Aerosol generating apparatus and method

Abstract

An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a main body including a quasi-external part having a 1-1 contact electrode and a 1-2 contact electrode isolated from each other formed on one surface, a cover that is detachably connected to the main body and includes a 2-1 contact electrode corresponding to the 1-1 contact electrode, and a 2-2 contact electrode corresponding to the 1-2 contact electrode, and a control unit that determines that the cover is attached to the main body when the 1-1 contact electrode and the 1-2 contact electrode are electrically connected.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device and a method thereof, and more particularly, to an aerosol generating device and a method thereof capable of physically determining whether a cover is detached or not.

Background Art

[0002] Recently, the demand for smoking methods that replace ordinary cigarettes has been increasing. For example, there is an increasing demand for a method of generating an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating substance in a cigarette, rather than a method of generating an aerosol by burning a cigarette. Accordingly, research on heated cigarettes or heated aerosol generating devices has been actively conducted.

[0003] An aerosol generating device may include a main body portion and a cover. The main body portion includes a heater for heating a cigarette. When the heater operates with the cover removed, the user may be at risk of getting burned.

[0004] However, when determining whether the cover is detached or not using an inductive sensor, a recognition error may occur due to heating noise.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The present invention provides an aerosol generating device and an operating method therefor that can physically determine whether a cover is detached or not.

[0006] The present invention provides an aerosol generating device and an operating method therefor that improve the connection accuracy between an electrode disposed in a quasi-exterior portion and an electrode disposed on a cover.

[0007] The problems that the embodiments seek to solve are not limited to those described above, and any problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the embodiments pertain from this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a main body including a semi-external part on which a first-first contact electrode and a first-second contact electrode, which are isolated from each other, are formed on one surface; a cover detachably coupled to the main body and including a second-first contact electrode corresponding to the first-first contact electrode and a second-second contact electrode corresponding to the first-second contact electrode; and a control unit that determines that the cover is attached to the main body when the first-first contact electrode and the first-second contact electrode are electrically connected.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for operating an aerosol generating apparatus including a main body having a quasi-external part on one surface having a 1-1 contact electrode connected to a grounding terminal and a 1-2 contact electrode connected to a general-purpose input / output terminal, and a cover detachably coupled to the main body and including a 2-1 contact electrode corresponding to the 1-1 contact electrode and a 2-2 contact electrode corresponding to the 1-2 contact electrode, includes the steps of transmitting a high-level output signal to the general-purpose input / output terminal, receiving an input signal via the general-purpose input / output terminal, and determining whether the cover and the main body are coupled based on a change in the input signal. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] The aerosol generating apparatus and method according to various embodiments of this disclosure connect an electrode located on the semi-external part with an electrode located on the cover, and can determine whether the cover is attached or detached by a physical method that senses a change in the signal level of one electrode.

[0011] Furthermore, the aerosol generating apparatus and method according to various embodiments of this disclosure can improve the accuracy of the connection between the electrode placed on the semi-external part and the electrode placed on the cover by adding a magnetic material inside the electrode.

[0012] The effects of the embodiments are not limited to those described above, and any effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art in which the embodiments pertain from this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment in which an aerosol product is inserted. [Figure 2] This is an exploded side view schematically showing the appearance of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the aerosol generator with its cover separated from the main body. [Figure 4A] This is a plan view of the upper plate of the semi-exterior section. [Figure 4B] This is a bottom view of the upper plate of the semi-exterior section. [Figure 5A] This is a bottom view of the cover. [Figure 5B] This is a plan view of the cover with the top plate removed. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment, illustrating the coupling state between contact electrodes when the cover is attached to the main body. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generator according to another embodiment, illustrating the coupling state between contact electrodes when the cover is attached to the main body. [Figure 8] This is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart explaining how to determine whether the cover and main body of an aerosol generator are detachable. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] The terms used in the embodiments are, as far as possible, general terms that are currently widely used while taking into account the functions in the present invention. However, this may also vary depending on the intentions or precedents of those skilled in the art, the emergence of new technologies, etc. In addition, in certain cases, there are terms arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in such cases, the meaning thereof will be described in detail in the description part of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention must be defined based not only on the name of the terms but also on the meaning they have and the overall content of the present invention.

[0015] Throughout the specification, when a certain part "includes" a certain component, it means that, unless there is a special contrary description, it does not exclude other components and may further include other components. Also, terms such as "… part" and "… module" described in the specification mean a unit that processes at least one function or operation, and this may be implemented by hardware or software, or also by a combination of hardware and software.

[0016] Hereinafter, based on the accompanying drawings, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail so that those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can easily implement them. However, the present invention can be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described here.

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment in which an aerosol generating article is inserted.

[0019] Referring to FIG. 1, an aerosol generating device 100 according to an embodiment includes a cover 1000 and a main body 1100.

[0020] The cover 1000 is joined to one end of the main body 1100, so that the main body 1100 and the cover 1000 together form the appearance of the aerosol generating device 100. An external hole 1000h is formed on the upper surface of the cover 1000 joined to the main body 1100, into which the aerosol product 200 is inserted.

[0021] The main body 1100 forms part of the exterior of the aerosol generator 100 and can perform the function of housing and protecting the components of the aerosol generator 100. For example, the main body 1100 may, but is not limited to, house a battery (not shown), a processor (not shown), and / or a heater (not shown). The main body 1100 also houses the aerosol product 200 inserted through the external opening 1000h.

[0022] The main body 1100 and cover 1000 can be made from plastic materials that do not conduct heat well, or from metal materials coated with a heat-insulating substance on their surface. The main body 1100 and cover 1000 can be made, for example, by injection molding, 3D printing, or by assembling small parts made by injection molding.

[0023] A retaining device (not shown) may be provided between the main body 1100 and the cover 1000 to maintain the connected state of the main body 1100 and the cover 1000. The retaining device may include, for example, a projection and a groove. The connected state of the cover 1000 and the main body 1100 is maintained by holding the projection in a state where it is inserted into the groove, and a structure may be used in which the projection moves and separates from the groove when an operation button is pressed to receive input from the user.

[0024] An external hole 1000h is formed on the upper surface of the cover 1000, which is coupled to the main body 1100, into which the aerosol product 200 is inserted. A rail 1000r is also formed on the upper surface of the cover 1000 at a position adjacent to the external hole 1000h. A door 1000d is provided on the rail 1000r, which is slidable along the upper surface of the cover 1000. The door 1000d slides linearly along the rail 1000r. An upper plate 1000t with an opening formed along the movement path of the door 1000d may be arranged on the upper surface of the cover 1000.

[0025] The door 1000d moves along the rail 1000r, which serves to expose an external opening 1000h to the outside, allowing the aerosol product 200 to pass through the cover 1000 and be inserted into the main body 1100.

[0026] If the external opening 1000h is exposed to the outside by the door 1000d, the user can insert the aerosol product 200 into the external opening 1000h and the insertion hole (1100h in Figure 3) and install the aerosol product 200 into the containment passage (1100p in Figure 3) formed inside the cover 1000.

[0027] The rail 1000r has a concave groove shape, but the embodiment is not limited by the shape of the rail 1000r. For example, the rail 1000r may have a convex shape and may extend in a curved shape rather than a straight line.

[0028] The main unit 1100 is provided with an operation button 1100bu. By operating the operation button 1100bu, the operation of the aerosol generator 100 can be controlled.

[0029] Figure 2 is an exploded side view schematically showing the external appearance of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0030] Referring to Figure 2, an aerosol generating device 100 according to one embodiment includes a cover 1000, a main body 1100, a button 1200, and a cartridge 2000.

[0031] The main body 1100 may consist of a semi-external part 1100a into which the aerosol product 200 is inserted and the cartridge 2000 is attached, and a lower case 1100b that supports and protects various internal components. Hereinafter, the term "main body 1100" includes both the semi-external part 1100a and the lower case 1100b.

[0032] The cover 1000 can be released from the main body 1100 and separated from it. For example, the cover 1000 can be separated from the main body 1100 in the +z direction. If the cover 1000 is separated from the main body 1100, the external parts 1100a, buttons 1200, and cartridge 2000 of the main body 1100 may be exposed to the outside.

[0033] The button 1200 is positioned such that at least a portion of it is exposed to the outside of the semi-external part 1100a, and performs the role of releasing the fastening relationship between the main body 1100 and the cartridge 2000 upon user input. For example, if user input is applied to the button 1200, the cartridge 2000 can be attached to and detached from the semi-external part 1100a.

[0034] Cartridge 2000 stores an aerosol-generating substance and can be detachably attached to one end of the semi-external portion 1100a.

[0035] Aerosol-generating substances exist in one of a variety of states, including liquid, solid, gaseous, and gel states. Aerosol-generating substances include liquid compositions. For example, a liquid composition may be a liquid containing tobacco-containing substances, including volatile tobacco flavor components, or a liquid containing non-tobacco substances.

[0036] Cartridge 2000 operates by electrical or wireless signals transmitted from the main unit 1100, performing the function of converting the phase of the aerosol-generating material inside the cartridge 2000 to a gas phase and generating an aerosol. An aerosol refers to a gaseous state in which vaporized particles generated from the aerosol-generating material and air are mixed.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the cartridge 2000 can be used as a component of an aerosol generator in combination with a main body 1100 which includes a processor (not shown) and / or a battery (not shown). For example, a heating element (not shown) contained in the cartridge 2000 may be electrically connected to the main body 1100 and powered by the battery, with the power supply controlled by the processor.

[0038] In other words, in an aerosol generating device 100 including a cartridge 2000, power is supplied to and controlled for a heating element, thereby enabling the generation of an aerosol from a liquid or gel-like aerosol generating material stored in the cartridge 2000.

[0039] In other examples, the cartridge 2000 may be coupled to a body 1100 which further includes a containment space (not shown) in which an aerosol product is contained and a heater (not shown) for heating the aerosol product contained in the containment space.

[0040] In other words, an aerosol generator including cartridge 2000 can not only generate aerosols by heating the aerosol-generating material stored in cartridge 2000, but can also generate aerosols by heating the inserted aerosol product (200 in Figure 1). This allows for the realization of a hybrid aerosol generator.

[0041] Figure 2 depicts a configuration in which the cartridge 2000 approaches the main body 1100 from the side of the quasi-external part 1100a and is coupled to the main body 1100. However, the coupling method between the cartridge 2000 and the main body 1100 is not limited to this. For example, the cartridge 2000 may be coupled to the main body 1100 by approaching it in the -z direction from a position separated from the main body 1100 in the +z direction, similar to the cover 1000.

[0042] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the aerosol generator cover, as shown in Figure 2, separated from the main body. Figure 4A is a plan view of the upper plate of the semi-external part, and Figure 4B is a bottom view of the upper plate of the semi-external part.

[0043] Referring to Figure 3, the aerosol generator 100 according to one embodiment includes a main body 1100 and a cartridge 2000. At least one of the components of the aerosol generator 100 according to one embodiment is identical or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generator 100 shown in Figure 2, and redundant explanations will be omitted below.

[0044] The quasi-external portion 1100a includes a first-first contact electrode CTE11 and a first-second contact electrode CTE12 on one surface. The first-first contact electrode CTE11 and the first-second contact electrode CTE12 may be formed to face the second-first contact electrode and the second-second contact electrode formed on the inner surface of the cover 1000, which will be described later.

[0045] Figure 3 shows that the first-first contact electrode CTE11 and the first-second contact electrode CTE12 are formed on the upper plate TP of the quasi-external portion 1100a, but the formation positions of the first-first contact electrode CTE11 and the first-second contact electrode CTE12 are not limited to this. The formation positions of the first-first contact electrode CTE11 and the first-second contact electrode CTE12 can be freely designed as long as they face the second-first contact electrode and the second-second contact electrode formed on the inner surface of the cover 1000. For example, the first-first contact electrode CTE11 and the first-second contact electrode CTE12 can be formed on the side plate SP of the quasi-external portion 1100a.

[0046] The first-first contact electrode CTE11 and the first-second contact electrode CTE12 may be formed on one surface of the quasi-external portion 1100a, separated from each other. In this case, mutual isolation means that the first-first contact electrode CTE11 and the first-second contact electrode CTE12 are not electrically or physically connected.

[0047] Referring to Figures 4A and 4B, the upper plate TP of the semi-external part includes a first-first magnetic material MG11 and a first-second magnetic material MG12. For example, the upper plate TP of the semi-external part may have a first-first contact electrode CTE11 and a first-second contact electrode CTE12 arranged on its upper surface TP_S1, and a first-first magnetic material MG11 corresponding to the first-first contact electrode and a first-second magnetic material MG12 corresponding to the first-second contact electrode CTE12 arranged on its lower surface TP_S2. According to one embodiment, a first electrical conductor W11 connected to the first-first contact electrode CTE11 and a second electrical conductor W12 connected to the first-second contact electrode CTE12 may be arranged on the lower surface TP_S2 of the upper plate TP. In this case, the upper plate TP includes a first contact hole (CH1 in Figure 6) and a second contact hole (CH2 in Figure 6) that penetrate the upper surface TP_S1 and the lower surface TP_S2. The first-first contact electrode CTE11 and the first electrical conductor W11 are connected via a first contact hole (CH1 in Figure 6), and the first-second contact electrode CTE12 and the second electrical conductor W12 may be connected via a second contact hole (CH2 in Figure 6). Referring again to Figure 3, the quasi-external part 1100a includes a button 1200 on the side plate SP. When user input is applied to the button 1200, an operation can be performed to fasten or detach the quasi-external part 1100a from the cartridge 2000.

[0048] Figure 5A is a bottom view of the cover, and Figure 5B is a top view of the cover with the top plate removed.

[0049] Referring to Figures 4A and 5A, the cover 1000 includes a second-first contact electrode CTE21 and a second-second contact electrode CTE22. For example, the second-first contact electrode CTE21 and the second-second contact electrode CTE22 are positioned on the lower surface 1000_S2 of the cover 1000, and each of the second-first contact electrode CTE21 and the second-second contact electrode CTE12 may be formed to face the first-first contact electrode CTE11 and the first-second contact electrode CTE12 formed on the upper surface TP_S1 of the quasi-external portion.

[0050] The second-first contact electrode CTE21 and the second-second contact electrode CTE22 may be electrically connected to each other by a connecting portion CM. The connecting portion CM includes a first-first connecting portion CM11, a first-second connecting portion CM12, and a second connecting portion CM2. The first-first connecting portion CM11, the first-second connecting portion CM12, and the second connecting portion CM2 may be made of a conductive material. The conductive material includes metallic substances having conductive properties. For example, it may include one or more of copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), titanium (Ti), aluminum (Al), silver (Ag), gold (Au), and chromium (Cr).

[0051] The second connecting portion CM2 may be formed on the entire inner surface of the side surface 1000_S3 of the cover 1000. The first-first connecting portion CM11 and the first-second connecting portion CM12 are formed on the lower surface 1000_S2, with the first-first connecting portion CM11 connecting the second-first contact electrode CTE21 to the second connecting portion CM2, and the first-second connecting portion CM12 connecting the second-second contact electrode CTE22 to the second connecting portion CM2.

[0052] In Figure 5A, for the sake of explanation, the second-first contact electrode CTE21, the second-second contact electrode CTE22, the first-first connecting portion CM11, the first-second connecting portion CM12, and the second connecting portion CM2 are shown as separate components. However, in the manufacturing process, the second-first contact electrode CTE21, the second-second contact electrode CTE22, the first-first connecting portion CM11, the first-second connecting portion CM12, and the second connecting portion CM2 can be formed as a single unit.

[0053] Referring to Figures 5A and 5B, the cover 1000 includes the second-first magnetic material MG21 and the second-second magnetic material MG22. For example, the second-first contact electrode CTE21 and the second-second contact electrode CTE22 may be arranged on the lower surface 1000_S2 of the cover 1000, and the second-first magnetic material MG21 corresponding to the second-first contact electrode CTE21 and the second-second magnetic material MG22 corresponding to the second-second contact electrode CTE22 may be arranged on the upper surface 1000_S1 from which the upper plate (1000t in Figure 1) of the cover 1000 has been removed. The tensile force acting between the first-first magnetic material MG11 and the second-first magnetic material MG21 enables precise connection between the first-first contact electrode CTE11 and the second-first contact electrode CTE21. Similarly, the tensile force acting between the first-second magnetic material MG12 and the second-second magnetic material MG22 is expected to enable precise connection between the first-second contact electrode CTE12 and the second-second contact electrode CTE22.

[0054] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generator according to one embodiment, illustrating the coupling state between contact electrodes when the cover is attached to the main body. Hereinafter, redundant explanations of the same components described in Figures 1 to 5 will be omitted, and the method for determining whether the cover 1000 and the main body 1100 are detachable will be described in detail.

[0055] Referring to Figures 1 and 6, the quasi-external part 1100a includes a printed circuit board (PCB) on which the control unit CTR is located or mounted.

[0056] The control unit CTR includes at least one processor. The processor can be embodied as an array of numerous logic gates and can be embodied by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and memory in which a program executed by the microprocessor is stored. It can also be embodied by other hardware, such as a microcontroller unit, as will be understood by those with ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment belongs.

[0057] In Figure 6, for the sake of explanation, the printed circuit board (PCB) is shown to be located on top of the quasi-exterior part 1100a, but it is not limited to this arrangement. Considering the connection relationships with other components, it may be located below the quasi-exterior part 1100a or in the lower case 1100b, etc.

[0058] The control unit CTR includes a ground terminal GND connected to a reference power supply (e.g., 0[V]) and a general-purpose input / output terminal GPIO used for signal input / output control. The ground terminal GND is electrically connected to a first pad electrode PE1 of the printed circuit board PCB, and the general-purpose input / output terminal GPIO may be electrically connected to a second pad electrode PE2 of the printed circuit board PCB. According to one embodiment, the first-first contact electrode CTE11 may be connected to the first pad electrode PE1 via a third connector CM3, and the first-second contact electrode CTE12 may be connected to the second pad electrode PE2 via a fourth connector CM4. In other words, the first-first contact electrode CTE11 may be connected to the ground terminal GND, and the first-second contact electrode CTE12 may be connected to the general-purpose input / output terminal GPIO.

[0059] In this case, the third connector CM3 and the fourth connector CM4 are, but are not limited to, conductive clips or C-clips. For example, the third connector CM3 and the fourth connector CM4 are also wires, flexible printed circuit boards (FPCBs), or cables.

[0060] The control unit CTR controls the overall operation of the aerosol generator 100. In one embodiment, the control unit CTR can determine whether the cover 1000 and the main body 1100 are attached or detached based on changes in input signals received via the general-purpose input / output terminal GPIO.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the control unit CTR can transmit a high-level (e.g., 1.8V) output signal via the general-purpose input / output terminal GPIO.

[0062] When the cover 1000 is attached to the main body 1100 (or the quasi-external part 1100a), the second-first contact electrode CTE21 of the cover 1000 may be electrically and physically connected to the first-first contact electrode CTE11 of the quasi-external part 1100a, and the second-second contact electrode CTE22 of the cover 1000 may be electrically and physically connected to the first-second contact electrode CTE12 of the quasi-external part 1100a.

[0063] When the cover 1000 is attached to the main body 1100, the first-first contact electrode CTE11 and the first-second contact electrode CTE12 are electrically connected by the connecting part CM, so the first-second contact electrode CTE12 can be short-circuited with the first-first contact electrode CTE11. In other words, the first-second contact electrode CTE12 is connected to a reference power supply (e.g., 0[V]), so the signal of the general-purpose input / output terminal GPIO can be changed from a high level to a low level. In this case, the low-level signal has substantially the same voltage value as the voltage value of the reference power supply (e.g., 0[V]).

[0064] On the other hand, when the cover 1000 is separated from the main body 1100, a short circuit does not occur between the 1-1 contact electrode CTE11 and the 1-2 contact electrode CTE12, so the signal of the general-purpose input / output terminal GPIO can maintain a high level.

[0065] The control unit CTR determines that the cover 1000 is separated from the main unit 1100 if the signal of the general-purpose input / output terminal GPIO is at a high level (for example, 1.8[V]). On the other hand, the control unit TR determines that the cover 1000 is attached to the main unit 1100 if the signal of the general-purpose input / output terminal GPIO changes from a high level to a low level (for example, 0[V]).

[0066] Thus, when determining whether the cover 1000 and the main body 1100 are detachable based on the voltage change due to the physical coupling of electrodes placed on the cover 1000 and the main body 1100, it is possible to expect a reduction in errors caused by heating noise compared to when determining whether the cover 1000 and the main body 1100 are detachable based on the change in mutual inductance.

[0067] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generator according to another embodiment, illustrating the coupling state between contact electrodes when the cover is coupled to the main body.

[0068] Referring to Figures 6 and 7, the embodiment shown in Figure 7 differs from the embodiment shown in Figure 6 only in that it further includes an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) on the printed circuit board (PCB); the remaining configuration is substantially the same. Hereafter, redundant explanations will be omitted, and the focus will be on the method for determining whether the cover 1000 using the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and the main body 1100 are detachable.

[0069] The printed circuit board (PCB) (or aerosol generator 100) may further include an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) between the second pad electrode PE2 (or first-to-second contact electrode CTE12) and the general-purpose input / output terminal GPIO, which converts an analog input signal into a digital input signal. The analog-to-digital converter (ADC) can convert analog signal values ​​within a certain range (e.g., 0[V] to 1.8[V]) into digital signal values.

[0070] The control unit CTR can transmit a high-level (e.g., 1.8V) output signal via the general-purpose input / output terminal GPIO.

[0071] When the cover 1000 is attached to the main body 1100 (or the quasi-external part 1100a), the second-first contact electrode CTE21 of the cover 1000 may be electrically and physically connected to the first-first contact electrode CTE11 of the quasi-external part 1100a, and the second-second contact electrode CTE22 of the cover 1000 may be electrically and physically connected to the first-second contact electrode CTE12 of the quasi-external part 1100a.

[0072] When the cover 1000 is attached to the main unit 1100, the first-first contact electrode CTE11 and the first-second contact electrode CTE12 are electrically connected by the connecting part CM, so the first-second contact electrode CTE12 can be short-circuited with the first-first contact electrode CTE11. That is, the first-second contact electrode CTE12 is connected to a reference power supply (e.g., 0[V]), so the signal of the general-purpose input / output terminal GPIO can be changed from a high level to a low level. In this case, although the cover 1000 is effectively attached to the main unit 1100, if the coupling between the electrodes is incomplete, the low-level signal can have a voltage value higher than the voltage value of the reference power supply (e.g., 0[V]).

[0073] The control unit CTL determines that the cover 1000 has been attached to the main unit 1100 when the general-purpose input / output terminal GPIO receives a digital input signal below a pre-set threshold (for example, a digital signal value corresponding to 0.7[V]). The pre-set threshold can be optimized experimentally / statistically.

[0074] On the other hand, when the cover 1000 is separated from the main body 1100, a short circuit does not occur between the 1-1 contact electrode CTE11 and the 1-2 contact electrode CTE12, so the signal of the general-purpose input / output terminal GPIO can maintain a high level.

[0075] The control unit CTR determines that the cover 1000 is separated from the main unit 1100 if the signal of the general-purpose input / output terminal GPIO is at a high level (for example, a digital signal value corresponding to 1.8[V]).

[0076] Thus, when an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) is used to allow a margin for low-level signals, the coupling between the electrodes is incomplete, but if the cover 1000 and the main body 1100 are substantially coupled, the operation of the aerosol generator 100 can be guaranteed.

[0077] Figure 8 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment.

[0078] The aerosol generator 8000 includes a control unit 8100, a sensing unit 8200, an output unit 8300, a battery 8400, a heater 8500, a user input unit 8600, a memory 8700, and a communication unit 8800. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generator 8000 is not limited to that shown in Figure 8. That is, a person with ordinary skill in the art relating to this embodiment will understand that depending on the design of the aerosol generator 8000, some of the configuration shown in Figure 8 may be omitted or new configurations may be added.

[0079] The sensing unit 8200 can sense the state of the aerosol generator 8000 or the state of the area around the aerosol generator 8000 and transmit the sensed information to the control unit 8100. Based on the sensed information, the control unit 8100 can control the aerosol generator 8000 so that various functions are performed, such as controlling the operation of the heater 8500, restricting smoking, deciding whether or not to insert aerosol products (e.g., cigarettes, cartridges, etc.), and displaying notifications.

[0080] The sensing unit 8200 may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the temperature sensor 8220, the insertion sensing sensor 8240, and the puff sensor 8260.

[0081] The temperature sensor 8220 senses the temperature at which the heater 8500 (or the aerosol-generating material) is heated. The aerosol generator 8000 may include a separate temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the heater 8500, or the heater 8500 itself may perform the role of a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 8220 may also be positioned around the battery 8400 to monitor its temperature.

[0082] The insertion sensing sensor 8240 can detect the insertion and / or removal of aerosol products. For example, the insertion sensing sensor 8240 includes at least one of the following: a film sensor, a pressure sensor, a light sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, and an infrared sensor, and can detect a signal change caused by the insertion and / or removal of aerosol products.

[0083] The puff sensor 8260 can detect a user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow passage or airflow channel. For example, the puff sensor 8260 can detect a user's puff based on any one of the following: temperature changes, flow rate changes, voltage changes, and pressure changes.

[0084] In addition to the aforementioned temperature sensor 8220, insertion sensor 8240, and puff sensor 8260, the sensing unit 8200 may further include at least one of the following: a temperature / humidity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS), a proximity sensor, and an RGB (illuminance) sensor. The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by an average engineer from its name, so a detailed explanation may be omitted.

[0085] The output unit 8300 can output and provide to the user information relating to the status of the aerosol generator 8000. The output unit 8300 may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the display unit 8320, the haptic unit 8340, and the acoustic output unit 8360. When the display unit 8320 and the touchpad are configured as a touchscreen in a layered structure, the display unit 8320 can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0086] The display unit 8320 visually provides the user with information related to the aerosol generator 8000. For example, information related to the aerosol generator 8000 can include various types of information such as the charging / discharging status of the battery 8400 of the aerosol generator 8000, the preheating status of the heater 8500, the insertion / removal status of aerosol products, or a state in which the use of the aerosol generator 8000 is restricted (e.g., detection of abnormal items). The display unit 8320 can output this information externally. The display unit 8320 can also be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), or an LED light-emitting element.

[0087] The haptic unit 8340 converts electrical signals into mechanical or electrical stimuli to provide the user with tactile information related to the aerosol generator 8000. For example, the haptic unit 8340 may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulator.

[0088] The acoustic output unit 8360 provides the user with auditory information related to the aerosol generator 8000. For example, the acoustic output unit 8360 can convert electrical signals into acoustic signals and output them externally.

[0089] Battery 8400 can supply power used to operate the aerosol generator 8000. Battery 8400 can supply power to heat the heater 8500. Battery 8400 can also supply power necessary for the operation of other components within the aerosol generator 8000 (e.g., the sensing unit 8200, the output unit 8300, the user input unit 8600, the memory 8700, and the communication unit 8800). Battery 8400 can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, battery 8400 can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited to that.

[0090] The heater 8500 can be powered by the battery 8400 to heat the aerosol-generating material. Although not shown in Figure 8, the aerosol generator 8000 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power from the battery 8400 and supplies it to the heater 8500. Furthermore, if the aerosol generator 8000 generates aerosols using an induction heating method, the aerosol generator 8000 may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power supply of the battery 8400 into AC power supply.

[0091] The control unit 8100, sensing unit 8200, output unit 8300, user input unit 8600, memory 8700, and communication unit 8800 can perform their functions by being powered by the battery 8400. Although not shown in Figure 8, the system may further include power conversion circuits, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that convert the power from the battery 8400 and supply it to each component.

[0092] In one embodiment, the heater 8500 may consist of any suitable electrical-resistant material. For example, suitable electrical-resistant materials may include, but are not limited to, metals or metal alloys, including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, and nichrome. The heater 8500 may also be, but is not limited to, a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate on which conductive tracks are arranged, or a ceramic heating element.

[0093] In other embodiments, the heater 8500 is also an induction heating heater. For example, the heater 8500 may include a susceptor that generates heat via a magnetic field applied by a coil to heat the aerosol-generating material.

[0094] The user input unit 8600 receives information input from the user or outputs information to the user. For example, the user input unit 8600 may include, but is not limited to, a key pad, a dome switch, a touch pad (using contact-type capacitive, pressure-type resistive, infrared sensing, surface ultrasonic conduction, integral tension measurement, piezoelectric effect, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc. Also, although not shown in Figure 8, the aerosol generator 8000 further includes a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and can connect to other external devices via a connection interface such as a USB interface to send and receive information or charge the battery 8400.

[0095] Memory 8700 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generator 8000, and can store data processed by the control unit 8100 and data being processed. Memory 8700 may include at least one type of recording medium from among flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia card micro type, card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), ROM (Read-Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk. Memory 8700 can store data such as the operating time of the aerosol generator 8000, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and data related to the user's smoking pattern.

[0096] The communication unit 8800 may include at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 8800 may include a short-range communication unit 8820 and a wireless communication unit 8840.

[0097] The short-range wireless communication unit (8820) may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth® communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth® Low Energy) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee® communication unit, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, a UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, and the like.

[0098] The wireless communication unit 8840 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. The wireless communication unit 8840 can verify and authenticate the aerosol generator 8000 within the communication network using subscriber information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)).

[0099] The control unit 8100 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator 8000. In one embodiment, the control unit 8100 may include at least one processor. The processor may be embodied by an array of numerous logic gates and may be embodied by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and memory in which a program executed by the microprocessor is stored. It will also be embodied by other forms of hardware, as will be understood by those ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment belongs.

[0100] The control unit 8100 can control the temperature of the heater 8500 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 8400 to the heater 8500. For example, the control unit 8100 can control the power supply by controlling the switching of a switching element between the battery 8400 and the heater 8500. In another example, the direct heating circuit may control the power supply to the heater 8500 by a control command from the control unit 8100.

[0101] The control unit 8100 can analyze the results sensed by the sensing unit 8200 and control subsequent processing. For example, based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 8200, the control unit 8100 can control the power supplied to the heater 8500 so that the operation of the heater 8500 is started or stopped. As another example, based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 8200, the control unit 8100 can control the amount of power supplied to the heater 8500 and the power supply time so that the heater 8500 is heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature.

[0102] The control unit 8100 can control the output unit 8300 based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 8200. For example, if the number of puffs counted via the puff sensor 8260 reaches a pre-set number, the control unit 8100 will notify the user via at least one of the display unit 8320, the haptic unit 8340, and the acoustic output unit 8360 that the aerosol generator 8000 will be shut off immediately.

[0103] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating how to determine whether the cover and main body of an aerosol generator should be detached or not.

[0104] Referring to Figures 1 to 9, the operation method of the aerosol generating device 100 according to one embodiment may include the steps of outputting an output signal via a general-purpose input / output port GPIO (S100), receiving an input signal via a general-purpose input / output port GPIO (S200), and determining whether the cover 1000 and the main body 1100 are coupled (S300).

[0105] In this case, the aerosol generating device 100 may include a main body 1100, a cover 1000, and a control unit CTR. The main body 1100 may include a semi-external part 1100a on which a first-first contact electrode CTE11 connected to the ground terminal GND of the control unit CTR and a first-second contact electrode CTE12 connected to the general-purpose input / output terminal GPIO are formed on one surface.

[0106] The cover 1000 is detachably coupled to the main body 1100 and may include a second-first contact electrode CTE21 corresponding to the first-first contact electrode CTE11, and a second-second contact electrode CTE22 corresponding to the first-second contact electrode CTE12. The second-first contact electrode CTE21 and the second-second contact electrode CTE22 may be electrically connected to each other by a connecting portion CM. The connecting portion CM may include a first-first connecting portion CM11, a first-second connecting portion CM12, and a second connecting portion CM2. The first-first connecting portion CM11, the first-second connecting portion CM12, and the second connecting portion CM2 may be made of a conductive material. The conductive material may include a metallic substance having conductive properties. For example, it may include one or more of copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), titanium (Ti), aluminum (Al), silver (Ag), gold (Au), and chromium (Cr). The control unit CTR may include a ground terminal GND connected to a reference power supply (e.g., 0[V]) and general-purpose input / output terminals GPIO used for signal input / output control.

[0107] Specifically, in the stage (S100) where an output signal is output via the general-purpose input / output port GPIO, the control unit CTR can transmit a high-level output signal (e.g., 1.8[V]) via the general-purpose input / output terminal GPIO.

[0108] At the stage (S200) when an input signal is received via the general-purpose input / output port GPIO, if the cover 1000 is attached to the main body 1100, the 1-1 contact electrode CTE11 and the 1-2 contact electrode CTE12 are electrically connected by the connecting part CM, so the 1-2 contact electrode CTE12 can be short-circuited with the 1-1 contact electrode CTE11. That is, the 1-2 contact electrode CTE12 is connected to a reference power supply (e.g., 0[V]), so the signal of the general-purpose input / output terminal GPIO can be changed from a high level to a low level. In this case, the low-level signal can have substantially the same voltage value as the voltage value of the reference power supply (e.g., 0[V]).

[0109] On the other hand, when the cover 1000 is separated from the main body 1100, a short circuit does not occur between the 1-1 contact electrode CTE11 and the 1-2 contact electrode CTE12, so the signal of the general-purpose input / output terminal GPIO can maintain a high level.

[0110] At the stage (S300) in which the connection between the cover 1000 and the main unit 1100 is determined, the control unit CTR determines that the cover 1000 is separated from the main unit 1100 if the signal of the general-purpose input / output terminal GPIO is at a high level (for example, 1.8[V]). On the other hand, the control unit CTR determines that the cover 1000 is attached to the main unit 1100 if the signal of the general-purpose input / output terminal GPIO changes from a high level to a low level (for example, 0[V]).

[0111] On the other hand, if the cover 1000 is effectively attached to the main body 1100 but the coupling between the electrodes is incomplete, the low-level signal will have a voltage value higher than the voltage value of the reference power supply (e.g., 0[V]). An aerosol generator 100 according to one embodiment may further include an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) that converts an analog input signal to a digital input signal between the first-to-second contact electrode CTE12 and the general-purpose input / output terminal GPIO. The control unit CTL determines that the cover 1000 is attached to the main body 1100 when the general-purpose input / output terminal GPIO receives a digital input signal below a predetermined threshold (e.g., a digital signal value corresponding to 0.7[V]). The predetermined threshold can be optimized experimentally / statistically.

[0112] One embodiment may also be embodied in the form of a recording medium containing computer-executable instructions, such as program modules executed by a computer. Computer-readable media are also any available media accessed by a computer, and include both volatile and non-volatile media, and isolated and non-isolated media. Furthermore, computer-readable media may include both computer recording media and communication media. Computer recording media include both volatile and non-volatile, isolated and non-isolated media embodied by any method or technique for storing information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Communication media typically include computer-readable instructions, data structures, other data such as modulated data signals like program modules, or other transmission mechanisms, and include any information transmission medium.

[0113] The above-described embodiments are merely illustrative examples, and a person with ordinary skill in the art will understand that a variety of modifications and equivalent other embodiments are possible therefrom. Therefore, the true scope of protection of the invention must be determined by the claims, and all differences that are equivalent to those described in the claims must be interpreted as being included within the scope of protection determined by the claims.

Claims

1. A main body including a semi-external part on which the first-first contact electrode and the first-second contact electrode, which are isolated from each other, are formed on one surface, A cover detachably coupled to the main body, including a second-first contact electrode corresponding to the first-first contact electrode and a second-second contact electrode corresponding to the first-second contact electrode, The system includes a control unit that determines that the cover is attached to the main body when the first-1 contact electrode and the first-2 contact electrode are electrically connected, The cover includes an upper surface corresponding to one side of the quasi-external portion, and a side surface extending in the thickness direction along the upper surface, The second-first contact electrode and the second-second contact electrode are arranged on the inner surface of the upper surface. The cover includes a connecting portion that electrically connects the second-first contact electrode and the second-second contact electrode to each other, wherein the connecting portion is formed on the side surface of the aerosol generating apparatus.

2. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit includes a grounding terminal connected to the first-1 contact electrode and a general-purpose input / output terminal connected to the first-2 contact electrode.

3. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit transmits a high-level output signal via the general-purpose input / output terminal.

4. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit determines that the cover is attached to the main body when it receives a low-level input signal via the general-purpose input / output terminal.

5. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising an analog-to-digital converter between the first- and second contact electrodes and the general-purpose input / output terminal for converting an analog input signal to a digital input signal.

6. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the control unit determines that the cover has been attached to the main body when the general-purpose input / output terminal receives the digital input signal below a previously set threshold.

7. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the quasi-external portion includes a first-first magnetic material disposed inside the first-first contact electrode and a first-second magnetic material disposed inside the first-second contact electrode.

8. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the cover includes a second-first magnetic material disposed inside the second-first contact electrode, which generates a tensile force between the first-first magnetic material and the second-second magnetic material disposed inside the second-second contact electrode, which generates a tensile force between the first-second magnetic material and the second-second magnetic material.

9. In a method for operating an aerosol generating apparatus, the apparatus includes a main body with a semi-external surface formed on one surface, having a first-first contact electrode connected to a grounding terminal and a first-second contact electrode connected to a general-purpose input / output terminal, and a cover detachably connected to the main body, which includes a second-first contact electrode corresponding to the first-first contact electrode and a second-second contact electrode corresponding to the first-second contact electrode, The steps include transmitting a high-level output signal to the aforementioned general-purpose input / output terminal, The step of receiving an input signal via the general-purpose input / output terminal, The step includes determining whether the cover and the main body are coupled based on the change in the input signal, The cover includes an upper surface corresponding to one side of the quasi-external portion, and a side surface extending in the thickness direction along the upper surface, The second-first contact electrode and the second-second contact electrode are arranged on the inner surface of the upper surface. The cover includes a connecting portion that electrically connects the second-first contact electrode and the second-second contact electrode to each other, wherein the connecting portion is formed on the side surface, a method for operating an aerosol generating apparatus.

10. The method of operating the aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the second-first contact electrode and the second-second contact electrode are electrically connected to each other.

11. The method for operating an aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the step of determining whether the cover and the main body are connected is to determine that the cover is attached to the main body when the input signal is at a low level.

12. The method of operating the aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising an analog-to-digital converter between the first-to-second contact electrodes and the general-purpose input / output terminals for converting an analog input signal into a digital input signal.

13. The method for operating an aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the step of determining whether the cover and the main body are connected is to determine that the cover is attached to the main body if the digital input signal is below a previously set threshold.

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