Aerosol-generating device

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device according to one embodiment comprises: a cavity into which an aerosol-generating article is inserted; an article detection sensor, which detects a change in capacitance of the cavity so as to output a signal; a heater for heating at least a part of the aerosol-generating article inserted into the cavity; and a control unit electrically connected to the article detection sensor and the heater, wherein the control unit generates a detection value by comparing, to a preset reference value, the signal output from the article detection sensor and, if the detection value is within a preset range, determines that the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the cavity.

Description

Aerosol generating device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device capable of determining whether an aerosol generating article is inserted.

[0002] Recently, there has been a growing demand for alternative methods that overcome the shortcomings of conventional cigarettes. For example, there is a growing demand for systems that generate aerosols by heating cigarettes or aerosol-generating materials using an aerosol-generating device, rather than by burning cigarettes to produce aerosol.

[0003] When an aerosol-generating article is inserted into the receiving space, the aerosol-generating device can heat the aerosol-generating article according to a preset temperature profile. The temperature profile may refer to temperature change data of the heater or the aerosol-generating article during a smoking operation.

[0004] Sensors that detect the insertion of an aerosol-generating item may be affected by temperature or humidity.

[0005] In particular, the aerosol generating device may expose the sensor to a high temperature environment when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the cavity and the heater is heated, and the sensor may be exposed to a humid environment due to the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating article.

[0006] Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an aerosol generating device capable of compensating a detection value acquired through a sensor depending on the operating environment of the sensor that detects whether an aerosol generating article is inserted.

[0007] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment comprises: a cavity into which an aerosol generating article is inserted; an article detection sensor that detects a change in electrostatic capacity of the cavity and outputs a signal; a heater that heats at least a portion of the aerosol generating article inserted into the cavity; and a control unit electrically connected to the article detection sensor and the heater, wherein the control unit compares the signal output from the article detection sensor with a preset reference value to generate a detection value, and when the detection value is within a preset range, determines that the aerosol generating article is inserted into the cavity.

[0008] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment further includes a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature around the object detection sensor; and a memory storing a compensation value for compensating the detection value; wherein the control unit is electrically connected to the temperature sensor, acquires a temperature around the object detection sensor from the temperature sensor, and when the signal output from the object detection sensor is acquired, confirms a temperature at the time when the signal is acquired, extracts a compensation value corresponding to the temperature from the memory, and compensates the detection value based on the extracted compensation value.

[0009] The above compensation value may be a compensation value of the signal output from the product detection sensor according to the above temperature.

[0010] It is preferable that the above compensation value be such that the electrostatic capacitance value of the cavity detected by the object detection sensor remains lower than the reference value when no aerosol generating object is inserted into the cavity.

[0011] The above compensation value may be a compensation value of the reference value output from the product detection sensor according to the above temperature.

[0012] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment further includes a humidity sensor for detecting humidity around the object detection sensor; and a memory storing a compensation value for compensating the detection value; wherein the control unit is electrically connected to the humidity sensor, acquires the humidity around the object detection sensor from the humidity sensor, and when the signal output from the object detection sensor is acquired, confirms the humidity at the time when the signal is acquired, extracts a compensation value corresponding to the humidity from the memory, and compensates the detection value based on the extracted compensation value.

[0013] The above compensation value may be a compensation value of the signal output from the item detection sensor according to the above humidity.

[0014] It is preferable that the above compensation value be such that the electrostatic capacitance value of the cavity detected by the object detection sensor remains lower than the reference value when no aerosol generating object is inserted into the cavity.

[0015] The above compensation value may be a compensation value of the reference value output from the product detection sensor according to the above humidity.

[0016] The above-described item detection sensor comprises a capacitive sensor including at least one electrode, and the temperature sensor is a thin film temperature sensor and can be attached to the electrode.

[0017] The temperature sensor comprises a base attached to the electrode; a first electrode formed on the base; a thermistor layer formed over the first electrode and over the base; and a second electrode formed over the thermistor layer and over the base.

[0018] The above-mentioned item detection sensor includes a capacitive sensor including at least one electrode, and the humidity sensor is a thin film type humidity sensor and can be attached to the electrode.

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

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

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

[0022] Various embodiments of the present disclosure can compensate for detection values ​​acquired through a sensor depending on the operating environment of the sensor that detects whether an aerosol generating article is inserted.

[0023] Various embodiments of the present disclosure can improve the operational reliability of an aerosol generating device by compensating a detection value according to the operating temperature or humidity of a sensor that detects whether an aerosol generating article is inserted.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the upper case and body of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a sensor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a thin-film temperature sensor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a thin-film temperature sensor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a thin film humidity sensor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Fig. 9 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0033] Fig. 10 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0034] The terms used in the examples have been selected from widely used, current terms, taking into account the functions of the present invention. However, these terms may vary depending on the intentions of those skilled in the art, precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. Furthermore, in certain cases, terms may be arbitrarily selected by the applicant, in which case their meanings will be described in detail in the relevant description of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention should be defined based on their meaning and the overall content of the present invention, rather than simply their names.

[0035] When a part of the specification is said to "include" a component, this does not exclude other components, but rather implies the inclusion of other components, unless otherwise specifically stated. Furthermore, terms such as "-unit" and "-module" used in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0036] As used herein, when an expression such as "at least one" precedes an array of elements, it modifies the entire array of elements, not just each individual element. For example, the expression "at least one of a, b, and c" should be interpreted to include a, b, c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a and b and c.

[0037] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol by electrically heating a cigarette accommodated in an internal cavity.

[0038] The aerosol generating device may include a heater. In one embodiment, the heater may be an electrically resistive heater. For example, the heater may include an electrically conductive track, and the heater may be heated when current flows through the electrically conductive track.

[0039] The heater may include a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element or a rod-shaped heating element, and may heat the inside or outside of the cigarette depending on the shape of the heating element.

[0040] The cigarette may include a tobacco rod and a filter rod. The tobacco rod may be made of a sheet, a strand, or a tobacco sheet cut into small pieces. Additionally, the tobacco rod may be surrounded by a heat-conducting material. For example, the heat-conducting material may be, but is not limited to, a metal foil such as aluminum foil.

[0041] The filter rod may be a cellulose acetate filter. The filter rod may be composed of at least one segment. For example, the filter rod may include a first segment that cools the aerosol and a second segment that filters a predetermined component contained within the aerosol.

[0042] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol using a cartridge containing an aerosol generating material.

[0043] An aerosol generating device may include a cartridge containing an aerosol generating substance and a body supporting the cartridge. The cartridge may be detachably coupled to the body, but is not limited thereto. The cartridge may be formed or assembled integrally with the body, and may be secured so as not to be detached by a user. The cartridge may be mounted to the body while containing the aerosol generating substance therein. However, this is not limited thereto, and the aerosol generating substance may be injected into the cartridge while the cartridge is coupled to the body.

[0044] The cartridge may contain an aerosol-generating substance in any one of a variety of states, such as a liquid state, a solid state, a gaseous state, or a gel state. The aerosol-generating substance may comprise a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid comprising a tobacco-containing material including volatile tobacco flavoring components, or may be a liquid comprising a non-tobacco material.

[0045] The cartridge can be operated by an electric signal or wireless signal transmitted from the main body, thereby converting the phase of an aerosol-generating substance inside the cartridge into a gaseous phase to generate an aerosol. The aerosol may refer to a gas that is a mixture of vaporized particles generated from the aerosol-generating substance and air.

[0046] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may heat a liquid composition to generate an aerosol, and the generated aerosol may be delivered to the user through a cigarette. That is, the aerosol generated from the liquid composition may travel along an airflow path of the aerosol generating device, and the airflow path may be configured such that the aerosol may pass through the cigarette and be delivered to the user.

[0047] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol from an aerosol generating substance using ultrasonic vibration. In this case, the ultrasonic vibration method may refer to a method of generating an aerosol by atomizing the aerosol generating substance with ultrasonic vibrations generated by a vibrator.

[0048] The aerosol generating device may include a vibrator, which may generate short-cycle vibrations to atomize the aerosol generating material. The vibrations generated by the vibrator may be ultrasonic vibrations, and the frequency range of the ultrasonic vibrations may be, but is not limited to, about 100 kHz to about 3.5 MHz.

[0049] The aerosol generating device may further include a wick that absorbs the aerosol generating substance. For example, the wick may be positioned to surround at least a portion of the vibrator or may be positioned to contact at least a portion of the vibrator.

[0050] When a voltage (e.g., an alternating current) is applied to the vibrator, heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations may be generated from the vibrator, and the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations generated from the vibrator may be transmitted to an aerosol-generating substance absorbed in the wick. The aerosol-generating substance absorbed in the wick may be converted into a gaseous phase by the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations transmitted from the vibrator, thereby generating an aerosol.

[0051] For example, the viscosity of an aerosol-generating substance absorbed into a wick may be lowered by heat generated from a vibrator, and an aerosol may be generated by fine particles of an aerosol-generating substance with a lowered viscosity due to ultrasonic vibration generated from a vibrator, but is not limited thereto.

[0052] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating article accommodated in the aerosol generating device by induction heating.

[0053] An aerosol generating device may include a susceptor and a coil. In one embodiment, the coil may apply a magnetic field to the susceptor. As power is supplied to the coil from the aerosol generating device, a magnetic field may be formed within the coil. In one embodiment, the susceptor may be a magnetic material that generates heat due to an external magnetic field. When the susceptor is positioned within the coil and a magnetic field is applied, the susceptor generates heat, thereby heating the aerosol generating article. Additionally, optionally, the susceptor may be positioned within the aerosol generating article.

[0054] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may further comprise a cradle.

[0055] The aerosol generator can be configured as a system with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle can charge the aerosol generator's battery. Alternatively, the heater can be heated while the cradle and aerosol generator are combined.

[0056] Below, with reference to the attached drawings, embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement them. The present disclosure may be implemented in a form that can be implemented in the various embodiments of the aerosol generating devices described above, or may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0057] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0058] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an aerosol generating device (1) according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of a battery (11), a control unit (12), a sensor unit (13), and a heater (18). At least one of the battery (11), the control unit (12), the sensor unit (13), and the heater (18) may be disposed inside a body (10) of the aerosol generating device (1). The body (10) may provide a space opened upwardly so that an aerosol generating article (S) may be inserted. The space opened upwardly may be referred to as an insertion space or a cavity. The cavity may be formed by being sunken toward the inside of the body (10) to a predetermined depth so that at least a portion of the aerosol generating article (S) may be inserted. The depth of the cavity may correspond to the length of a region in the aerosol generating article (S) in which an aerosol generating material and / or medium is included. The lower end of the aerosol generating article (S) is inserted into the interior of the body (10), and the upper end of the aerosol generating article (S) can protrude outside the body (10). The user can hold the upper end of the aerosol generating article (S), which is exposed to the outside, in his / her mouth and inhale air. According to an embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) further includes a vaporizer (not shown), and the aerosol generated by the vaporizer can pass through the aerosol generating article (S) and be delivered to the user. For this purpose, the vaporizer can include a liquid storage portion, a liquid delivery means, and an additional heating element.

[0059] The heater (18) can heat the aerosol generating article (S). The heater (18) can extend upwardly in a space where the aerosol generating article (S) is inserted. For example, the heater (18) can include a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element. The heater (18) can be inserted into the lower portion of the aerosol generating article (S). According to an embodiment, the heater can include a cylindrical heating element, unlike FIGS. 1 and 2, and the cylindrical heating element can accommodate the aerosol generating article (S) and heat at least a portion of the outer surface of the aerosol generating article (S).

[0060] The heater (18) may include an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heating heater.

[0061] For example, referring to FIG. 1, the heater (18) may be a resistive heater. For example, the heater (18) may include an electrically conductive track, and the heater (18) may be heated as current flows through the electrically conductive track. The heater (18) may be electrically connected to a battery (11). The heater (18) may be directly heated by receiving current from the battery (11). The heater (18) may also be referred to as a heating element in that it is configured to heat the aerosol generating article (S).

[0062] For example, the heater (18) may be a multi-heater. The heater (18) may include a first heater (18A) and a second heater (18B). The first and second heaters (18A, 18B) may be arranged side by side along the length direction. The first and second heaters (18A, 18B) may be heated sequentially or simultaneously.

[0063] For example, referring to FIG. 2, the aerosol generating device (1) may include an induction coil (181) surrounding a susceptor (182). The induction coil (181) may heat the susceptor (182). In an example where the heater (18) of the aerosol generating device (1) is an induction heating heater, the induction coil (181) and the susceptor (182) may be referred to as a heater (18). In an embodiment, only the susceptor (182) may be referred to as a heater (18). In addition, the induction coil (181) and the susceptor (182) may be referred to as a heating unit since the induction coil (181) and the susceptor (182) contribute to heating.

[0064] The susceptor (182) can be heated by a magnetic field generated by an AC current flowing through the induction coil (181). The magnetic field can penetrate the susceptor (182) and generate an eddy current within the susceptor (182). The current can generate heat in the susceptor (182). The susceptor (182) can be a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element, as shown in FIG. 2. However, according to an embodiment, the susceptor (182) can have a cylindrical shape to accommodate the aerosol generating article (S) and heat at least a portion of the outer surface of the aerosol generating article (S). In addition, according to an embodiment, the susceptor (182) can be a component included in the aerosol generating article (S) rather than the aerosol generating device (1).

[0065] The battery (11) can supply power to operate components of the aerosol generating device (1). The battery (11) can supply power to at least one of the control unit (12), the sensor unit (13), and the heater (18).

[0066] The control unit (12) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (1). The control unit (12) can be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The control unit (12) can control the operation of at least one of the battery (11), the sensor unit (13), and the heater (18). The control unit (12) can control the operation of the induction coil (181). The control unit (12) can control the operation of the display, motor, etc. installed in the aerosol generating device (1). The control unit (12) can check the status of each component of the aerosol generating device (1) to determine whether the aerosol generating device (1) is in an operable state.

[0067] The control unit (12) can analyze the results detected by the sensor unit (13) and control the processes to be performed thereafter. For example, the control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18) so that the operation of the heater (18) is started or ended based on the results detected by the sensor unit (13). For example, the control unit (12) can control the amount of power supplied to the heater (18) and the time for which the power is supplied so that the heater (18) can be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature based on the results detected by the sensor unit (13).

[0068] The sensor unit (13) may include at least one of a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, an insertion detection sensor, and an acceleration sensor. For example, the sensor unit (13) may sense at least one of the temperature of the heater (18), the temperature of the battery (11), and the temperature inside and outside the body (10). For example, the sensor unit (13) may sense a puff of a user. For example, the sensor unit (13) may sense whether an aerosol generating article (S) is inserted into the cavity. For example, the sensor unit (13) may sense the movement of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0069] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0070] In the following drawings, the description is centered on the case where the heater (18) is an induction heater, but the following description can also be applied to the case of the electric resistance heater of FIG. 1.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 3, the upper case (40) can be detachably coupled to the body (10). The upper case (40) can be coupled to the upper side of the body (10). The upper case (40) can cover the upper periphery of the body (10). The upper case (40) can have an insertion port (44). An aerosol generating article (S) can be inserted into the insertion port (44). The insertion port (44) can have a configuration corresponding to the insertion space or cavity described in FIGS. 1 and 2. The upper case (40) can include a cover (45) for opening and closing the insertion port (44). The cover (45) can slide laterally to open and close the insertion port (44).

[0072] The upper case (40) may include an upper case wing (42). The upper case wing (42) may extend downward from both sides of the upper case body (41). The upper case wing (42) may be referred to as an upper case grip (42).

[0073] The body (10) may include a body wing (15). The body wing (15) may extend upward from an edge of the upper portion of the body (10). The body wings (15) may be formed as a pair facing each other with the upper portion of the body (10) as the center. The body wings (15) may be formed at a position that is misaligned with the upper case wing (42).

[0074] When the upper case (40) is coupled to the body (10), the upper case (40) can form the upper outer surface of the aerosol generating device. When the upper case (40) is coupled to the body (10), the body wing (15) can cover the side portion of the upper case (40) exposed between the upper case wings (42). When the upper case (40) is coupled to the body (10), the upper case wing (42) can cover the outer wall of the body (10).

[0075] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the upper case and body of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating a sensor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0076] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the upper case (40) can be detachably coupled to the body (10). The upper case (40) can include an insertion port (44). A cover (45) is movably installed on the upper case (40) to open or close the insertion port (44).

[0077] The aerosol generating article (S) can be accommodated in the aerosol generating device (1) through the insertion port (44) when the insertion port (44) is open. The susceptor (182) can be fixed to the body (10) or, depending on the embodiment, can be replaceably coupled to the body (10). The susceptor (182) can be inserted into the aerosol generating article (S) when the aerosol generating article (S) is accommodated in the aerosol generating device (1) through the insertion port (44).

[0078] The induction coil (181) surrounds the outer surface of the cavity forming the insertion hole (44) and can generate a variable magnetic field by alternating current. The variable magnetic field is provided to the susceptor (182), and the susceptor (182) can be inductively heated by the variable magnetic field.

[0079] The sensor unit (13) may include an item detection sensor (131) and an upper case detection sensor (132). The item detection sensor (131) and the upper case detection sensor (132) may be formed as one piece.

[0080] In one embodiment, the sensor unit (13) may additionally include at least one of a temperature sensor (not shown) and a humidity sensor (not shown). The temperature sensor or the humidity sensor may be configured as a thin film. At least one of the temperature sensor and the humidity sensor may be configured as a thin film and attached to the object detection sensor (131) to form an integral body. A detailed description of the temperature sensor and the humidity sensor will be described later with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8.

[0081] The object detection sensor (131) is arranged between the outer surface of the cavity and the induction coil (181), and can detect the presence of an aerosol-generating object (S) inserted into the cavity through the insertion port (44). The object detection sensor (131) can be manufactured as a thin film so that it can be arranged between the cavity and the induction coil (181). The object detection sensor (131) surrounds at least a portion of the outer surface of the cavity, and an output signal value can be varied depending on the electrostatic capacitance size of the cavity. In addition, the object detection sensor (131) can transmit the output signal value to the control unit (12).

[0082] The upper case detection sensor (132) may be formed as an integral part by being connected to the item detection sensor (131). The upper case detection sensor (132) is disposed inside the surface of the upper case (40) that comes into contact with the body (10) and may extend in one direction. The one direction may be perpendicular to the insertion direction of the aerosol generating item (S). The upper case (40) includes at least one conductor (43) in a portion that comes into contact with the upper case detection sensor (132), and the upper case detection sensor (132) may output an output value that varies depending on the approach and retreat of the at least one conductor (43). The upper case detection sensor (132) may transmit the output value to the control unit (12).

[0083] The upper case detection sensor (132) and the item detection sensor (131) may be formed as a single unit. The upper case detection sensor (132) and the item detection sensor (131) may be implemented in a pattern shape on the base. It is preferable that the base be formed of an insulator that does not conduct current. For example, the upper case detection sensor (132) and the item detection sensor (131) may each be implemented in a pattern shape on a single flexible printed circuit board (FPCB).

[0084] The upper case detection sensor (132) may include an inductive sensor. In an embodiment in which the upper case detection sensor (132) includes an inductive sensor, the upper case detection sensor (132) may include a detection coil (13b). The detection coil (13b) may be implemented in a pattern shape on the base. The item detection sensor (131) may vary its inductance according to the approach and retreat of the upper case (40), and may transmit the varied inductance value to the control unit (12). For this purpose, the sensor unit (13) may further include a signal transmission unit (13c). The signal transmission unit (13c) includes a first channel (ch1) and a second channel (ch2), and the signal transmission unit (13c) may transmit the varied inductance value to the control unit (12) through the first channel (ch1).

[0085] The object detection sensor (131) may include at least one capacitor sensor. In an embodiment in which the object detection sensor (131) includes a capacitor sensor, the object detection sensor (131) may include at least one electrode (13a). Although FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment in which there are three electrodes (13a), the number of electrodes (13a) is not limited thereto. The electrodes (13a) may be implemented in a pattern shape on the base. The electrodes (13a) may be in contact with the outer surface of the cavity and may surround at least a portion of the outer surface of the cavity. According to an embodiment, the sensor unit (13) may be externally coated, and the outer coating layer may be in direct contact with the outer surface of the cavity.

[0086] Since the electrode (13a) surrounds the cavity, the cavity can be understood as a dielectric space that causes a change in electrostatic capacity. In other words, when an aerosol generating article (S) is inserted into the cavity, the dielectric constant of the electrode (13a) changes, and the electrostatic capacity of the article detection sensor (131) can change. In this way, the article detection sensor (131) can output a signal that changes according to the change in electrostatic capacity of the electrode (13a) itself, without separately having a transmitting electrode and a receiving electrode. In the present disclosure, a 'signal' is a signal corresponding to a change in electrostatic capacity in the cavity, and may mean a voltage change signal, a frequency change signal, or a charge / discharge time change signal. The control unit (12 of FIG. 1) can obtain a signal output from the article detection sensor (131). The signal transmission unit (13c) can transmit the signal to the control unit (12 of FIG. 1) through a second channel (ch2) different from the first channel (ch1).

[0087] In one embodiment, at least one of the temperature sensor and the humidity sensor may be configured as a thin film and attached to the object detection sensor (131) to form an integral body. Specifically, at least one of the temperature sensor and the humidity sensor may be configured as a thin film and attached to an electrode forming an electrostatic capacitance to form an integral body. The temperature sensor may detect the ambient temperature of the object detection sensor (131). The humidity sensor may detect the ambient humidity of the object detection sensor (131). Details regarding the temperature sensor and the humidity sensor configured as thin films will be described later with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8.

[0088] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a thin-film temperature sensor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a thin-film temperature sensor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0089] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the temperature sensor (133) may be configured in a thin film form. The thin film temperature sensor (133) is configured with a base (1331), a first electrode (1332), a second electrode (1334), a thermistor layer (1333), and may optionally include a protective layer (1335).

[0090] The base (1331) may be formed using an insulating alumina (Al2O3) substrate. In one embodiment, the temperature sensor (133) and the object detection sensor (131 in FIG. 5) may be formed as a single body by using a common base. That is, the temperature sensor (133) may be attached to an electrode (13a in FIG. 5) constituting the object detection sensor (131 in FIG. 5) by using a common base with the object detection sensor (131 in FIG. 5).

[0091] The thermistor layer (1333) may be composed of a thermoresistive material, a piezoresistive material, or a mixture thereof. The thermistor layer (1333) may have electrical characteristics that change depending on temperature. Specifically, the thermistor layer (1333) may have resistance characteristics that change depending on temperature.

[0092] The temperature sensor (1333) includes a base (1331), a first electrode (1332) formed on the base (1331), a thermistor layer (1333) formed over the first electrode (1332) and the base (1331), and a second electrode (1334) formed over the thermistor layer (1333) and the base (1331). The width of the thermistor layer (1333) is formed to a size sufficient to include the first electrode (1332) therein, and the thermistor layer is in contact with the base (1331) in the remaining portion excluding the first electrode (1332). The first electrode (1332) and the second electrode (1334) can be formed by printing a paste containing palladium (Pd) and platinum (Pt) and then firing it, and the thermistor layer (1333) can be formed by printing a slurry mixed with ceramic powder and then firing it.

[0093] The protective layer (1335) is an electrically insulating material, and is formed on the entire surface between the first electrode (1332) and the second electrode (1334) except for a portion thereof. A film made of high-temperature-resistant glass or polymer material can be formed through a printing process.

[0094] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a thin film humidity sensor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0095] The humidity sensor (134) may be configured in a thin film form. The humidity sensor (134) includes a base (1341), a first electrode (1342) formed on the base (1341), a humidity-sensitive layer (1343) formed on the first electrode (1342), and a second electrode (1344) formed on the humidity-sensitive layer (1343).

[0096] The moisture-sensitive layer (1343) may be composed of a polymer material and may have a moisture-sensitive film structure applied so that electrical characteristics may change according to moisture absorption and desorption. Specifically, when moisture is absorbed into the interior of the moisture-sensitive layer (1343), the resistance component between the first electrode (1342) and the second electrode (1344) changes, which may be detected to thereby detect changes in humidity.

[0097] In one embodiment, the base (1341) may be formed using an insulating alumina (Al2O3) substrate. In one embodiment, the humidity sensor (134) and the object detection sensor (131 in FIG. 5) may be formed as a single body by using a common base. That is, the humidity sensor (134) may be attached to an electrode (13a in FIG. 5) constituting the object detection sensor (131 in FIG. 5) by using a common base with the object detection sensor (131 in FIG. 5).

[0098] Figure 9 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0099] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 9, an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment includes a control unit (12), a heater (18), a memory (17), and a sensor unit (13). However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device (1) is not limited to that illustrated in FIG. 9. That is, a person having ordinary skill in the art related to the present embodiment will understand that, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device (1), some of the components illustrated in FIG. 9 may be omitted or new components may be added.

[0100] The heater (18) can heat at least a portion of the aerosol generating article (S) inserted into the cavity.

[0101] The sensor unit (13) may include an item detection sensor (131), an upper case detection sensor (132), a temperature sensor (133), and a humidity sensor (134). As described above, at least one of the temperature sensor (133) and the humidity sensor (134) may be formed in a thin film form and attached to the item detection sensor (131) and an electrode forming a capacitance to form an integral body.

[0102] The temperature sensor (133) is formed integrally with the item detection sensor (131) and can detect the ambient temperature of the item detection sensor (131).

[0103] The humidity sensor (134) is formed integrally with the item detection sensor (131) and can detect the humidity surrounding the item detection sensor (131).

[0104] The object detection sensor (131) can detect a change in the common electrostatic capacitance and output a signal. The change in electrostatic capacitance detected by the object detection sensor (131) can be affected by temperature and humidity. That is, even in a state where there is no change in the common electrostatic capacitance, the signal output by the object detection sensor (131) can change depending on temperature or humidity changes. Therefore, in the present disclosure, the change characteristics of the signal value output by the object detection sensor (131) that changes depending on temperature and humidity are confirmed, and a compensation value is determined according to the confirmed change characteristics. In addition, a lookup table for the determined compensation value can be stored in advance in the memory (17).

[0105] The lookup table may include a first lookup table including compensation values ​​according to temperature, a second lookup table including compensation values ​​according to humidity, and a third lookup table including compensation values ​​according to temperature and humidity. In this case, since the object detection sensor (131) is affected by both temperature and humidity, it is preferable to compensate the signal value by considering both temperature and humidity.

[0106] The control unit (12) can be electrically connected to the sensor unit (13), heater (18), and memory (17).

[0107] The control unit (12) can determine whether the upper case (40) is mounted on the body (10) based on the inductance value output by the upper case detection sensor (132). For example, the control unit (12) can determine that the upper case (40) is mounted on the body (10) if the change in inductance per unit time output by the upper case detection sensor (132) is greater than or equal to a preset reference inductance.

[0108] The control unit (12) can determine whether an aerosol-generating article (S) is inserted based on a signal output from the article detection sensor (131). For example, the control unit (12) can obtain a signal from the article detection sensor (131), compare the signal with a preset reference value to generate a detection value, and determine that an aerosol-generating article (S) is inserted into the cavity if the generated detection value falls within a preset range.

[0109] The control unit (12) can set a preheating temperature profile for the heater (18) based on the signal output from the item detection sensor (131), and supply power to the heater (18) according to the set preheating temperature profile. The control unit (12) can analyze the result detected by the item detection sensor (131) and control the processes to be performed thereafter. For example, the control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18) so that the operation of the heater (18) is started or ended based on the result detected by the item detection sensor (131). As another example, the control unit (12) can control the amount of power supplied to the heater (18) and the time for which the power is supplied so that the heater (18) can be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintain an appropriate temperature based on the result detected by the item detection sensor (131).

[0110] A compensation value for compensating for a detection value may be stored in advance in the memory (17). The compensation value for compensating for a detection value according to temperature and humidity is determined in advance through an experiment, and a lookup table is created accordingly and stored in the memory (17). In order to ensure the reliability of the operation for detecting the insertion of an aerosol-generating article (S), it is preferable that the compensation value be such that the electrostatic capacitance value of the cavity detected by the article detection sensor (131) is maintained at a value lower than a reference value when no aerosol-generating article (S) is inserted into the cavity.

[0111] The lookup table may include compensation values ​​corresponding to temperature / humidity. For example, the lookup table may be composed of a first compensation value applied under the conditions of temperature A and humidity B, a second compensation value applied under the conditions of temperature A and humidity C, a third compensation value applied under the conditions of temperature D and humidity B, and a fourth compensation value applied under the conditions of temperature D and humidity C. In other words, the lookup table may be composed of compensation values ​​that take into account both temperature and humidity, rather than compensation values ​​for only one of the conditions of temperature and humidity.

[0112] The control unit (12) obtains the ambient temperature of the product detection sensor (131) from the temperature sensor (133), and when a signal output from the product detection sensor (131) is obtained, the control unit (12) checks the temperature at the time the signal was obtained, extracts a compensation value corresponding to the temperature from the memory (17), and compensates the detection value based on the extracted compensation value.

[0113] The control unit (12) can calculate a detection value by subtracting a reference value from the signal output by the object detection sensor (131). If the detection value is negative, the control unit (12) can determine the signal output by the object detection sensor (131) as noise.

[0114] For example, if the reference temperature is set to 25 degrees, and the reference value is set to a signal value corresponding to an electrostatic capacitance of "100 pF", and the signal value generated through the object detection sensor (131) is a signal value corresponding to an electrostatic capacitance of "300 pF", then if the temperature data at the time the signal value is acquired is 25 degrees, the signal value corresponding to an electrostatic capacitance of "200 pF", which is the difference between the reference value and the signal value generated through the object detection sensor (131), is generated as a detection value. If the detection value is within a preset range, the control unit (12) determines that an aerosol-generating object (S) is inserted into the cavity. The preset range may be, for example, a positive (+) value greater than 0. On the other hand, if the temperature data at the time the signal output from the object detection sensor (131) is acquired is 30 degrees, the control unit (12) checks the compensation value corresponding to the temperature data using the compensation table stored in the memory (17). At this time, the compensation value may be a value applied to the reference value, or, differently, may be a value applied to a signal value acquired through the item detection sensor (131). The compensation value is a value applied to the reference value, and when the compensation value corresponding to the temperature data is a signal value corresponding to the electrostatic capacitance "250 pF", the control unit (12) can change the reference value from a signal value corresponding to the electrostatic capacitance "100 pF" to a signal value corresponding to the electrostatic capacitance "350 pF". At this time, since the signal value generated through the item detection sensor (131) is a signal value corresponding to the electrostatic capacitance "300 pF" and is lower than the compensated reference value, the control unit (12) can judge the signal output by the item detection sensor (131) as noise and ignore it.

[0115] In addition, if the compensation value is a value applied to the signal value output from the item detection sensor (131), and the compensation value corresponding to the temperature data is a signal value corresponding to the electrostatic capacitance “250 pF”, the control unit (12) can change the signal value acquired through the item detection sensor (131) from a signal value corresponding to the electrostatic capacitance “300 pF” to a signal value corresponding to the electrostatic capacitance “50 pF”. At this time, since the signal value generated through the item detection sensor (131) is a signal value corresponding to the electrostatic capacitance “50 pF” and the reference value is lower than the signal value corresponding to the electrostatic capacitance “100 pF”, the control unit (12) can judge the signal output by the item detection sensor (131) as noise and ignore it.

[0116] The control unit (12) obtains the ambient humidity of the item detection sensor (131) from the humidity sensor (134), and when a signal output from the item detection sensor (131) is obtained, it checks the humidity at the time the signal was obtained, extracts a compensation value corresponding to the humidity from the memory (17), and compensates the detection value based on the extracted compensation value.

[0117] The control unit (12) can calculate a detection value by subtracting a reference value from the signal output by the object detection sensor (131). If the detection value is negative, the control unit (12) can determine the signal output by the object detection sensor (131) as noise.

[0118] For example, if the reference humidity is set to 40%, and the reference value is set to a signal value corresponding to an electrostatic capacitance of "100 pF", and the signal value generated through the object detection sensor (131) is a signal value corresponding to an electrostatic capacitance of "300 pF", then if the humidity data at the time the signal value is acquired is 40%, the signal value corresponding to an electrostatic capacitance of "200 pF", which is the difference between the reference value and the signal value generated through the object detection sensor (131), is generated as the detection value. The control unit (12) determines that an aerosol-generating object (S) is inserted into the cavity if the detection value is within a preset range. The preset range may be, for example, a positive (+) value greater than 0. On the other hand, if the humidity data at the time the signal output from the object detection sensor (131) is acquired is 60%, the control unit (12) checks the compensation value corresponding to the humidity data using the compensation table stored in the memory (17). At this time, the compensation value may be a value applied to the reference value, or, differently, may be a value applied to a signal value acquired through the item detection sensor (131). The compensation value is a value applied to the reference value, and when the compensation value corresponding to the humidity data is a signal value corresponding to the electrostatic capacitance "220 pF", the control unit (12) can change the reference value from a signal value corresponding to the electrostatic capacitance "100 pF" to a signal value corresponding to the electrostatic capacitance "320 pF". At this time, since the signal value generated through the item detection sensor (131) is a signal value corresponding to the electrostatic capacitance "300 pF" and is lower than the reference value, the control unit (12) can judge the signal output by the item detection sensor (131) as noise and ignore it.

[0119] In addition, if the compensation value is a value applied to the signal value output from the item detection sensor (131), and the compensation value corresponding to the temperature data is a signal value corresponding to the electrostatic capacitance "220 pF", the control unit (12) can change the signal value acquired through the item detection sensor (131) from a signal value corresponding to the electrostatic capacitance "300 pF" to a signal value corresponding to the electrostatic capacitance "80 pF". At this time, since the signal value generated through the item detection sensor (131) is a signal value corresponding to the electrostatic capacitance "80 pF" and the reference value is lower than the signal value corresponding to the electrostatic capacitance "100 pF", the control unit (12) can judge the signal output by the item detection sensor (131) as noise and ignore it.

[0120] The control unit (12) can recognize that the detection value is generated by a non-genuine aerosol-generating article (S) or a foreign substance if the detection value or the compensated detection value is outside the preset range. That is, the control unit (12) can determine that the aerosol-generating article (S) inserted into the cavity is not genuine if the detection value or the compensated detection value is outside the preset range. In addition, the control unit (12) can determine that a foreign substance is inserted into the cavity if the detection value or the compensated detection value is outside the preset range.

[0121] In the present disclosure, a temperature-dependent compensation algorithm is applied in a normal state to dynamically change a reference value or a signal value output by an object detection sensor (131), thereby ensuring that a constant difference exists between the reference value and the signal value. That is, the signal value output by the object detection sensor (131) in a normal state is made to have a value lower than the reference value. Accordingly, only when the signal value has a value higher than the reference value, the control unit (12) can determine whether an aerosol-generating object (S) is inserted based on the signal output by the object detection sensor (131).

[0122] Here, the normal state is a test environment of the product detection sensor (131) for setting a reference value, and means, for example, a state in which no aerosol-generating product (S) or foreign substances are inserted into the cavity in an environment with a temperature of 25°C and a humidity of 50%.

[0123] Fig. 10 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0124] The aerosol generating device (1000) may include a power source (1100), a control unit (1200), a sensor (1300), an output unit (1400), an input unit (1500), a communication unit (1600), a memory (1700), and at least one heater (1800, 2400). However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device (1000) is not limited to that illustrated in FIG. 10. That is, a person skilled in the art related to the present embodiment will understand that, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device (1000), some of the components illustrated in FIG. 10 may be omitted or new components may be added.

[0125] The sensor (1300) can detect the status of the aerosol generating device (1000) or the status around the aerosol generating device (1000) and transmit the detected information to the control unit (1200). Based on the detected information, the control unit (1200) can control the aerosol generating device (1000) to perform various functions, such as controlling the operation of the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800), restricting smoking, determining whether an aerosol generating article and / or cartridge (19) is inserted, and displaying a notification.

[0126] The sensor (1300) may include at least one of a temperature sensor (1310), a puff sensor (1320), an insertion detection sensor (1330), a reuse detection sensor (1340), a cartridge detection sensor (1350), a cap detection sensor (1360), and a motion detection sensor (1370).

[0127] The temperature sensor (1310) can detect the temperature at which the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800) is heated. The aerosol generating device (1000) may include a separate temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800), or the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800) itself may serve as the temperature sensor.

[0128] The temperature sensor (1310) can output a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800). For example, the temperature sensor (1310) can include a resistance element whose resistance value changes in response to a temperature change of the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800). It can be implemented by a thermistor, which is an element that utilizes the property of changing resistance depending on temperature. In this case, the temperature sensor (1310) can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistance element as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800). For example, the temperature sensor (1310) can be configured as a sensor that detects the resistance value of the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800). At this time, the temperature sensor (1310) can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the cartridge heater (2400) and / or heater (1800) as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater (2400) and / or heater (1800).

[0129] A temperature sensor (1310) may be placed around the power source (1100) to monitor the temperature of the power source (1100). The temperature sensor (1310) may be placed adjacent to the power source (1100). For example, the temperature sensor (1310) may be attached to one side of a battery, which is the power source (1100). For example, the temperature sensor (1310) may be mounted on one side of a printed circuit board.

[0130] A temperature sensor (1310) is placed inside the main body of the aerosol generating device and can detect the internal temperature of the main body of the aerosol generating device.

[0131] The puff sensor (1320) can detect a user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow path. The puff sensor (1320) can output a signal corresponding to the puff. For example, the puff sensor (1320) can be a pressure sensor. The puff sensor (1320) can output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device (1000). Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device (1000) can correspond to the pressure of the airflow path through which the gas flows. The puff sensor (1320) can be arranged in correspondence to the airflow path through which the gas flows in the aerosol generating device (1000).

[0132] The insertion detection sensor (1330) can detect the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article. The insertion detection sensor (1330) can detect a signal change according to the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article. The insertion detection sensor (1330) can be installed around the insertion space. The insertion detection sensor (1330) can detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article according to a change in the permittivity within the insertion space. For example, the insertion detection sensor (1330) can be an inductive sensor and / or a capacitance sensor.

[0133] An inductive sensor may include at least one coil. The coil of the inductive sensor may be positioned adjacent to an insertion space. For example, when a magnetic field changes around a current-flowing coil, the characteristics of the current flowing in the coil may change according to Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction. Here, the characteristics of the current flowing in the coil may include the frequency of the alternating current, the current value, the voltage value, the inductance value, the impedance value, etc.

[0134] An inductive sensor can output a signal corresponding to the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil. For example, an inductive sensor can output a signal corresponding to the inductance value of the coil.

[0135] A capacitance sensor may include a conductor. The conductor of the capacitance sensor may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space. The capacitance sensor may output a signal corresponding to the electromagnetic properties of the surroundings, for example, the electrostatic capacitance around the conductor. For example, when an aerosol-generating article including a metallic wrapper is inserted into the insertion space, the electromagnetic properties around the conductor may be changed by the wrapper of the aerosol-generating article.

[0136] A reuse detection sensor (1340) can detect whether an aerosol-generating article has been reused. The reuse detection sensor (1340) may be a color sensor. The color sensor can detect the color of the aerosol-generating article. The color sensor can detect the color of a portion of a wrapper that wraps the outside of the aerosol-generating article. The color sensor can detect a value for an optical characteristic corresponding to the color of the object based on light reflected from the object. For example, the optical characteristic may be a wavelength of light. The color sensor may be implemented as a single component with the proximity sensor, or may be implemented as a separate component distinct from the proximity sensor.

[0137] At least some of the wrappers constituting the aerosol-generating article may change color due to the aerosol. The reuse detection sensor (1340) may be positioned in response to a position where at least some of the wrappers that change color due to the aerosol are disposed when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the insertion space. For example, before the aerosol-generating article is used by a user, the color of at least some of the wrappers may be a first color. At this time, as at least some of the wrappers are wetted by the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating device (1000) while passing through the aerosol-generating article, the color of at least some of the wrappers may change to a second color. Meanwhile, the color of at least some of the wrappers may be maintained at the second color after changing from the first color to the second color.

[0138] The cartridge detection sensor (1350) can detect the mounting and / or removal of the cartridge (19). The cartridge detection sensor (1350) can be implemented by an inductance-based sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistance sensor, a Hall sensor (hall IC) using the Hall effect, etc.

[0139] The cap detection sensor (1360) can detect the attachment and / or removal of the cap. When the cap is separated from the aerosol generating device body, the cartridge (19) covered by the cap and a portion of the aerosol generating device body may be exposed to the outside. The cap detection sensor (1360) can be implemented by a contact sensor, a hall sensor (hall IC), an optical sensor, or the like.

[0140] The motion detection sensor (1370) can detect the movement of the aerosol generating device (1000). The motion detection sensor (1370) can be implemented with at least one of an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor.

[0141] In addition to the sensors (1310 to 1370) described above, the sensor (1300) may further include at least one of a humidity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a position sensor (GPS), and a proximity sensor. Since the functions of each sensor can be intuitively inferred from its name by a person skilled in the art, a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0142] The output unit (1400) can output information about the status of the aerosol generating device (1000) and provide it to the user. The output unit (1400) may include at least one of a display (1410), a haptic unit (1420), and an audio output unit (1430), but is not limited thereto. When the display (1410) and the touch pad form a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display (1410) can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0143] The display (1410) can visually provide information about the aerosol generating device (1000) to the user. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device (1000) can mean various information such as the charging / discharging status of the power supply (1100) of the aerosol generating device (1000), the preheating status of the heater (1800), the insertion / removal status of the aerosol generating product and / or cartridge (19), the mounting / removal status of the cap, or the status in which the use of the aerosol generating device (1000) is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal product), and the display (1410) can output the information to the outside. For example, the display (1410) can be in the form of an LED light-emitting element. For example, the display (1410) can be a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), etc.

[0144] The haptic unit (1420) can provide tactile information about the aerosol generating device (1000) to the user by converting an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus or an electrical stimulus. For example, the haptic unit (1420) can generate a vibration corresponding to the completion of the initial preheating when the initial power is supplied to the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800) for a set period of time. The haptic unit (1420) can include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0145] The acoustic output unit (1430) can provide information about the aerosol generating device (1000) to the user audibly. For example, the acoustic output unit (1430) can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

[0146] The power source (1100) can supply power used to operate the aerosol generating device (1000). The power source (1100) can supply power so that the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800) can be heated. In addition, the power source (1100) can supply power required for the operation of other components provided in the aerosol generating device (1000), such as a sensor (1300), an output unit (1400), an input unit (1500), a communication unit (1600), and a memory (1700). The power source (1100) can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the power source (1100) can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0147] Although not shown in FIG. 10, the aerosol generating device (1000) may further include a power protection circuit. The power protection circuit may be electrically connected to the power source (1100) and include a switching element.

[0148] The power protection circuit can block the power supply (1100) according to certain conditions. For example, the power protection circuit can block the power supply (1100) when the voltage level of the power supply (1100) is higher than a first voltage corresponding to overcharge. For example, the power protection circuit can block the power supply (1100) when the voltage level of the power supply (1100) is lower than a second voltage corresponding to overdischarge.

[0149] The heater (1800) can receive power from the power source (1100) to heat the medium or aerosol generating material within the aerosol generating article. Although not illustrated in FIG. 10, the aerosol generating device (1000) may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power of the power source (1100) and supplies it to the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800). In addition, when the aerosol generating device (1000) generates the aerosol by induction heating, the aerosol generating device (1000) may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the direct current power of the power source (1100) into alternating current power.

[0150] The control unit (1200), sensor (1300), output unit (1400), input unit (1500), communication unit (1600), and memory (1700) may receive power from the power source (1100) to perform functions. Although not illustrated in FIG. 10, the device may further include a power conversion circuit, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that converts power from the power source (1100) and supplies it to each component. In addition, although not illustrated in FIG. 10, a noise filter may be provided between the power source (1100) and the heater (1800). The noise filter may be a low pass filter. The low pass filter may include at least one inductor and a capacitor. The cutoff frequency of the low pass filter may correspond to the frequency of a high-frequency switching current applied from the power source (1100) to the heater (1800). By using a low-pass filter, high-frequency noise components can be prevented from being applied to a sensor (1300), such as an insertion detection sensor (1330).

[0151] In one embodiment, the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800) may be formed of any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, suitable electrically resistive materials may be metals or metal alloys including, but not limited to, titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, and the like. Furthermore, the heater (1800) may be implemented as, but not limited to, a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate having electrically conductive tracks arranged thereon, a ceramic heating element, and the like.

[0152] In another embodiment, the heater (1800) may be an induction heater. For example, the heater (1800) may include a susceptor that heats the aerosol generating material by generating heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil.

[0153] The input unit (1500) can receive information input from a user or output information to the user. For example, the input unit (1500) can be a touch panel. The touch panel can include at least one touch sensor that detects touch. For example, the touch sensor can include, but is not limited to, a capacitive touch sensor, a resistive touch sensor, a surface acoustic wave touch sensor, an infrared touch sensor, etc.

[0154] The display (1410) and the touch panel may be implemented as a single panel. For example, the touch panel may be inserted into the display (1410) (on-cell type or in-cell type). For example, the touch panel may be added on the display (1410) panel (add-on type).

[0155] Meanwhile, the input unit (1500) may include, but is not limited to, buttons, key pads, dome switches, jog wheels, jog switches, etc.

[0156] The memory (1700) is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device (1000), and can store data processed and data to be processed in the control unit (1200). The memory (1700) 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. The memory (1700) may store data on the operation time of the aerosol generating device (1000), the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and a user's smoking pattern.

[0157] The communication unit (1600) may include at least one component for communication with another electronic device. For example, the communication unit (1600) may include at least one of a short-range communication unit and a wireless communication unit.

[0158] The short-range wireless communication unit may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication unit, a near field communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, an UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc.

[0159] The wireless communication unit may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc.

[0160] Although not shown in FIG. 10, the aerosol generating device (1000) further includes a connection interface, such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and can transmit and receive information or charge a power source (1100) by connecting to another external device through a connection interface, such as a USB interface.

[0161] The control unit (1200) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (1000). In one embodiment, the control unit (1200) can include at least one processor. The processor can be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or can be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor. Furthermore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present embodiment can be implemented as other types of hardware.

[0162] The control unit (1200) can control the temperature of the heater (1800) by controlling the supply of power from the power source (1100) to the heater (1800). The control unit (1200) can control the temperature of the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800) based on the temperature of the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800) sensed by the temperature sensor (1310). The control unit (1200) can adjust the power supplied to the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800) based on the temperature of the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800). For example, the control unit (1200) can determine a target temperature for the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800) based on a temperature profile stored in the memory (1700).

[0163] The aerosol generating device (1000) may include a power supply circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the power supply (1100) between the power supply (1100) and the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800). The power supply circuit may be electrically connected to the cartridge heater (2400) and the heater (1800). The power supply circuit may include at least one switching element. The switching element may be implemented by a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), a field effect transistor (FET), or the like. The control unit (1200) may control the power supply circuit.

[0164] The control unit (1200) can control power supply by controlling the switching of the switching elements of the power supply circuit. The power supply circuit may be an inverter that converts direct current power output from the power source (1100) into alternating current power. For example, the inverter may be configured as a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit including a plurality of switching elements.

[0165] The control unit (1200) can turn on the switching element so that power is supplied from the power source (1100) to the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800). The control unit (1200) can turn off the switching element so that power is cut off to the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800). The control unit (1200) can control the current supplied from the power source (1100) by controlling the frequency and / or duty ratio of the current pulse input to the switching element.

[0166] The control unit (1200) can control the voltage output from the power source (1100) by controlling the switching of the switching element of the power supply circuit. The power conversion circuit can convert the voltage output from the power source (1100). For example, the power conversion circuit can include a buck converter that steps down the voltage output from the power source (1100). For example, the power conversion circuit can be implemented using a buck-boost converter, a zener diode, etc.

[0167] The control unit (1200) can control the on / off operation of the switching element included in the power conversion circuit to adjust the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit. When the on state of the switching element continues, the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit may correspond to the level of the voltage output from the power source (1100). The duty ratio for the on / off operation of the switching element may correspond to the ratio of the voltage output from the power source (1100) to the voltage output from the power source. As the duty ratio for the on / off operation of the switching element decreases, the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit may decrease. The heater (1800) can be heated based on the voltage output from the power conversion circuit.

[0168] The control unit (1200) can control power to be supplied to the heater (1800) using at least one of a pulse width modulation (PWM) method and a proportional-integral-differential (PID) method.

[0169] For example, the control unit (1200) can control a current pulse having a predetermined frequency and duty ratio to be supplied to the heater (1800) using the PWM method. The control unit (1200) can control the power supplied to the heater (1800) by adjusting the frequency and duty ratio of the current pulse.

[0170] For example, the control unit (1200) can determine a target temperature that is the target of control based on a temperature profile. The control unit (1200) can control the power supplied to the heater (1800) using a PID method, which is a feedback control method using a difference value between the temperature of the heater (1800) and the target temperature, a value obtained by integrating the difference value over time, and a value obtained by differentiating the difference value over time.

[0171] The control unit (1200) can prevent the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800) from overheating. For example, the control unit (1200) can control the operation of the power conversion circuit so that the supply of power to the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800) is cut off based on the temperature of the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800) exceeding a preset limit temperature. For example, the control unit (1200) can reduce the amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800) by a predetermined ratio based on the temperature of the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800) exceeding a preset limit temperature. For example, the control unit (1200) may determine that the aerosol generating material contained in the cartridge (19) is exhausted based on the temperature of the cartridge heater (2400) exceeding a limit temperature, and may cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater (2400).

[0172] The control unit (1200) can control the charging and discharging of the power source (1100). The control unit (1200) can check the temperature of the power source (1100) based on the output signal of the temperature sensor (1310).

[0173] When a power line is connected to the battery terminal of the aerosol generating device (1000), the control unit (1200) can check whether the temperature of the power source (1100) is higher than or equal to the first limit temperature, which is a standard for blocking charging of the power source (1100). If the temperature of the power source (1100) is lower than the first limit temperature, the control unit (1200) can control the power source (1100) to be charged based on a preset charging current. If the temperature of the power source (1100) is higher than or equal to the first limit temperature, the control unit (1200) can block charging of the power source (1100).

[0174] When the power of the aerosol generating device (1000) is turned on, the control unit (1200) can check whether the temperature of the power source (1100) is higher than or equal to the second limit temperature, which is a standard for blocking discharge of the power source (1100). If the temperature of the power source (1100) is lower than the second limit temperature, the control unit (1200) can control to use the power stored in the power source (1100). If the temperature of the power source (1100) is higher than or equal to the second limit temperature, the control unit (1200) can stop using the power stored in the power source (1100).

[0175] The control unit (1200) can calculate the remaining capacity of the power stored in the power source (1100). For example, the control unit (1200) can calculate the remaining capacity of the power source (1100) based on the voltage and / or current sensing values ​​of the power source (1100).

[0176] The control unit (1200) can determine whether an aerosol-generating article is inserted into the insertion space through the insertion detection sensor (1330). The control unit (1200) can determine that an aerosol-generating article is inserted based on an output signal of the insertion detection sensor (1330). If it is determined that an aerosol-generating article is inserted into the insertion space, the control unit (1200) can control to supply power to the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800). For example, the control unit (1200) can supply power to the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800) based on a temperature profile stored in the memory (1700).

[0177] The control unit (1200) can determine whether an aerosol-generating article is removed from the insertion space. For example, the control unit (1200) can determine whether an aerosol-generating article is removed from the insertion space through the insertion detection sensor (1330). For example, the control unit (1200) can determine that an aerosol-generating article is removed from the insertion space if the temperature of the heater (1800) is higher than a limited temperature or if the temperature change slope of the heater (1800) is higher than a set slope. If it is determined that an aerosol-generating article is removed from the insertion space, the control unit (1200) can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800).

[0178] The control unit (1200) can control the power supply time and / or power supply amount to the heater (1800) according to the state of the aerosol-generating article detected by the sensor (1300). The control unit (1200) can check the level range within which the signal level of the capacitance sensor is included based on a lookup table. The control unit (1200) can determine the moisture content of the aerosol-generating article according to the checked level range.

[0179] When the aerosol generating article is in a hyper-humidified state, the control unit (1200) can control the power supply time to the heater (1800) to increase the preheating time of the aerosol generating article compared to the normal state.

[0180] The control unit (1200) can determine whether an aerosol-generating article inserted into an insertion space has been reused through the reuse detection sensor (1340). For example, the control unit (1200) can compare a sensing value of a signal of the reuse detection sensor (1340) with a first reference range that includes a first color, and if the sensing value is included in the first reference range, it can determine that the aerosol-generating article has not been used. For example, the control unit (1200) can compare a sensing value of a signal of the reuse detection sensor (1340) with a second reference range that includes a second color, and if the sensing value is included in the second reference range, it can determine that the aerosol-generating article has been used. If it is determined that the aerosol-generating article has been used, the control unit (1200) can cut off the supply of power to the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800).

[0181] The control unit (1200) can determine whether the cartridge (19) is coupled and / or removed through the cartridge detection sensor (1350). For example, the control unit (1200) can determine whether the cartridge (19) is coupled and / or removed based on the sensing value of the signal of the cartridge detection sensor (1350).

[0182] The control unit (1200) can determine whether the aerosol generating material of the cartridge (19) is exhausted. For example, the control unit (1200) can preheat the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800) by applying power, and determine whether the temperature of the cartridge heater (2400) exceeds a limited temperature during the preheating period. If the temperature of the cartridge heater (2400) exceeds the limited temperature, the control unit (1200) can determine that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge (19) is exhausted. If the control unit (1200) determines that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge (19) is exhausted, the control unit (1200) can cut off the supply of power to the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800).

[0183] The control unit (1200) can determine whether the cartridge (19) is usable. For example, the control unit (1200) can determine that the cartridge (19) is unusable if the current number of puffs is greater than or equal to the maximum number of puffs set for the cartridge (19) based on data stored in the memory (1700). For example, the control unit (1200) can determine that the cartridge (19) is unusable if the total time that the cartridge heater (2400) has been heated is greater than or equal to the preset maximum time or the total amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater (2400) is greater than or equal to the preset maximum amount of power.

[0184] The control unit (1200) can make a judgment regarding the user's inhalation through the puff sensor (1320). For example, the control unit (1200) can determine whether a puff has been generated based on the sensing value of the signal of the puff sensor (1320). For example, the control unit (1200) can determine the intensity of the puff based on the sensing value of the signal of the puff sensor (1320). If the number of puffs reaches a preset maximum number of puffs or if no puffs are detected for a preset time or longer, the control unit (1200) can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800).

[0185] The control unit (1200) can determine whether the cap is attached and / or removed through the cap detection sensor (1360). For example, the control unit (1200) can determine whether the cap is attached and / or removed based on the sensing value of the signal of the cap detection sensor (1360).

[0186] The control unit (1200) can control the output unit (1400) based on the result detected by the sensor (1300). For example, when the number of puffs counted through the puff sensor (1320) reaches a preset number, the control unit (1200) can notify the user that the aerosol generating device (1000) will soon be terminated through at least one of the display (1410), the haptic unit (1420), and the audio output unit (1430). For example, the control unit (1200) can notify the user through the output unit (1400) based on a determination that no aerosol generating product exists in the insertion space. For example, the control unit (1200) can notify the user through the output unit (1400) based on a determination that the cartridge (19) and / or the cap is not mounted. For example, the control unit (1200) can transmit information about the temperature of the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800) to the user through the output unit (1400).

[0187] The control unit (1200) may store and update a history of events that have occurred in the memory (1700) based on the occurrence of a predetermined event. The events 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 cartridge heater (2400) and / or heater (1800), detection of overvoltage application to the cartridge heater (2400) and / or heater (1800), termination of heating of the aerosol generating article, power on / off of the aerosol generating device (1000), initiation of charging of the power source (1100), detection of overcharging of the power source (1100), termination of charging of the power source (1100), etc., performed in the aerosol generating device (1000). 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 the insertion detection sensor (1330), etc. For example, if a given event is detection of overheating of the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800), log data corresponding to the event may include data on the temperature of the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800), the voltage applied to the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800), the current flowing through the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800), etc.

[0188] The control unit (1200) may control to form a communication link with an external device, such as a user's mobile terminal. Upon receiving data regarding authentication from the external device through the communication link, the control unit (1200) may release restrictions on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generating device (1000). Here, the data regarding authentication may include data indicating completion of user authentication for a user corresponding to the external device. The user may perform user authentication through the external device. The external device may determine whether user data is valid based on the user's birthday, a unique number representing the user, etc., and may receive data regarding the use authorization of the aerosol generating device (1000) from an external server. The external device may transmit data indicating completion of user authentication to the aerosol generating device (1000) based on the data regarding the use authorization. When the user authentication is completed, the control unit (1200) may release restrictions on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generating device (1000). For example, the control unit (1200) may release the restriction on the use of the heating function that supplies power to the heater (1800) when user authentication is completed.

[0189] The control unit (1200) can transmit data on the status of the aerosol generating device (1000) to an external device via a communication link formed with the external device. Based on the received status data, the external device can output the remaining capacity, operation mode, etc. of the power supply (1100) of the aerosol generating device (1000) via a display of the external device.

[0190] An external device may transmit a location search request to the aerosol generating device (1000) based on an input that initiates location search of the aerosol generating device (1000). When receiving a location search request from the external device, the control unit (1200) may control at least one of the output devices to perform an operation corresponding to the location search based on the received location search request. For example, in response to the location search request, the haptic unit (1420) may generate vibration. For example, in response to the location search request, the display (1410) may output an object corresponding to the location search and the end of the search.

[0191] The control unit (1200) can control to perform a firmware update when receiving firmware data from an external device. The external device can check the current version of the firmware of the aerosol generating device (1000) and determine whether a new version of the firmware exists. When an input requesting firmware download is received, the external device can receive a new version of the firmware data and transmit the new version of the firmware data to the aerosol generating device (1000). The control unit (1200) can control to perform a firmware update of the aerosol generating device (1000) upon receiving a new version of the firmware data.

[0192] The control unit (1200) can transmit data on the sensing value of at least one sensor (1300) to an external server (not shown) through the communication unit (1600), and receive and store a learning model generated by learning the sensing value through machine learning such as deep learning from the server. The control unit (1200) can perform an operation of determining a user's inhalation pattern, an operation of generating a temperature profile, etc. using the learning model received from the server. The control unit (1200) can store, in the memory (1700), the sensing value data of at least one sensor (1300) and data for learning an artificial neural network (ANN). For example, the memory (1700) can store a database for each component provided in the aerosol generating device (1000) for learning the artificial neural network (ANN), and weights and biases forming the artificial neural network (ANN) structure. The control unit (1200) can learn data on the sensing values ​​of at least one sensor (1300), the user's suction pattern, the temperature profile, etc. stored in the memory (1700), and generate at least one learning model used for determining the user's suction pattern, generating the temperature profile, etc.

[0193] The description of the above-described embodiments is merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and equivalent alternative embodiments are possible. Therefore, the true scope of protection for the invention should be defined by the appended claims, and all differences within the scope equivalent to the claims should be construed as being included within the scope of protection defined by the claims.

[0194] 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.

[0195] 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.

[0196] 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 cavity into which an aerosol generating article is inserted; An object detection sensor that detects a change in the above-mentioned common electrostatic capacitance and outputs a signal; A heater for heating at least a portion of an aerosol generating article inserted into the cavity; and Including the above item detection sensor and a control unit electrically connected to the heater, The above control unit, Comparing the signal output from the above-mentioned product detection sensor with a preset reference value to generate a detection value, If the above detection value is within a preset range, it is determined that the aerosol generating article has been inserted into the cavity. Aerosol generating device.

2. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature around the above-mentioned item detection sensor; The above control unit, Electrically connected to the above temperature sensor, and obtaining the ambient temperature of the product detection sensor from the temperature sensor, Compensating the detection value based on the ambient temperature of the above-mentioned item detection sensor, and determining that the aerosol-generating item is inserted into the cavity when the compensated detection value is within a preset range. Aerosol generating device.

3. In the second paragraph, further comprising a memory storing a compensation value for compensating the detection value; The above control unit, When the signal output from the above-mentioned product detection sensor is acquired, the temperature at the time the signal is acquired is checked, a compensation value corresponding to the temperature is extracted from the memory, and the detection value is compensated based on the extracted compensation value. Aerosol generating device.

4. In paragraph 3, The above compensation value is The compensation value of the signal output from the product detection sensor according to the above temperature, Aerosol generating device.

5. In paragraph 4, The above compensation value is In a state where no aerosol generating article is inserted into the cavity, the electrostatic capacitance value of the cavity detected by the article detection sensor is maintained at a value lower than the reference value. Aerosol generating device.

6. In paragraph 3, The above compensation value is The compensation value of the reference value output from the product detection sensor according to the above temperature, Aerosol generating device.

7. In paragraph 2, The above temperature sensor is a thin film temperature sensor. Aerosol generating device.

8. In paragraph 7, The above item detection sensor comprises a capacitive sensor including at least one electrode, The above temperature sensor is attached to the above electrode, Aerosol generating device.

9. In paragraph 8, The above temperature sensor A base attached to the above electrode; A first electrode formed on the base; The first electrode, and the thermistor layer formed thereon across the base; and including the thermistor layer, and a second electrode formed thereon across the base; Aerosol generating device.

10. In paragraph 1, The above signal is, At least one of a voltage change signal, a frequency change signal, and a charge / discharge time change signal, Aerosol generating device.

11. In paragraph 1, The above control unit Setting a preheating temperature profile for the heater based on the signal output from the product detection sensor, Supplying power to the heater according to the set preheating temperature profile, Aerosol generating device.

12. In paragraph 3, Further comprising a humidity sensor for detecting humidity around the above-mentioned item detection sensor; The above control unit, Electrically connected to the above humidity sensor, and obtaining the ambient humidity of the item detection sensor from the humidity sensor, When the signal output from the above-mentioned product detection sensor is acquired, the humidity at the time the signal was acquired is confirmed, a compensation value corresponding to the temperature and the humidity is extracted from the memory, and the detection value is compensated based on the extracted compensation value. Aerosol generating device.

13. In paragraph 12, The above compensation value is The compensation value of the signal output from the product detection sensor according to the temperature and humidity, Aerosol generating device.

14. In paragraph 12, The above compensation value is A compensation value of the reference value output from the product detection sensor according to the above temperature and humidity, Aerosol generating device.

15. In paragraph 12, The above item detection sensor comprises a capacitive sensor including at least one electrode, The above humidity sensor is a thin film type humidity sensor, and is attached to the electrode. Aerosol generating device.

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