Aerosol Generator

Abstract

An aerosol generating device is started. The aerosol generating device of the present invention includes a heater for heating an aerosol generating material, a battery for supplying power to the heater, a sensor disposed adjacent to the battery and outputting a signal, and a control unit. The control unit determines a distance between the sensor and the battery based on a change in the signal received from the sensor. When the distance between the sensor and the battery is less than a predetermined reference distance, the control unit controls the supply of power from the battery to the heater to be interrupted.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device. [Background technology]

[0002] The aerosol generating device is for extracting a predetermined component (e.g., an aerosol) from a medium or substance. The medium may contain a substance of various components. The substance contained in the medium may be a flavoring substance of various components. For example, the substance contained in the medium may contain a nicotine component, an herb component, and / or a coffee component. In recent years, much research has been conducted on such aerosol generating devices. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] The present disclosure is directed to solving the above-referenced problems and other problems.

[0004] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device capable of detecting the occurrence of swelling due to battery deterioration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to achieve the above object, an aerosol generating device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure includes a heater for heating an aerosol generating material, a battery for supplying power to the heater, a sensor disposed adjacent to the battery and outputting a signal, and a controller. The controller determines a distance between the sensor and the battery based on a change in the signal received from the sensor. When the distance between the sensor and the battery is less than a predetermined reference distance, the controller may control the battery to stop supplying power to the heater. Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, the change in the external shape of the battery is monitored in real time through various sensors, so that the occurrence of swelling due to deterioration of the battery can be immediately detected.

[0007] Further scope of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, such as preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, are given by way of example only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0008] The above and other objects, features and other characteristics of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2 is a diagram referred to in the description of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2 is a diagram referred to in the description of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram referred to in the description of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram referred to in the description of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the aerosol generating device. [Figure 7A] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the aerosol generating device. [Figure 7B] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the aerosol generating device. [Figure 8A] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the aerosol generating device. [Figure 8B] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the aerosol generating device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, the embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. For the sake of simplicity of description with reference to the drawings, the same or similar components are given the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0011] The suffixes "module" and "section" for components used in the following description are for ease of description only and do not have any special meaning or role.

[0012] In this disclosure, those well known to those skilled in the art are omitted for the sake of brevity. It should be understood that the accompanying drawings are for the purpose of making various technical features easily understandable, and that the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the present disclosure should be interpreted as including all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives in addition to those specifically disclosed in the accompanying drawings.

[0013] Terms including ordinal numbers such as first, second, etc. may be used to describe various components, but it should be understood that the components are not limited by the terms, and the terms are used only to distinguish one component from another.

[0014] When an element is said to be "connected" to another element, it will be understood that there can be other elements in between, whereas when an element is said to be "directly connected" to another element, it will be understood that there are no other elements in between.

[0015] The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Referring to FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device 100 may include a communication interface 110, an input / output interface 120, an aerosol generating module 130, a memory 140, a sensor module 150, a battery 160, and / or a control unit 170.

[0018] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 may be composed of only a main body. In this case, the components included in the aerosol generating device 100 may be located in the main body. In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 may be composed of a cartridge that holds an aerosol generating material and a main body. In this case, the components included in the aerosol generating device 100 may be located in at least one of the main body and the cartridge.

[0019] The communication interface 110 may include at least one communication module for communication with an external device (e.g., the power supply device 100 of FIG. 5 and / or a network. For example, the communication interface 110 may include a communication module for wired communication such as a universal serial bus (USB). For example, the communication interface 110 may include a communication module for wireless communication such as wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark) low power (BLE), Zigbee (registered trademark), near field communication (NFC), etc.

[0020] The input / output interface 120 may include an input device for receiving commands from a user and / or an output device for outputting information to a user. For example, the input device may include a touch panel, a physical button, a microphone, etc. For example, the output device may include a display device for outputting visual information such as a display, a light emitting diode (LED), an audio device for outputting auditory information such as a speaker or a buzzer, a motor for outputting tactile information such as a haptic effect, etc.

[0021] The input / output interface 120 can transmit data corresponding to a command input by a user via an input device to other components (etc.) of the aerosol generating device 100. The input / output interface 120 can output information corresponding to data received from other components (etc.) of the aerosol generating device 100 via an output device.

[0022] The aerosol generating module 130 can generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material. Here, the aerosol generating material can refer to any one or a combination of two or more substances in various states, such as a liquid state, a solid state, a gel state, etc., capable of generating an aerosol.

[0023] The liquid aerosol generating material may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing material, including volatile tobacco flavor components, according to one embodiment. The liquid aerosol generating material may be a liquid containing a non-tobacco material, according to another embodiment. For example, the liquid aerosol generating material may include water, solvent, nicotine, botanical extracts, flavors, flavorings, vitamin mixtures, and the like.

[0024] The solid-state aerosol-generating material may include solid materials based on tobacco raw materials such as reconstituted tobacco sheets, shredded tobacco, and granulated tobacco. The solid-state aerosol-generating material may also include solid materials containing taste modifiers, seasonings, and the like. For example, taste modifiers may include calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, calcium oxide, and the like. For example, seasonings may include natural materials such as herb granules, silica containing fragrance ingredients, zeolite, dextrin, and the like.

[0025] Additionally, the aerosol generating material may further include an aerosol forming agent, such as glycerin or propylene glycol.

[0026] The aerosol generation module 130 can include at least one heater.

[0027] The aerosol generation module 130 can include an electrically resistive heater. For example, the electrically resistive heater can include at least one electrically conductive track and can be heated by passing an electric current through the electrically conductive track. Here, the aerosol generating material can be heated by the heated electrically resistive heater.

[0028] The electrically conductive track may comprise an electrically resistive material. As an example, the electrically conductive track may be made of a metallic material. As another example, the electrically conductive track may be made of a ceramic material, carbon, a metal alloy, or a composite of a ceramic material and a metal.

[0029] The electrical resistive heater may include an electrically conductive track formed in a variety of shapes, for example, the electrically conductive track may be formed in any one of a tube, a plate, a needle, a rod, and a coil.

[0030] The aerosol generating module 130 may include a heater using an induction heating method. For example, an induction heater may include an electric conductive coil, and an alternating magnetic field whose direction changes periodically may be generated by adjusting a current flowing through the electric conductive coil. Here, when an alternating magnetic field is applied to a magnetic material, energy loss due to eddy current loss and hysteresis loss may occur in the magnetic material. In addition, the lost energy may be released as thermal energy, thereby heating the aerosol generating material adjacent to the magnetic material. Here, the object that generates heat by the magnetic field may be called a susceptor.

[0031] On the other hand, the aerosol generating module 130 can also generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating substance by generating ultrasonic vibrations.

[0032] The aerosol generating module 130 may be referred to as a cartomizer, an atomizer, a vaporizer, or the like.

[0033] The memory 140 can store programs for each signal processing and control in the control unit 170, and can store processed data and data to be processed.

[0034] For example, the memory 140 can store application programs designed to perform various tasks that can be processed by the control unit 170, and can selectively provide some of the stored application programs upon request of the control unit 170.

[0035] For example, the memory 140 may store the operation time of the aerosol generating device 100, the maximum number of puffs generated, the current number of puffs generated, the number of times the battery 160 has been used, at least one temperature profile, at least one power profile, data on the inhalation pattern of the user, data on charging / discharging, etc. Here, the puff may refer to the inhalation of the user. The inhalation may refer to the situation in which the user inhales into the oral cavity, nasal cavity, or lungs of the user through the mouth or nose.

[0036] The memory 140 may include at least one of a volatile memory (e.g., DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, etc.), a non-volatile memory (e.g., flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid-state drive (SSD), etc.).

[0037] The sensor module 150 may include at least one sensor.

[0038] For example, the sensor module 150 may include a sensor for detecting the occurrence of a puff (hereinafter, referred to as a puff sensor). Here, the puff sensor may be implemented by a pressure sensor, a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, a magnetic field sensor, or the like.

[0039] For example, the sensor module 150 may include a sensor (hereinafter, referred to as a temperature sensor) for detecting the temperature of a heater included in the aerosol generation module 130, the temperature of an aerosol generating material, etc. Here, the heater included in the aerosol generation module 130 may also function as a temperature sensor. For example, the electrically resistive material of the heater may be a material having a temperature coefficient of resistance. The sensor module 150 may sense the temperature of the heater by measuring the resistance of the heater, which changes depending on the temperature.

[0040] For example, in the case where a cigarette can be inserted into the main body of the aerosol generating device 100, the sensor module 150 can include a sensor that detects the insertion of a cigarette (hereinafter, referred to as a cigarette detection sensor).

[0041] For example, in the case where the aerosol generating device 100 includes a cartridge, the sensor module 150 may include a sensor (hereinafter referred to as a cartridge detection sensor) that detects the attachment / detachment, position, etc. of the cartridge relative to the main body.

[0042] Here, the cigarette detection sensor and / or the cartridge detection sensor may be implemented by an inductance-based sensor, a capacitance-type sensor, a resistance sensor, a hall sensor (hall IC) using the hall effect, or the like.

[0043] For example, the sensor module 150 may include a voltage sensor that detects the voltage applied to a component (e.g., a battery 160) provided in the aerosol generating device 100 and / or a current sensor that detects the current.

[0044] For example, the sensor module 150 may include a sensor (hereinafter, referred to as a battery detection sensor) that outputs a signal corresponding to a change in the external shape of the battery 160. Here, the battery detection sensor may be implemented by a non-contact type proximity sensor such as an infrared ray (IR) sensor or an inductive sensor, and / or a contact type sensor using a capacitance method.

[0045] The battery 160 may supply power used for the operation of the aerosol generating device 100 under the control of the control unit 170. The battery 160 may supply power to other components included in the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the battery 160 may supply power to a communication module included in the communication interface 110, an output device included in the input / output interface 120, a heater included in the aerosol generating module 130, etc.

[0046] The battery 160 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 160 may be, but is not limited to, a lithium ion battery or a lithium polymer battery. For example, if the battery 160 is rechargeable, the battery's charge rate (C-rate) may be, but is not limited to, 10C and the discharge rate (C-rate) may be, but is not limited to, 10C to 20C. For stable use, the battery 160 may be manufactured to ensure 80% or more of its total capacity when it is charged / discharged 2000 times.

[0047] The aerosol generating device 100 may further include a battery protection circuit module (PCM) which is a circuit for protecting the battery 160. The battery protection module (PCM) may be disposed adjacent to an upper surface of the battery 160. For example, in order to prevent overcharging and overdischarging of the battery 160, the battery protection module (PCM) may cut off an electric path to the battery 160 when a short circuit occurs in a circuit connected to the battery 160, when an overvoltage is applied to the battery 160, when an overcurrent flows through the battery 160, etc.

[0048] The aerosol generating device 100 may further include a charging terminal to which power supplied from an external source is input. For example, the charging terminal may be formed on one side of the body of the aerosol generating device 100. The aerosol generating device 100 may charge the battery 160 using the power supplied through the charging terminal. Here, the charging terminal may be a wired terminal for USB communication, a pogo pin, or the like.

[0049] The aerosol generating device 100 can also wirelessly receive power supplied from an external source via the communication interface 110. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 can wirelessly receive power using an antenna included in a communication module for wireless communication. The aerosol generating device 100 can charge the battery 160 using the wirelessly supplied power.

[0050] The control unit 170 may control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 100. The control unit 170 may be connected to each component included in the aerosol generating device 100. The control unit 170 may transmit and / or receive signals between each component to control the overall operation of each component.

[0051] The control unit 170 may include at least one processor. The control unit 170 may use the processor to control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 100. Here, the processor may be a general processor such as a central processing unit (CPU). Of course, the processor may be a dedicated device such as an ASIC or a processor based on other hardware.

[0052] The control unit 170 can perform any one of a plurality of functions of the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the control unit 170 can execute any one of a plurality of functions of the aerosol generating device 100 (e.g., a preheating function, a heating function, a charging function, a cleaning function, etc.) according to the state of each component included in the aerosol generating device 100, a user's command received via the input / output interface 120, etc.

[0053] The control unit 170 can control the operation of each component included in the aerosol generating device 100 based on the data stored in the memory 140. For example, the control unit 170 can control the battery 160 to supply a predetermined amount of power to the aerosol generating module 130 at a predetermined time based on data about a temperature profile, a power profile, a user's inhalation pattern, etc. stored in the memory 140.

[0054] The control unit 170 may determine the occurrence of a puff through a puff sensor included in the sensor module 150. For example, the control unit 170 may check a temperature change, a flow change, a pressure change, a voltage change, etc., in the aerosol generating device 100 based on a sensing value of the puff sensor. The control unit 170 may determine the occurrence of a puff based on the results checked based on the sensing value of the puff sensor.

[0055] The control unit 170 may control the operation of each component included in the aerosol generating device 100 depending on the presence or absence of a puff and / or the number of occurrences of a puff. For example, when the control unit 170 determines that a puff has occurred, the control unit 170 may control the heater to supply power according to the power profile stored in the memory 140. For example, the control unit 170 may control the heater to change or maintain the temperature based on the temperature profile stored in the memory 140.

[0056] The control unit 170 may control the power supply to the heater to be cut off under a predetermined condition, for example, when the cigarette is removed and the cartridge is separated, when the number of puffs reaches a preset maximum number of puffs, when no puffs are detected for a preset time or longer, when the remaining charge of the battery 160 is less than a predetermined value, etc.

[0057] The control unit 170 may calculate the remaining amount of power stored in the battery 160. For example, the control unit 170 may calculate the remaining amount of power in the battery 160 based on a sensing value of a voltage sensor and / or a current sensor included in the sensor module 150.

[0058] The control unit 170 may monitor a change in the external shape of the battery 160 through a battery detection sensor included in the sensor module 150. For example, the control unit 170 may calculate a distance between the induction sensor and the battery 160 according to a signal received from the induction sensor. The control unit 170 may determine a change in the external shape of the battery 160 based on the calculated distance.

[0059] The control unit 170 may control the power supply of the battery 160 to each component included in the aerosol generating device 100 according to the result of monitoring the change in the external shape of the battery 160. For example, the control unit 170 may interrupt the power supply of the battery 160 when the change in the external shape of the battery 160 exceeds a predetermined standard.

[0060] 2A to 4 are diagrams referred to in explaining the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0061] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device 100 can include a body and / or a cartridge.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 2A, an aerosol generating device 100 according to one embodiment may include a body 310 configured to allow a cigarette 201 to be inserted into an interior space defined by a housing 215.

[0063] The cigarette 201 may be similar to a typical combustion cigarette. For example, the cigarette 201 may be divided into a first portion including an aerosol-generating material and a second portion including a filter or the like. Alternatively, the second portion of the cigarette 201 may also include an aerosol-generating material. For example, a flavoring material formed in the form of granules or capsules may be inserted into the second portion.

[0064] The entire first part may be inserted into the aerosol generating device 100. The second part may be exposed to the outside of the aerosol generating device 100. Alternatively, only a part of the first part may be inserted into the aerosol generating device 100. Alternatively, both the first part and a part of the second part may be inserted into the aerosol generating device 100. A user may inhale the aerosol while holding the second part in their mouth. Here, the aerosol may be generated by external air passing through the first part. The generated aerosol may be delivered to the user's mouth by passing through the second part.

[0065] The body 310 may be formed to have a structure that allows external air to flow into the body 310 when the cigarette 201 is inserted. Here, the external air that flows into the body 310 may pass through the cigarette 201 and flow to the user's mouth.

[0066] When the cigarette 201 is inserted, the control unit 170 can control the supply of power to the heater based on the power profile stored in the memory 140.

[0067] The control unit 170 may control the supply of power to the heater in at least one of a pulse width modulation (PWM) method and a proportional-integral-differential (PID) method.

[0068] For example, the control unit 170 may control the heater to be supplied with a current pulse having a predetermined frequency and duty ratio in a PWM manner. Here, the control unit 170 may control the power supplied to the heater by adjusting the frequency and duty ratio of the current pulse.

[0069] For example, the control unit 170 can determine a target temperature to be a control target based on the temperature profile. Here, the control unit 170 can control the power supplied to the heater using a PID method, which is a feedback control method using a difference between the heater temperature and the target temperature, a value obtained by integrating the difference over time, and a value obtained by differentiating the difference over time.

[0070] Meanwhile, although the PWM method and the PID method have been described as examples of control methods for supplying power to the heater, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and various control methods such as a Proportional-Integral (PI) method and a Proportional-Differential (PD) method can be used.

[0071] The heater may be located at a position within the body 310 that corresponds to the position of the cigarette 201 when the cigarette 201 is inserted into the body 310. In this drawing, the heater is shown as an electrically conductive heater 220 that includes needle-like electrically conductive tracks, although the disclosure is not limited in this respect.

[0072] The heater can heat the inside and / or outside of the cigarette 201 using power supplied from the battery 160, and an aerosol can be generated from the heated cigarette 201. Here, a user can inhale the aerosol containing the tobacco material by inhaling through one end of the cigarette 201 with their mouth.

[0073] Meanwhile, the control unit 170 may control the heater to supply power under preset conditions even when the cigarette 201 is not inserted. For example, when a cleaning function for cleaning the space into which the cigarette 201 is inserted is selected according to a command input by the user via the input / output interface 120, the control unit 170 may control the heater to supply a predetermined power.

[0074] The control unit 170 can monitor the number of puffs generated based on the sensing value of the puff sensor from the time the cigarette 201 is inserted.

[0075] The control unit 170 may initialize the current puff occurrence count stored in the memory 140 when the inserted cigarette 201 is removed.

[0076] 2B, a cigarette 201 according to one embodiment can include a tobacco rod 202 and a filter rod 203. The first portion described above with reference to FIG 2A can include the tobacco rod 202. The second portion described above with reference to FIG 2A can include the filter rod 203.

[0077] Although the filter rod 203 is shown as a single segment in FIG. 2B, this is not limiting. In other words, the filter rod 203 can be composed of multiple segments. For example, the filter rod 203 can include a first segment that cools the aerosol and a second segment that filters a certain component contained in the aerosol. Also, if necessary, the filter rod 203 can further include at least one segment that performs another function.

[0078] The cigarette 201 may be wrapped by at least one wrapper 205. The wrapper 205 may have at least one hole through which external air can flow in or internal gas can flow out. As an example, the cigarette 201 may be wrapped by one wrapper 205. As another example, the cigarette 201 may be wrapped by two or more wrappers 205 stacked together. For example, the tobacco rod 202 may be wrapped by a first wrapper, and the filter rod 203 may be wrapped by a second wrapper. Then, the tobacco rod 202 and the filter rod 203 wrapped by individual wrappers may be combined, and the entire cigarette 201 may be further wrapped by a third wrapper. When each of the tobacco rod 202 or the filter rod 203 is composed of a plurality of segments, each segment may be wrapped by an individual wrapper. The entire cigarette 201, in which the segments wrapped by the individual wrappers are combined, may be further wrapped by another wrapper.

[0079] The tobacco rod 202 may include an aerosol-generating substance. For example, the aerosol-generating substance may include, but is not limited to, at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol. The tobacco rod 202 may also include other additives, such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids. A flavoring liquid, such as menthol or a humectant, may be added to the tobacco rod 202 by being sprayed onto the tobacco rod 202.

[0080] The tobacco rod 202 can be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod 202 can be manufactured from a sheet. For example, the tobacco rod 202 can be manufactured from a strand. For example, the tobacco rod 202 can be manufactured from a small piece of a tobacco sheet cut into small pieces. For example, the tobacco rod 202 can be surrounded by a thermally conductive material. For example, the thermally conductive material can be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited thereto. For example, the thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 202 can uniformly distribute the heat transferred to the tobacco rod 202, improving the thermal conductivity to the tobacco rod, thereby improving the tobacco taste. In addition, the thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 202 can function as a susceptor heated by an induction heater. Although not shown in the drawings, the tobacco rod 202 can further include an additional susceptor in addition to the thermally conductive material surrounding the outside.

[0081] The filter rod 203 may be a cellulose acetate filter. Meanwhile, the shape of the filter rod 203 is not limited. For example, the filter rod 203 may be a cylindrical type rod. For example, the filter rod 203 may be a tube type rod having a hollow inside. For example, the filter rod 203 may be a recess type rod. When the filter rod 203 is composed of a plurality of segments, at least one of the plurality of segments may be manufactured in another shape.

[0082] The filter rod 203 may be manufactured to emit a flavor. For example, a flavoring liquid may be sprayed onto the filter rod 203. For example, a separate fiber coated with a flavoring liquid may be inserted into the filter rod 203.

[0083] The filter rod 203 may also include at least one capsule 204. Here, the capsule 204 may function to generate flavor. The capsule 204 may also function to generate aerosol. For example, the capsule 204 may have a structure in which a liquid containing a flavoring agent is enveloped in a coating. The capsule 204 may have, but is not limited to, a spherical or cylindrical shape.

[0084] If the filter rod 203 includes a segment for cooling the aerosol, the cooling segment may be made of a polymeric material or a biodegradable polymeric material. For example, the cooling segment may be made of pure polylactic acid, but is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the cooling segment may be made of a cellulose acetate filter having a plurality of holes formed therein. However, the cooling segment is not limited to the above examples, and may be made of any material without limitation as long as it can perform the function of cooling the aerosol.

[0085] Meanwhile, although not shown in Fig. 2B, the cigarette 201 according to an embodiment may further include a front end filter. The front end filter is located on one side of the tobacco rod 202 facing the filter rod 203. The front end filter can prevent the tobacco rod 202 from falling out to the outside. The front end filter can prevent aerosol liquefied from the tobacco rod 202 during inhalation by a user during smoking from flowing into the aerosol generating device 100.

[0086] Referring to FIG. 3, an aerosol generating device 100 according to one embodiment can include a body 310 supporting a cartridge 320, the cartridge 320 holding an aerosol generating material.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the cartridge 320 may be configured to be attachable / detachable to the main body 310. According to another embodiment, the cartridge 320 may be configured integrally with the main body 310. For example, the cartridge 320 may be attached to the main body 310 by inserting at least a portion of the cartridge 320 into an internal space formed by the housing 215 of the main body 310.

[0088] The body 310 may be formed to have a structure that allows external air to flow into the body 310 when the cartridge 320 is inserted. Here, the external air that has flowed into the body 310 may pass through the cartridge 320 and flow to the user's mouth.

[0089] The control unit 170 may determine whether the cartridge 320 is attached / detached through a cartridge detection sensor included in the sensor module 150. For example, the cartridge detection sensor may transmit a pulse current through one terminal connected to the cartridge 320. Here, the cartridge detection sensor may detect whether the cartridge 320 is connected based on whether a pulse current is received through another terminal.

[0090] The cartridge 320 may include a storage section 321 that holds an aerosol generating substance and / or a heater 323 that heats the aerosol generating substance in the storage section 321. For example, a liquid transmission means impregnated (containing) the aerosol generating substance may be disposed inside the storage section 321, and an electrically conductive track of the heater 323 may be formed to have a structure that wraps around the liquid transmission means. Here, an aerosol may be generated as the liquid transmission means is heated by the heater 323. Here, the liquid transmission means may include a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, porous ceramic, etc.

[0091] The cartridge 320 may include a mouthpiece 325. Here, the mouthpiece 325 may be a part that is inserted into the oral cavity of a user. The mouthpiece 325 may have an exhaust hole through which the aerosol is exhausted to the outside when a puff is generated.

[0092] 4, an embodiment of the aerosol generating device 100 may include a body 410 supporting a cartridge 420, the cartridge 420 containing an aerosol generating material. The body 410 may be configured to allow a cigarette 401 to be inserted into an interior space 415.

[0093] The aerosol generating device 100 may include a first heater that heats an aerosol generating material stored in the cartridge 420. For example, when a user inhales into the mouth through one end of the cigarette 401, the aerosol generated by the first heater may pass through the cigarette 401. Here, a flavor may be provided to the aerosol as it passes through the cigarette 401. The flavored aerosol may be inhaled into the mouth of the user through one end of the cigarette 401.

[0094] Meanwhile, according to another embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 may include a first heater for heating the aerosol generating material stored in the cartridge 420 and a second heater for heating the cigarette 401 inserted in the body 410. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may generate an aerosol by heating the aerosol generating material stored in the cartridge 420 and the cigarette 401 via the first heater and the second heater, respectively.

[0095] FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing an operation method of the aerosol generation apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 6 to 8B are diagrams explaining the operation of the aerosol generation apparatus.

[0096] 5, in operation S510, the aerosol generating device 100 may check a signal output from a battery detection sensor included in the sensor module 150. For example, the battery detection sensor may be disposed to detect a change in the shape of one side of the battery 160.

[0097] Referring to FIG. 6 , the battery 160 , a printed circuit board 640 on which the control unit 170 is mounted, and a heater 630 may be disposed inside the main body 600 of the aerosol generating device 100 .

[0098] Each component provided in the aerosol generating device 100 may be mounted on one side and / or the other side of the printed circuit board 640. The components mounted on one side and / or the other side of the printed circuit board 640 can transmit and receive signals to each other via the wiring layer of the printed circuit board 640.

[0099] For example, a communication module included in the communication interface 110, a display included in the input / output interface 120, the memory 140, the control unit 170, etc. may be mounted on one side of the printed circuit board 640.

[0100] For example, a battery detection sensor may be disposed on the other surface of the printed circuit board 640. Here, the other surface of the printed circuit board 640 may be disposed to face the battery 160.

[0101] The heater 630 may be disposed adjacent to a cigarette insertion space 620 formed at an upper end of the body 600 so that the cigarette 610 can be inserted therein. The heater 630 may heat the cigarette 610 disposed in the cigarette insertion space 620 using power from the battery 160 transmitted via a printed circuit board 640.

[0102] The cigarette insertion space 620 may refer to a space formed by recessing a predetermined depth toward the inside of the aerosol generating device 100 so that at least a portion of the cigarette 610 can be inserted.

[0103] Here, the depth of the cigarette insertion space 620 may correspond to the length of a region in which the aerosol-generating material is contained in the cigarette 610. For example, in the case where the aerosol generating device 100 is a device capable of using the cigarette 201 of FIG. 2B , the depth of the cigarette insertion space 620 may be the same as the length of the tobacco rod 202 of the cigarette 201.

[0104] The internal structure of the aerosol generating device 100 is not limited to that shown in Fig. 6. The arrangement of the battery 160, the control unit 170, the heater 630, etc. may be changed depending on the embodiment or design.

[0105] 7A and 7B, a battery detection sensor 700 disposed on the other side of the printed circuit board 640 may include a coil portion 710 and / or a core portion 720.

[0106] The coil portion 710 may include a coil wound with at least one turn, where the coil may be wound in at least one layer, for example, the coil may be arranged with multiple turns in each of multiple layers.

[0107] In this figure, the shape of the coil included in the coil unit 710 is shown as a circle, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The coil included in the coil unit 710 may also be formed in a polygonal shape such as a triangle or a rectangle.

[0108] The core portion 720 can be formed to surround the outer periphery of the coil portion 710 .

[0109] The core portion 720 may include an outer support portion 721 formed to surround the outer periphery of the coil included in the coil portion 710 and / or an inner support portion 723 formed to be surrounded by the inner periphery of the coil.

[0110] The distance between the outer support portion 721 and the inner support portion 723 may correspond to the size of the coils included in the coil portion 710. The height h1 in the y-axis direction of the outer support portion 721 and / or the inner support portion 723 may be equal to or greater than the height of the stacked coils included in the coil portion 710.

[0111] The core portion 720 may be made of ferrite made of one or a combination of two or more elements selected from the group consisting of cobalt (Co), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), boron (B), silicon (Si), etc. For example, the core portion 720 may be made of a soft magnetic material that is easily demagnetized and has a small hysteresis loss.

[0112] Meanwhile, a shielding member 730 may be disposed on the other surface of the printed circuit board 640 so as to surround the battery detection sensor 700. In this figure, the cross section of the space surrounded by the shielding member 730 is shown as a rectangle, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The cross section of the space surrounded by the shielding member 730 may also be formed in various shapes such as a circle, a triangle, etc.

[0113] The shielding member 730 may be made of a ferromagnetic material consisting of one or a combination of two or more elements selected from the group consisting of cobalt (Co), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), boron (B), silicon (Si), etc.

[0114] Here, a magnetic field induced by a current flowing through a coil included in the battery detection sensor 700 cannot affect the outside of the space surrounded by the shielding member 730. In addition, an external magnetic field cannot affect the space surrounded by the shielding member 730.

[0115] The height h2 of the shielding member 730 in the y-axis direction may correspond to the distance H between the other surface of the printed circuit board 640 and the battery 160. For example, the height h2 of the shielding member 730 in the y-axis direction may be equal to or greater than the height h1 of the outer support portion 721 and / or the inner support portion 723 in the y-axis direction and may be equal to or less than the distance H between the other surface of the printed circuit board 640 and the battery 160.

[0116] Meanwhile, a sensing object 740 may be disposed on one side of the battery 160 facing the other side of the printed circuit board 640. For example, the sensing object 740 may be disposed on one side of the battery 160 at a position corresponding to the position where the battery sensing sensor 700 is disposed on the other side of the printed circuit board 640 so as to face the battery sensing sensor 700.

[0117] The sensing object 740 may be an object that includes at least a metal component having excellent bending resistance and a predetermined thickness.

[0118] When a current flows through the coil of the coil unit 710, a magnetic field may be formed around the coil. Eddy currents may flow through the sensing target object 740 that includes a metal component.

[0119] Here, when the position of the object to be sensed 740 located within the magnetic field changes, the impedance of the coil of the coil unit 710 may change. For example, when the battery 160 swells due to gas generated inside the battery 160 and the object to be sensed 740 approaches the battery detection sensor 700, the impedance of the coil of the coil unit 710 may change.

[0120] The battery detection sensor 700 may output an electrical signal corresponding to the impedance of the coil of the coil unit 710 to an external component (e.g., the control unit 170). The battery detection sensor 700 may also output an electrical signal corresponding to a change in the impedance of the coil of the coil unit 710 to an external component (e.g., the control unit 170).

[0121] Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B, a battery detection sensor 800 disposed on another surface of a printed circuit board 640 may include a light emitting unit 810 and a light receiving unit 820.

[0122] The light emitting unit 810 can generate and irradiate light. For example, the light emitting unit 810 can irradiate infrared light with a wavelength of 780 nm to 1 mm.

[0123] The light emitting unit 810 may include at least one light source that generates light. For example, the light emitting unit 810 may include a light emitting diode (LED), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), a laser diode (LD), etc. as a light source. Here, the light sources included in the light emitting unit 810 may be arranged in a certain pattern.

[0124] The light emitting unit 810 may emit light in a predetermined direction. For example, the light emitting unit 810 may include a first light collecting unit (not shown) that collects light generated from a light source toward an object. Here, the first light collecting unit may be an imaging lens, a diffractive optical element (DOE), or the like.

[0125] The light receiving unit 820 may include a photodiode that is sensitive to light, and may output an electrical signal corresponding to the light incident on the photodiode.

[0126] The light receiving unit 820 may include a second light collecting unit (not shown) that collects light reflected from an object (hereinafter, referred to as reflected light). For example, the reflected light collected by the second light collecting unit may be transmitted to a photodiode included in the light receiving unit 820. Here, the second light collecting unit may include a lens that receives the reflected light incident from a predetermined direction.

[0127] The light receiving unit 820 may further include an optical filter (not shown) that selectively transmits light in a specific wavelength range. For example, when the light emitting unit 810 irradiates infrared light with a wavelength of 780 nm to 1 mm, the optical filter may be an infrared pass filter that selectively passes infrared light.

[0128] Meanwhile, a partition member 830 may be disposed on the other side of the printed circuit board 640 to surround the battery detection sensor 800. In this figure, the cross section of the space surrounded by the partition member 830 is shown as a rectangle, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The cross section of the space surrounded by the partition member 830 may be formed in various shapes such as a circle, a triangle, etc.

[0129] The height of the partition member 830 in the y-axis direction may correspond to the distance H between the other surface of the printed circuit board 640 and the battery 160. For example, the height of the shielding member 730 in the y-axis direction may be the same as the distance H between the other surface of the printed circuit board 640 and the battery 160. This makes it possible to prevent the space surrounded by the partition member 830 and in which the battery detection sensor 800 is disposed from being exposed to external light.

[0130] The partition member 830 may include an inner wall portion 831 and / or an outer wall portion 833. For example, the inner circumferential surface of the inner wall portion 831 may be formed to surround the battery detection sensor 800. The outer wall portion 833 may be formed to surround the outer circumferential surface of the inner wall portion 831.

[0131] The inner wall portion 831 may be made of a material having a high light absorptance and a low light reflectance with respect to the light irradiated from the light emitting portion 810 and / or the reflected light. The outer wall portion 833 may be made of a material having a high light reflectance and a low light absorptance and light transmittance compared to the inner wall portion 831.

[0132] Meanwhile, a reflective object 840 may be disposed on one side of the battery 160 facing the other side of the printed circuit board 640. For example, the reflective object 840 may be disposed on one side of the battery 160 at a position corresponding to the position where the battery detection sensor 800 is disposed on the other side of the printed circuit board 640 so as to face the battery detection sensor 800.

[0133] The surface of the reflection object 840 may be made of a material (eg, a metal such as silver (Ag)) that has high reflectance, low absorptance and transmittance, and little diffuse reflection with respect to the light irradiated from the light emitting unit 810 .

[0134] The reflective object 840 may be formed to have a high bending resistance and a predetermined thickness.

[0135] Meanwhile, when the shape of one side of the battery 160 is constant, light emitted in a predetermined direction from the light emitting unit 810 may be reflected from the reflection object 840. A certain amount of light reflected from the reflection object 840 may be transmitted to the light receiving unit 820. Here, the light receiving unit 820 may output an electrical signal corresponding to the amount of light incident on the photodiode.

[0136] Here, if the battery 160 swells due to gas generated inside the battery 160 and a change occurs on the surface of the reflection object 840 where light is reflected, the amount of light incident on the photodiode may change. In addition, if a change occurs on the surface of the reflection object 840, the time difference between when light is irradiated from the light emitting unit 810 and when the reflected light is incident on the light receiving unit 820 may change.

[0137] The battery detection sensor 800 can output an electrical signal corresponding to the amount of light and / or the time difference of light incident on the light receiving unit 820 to an external component (e.g., the control unit 170). The battery detection sensor 800 can detect a change in the amount of light and / or the time difference of light incident on the light receiving unit 820. The battery detection sensor 800 can also output an electrical signal corresponding to the detection result to an external component (e.g., the control unit 170).

[0138] 5, the aerosol generating device 100 may determine whether the distance between the battery detection sensor and the battery 160 is less than a predetermined reference distance, based on a signal output from the battery detection sensor included in the sensor module 150, in operation S520. Here, the reference distance may mean a minimum distance between the battery detection sensor and the battery 160. The minimum distance may be a distance at which it is determined that no change in the external shape of the battery 160 occurs.

[0139] For example, when the signal output from the battery detection sensor is a preset reference signal, the aerosol generating device 100 may determine that the distance between the battery detection sensor and the battery 160 is the reference distance. For example, when the signal output from the battery detection sensor is different from the reference signal, the aerosol generating device 100 may determine that the distance between the battery detection sensor and the battery 160 is less than the reference distance.

[0140] The aerosol generating device 100 may determine that swelling has occurred when the distance between the battery detection sensor and the battery 160 is less than a predetermined reference distance in operation S530. The aerosol generating device 100 may interrupt the power supply from the battery 160 to each component included in the aerosol generating device 100.

[0141] Here, the aerosol generating device 100 may output a warning message corresponding to the occurrence of swelling via an output device (e.g., a buzzer) and then interrupt the power supply from the battery 160.

[0142] As described above, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the change in the external shape of the battery 160 can be monitored in real time through various sensors, and the occurrence of swelling due to deterioration of the battery 160 can be immediately detected.

[0143] 1 to 8B, an aerosol generating device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a heater for heating an aerosol generating material, a battery 160 for supplying power to the heater, a sensor arranged adjacent to the battery 160 for outputting a signal, and a control unit 170, and the control unit 170 can determine the distance between the sensor and the battery 160 based on a change in the signal received from the sensor, and can control the supply of power from the battery 160 to the heater to be interrupted if the distance between the sensor and the battery 160 is less than a predetermined reference distance.

[0144] According to another aspect of the present invention, when the control unit 170 receives a preset reference signal from the sensor, it can determine that the distance between the sensor and the battery 160 is the reference distance, and when the control unit 170 receives a signal from the sensor that is different from the reference signal, it can determine that the distance between the sensor and the battery 160 is less than the reference distance.

[0145] According to another aspect of the present invention, the sensor may be mounted on one side of a printed circuit board 640 that faces one side of the battery 160 and is spaced a predetermined distance from the one side of the battery 160 .

[0146] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the sensor includes a coil portion 710 including a coil wound in at least one layer, and a core portion 720 formed to surround an outer periphery of the coil portion 710, and the core portion 720 may be made of a soft magnetic material.

[0147] According to another aspect of the present invention, the sensor includes a coil wound in at least one layer, and the control unit 170 can determine whether the distance between the sensor and the battery 160 is less than the reference distance based on a signal received from the sensor corresponding to the impedance of the coil.

[0148] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the present invention may further include a shielding member 730 formed on one side of the printed circuit board 640 on which the sensor is mounted so as to surround the sensor, and the shielding member 730 may be made of a ferromagnetic material.

[0149] According to another aspect of the present invention, the sensor includes a light-emitting unit 810 including at least one light source that generates and irradiates light, and a light-receiving unit 820 including at least one photodiode that responds to the incident light, and the control unit 170 can determine whether the distance between the sensor and the battery 160 is less than the reference distance based on a signal corresponding to the amount of light incident on the light-receiving unit 820 received from the sensor.

[0150] According to another aspect of the present invention, the sensor may further include a filter that selectively transmits light in a specific wavelength range, and the specific wavelength range may correspond to the wavelength range of light irradiated from the light-emitting unit 810.

[0151] According to another aspect of the present invention, the battery may further include a partition member 830 formed on one side of the printed circuit board 640 on which the sensor is mounted so as to surround the sensor, and a height of the partition member 830 from one side of the printed circuit board 640 toward one side of the battery 160 may be the same as the distance between one side of the printed circuit board 640 and one side of the battery 160.

[0152] According to another aspect of the present invention, the sensor includes an inner wall portion 831 having an inner circumferential surface formed to surround the sensor, and an outer wall portion 833 having an inner circumferential surface formed to surround an outer circumferential surface of the inner wall portion 831, and the inner wall portion 831 may have a higher light absorptance and a lower light reflectance than the outer wall portion 833.

[0153] According to another aspect of the present invention, the battery 160 may further include an object disposed at a side thereof facing the sensor, and a surface of the object may be made of metal.

[0154] According to another aspect of the present invention, the present invention may further include an output device for outputting a message, and the control unit 170 may output a warning message via the output device if the distance between the sensor and the battery 160 is less than the reference distance, and may control the power supply from the battery 160 to be interrupted after the warning message is output.

[0155] The specific embodiments of the present disclosure described above or other embodiments are not mutually exclusive or distinct, and the configurations or functions of specific elements or all elements of the embodiments of the present disclosure described above can be combined with other elements or combined with each other.

[0156] For example, configuration A described in one embodiment of this disclosure and the drawings and configuration B described in another embodiment of this disclosure and the drawings can be combined with each other. That is, even if a combination between configurations is not directly described, the combination is possible unless it is described that the combination is not possible.

[0157] Although the embodiments have been described above according to a number of exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that many other variations and embodiments are possible for those skilled in the art that fall within the scope of the principles of the present disclosure. More specifically, various modifications and variations are possible in the components and / or arrangements of the subject combinations within the scope of the present disclosure, the drawings, and the appended claims. In addition to the modifications and variations of the components and / or arrangements, other applications will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A heater for heating the aerosol generating material; a battery for powering the heater; a sensor disposed adjacent to the battery; a partition member formed on one surface of the printed circuit board on which the sensor is mounted and surrounding the sensor; A control unit, The sensor comprises: A light emitting unit including at least one light source that generates and irradiates light; a light receiving portion including at least one photodiode responsive to incident light; The control unit is determining a distance between the sensor and the battery based on a signal received from the sensor and corresponding to an amount of light incident on the light receiving unit; When the distance between the sensor and the battery is less than a predetermined reference distance, the supply of power from the battery to the heater is interrupted. an inner wall portion of the partition member formed toward the sensor has a higher light absorptance and a lower light reflectance than an outer wall portion of the partition member; An aerosol generating device, wherein the height of the partition member from one surface of the printed circuit board toward the battery is the same as the distance between the one surface of the printed circuit board and the battery.

2. The control unit is If a preset reference signal is received from the sensor, the distance between the sensor and the battery is determined to be the reference distance; The aerosol generating device of claim 1 , wherein when a signal different from the reference signal is received from the sensor, it is determined that the distance between the sensor and the battery is less than the reference distance.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the sensor is mounted on one side of a printed circuit board to face one side of the battery and is spaced a predetermined distance from the one side of the battery.

4. The light receiving unit further includes an optical filter that selectively transmits light in a specific wavelength range, The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the specific wavelength range corresponds to a wavelength range of light irradiated from the light emitting unit.

5. The battery may further include an object disposed at a position facing the sensor, The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the surface of the object is made of metal.

6. further comprising an output device for outputting a message; The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to output a warning message via the output device and then interrupt the power supply to the heater when the distance between the sensor and the battery is less than the reference distance.

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