Aerosol generator

Abstract

An aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment includes a cavity into which an aerosol product is inserted, an object sensing sensor that senses a change in the capacitance of the cavity and outputs a signal, a heater that heats at least a portion of the aerosol product inserted in the cavity, and a control unit that is electrically connected to the object sensing sensor and the heater. The control unit generates a detection value by comparing the signal output from the object sensing sensor with a preset reference value, and determines that an aerosol product has been inserted into the cavity when the detection value falls within a preset range.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device capable of determining whether an aerosol generating article has been inserted. [Background Art]

[0002] In recent years, there has been increasing demand for alternative methods that overcome the drawbacks of conventional cigarettes. For example, demand has been growing for systems that generate aerosols by heating a cigarette or an aerosol-forming substrate using an aerosol generating device, rather than generating aerosols by burning a cigarette.

[0003] When an aerosol generating article is inserted into a housing space, the aerosol generating device can heat the aerosol generating article according to a preset temperature profile. The temperature profile refers to temperature change data of a heater or the aerosol generating article during a puffing operation. [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] A sensor that detects whether an aerosol generating article has been inserted is affected by temperature or humidity.

[0005] In particular, in an aerosol generating device, when an aerosol generating article is inserted into a cavity and a heater is heated, the sensor may be exposed to a high-temperature environment, and the sensor may also be exposed to a high-humidity environment by aerosol generated from the aerosol generating article.

[0006] Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an aerosol generating device that can compensate detection values obtained via a sensor that senses whether an aerosol generating article has been inserted, in accordance with the operating environment of the sensor. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0007] An aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment includes a cavity into which an aerosol product is inserted, an article sensing sensor that senses a change in the capacitance of the cavity and outputs a signal, a heater that heats at least a portion of the aerosol product inserted in the cavity, and a control unit that is electrically connected to the article sensing sensor and the heater. The control unit generates a detection value by comparing the signal output from the article sensing sensor with a preset reference value, and determines that the aerosol product has been inserted into the cavity when the detection value falls within a preset range.

[0008] An aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment further includes a temperature sensor that senses the ambient temperature around the object sensing sensor, and a memory that stores a compensation value for compensating the detected value. The control unit is electrically connected to the temperature sensor and obtains the ambient temperature around the object sensing sensor from the temperature sensor. When the signal output from the object sensing sensor is obtained, the control unit checks the temperature at the time the signal was obtained, extracts a compensation value corresponding to the temperature from the memory, and compensates the detected value based on the extracted compensation value.

[0009] The compensation value may be the compensation value of the signal output from the item sensing sensor according to the temperature.

[0010] Preferably, the compensation value is set to maintain the capacitance value of the cavity detected by the item sensing sensor at a value smaller than the reference value, when no aerosol product is inserted into the cavity.

[0011] The compensation value may be a compensation value for the reference value output from the item sensing sensor according to the temperature.

[0012] An aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment further includes a humidity sensor that senses the humidity around the object sensing sensor, and a memory that stores compensation values ​​for compensating the detected value. The control unit is electrically connected to the humidity sensor and obtains the ambient humidity around the object sensing sensor from the humidity sensor. When the signal output from the object sensing sensor is obtained, the control unit checks the humidity at the time the signal was obtained, extracts compensation values ​​corresponding to the temperature and humidity from the memory, and can compensate the detected value based on the extracted compensation values.

[0013] The compensation value may be the compensation value of the signal output from the object sensing sensor according to the humidity.

[0014] Preferably, the compensation value is set to maintain the capacitance value of the cavity detected by the item sensing sensor at a value smaller than the reference value, when no aerosol product is inserted into the cavity.

[0015] The compensation value may be a compensation value for the reference value output from the item sensing sensor according to the humidity.

[0016] The article sensing sensor includes a capacitive sensor having at least one electrode, and the temperature sensor is a thin-film temperature sensor that can be attached to the electrode.

[0017] The temperature sensor includes a base attached to the electrode, a first electrode formed on the base, a thermistor layer formed thereon across the first electrode and the base, and a second electrode formed thereon across the thermistor layer and the base.

[0018] The item sensing sensor includes a capacitive sensor having at least one electrode, and the humidity sensor is a thin-film humidity sensor that can be attached to the electrode.

[0019] The humidity sensor includes a base attached to the electrode, a first electrode formed on the base, a humidity-sensitive layer formed on the first electrode, and a second electrode formed on the humidity-sensitive layer.

[0020] The signal may be at least one of a voltage change signal, a frequency change signal, and a charge / discharge time change signal.

[0021] The control unit sets a preheating temperature profile for the heater based on the signal output from the article detection sensor, and supplies power to the heater according to the set preheating temperature profile.

Effects of the Invention

[0022] Various embodiments of the present disclosure can compensate a detection value acquired via a sensor that detects whether an aerosol-generating article is inserted, in accordance with the operating environment of the sensor.

[0023] Various embodiments of the present disclosure can improve the operational reliability of an aerosol-generating device by compensating a detection value in accordance with the operating temperature or humidity of a sensor that detects whether an aerosol-generating article is inserted. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing an aerosol-generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] It is a front perspective view of an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] It is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in which an upper case and a main body are coupled. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing a sensor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] It is a cross-sectional view showing a thin-film temperature sensor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] It is a cross-sectional view showing a thin-film temperature sensor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] It is a perspective view showing a thin-film humidity sensor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] It is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0025] As for the terms used in the embodiments, general terms that are currently widely used have been selected as much as possible while considering the functions in the present invention. However, the meaning of such terms may change depending on the intention of engineers engaged in the art, judicial precedents, or the emergence of new technologies. In addition, in certain cases, some terms are arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in this case, the meanings thereof will be described in detail in the description part of the relevant invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention must be defined based not only on the names of the terms themselves, but also on the meanings possessed by the terms and the overall content of the present invention.

[0026] Throughout the specification, when it is stated that a certain part "comprises" a certain constituent element, this means that, unless specifically stated to the contrary, it does not exclude other constituent elements, but may further include other constituent elements. Furthermore, terms such as "unit" and "module" described in this specification mean a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be implemented by hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0027] As used in this specification, when an expression such as "at least any one of" precedes a list of constituent elements, it modifies the entire list of constituent elements rather than each individual constituent element. For example, the expression "at least any one of a, b, and c" must be interpreted as including a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b and c.

[0028] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol by electrically heating a cigarette contained in an internal cavity.

[0029] The aerosol generator may include a heater. In one embodiment, the heater may be an electrical resistance heater. For example, the heater may include an electrical conductive track, and the heater may be heated when an electric current flows through the electrical conductive track.

[0030] The heater may include tubular heating elements, plate heating elements, needle-shaped heating elements, or rod-shaped heating elements, and can heat the inside or outside of the cigarette depending on the shape of the heating elements.

[0031] A cigarette may include a tobacco rod and a filter rod. The tobacco rod may be made in sheet form, strand form, or as shredded tobacco from a tobacco sheet. Furthermore, the tobacco rod may be surrounded by a heat-conducting material. For example, the heat-conducting material may be, but is not limited to, a metal foil such as aluminum foil.

[0032] The filter rod may be a cellulose acetate filter. The filter rod may consist of at least one segment. For example, the filter rod may include a first segment for cooling the aerosol and a second segment for filtering out a predetermined component contained in the aerosol.

[0033] In other embodiments, the aerosol generating apparatus may be an apparatus that generates aerosols using a cartridge that holds an aerosol generating substance.

[0034] An aerosol generator may include a cartridge for holding an aerosol-generating substance and a main body for supporting the cartridge. The cartridge may, but is not limited to, be detachably coupled to the main body. The cartridge may be integrally formed or assembled with the main body and fixed in place so as not to be detached by the user. The cartridge may be mounted on the main body with the aerosol-generating substance contained within it. However, it is not limited to this, and the aerosol-generating substance may be injected into the cartridge while the cartridge is coupled to the main body.

[0035] The cartridge may hold an aerosol-generating substance that exists in one of a variety of states, such as liquid, solid, gaseous, or gel. The aerosol-generating substance may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance that includes volatile tobacco flavor components, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance.

[0036] The cartridge operates via electrical or wireless signals transmitted from the main unit, converting the phase of the aerosol-generating substance inside the cartridge into a gaseous phase to generate an aerosol. An aerosol can be defined as a gaseous mixture of vaporized particles generated from the aerosol-generating substance and air.

[0037] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generator can generate an aerosol by heating a liquid composition, and the generated aerosol can be delivered to the user through a cigarette. That is, the aerosol generated from the liquid composition can move along an airflow passage of the aerosol generator, and the airflow passage can be configured so that the aerosol is delivered to the user through a cigarette.

[0038] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates aerosols from an aerosol-generating substance using an ultrasonic vibration method. In this case, the ultrasonic vibration method can mean a method of generating aerosols by atomizing the aerosol-generating substance with ultrasonic vibrations generated by a transducer.

[0039] The aerosol generator includes a transducer, which generates short-period vibrations to atomize the aerosol-generating substance. The vibrations generated by the transducer may be ultrasonic vibrations, and the frequency range of the ultrasonic vibrations may be, but is not limited to, a frequency range of approximately 100 kHz to approximately 3.5 MHz.

[0040] The aerosol generator may further include a core that absorbs the aerosol-generating material. For example, the core may be positioned to surround at least one region of the oscillator, or to be in contact with at least one region of the oscillator.

[0041] When a voltage (e.g., an AC voltage) is applied to the transducer, heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations may be generated from the transducer, and these heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations can be transmitted to the aerosol-generating material absorbed in the core. The aerosol-generating material absorbed in the core is converted into a gaseous phase by the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations transmitted from the transducer, and as a result, an aerosol may be generated.

[0042] For example, the viscosity of the aerosol-generating material absorbed into the core may decrease due to the heat generated from the transducer, and the aerosol-generating material with reduced viscosity may be atomized by the ultrasonic vibrations generated from the transducer, thereby generating an aerosol, but this is not limited to this.

[0043] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating apparatus may be a device that generates aerosols by heating the aerosol product contained in the aerosol generating apparatus using induction heating.

[0044] An aerosol generator may include a susceptor and a coil. In one embodiment, the coil can apply a magnetic field to the susceptor. By supplying power to the coil from the aerosol generator, a magnetic field can be formed inside the coil. In one embodiment, the susceptor may be a magnetic material that generates heat in response to an external magnetic field. The aerosol product can be heated by the heat generated when the susceptor is located inside the coil and a magnetic field is applied. Alternatively, the susceptor may be selectively located within the aerosol product.

[0045] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generator may further include a cradle.

[0046] The aerosol generator can be configured with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle can charge the aerosol generator's battery. Alternatively, the heater may be heated when the cradle and aerosol generator are combined.

[0047] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so as to be easily implemented by a person ordinary in the art. The present disclosure may be implemented in a manner that can be embodied in the aerosol generating apparatus according to the various embodiments described above, or may be embodied and implemented in a variety of different manners, and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0048] Figure 1 shows an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 2 shows an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, an aerosol generator 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one of a battery 11, a control unit 12, a sensor unit 13, and a heater 18. At least one of the battery 11, the control unit 12, the sensor unit 13, and the heater 18 may be located inside the body 10 of the aerosol generator 1. The body 10 may provide an upwardly opening space into which an aerosol product S is inserted. The upwardly opening space may be referred to as an insertion space or cavity. The cavity may be formed as a recess toward a predetermined depth toward the interior of the body 10, allowing at least a portion of the aerosol product S to be inserted. The depth of the cavity may correspond to the length of the region in the aerosol product S that contains the aerosol generating material and / or medium. The lower end of the aerosol product S may be inserted into the interior of the body 10, and the upper end of the aerosol product S may protrude outward from the body 10. A user can inhale air by placing the exposed upper end of the aerosol product S in their mouth. According to one embodiment, the aerosol generator 1 further includes a vaporizer (not shown), and the aerosol generated by the vaporizer can be delivered to the user through the aerosol product S. For this purpose, the vaporizer may include a liquid storage section, a liquid delivery means, and additional heating elements.

[0050] The heater 18 can heat the aerosol product S. The heater 18 may extend upward in the space into which the aerosol product S is inserted. For example, the heater 18 may include a tubular heating element, a plate heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element. The heater 18 can be inserted into the lower part of the aerosol product S. According to one embodiment, the heater may include a cylindrical heating element, unlike in Figures 1 and 2, which can house the aerosol product S and heat at least a portion of the outer surface of the aerosol product S.

[0051] The heater 18 may include an electric resistance heater and / or an induction heater.

[0052] For example, referring to Figure 1, the heater 18 may be a resistance heater. For example, the heater 18 may include a conductive track, and the heater 18 may be heated by current flowing through the conductive track. The heater 18 may be electrically connected to a battery 11. The heater 18 can generate heat directly by being supplied with current from the battery 11. The heater 18 may also be referred to as a heating unit in that it is configured to heat the aerosol product S.

[0053] For example, the heater 18 may consist of multiple heaters. 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 along the longitudinal direction. The first and second heaters 18A and 18B may be heated sequentially or simultaneously.

[0054] For example, referring to Figure 2, the aerosol generator 1 may include an induction coil 181 surrounding a susceptor 182. The induction coil 181 can generate heat in the susceptor 182. In an example where the heater 18 of the aerosol generator 1 is an induction heating type heater, the induction coil 181 and the susceptor 182 can be referred to as the heater 18. In this embodiment, only the susceptor 182 can be referred to as the heater 18. Furthermore, since the induction coil 181 and the susceptor 182 contribute to heating, the induction coil 181 and the susceptor 182 can also be referred to as the heating section.

[0055] The susceptor 182 can generate heat through a magnetic field created by the AC current flowing through the induction coil 181. The magnetic field penetrates the susceptor 182 and can generate eddy currents within it. The current can generate heat in the susceptor 182. The susceptor 182 may be a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element, as shown in Figure 2. However, according to the embodiment, the susceptor 182 may have a cylindrical shape to contain the aerosol product S and heat at least a portion of the outer surface of the aerosol product S. Furthermore, according to the embodiment, the susceptor 182 may be a component included in the aerosol product S rather than being part of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0056] The battery 11 can supply power to the components of the aerosol generator 1 so that they can operate. The battery 11 can supply power to at least one of the control unit 12, the sensor unit 13, and the heater 18.

[0057] The control unit 12 can control the operation of the entire aerosol generator 1. The control unit 12 may be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The control unit 12 can control the operation of at least one of the battery 11, sensor unit 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 the display, motor, etc., provided in the aerosol generator 1. The control unit 12 can check the state of each component of the aerosol generator 1 and determine whether the aerosol generator 1 is in an operational state.

[0058] The control unit 12 can analyze the results sensed by the sensor unit 13 and control subsequent processes. For example, based on the results sensed by the sensor unit 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 unit 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.

[0059] The sensor unit 13 may include at least one of the following: a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, an insertion sensor, and an acceleration sensor. For example, the sensor unit 13 can sense at least one of the following: the temperature of the heater 18, the temperature of the battery 11, and the temperature inside and outside the main unit 10. For example, the sensor unit 13 can sense the user's puff. For example, the sensor unit 13 can sense whether or not the aerosol product S has been inserted into the cavity. For example, the sensor unit 13 can sense the movement of the aerosol generator 1.

[0060] Figure 3 is a front perspective view of an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0061] Figures 3 and beyond primarily describe the case where heater 18 is an induction heater, but the following explanation can also be applied to the case of the electrical resistance heater shown in Figure 1.

[0062] Referring to Figure 3, the upper case 40 may be removably coupled to the main body 10. The upper case 40 may be coupled to the upper side of the main body 10. The upper case 40 may cover the upper periphery of the main body 10. The upper case 40 is provided with an insertion opening 44. The aerosol product S may be inserted into the insertion opening 44. The insertion opening 44 may be configured to correspond to the insertion space or cavity described in Figures 1 and 2. The upper case 40 may include a cover 45 that opens and closes the insertion opening 44. The cover 45 can slide laterally to open and close the insertion opening 44.

[0063] The upper case 40 may include an upper case swing 42. The upper case wing 42 may extend downward from both sides of the upper case body 41. The upper case wing 42 may be referred to as an upper case grip 42.

[0064] The main body 10 may include body wings 15. The body wings 15 may extend upward from the upper edge of the main body 10. The body wings 15 may be formed as a pair facing each other centered on the upper part of the main body 10. The body wings 15 may be formed at a position offset from the upper case wing 42.

[0065] When the upper case 40 is coupled to the main body 10, the upper case 40 can form the upper exterior of the aerosol generator. When the upper case 40 is coupled to the main body 10, the body wing 15 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 main body 10, the upper case swing 42 can cover the outer wall of the main body 10.

[0066] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the upper case and main body of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 is a diagram showing a sensor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0067] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the upper case 40 can be detachably connected to the main body 10. The upper case 40 may include an insertion opening 44. A cover 45 is movably mounted on the upper case 40 and can open and close the insertion opening 44.

[0068] The aerosol product S may be placed in the aerosol generator 1 via the inlet 44 when the inlet 44 is open. The susceptor 182 may be fixed to the main body 10, or it may be interchangeably coupled to the main body 10 depending on the embodiment. The susceptor 182 may be inserted into the aerosol product S when the aerosol product S is placed in the aerosol generator 1 via the inlet 44.

[0069] The induction coil 181 surrounds the outer surface of the cavity forming the insertion opening 44 and can generate a variable magnetic field by alternating current power. The variable magnetic field is supplied to the susceptor 182, which can be inductively heated by the variable magnetic field.

[0070] The sensor unit 13 may include an item detection sensor 131 and an upper case detection sensor 132. The item detection sensor 131 and the upper case detection sensor 132 may be formed integrally.

[0071] In one embodiment, the sensor unit 13 may further include at least one sensor, which is either a temperature sensor (not shown) or a humidity sensor (not shown). The temperature sensor or humidity sensor may be configured as a thin film. At least one of the temperature sensor or humidity sensor may be configured as a thin film and attached to the article sensing sensor 131 to be formed integrally. A detailed description of the temperature sensor and humidity sensor will be given later with reference to Figures 6 to 8.

[0072] The object detection sensor 131 is positioned between the outer circumferential surface of the cavity and the induction coil 181, and can detect the presence or absence of aerosol product S inserted into the cavity through the insertion opening 44. The object detection sensor 131 may be manufactured as a thin film so as to be positioned between the cavity and the induction coil 181. The object detection sensor 131 surrounds at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the cavity, and the output signal value may change depending on the capacitance of the cavity. The object detection sensor 131 can also transmit the output signal value to the control unit 12.

[0073] The upper case sensing sensor 132 may be connected to and integrally formed with the item sensing sensor 131. The upper case sensing sensor 132 and the upper case 40 are positioned on the inside of the surface that contacts the main body 10 and may extend in one direction. This one direction may be perpendicular to the insertion direction of the aerosol product S. The upper case 40 includes at least one conductor 43 in the portion that contacts the upper case sensing sensor 132, and the upper case sensing sensor 132 can output a variable output value in response to the approach and retraction of at least one conductor 43. The upper case sensing sensor 132 can transmit the output value to the control unit 12.

[0074] The upper case sensing sensor 132 and the item sensing sensor 131 may be formed integrally. The upper case sensing sensor 132 and the item sensing sensor 131 may be materialized in a pattern on a base. The base is preferably made of an insulator that does not conduct electric current. For example, the upper case sensing sensor 132 and the item sensing sensor 131 may be materialized in a pattern on a single flexible printed circuit board (FPCB).

[0075] The upper case sensing sensor 132 may include an interactive sensor. In embodiments where the upper case sensing sensor 132 includes an interactive sensor, the upper case sensing sensor 132 may include a sensing coil 13b. The sensing coil 13b may be embossed in a pattern on a base. The item sensing sensor 131 can change its inductance in response to the approach and retraction of the upper case 40 and transmit the changed inductance value to the control unit 12. For this purpose, the sensor unit 13 may further include a signal transmission unit 13c. The signal transmission unit 13c includes a first channel ch1 and a second channel ch2, and the signal transmission unit 13c can transmit the variable inductance value to the control unit 12 via the first channel ch1.

[0076] The object detection sensor 131 may include at least one capacitor sensor. In embodiments in which the object detection sensor 131 includes a capacitor sensor, the object detection sensor 131 may include at least one electrode 13a. Figure 5 shows an embodiment in which there are three electrodes 13a, but the number of electrodes 13a is not limited thereto. The electrodes 13a may be embodied in a pattern on the base. The electrodes 13a may be in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the cavity and may surround at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the cavity. According to the embodiment, the sensor portion 13 may be externally coated, and the external coating layer may be in direct contact with the outer circumferential surface of the cavity.

[0077] Since electrode 13a surrounds the cavity, the cavity can be understood as a dielectric space that causes a change in capacitance. That is, when an aerosol product S is inserted into the cavity, the dielectric constant of electrode 13a changes, and the capacitance of the object sensing sensor 131 can change. In this way, the object sensing sensor 131 does not have separate transmitting and receiving electrodes and can output a variable signal in response to a change in the capacitance of electrode 13a itself. In this disclosure, “signal” refers to a signal corresponding to a change in capacitance in the cavity, and means a voltage change signal, a frequency change signal, or a charge / discharge time change signal. The control unit (12 in Figure 1) can acquire the signal output from the object sensing sensor 131. The signal transmission unit 13c can transmit the signal to the control unit (12 in Figure 1) via a second channel ch2 different from the first channel ch1.

[0078] In one embodiment, at least one of the temperature sensor or humidity sensor may be configured as a thin film and attached to the object sensing sensor 131 to form an integral part of it. Specifically, at least one of the temperature sensor or humidity sensor may be configured as a thin film and attached to an electrode constituting capacitance to form an integral part of it. The temperature sensor can sense the ambient temperature of the object sensing sensor 131. The humidity sensor can sense the ambient humidity of the object sensing sensor 131. Details of the thin film-configured temperature sensor and humidity sensor will be described later with reference to Figures 6 to 8.

[0079] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a thin-film temperature sensor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a thin-film temperature sensor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0080] Referring to Figures 6 and 7, the temperature sensor 133 can be configured as a thin film. The thin-film temperature sensor 133 consists of a base 1331, a first electrode 1332, a second electrode 1334, and a thermistor layer 1333, and may optionally include a protective layer 1335.

[0081] An insulating alumina (Al2O3) substrate may be applied to the base 1331. In one embodiment, the temperature sensor 133 and the object detection sensor (131 in Figure 5) may be formed integrally using a common base. That is, the temperature sensor 133 may be attached to the electrode (13a in Figure 5) that constitutes the object detection sensor (131 in Figure 5) using a common base with the object detection sensor (131 in Figure 5).

[0082] The thermistor layer 1333 may be composed of a thermal resistance material, a pressure resistance material, or a mixture thereof. The electrical properties of the thermistor layer 1333 may change depending on the temperature. Specifically, the resistance properties of the thermistor layer 1333 may change depending on the temperature.

[0083] The temperature sensor 133 includes a base 1331, a first electrode 1332 formed on the base 1331, a thermistor layer 1333 formed thereon across the first electrode 1332 and the base 1331, and a second electrode formed thereon across the thermistor layer 1333 and the base 1331. The width of the thermistor layer 1333 is formed to be large enough to enclose the first electrode 1332, and the remaining portion excluding the first electrode 1332 is in contact with the base 1331. The first electrode 1332 and the second electrode 1334 are formed by printing a paste containing palladium (Pd) and platinum (pt) and then firing it, while the thermistor layer 1333 may be formed by printing a slurry mixed with ceramic powder and then firing it.

[0084] The protective layer 1335 is made of an electrical insulating material and is formed over the entire surface between the first electrode 1332 and the second electrode 1334, except for a portion of the electrode. However, a film of glass or polymer material that can withstand high temperatures can be formed in a printing process.

[0085] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing a thin-film humidity sensor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0086] The humidity sensor 134 may be configured as a thin film. The humidity sensor 134 includes a base 1341, a first electrode 1342 formed on the base 1341, a humidity-sensing layer 1343 formed on the first electrode 1342, and a second electrode 1344 formed on the humidity-sensing layer 1343.

[0087] The moisture-sensitive layer 1343 is made of a polymer material, and by applying a moisture-sensitive film structure, its electrical properties can be changed in response to the adsorption and desorption of moisture. Specifically, when moisture is adsorbed inside the moisture-sensitive layer 1343, the resistance component between the first electrode 1342 and the second electrode 1344 changes, and this change can be detected to detect a change in humidity.

[0088] In one embodiment, an insulating alumina (Al2O3) substrate may be applied to the base 1341. In one embodiment, the humidity sensor 134 and the object detection sensor (131 in Figure 5) may be integrally formed using a common base. That is, the humidity sensor 134 may be attached to the electrode (13a in Figure 5) that constitutes the object detection sensor (131 in Figure 5) using a common base with the object detection sensor (131 in Figure 5).

[0089] Figure 9 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0090] Referring to Figures 1 to 9, the aerosol generator 1 according to one embodiment includes a control unit 12, a heater 18, a memory 17, and a sensor unit 13. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generator 1 is not limited to that shown in Figure 9. That is, depending on the design of the aerosol generator 1, it will be understood by a person with ordinary skill in the art according to this embodiment that some of the components shown in Figure 9 may be omitted or new components may be added.

[0091] The heater 18 can heat at least a portion of the aerosol product S inserted into the cavity.

[0092] The sensor unit 13 may include an item detection sensor 131, an upper case detection sensor 132, a temperature sensor 133, and a humidity sensor 134. As described above, at least one of the temperature sensor 133 and the humidity sensor 134 may be configured as a thin film and be attached to the item detection sensor 131 and the electrode that constitutes capacitance and formed integrally.

[0093] The temperature sensor 133 is integrally formed with the object detection sensor 131 and can sense the ambient temperature of the object detection sensor 131.

[0094] The humidity sensor 134 is integrally formed with the object detection sensor 131 and can sense the ambient humidity of the object detection sensor 131.

[0095] The object detection sensor 131 can detect changes in the capacitance of a cavity and output a signal. The changes in capacitance detected by the object detection sensor 131 are affected by temperature and humidity. That is, even when there is no change in the capacitance of the cavity, the signal output by the object detection sensor 131 may change in response to changes in temperature and humidity. Therefore, in this disclosure, the characteristics of the change in the signal value output by the object detection sensor 131, which changes in response to temperature and humidity, are confirmed, and a compensation value is determined according to the confirmed change characteristics. A lookup table for the determined compensation value may be stored in memory 17 in advance.

[0096] The lookup table may include a first lookup table that includes a compensation value corresponding to temperature, a second lookup table that includes a compensation value corresponding to humidity, and a third lookup table that includes compensation values ​​corresponding to both temperature and humidity. In this case, since the item sensing sensor 131 is affected by both temperature and humidity, it is preferable to compensate the signal value by considering both temperature and humidity.

[0097] The control unit 12 is electrically connected to the sensor unit 13, the heater 18, and the memory 17.

[0098] The control unit 12 can determine whether the upper case 40 is attached to the main unit 10 based on the inductance value output by the upper case sensing sensor 132. For example, the control unit 12 can determine that the upper case 40 is attached to the main unit 10 if the amount of change per unit time of the inductance output by the upper case sensing sensor 132 is equal to or greater than a preset reference inductance.

[0099] The control unit 12 can determine whether or not an aerosol product S has been inserted based on the signal output from the item detection sensor 131. For example, the control unit 12 can acquire a signal from the item detection sensor 131, compare the signal with a preset reference value to generate a detection value, and determine that an aerosol product S has been inserted into the cavity if the generated detection value falls within a preset range.

[0100] The control unit 12 can set a preheating temperature profile for the heater 18 based on the signal output from the item detection sensor 131 and supply power to the heater 18 according to the set preheating temperature profile. The control unit 12 can analyze the results detected by the item detection sensor 131 and control the subsequent processing. For example, the control unit 12 can control the power supplied to the heater 18 so that the heater 18 starts or stops operating, based on the results detected by the item detection sensor 131. As another example, 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, based on the results detected by the item detection sensor 131.

[0101] Memory 17 may pre-store compensation values ​​for compensating for detected values. Compensation values ​​for compensating for detected values ​​are determined experimentally in advance according to temperature and humidity, and a corresponding lookup table is created and stored in memory 17. To ensure the reliability of the operation that senses the insertion of aerosol product S, it is preferable that the compensation value maintains the capacitance value of the cavity sensed by the item sensing sensor 131 at a value lower than the reference value when no aerosol product S is inserted into the cavity.

[0102] A lookup table may include compensation values ​​corresponding to temperature / humidity. For example, a lookup table may consist of a first compensation value applied under conditions A (temperature) and B (humidity), a second compensation value applied under conditions A (temperature) and C (humidity), a third compensation value applied under conditions D (temperature) and B (humidity), a fourth compensation value applied under conditions D (temperature) and C (humidity), and so on. In other words, a lookup table may consist of compensation values ​​that consider both temperature and humidity, rather than compensation values ​​for only one of the two conditions, temperature or humidity.

[0103] The control unit 12 obtains the ambient temperature of the object detection sensor 131 from the temperature sensor 133. When it obtains a signal output from the object detection sensor 131, it checks the temperature at the time the signal was obtained, extracts a compensation value corresponding to the temperature from the memory 17, and can compensate the detected value based on the extracted compensation value.

[0104] The control unit 12 can calculate a detected value by subtracting a reference value from the signal output by the object detection sensor 131. If the detected value is negative, the control unit 12 can determine that the signal output by the object detection sensor 131 is noise.

[0105] For example, suppose the reference temperature is set to 25°C, and the corresponding reference value is set to a signal value corresponding to a capacitance of "100pF", and the signal value generated via the object detection sensor 131 is a signal value corresponding to a capacitance of "300pF". In this case, if the temperature data at the time the signal value is acquired is 25°C, the control unit 12 generates a signal value corresponding to a capacitance of "200pF", which is the difference between the reference value and the signal value generated via the object detection sensor 131, as the detected value. If the detected value falls within a preset range, the control unit 12 determines that the aerosol product S has been inserted into the cavity. The preset range may be, for example, a positive (+) value greater than 0. On the other hand, if the temperature data at the time the signal output from the object detection sensor 131 is acquired is 30°C, the control unit 12 checks the compensation value corresponding to the temperature data using the compensation table stored in the memory 17. In this case, the compensation value may be a value applied to the reference value, or it may be a value applied to the signal value acquired via the object detection sensor 131. If the compensation value is the value applied to the reference value, and the compensation value corresponding to the temperature data is the signal value corresponding to a capacitance of "250pF", the control unit 12 can change the reference value from the signal value corresponding to a capacitance of "100pF" to the signal value corresponding to a capacitance of "350pF". At this time, the signal value generated via the object detection sensor 131 is the signal value corresponding to a capacitance of "300pF", which is lower than the compensated reference value, so the control unit 12 can determine the signal output by the object detection sensor 131 as noise and ignore it.

[0106] Furthermore, if the compensation value is the value applied to the signal value output from the object detection sensor 131, and the compensation value corresponding to the temperature data is the signal value corresponding to a capacitance of "250pF", the control unit 12 can change the signal value acquired via the object detection sensor 131 from the signal value corresponding to a capacitance of "300pF" to the signal value corresponding to a capacitance of "50pF". In this case, the signal value generated via the object detection sensor 131 is the signal value corresponding to a capacitance of "50pF", and since the reference value is lower than the signal value corresponding to a capacitance of "100pF", the control unit 12 can determine the signal output by the object detection sensor 131 as noise and ignore it.

[0107] The control unit 12 obtains the ambient humidity from the humidity sensor 134 and the object detection sensor 131. When it obtains a signal output from the object detection sensor 131, it checks the humidity at the time the signal was obtained, extracts a compensation value corresponding to the humidity from the memory 17, and can compensate the detected value based on the extracted compensation value.

[0108] The control unit 12 can calculate a detected value by subtracting a reference value from the signal output by the object detection sensor 131. If the detected value is negative, the control unit 12 can determine that the signal output by the object detection sensor 131 is noise.

[0109] For example, suppose the reference humidity is set to 40%, and the corresponding reference value is set to a signal value corresponding to a capacitance of "100pF", and the signal value generated via the object detection sensor 131 is a signal value corresponding to a capacitance of "300pF". In this case, if the humidity data at the time the signal value is acquired is 40%, the control unit 12 generates a signal value corresponding to a capacitance of "200pF", which is the difference between the reference value and the signal value generated via the object detection sensor 131, as the detected value. If the detected value falls within a preset range, the control unit 12 determines that the aerosol product S has been inserted into the cavity. The preset range may be, for example, a positive (+) value greater than 0. On the other hand, if the humidity data at the time the signal output from the object detection sensor 131 is acquired is 60%, the control unit 12 checks the compensation value corresponding to the humidity data using the compensation table stored in the memory 17. In this case, the compensation value may be a value applied to the reference value, or it may be a different value applied to the signal value acquired via the object detection sensor 131. If the compensation value is the value applied to the reference value, and the compensation value corresponding to the humidity data is the signal value corresponding to a capacitance of "220pF", the control unit 12 can change the reference value from the signal value corresponding to a capacitance of "100pF" to the signal value corresponding to a capacitance of "320pF". At this time, the signal value generated via the object detection sensor 131 is the signal value corresponding to a capacitance of "300pF", which is lower than the reference value, so the control unit 12 can determine the signal output by the object detection sensor 131 as noise and ignore it.

[0110] Furthermore, if the compensation value is the value applied to the signal value output from the object detection sensor 131, and the compensation value corresponding to the temperature data is the signal value corresponding to a capacitance of "220pF", the control unit 12 can change the signal value acquired via the object detection sensor 131 from the signal value corresponding to a capacitance of "300pF" to the signal value corresponding to a capacitance of "80pF". In this case, the signal value generated via the object detection sensor 131 is the signal value corresponding to a capacitance of "80pF", and since the reference value is lower than the signal value corresponding to a capacitance of "100pF", the control unit 12 can determine the signal output by the object detection sensor 131 as noise and ignore it.

[0111] The control unit 12 can recognize if the detected value or compensated detected value falls outside a preset range as a detected value caused by an aerosol product S or foreign matter, rather than a genuine product. In other words, if the detected value or compensated detected value falls outside a preset range, the control unit 12 can determine that the aerosol product S inserted into the cavity is not a genuine product. Furthermore, if the detected value or compensated detected value falls outside a preset range, the control unit 12 can determine that a foreign matter has been inserted into the cavity.

[0112] In this disclosure, a temperature-dependent compensation algorithm is applied in the normal state to dynamically change the reference value or the signal value output by the item detection sensor 131, so that a constant difference exists between the reference value and the signal value. That is, the signal value output by the item detection sensor 131 in the normal state is set to be lower than the reference value. As a result, the control unit 12 can determine whether or not an aerosol product S has been inserted based on the signal output by the item detection sensor 131 only when the signal value is higher than the reference value.

[0113] Here, "normal state" refers to a state in which, as a test environment for the item sensing sensor 131 used to set the reference value, for example, a temperature environment of 25°C and a humidity of 50%, in which no aerosol product S or foreign matter is inserted into the cavity.

[0114] Figure 10 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment.

[0115] The aerosol generator 1000 may include a power supply 1100, a control unit 1200, a sensor 1300, an output unit 1400, an input unit 1500, a communication unit 1600, a memory 1700, and at least one heater 1800, 2400. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generator 1000 is not limited to that shown in Figure 10. That is, a person with ordinary skill in the art according to this embodiment will understand that, depending on the design of the aerosol generator 1000, some of the configurations shown in Figure 10 may be omitted or new configurations may be added.

[0116] The sensor 1300 can sense the state of the aerosol generator 1000 or the state of the surroundings of the aerosol generator 1000, and transmit the sensed information to the control unit 1200. Based on the sensed information, the control unit 1200 can control the aerosol generator 1000 so that various functions are performed, such as controlling the operation of the cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800, restricting smoking, determining whether or not to insert the aerosol product and / or cartridge 19, and displaying notifications.

[0117] The sensor 1300 may include at least one of the following: a temperature sensor 1310, a puff sensor 1320, an insertion sensor 1330, a reuse sensor 1340, a cartridge sensor 1350, a cap sensor 1360, and a motion sensor 1370.

[0118] The temperature sensor 1310 can sense the temperature at which the cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800 are heated. The aerosol generator 1000 may include separate temperature sensors that sense the temperature of the cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800, or the cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800 themselves may act as temperature sensors.

[0119] The temperature sensor 1310 can output a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800. For example, the temperature sensor 1310 may include a resistive element whose resistance changes in response to temperature changes in the cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800. This can be embodied by a thermistor or other element that utilizes the property of changing resistance according to temperature. In this case, the temperature sensor 1310 can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistive element as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800. For example, the temperature sensor 1310 may consist of a sensor that detects the resistance value of the cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800. In this case, the temperature sensor 1310 can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800 as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800.

[0120] The temperature sensor 1310 may be positioned around the power supply 1100 to monitor its temperature. The temperature sensor 1310 may be positioned adjacent to the power supply 1100. For example, the temperature sensor 1310 may be mounted on one side of the battery which is the power supply 1100. For example, the temperature sensor 1310 may be mounted on one side of a printed circuit board.

[0121] The temperature sensor 1310 is located inside the aerosol generator body and can sense the internal temperature of the aerosol generator body.

[0122] The puff sensor 1320 can detect user puffs based on various physical changes in the airflow path. The puff sensor 1320 can output a signal corresponding to a puff. For example, the puff sensor 1320 may be a pressure sensor. The puff sensor 1320 can output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generator 1000, where the internal pressure of the aerosol generator 1000 corresponds to the pressure in the airflow path through which the gas flows. The puff sensor 1320 may be positioned in the aerosol generator 1000 corresponding to the airflow path through which the gas flows.

[0123] The insertion sensor 1330 can detect the insertion and / or removal of aerosol products. The insertion sensor 1330 can detect signal changes resulting from the insertion and / or removal of aerosol products. The insertion sensor 1330 may be installed around the insertion space. The insertion sensor 1330 can detect the insertion and / or removal of aerosol products in response to changes in dielectric constant within the insertion space. For example, the insertion sensor 1330 may be an inductive sensor and / or a capacitance sensor.

[0124] An inductive sensor may include at least one coil. The coil of the inductive sensor may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space. For example, if the magnetic field around a coil through which current flows changes, 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.

[0125] An inductive sensor can output a signal that corresponds to the characteristics of the current flowing through a coil. For example, an inductive sensor can output a signal that corresponds to the inductance value of a coil.

[0126] 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 an aerosol product including a metallic wrapper is inserted into the insertion space, the wrapper of the aerosol product may alter the electromagnetic properties around the conductor.

[0127] The reuse-sensing sensor 1340 can sense whether an aerosol product is reusable. The reuse-sensing sensor 1340 may be a color sensor. The color sensor can sense the color of the aerosol product. The color sensor can sense the color of a portion of the wrapper surrounding the outside of the aerosol product. The color sensor can detect the value of an optical property corresponding to the color of an object based on the light reflected from the object. For example, the optical property may be the wavelength of light. The color sensor may be implemented as part of a configuration with a proximity sensor, or as a separate configuration distinct from the proximity sensor.

[0128] At least a portion of the wrapper constituting the aerosol product may change color due to the aerosol. The reuse sensing sensor 1340 may be positioned corresponding to the location where at least a portion of the wrapper that changes color due to the aerosol is located when the aerosol product is inserted into the insertion space. For example, before the user uses the aerosol product, at least a portion of the wrapper may be a first color. At this time, as the aerosol generated by the aerosol generator 1000 passes through the aerosol product, at least a portion of the wrapper may be wetted by the aerosol, causing at least a portion of the wrapper to change to a second color. On the other hand, at least a portion of the wrapper may remain at the second color after changing from the first color to the second color.

[0129] The cartridge sensing sensor 1350 can detect the insertion and / or removal of the cartridge 19. The cartridge sensing sensor 1350 can be implemented as an inductance-based sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, or a Hall sensor (Hall IC) using the Hall effect.

[0130] The cap detection sensor 1360 can detect the attachment and / or removal of the cap. When the cap is removed from the aerosol generator body, the cartridge 19 and part of the aerosol generator body that were covered by the cap may be exposed to the outside. The cap detection sensor 1360 can be embodied by a contact sensor, a Hall sensor (Hall IC), an optical sensor, or the like.

[0131] The motion sensor 1370 can detect the movement of the aerosol generator 1000. The motion sensor 1370 can be implemented as at least one of an accelerometer and a gyro sensor.

[0132] Sensor 1300 may further include at least one of the following sensors in addition to the sensors 1310 to 1370 described above: a humidity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a position sensor (GPS), and a proximity sensor. The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by an average engineer from its name, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0133] The output unit 1400 can output and provide to the user information regarding the status of the aerosol generator 1000. The output unit 1400 may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the display 1410, the haptic unit 1420, and the acoustic output unit 1430. If the display 1410 and the touchpad are composed of a touchscreen with a layered structure, the display 1410 may be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0134] The display 1410 can visually provide the user with information regarding the aerosol generator 1000. For example, information regarding the aerosol generator 1000 could include various pieces of information such as the charge / discharge status of the power supply 1100 of the aerosol generator 1000, the preheating status of the heater 1800, the insertion / removal status of the aerosol product and / or cartridge 19, the attachment / removal status of the cap, or a state in which the use of the aerosol generator 1000 is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal item), and the display 1410 can output this information externally. For example, the display 1410 may be in the form of an LED light-emitting element. For example, the display 1410 may be a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), etc.

[0135] The haptic unit 1420 can convert electrical signals into mechanical or electrical stimuli to provide the user with tactile information about the aerosol generator 1000. For example, the haptic unit 1420 can generate vibrations corresponding to the completion of initial preheating if initial power is supplied to the cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800 during a set time. The haptic unit 1420 may include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulator.

[0136] The acoustic output unit 1430 can provide the user with auditory information regarding the aerosol generator 1000. For example, the acoustic output unit 1430 can convert electrical signals into acoustic signals and output them externally.

[0137] The power supply 1100 can supply the power used to operate the aerosol generator 1000. The power supply 1100 can supply power to heat the cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800. The power supply 1100 can also supply the power necessary for the operation of other components provided within the aerosol generator 1000, namely the sensor 1300, output unit 1400, input unit 1500, communication unit 1600, and memory 1700. The power supply 1100 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the power supply 1100 may, but is not limited to, a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery.

[0138] Although not shown in Figure 10, the aerosol generator 1000 may further include a power protection circuit. The power protection circuit is electrically connected to the power supply 1100 and may include a switching element.

[0139] The power protection circuit can interrupt the circuit to the power supply 1100 according to predetermined conditions. For example, the power protection circuit can interrupt the circuit to the power supply 1100 if the voltage level of the power supply 1100 is equal to or greater than a first voltage corresponding to overcharging. For example, the power protection circuit can interrupt the circuit to the power supply 1100 if the voltage level of the power supply 1100 is less than a second voltage corresponding to over-discharge.

[0140] The heater 1800 is powered by the power supply 1100 and can heat the medium or aerosol-generating material in the aerosol product. Although not shown in Figure 10, the aerosol generator 1000 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power of the power supply 1100 to supply to the cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800. Also, if the aerosol generator 1000 generates aerosols by induction heating, the aerosol generator 1000 may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power supply of the power supply 1100 to AC power.

[0141] The control unit 1200, sensor 1300, output unit 1400, input unit 1500, communication unit 1600, and memory 1700 can function by being powered by the power supply 1100. Although not shown in Figure 10, the circuit may further include a power conversion circuit, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, which converts the power from the power supply 1100 and supplies it to each component. Also, although not shown in Figure 10, a noise filter may be provided between the power supply 1100 and the heater 1800. 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 1100 to the heater 1800. The low-pass filter prevents high-frequency noise components from being applied to the sensor 1300, such as the insertion sensing sensor 1330.

[0142] In one embodiment, the cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800 may be formed from any suitable electrical resistive material. For example, suitable electrical resistive materials may include, but are not limited to, metals or metal alloys, such as titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, and nichrome. The heater 1800 may also be embodied as, but is not limited to, a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate on which conductive tracks are arranged, or a ceramic heating element.

[0143] In other embodiments, the heater 1800 may be an induction heating type heater. For example, the heater 1800 may include a susceptor that heats the aerosol-generating material by generating heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil.

[0144] The input unit 1500 can receive information input from the user and output information to the user. For example, the input unit 1500 may be a touch panel. The touch panel may include at least one touch sensor that detects 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.

[0145] The display 1410 and the touch panel may be implemented as a single panel. For example, the touch panel may be embedded within the display 1410 (on-cell type or in-cell type). For example, the touch panel may be added on top of the display 1410 panel (add-on type).

[0146] On the other hand, the input section 1500 may include, but is not limited to, buttons, keypads, dome switches, jog wheels, jog switches, etc.

[0147] Memory 1700 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generator 1000, and can store data processed by the control unit 1200 and data being processed. Memory 1700 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 1700 can store data such as the operating time of the aerosol generator 1000, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and the user's smoking pattern.

[0148] The communication unit 1600 may include at least one component for communicating with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 1600 may include at least one of a short-range communication unit and a wireless communication unit.

[0149] The short-range wireless communication unit may include, but is not limited to, Bluetooth® communication units, BLE (Bluetooth® Low Energy) communication units, Near Field Communication units, WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication units, ZigBee® communication units, infrared (infrared Data Association: IrDAD) communication units, WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication units, UWB (ultra wideband) communication units, Ant+ communication units, etc.

[0150] 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.

[0151] Although not shown in Figure 10, the aerosol generator 1000 further includes a connection interface such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface, and can connect to other external devices via the USB interface to send and receive information or charge the power supply 1100.

[0152] The control unit 1200 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator 1000. In one embodiment, the control unit 1200 may include at least one processor. The processor may be embodied as an array of logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and memory storing a program that can be executed by this microprocessor. It will be understood by those ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment belongs that it may also be embodied as other forms of hardware.

[0153] The control unit 1200 can control the temperature of the heater 1800 by controlling the supply of power from the power supply 1100 to the heater 1800. The control unit 1200 can control the temperature of the cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800 based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800 sensed by the temperature sensor 1310. The control unit 1200 can adjust the power supplied to the cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800 based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800. For example, the control unit 1200 can determine a target temperature for the cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800 based on a temperature profile stored in the memory 1700.

[0154] The aerosol generator 1000 may include a power supply circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the power supply 1100 between the power supply 1100 and the cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800. The power supply circuit may be electrically connected to the cartridge heater 2400 and heater 1800. The power supply circuit may include at least one switching element. The switching element may be embodied by a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), a field-effect transistor (FET), or the like. The control unit 1200 can control the power supply circuit.

[0155] The control unit 1200 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 1100 into AC power. For example, the inverter can be composed of a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit that includes multiple switching elements.

[0156] The control unit 1200 can turn on the switching element so that power is supplied from the power supply 1100 to the cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800. The control unit 1200 can turn off the switching element so that the power supply to the cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800 is cut off. The control unit 1200 can adjust the current supplied from the power supply 1100 by adjusting the frequency and / or duty cycle of the current pulse input to the switching element.

[0157] The control unit 1200 can control the voltage output from the power supply 1100 by controlling the switching of the switching elements of the power supply circuit. The power conversion circuit can convert the voltage output from the power supply 1100. For example, the power conversion circuit may include a buck converter that steps down the voltage output from the power supply 1100. For example, the power conversion circuit may be implemented via a buck-boost converter, a Zener diode, or the like.

[0158] The control unit 1200 can control the on / off operation of the switching elements included in the power conversion circuit to adjust the voltage level output from the power conversion circuit. When the switching elements remain in the on state, the voltage level output from the power conversion circuit may correspond to the voltage level output from the power supply 1100. The duty cycle for the on / off operation of the switching elements may correspond to the ratio of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit to the voltage output from the power supply 1100. The lower the duty cycle for the on / off operation of the switching elements, the lower the voltage level output from the power conversion circuit may become. The heater 1800 may be heated based on the voltage output from the power conversion circuit.

[0159] The control unit 1200 can control the supply of power to the heater 1800 using at least one of the following methods: pulse width modulation (PWM) and proportional-integral-differential (PID).

[0160] For example, the control unit 1200 can use a PWM method to control the supply of current pulses having a predetermined frequency and duty cycle to the heater 1800. The control unit 1200 can adjust the frequency and duty cycle of the current pulses to control the power supplied to the heater 1800.

[0161] For example, the control unit 1200 may determine a target temperature for control based on the temperature profile. The control unit 1200 can control the power supplied to the heater 1800 using a PID method, which is a feedback control method that uses the difference between the temperature of the heater 1800 and the target temperature, the integral of the difference over time, and the derivative of the difference over time.

[0162] The control unit 1200 can prevent the cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800 from overheating. For example, the control unit 1200 can control the operation of the power conversion circuit so that the power supply to the cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800 is interrupted based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800 exceeding a preset limit temperature. For example, the control unit 1200 can reduce the amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800 by a certain percentage based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800 exceeding a preset limit temperature. For example, the control unit 1200 can determine that the aerosol-generating material contained in the cartridge 19 has been used up based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 2400 exceeding a limit temperature and cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 2400.

[0163] The control unit 1200 can control the charging and discharging of the power supply 1100. The control unit 1200 can check the temperature of the power supply 1100 based on the output signal of the temperature sensor 1310.

[0164] When a power line is connected to the battery terminal of the aerosol generator 1000, the control unit 1200 can check whether the temperature of the power supply 1100 is above a first limiting temperature, which is the criterion for shutting off the charging of the power supply 1100. If the temperature of the power supply 1100 is below the first limiting temperature, the control unit 1200 can control the power supply 1100 to be charged based on a preset charging current. If the temperature of the power supply 1100 is above the first limiting temperature, the control unit 1200 can shut off the charging of the power supply 1100.

[0165] With the aerosol generator 1000 powered on, the control unit 1200 can check whether the temperature of the power supply 1100 is above a second limiting temperature, which is the criterion for shutting off the discharge of the power supply 1100. If the temperature of the power supply 1100 is below the second limiting temperature, the control unit 1200 can control the system to use the power stored in the power supply 1100. If the temperature of the power supply 1100 is above the second limiting temperature, the control unit 1200 can interrupt the use of the power stored in the power supply 1100.

[0166] The control unit 1200 can calculate the remaining capacity of the power supply 1100. For example, the control unit 1200 can calculate the remaining capacity of the power supply 1100 based on the voltage and / or current sensing values ​​of the power supply 1100.

[0167] The control unit 1200 can determine whether or not an aerosol product has been inserted into the insertion space via the insertion sensing sensor 1330. Based on the output signal of the insertion sensing sensor 1330, the control unit 1200 can determine that an aerosol product has been inserted. If it determines that an aerosol product has been inserted into the insertion space, the control unit 1200 can control the supply of power to the cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800. For example, the control unit 1200 can supply power to the cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800 based on a temperature profile stored in the memory 1700.

[0168] The control unit 1200 can determine whether or not aerosol products have been removed from the insertion space. For example, the control unit 1200 can determine whether or not aerosol products have been removed from the insertion space via the insertion sensing sensor 1330. For example, the control unit 1200 can determine that aerosol products have been removed from the insertion space if the temperature of the heater 1800 is above a limit temperature, or if the temperature change gradient of the heater 1800 is above a set gradient. If it is determined that aerosol products have been removed from the insertion space, the control unit 1200 can shut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800.

[0169] The control unit 1200 can control the power supply time and / or power supply amount to the heater 1800 according to the state of the aerosol product sensed by the sensor 1300. Based on a lookup table, the control unit 1200 can determine the level range that includes the signal level of the capacitance sensor. Based on the determined level range, the control unit 1200 can determine the amount of moisture in the aerosol product.

[0170] If the aerosol product is in an overly humid state, the control unit 1200 controls the power supply time to the heater 1800, thereby increasing the preheating time of the aerosol product compared to normal conditions.

[0171] The control unit 1200 can determine whether the aerosol product inserted into the insertion space is reusable via the reuse sensing sensor 1340. For example, the control unit 1200 can compare the sensing value of the signal from the reuse sensing sensor 1340 with a first reference range including a first color, and if the sensing value falls within the first reference range, it can determine that the aerosol product has not been used. For example, the control unit 1200 can compare the sensing value of the signal from the reuse sensing sensor 1340 with a second reference range including a second color, and if the sensing value falls within the second reference range, it can determine that the aerosol product has been used. If it is determined that the aerosol product has been used, the control unit 1200 can shut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800.

[0172] The control unit 1200 can determine whether the cartridge 19 has been connected and / or removed via the cartridge sensing sensor 1350. For example, the control unit 1200 can determine whether the cartridge 19 has been connected and / or removed based on the sensing value of the signal from the cartridge sensing sensor 1350.

[0173] The control unit 1200 can determine whether the aerosol-generating material in cartridge 19 has been used up. For example, the control unit 1200 can preheat cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800 by applying power, determine whether the temperature of cartridge heater 2400 exceeds a limit temperature during the preheating period, and if the temperature of cartridge heater 2400 exceeds the limit temperature, it can determine that the aerosol-generating material in cartridge 19 has been used up. If it determines that the aerosol-generating material in cartridge 19 has been used up, the control unit 1200 can cut off the power supply to cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800.

[0174] The control unit 1200 can determine whether or not the cartridge 19 can be used. For example, based on the data stored in the memory 1700, the control unit 1200 can determine that the cartridge 19 cannot be used if the current number of puffs is greater than or equal to the maximum number of puffs set for the cartridge 19. For example, the control unit 1200 can determine that the cartridge 19 cannot be used if the total time the cartridge heater 2400 has been heated is greater than or equal to a preset maximum time, or if the total amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater 2400 is greater than or equal to a preset maximum amount of power.

[0175] The control unit 1200 can make decisions regarding the user's inhalation via the puff sensor 1320. For example, the control unit 1200 can determine whether or not a puff has occurred based on the sensing value of the signal from the puff sensor 1320. For example, the control unit 1200 can determine the intensity of the puff based on the sensing value of the signal from the puff sensor 1320. If the number of puffs reaches a preset maximum number of puffs, or if no puffs are detected for a predetermined time or longer, the control unit 1200 can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800.

[0176] The control unit 1200 can determine whether the cap has been attached and / or removed via the cap sensing sensor 1360. For example, the control unit 1200 can determine whether the cap has been attached or removed based on the sensing value of the signal from the cap sensing sensor 1360.

[0177] The control unit 1200 can control the output unit 1400 based on the results sensed by the sensor 1300. For example, when the number of puffs counted via the puff sensor 1320 reaches a preset number, the control unit 1200 can notify the user that the aerosol generator 1000 will immediately shut down via at least one of the display 1410, the haptic unit 1420, and the acoustic output unit 1430. For example, the control unit 1200 can notify the user via the output unit 1400 based on the determination that there are no aerosol products in the insertion space. For example, the control unit 1200 can notify the user via the output unit 1400 based on the determination that the cartridge 19 and / or cap is not installed. For example, the control unit 1200 can transmit information regarding the temperature of the cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800 to the user via the output unit 1400.

[0178] The control unit 1200 can store and update a history of events in the memory 1700 based on the occurrence of a predetermined event. Events may include operations performed by the aerosol generator 1000, such as detection of insertion of aerosol product, start of heating of aerosol product, puff detection, end of puff, detection of overheating of the cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800, detection of overvoltage application to the cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800, end of heating of aerosol product, on / off operation of the aerosol generator 1000, start of charging of the power supply 1100, detection of overcharge of the power supply 1100, and end of charging of the power supply 1100. The history of events may include the date and time the event occurred, log data corresponding to the event, etc. For example, if a predetermined event is the detection of insertion of aerosol product, the log data corresponding to the event may include data related to the sensing value of the insertion detection sensor 1330, etc. For example, if a predetermined event is the detection of overheating in the cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800, the log data corresponding to the event may include data regarding the temperature of the cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800, the voltage applied to the cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800, and the current flowing through the cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800.

[0179] The control unit 1200 can be controlled to form a communication link with an external device, such as a user's mobile terminal. Upon receiving authentication data from the external device via the communication link, the control unit 1200 can remove restrictions on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generator 1000. 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 1000 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 1000. Once user authentication is complete, the control unit 1200 can remove restrictions on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generator 1000. For example, once user authentication is complete, the control unit 1200 can remove restrictions on the use of the heating function that supplies power to the heater 1800.

[0180] The control unit 1200 can transmit data regarding the status of the aerosol generator 1000 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 1100 of the aerosol generator 1000, the operating mode, etc., via the external device's display.

[0181] An external device can transmit a location search request to the aerosol generator 1000 based on an input to initiate a location search for the aerosol generator 1000. When the control unit 1200 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 1420 can generate vibrations in response to the location search request. For example, the display 1410 can output objects corresponding to the location search and the end of the search in response to the location search request.

[0182] The control unit 1200 can control the aerosol generator 1000 to perform a firmware update upon receiving firmware data from an external device. The external device can check the current version of the firmware of the aerosol generator 1000 and determine whether a new firmware version exists. If the external device receives an input requesting a firmware download, it can receive the new firmware version data and transmit the new firmware version data to the aerosol generator 1000. Upon receiving the new firmware version data, the control unit 1200 can control the aerosol generator 1000 to perform a firmware update.

[0183] The control unit 1200 can transmit data relating to the sensing values ​​of at least one sensor 1300 to an external server (not shown) via the communication unit 1600, and can receive and store a learning model generated by learning the sensing values ​​from the server via machine learning such as deep learning. Using the learning model received from the server, the control unit 1200 can perform operations such as determining the user's inhalation pattern and generating a temperature profile. The control unit 1200 can store sensing value data from at least one sensor 1300 and data for learning an artificial neural network (ANN) in the memory 1700. For example, the memory 1700 can store a database of each configuration provided in the aerosol generator 1000 for learning the artificial neural network (ANN), weights and biases that make up the structure of the artificial neural network (ANN). The control unit 1200 learns data related to the sensing values ​​of at least one sensor 1300 stored in the memory 1700, the user's suction pattern, temperature profile, etc., and can generate at least one learning model used for determining the user's suction pattern, generating a temperature profile, etc.

[0184] The above-described embodiments are illustrative only, and a person with ordinary skill in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent embodiments are possible therefrom. Therefore, the true scope of protection of the present invention must be defined by the appended claims, and all differences within the scope equivalent to that described in the claims should be interpreted as being included within the scope of protection defined by the claims.

[0185] Some of the embodiments of this disclosure described herein or other embodiments described herein are not mutually exclusive or distinct from one another. Some of the embodiments of this disclosure described herein or other embodiments may be used in combination or in combination with each other in terms of their respective configurations or functions.

[0186] For example, this means that configuration A described in a particular embodiment and / or drawing may be combined with configuration B described in another embodiment and / or drawing. In other words, even if the combination of configurations is not directly described, it means that combination is possible unless it is stated that such combination is impossible.

[0187] The detailed description above should not be interpreted restrictively in any way, but 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 scope of the equivalents of the invention are included within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A cavity into which the aerosol product is inserted, An object sensing sensor that detects changes in the capacitance of the cavity and outputs a signal, A heater for heating at least a portion of the aerosol product inserted into the cavity, The control unit is electrically connected to the aforementioned article sensing sensor and heater, The control unit, The signal output from the item sensing sensor is compared with a preset reference value to generate a detection value. An aerosol generating device that determines that the aerosol product has been inserted into the cavity when the detected value falls within a preset range.

2. The system further includes a temperature sensor that senses the temperature around the object sensing sensor, The control unit, The temperature sensor is electrically connected to the object sensing sensor, and the ambient temperature of the object sensing sensor is obtained from the temperature sensor. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detected value is compensated based on the ambient temperature of the item sensing sensor, and if the compensated detected value falls within a preset range, it is determined that the aerosol product has been inserted into the cavity.

3. The system further includes a memory in which a compensation value for compensating the detected value is stored. The control unit, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein when the signal output from the item sensing sensor is acquired, the temperature at the time the signal was acquired is checked, a compensation value corresponding to the temperature is extracted from the memory, and the detected value is compensated based on the extracted compensation value.

4. The aforementioned compensation value is, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the compensation value of the signal output from the article sensing sensor according to the temperature.

5. The aforementioned compensation value is, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, when no aerosol product is inserted into the cavity, the capacitance value of the cavity detected by the article sensing sensor is maintained at a value smaller than the reference value.

6. The aforementioned compensation value is, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the compensation value of the reference value output from the article sensing sensor according to the temperature.

7. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the temperature sensor is a thin-film type temperature sensor.

8. The object sensing sensor includes a capacitive sensor with at least one electrode, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the temperature sensor is attached to the electrode.

9. The aforementioned temperature sensor is A base attached to the electrode, A first electrode formed on the base, The first electrode and the thermistor layer formed thereon across the base, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 8, comprising the thermistor layer and a second electrode formed thereon across the base.

10. The aforementioned signal is The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the signal is at least one of a voltage change signal, a frequency change signal, and a charge / discharge time change signal.

11. The control unit, Based on the signal output from the item sensing sensor, the preheating temperature profile of the heater is set. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein power is supplied to the heater according to a set preheating temperature profile.

12. The system further includes a humidity sensor that senses the humidity around the object sensing sensor, The control unit, The humidity sensor is electrically connected to the aforementioned humidity sensor, and the ambient humidity of the object sensing sensor is obtained from the humidity sensor. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 3, wherein when the signal output from the object sensing sensor is acquired, the humidity at the time the signal was acquired is checked, compensation values ​​corresponding to the temperature and humidity are extracted from the memory, and the detected value is compensated based on the extracted compensation values.

13. The aforementioned compensation value is, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the compensation value of the signal output from the article sensing sensor is determined according to the temperature and humidity.

14. The aforementioned compensation value is, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the compensation value of the reference value output from the article sensing sensor according to the temperature and humidity.

15. The object sensing sensor includes a capacitive sensor with at least one electrode, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the humidity sensor is a thin-film type humidity sensor and is attached to the electrode.

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