Aerosol-generating device

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device is disclosed. The aerosol-generating device of the present disclosure comprises: a body providing an elongated insertion space; and a sensor disposed adjacent to the insertion space to detect an object inserted into the insertion space. The sensor comprises: a sensing electrode; and an insulator supporting the sensing electrode. The thickness of the insulator may be 40 um to 60 um.

Description

Aerosol generator

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

[0002] An aerosol generator is designed to extract a specific component from a medium or substance through an aerosol. The medium may contain various components. The components contained in the medium may include various flavoring substances. For example, the components contained in the medium may include nicotine, herbal ingredients, and / or coffee ingredients. Recently, extensive research has been conducted on such aerosol generators.

[0003] Aerosol generators use multiple sensors to detect puffs, stick insertion, and other events. Among these, sensors that detect stick insertion are typically capacitance sensors or inductive sensors.

[0004] When a moisture-laden stick is inserted into the device, if the device fails to accurately detect the moisture-laden stick, the stick cannot be heated properly, resulting in improper aerosol generation. Conventional aerosol generators have the problem of not being able to accurately detect moisture-laden sticks. Furthermore, they have difficulty accurately distinguishing between moisture-laden sticks and normal sticks.

[0005] The present disclosure aims to solve the above-mentioned and other problems.

[0006] Another purpose may be to provide an aerosol generating device in which an insulator provided in a capacitance sensor has a thickness within a specific range.

[0007] Another purpose may be to provide an aerosol generating device that detects an object based on the difference in current values ​​of each of two electrodes provided in a capacitance sensor.

[0008] Another object may be to provide an aerosol generating device in which the capacitance sensor is positioned corresponding to a moisturizer-containing portion of the stick.

[0009] Another object may be to provide an aerosol generating device in which the capacitance sensor is positioned within the insulator.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present disclosure for achieving the above-described object, an aerosol generating device is provided, comprising: a body providing an elongated insertion space; and a sensor disposed adjacent to the insertion space to detect an object inserted into the insertion space, wherein the sensor comprises a sensing electrode; and an insulator supporting the sensing electrode, wherein the thickness of the insulator is 40 to 60 um.

[0011] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, an insulator provided in a capacitance sensor has a thickness within a specific range, thereby minimizing interference between electrodes provided in the sensor and accurately distinguishing between an over-moistened stick and a normal stick.

[0012] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the accuracy of stick sensing can be improved by detecting an object based on the difference in current values ​​of each of two electrodes provided in a capacitance sensor.

[0013] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a capacitance sensor is provided in a structure in which the capacitance sensor is arranged corresponding to a portion of the stick containing a moisturizer, thereby accurately detecting an over-moistened stick.

[0014] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a capacitance sensor has a structure in which it is placed inside an insulator, thereby eliminating sensing noise caused by an external environment.

[0015] Further scope of the applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description below. However, since various modifications and variations within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art, 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.

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

[0017] Figures 2 and 3 illustrate an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 5 illustrates a stick according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from the side.

[0021] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from above.

[0022] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a heater and a sensor of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 9 illustrates a sensor of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Fig. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the insertion detection and type identification control of a stick of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIGS. 11 to 13 are graphs comparing the sensing results of an over-humidification stick according to the thickness of the insulator of the sensor of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Regardless of the drawing numbers, identical or similar components will be assigned the same reference numbers, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. In relation to the description of the drawings, similar drawing numbers may be used for similar or related components.

[0027] The suffixes "module" and "unit" used for components in the following description are assigned or used interchangeably only for the convenience of writing the specification, and do not have distinct meanings or roles in themselves. Meanwhile, the suffixes "module" or "unit" may include units implemented with hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit, for example. A "module" or "unit" may be a component configured integrally, or a minimum unit of the component that performs one or more functions, or a part thereof. For example, a "module" or "unit" may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0028] In addition, when describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known technology may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the attached drawings are only intended to facilitate easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical ideas disclosed in this specification are not limited by the attached drawings, and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0029] Terms that include ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another.

[0030] When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but that there may be other components intervening. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components intervening.

[0031] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0032] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented as software including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., memory (17)) readable by a machine (e.g., an aerosol generating device (1)). For example, a processor (e.g., a control unit (12)) of the machine (e.g., an aerosol generating device (1)) may call at least one command among the one or more instructions stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one called command. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily on the storage medium.

[0033] In the present disclosure, the direction of the aerosol generating device (1) can be defined based on the orthogonal coordinate system. In the orthogonal coordinate system, the x-axis direction can be defined as the left-right direction of the aerosol generating device (1). The y-axis direction can be defined as the front-back direction of the aerosol generating device (1). The z-axis direction can be defined as the up-down direction of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0034]

[0035] Fig. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a power source (11), a control unit (12), a sensor unit (13), an output unit (14), an input unit (15), a communication unit (16), a memory (17), and / or a heater (18, 24). However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art related to the present embodiment that some of the components illustrated in FIG. 1 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0037] According to one embodiment, the sensor unit (13) can detect the state of the aerosol generating device (1) or the state around the aerosol generating device (1) and transmit the detected information to the control unit (12). For example, the sensor unit (13) may include a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, an insertion detection sensor, a reuse detection sensor, an overly moist detection sensor, a cigarette identification sensor, a cartridge detection sensor, a cap detection sensor, and / or a movement detection sensor. Meanwhile, the sensor unit (13) may further include various sensors, such as a liquid remaining amount sensor for detecting the liquid remaining amount of the cartridge, and an immersion sensor for detecting immersion of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0038] In one embodiment, the temperature sensor can detect the temperature at which the heater (18, 24) is heated. The aerosol generating device (1) may include a separate temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the heater (18, 24), or the heater (18, 24) itself may function as a temperature sensor. As an example, the temperature sensor may be used to measure the impedance to the heater (18). The impedance to the heater (18) may be correlated with the temperature of the heater (18). The temperature sensor may measure the current and / or voltage applied to the heater (18) (or the induction coil). Based on the measured current and / or voltage, the impedance to the heater (18) may be calculated. The control unit (12) may estimate the temperature of the heater (18) based on the calculated impedance.

[0039] For example, the temperature sensor may include a resistance element (e.g., a thermistor) whose resistance value changes in response to a temperature change of the heater (18, 24). The temperature sensor may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistance element, and the control unit (12) may detect the temperature and / or temperature change of the heater (18, 24) based on the signal corresponding to the resistance value.

[0040] As another example, the temperature sensor may include a sensor that detects the resistance value of the heater (18, 24). The temperature sensor may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the heater (18, 24), and the control unit (12) may detect the temperature and / or temperature change of the heater (18, 24) based on the signal corresponding to the resistance value.

[0041] In one embodiment, the temperature sensor can detect the temperature of the power source (11). The temperature sensor can be positioned adjacent to the power source (11). For example, the temperature sensor can be attached to one surface of the power source (11) (e.g., a battery) and / or mounted on one surface of a printed circuit board. For example, the aerosol generating device (1) can include a power protection circuit module (PCM), and the temperature sensor can be positioned adjacent to the power source (11) together with the power protection circuit.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the temperature sensor may be placed inside the housing (not shown) of the aerosol generating device (1) to detect the temperature inside the housing (not shown).

[0043] In one embodiment, the puff sensor can detect a user's puff.

[0044] For example, the puff sensor may include a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor may output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device (1), and the control unit (12) may detect the user's puff based on the signal corresponding to the internal pressure. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device (1) may correspond to the pressure of an airflow path through which gas flows. The puff sensor may be arranged in correspondence to the airflow path through which gas flows in the aerosol generating device (1).

[0045] As another example, the puff sensor may include a temperature sensor. When the user puffs, a temporary temperature drop may occur in the airflow path, the space where the aerosol generating product is inserted (hereinafter, referred to as the insertion space), the heater (18, 24), etc. The control unit (12) may detect the user's puff based on a signal corresponding to the temperature of the airflow path, etc. output from the temperature sensor.

[0046] As another example, the puff sensor may include both a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor. In this case, the temperature sensor may measure a temperature used to correct the internal pressure measured by the pressure sensor. As an example, the puff sensor may correct a signal corresponding to the internal pressure based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and output the corrected signal. As another example, the puff sensor may output a signal corresponding to the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and a signal corresponding to the internal pressure measured by the puff sensor. In this case, the control unit (12) may receive the signals and correct the signal corresponding to the internal pressure based on the signal corresponding to the temperature.

[0047] As another example, the puff sensor may include a capacitance sensor. In the present disclosure, the capacitance sensor may also be referred to as a capacitive sensor or a capacitive sensor. When a user puffs, a temperature change and / or aerosol flow may occur within the insertion space of the aerosol-generating article, and thus, the permittivity within the insertion space may change. The control unit (12) may detect the user's puff based on a signal corresponding to the permittivity within the insertion space, etc., output from the capacitance sensor.

[0048] The puff sensor is not limited to the examples described above and may be implemented with various sensors to detect the user's puff.

[0049] In one embodiment, an insertion detection sensor can detect the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating item. The insertion detection sensor can be installed around the insertion space. Additionally, the insertion detection sensor can include any combination of the examples described above.

[0050] For example, the insertion detection sensor may include a capacitive sensor. The capacitive sensor may include at least one conductor, and the at least one conductor may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space. When an aerosol-generating article is inserted or removed within the insertion space, the permittivity around the conductor may change. The control unit (12) may detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article based on a signal corresponding to the permittivity within the insertion space, etc., output from the capacitive sensor.

[0051] As another example, the insertion detection sensor may include an inductive sensor. The inductive sensor may include at least one coil, and the at least one coil may be disposed adjacent to the insertion space. If the aerosol-generating article (e.g., a wrapper of the aerosol-generating article) includes a conductor, a change in a magnetic field may occur around the current-carrying coil when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into or removed from the insertion space. The control unit (12) may detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article including the conductor based on the characteristics of the current output from or detected by the inductive sensor (e.g., frequency of the alternating current, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc.). Alternatively, the aerosol-generating article (e.g., the medium portion of the aerosol-generating article) may include a susceptor (SUS). Even in this case, a change in the magnetic field may occur around the coil based on the insertion or removal of a susceptor or the like within the insertion space, and the control unit (12) may also detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article based on the characteristics of the current of the inductive sensor.

[0052] The insertion detection sensor is not limited to the examples described above, and may be implemented with various sensors (e.g., proximity sensors, etc.) for detecting the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article. Furthermore, the insertion detection sensor may include any combination of the examples described above. In one embodiment, the insertion detection sensor may include a switch or the like for detecting pressure by an aerosol-generating article.

[0053] In one embodiment, a reuse detection sensor can detect whether an aerosol-generating article has been reused. For example, the reuse detection sensor may be a color sensor for detecting the color of the aerosol-generating article. When the aerosol-generating article is used by a user, a color change may occur in a portion of a wrapper surrounding the exterior of the aerosol-generating article due to the generated aerosol or heating. The color sensor can output a signal corresponding to an optical characteristic (e.g., a wavelength of light) corresponding to the color of the wrapper based on light reflected from the wrapper. If a change in the color of a portion of the wrapper is detected, the control unit (12) can determine that the aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space has already been used.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the over-humidity detection sensor can detect whether an aerosol-generating article is over-humidified. For example, the over-humidity detection sensor can include a capacitive sensor. The capacitive sensor can include at least one conductor disposed adjacent to an insertion space. The control unit (12) can detect whether the aerosol-generating article is over-humidified based on the level of a signal corresponding to a permittivity or the like output from the capacitive sensor. For example, the control unit (12) can check a level range within which the level of the signal is included based on a look-up table, and determine the moisture content of the aerosol-generating article based on the checked level range.

[0055] In one embodiment, the cigarette identification sensor can detect whether an aerosol generating article is genuine and / or detect the type of aerosol generating article.

[0056] For example, the cigarette identification sensor may include an optical sensor for detecting an identification material (or identification mark) located on the outer surface (e.g., wrapper) of an aerosol-generating article. The optical sensor may irradiate light toward the identification material (or identification mark) of the aerosol-generating article and detect the authenticity and / or type of the aerosol-generating article based on the reflected light. For example, the identification material may include a material that emits light in a specific wavelength range based on the irradiated light. The control unit (12) may detect the authenticity and / or type of the aerosol-generating article based on the range of the wavelength.

[0057] As another example, the cigarette identification sensor may include a capacitive sensor. The dielectric constant within the insertion space may vary depending on the type of aerosol-generating product inserted into the insertion space. The control unit (12) may detect the authenticity and / or type of the aerosol-generating product based on a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant within the insertion space output from the capacitive sensor.

[0058] As another example, the cigarette identification sensor may include an inductive sensor. When a conductor is included in the wrapper and / or the interior (e.g., the medium portion) of the aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space, the characteristics of the current detected by the inductive sensor (e.g., frequency of the alternating current, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc.) when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the insertion space may differ depending on the type of the aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space. The control unit (12) may detect whether the inserted aerosol-generating article is genuine and / or the type of the inserted aerosol-generating article based on the characteristics of the current output from or detected by the inductive sensor.

[0059] The cigarette identification sensor is not limited to the examples described above, and may be implemented with various sensors to detect the authenticity of an aerosol-generating product and / or the type of aerosol-generating product. Furthermore, the cigarette identification sensor may include any combination of the examples described above.

[0060] In one embodiment, the cartridge detection sensor may detect the mounting and / or removal of a cartridge. For example, the cartridge detection sensor may include an inductive sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, a Hall sensor (Hall IC), and / or an optical sensor.

[0061] In one embodiment, the cap detection sensor can detect the mounting and / or removal of the cap. For example, the cap detection sensor can include an inductive sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, a contact sensor, a Hall sensor (hall IC), and / or an optical sensor. The cap can include a structure that covers at least a portion of a cartridge mounted or inserted into the aerosol generating device (1), or covers at least a portion of a housing of the aerosol generating device (1). The cap detection sensor can output a signal corresponding to the mounting or removal when the cap is mounted on or removed from the housing, and the control unit (12) can detect the mounting or removal of the cap based on the signal corresponding to the mounting or removal.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the motion detection sensor can detect the movement of the aerosol generating device (1). The motion detection sensor can be implemented as at least one of an acceleration sensor or a gyro sensor.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the sensor unit (13) may further include, in addition to the aforementioned sensors, at least one of a humidity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a position sensor (Global Positioning System, GPS), or a proximity sensor. Since the functions of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by a person skilled in the art from its name, a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the output unit (14) can output information about the status of the aerosol generating device (1). The output unit (14) can include, but is not limited to, a display, a haptic unit, and / or an audio output unit. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device (1) can include a charging / discharging status of the power supply (11) of the aerosol generating device (1), a preheating status of the heater (18, 24), an insertion / removal status of an aerosol generating article and / or a cartridge, a mounting and / or removal status of a cap, or a status in which the use of the aerosol generating device (1) is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal article). The display can visually provide information about the status of the aerosol generating device (1) to the user. For example, the display can include a light emitting diode (LED) light emitting element, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), etc. The display, if it includes a touch pad, can also be used as an input unit (15). The haptic unit can provide tactile information about the status of the aerosol generating device (1) to the user. For example, the haptic unit can include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, an electrical stimulation device, etc. The acoustic output unit can provide audible information about the aerosol generating device (1) to the user. For example, the acoustic output unit can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the power source (11) can supply power for the operation of the aerosol generating device (1). The power source (11) can include one or more batteries. The power source (11) can supply power so that the heaters (18, 24) can be heated. In addition, the power source (11) can also supply power required for the operation of other components included in the aerosol generating device (1), such as the control unit (12), the sensor unit (13), the output unit (14), the input unit (15), the communication unit (16), and the memory (17). The power source (11) can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the power source (11) can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto. The power source (11) can also be a replaceable type (detachable) battery (hereinafter, referred to as a removable battery). The removable battery may be mounted in the battery compartment provided within the aerosol generating device (1) or may be removed from the battery compartment. The removable battery may be charged by wire and / or wirelessly.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the heater (18, 24) may be powered by the power source (11) to heat the aerosol generating article and / or the medium and / or the aerosol generating material within the cartridge. The aerosol generating device (1) may include a heater (18) for heating the aerosol generating article and / or a cartridge heater (24) for heating the cartridge (i.e., the solid and / or liquid medium).

[0067] In one embodiment, the heater (18, 24) may be an electrically resistive heater. For example, the electrically resistive heater may include an electrically resistive material, such as a metal or metal alloy including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc. The electrically resistive heater may be implemented as a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate having electrically conductive tracks arranged thereon, a ceramic heating element, etc.

[0068] In one embodiment, the heater (18, 24) may be an induction heating heater. For example, the induction heating heater may include a susceptor that generates heat by a magnetic field. A magnetic field may be generated from the induction coil by an alternating current flowing through the induction coil. The generated magnetic field may penetrate the heater, and an eddy current may be generated in the susceptor. The susceptor may be heated based on the generation of the eddy current. In one embodiment, the susceptor may be included within the aerosol generating article (e.g., the medium portion). In this case, the susceptor included within the aerosol generating article may be heated by the induction coil.

[0069] The heater (18, 24) is not limited to the examples described above, and may include or be replaced with various heating methods, structures, components, etc. for heating the aerosol generating article and / or cartridge.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the input unit (15) can receive information input from a user. For example, the input unit (15) can include a touch panel, a button, a key pad, a dome switch, a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the memory (17) is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device (1), and can store data processed and data to be processed in the control unit (12). For example, the memory (17) may include at least one type of storage medium among a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), a random access memory (RAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. For example, the memory (17) may store data on the operation time of the aerosol generating device (1), the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and a user's smoking pattern.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the communication unit (16) may include at least one component for communicating with another electronic device (e.g., a portable electronic device). For example, the communication unit (16) may include a Bluetooth communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication unit, a near field communication unit, a WLAN (wireless local area network) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared (infrared Data Association, IrDA) communication unit, a WFD (Wireless Fidelity Direct) communication unit, an UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an ANT (Adaptive Network Topology)+ communication unit, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the control unit (12) can include at least one processor. The control unit (12) can be implemented as an array of a plurality of logic gates, or can be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose MCU (microcontroller unit) (or microprocessor) and a memory storing a program that can be executed in such an MCU. In addition, it will be understood by those skilled in the art to which the present embodiment pertains that the control unit (12) can be implemented as other types of hardware.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the temperature of the heater (18, 24) by controlling the supply of power from the power source (11) to the heater (18, 24). The control unit (12) can control the temperature of the heater (18, 24) and / or the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) based on the temperature of the heater (18, 24) detected using a temperature sensor (e.g., the sensor unit (13)). The control unit (12) can control the temperature of the heater (18, 24) and / or the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) based on a temperature profile and / or a power profile stored in the memory (17).

[0075] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control power (e.g., voltage and / or current) supplied to the heater (18, 24) by controlling a power conversion circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the heater (18, 24) and the power source (11). For example, the power conversion circuit may include a DC / DC converter (e.g., a buck converter, a buck-boost converter, a boost converter, a Zener diode, etc.) that converts power to be supplied to the heater (18, 24), and a DC / AC converter (e.g., an inverter) that converts power to be supplied to an induction coil (not shown). The DC / AC converter may be implemented as a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit including a plurality of switching elements. For example, a power conversion circuit may include at least one switching element, such as a bipolar junction transistor (BJT) or a field effect transistor (FET).

[0076] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the current and / or voltage supplied to the heater (18, 24) by controlling the frequency and / or duty ratio of a current pulse input to at least one switching element of the power conversion circuit (not shown). The duty ratio for the on / off operation of the switching element can correspond to the ratio of the output voltage of the power conversion circuit to the output voltage of the power source (11).

[0077] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) using at least one of a pulse width modulation (PWM) method and a proportional-integral-differential (PID) method. For example, the control unit (12) can control a current pulse having a predetermined frequency and duty ratio to be supplied to the heater (18, 24) using the PWM method. The control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) by adjusting the frequency and duty ratio of the current pulse. For example, the control unit (12) can determine a target temperature that is a target of control based on a temperature profile. The control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) by using the PID method, which is a feedback control method using the difference value between the temperature of the heater (18, 24) and the target temperature, the value obtained by integrating the difference value over time, and the value obtained by differentiating the difference value over time.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can determine a target power that is the target of control based on the power profile. The control unit (12) can also control the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) to correspond to the preset target power over time.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can detect the user's puff by detecting the power supplied to the heater (18, 24). More specifically, the control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) using a PID method. When the user's puff is generated, a temporary temperature drop may occur in a space where an aerosol generating article is inserted (hereinafter, referred to as the insertion space), the heater (18, 24), etc. Accordingly, a change may occur in the power (or current) supplied to the heater (18, 24) during the power control using the PID method. The control unit (12) can detect the user's puff based on the change in the controlled power.

[0080] In one embodiment, the control unit (12) can prevent the heater (18, 24) from overheating. For example, the control unit (12) can control the operation of the power conversion circuit to reduce the amount of power supplied to the heater (18, 24) or to stop supplying power to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the temperature of the heater (18, 24) exceeds a preset limit temperature.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control charging and discharging of the power source (11). For example, the control unit (12) can check the temperature of the power source (11) using a temperature sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). If the temperature of the power source (11) is higher than a first limit temperature, the control unit (12) can block charging of the power source (11). If the temperature of the power source (11) is higher than a second limit temperature, the control unit (12) can stop using (e.g., discharging) the power stored in the power source (11). The control unit (12) can calculate the remaining capacity of the power stored in the power source (11). For example, the control unit (12) can calculate the remaining capacity of the power source (11) based on voltage and / or current sensing values ​​of the power source (11).

[0082] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on the result detected by the sensor unit (13).

[0083] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article into the insertion space. For example, the control unit (12) can control to supply power to the heater (18, 24) when it is determined that the aerosol-generating article has been inserted into the insertion space using an insertion detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). The control unit (12) can cut off the power supply to the heater (18, 24) when it is determined that the aerosol-generating article has been removed from the insertion space using an insertion detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). The control unit (12) can also determine that the aerosol-generating article has been removed from the insertion space when the temperature of the heater (18, 24) is equal to or higher than a limited temperature or when the temperature change slope of the heater (18, 24) is equal to or higher than a set slope.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply time and / or power supply amount to the heater (18, 24) based on the state of the aerosol generating article. For example, if the control unit (12) determines that the aerosol generating article is in an over-humidity state by using an over-humidity detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)), the control unit (12) can increase the power supply time (e.g., preheating time) to the heater (18, 24).

[0085] In one embodiment, the control unit (12) may control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the aerosol generating article has been reused. For example, the control unit (12) may cut off the power supply to the heater (18, 24) if it is determined that the aerosol generating article has been used.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the cartridge is coupled and / or removed. For example, if the control unit (12) determines that the cartridge is coupled and / or removed using a cartridge detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)), the control unit (12) can control to stop the power supply to the heater (18, 24) or prevent power from being supplied to the heater (18, 24).

[0087] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) may control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the aerosol generating material of the cartridge has been exhausted. For example, if the control unit (12) determines that the temperature of the heater (18, 24) exceeds a limit temperature while preheating the heater (18, 24) (i.e., during the preheating period), the control unit (12) may determine that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge has been exhausted. If the control unit (12) determines that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge has been exhausted, the control unit (12) may cut off the power supply to the heater (18, 24).

[0088] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) may control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the cartridge is available for use. For example, the control unit (12) may determine that the cartridge is unusable if the current number of puffs is determined to be greater than or equal to the maximum number of puffs set for the cartridge based on data stored in the memory (17). Alternatively, the control unit (12) may determine that the cartridge is unusable if the total time that the heater (18, 24) has been heated is greater than or equal to the preset maximum time or the total amount of power supplied to the heater (18, 24) is greater than or equal to the preset maximum amount of power. In this case, the control unit (12) may stop the power supply to the heater (18, 24) or control that power is not supplied to the heater (18, 24).

[0089] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on the user's puff. For example, the control unit (12) can determine whether a puff has been generated and / or the intensity of the puff using a puff sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). The control unit (12) can cut off the power supply to the heater (18, 24) when the number of puffs reaches a preset maximum number of puffs and / or no puffs are detected for a preset period of time. The control unit (12) can also control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) when a puff is detected.

[0090] In one embodiment, the control unit (12) may control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is genuine and / or the type thereof. For example, the control unit (12) may detect whether the aerosol generating article is genuine and / or the type thereof using a cigarette identification sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). For example, if the control unit (12) detects that the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is counterfeit, the control unit (12) may cut off the power supply to the heater (18, 24). If the control unit (12) detects that the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is genuine, the control unit (12) may control (e.g., start) the power supply to the heater (18, 24). As another example, the control unit (12) may control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) differently depending on the type of the aerosol generating article (or cartridge). More specifically, the control unit (12) can control the temperature and / or power of the heater (18, 24) based on a first temperature profile (or a first power profile) when the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is detected as a first aerosol generating article (or a first cartridge), and can control the temperature and / or power of the heater (18, 24) based on a second temperature profile (or a second power profile) when the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is detected as a second aerosol generating article (or a second cartridge).

[0091] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the output unit (14) based on the result detected by the sensor unit (13). For example, the control unit (12) can control the output unit (14) to visually, tactilely and / or audibly provide information that the aerosol generating device (1) is about to be terminated when the number of puffs counted using the puff sensor (e.g., the sensor unit (13)) reaches a preset number. For example, the control unit (12) can also control the output unit (14) to visually, tactilely and / or audibly provide information about the temperature of the heater (18, 24).

[0092] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) may store and update a history of events that have occurred in the memory (17) based on the occurrence of a predetermined event. For example, the event may include operations such as detection of insertion of an aerosol generating article, initiation of heating of the aerosol generating article, detection of puff, termination of puff, detection of overheating of the heater (18, 24), detection of overvoltage application to the heater (18, 24), termination of heating of the aerosol generating article, power on / off of the aerosol generating device (1), initiation of charging of the power source (11), detection of overcharging of the power source (11), termination of charging of the power source (11), etc., performed in the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the history of events may include the date and time when the event occurred, log data corresponding to the event, etc. For example, if a given event is detection of insertion of an aerosol generating article, log data corresponding to the event may include data on the sensing value of an insertion detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). For example, if a given event is detection of overheating of a heater (18, 24), log data corresponding to the event may include data on the temperature of the heater (18, 24), the voltage applied to the heater (18, 24), the current flowing through the heater (18, 24), and the like.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the communication unit (16) to form a communication link with an external device, such as a user's mobile terminal.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) may release restrictions on the use of at least one function (e.g., heating function) of the aerosol generating device (1) when authentication data is received from an external device via a communication link. For example, the authentication data may include the user's birthday, a unique number identifying the user, whether the user has completed authentication, etc.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can transmit data on the status of the aerosol generating device (1) to an external device via a communication link (e.g., remaining capacity of the power source (11), operating mode, etc.). The transmitted data can be output through a display of the external device, etc.

[0096] According to one embodiment, when a request for location search of the aerosol generating device (1) is received from an external device via a communication link, the control unit (12) can control the output unit (14) to perform an operation corresponding to the location search. For example, the control unit (12) can control the haptic unit to generate vibration or control the display to output an object corresponding to the location search and the end of the search.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can perform a firmware update when firmware data is received from an external device via a communication link.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) may transmit data on the sensed values ​​of at least one sensor unit (13) to an external server (not shown) via a communication link, and receive and store a learning model generated by learning the sensed values ​​through machine learning, such as deep learning, from the server. The control unit (12) may perform an operation of determining a user's suction pattern, an operation of generating a temperature profile, etc., using the learning model received from the server.

[0099] Although not shown in FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a power protection circuit. The power protection circuit may include at least one switching element and may cut off the power supply (11) in response to overcharging and / or overdischarging of the power supply (11). The aerosol generating device (1) may further include a connection interface, such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and may transmit and receive information or charge the power supply (11) by connecting to another external device through the connection interface.

[0100] The aerosol generating article referred to in the present disclosure may include at least one aerosol generating rod (e.g., a medium portion) and at least one filter rod. The heater (18) may be arranged to correspond to the at least one aerosol generating rod, and may be designed differently depending on the arrangement order and / or position of the aerosol generating rod and the filter rod. The aerosol generating rod may include at least one of nicotine, an aerosol generating material, and an additive. For example, the aerosol generating material may include glycerin (e.g., vegetable glycerin (VG)) and / or propylene glycol (PG), and may also include various other substances. For example, the additive may include a flavoring agent and / or an organic acid, and may also include various other substances. For example, the aerosol-generating rod may comprise an aerosol-generating substrate (e.g., a sheet) impregnated with a liquid non-tobacco material (e.g., an aerosol-generating material and / or nicotine), and / or may comprise a solid tobacco material (e.g., leaf tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, etc.). The tobacco material may be included in the aerosol-generating rod in various forms, such as cut tobacco, granules, powder, etc. In one embodiment, the additive of the aerosol-generating rod may include an alkaline material. Based on the alkaline material, the nicotine of the tobacco material included in the aerosol-generating rod may have an alkaline pH (e.g., pH 7.0 or higher). In this case, freebase nicotine may be released from the aerosol-generating rod even at low temperatures. In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating rod may include two or more aerosol-generating rods, and the two or more aerosol-generating rods may each include a tobacco material and / or a non-tobacco material.Meanwhile, although not shown, at least one aerosol generating rod and at least one filter rod may be individually and / or integrally wrapped by at least one wrapper. In the present disclosure, the aerosol generating article may also be referred to as a stick.

[0101] The cartridge referred to in the present disclosure may contain an aerosol-generating material having any one of the following states: a liquid state, a solid state, a gaseous state, or a gel state. The aerosol-generating material may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing material including a volatile tobacco flavor component, or may be a liquid containing a non-tobacco material. Meanwhile, the cartridge may include a storage portion containing the aerosol-generating material and / or a liquid delivery means impregnating (containing) the aerosol-generating material. For example, the liquid delivery means may include a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic. The cartridge heater (24) may be included in the cartridge in the form of a coil-shaped structure surrounding (or winding) the liquid delivery means, or in a structure contacting one side of the liquid delivery means. Alternatively, the cartridge heater (24) may be included in an aerosol-generating device (1) that is separable from the cartridge.

[0102]

[0103] Figures 2 and 3 illustrate an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0104] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a housing (10), a power source (11), a control unit (12), a sensor unit (13), and / or a heater (182, 183) (e.g., the heater (18) of FIG. 1). However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art related to the present embodiment that the components included in the aerosol generating device (1) are not limited to those illustrated in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, and that some of the components may be omitted or new configurations may be added. The aerosol generating device (1) illustrated in FIG. 2 may be referred to as an 'internal heating type' aerosol generating device that heats the inside of the aerosol generating article (2). The aerosol generating device (1) illustrated in FIG. 3 may be referred to as an 'external heating type' aerosol generating device that heats the outside of the aerosol generating article (2). In the drawings below, any description overlapping with that of FIG. 1 will be omitted.

[0105] According to one embodiment, the housing (10) may provide a space that is opened upwardly to allow an aerosol-generating article (2) to be inserted. In the present disclosure, the space that is opened upwardly may be referred to as an insertion space. The insertion space may be formed by being recessed toward the interior of the housing (10) to a predetermined depth so that at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article (2) can be inserted. The depth of the insertion space may be longer than the length of a region of the aerosol-generating article (2) containing an aerosol-generating material and / or medium. The lower end of the aerosol-generating article (2) may be inserted into the interior of the housing (10), and the upper end of the aerosol-generating article (2) may protrude outside the housing (10). A user may hold the upper end of the aerosol-generating article (2) exposed to the outside in his / her mouth and inhale the aerosol.

[0106] According to one embodiment, the heater (182, 183) can heat the aerosol generating article (2).

[0107] Referring to FIG. 2, the heater (182) may be an internal heating type heater.

[0108] According to one embodiment, the internally heated heater may extend upwardly in a space (i.e., an insertion space) into which the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted. For example, the internally heated heater may include a rod-shaped or needle-shaped heating element as illustrated, but may also include various heating elements such as a tubular heating element or a plate-shaped heating element. The internally heated heater may be inserted through the lower portion of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0109] According to one embodiment, the internal heating heater may include an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heating heater.

[0110] For example, an electric resistance heater may include an electric resistance material on the inside (e.g., an inner hollow portion or inner surface) or the outside (e.g., an outer surface), and may be heated as current flows through the electric resistance material. In this case, the electric resistance heater may be electrically connected to a power source (11), and may directly generate heat by receiving current from the power source (11). In addition, the induction coil (181) may be omitted.

[0111] For example, in the case of an induction heating type heater, the aerosol generating device (1) may include an induction coil (181) that surrounds at least a portion of the internal heating type heater (e.g., is disposed externally to correspond to the length of at least a portion of the heater). In this case, a magnetic flux concentrator or the like may be further included on the outside of the induction coil (181) to increase the efficiency of induction heating. The induction heating type heater includes a susceptor and may generate heat based on a magnetic field generated from the induction coil (181). According to one embodiment, the induction heating type heater (e.g., susceptor) (or a heater module including the same) may be arranged to be detachable from the housing (10).

[0112] According to one embodiment, the heater (182) may be a multi-heater. The multi-heater may include a first heater and a second heater, and may be inserted into the aerosol generating article (2). The first heater and the second heater may be arranged side by side along the longitudinal direction. The first heater and the second heater may operate as an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heater, and may be heated sequentially or simultaneously. In this case, the first heater and the second heater may be arranged at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of two or more aerosol generating rods, respectively (respectively). Alternatively, the first heater and the second heater may be arranged at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of a first portion and a second portion of one aerosol generating rod, respectively. Meanwhile, when the heater (182) is an induction heating type heater, the aerosol generating device (1) includes a first induction coil and a second induction coil, and the first induction coil and the second induction coil may be respectively disposed at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of the first heater and the second heater. Alternatively, the first heater and the second heater may respectively be disposed at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of the first part and the second part of one heater (182). In addition, three or more heaters and / or induction coils may be included.

[0113] According to one embodiment, the susceptor may be disposed (or included) within the aerosol generating article (2) (e.g., the medium portion), and the susceptor included within the aerosol generating article (2) may be implemented to generate heat based on a magnetic field generated from an induction coil (181).

[0114] Referring to FIG. 3, the heater (183) may be an external heating type heater.

[0115] In one embodiment, the external heating heater may extend upwardly around the space into which the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted (i.e., the insertion space). For example, the external heating heater may be arranged to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. For example, the external heating heater may have a tubular shape (e.g., a cylindrical shape) having a hollow space therein. The external heating heater may also have a shape having a hollow space on the inside and surrounding the hollow space. In this case, the external heating heater may be supported by a polyimide film. A heater supported by such a film may be referred to as a film heater. The external heating heater may be arranged to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. The external heating heater may heat the outside of the aerosol generating article (2) inserted into the hollow space.

[0116] According to one embodiment, the external heating heater may include an electric resistance heater and / or an induction heating heater, and a description overlapping with FIG. 2 will be omitted. Meanwhile, in the case of an induction heating heater, the aerosol generating device (1) may include an external heating heater implemented as a tubular susceptor, and may include an induction coil (181) surrounding at least a portion of the external heating heater (e.g., disposed externally to correspond to the length of at least a portion of the heater). In addition, the induction coil (181) may include a fan coil. Meanwhile, when the external heating heater is an electric resistance heater, a separate induction coil (181) may be omitted since heat generation is possible through current flow on a tubular electric resistance heater (e.g., a film heater). Meanwhile, an insulating material may be disposed on the outside of the external heating heater. Through this, heat radiating from the heater (183) in an outward direction and applied to the outside of the housing (10) may be reduced.

[0117] According to one embodiment, the heater (183) may be a multiple heater, and the first heater and the second heater may be arranged side by side along the longitudinal direction to surround at least a portion of the insertion space, respectively. The first heater and the second heater may operate as an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heating heater, and may be heated sequentially or simultaneously. Meanwhile, when the heater (183) is an induction heating heater, the aerosol generating device (1) includes a first induction coil and a second induction coil, and the first induction coil and the second induction coil may be arranged at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of the first heater and the second heater, respectively. Alternatively, the first heater and the second heater may be arranged at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of the first portion and the second portion of one heater (183), respectively.

[0118] Unlike as shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, the heater (182) of FIG. 2 and the heater (183) of FIG. 3 may be included together in the aerosol generating device (1). In this case, the heater (182) may heat the inside of the aerosol generating article (2), and the heater (183) may heat the outside of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0119] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) may be provided with an airflow channel through which air flows. For example, the housing (10) may include a structure (e.g., a hole) through which air can be introduced from the outside into the housing (10). The air introduced into the housing (10) may be introduced into the aerosol generating article (2) through the lower end (i.e., the upstream side) of the aerosol generating article (2). The aerosol generated based on the heating of the aerosol generating article (2) may be inhaled into the user's oral cavity through the upper end (i.e., the downstream side) of the aerosol generating article (2) together with the introduced air.

[0120]

[0121] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0122] Referring to Fig. 4, the body (10) (e.g., housing (10)) may include elongated side walls (101, 102), a cover (103) forming one end, a base (104) forming the other end, and a door (110) for opening and closing the insertion space (43). The body (10) may have a cylindrical shape that is elongated in one direction.

[0123] The body (10) may include side walls (101, 102) forming an outer surface. The side walls (101, 102) may include curved surfaces extending along the circumferential direction of the body (10).

[0124] The side walls (101, 102) may include a first side wall (101). The first side wall (101) may extend in the circumferential direction of the body (10). The first side wall (101) may be bent in the circumferential direction of the body (10) and form a space therein. One side of the first side wall (101) may be open. The cross section of the first side wall (101) may have a loop shape with one side open.

[0125] The side walls (101, 102) may include a second side wall (102). The second side wall (102) may extend in the longitudinal direction of the body (10). The second side wall (102) may be joined to the first side wall (101). The second side wall (102) may be positioned between both ends of the first side wall (101) in the circumferential direction and may form a surface continuous with the first side wall (101). The second side wall (102) may cover one side of the first side wall (101) that is opened in the lateral direction.

[0126] The body (10) may include a cover (103) forming one end in the longitudinal direction. The cover (103) may be coupled to one end in the longitudinal direction of the first side wall (101) and one end in the longitudinal direction of the second side wall (102).

[0127] The body (10) may include a door (110). The door (110) may be coupled to a cover (103). The door (110) may open and close the insertion space (43, see FIGS. 2 and 3) in a sliding manner. A rail (105) may be formed on the cover (103). The door (110) may slide along the rail (105).

[0128] The body (10) may include a base (104) forming a longitudinal end. The base (104) may be coupled to the longitudinal end of the first side wall (101) and the longitudinal end of the second side wall (102).

[0129] A button (106) (e.g., input unit (15) of Fig. 1) may be provided on the body (10). The button (106) may be inserted into a hole formed on one side of the second side wall (102).

[0130]

[0131] FIG. 5 illustrates a stick according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0132] Referring to FIG. 5, the stick (2) may include an aerosol base portion (510). The stick (2) may include a medium portion (520). The aerosol base portion (510) and the medium portion (520) may be referred to as a tobacco rod. The stick (2) may include a cooling portion (530). The stick (2) may include a filter portion (540). The stick (2) may be referred to as an aerosol product. The stick (2) may include a wrapper (550) surrounding the aerosol base portion (510), the medium portion (520), the cooling portion (530), and / or the filter portion (540). In FIG. 5, the wrapper (550) may include an individual wrapper that surrounds the aerosol carrier (510), the medium portion (520), and the filter portion (540), respectively, and / or an outer shell that encloses the aerosol carrier (510), the medium portion (520), and the filter portion (540) as one, surrounded by individual wrappers.

[0133] The aerosol base (510) may be a portion formed into a predetermined shape by incorporating a moisturizer into pulp-based paper. The moisturizer (base) included in the aerosol base (510) may include propylene glycol, glycerin, or the like. For example, the moisturizer of the aerosol base (510) may include propylene glycol and glycerin at a certain weight ratio relative to the weight of the original paper. When the stick (2) is inserted into the aerosol generating device (1) and heated to a temperature above a certain level by the heater (18), moisturizer vapor may be generated from the aerosol base (510).

[0134] The medium (520) may include one or more of a sheet, a strand, or a tobacco sheet cut into small pieces. The medium (520) may be a part that generates nicotine to provide a smoking experience to a user. When the temperature of the medium included in the medium (520) rises to a temperature above a certain level, nicotine vapor may be generated from the medium (520). When the stick (2) is inserted into the aerosol generating device (1), at least a portion of the aerosol base (510) and at least a portion of the medium (520) may face the heater (18). For example, an upper or downstream portion of the aerosol base (510) and a lower or upstream portion of the medium (520) may face the heater (18).

[0135] The length of the portion of the medium portion (520) facing the heater (18) may be longer than the length of the portion of the aerosol carrier portion (510) facing the heater (18). The length of the portion of the medium portion (520) facing the heater (18) may be more than half of the total length of the medium portion (520).

[0136] The portion of the aerosol base portion (510) and the medium portion (520) facing the heater (18) can be heated by the heater (18). At least a portion of the aerosol base portion (510) containing the moisturizer is heated by the heater (18), thereby generating moisturizer vapor. At least a portion of the medium portion (520) containing the medium is heated by the heater (18), thereby generating nicotine vapor. By arranging the stick (S) so that the length ratios of a portion of the aerosol base portion (510) facing the heater (18) and a portion of the medium portion (520) are different, the ratio of the generated moisturizer vapor and nicotine vapor can be appropriately controlled.

[0137] In one embodiment, the medium portion (520) may not be directly heated by the heater (18) even when the stick (S) is inserted into the aerosol generating device (1). The medium portion (520) may be indirectly heated by conduction, convection, and radiation from the aerosol carrier portion (510) and the medium portion wrapper (or wrappers) surrounding the medium portion (520). The temperature of the medium portion (520) may also be increased indirectly after the aerosol carrier portion (510) is heated by the heater (18).

[0138] The cooling unit (530) may be manufactured as a tube filter containing a predetermined weight of a plasticizer. The moisturizer vapor and nicotine vapor generated from the aerosol base unit (510) and the medium unit (520) may be mixed with each other to form an aerosol, and may be cooled while passing through the cooling unit (530). In one embodiment, unlike the aerosol base unit (510), the medium unit (520), and the filter unit (540), the cooling unit (530) may not be wrapped with an individual wrapper.

[0139] The filter unit (540) may be a cellulose acetate filter. The filter unit (540) may be a cylindrical rod or a tube type having a hollow interior. For example, if the filter unit (540) is composed of a plurality of segments, at least one of the segments may be manufactured in a different shape. The filter unit (540) may also be manufactured to generate a flavor. For example, a flavoring agent may be sprayed onto the filter unit (540), or a separate fiber coated with a flavoring agent may be inserted into the interior of the filter unit (540).

[0140] Additionally, the filter unit (540) may include at least one capsule. Here, the capsule may also perform a function of generating a flavor. For example, the capsule may be a structure that encases a liquid containing a flavoring agent in a film, and may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0141]

[0142] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure when viewed from the side, and Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure when viewed from above. Fig. 6 illustrates a cross-section of a body along line AA of Fig. 4, and Fig. 7 illustrates a cross-section of a body along line BB of Fig. 4.

[0143] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the aerosol generating device (1) may include at least one of a heater (18), a first sensor (131), and a control unit (12).

[0144] The body (10) may be provided with an insertion space (43). The insertion space (43) may extend in one direction (e.g., in the z direction). The heater (18) may surround the insertion space (43). The heater (18) may have a cylindrical shape having a hollow interior. At least a portion of the insertion space (43) may be formed inside the heater (18).

[0145] The heater (18) can be accommodated in a body casing (111) disposed inside the body (10). The body casing (111) can support the body (10) inside the body (10). At least a portion of the body casing (111) can be coupled to or in contact with the inner surface of the body (10).

[0146] The heater (18) can be combined with a heater casing (241, 242). The heater (18) and the heater casing (241, 242) can be accommodated in the internal space of the body casing (111). The heater casing (241, 242) can surround the exterior of the heater (18). The heater casing (241, 242) can include a first heater casing (241) and a second heater casing (242). The first heater casing (241) can surround a portion of a side surface of the heater (18). The second heater casing (242) can surround the remaining portion of the side surface of the heater (18). For example, the first heater casing (241) can surround an upper surface of the heater (18), and the second heater casing (242) can surround a lower surface of the heater (18).

[0147] The heater (18) may include a susceptor (210) and an electrically conductive track (220). The susceptor (210) may have a cylindrical shape and surround at least a portion of the insertion space (43). The electrically conductive track (220) may surround at least a portion of the susceptor (210). The electrically conductive track (220) may receive power from a power source (11) and generate heat. The electrically conductive track (220) may be connected to the power source (11) via a flexible heater substrate (260). The electrically conductive track (220) may be referred to as a heating element. The heat generated from the electrically conductive track (220) may heat the medium and / or moisturizer of the stick (2, see FIGS. 2 and 3) inserted into the insertion space (43), thereby generating an aerosol.

[0148] The heater (18) may include a support tube (230). The support tube (230) may surround at least a portion of the outer side of the electrically conductive track (220) and be in close contact with the outer side of the electrically conductive track (220) to support the susceptor (210) and the electrically conductive track (220).

[0149] The first sensor (131) may be disposed within the body (10). The first sensor (131) may detect insertion and / or removal of the stick (2). For example, the first sensor (131) may be a capacitance sensor. The first sensor (131) may be disposed adjacent to the lower end of the insertion space (43). The first sensor (131) may be disposed to surround at least a portion of the lower side of the heater (18). The first sensor (131) may be disposed on the lower side of the susceptor (210) and / or the electrically conductive track (220) of the heater (18) in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space (43). The first sensor (131) may be spaced apart from the susceptor (210) and / or the electrically conductive track (220) in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space (43).

[0150] Accordingly, heat transferred to the first sensor (131) by the susceptor (210) and the electrically conductive track (220) can be minimized. In addition, the accuracy of stick (2) detection by the first sensor (131) can be increased.

[0151] The stick (2) can be inserted into the insertion space (43). The stick (2) can be inserted up to the catch (2421) formed at the bottom of the insertion space (43). The stick (2) can be inserted into the insertion space (43) from one end of the aerosol carrier (510). With the stick (2) inserted into the insertion space (43), the aerosol carrier (510), the medium (520), the cooling unit (530), and the filter unit (540) can be sequentially arranged in the insertion space (43) from the lower or upper side.

[0152] The first sensor (131) can be placed at a position corresponding to the aerosol-containing portion (510) of the stick (2) inserted into the insertion space (43).

[0153] When the stick (2) is exposed to a humid environment or when the stick (2) is used by a user, a certain level of moisture may exist inside the stick (2). At this time, a relatively large amount of moisture may exist inside the aerosol carrier (510) of the stick (2).

[0154] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first sensor (131) is positioned corresponding to the moisturizing agent-containing portion of the stick (2), thereby accurately detecting an over-moistened stick.

[0155] The aerosol generating device (1) may include an insulator (400). The insulator (400) may be disposed inside the body (10). The insulator (400) may surround the outside of the heater (18) inside the body (10). The insulator (400) may insulate the heater (18). The insulator (400) may have an open top. The insulator (400) may have a bottom formed at the bottom, and a hole formed in a portion of the bottom. The insulator (400) may be disposed to surround the side and bottom of the heater (18). The insulator (400) may include two layers. The inner layer and the outer layer may be spaced apart from each other and form a space (VS) therein. The space (VS) formed by the layers of the insulator (400) may be sealed from the outside. The space (VS) formed by the layer of the insulator (400) may be in a vacuum state. The insulator (400) may be referred to as a vacuum tube. The insulator (400) may be formed of a metal material.

[0156] Accordingly, the heat generated from the heater (18) can be minimized from being transferred to the outer surface of the body (10) by the insulator (400). Even when the heater (18) generates heat and rises to a high temperature, the high temperature heat can be prevented from being transferred to the body of the user holding the body (10) by the insulator (400).

[0157] The first sensor (131) may be placed inside the insulator (400) in the radial direction of the insertion space (43). The first sensor (131) and the insertion space (43) may be placed inside the insulator (400).

[0158] Accordingly, the influence of the first sensor (131) by the movement of an object outside the insulator (400) and / or the aerosol generator (1) can be minimized, and the sensing noise of the first sensor (131) due to the external environment can be eliminated.

[0159] The inflow paths (P1, P2) may be formed inside the body casing (111). The inflow paths (P1, P2) may be connected to the outside of the body (10) and the insertion space (43). The inflow paths (P1, P2) may be connected to the insertion space (43) through the inflow hole (2424) formed in the second heater casing (242).

[0160] The inlet passages (P1, P2) may include a first passage (P1) and a second passage (P2). The second passage (P2) may be in communication with the insertion space (43). The second passage (P2) may extend in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the insertion space (43) from the lower side of the insertion space (43). The first passage (P1) may be in communication with the second passage (P2). The first passage (P1) may extend in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space (43) from one end of the second passage (P2). The first passage (P1) may be in communication with the outside of the body casing (111). External air of the aerosol generator (1) can be introduced into the body (10) through a gap provided in the body (10), pass through the first flow path (P1) and the second flow path (P2), and flow into the insertion space (43) through the inlet hole (2424). In other words, the direction from the bottom to the top of the insertion space (43) can be defined as the direction from the upstream side to the downstream side.

[0161] A second sensor (132) may be arranged on one side of the inflow path (P1, P2). The second sensor (132) may output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure or internal pressure change of the inflow path (P1, P2). The second sensor (131) may be referred to as a puff sensor. The puff sensor (132) may output a signal corresponding to a puff of a user. The puff sensor (132) may be communicated with the inflow path (P1, P2) and the insertion space (43). The puff sensor (132) may be arranged to face the inflow path (P1, P2). In the radial direction of the insertion space (43), the puff sensor (312) may be arranged on the outside of the insulator (400).

[0162] The inflow paths (P1, P2) may be arranged adjacent to the heater (18) inside the body casing (111). The first inflow path (P1) may be arranged adjacent to the heater casing (241, 242). At least a portion of the inflow paths (P1, P2) may be arranged inside the insulator (400). The insulator (400) may surround at least a portion of the outer side of the inflow paths (P1, P2).

[0163] The outside air flowing in through the inflow paths (P1, P2) can be heated by the heat generated from the heater (18). The outside air heated within the inflow paths (P1, P2) can flow into the insertion space (43) and into the inside of the stick (2) through one end of the stick (2) accommodated in the insertion space (43).

[0164] In this way, the inflow paths (P1, P2) are arranged within the insulator (400), so that the outside air flowing into the insertion space (43) can be effectively heated.

[0165] The control unit (12) can detect an object inserted into the insertion space (43) based on a signal output from the first sensor (131). For example, the control unit (12) can determine whether a stick (2) is inserted or removed from the insertion space (43), the type of stick (2) inserted into the insertion space (43), etc. based on the signal output from the first sensor (131).

[0166]

[0167] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a heater and a sensor of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 9 illustrates a sensor of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0168] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the first sensor (131) may include sensing electrodes (1311, 1312) and an insulator (1313). The sensing electrodes (1311, 1312) may include a first electrode (1311) and a second electrode (1312).

[0169] The first electrode (1311) may extend in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space (43) and may extend along the periphery of the insertion space (43). The first electrode (1311) may be accommodated in a sensor receiving portion (2425) formed on the outside of the second heater casing (242). The sensor receiving portion (2425) may be recessed into the inside of the second heater casing (242) and may have a curved surface on the inside. The first electrode (1311) may surround the curved surface on the inside of the sensor receiving portion (2425) and may come into contact with the curved surface. The first electrode (1311) may be bent to correspond to the shape of the curved surface on the inside of the sensor receiving portion (2425) or may have a bent shape. The first electrode (1311) may be referred to as a first antenna or a first channel.

[0170] The second electrode (1312) may have a shape corresponding to the first electrode (1311). The second electrode (1312) may extend in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space (43) and may extend along the perimeter of the insertion space (43). The second electrode (1312) may be spaced apart from the first electrode (1311) in the radial direction of the insertion space (43). The second electrode (1312) may surround the outer side of the first electrode (1311). The second electrode (1312) may be referred to as a second antenna or a second channel.

[0171] The first electrode (1311) and the second electrode (1312) may be connected to a sensor driving circuit (not shown). The sensor driving circuit may be a component included in the first sensor (131), or may be provided separately from the first sensor (131) and connected to the first sensor (131). A set voltage may be applied to the first electrode (1311) and the second electrode (1312) by the sensor driving circuit. When the set voltage is applied, current may flow to the first electrode (1311) and the second electrode (1312). The current flowing to the first electrode (1311) and the second electrode (1312) may vary depending on whether an object exists around the first sensor (1311), the type of object existing around the first sensor, etc. The difference between the current flowing through the first electrode (1311) and the current flowing through the second electrode (1312) can change in response to the type of object existing around the first sensor (131).

[0172] An insulator (1313) may be placed between the first electrode (1311) and the second electrode (1312). The insulator (1313) may have an inner surface in contact with the first electrode (1311) and an outer surface in contact with the second electrode (1312). The insulator (1313) may be bent together with the first electrode (1311) and the second electrode (1312) or may have a bent shape.

[0173] A sensor cover (250) may be placed on the outside of the first sensor (131). The sensor cover (250) may be coupled to the second heater casing (242). The sensor cover (250) may support or fix the first sensor (131) accommodated in the accommodation portion of the second heater casing (242) from the outside.

[0174] The first electrode (1311) and the second electrode (1312) may include a metal material. For example, the first electrode (1311) and the second electrode (1312) may include copper. However, the material of the sensing electrode is not limited thereto and may include other electrically conductive metals or metal mixtures.

[0175] The insulator (1313) may include an insulating material. For example, the insulator (1313) may include polyimide. However, the material of the insulator (1313) is not limited thereto, and may include other materials having elasticity, heat resistance, and electrical insulation properties.

[0176] The insulator (1313) may have a thickness (T1) within a specific range. For example, the thickness (T1) of the insulator (1313) may be 40 to 60 um. For example, the thickness (T1) of the insulator (1313) may be 45 to 55 um.

[0177] When the thickness (T1) of the insulator (1313) is thinner than 40 μm, even if the moisture content contained in the object positioned adjacent to the first sensor (131) changes, the change in the difference value of the current between the first electrode (1311) and the second electrode (1312) may be small. In other words, the state of the object positioned adjacent to the first sensor (1311) may not be accurately distinguished from the difference in the current flowing through the first electrode (1311) and the second electrode (1312).

[0178] If the thickness (T1) of the insulator (1313) is thicker than 60 μm, the sensitivity of the first sensor (131) may decrease. In other words, the insertion and / or removal of a surrounding object may not be accurately detected by the first sensor (131).

[0179] The characteristics of the first sensor (131) according to the thickness of the insulator (1313) are described in detail later with reference to FIGS. 10 to 13.

[0180]

[0181] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a stick insertion detection and type identification control of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIGS. 11 to 13 are graphs comparing the sensing results of an over-moistened stick according to the thickness of an insulator of a sensor of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0182] Referring to FIG. 10, the control unit (12) can determine whether a stick (2) is inserted into the insertion space (43) and the type of the inserted stick (2) based on the signal output from the first sensor (131).

[0183] The control unit (12) can activate the first sensor (131) (S1010). The control unit (12) can activate the first sensor (131) by controlling the voltage for driving to be applied to the first sensor (131) or by controlling the signal for activating the first sensor (131) to be applied.

[0184] The control unit (12) can receive a signal output from the first sensor (131) (S1020). The signal output from the first sensor (131) can include a first output corresponding to the current flowing through the first electrode (1311) and a second output corresponding to the current flowing through the second electrode (1312).

[0185] The control unit (12) can determine the difference between the first output and the second output based on the signal output from the first sensor (131). The control unit (12) can compare the determined difference in output with the first threshold value (Th1).

[0186] The control unit (12) may determine that the stick (2) is not inserted into the insertion space (43) if the difference in the determined output is smaller than the first threshold value (Th1) (“Y” in S1030) (S1040). Here, the first threshold value (Th1) may correspond to a value determined based on statistics obtained by accumulating the signal output from the first sensor (131) when the stick (2) used in the aerosol generator (1) is inserted into the insertion space (43) through experiments, etc. For example, the first threshold value (Th1) may be a value corresponding to the raw count signal output from the first sensor (131) and may be a value between 5000 and 6000.

[0187] The control unit (12) determines that a stick (2) is inserted into the insertion space (43) when the difference in the determined output is greater than or equal to the first threshold value (Th1) (“N” in S1030), and can determine the over-humidification state of the inserted stick (2). The control unit (12) can compare the difference in the determined output with a second threshold value (Th2) (S1050). Here, the second threshold value (Th2) may correspond to a value determined based on statistics obtained by accumulating signals output from the first sensor (131) so as to be able to distinguish, through experiments or the like, whether the stick inserted into the insertion space (43) is a normal stick or an over-humidification stick. The second threshold value (Th2) may be a value located at the boundary between signals output from the first sensor (131) when a plurality of normal sticks are inserted and signals output from the first sensor (131) when a plurality of over-humidification sticks are inserted. For example, the second threshold value (Th2) is a value corresponding to the raw count signal output from the first sensor (131), and may be a value between 7500 and 7900.

[0188] The stick (2) can be divided into a first stick (2A) and a second stick (2B). The stick (2) may have a different ratio of moisture contained therein depending on the surrounding environment, the condition of the stick (2), etc. The stick (2) can be divided into a first stick (2A) or a second stick (2B) depending on the ratio of moisture contained therein. The first stick (2A) may be a stick containing less than a certain ratio of moisture and may be referred to as a non-moistened stick or a normal stick. The second stick (2B) may be a stick containing more than a certain ratio of moisture and may be referred to as a moisture-saturated stick. For example, the first stick (2A) may be defined as a stick in which the medium portion (520) contains less than about 15 wt% of moisture relative to the total weight of the medium portion, or may be defined as a stick in which the aerosol substrate portion (510) contains less than about 15 wt% of moisture relative to the total weight of the substrate portion. For example, the second stick (2B) may be defined as a stick in which the medium portion (520) contains moisture of about 15 wt% or more relative to the total weight of the medium portion, or as a stick in which the aerosol substrate portion (510) contains moisture of about 15 wt% or more relative to the total weight of the substrate portion. However, the standard for distinguishing between the first stick (2A) and the second stick (2B) is not limited thereto, and may vary depending on the type of aerosol generating device or the type of stick.

[0189] The control unit (12) can determine that the first stick (2A) is inserted into the insertion space (43) if the difference in the determined output is smaller than the second threshold value (Th2) (“Y” in S1050) (S1060). Based on the insertion of the first stick (2A) into the insertion space (43), the control unit (12) can set a corresponding heating profile or power profile. Based on the set profile, the control unit (12) can control power to be supplied to the heater (18).

[0190] The control unit (12) may determine that the second stick (2B) is inserted into the insertion space (43) if the difference in the determined output is greater than or equal to the second threshold value (Th2) (“N” of S1050) (S1060). The control unit (12) may set a heating profile or power profile corresponding to the insertion of the second stick (2B) into the insertion space (43). The control unit (12) may control to supply power to the heater (18) based on the set profile. Alternatively, the control unit (12) may control to cut off the power supplied to the heater (18) based on the insertion of the second stick (2B) into the insertion space (43).

[0191] Accordingly, depending on the over-humidification state of the stick (2) inserted into the insertion space (43), the power supplied to the heater (18) is controlled differently, or the power supplied to the heater (18) is cut off, so that the over-humidification stick is not heated, or the over-humidification stick is appropriately heated with a profile different from that of the normal stick.

[0192]

[0193] Figure 11 shows the sensing results of an over-moisture stick when the thickness of the insulator is 50 μm. In Figure 11, ovals represent the difference between the first and second outputs when the first stick (2A) is inserted, and squares represent the difference between the first and second outputs when the second stick (2B) is inserted.

[0194] Referring to FIG. 11 together with FIG. 10, when the thickness of the insulator (1313) of the first sensor (131) is 50 um, when the first stick (2A) is inserted, the difference between the first output and the second output is distributed between the minimum value of 6200 and the maximum value of 7300, and has an average (avg1) or median value of about 6800. In contrast, when the second stick (2B) is inserted, it can be confirmed that the difference between the first output and the second output is distributed between the minimum value of 7950 and the maximum value of 9400, and has an average (avg2) or median value of about 8650.

[0195] In this case, the maximum value (Ns_max) of the difference between the first output and the second output output from the first sensor (131) when the first stick (2A) is inserted, and the minimum value (Hs_min) of the difference between the first output and the second output output from the first sensor (131) when the second stick (2B) is inserted have a gap (G1) of about 650.

[0196] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second threshold value (Th2) may correspond to a range of 86 to 92% of the average (avg2) of the differences corresponding to the second stick (2B). The second threshold value (Th2) may be a value corresponding to about 91% of the average (avg2) of the differences corresponding to the second stick (2B). The second threshold value (Th2) may correspond to a range of 110 to 116% of the average (avg1) of the differences corresponding to the first stick (2A). The second threshold value (Th2) may be a value corresponding to about 116% of the average (avg1) of the differences corresponding to the first stick (2A). The second threshold value (Th2) may be a value that is greater than about 7% of the maximum value (Ns_max) of the differences corresponding to the first stick (2A).

[0197] For example, the second threshold value (Th2) may be a value between 7500 and 7900. For example, the second threshold value (Th2) may be 7900.

[0198]

[0199] Fig. 12 shows the sensing results of an over-humidity stick when the thickness of the insulator is 37.5 um, and Fig. 13 shows the sensing results of an over-humidity stick when the thickness of the insulator is 25 um. In Figs. 12 and 13, ovals represent the difference between the first output and the second output when the first stick (2A) is inserted, and squares represent the difference between the first output and the second output when the second stick (2B) is inserted.

[0200] Referring to FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 together with FIG. 11, when the thickness of the insulator (1313) of the first sensor (131) is 37.5 um, when the first stick (2A) is inserted, the difference between the first output and the second output is distributed between the minimum value of 6500 and the maximum value of 7450, and has an average or median value of about 7000. In contrast, when the second stick (2B) is inserted, the difference between the first output and the second output is distributed between the minimum value of 7600 and the maximum value of 9650, and has an average (avg2) or median value of about 8650.

[0201] When the thickness of the insulator (1313) of the first sensor (131) is 25 um, when the first stick (2A) is inserted, the difference between the first output and the second output is distributed between the minimum value of 6500 and the maximum value of 8450, and has an average or median value of about 7500. In contrast, when the second stick (2B) is inserted, it can be confirmed that the difference between the first output and the second output is distributed between the minimum value of 8050 and the maximum value of 10550, and has an average (avg2) or median value of about 9300.

[0202] When the thickness of the insulator (1313) is 37.5 um, the maximum value (Ns_max) of the difference between the first output and the second output output from the first sensor (131) and the minimum value (Hs_min) of the difference between the first output and the second output output from the first sensor (131) when the second stick (2B) is inserted have a gap (G1) of about 150. When the thickness of the insulator (1313) is 25 um, the maximum value (Ns_max) of the difference between the first output and the second output output from the first sensor (131) and the minimum value (Hs_min) of the difference between the first output and the second output output from the first sensor (131) when the second stick (2B) is inserted have a gap (G1) of about -400.

[0203] When the thickness of the insulator (1313) is 37.5 um, the output data when the first stick (2A) is inserted and the output data when the second stick (2B) is inserted are separated from each other, but since the gap is very small, such as about 150, even if the second threshold value (Th2) is set to exist within the gap, it may be difficult to accurately detect the first stick (2A) and the second stick (2B). In addition, when the thickness of the insulator (1313) is 25 um, the output data when the first stick (2A) is inserted and the output data when the second stick (2B) is inserted are not separated from each other, so detection of the first stick (2A) and the second stick (2B) is impossible.

[0204] In this way, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the insulator (1313) of the first sensor (131) has a thickness in the range of 40 to 60 um, or a thickness in the range of 45 to 55 um, thereby minimizing interference between electrodes provided in the sensor and accurately distinguishing between an over-moistened stick and a normal stick.

[0205]

[0206] As described above, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the insulator provided in the capacitance sensor has a thickness within a specific range, thereby minimizing interference between electrodes provided in the sensor and accurately distinguishing between an over-moistened stick and a normal stick.

[0207] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the accuracy of stick sensing can be improved by detecting an object based on the difference in current values ​​of each of two electrodes provided in a capacitance sensor.

[0208] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a capacitance sensor is provided in a structure in which the capacitance sensor is arranged corresponding to a portion of the stick containing a moisturizer, thereby accurately detecting an over-moistened stick.

[0209] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a capacitance sensor has a structure in which it is placed inside an insulator, thereby eliminating sensing noise caused by an external environment.

[0210]

[0211] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 13, an aerosol generating device (1) according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a body (10) providing an elongated insertion space (43); and a sensor (131) disposed adjacent to the insertion space (43) to detect an object inserted into the insertion space (43), wherein the sensor (131) includes a sensing electrode (1311, 1312); and an insulator (1313) supporting the sensing electrode (1311, 1312), and the thickness of the insulator (1313) may be 40 to 60 um.

[0212] Additionally, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the thickness of the insulator (1313) may be 45 to 55 um.

[0213] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the sensing electrode (1311, 1312) includes a first electrode (1311) extending in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space (43); and a second electrode (1312) extending in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space (43) and spaced apart from the first electrode (1311) in the radial direction of the insertion space (43), and the insulator (1313) can be disposed between the first electrode (1311) and the second electrode (1312).

[0214] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, a control unit (12) may be included that detects an object inserted into the insertion space (43) based on a difference between a first output corresponding to a current flowing in the first electrode (1311) and a second output corresponding to a current flowing in the second electrode (1312).

[0215] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit (12) can compare the difference with a first threshold value (Th1), and determine that the stick (2) is inserted into the insertion space (43) based on the difference being greater than or equal to the first threshold value (Th1).

[0216] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the stick (2) includes a first stick (2A) containing moisture below a certain percentage and a second stick (2B) containing moisture above the certain percentage, and the control unit (12) compares the difference with a second threshold value (Th2) greater than the first threshold value (Th1), and based on the difference being greater than or equal to the second threshold value (Th2), determines that the second stick (2B) is inserted into the insertion space (43).

[0217] Additionally, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the second threshold value (Th2) may correspond to a range of 86 to 92% of the average of the difference between the first output and the second output when the second stick (2B) is inserted into the insertion space (43).

[0218] Additionally, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the second threshold value (Th2) may correspond to a range of 110 to 116% of the average of the difference between the first output and the second output when the first stick (2A) is inserted into the insertion space (43).

[0219] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the second threshold value (Th2) may be set to be 7% or greater than the maximum value of the difference between the first output and the second output when the first stick (2A) is inserted into the insertion space (43).

[0220] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the sensor (131) may be placed at a position corresponding to the aerosol-containing portion (510) of the stick (2) inserted into the insertion space (43) containing the moisturizer.

[0221] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a heater (18) surrounding at least a portion of the insertion space (43) and heating the insertion space (43); and an insulator (400) surrounding at least a portion of the insertion space (43) and the heater (18), wherein the sensor (131) can be disposed inside the insulator (400) in the radial direction of the insertion space (43).

[0222] Additionally, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the sensing electrode (1311, 1312) may include copper, and the insulator (1313) may include polyimide.

[0223]

[0224] Any or all of the embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct. Any or all of the embodiments of the present disclosure described above may have their respective components or functions combined or used together.

[0225] For example, it means that a configuration A described in a particular embodiment and / or drawing can be combined with a configuration B described in another embodiment and / or drawing. That is, even if a combination between configurations is not directly described, it means that a combination is possible, except in cases where a combination is described as impossible.

[0226] The above detailed description should not be construed as limiting in any respect and should be considered illustrative only. The scope of the present invention should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the present invention are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A body that provides a long insertion space; and A sensor is disposed adjacent to the insertion space and includes a sensor that detects an object inserted into the insertion space. The above sensor, sensing electrodes; and Including an insulator supporting the sensing electrode, An aerosol generating device wherein the thickness of the above insulation is 40 to 60 um.

2. In paragraph 1, An aerosol generating device wherein the thickness of the above insulation is 45 to 55 um.

3. In paragraph 1, The above sensing electrodes are, A first electrode extending in the longitudinal direction of the above insertion space; and A second electrode extending in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space and spaced apart from the first electrode in the radial direction of the insertion space is included. The above insulator is, An aerosol generating device disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode.

4. In paragraph 3, An aerosol generating device including a control unit that detects an object inserted into the insertion space based on the difference between a first output corresponding to a current flowing in the first electrode and a second output corresponding to a current flowing in the second electrode.

5. In paragraph 4, The above control unit, Compare the above difference with the first threshold, Based on the above difference being greater than or equal to the first threshold value, An aerosol generating device that determines that a stick is inserted into the above insertion space.

6. In paragraph 5, The above stick is, A first stick containing less than a certain percentage of moisture and a second stick containing more than the certain percentage of moisture, The above control unit, Compare the above difference with a second threshold value greater than the first threshold value, An aerosol generating device that determines that the second stick is inserted into the insertion space based on the difference being greater than or equal to the second threshold value.

7. In paragraph 6, The above second threshold is, An aerosol generating device having a range of 86 to 92% of the average difference between the first output and the second output when the second stick is inserted into the insertion space.

8. In paragraph 6, The above second threshold is, An aerosol generating device having a range of 110 to 116% of the average difference between the first output and the second output when the first stick is inserted into the insertion space.

9. In paragraph 6, The above second threshold is, An aerosol generating device set to be 7% or greater than the maximum value of the difference between the first output and the second output when the first stick is inserted into the insertion space.

10. In paragraph 1, The above sensor, An aerosol generating device positioned corresponding to the aerosol-containing portion of the stick inserted into the above insertion space.

11. In paragraph 1, A heater surrounding at least a portion of the insertion space and heating the insertion space; and Including an insulating material surrounding the insertion space and at least a portion of the heater, The above sensor, An aerosol generating device disposed inside the insulation in the radial direction of the above insertion space.

12. In paragraph 1, The above sensing electrodes are, Contains copper, The above insulator is, An aerosol generating device comprising polyimide.

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