a series of sensing values ​​stored in the memory. The delta value, which is the difference between two consecutive representative values, is calculated. Based on the sum of a predetermined number of consecutive delta values, it is determined whether the stick has been inserted. An aerosol generator that, when the stick is inserted, adjusts the power supply to the heater based on the change in the delta value.

2. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit calculates the average value of two consecutive sensing values ​​as the representative value.

3. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit calculates the sum of the delta values ​​when the magnitude of the delta values ​​is greater than or equal to the minimum value.

4. When the stick is inserted, the control unit If the signs of the multiple delta values ​​are all the same, the power supply to the heater is adjusted based on the first temperature profile. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 3, wherein if the sign of at least one of the plurality of delta values ​​is different from the signs of the remaining ones, the power supply to the heater is adjusted based on the second temperature profile.

5. The control unit, If the sum of the first delta values ​​of the first number is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the power of the aerosol generator is turned ON. If the sum of the second delta values ​​of a second number greater than the first number is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, it is determined that the stick has been inserted. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a portion of the second delta value is the first delta value.

6. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the control unit turns on the power to the aerosol generating apparatus when the sum of the first delta values ​​is less than the predetermined threshold and the sum of the second delta values ​​is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold.

7. The control unit, If the sum of the first delta values ​​is less than the predetermined threshold, and the sum of the second delta values ​​is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, update the number of repetitions. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 6, wherein when the number of repetitions corresponds to a predetermined number, at least one of the following is performed: an increase in the first number and a decrease in the predetermined threshold.

8. The control unit, When the power supply of the aerosol generator is turned on, a preliminary operation is performed to supply power to the heater. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 6, wherein, once the preliminary operation is completed, the power supply to the heater is adjusted in response to the insertion of the stick.

9. The control unit, With the stick removed, the sensing value is stored in the memory during the first cycle. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sensing value is stored in the memory in a second cycle shorter than the first cycle while the stick is inserted.

10. A method for operating an aerosol generating device, The operation involves saving the sensing value corresponding to the capacitance of the insertion space to memory at a predetermined period, The operation of calculating a representative value of a series of sensing values ​​stored in the memory, The process of calculating the delta value, which is the difference between two consecutive representative values, An operation to determine whether a stick has been inserted based on the sum of a predetermined number of consecutive delta values, A method of operating an aerosol generator, including, when the stick is inserted, adjusting the power supply to the heater based on the change in the delta value.

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