Aerosol-generating device

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device is disclosed. The aerosol-generating device according to various embodiments of the present invention may comprise: a housing including an insertion space opened so that at least a part of an aerosol-generating article can be inserted therein; a sensor unit; an airflow channel through which air flows into the housing; and at least one processor for recognizing, through the sensor unit, the insertion of the aerosol-generating article, identifying, through the sensor unit, a color change due to the inflow of the air, for at least a partial area of the aerosol-generating device into which the aerosol-generating article is inserted, and recognizing a puff of a user on the basis of the identified color change.

Description

Aerosol generator

[0001] Various embodiments of the present invention relate to an aerosol generating device capable of more efficiently recognizing insertion of an aerosol product and a user's puff.

[0002] Conventional aerosol generating devices required separate detection means for recognition of the aerosol product, such as a stick, and for user puff recognition.

[0003] For example, for stick recognition, a sensor capable of recognizing a stick with a material such as a pattern, fluorescent ink, or taggant applied is used, and for puff recognition, a separate sensor using the Temperature Coefficient of Resistance (TCR) principle is used.

[0004] However, as the structure of the aerosol generator and components such as sensors become more diverse and complex, there is a problem that the efficiency of the device may decrease and the manufacturing cost may increase.

[0005] The technical problem to be achieved by the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problem, and the purpose is to provide an aerosol generating device capable of both stick recognition and puff recognition using a single sensor.

[0006] The problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the problems mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0007] An aerosol generating device according to various embodiments of the present invention may include a housing including an insertion space opened so that at least a portion of an aerosol product can be inserted; a sensor unit; an airflow channel through which air is introduced into the interior of the housing; and at least one processor that recognizes the insertion of the aerosol product through the sensor unit, confirms a color change due to the introduction of the air for at least a portion of the aerosol generating device into which the aerosol product is inserted through the sensor unit, and recognizes a user's puff based on the confirmed color change.

[0008] In some embodiments, the sensor unit comprises at least one sensor capable of detecting color, wherein the at least one sensor is positioned to view at least a portion of the aerosol product within the housing.

[0009] In some embodiments, the at least one processor can detect a first color change of the at least some region in response to an event associated with preheating of the aerosol generator, detect a second color change of the at least some region in response to an event associated with a user puff, and recognize a state associated with aerosol generation based on at least one of the first color change and the second color change.

[0010] In some embodiments, the at least one processor further detects a third color change associated with termination of use of the aerosol generator, and can recognize a state associated with aerosol generation based on at least one of the first color change, the second color change, and the third color change.

[0011] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device further includes an output unit, and the at least one processor can output a status related to aerosol generation recognized based on at least one of the first color change, the second color change, and the third color change through the output unit.

[0012] In some embodiments, at least some of the region may be a specific region of the aerosol product.

[0013] In some embodiments, at least some of the regions may include at least a color-changing member that changes color with temperature.

[0014] In some embodiments, the discoloration member may include a transparent window; and a discoloration material bonded to or applied to the transparent window.

[0015] In some embodiments, the discoloration member may be configured in an area adjacent to the airflow channel.

[0016] In some embodiments, the discoloration member may be configured in an area adjacent to the inlet of the airflow channel.

[0017] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device may further include a heating body that is heated to a temperature higher than a predetermined temperature by the operation of the aerosol generating device; and a temperature transfer body that has a thermal conductivity higher than a predetermined temperature and is connected to the heating body and the discoloration member to conduct heat from the heating body to the discoloration member.

[0018] A method according to various embodiments of the present invention is a control method for an aerosol generating device including a housing including an insertion space opened to allow at least a portion of an aerosol product to be inserted, a sensor unit, an airflow channel through which air is introduced into the interior of the housing, and at least one processor, the method comprising: a step of recognizing the insertion of the aerosol product through the sensor unit; a step of confirming, through the sensor unit, a color change due to the introduction of air for at least a portion of the aerosol generating device into which the aerosol product is inserted; and a step of recognizing a user's puff based on the confirmed color change.

[0019] In some embodiments, a method of controlling an aerosol generator may further include detecting, by the at least one processor, a first color change in at least a portion of the region in response to an event associated with preheating of the aerosol generator; detecting a second color change in at least a portion of the region in response to an event associated with a user puff; and recognizing a state associated with aerosol generation based on at least one of the first color change and the second color change.

[0020] In some embodiments, the method of controlling an aerosol generator further comprises a step of detecting a third color change associated with the termination of use of the aerosol generator, and the step of recognizing a state associated with aerosol generation may be further based on the third color change.

[0021] In some embodiments, the aerosol generator further includes an output unit, and the method for controlling the aerosol generator may further include a step of outputting, through the output unit, a state related to aerosol generation recognized based on at least one of the first color change, the second color change, and the third color change.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a more economical and efficient aerosol generating device can be provided by enabling both stick recognition and puff recognition using a single component.

[0023] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0024] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0025] Figure 2 illustrates an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0026] Figure 3 illustrates an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0027] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating insertion of an aerosol product and recognition of a user's puff according to one embodiment.

[0028] FIGS. 5A to 5D are exemplary diagrams of the internal structure of an aerosol generating device according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 are flowcharts illustrating a process of recognizing and outputting the status of an aerosol generating device based on a color change in a specific area according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Regardless of the drawing numbers, identical or similar components will be assigned the same reference numbers, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. In relation to the description of the drawings, similar drawing numbers may be used for similar or related components.

[0031] The suffixes “module” and “unit” used for components in the following description are assigned or used interchangeably only for the convenience of writing the specification, and do not have distinct meanings or roles in themselves. Meanwhile, the suffixes “module” or “unit” may include units implemented with hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit, for example. A “module” or “unit” may be a component configured integrally, or a minimum unit of the component that performs one or more functions, or a part thereof. For example, a “module” or “unit” may be implemented in the form of an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit).

[0032] In addition, when describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known technology may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the attached drawings are only intended to facilitate easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical ideas disclosed in this specification are not limited by the attached drawings, and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0033] Terms that include ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another.

[0034] When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but that there may be other components intervening. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components intervening.

[0035] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0036] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented as software including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., memory (17)) readable by a machine (e.g., an aerosol generator (1)). For example, a processor (e.g., a control unit (12)) of the machine (e.g., an aerosol generator (1)) may call at least one command among the one or more instructions stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one called command. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily on the storage medium.

[0037] In the present disclosure, the direction of the aerosol generating device (1) can be defined based on the orthogonal coordinate system. In the orthogonal coordinate system, the x-axis direction can be defined as the left-right direction of the aerosol generating device (1). The y-axis direction can be defined as the front-back direction of the aerosol generating device (1). The z-axis direction can be defined as the up-down direction of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0038] Fig. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generator (1) may include a power source (11), a control unit (12), a sensor unit (13), an output unit (14), an input unit (15), a communication unit (16), a memory (17), and / or a heater (18, 24). However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art related to the present embodiment that some of the components illustrated in FIG. 1 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol generator (1).

[0040] According to one embodiment, the sensor unit (13) can detect the state of the aerosol generator (1) or the state around the aerosol generator (1) and transmit the detected information to the control unit (12). For example, the sensor unit (13) may include a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, an insertion detection sensor, a reuse detection sensor, an overly moist detection sensor, a cigarette identification sensor, a cartridge detection sensor, a cap detection sensor, and / or a movement detection sensor. Meanwhile, the sensor unit (13) may further include various sensors, such as a liquid remaining amount sensor for detecting the liquid remaining amount of the cartridge, and an immersion sensor for detecting immersion of the aerosol generator (1).

[0041] In one embodiment, the temperature sensor can detect the temperature at which the heater (18, 24) is heated. The aerosol generator (1) may include a separate temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the heater (18, 24), or the heater (18, 24) itself may function as a temperature sensor. For example, the temperature sensor may be used to measure the impedance of the heater (18). The impedance of the heater (18) may be correlated with the temperature of the heater (18). The temperature sensor may measure the current and / or voltage applied to the heater (18) (or the induction coil). Based on the measured current and / or voltage, the impedance of the heater (18) may be calculated. The control unit (12) may estimate the temperature of the heater (18) based on the calculated impedance.

[0042] For example, the temperature sensor may include a resistance element (e.g., a thermistor) whose resistance value changes in response to a temperature change of the heater (18, 24). The temperature sensor may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistance element, and the control unit (12) may detect the temperature and / or temperature change of the heater (18, 24) based on the signal corresponding to the resistance value.

[0043] As another example, the temperature sensor may include a sensor that detects the resistance value of the heater (18, 24). The temperature sensor may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the heater (18, 24), and the control unit (12) may detect the temperature and / or temperature change of the heater (18, 24) based on the signal corresponding to the resistance value.

[0044] In one embodiment, the temperature sensor can detect the temperature of the power source (11). The temperature sensor can be positioned adjacent to the power source (11). For example, the temperature sensor can be attached to one surface of the power source (11) (e.g., a battery) and / or mounted on one surface of a printed circuit board. For example, the aerosol generator (1) can include a power protection circuit module (PCM), and the temperature sensor can be positioned adjacent to the power source (11) together with the power protection circuit.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the temperature sensor may be placed inside the housing (not shown) of the aerosol generator (1) to detect the temperature inside the housing (not shown).

[0046] In one embodiment, the puff sensor can detect a user's puff.

[0047] For example, the puff sensor may include a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor may output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generator (1), and the control unit (12) may detect the user's puff based on the signal corresponding to the internal pressure. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol generator (1) may correspond to the pressure of the airflow path through which the gas flows. The puff sensor may be arranged in correspondence to the airflow path through which the gas flows in the aerosol generator (1).

[0048] As another example, the puff sensor may include a temperature sensor. When the user puffs, a temporary temperature drop may occur in the airflow path, the space where the aerosol generating product is inserted (hereinafter, referred to as the insertion space), the heater (18, 24), etc. The control unit (12) may detect the user's puff based on a signal corresponding to the temperature of the airflow path, etc. output from the temperature sensor.

[0049] As another example, the puff sensor may include both a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor. In this case, the temperature sensor may measure a temperature used to correct the internal pressure measured by the pressure sensor. As an example, the puff sensor may correct a signal corresponding to the internal pressure based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and output the corrected signal. As another example, the puff sensor may output a signal corresponding to the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and a signal corresponding to the internal pressure measured by the puff sensor. In this case, the control unit (12) may receive the signals and correct the signal corresponding to the internal pressure based on the signal corresponding to the temperature.

[0050] As another example, the puff sensor may include a capacitance sensor. In the present disclosure, the capacitance sensor may also be referred to as a capacitive sensor or a capacitive sensor. When a user puffs, a temperature change and / or aerosol flow within the insertion space of the aerosol product may occur, and thus, the permittivity within the insertion space may change. The control unit (12) may detect the user's puff based on a signal corresponding to the permittivity within the insertion space, etc., output from the capacitance sensor.

[0051] The puff sensor is not limited to the examples described above and may be implemented with various sensors to detect the user's puff.

[0052] In one embodiment, an insertion detection sensor can detect the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol product. The insertion detection sensor can be installed around the insertion space. Additionally, the insertion detection sensor can include any combination of the examples described above.

[0053] For example, the insertion detection sensor may include a capacitive sensor. The capacitive sensor may include at least one conductor, and the at least one conductor may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space. When an aerosol product is inserted or removed within the insertion space, the permittivity around the conductor may change. The control unit (12) may detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol product based on a signal corresponding to the permittivity within the insertion space, etc., output from the capacitive sensor.

[0054] As another example, the insertion detection sensor may include an inductive sensor. The inductive sensor may include at least one coil, and the at least one coil may be disposed adjacent to the insertion space. If the aerosol product (e.g., a wrapper of the aerosol product) includes a conductor, a change in a magnetic field may occur around the current-carrying coil when the aerosol product is inserted into or removed from the insertion space. The control unit (12) may detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol product including the conductor based on the characteristics of the current output from or detected by the inductive sensor (e.g., frequency of the alternating current, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc.). Alternatively, the aerosol product (e.g., the medium portion of the aerosol product) may include a susceptor (SUS). Even in this case, a change in the magnetic field around the coil may occur based on the insertion or removal of a susceptor or the like within the insertion space, and the control unit (12) may also detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol product based on the characteristics of the current of the inductive sensor.

[0055] The insertion detection sensor is not limited to the examples described above, and may be implemented with various sensors (e.g., proximity sensors, etc.) for detecting the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol product. Furthermore, the insertion detection sensor may include any combination of the examples described above. In one embodiment, the insertion detection sensor may include a switch or the like for detecting pressure by an aerosol product.

[0056] In one embodiment, the reuse detection sensor can detect whether an aerosol product has been reused. For example, the reuse detection sensor may be a color sensor for detecting the color of the aerosol product. When the aerosol product is used by a user, a change in color of a portion of the wrapper surrounding the outside of the aerosol product may occur due to the generated aerosol or heating. The color sensor can output a signal corresponding to an optical characteristic (e.g., a wavelength of light) corresponding to the color of the wrapper based on light reflected from the wrapper. If a change in color of a portion of the wrapper is detected, the control unit (12) can determine that the aerosol product inserted into the insertion space has already been used.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the over-humidity detection sensor can detect whether an aerosol product is over-humidified. For example, the over-humidity detection sensor can include a capacitive sensor. The capacitive sensor can include at least one conductor disposed adjacent to the insertion space. The control unit (12) can detect whether the aerosol product is over-humidified based on the level of a signal corresponding to a permittivity or the like output from the capacitive sensor. For example, the control unit (12) can check a level range within which the level of the signal is included based on a look-up table, and determine the moisture content of the aerosol product based on the checked level range.

[0058] In one embodiment, the cigarette identification sensor can detect whether an aerosol product is genuine and / or detect the type of aerosol product.

[0059] For example, the cigarette identification sensor may include an optical sensor for detecting an identification material (or identification mark) located on the outer surface (e.g., wrapper) of the aerosol product. The optical sensor may irradiate light toward the identification material (or identification mark) of the aerosol product and detect whether the aerosol product is genuine and / or the type of the aerosol product based on the reflected light. For example, the identification material may include a material that emits light in a specific wavelength range based on the irradiated light. The control unit (12) may detect whether the aerosol product is genuine and / or the type of the aerosol product based on the range of the wavelength.

[0060] As another example, the cigarette identification sensor may include a capacitive sensor. The permittivity within the insertion space may vary depending on the type of aerosol product inserted into the insertion space. The control unit (12) may detect whether the aerosol product is genuine and / or its type based on a signal corresponding to the permittivity within the insertion space output from the capacitive sensor.

[0061] As another example, the cigarette identification sensor may include an inductive sensor. When a conductor is included in the wrapper and / or the interior (e.g., the medium portion) of the aerosol product inserted into the insertion space, the characteristics of the current detected by the inductive sensor (e.g., frequency of the alternating current, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc.) when the aerosol product is inserted into the insertion space may differ depending on the type of the aerosol product inserted into the insertion space. The control unit (12) may detect whether the inserted aerosol product is genuine and / or the type of the inserted aerosol product based on the characteristics of the current output from or detected by the inductive sensor.

[0062] The cigarette identification sensor is not limited to the examples described above, and may be implemented with various sensors to detect the authenticity of an aerosol product and / or the type of aerosol product. Furthermore, the cigarette identification sensor may include any combination of the examples described above.

[0063] In one embodiment, the cartridge detection sensor may detect the mounting and / or removal of a cartridge. For example, the cartridge detection sensor may include an inductive sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, a Hall sensor (Hall IC), and / or an optical sensor.

[0064] In one embodiment, the cap detection sensor can detect the mounting and / or removal of the cap. For example, the cap detection sensor can include an inductive sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, a contact sensor, a Hall sensor (Hall IC), and / or an optical sensor. The cap can include a structure that covers at least a portion of a cartridge mounted or inserted into the aerosol generator (1), or covers at least a portion of a housing of the aerosol generator (1). The cap detection sensor can output a signal corresponding to the mounting or removal when the cap is mounted on or removed from the housing, and the control unit (12) can detect the mounting or removal of the cap based on the signal corresponding to the mounting or removal.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the motion detection sensor can detect the movement of the aerosol generating device (1). The motion detection sensor can be implemented as at least one of an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the sensor unit (13) may further include, in addition to the aforementioned sensors, at least one of a humidity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a position sensor (Global Positioning System, GPS), or a proximity sensor. Since the functions of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by a person skilled in the art from its name, a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the output unit (14) can output information about the status of the aerosol generator (1). The output unit (14) may include, but is not limited to, a display, a haptic unit, and / or an audio output unit. For example, the information about the aerosol generator (1) may include a charging / discharging status of the power supply (11) of the aerosol generator (1), a preheating status of the heater (18, 24), an insertion / removal status of the aerosol product and / or cartridge, a mounting and / or removal status of the cap, or a status in which the use of the aerosol generator (1) is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal item). The display can visually provide information about the status of the aerosol generator (1) to the user. For example, the display may include a light emitting diode (LED) light emitting element, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), etc. The display, if it includes a touch pad, can also be used as an input unit (15). The haptic unit can provide tactile information about the status of the aerosol generator (1) to the user. For example, the haptic unit can include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, an electrical stimulation device, etc. The acoustic output unit can provide information about the aerosol generator (1) to the user audibly. For example, the acoustic output unit can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the power source (11) can supply power for the operation of the aerosol generator (1). The power source (11) can include one or more batteries. The power source (11) can supply power so that the heaters (18, 24) can be heated. In addition, the power source (11) can also supply power required for the operation of other components included in the aerosol generator (1), such as the control unit (12), the sensor unit (13), the output unit (14), the input unit (15), the communication unit (16), and the memory (17). The power source (11) can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the power source (11) can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto. The power source (11) can also be a replaceable type (detachable) battery (hereinafter, referred to as a removable battery). The removable battery may be mounted in the battery compartment provided within the aerosol generator (1) or may be removed from the battery compartment. The removable battery may be charged by wire and / or wirelessly.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the heater (18, 24) may be powered by the power source (11) to heat the aerosol product and / or the medium and / or the aerosol generating material within the cartridge. The aerosol generating device (1) may include a heater (18) for heating the aerosol product and / or a cartridge heater (24) for heating the cartridge (i.e., the solid and / or liquid medium).

[0070] In one embodiment, the heater (18, 24) may be an electrically resistive heater. For example, the electrically resistive heater may include an electrically resistive material, such as a metal or metal alloy including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc. The electrically resistive heater may be implemented as a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate having electrically conductive tracks arranged thereon, a ceramic heating element, etc.

[0071] In one embodiment, the heater (18, 24) may be an induction heating heater. For example, the induction heating heater may include a susceptor that generates heat by a magnetic field. A magnetic field may be generated from the induction coil by an alternating current flowing through the induction coil. The generated magnetic field may penetrate the heater, and an eddy current may be generated in the susceptor. The susceptor may be heated based on the generation of the eddy current. In one embodiment, the susceptor may be included within the aerosol product (e.g., the medium portion). In this case, the susceptor included within the aerosol product may be heated by the induction coil.

[0072] The heater (18, 24) is not limited to the examples described above, and may include or be replaced with various heating methods, structures, components, etc. for heating the aerosol product and / or cartridge.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the input unit (15) can receive information input from a user. For example, the input unit (15) can include a touch panel, a button, a key pad, a dome switch, a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the memory (17) is hardware that stores various data processed in the aerosol generator (1), and can store data processed and data to be processed in the control unit (12). For example, the memory (17) may include at least one type of storage medium among a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), a random access memory (RAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. For example, the memory (17) may store data on the operation time of the aerosol generator (1), the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and a user's smoking pattern.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the communication unit (16) may include at least one component for communicating with another electronic device (e.g., a portable electronic device). For example, the communication unit (16) may include a Bluetooth communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication unit, a near field communication unit, a WLAN (wireless local area network) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared (infrared Data Association, IrDA) communication unit, a WFD (Wireless Fidelity Direct) communication unit, an UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an ANT (Adaptive Network Topology)+ communication unit, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator (1). For example, the control unit (12) can include at least one processor. The control unit (12) can be implemented as an array of a plurality of logic gates, or can be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose MCU (microcontroller unit) (or microprocessor) and a memory storing a program that can be executed in such an MCU. In addition, it will be understood by those skilled in the art to which the present embodiment pertains that the control unit (12) can be implemented as other types of hardware.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the temperature of the heater (18, 24) by controlling the supply of power from the power source (11) to the heater (18, 24). The control unit (12) can control the temperature of the heater (18, 24) and / or the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) based on the temperature of the heater (18, 24) detected using a temperature sensor (e.g., the sensor unit (13)). The control unit (12) can control the temperature of the heater (18, 24) and / or the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) based on a temperature profile and / or a power profile stored in the memory (17).

[0078] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control power (e.g., voltage and / or current) supplied to the heater (18, 24) by controlling a power conversion circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the heater (18, 24) and the power source (11). For example, the power conversion circuit may include a DC / DC converter (e.g., a buck converter, a buck-boost converter, a boost converter, a Zener diode, etc.) that converts power to be supplied to the heater (18, 24), and a DC / AC converter (e.g., an inverter) that converts power to be supplied to an induction coil (not shown). The DC / AC converter may be implemented as a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit including a plurality of switching elements. For example, a power conversion circuit may include at least one switching element, such as a bipolar junction transistor (BJT) or a field effect transistor (FET).

[0079] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the current and / or voltage supplied to the heater (18, 24) by controlling the frequency and / or duty ratio of a current pulse input to at least one switching element of the power conversion circuit (not shown). The duty ratio for the on / off operation of the switching element can correspond to the ratio of the output voltage of the power conversion circuit to the output voltage of the power source (11).

[0080] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) using at least one of a pulse width modulation (PWM) method and a proportional-integral-differential (PID) method. For example, the control unit (12) can control a current pulse having a predetermined frequency and duty ratio to be supplied to the heater (18, 24) using the PWM method. The control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) by adjusting the frequency and duty ratio of the current pulse. For example, the control unit (12) can determine a target temperature that is a target of control based on a temperature profile. The control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) by using the PID method, which is a feedback control method using the difference value between the temperature of the heater (18, 24) and the target temperature, the value obtained by integrating the difference value over time, and the value obtained by differentiating the difference value over time.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can determine a target power that is the target of control based on the power profile. The control unit (12) can also control the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) to correspond to the preset target power over time.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can detect the user's puff by detecting the power supplied to the heater (18, 24). More specifically, the control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) using a PID method. When the user's puff occurs, a temporary temperature drop may occur in a space where the aerosol product is inserted (hereinafter, referred to as the insertion space), the heater (18, 24), etc. Accordingly, a change may occur in the power (or current) supplied to the heater (18, 24) during the power control using the PID method. The control unit (12) can detect the user's puff based on the change in the controlled power.

[0083] In one embodiment, the control unit (12) can prevent the heater (18, 24) from overheating. For example, the control unit (12) can control the operation of the power conversion circuit to reduce the amount of power supplied to the heater (18, 24) or to stop supplying power to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the temperature of the heater (18, 24) exceeds a preset limit temperature.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control charging and discharging of the power source (11). For example, the control unit (12) can check the temperature of the power source (11) using a temperature sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). If the temperature of the power source (11) is higher than a first limit temperature, the control unit (12) can block charging of the power source (11). If the temperature of the power source (11) is higher than a second limit temperature, the control unit (12) can stop using (e.g., discharging) the power stored in the power source (11). The control unit (12) can calculate the remaining capacity of the power stored in the power source (11). For example, the control unit (12) can calculate the remaining capacity of the power source (11) based on voltage and / or current sensing values ​​of the power source (11).

[0085] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on the result detected by the sensor unit (13).

[0086] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heaters (18, 24) based on the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol product into the insertion space. For example, the control unit (12) can control to supply power to the heaters (18, 24) when it is determined that the aerosol product has been inserted into the insertion space using an insertion detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). The control unit (12) can cut off the power supply to the heaters (18, 24) when it is determined that the aerosol product has been removed from the insertion space using an insertion detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). The control unit (12) can also determine that the aerosol product has been removed from the insertion space when the temperature of the heaters (18, 24) is equal to or higher than a limited temperature or when a temperature change slope of the heaters (18, 24) is equal to or higher than a set slope.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply time and / or power supply amount to the heater (18, 24) based on the state of the aerosol product. For example, if the control unit (12) determines that the aerosol product is in an over-humidity state by using an over-humidity detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)), the control unit (12) can increase the power supply time (e.g., preheating time) to the heater (18, 24).

[0088] In one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the aerosol product has been reused. For example, the control unit (12) can cut off the power supply to the heater (18, 24) if it is determined that the aerosol product has been used.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the cartridge is coupled and / or removed. For example, if the control unit (12) determines that the cartridge is coupled and / or removed using a cartridge detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)), the control unit (12) can control to stop the power supply to the heater (18, 24) or prevent power from being supplied to the heater (18, 24).

[0090] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) may control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the aerosol generating material of the cartridge has been exhausted. For example, if the control unit (12) determines that the temperature of the heater (18, 24) exceeds a limit temperature while preheating the heater (18, 24) (i.e., during the preheating period), the control unit (12) may determine that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge has been exhausted. If the control unit (12) determines that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge has been exhausted, the control unit (12) may cut off the power supply to the heater (18, 24).

[0091] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) may control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the cartridge is available for use. For example, the control unit (12) may determine that the cartridge is unusable if the current number of puffs is determined to be greater than or equal to the maximum number of puffs set for the cartridge based on data stored in the memory (17). Alternatively, the control unit (12) may determine that the cartridge is unusable if the total time that the heater (18, 24) has been heated is greater than or equal to the preset maximum time or the total amount of power supplied to the heater (18, 24) is greater than or equal to the preset maximum amount of power. In this case, the control unit (12) may stop the power supply to the heater (18, 24) or control that power is not supplied to the heater (18, 24).

[0092] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on the user's puff. For example, the control unit (12) can determine whether a puff has been generated and / or the intensity of the puff using a puff sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). The control unit (12) can cut off the power supply to the heater (18, 24) when the number of puffs reaches a preset maximum number of puffs and / or no puffs are detected for a preset period of time. The control unit (12) can also control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) when a puff is detected.

[0093] In one embodiment, the control unit (12) may control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the aerosol product (or cartridge) is genuine and / or the type thereof. For example, the control unit (12) may detect whether the aerosol product is genuine and / or the type thereof using a cigarette identification sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). For example, if the control unit (12) detects that the aerosol product (or cartridge) is counterfeit, the control unit (12) may cut off the power supply to the heater (18, 24). If the control unit (12) detects that the aerosol product (or cartridge) is genuine, the control unit (12) may control (e.g., start) the power supply to the heater (18, 24). As another example, the control unit (12) may control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) differently depending on the type of the aerosol product (or cartridge). More specifically, the control unit (12) can control the temperature and / or power of the heater (18, 24) based on a first temperature profile (or a first power profile) when the aerosol product (or cartridge) is detected as a first aerosol product (or a first cartridge), and can control the temperature and / or power of the heater (18, 24) based on a second temperature profile (or a second power profile) when the aerosol product (or cartridge) is detected as a second aerosol product (or a second cartridge).

[0094] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the output unit (14) based on the result detected by the sensor unit (13). For example, the control unit (12) can control the output unit (14) to visually, tactilely and / or audibly provide information that the aerosol generating device (1) is about to be terminated when the number of puffs counted using the puff sensor (e.g., the sensor unit (13)) reaches a preset number. For example, the control unit (12) can also control the output unit (14) to visually, tactilely and / or audibly provide information about the temperature of the heater (18, 24).

[0095] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) may store and update a history of events that have occurred in the memory (17) based on the occurrence of a predetermined event. For example, the event may include operations such as detection of insertion of an aerosol product, initiation of heating of the aerosol product, detection of a puff, termination of a puff, detection of overheating of a heater (18, 24), detection of overvoltage application to a heater (18, 24), termination of heating of the aerosol product, turning the aerosol generator (1) on / off, etc., initiation of charging of the power source (11), detection of overcharging of the power source (11), termination of charging of the power source (11), etc., performed in the aerosol generator (1). For example, the history of events may include the date and time when the event occurred, log data corresponding to the event, etc. For example, if a given event is detection of insertion of an aerosol product, log data corresponding to the event may include data on the sensing value of an insertion detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). For example, if a given event is detection of overheating of a heater (18, 24), log data corresponding to the event may include data on the temperature of the heater (18, 24), the voltage applied to the heater (18, 24), the current flowing through the heater (18, 24), and the like.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the communication unit (16) to form a communication link with an external device, such as a user's mobile terminal.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) may release restrictions on the use of at least one function (e.g., heating function) of the aerosol generator (1) when authentication data is received from an external device via a communication link. For example, the authentication data may include the user's birthday, a unique number identifying the user, whether the user has completed authentication, etc.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can transmit data on the status of the aerosol generator (1) to an external device via a communication link (e.g., remaining capacity of the power source (11), operating mode, etc.). The transmitted data can be output through a display of the external device, etc.

[0099] According to one embodiment, when a request for location search of the aerosol generator (1) is received from an external device via a communication link, the control unit (12) can control the output unit (14) to perform an operation corresponding to the location search. For example, the control unit (12) can control the haptic unit to generate vibration or control the display to output an object corresponding to the location search and the end of the search.

[0100] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can perform a firmware update when firmware data is received from an external device via a communication link.

[0101] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) may transmit data on the sensed values ​​of at least one sensor unit (13) to an external server (not shown) via a communication link, and receive and store a learning model generated by learning the sensed values ​​through machine learning, such as deep learning, from the server. The control unit (12) may perform an operation of determining a user's suction pattern, an operation of generating a temperature profile, etc., using the learning model received from the server.

[0102] Although not shown in FIG. 1, the aerosol generator (1) may further include a power protection circuit. The power protection circuit may include at least one switching element and may cut off the power supply (11) in response to overcharge and / or overdischarge of the power supply (11). The aerosol generator (1) may further include a connection interface, such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and may transmit and receive information or charge the power supply (11) by connecting to another external device through the connection interface.

[0103] The aerosol product described herein may include at least one aerosol generating rod (e.g., a medium portion) and at least one filter rod. The heater (18) may be arranged to correspond to the at least one aerosol generating rod, and may be designed differently depending on the arrangement order and / or position of the aerosol generating rod and the filter rod. The aerosol generating rod may include at least one of nicotine, an aerosol generating material, and an additive. For example, the aerosol generating material may include glycerin (e.g., vegetable glycerin (VG)) and / or propylene glycol (PG), and may also include various other substances. For example, the additive may include a flavoring agent and / or an organic acid, and may also include various other substances. For example, the aerosol-generating rod may comprise an aerosol-generating substrate (e.g., a sheet) impregnated with a liquid non-tobacco material (e.g., an aerosol-generating material and / or nicotine), and / or may comprise a solid tobacco material (e.g., leaf tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, etc.). The tobacco material may be included in the aerosol-generating rod in various forms, such as cut tobacco, granules, powder, etc. In one embodiment, the additive of the aerosol-generating rod may include an alkaline material. Based on the alkaline material, the nicotine of the tobacco material included in the aerosol-generating rod may have an alkaline pH (e.g., pH 7.0 or higher). In this case, freebase nicotine may be released from the aerosol-generating rod even at low temperatures. In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating rod may include two or more aerosol-generating rods, and the two or more aerosol-generating rods may each include a tobacco material and / or a non-tobacco material.Meanwhile, although not shown, at least one aerosol generating rod and at least one filter rod may be individually and / or integrally wrapped by at least one wrapper. In the present disclosure, the aerosol product may also be referred to as a stick.

[0104] The cartridge referred to in the present disclosure may contain an aerosol-generating material having any one of the following states: a liquid state, a solid state, a gaseous state, or a gel state. The aerosol-generating material may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing material including a volatile tobacco flavor component, or may be a liquid containing a non-tobacco material. Meanwhile, the cartridge may include a storage unit containing the aerosol-generating material and / or a liquid delivery means impregnating (containing) the aerosol-generating material. For example, the liquid delivery means may include a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic. The cartridge heater (24) may be included in the cartridge in the form of a coil-shaped structure surrounding (or winding) the liquid delivery means, or in a structure contacting one side of the liquid delivery means. Alternatively, the cartridge heater (24) may be included in an aerosol-generating device (1) that is separable from the cartridge.

[0105] Fig. 2 illustrates an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment. Fig. 3 illustrates an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment.

[0106] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generator (1) may include a housing (10), a power source (11), a control unit (12), a sensor unit (13), and / or a heater (182, 183) (e.g., the heater (18) of FIG. 1). However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art related to the present embodiment that the components included in the aerosol generator (1) are not limited to those illustrated in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, and that some of the components may be omitted or new configurations may be added. The aerosol generator (1) illustrated in FIG. 2 may be referred to as an 'internal heating type' aerosol generator that heats the inside of the aerosol product (2). The aerosol generator (1) illustrated in FIG. 3 may be referred to as an 'external heating type' aerosol generator that heats the outside of the aerosol product (2). In the drawings below, any description overlapping with that of FIG. 1 will be omitted.

[0107] According to one embodiment, the housing (10) may provide a space opened upwardly to allow the aerosol product (2) to be inserted. In the present disclosure, the space opened upwardly may be referred to as an insertion space. The insertion space may be formed by being recessed toward the interior of the housing (10) to a predetermined depth so that at least a portion of the aerosol product (2) can be inserted. The depth of the insertion space may be longer than the length of a region of the aerosol product (2) containing an aerosol generating material and / or medium. The lower end of the aerosol product (2) may be inserted into the interior of the housing (10), and the upper end of the aerosol product (2) may protrude to the outside of the housing (10). A user may hold the upper end of the aerosol product (2) exposed to the outside in his / her mouth and inhale the aerosol.

[0108] According to one embodiment, the heater (182, 183) can heat the aerosol generating article (2).

[0109] Referring to FIG. 2, the heater (182) may be an internal heating type heater.

[0110] According to one embodiment, the internally heated heater may extend upwardly in a space (i.e., an insertion space) into which the aerosol product (2) is inserted. For example, the internally heated heater may include a rod-shaped or needle-shaped heating element as illustrated, but may also include various heating elements such as a tubular heating element or a plate-shaped heating element. The internally heated heater may be inserted through the lower portion of the aerosol product (2).

[0111] According to one embodiment, the internal heating heater may include an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heating heater.

[0112] For example, an electric resistance heater may include an electric resistance material on the inside (e.g., an inner hollow portion or inner surface) or the outside (e.g., an outer surface), and may be heated as current flows through the electric resistance material. In this case, the electric resistance heater may be electrically connected to a power source (11), and may directly generate heat by receiving current from the power source (11). In addition, the induction coil (181) may be omitted.

[0113] For example, in the case of an induction heating type heater, the aerosol generator (1) may include an induction coil (181) that surrounds at least a portion of the internal heating type heater (e.g., is disposed externally to correspond to the length of at least a portion of the heater). In this case, a magnetic flux concentrator or the like may be further included on the outside of the induction coil (181) to increase the efficiency of induction heating. The induction heating type heater includes a susceptor and may generate heat based on a magnetic field generated from the induction coil (181). According to one embodiment, the induction heating type heater (e.g., susceptor) (or a heater module including the same) may be arranged to be detachable from the housing (10).

[0114] In one embodiment, the heater (182) may be a multi-heater. The multi-heater may include a first heater and a second heater, and may be inserted into the aerosol product (2). The first heater and the second heater may be arranged side by side along the longitudinal direction. The first heater and the second heater may operate as an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heater, and may be heated sequentially or simultaneously. In this case, the first heater and the second heater may be arranged at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of two or more aerosol generating rods, respectively (respectively). Alternatively, the first heater and the second heater may be arranged at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of a first portion and a second portion of one aerosol generating rod, respectively. Meanwhile, when the heater (182) is an induction heating type heater, the aerosol generator (1) includes a first induction coil and a second induction coil, and the first induction coil and the second induction coil may be respectively disposed at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of the first heater and the second heater. Alternatively, the first heater and the second heater may respectively be disposed at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of the first part and the second part of one heater (182). In addition, three or more heaters and / or induction coils may be included.

[0115] According to one embodiment, the susceptor may be placed (or included) inside the aerosol product (2) (e.g., medium portion), and the susceptor included inside the aerosol product (2) may be implemented to be heated based on a magnetic field generated from an induction coil (181).

[0116] Referring to FIG. 3, the heater (183) may be an external heating type heater.

[0117] In one embodiment, the external heating heater may extend upwardly around the space into which the aerosol product (2) is inserted (i.e., the insertion space). For example, the external heating heater may be arranged to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. For example, the external heating heater may have a tubular shape (e.g., a cylindrical shape) having a hollow interior. The external heating heater may also have a shape having a hollow interior and surrounding the hollow interior. In this case, the external heating heater may be supported by a polyimide film. A heater supported by such a film may be referred to as a film heater. The external heating heater may be arranged to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. The external heating heater may heat the outside of the aerosol product (2) inserted into the hollow interior.

[0118] According to one embodiment, the external heating heater may include an electric resistance heater and / or an induction heating heater, and a description overlapping with FIG. 2 will be omitted. Meanwhile, in the case of an induction heating heater, the aerosol generator (1) may include an external heating heater implemented as a tube-shaped susceptor, and may include an induction coil (181) surrounding at least a portion of the external heating heater (e.g., disposed externally to correspond to the length of at least a portion of the heater). In addition, the induction coil (181) may include a fan coil. Meanwhile, when the external heating heater is an electric resistance heater, a separate induction coil (181) may be omitted since heat generation is possible through current flow on a tube-shaped electric resistance heater (e.g., a film heater). Meanwhile, an insulating material may be disposed on the outside of the external heating heater. Through this, heat radiating from the heater (183) in an outer radial direction and applied to the outside of the housing (10) may be reduced.

[0119] According to one embodiment, the heater (183) may be a multiple heater, and the first heater and the second heater may be arranged side by side along the longitudinal direction to surround at least a portion of the insertion space, respectively. The first heater and the second heater may operate as an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heating heater, and may be heated sequentially or simultaneously. Meanwhile, when the heater (183) is an induction heating heater, the aerosol generator (1) includes a first induction coil and a second induction coil, and the first induction coil and the second induction coil may be arranged at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of the first heater and the second heater, respectively. Alternatively, the first heater and the second heater may be arranged at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of the first portion and the second portion of one heater (183), respectively.

[0120] Unlike as shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, the heater (182) of FIG. 2 and the heater (183) of FIG. 3 may be included together in the aerosol generator (1). In this case, the heater (182) may heat the inside of the aerosol product (2), and the heater (183) may heat the outside of the aerosol product (2).

[0121] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generator (1) may be provided with an airflow channel through which air flows. For example, the housing (10) may include a structure (e.g., a hole) through which air can be introduced from the outside into the housing (10). The air introduced into the housing (10) may be introduced into the aerosol product (2) through the lower end (i.e., the upstream side) of the aerosol product (2). The aerosol generated based on the heating of the aerosol product (2) may be inhaled into the user's oral cavity through the upper end (i.e., the downstream side) of the aerosol product (2) together with the introduced air.

[0122] The following drawings will explain the insertion of an aerosol product (2) into an aerosol generator (1) and the recognition of a user's puff. At least some of the steps in the flowchart or flow chart of this document may be omitted or the order may be changed. Furthermore, details according to various embodiments of the present invention may be added to at least some of the steps in the flowchart or flow chart.

[0123] Fig. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the insertion of an aerosol product (2) and recognition of a user's puff according to one embodiment. For the explanation of Fig. 4, reference is made to Figs. 5a to 5d. Figs. 5a to 5c are exemplary views of the internal structure of an aerosol generator (1) according to various embodiments of the present invention, and Fig. 5d is an enlarged view of part B of Fig. 5c. These Figs. 5a to 5d are illustrated in a form in which other components are omitted for the sake of convenience in order to explain some components of the aerosol generator (1).

[0124] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) can recognize the insertion of an aerosol product (2) (S410).

[0125] Specifically, the control unit (12) can recognize the aerosol product (2) inserted into the insertion space of the housing (10) through the sensor unit (13). The aerosol product (2) can be formed, for example, into a stick (e.g., a cigarette).

[0126] According to one embodiment, the sensor unit (13) may include at least one sensor capable of detecting color. The sensor capable of detecting color may include, but is not limited to, a color sensor, a spectrum sensor, a light sensor, an RGB sensor, a vision sensor, etc.

[0127] According to one embodiment, at least one sensor capable of detecting color is implemented on the interior of the housing (10) and can be positioned to view at least a portion of the aerosol product (2).

[0128] For example, a sensor (13_1) capable of detecting color is illustrated in FIG. 5A. The sensor (13_1) capable of detecting color will be referred to as a "color detection sensor (13_1)" hereinafter. Although only one color detection sensor (13_1) is illustrated in FIGS. 5A to 5D, the sensor may be configured with multiple color detection sensors. The color detection sensor (13_1) may be electrically connected or communicatively connected to the control unit (12), and may transmit sensed color information to the control unit (12).

[0129] In one embodiment of the present invention, the color detection sensor (13_1) may be positioned to face at least a portion (2a) of the aerosol product (2) inserted into the insertion space of the housing (10). That is, the color detection sensor (13_1) may be positioned inside the housing (10) to face in the direction A. For example, the portion (2a) of the aerosol product (2) containing the discoloring substance and the color detection sensor (13_1) may be positioned on an imaginary straight line.

[0130] According to one embodiment, at least a portion (2a) of the aerosol product (2) may be at least a portion of a wrapper that wraps the outside of the aerosol product (2). The color detection sensor (13_1) may output a signal corresponding to a color based on light reflected from at least a portion (2a) of the wrapper, and may transmit the outputted content to the control unit (12). As a result, the control unit (12) may recognize that the aerosol product (2) has been inserted.

[0131] Next, the aerosol generator (1) can check the color change due to the inflow of air for at least some areas (S430).

[0132] Specifically, air can be introduced into the airflow channel of the aerosol generator (1) by the user's puff action. Referring to Fig. 5a, at least one airflow channel (CN) can be formed in the housing (10). By the user's puff, external air, i.e., outside air, is introduced into the housing (10) through the airflow channel (CN), and then flows out of the housing (10) in the direction of the arrow and is inhaled into the user's oral cavity. When air circulates through the airflow channel, a pressure change occurs inside the airflow channel, and a temperature change occurs according to this pressure change. That is, by the user's puff, the temperature of the airflow channel (CN), an area adjacent to the airflow channel (CN), and other areas where air is circulated can be slightly lowered momentarily.

[0133] According to one embodiment, a specific region (2a) of the aerosol product (2) of FIG. 5a may include a color-changing material that changes color depending on temperature changes. For example, at least a portion of the wrapper may include a color-changing material depending on temperature changes. The material that changes color depending on temperature changes may include, but is not limited to, color-changing inks such as heat-sensitive inks, thermochromic materials, temperature-sensitive paints, and specific metal oxides.

[0134] In Fig. 5a, when air is introduced into the airflow channel (CN), the introduced air passes through the aerosol product (2) inserted into the insertion space and flows outward, so that a specific area (2a) of the aerosol product (2) containing the discoloration substance may also experience a temperature change. Accordingly, the color of the discoloration substance changes, and the color change is sensed by the color detection sensor (13_1) facing the area containing the discoloration substance in the direction A. The color detection sensor (13_1) transmits the sensed color change to the control unit (12).

[0135] Next, the aerosol generator (1) can recognize the user's puff based on a color change in a specific area (S450).

[0136] Specifically, the control unit (12) can detect a user puff event through a color change in a specific area of ​​the aerosol product (2). For example, data regarding a color change in a specific area of ​​the aerosol product (2) as the aerosol generator (1) is preheated and a color change in a specific area of ​​the aerosol product (2) according to a user puff can be stored in advance in the memory (17). The control unit (12) can recognize the user's puff by referring to the stored color data. Specific details related to user puff recognition will be described later with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0137] Meanwhile, in the embodiment of FIG. 5a, since the color detection sensor (13_1) recognizes the insertion of the aerosol product (2) and the user puff based solely on the aerosol product (2), the position of the airflow channel (CN) can be configured at any arbitrary position regardless of the color detection sensor (13_1). For example, as in the embodiment of FIG. 5b, the airflow channel (CN) can also be generated in another area.

[0138] In FIGS. 5a and 5b, since the color detection sensor (13_1) detects a color change due to the inflow of outside air through the aerosol product (2), various changes in position and shape of other components are possible within the condition that the color detection sensor (13_1) is positioned to look at the specific area (2a) of the aerosol product (2).

[0139] Meanwhile, in FIGS. 5a and 5b, an embodiment is described in which a discoloring material is included in at least a portion of an aerosol product (2), and in contrast, in FIGS. 5c to 5d, an embodiment is disclosed in which a discoloring member (100) including a discoloring material is included in the aerosol generating device (1) itself separately from the aerosol product (2).

[0140] Referring to FIG. 5c, the aerosol generator (1) may include a discoloring member (100) configured to include at least a discoloring material that changes color according to a change in temperature. Specifically, the interior of the housing (10) may include a discoloring member (100) configured to include at least a material that changes color according to a change in temperature. An enlarged view of area B of FIG. 5c is illustrated in FIG. 5d.

[0141] According to one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5c and 5d, the discoloration member (100) may include a transparent window (101) formed to have a transparency greater than a predetermined level and a discoloration material (103). The discoloration material (103) may include, but is not limited to, discoloration ink such as a heat-sensitive ink, a thermochromic material, a temperature-sensitive paint, a specific metal oxide, and the like. The discoloration material (103) may be implemented in a form in which it is bonded to or applied to at least a portion of the transparent window (101).

[0142] According to one embodiment, the transparent window (101) may have a transparency greater than a predetermined level so as not to interfere with the color detection sensor (13_1) when looking at the aerosol product (2) in the direction A. The discoloring material (103) may also have a transparency greater than a predetermined level, and may change color (e.g., color) so that the transparency gradually decreases as the temperature change is detected, and then change color to have a predetermined level of transparency again at a specific temperature.

[0143] In FIGS. 5c to 5d, the color detection sensor (13_1) may be positioned to face both the aerosol product (2) and the discoloration member (100). For example, the aerosol product (2), the discoloration member (100), and the color detection sensor (13_1) may be positioned on an imaginary straight line.

[0144] In the embodiments of FIGS. 5c to 5d, the control unit (12) can recognize the insertion of the aerosol product (2) through the color detection sensor (13_1). For example, when the aerosol product (2) is inserted into the insertion space of the housing (10), the color detection sensor (13_1) can sense the aerosol product (2). This sensing can be confirmed by the color that changes depending on the empty area before the insertion of the aerosol product (2) and the insertion of the aerosol product (2).

[0145] In FIGS. 5c to 5d, the discoloring member (100) may discolor as the aerosol generator (1) is preheated. For example, the discoloring material (103) of the transparent window (101) may discolor. The control unit (12) may confirm that the aerosol generator (1) is preheated through the discoloration time and degree of the discoloration of the discoloring member (100) recognized by the color detection sensor (13_1). However, the preheating of the aerosol generator (1) may be confirmed not only through the color detection sensor (13_1), but also through the control log data of the sensor unit (130) or the control unit (12).

[0146] When air is introduced into the airflow channel (CN) by the user's puff after preheating, the temperature changes in the airflow channel (CN) or an area adjacent thereto. Accordingly, the discolored material (103) that has been discolored due to preheating may slightly change color again according to the temperature change caused by the air introduction. The color detection sensor (13_1) can sense information about this color change and transmit it to the control unit (12), and the control unit (12) can detect the user's puff event based on this sensing data.

[0147] According to one embodiment, the discoloration member (100) in FIGS. 5c to 5d may be configured in an area adjacent to the airflow channel (CN). Since air is introduced into the airflow channel (CN), the temperature change due to the outside air may become greater the closer to the airflow channel (CN). In addition, due to the temperature inside the housing (10), the closer to the inlet (CN_1) of the airflow channel (CN), the more likely the temperature change due to the introduction of the outside air may occur. Therefore, according to one embodiment, the discoloration member (100) may be positioned in an area (CN_1) adjacent to the inlet of the airflow channel (CN).

[0148] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generator (1) may include a temperature transfer element (200) that transfers heat to the discoloration member (100).

[0149] Specifically, referring to FIGS. 5c to 5d, the temperature transfer body (200) may be formed such that one side is connected to or in contact with the heater (183) and the other side is in contact with or in proximity to at least a portion of the discoloration member (100).

[0150] The temperature transfer body (200) may have a predetermined thermal conductivity so as to transfer the heat of the heating body to the discoloration member (100). For example, the temperature transfer body (100) may be made of metal, but is not limited thereto.

[0151] The heating body may include, for example, a heater (183) as a configuration having a temperature higher than a predetermined temperature due to the operation of the aerosol generator (1). However, the heating body may include a configuration other than the heater (183) that can be heated to a temperature higher than a predetermined temperature. For example, the heating body may be an injection molded product or an area adjacent to the heater (183).

[0152] The heat of the heater (183), which is a heating body, can be transferred to the discoloration member (100) by the temperature transfer body (200) described above. The farther the discoloration member (100) is located from the heater (183), the lower the temperature of the discoloration member (100) due to heating by the heater. In addition, since the temperature is temporarily lowered due to the inflow of outside air, if the temperature of the discoloration member (100) is low, the amount of temperature change can also be small. Accordingly, if the temperature of the discoloration member (100) is increased by the temperature transfer body (200), the discoloration of the discoloration material (103) can be relatively better as outside air is introduced into the airflow channel (CN).

[0153] Meanwhile, since the aerosol generator (1) of FIGS. 5c to 5d is an example of a front view, the temperature transfer element (200) may appear to interfere with the airflow channel (CN), but the temperature transfer element (200) may be positioned in an area where it does not interfere with the airflow channel (CN). In addition, the shape and position of the temperature transfer element (200) illustrated in FIG. 5c are exemplary, and may be configured in various forms inside the housing (10).

[0154] Through the examples of the aforementioned FIGS. 5A to 5D, it is possible to recognize two events, namely, insertion of an aerosol product (2) and recognition of a user puff, using only a single color detection sensor (13_1). This enables more efficient use of the sensor.

[0155] Figures 6 and 7 are flowcharts illustrating a process for recognizing and outputting the status of an aerosol generator based on color changes in a specific area according to an embodiment of the present invention. Any description of Figures 6 and 7 that overlaps with that of Figure 4 may be omitted.

[0156] In Fig. 6, the aerosol generator (1) can recognize the insertion of the aerosol product (2) (S610). The control unit (12) can recognize the insertion of the aerosol product (2) based on the discoloration information described above or an insertion detection sensor using various methods.

[0157] Next, the aerosol generator (1) can recognize a first color change related to preheating (S630).

[0158] The aerosol product (2) may be inserted into the insertion space of the housing (10), or the aerosol generator (1) may be preheated by user input. As a result, the temperature of at least a portion (2a) of the aerosol product (2) or the discoloration member (100) according to the embodiment of the present invention may change, and each discoloration material may change color according to the temperature change.

[0159] The color detection sensor (13_1) can transmit discolored information to the control unit (12), and the control unit (12) can recognize that the current aerosol generator (1) is being preheated by referring to the color information stored in the memory.

[0160] Meanwhile, the control unit (12) is not limited to the discoloration information as described above, and may also recognize the preheating status based on a temperature profile or a data log related to preheating stored in memory.

[0161] Next, the aerosol generator (1) can recognize a second color change related to the user puff (S650).

[0162] The control unit (12) can recognize color changes related to the user puff based on the discoloring material included in the aerosol product (2) and the color detection sensor (13_1) inside the aerosol generator (1). In addition, the control unit (12) can recognize color changes related to the user puff based on the discoloring member (100) inside the aerosol generator (1) and the color detection sensor (13_1).

[0163] When external air flows into the airflow channel (CN) inside the housing (10) according to the user's puff, the temperature of the airflow channel (CN) and the insertion space may slightly decrease as the air flows out into the airflow channel (CN) and the insertion space connected thereto. As a result, the discoloring material included in the aerosol product (2) or the discoloring member (100) in the aerosol generator (1) is discolored, and the control unit (12) can recognize the user's puff by the color detection sensor (13_1) looking at the discolored area.

[0164] Next, the aerosol generating device (1) can recognize the aerosol-related state based on the first color change and the second color change (S670).

[0165] The control unit (12) can identify various states related to aerosol generation based on the timing and degree of color change in a specific area according to preheating, and the timing and degree of color change in a specific area according to a user puff. Various states related to aerosol generation can identify, for example, the insertion of the aforementioned aerosol product (2), preheating of the aerosol generator (1), and a user puff event.

[0166] In addition, the control unit (12) can additionally check the degree of discoloration according to the number of user puffs to recognize the status such as the number of remaining puffs. In addition to discoloration information, the control unit (12) can also recognize events related to aerosol generation by collecting them through the sensor unit (13) or linking them with log data.

[0167] Next, the aerosol generator (1) can output the recognized content through the output unit (14) (S690).

[0168] The control unit (12) can visualize a state related to the recognized aerosol generation and output it to the user through the output unit (14). For example, at least one content including information such as whether a puff is currently in progress and the number of remaining puffs can be displayed through the output unit (14).

[0169] In Fig. 7, additional recognition and output of a third color change related to the termination of use of an aerosol generator (1) is disclosed. As in Fig. 6 described above, the aerosol generator (1) can recognize the insertion of an aerosol product (2) (S710) and recognize a first color change related to preheating (S730). In addition, it can recognize a second color change related to a user puff (S730).

[0170] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generator (1) can recognize a third color change related to the end of use of the aerosol generator (1) (S740).

[0171] Specifically, the control unit (12) can stop the power applied to the heater (18, 24) as the user puff ends. That is, the control unit (12) can recognize that the vaping operation of the aerosol generator (1) is completed and the aerosol generator (1) is terminated or deactivated. As the operation of the heater (18, 24) ends, the temperature inside the aerosol generator (1) can gradually decrease. Accordingly, the discoloring material of the aerosol product (2) or the discoloring member (100) of the aerosol generator (1) can discolor. Based on the timing and degree of such discoloration, the control unit (12) can recognize that the aerosol generator (1) is terminated.

[0172] Next, the aerosol generating device (1) can check the aerosol-related status based on at least one of the first color change, the second color change, and the third color change (S750).

[0173] Specifically, the control unit (12) can comprehensively check the related status from the first color change to the third color change, that is, from the start of a specific vaping to the end, by further based on the third color change. For example, the control unit (12) can recognize the temperature change, vaping time, etc. detected during the vaping and record them as log data. If an additional preheating operation, such as a temperature change or a color change in a specific area, is detected after the third color change, the control unit (12) can start operating the aerosol generating device (1) after a predetermined time delay to prevent continuous vaping. In this way, the control unit (12) can continue to monitor the temperature change or color change, etc. for a predetermined time to provide functions such as controlling the continuous smoking time.

[0174] The aerosol generating device (1) can output to the user through the output unit (140) based on the aerosol generation-related status recognized in step S750 (S760).

[0175] Additionally, the aerosol generation related status recognized in FIGS. 6 and 7 can be transmitted or notified to a user terminal, etc., through the communication unit (16).

[0176] Through the embodiments of the drawings described above, various embodiments of the present invention can recognize both the insertion of the aerosol product (2) and the user's puff using a single sensor. This allows for the implementation of a more efficient and convenient aerosol generating device (1).

[0177] 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.

[0178] For example, it means that configuration A described in a particular embodiment and / or drawing can be combined with configuration B described in another embodiment and / or drawing. That is, even if the combination between the configurations is not directly described, it means that the combination is possible, except in cases where the combination is described as impossible.

[0179] 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 housing including an insertion space opened so that at least a portion of an aerosol product can be inserted; sensor part; An airflow channel through which air is introduced into the interior of the housing; and An aerosol generating device comprising at least one processor that recognizes the insertion of the aerosol product through the sensor unit, confirms a color change due to the inflow of air for at least a portion of the aerosol generating device into which the aerosol product is inserted through the sensor unit, and recognizes a user's puff based on the confirmed color change.

2. In paragraph 1, The above sensor unit includes at least one sensor capable of detecting color, An aerosol generating device, wherein said at least one sensor is positioned to view at least a portion of said aerosol product within said housing.

3. In paragraph 2, At least one processor, Detecting a first color change in at least a portion of the area according to an event related to preheating of the aerosol generating device; Detecting a second color change in at least some of the above areas based on an event related to a user puff, An aerosol generating device that recognizes a state related to aerosol generation based on at least one of the first color change and the second color change.

4. In paragraph 3, At least one processor, Further detecting a third color change associated with the termination of use of the above aerosol generating device, An aerosol generating device that recognizes a state related to aerosol generation based on at least one of the first color change, the second color change, and the third color change.

5. In paragraph 4, The above aerosol generating device further includes an output unit, At least one processor, An aerosol generating device that outputs a state related to aerosol generation recognized based on at least one of the first color change, the second color change, and the third color change through the output unit.

6. In paragraph 1, An aerosol generating device, wherein at least some of the above areas are specific areas of the aerosol product.

7. In paragraph 1, An aerosol generating device, wherein at least some of the above regions include at least a color-changing member that changes color according to a change in temperature.

8. In paragraph 7, The above discoloration member is, transparent window; and An aerosol generating device comprising a discoloring material bonded or applied to the transparent window.

9. In paragraph 7, The above discoloration member is, An aerosol generating device configured in an area adjacent to the above airflow channel.

10. In paragraph 9, The above discoloration member is, An aerosol generating device configured in an area adjacent to the inlet of the above airflow channel.

11. In paragraph 9, The above aerosol generating device, A heating body heated to a temperature higher than a predetermined temperature by the operation of the aerosol generating device; and An aerosol generating device further comprising a temperature transfer member having a thermal conductivity of a predetermined level or higher and connected to the heating member and the discoloration member to conduct heat from the heating member to the discoloration member.

12. A method for controlling an aerosol generating device, comprising a housing including an insertion space opened so that at least a portion of an aerosol product can be inserted, a sensor unit, an airflow channel through which air is introduced into the interior of the housing, and at least one processor, A step of recognizing the insertion of the aerosol product through the sensor unit; A step of confirming a color change due to the inflow of air through the sensor unit for at least a portion of the aerosol generating device into which the aerosol product is inserted; and A method comprising the step of recognizing a user's puff based on the above-determined color change.

13. In paragraph 12, A step of detecting a first color change in at least a portion of the area according to an event related to preheating of the aerosol generating device by at least one processor; detecting a second color change in at least some of the areas according to an event related to a user puff; and A method further comprising the step of recognizing a state associated with aerosol generation based on at least one of the first color change and the second color change.

14. In paragraph 13, Further comprising a step of detecting a third color change associated with the termination of use of the aerosol generating device; A method wherein the step of recognizing a state related to the above aerosol generation is further based on the third color change.

15. In paragraph 14, The above aerosol generating device further includes an output unit, A method further comprising the step of outputting, through the output unit, a state related to aerosol generation recognized based on at least one of the first color change, the second color change, and the third color change.

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