Aerosol generation device

Abstract

This aerosol generation device comprises: a cavity housing providing a cavity for accommodating at least a portion of an aerosol generation article; an insertion detection sensor of which at least a portion is disposed to protrude into the cavity, and which detects, using a piezoelectric pressure method, the pressure applied by pressing of the protruding portion through contact with the aerosol generation article when the aerosol generation article is inserted into the cavity housing; and a control unit for determining, on the basis of the intensity of the detected pressure, whether the aerosol generation article is inserted into the aerosol generation device.

Description

Aerosol generating device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device, and more particularly, to a method for detecting insertion of an aerosol generating article using a piezoelectric pressure sensor.

[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 methods that generate aerosol by heating aerosol-generating materials, rather than by burning the cigarette itself. Accordingly, research into heated aerosol generators is actively underway.

[0003] Meanwhile, as part of an effort to increase the usability of aerosol generating devices, there is an attempt to utilize a function that accurately identifies the insertion of an aerosol generating article and activates heating of the heater.

[0004] An aerosol generating device may be equipped with various sensors, and each sensor may be affected by environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity, or may malfunction due to accumulated sensor fatigue caused by frequent use. Sensor malfunction may shorten the life of the aerosol generating device or cause it to malfunction, thereby compromising the safety of use of the aerosol generating device. In particular, although various methods for detecting the insertion of an aerosol generating article have been proposed, a method that is less sensitive to temperature and humidity and can sense robustly despite droplet deposition caused by frequent use is required. The technical problem of the present disclosure is not limited to what has been described above, and other technical problems may be inferred from the following examples.

[0005] According to the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device detects insertion in a piezoelectric change manner based on the pressure physically applied to the insertion detection sensor by insertion of an aerosol generating article, thereby being less sensitive to environmental influences and enabling accurate insertion detection of an aerosol generating article despite the influence of droplet deposition.

[0006] According to one aspect, an aerosol generating device comprises: a cavity housing providing a cavity for accommodating at least a portion of an aerosol generating article; an insertion detection sensor configured to detect, by a piezoelectric pressure method, a pressure applied when the protruding portion is pressed due to contact with the aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the cavity housing, at least a portion of which is disposed to protrude into the cavity; and a control unit configured to determine, based on the intensity of the detected pressure, whether the aerosol generating article is inserted into the aerosol generating device.

[0007] As described above, by detecting insertion based on the physical pressure applied to the insertion detection sensor upon insertion of an aerosol-generating article, the device is less sensitive to environmental influences and can accurately detect insertion of an aerosol-generating article despite the effects of droplet deposition due to frequent use. Furthermore, by linking the insertion detection function with the heater heating function, heating of the heater can be initiated immediately upon insertion of the aerosol-generating article, thereby enabling the user to begin smoking without having to perform numerous cumbersome operations, thereby enhancing user convenience.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2 illustrates an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0010] Figure 3 illustrates an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0011] Figure 4 illustrates an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating a method for detecting insertion of an aerosol generating article into the interior of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating various arrangements of an insertion detection sensor within a housing of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating an insertion detection sensor that detects the insertion of an aerosol generating article from the side using a piezoelectric method according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a perspective view and a plan view of a cavity housing in which an insertion detection sensor is arranged according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a perspective view and a plan view of a cavity housing in which an insertion detection sensor is arranged according to another embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 10 is a drawing for explaining examples of cross-sections of a contact module provided in an insertion detection sensor according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 11 is a drawing illustrating an insertion detection sensor detecting the insertion of an aerosol generating article from a bottom surface (base) using a piezoelectric method according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 12 is a drawing for explaining that an insertion detection sensor detects the insertion of an aerosol generating article from a bottom surface using a piezoelectric method according to another embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 13 is a drawing illustrating another embodiment in which an insertion detection sensor detects the insertion of an aerosol generating article from a bottom surface using a piezoelectric method.

[0021] FIG. 14 is a plan view illustrating different examples of the cavity housing of the insertion detection sensor of FIG. 13.

[0022] FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a method for controlling heating of a heater by detecting insertion of an aerosol generating article according to one embodiment.

[0023] According to one aspect, an aerosol generating device comprises: a cavity housing providing a cavity for accommodating at least a portion of an aerosol generating article; an insertion detection sensor configured to detect, by a piezoelectric pressure method, a pressure applied when the protruding portion is pressed due to contact with the aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the cavity housing, at least a portion of which is disposed to protrude into the cavity; and a control unit configured to determine, based on the intensity of the detected pressure, whether the aerosol generating article is inserted into the aerosol generating device.

[0024] Additionally, the insertion detection sensor includes at least one piezoelectric pressure sensing module positioned adjacent to at least one of a side surface and a bottom surface of the cavity housing.

[0025] In addition, the insertion detection sensor includes a plurality of piezoelectric pressure sensing modules arranged at different locations, and the control unit determines that the aerosol generating article is inserted into the aerosol generating device when it is determined that a pressure intensity greater than a predetermined magnitude is detected from at least two of the plurality of piezoelectric pressure sensing modules.

[0026] Additionally, the insertion detection sensor is disposed on the side of the cavity housing and detects a pressure applied radially perpendicular to the insertion direction due to insertion of the aerosol generating article.

[0027] Additionally, the insertion detection sensor includes a ring-shaped piezoelectric pressure sensing module surrounding a side of the cavity housing, wherein the ring-shaped piezoelectric pressure sensing module has a diameter smaller than the cavity housing such that at least a portion thereof protrudes into the cavity.

[0028] Additionally, the insertion detection sensor includes at least two piezoelectric pressure sensing modules arranged to face each other on a side of the cavity housing.

[0029] In addition, the insertion detection sensor includes a rod-shaped piezoelectric pressure sensing module disposed adjacent to a bottom surface of the cavity housing or a spacer structure coupled to the cavity housing, at least a portion of which protrudes into the cavity housing, and the rod-shaped piezoelectric pressure sensing module detects a pressure applied in an insertion direction due to insertion of the aerosol generating article.

[0030] Additionally, the bottom surface or the spacer structure has an opening around the piezoelectric pressure sensing module in the shape of a rod to provide an airflow path through which external air can flow into the aerosol generating article.

[0031] In addition, the insertion detection sensor includes a flat-type piezoelectric pressure sensing module provided on the bottom surface of the cavity housing or a spacer structure coupled to the cavity housing, and the flat-type piezoelectric pressure sensing module detects pressure applied in the insertion direction due to insertion of the aerosol generating article.

[0032] In addition, the cavity housing is divided into a proximal region close to the opening of the cavity housing, a distal region far from the opening of the cavity housing, and an intermediate region between the proximal region and the distal region based on the insertion direction of the aerosol generating article, and the insertion detection sensor is disposed in at least one region among the proximal region, the distal region, and the intermediate region based on the type of heater provided in the aerosol generating device.

[0033] Additionally, the insertion detection sensor is disposed in at least one region among the base region, the proximal region, the distal region, and the middle region of the cavity housing, which is not directly heated by the heater.

[0034] Additionally, the control unit controls the heater to initiate heating of the aerosol generating article when it is determined that the aerosol generating article has been inserted.

[0035] Additionally, the control unit compares the intensity of the pressure detected by the insertion detection sensor with a reference pressure, and if it is determined that the intensity of the detected pressure exceeds the reference pressure, it determines that the aerosol generating article has been inserted.

[0036] Additionally, the control unit controls the heater to initiate heating of the aerosol generating article when it is determined that the aerosol generating article has been inserted into the cavity housing.

[0037] 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.

[0038] The suffixes "module" and "unit" used for components in the following description are assigned or used interchangeably only for the convenience of writing the specification, and do not have distinct meanings or roles in themselves. Meanwhile, the suffixes "module" or "unit" may include units implemented with hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit, for example. A "module" or "unit" may be a component configured integrally, or a minimum unit of the component that performs one or more functions, or a part thereof. For example, a "module" or "unit" may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0043] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented as software including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., memory (17)) readable by a machine (e.g., an aerosol generating device (1)). For example, a processor (e.g., a control unit (12)) of the machine (e.g., an aerosol generating device (1)) may call at least one command among the one or more instructions stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one called command. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily on the storage medium.

[0044] 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).

[0045] Fig. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a power source (11), a control unit (12), a sensor unit (13), an output unit (14), an input unit (15), a communication unit (16), a memory (17), and / or a heater (18, 24). However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art related to the present embodiment that some of the components illustrated in FIG. 1 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0047] According to one embodiment, the sensor unit (13) can detect the state of the aerosol generating device (1) or the state around the aerosol generating device (1) and transmit the detected information to the control unit (12). For example, the sensor unit (13) may include a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, an insertion detection sensor, a reuse detection sensor, an overly moist detection sensor, a cigarette identification sensor, a cartridge detection sensor, a cap detection sensor, and / or a movement detection sensor. Meanwhile, the sensor unit (13) may further include various sensors, such as a liquid remaining amount sensor for detecting the liquid remaining amount of the cartridge, and an immersion sensor for detecting immersion of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0048] In one embodiment, the temperature sensor can detect the temperature at which the heater (18, 24) is heated. The aerosol generating device (1) may include a separate temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the heater (18, 24), or the heater (18, 24) itself may function as a temperature sensor. As an example, the temperature sensor may be used to measure the impedance to the heater (18). The impedance to the heater (18) may be correlated with the temperature of the heater (18). The temperature sensor may measure the current and / or voltage applied to the heater (18) (or the induction coil). Based on the measured current and / or voltage, the impedance to the heater (18) may be calculated. The control unit (12) may estimate the temperature of the heater (18) based on the calculated impedance.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] In one embodiment, the temperature sensor can detect the temperature of the power source (11). The temperature sensor can be positioned adjacent to the power source (11). For example, the temperature sensor can be attached to one surface of the power source (11) (e.g., a battery) and / or mounted on one surface of a printed circuit board. For example, the aerosol generating device (1) can include a power protection circuit module (PCM), and the temperature sensor can be positioned adjacent to the power source (11) together with the power protection circuit.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the temperature sensor may be placed inside the housing (not shown) of the aerosol generating device (1) to detect the temperature inside the housing (not shown).

[0053] In one embodiment, the puff sensor can detect a user's puff.

[0054] For example, the puff sensor may include a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor may output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device (1), and the control unit (12) may detect the user's puff based on the signal corresponding to the internal pressure. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device (1) may correspond to the pressure of an airflow path through which gas flows. The puff sensor may be arranged in correspondence to the airflow path through which gas flows in the aerosol generating device (1).

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] As another example, the puff sensor may include a capacitance sensor. In the present disclosure, the capacitance sensor may also be referred to as a capacitive sensor or a capacitive sensor. When a user puffs, a temperature change and / or aerosol flow may occur within the insertion space of the aerosol-generating article, and thus, the permittivity within the insertion space may change. The control unit (12) may detect the user's puff based on a signal corresponding to the permittivity within the insertion space, etc., output from the capacitance sensor.

[0058] The puff sensor is not limited to the examples described above and may be implemented with various sensors to detect the user's puff.

[0059] In one embodiment, an insertion detection sensor can detect the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating item. The insertion detection sensor can be installed around the insertion space. Additionally, the insertion detection sensor can include any combination of the examples described above.

[0060] For example, the insertion detection sensor may include a capacitive sensor. The capacitive sensor may include at least one conductor, and the at least one conductor may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space. When an aerosol-generating article is inserted or removed within the insertion space, the permittivity around the conductor may change. The control unit (12) may detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article based on a signal corresponding to the permittivity within the insertion space, etc., output from the capacitive sensor.

[0061] As another example, the insertion detection sensor may include an inductive sensor. The inductive sensor may include at least one coil, and the at least one coil may be disposed adjacent to the insertion space. If the aerosol-generating article (e.g., a wrapper of the aerosol-generating article) includes a conductor, a change in a magnetic field may occur around the current-carrying coil when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into or removed from the insertion space. The control unit (12) may detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article including the conductor based on the characteristics of the current output from or detected by the inductive sensor (e.g., frequency of the alternating current, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc.). Alternatively, the aerosol-generating article (e.g., the medium portion of the aerosol-generating article) may include a susceptor (SUS). Even in this case, a change in the magnetic field may occur around the coil based on the insertion or removal of a susceptor or the like within the insertion space, and the control unit (12) may also detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article based on the characteristics of the current of the inductive sensor.

[0062] The insertion detection sensor is not limited to the examples described above, and may be implemented with various sensors (e.g., proximity sensors, etc.) for detecting the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article. Furthermore, the insertion detection sensor may include any combination of the examples described above. In one embodiment, the insertion detection sensor may include a switch or the like for detecting pressure by an aerosol-generating article.

[0063] In one embodiment, a reuse detection sensor can detect whether an aerosol-generating article has been reused. For example, the reuse detection sensor may be a color sensor for detecting the color of the aerosol-generating article. When the aerosol-generating article is used by a user, a color change may occur in a portion of a wrapper surrounding the exterior of the aerosol-generating article due to the generated aerosol or heating. The color sensor can output a signal corresponding to an optical characteristic (e.g., a wavelength of light) corresponding to the color of the wrapper based on light reflected from the wrapper. If a change in the color of a portion of the wrapper is detected, the control unit (12) can determine that the aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space has already been used.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the over-humidity detection sensor can detect whether an aerosol-generating article is over-humidified. For example, the over-humidity detection sensor can include a capacitive sensor. The capacitive sensor can include at least one conductor disposed adjacent to an insertion space. The control unit (12) can detect whether the aerosol-generating article is over-humidified based on the level of a signal corresponding to a permittivity or the like output from the capacitive sensor. For example, the control unit (12) can check a level range within which the level of the signal is included based on a look-up table, and determine the moisture content of the aerosol-generating article based on the checked level range.

[0065] In one embodiment, the cigarette identification sensor can detect whether an aerosol generating article is genuine and / or detect the type of aerosol generating article.

[0066] For example, the cigarette identification sensor may include an optical sensor for detecting an identification material (or identification mark) located on the outer surface (e.g., wrapper) of an aerosol-generating article. The optical sensor may irradiate light toward the identification material (or identification mark) of the aerosol-generating article and detect the authenticity and / or type of the aerosol-generating article based on the reflected light. For example, the identification material may include a material that emits light in a specific wavelength range based on the irradiated light. The control unit (12) may detect the authenticity and / or type of the aerosol-generating article based on the range of the wavelength.

[0067] As another example, the cigarette identification sensor may include a capacitive sensor. The dielectric constant within the insertion space may vary depending on the type of aerosol-generating product inserted into the insertion space. The control unit (12) may detect the authenticity and / or type of the aerosol-generating product based on a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant within the insertion space output from the capacitive sensor.

[0068] As another example, the cigarette identification sensor may include an inductive sensor. When a conductor is included in the wrapper and / or the interior (e.g., the medium portion) of the aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space, the characteristics of the current detected by the inductive sensor (e.g., frequency of the alternating current, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc.) when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the insertion space may differ depending on the type of the aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space. The control unit (12) may detect whether the inserted aerosol-generating article is genuine and / or the type of the inserted aerosol-generating article based on the characteristics of the current output from or detected by the inductive sensor.

[0069] The cigarette identification sensor is not limited to the examples described above, and may be implemented with various sensors to detect the authenticity of an aerosol-generating product and / or the type of aerosol-generating product. Furthermore, the cigarette identification sensor may include any combination of the examples described above.

[0070] 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.

[0071] In one embodiment, the cap detection sensor can detect the mounting and / or removal of the cap. For example, the cap detection sensor can include an inductive sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, a contact sensor, a Hall sensor (hall IC), and / or an optical sensor. The cap can include a structure that covers at least a portion of a cartridge mounted or inserted into the aerosol generating device (1), or covers at least a portion of a housing of the aerosol generating device (1). The cap detection sensor can output a signal corresponding to the mounting or removal when the cap is mounted on or removed from the housing, and the control unit (12) can detect the mounting or removal of the cap based on the signal corresponding to the mounting or removal.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the motion detection sensor can detect the movement of the aerosol generating device (1). The motion detection sensor can be implemented as at least one of an acceleration sensor or a gyro sensor.

[0073] 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.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the output unit (14) can output information about the status of the aerosol generating device (1). The output unit (14) can include, but is not limited to, a display, a haptic unit, and / or an audio output unit. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device (1) can include a charging / discharging status of the power supply (11) of the aerosol generating device (1), a preheating status of the heater (18, 24), an insertion / removal status of an aerosol generating article and / or a cartridge, a mounting and / or removal status of a cap, or a status in which the use of the aerosol generating device (1) is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal article). The display can visually provide information about the status of the aerosol generating device (1) to the user. For example, the display can include a light emitting diode (LED) light emitting element, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), etc. The display, if it includes a touch pad, can also be used as an input unit (15). The haptic unit can provide tactile information about the status of the aerosol generating device (1) to the user. For example, the haptic unit can include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, an electrical stimulation device, etc. The acoustic output unit can provide audible information about the aerosol generating device (1) to the user. For example, the acoustic output unit can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the power source (11) can supply power for the operation of the aerosol generating device (1). The power source (11) can include one or more batteries. The power source (11) can supply power so that the heaters (18, 24) can be heated. In addition, the power source (11) can also supply power required for the operation of other components included in the aerosol generating device (1), such as the control unit (12), the sensor unit (13), the output unit (14), the input unit (15), the communication unit (16), and the memory (17). The power source (11) can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the power source (11) can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto. The power source (11) can also be a replaceable type (detachable) battery (hereinafter, referred to as a removable battery). The removable battery may be mounted in the battery compartment provided within the aerosol generating device (1) or may be removed from the battery compartment. The removable battery may be charged by wire and / or wirelessly.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the heater (18, 24) may be powered by the power source (11) to heat the aerosol generating article and / or the medium and / or the aerosol generating material within the cartridge. The aerosol generating device (1) may include a heater (18) for heating the aerosol generating article and / or a cartridge heater (24) for heating the cartridge (i.e., the solid and / or liquid medium).

[0077] 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.

[0078] In one embodiment, the heater (18, 24) may be an induction heating heater. For example, the induction heating heater may include a susceptor that generates heat by a magnetic field. A magnetic field may be generated from the induction coil by an alternating current flowing through the induction coil. The generated magnetic field may penetrate the heater, and an eddy current may be generated in the susceptor. The susceptor may be heated based on the generation of the eddy current. In one embodiment, the susceptor may be included within the aerosol generating article (e.g., the medium portion). In this case, the susceptor included within the aerosol generating article may be heated by the induction coil.

[0079] The heater (18, 24) is not limited to the examples described above, and may include or be replaced with various heating methods, structures, components, etc. for heating the aerosol generating article and / or cartridge.

[0080] 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.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the memory (17) is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device (1), and can store data processed and data to be processed in the control unit (12). For example, the memory (17) may include at least one type of storage medium among a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), a random access memory (RAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. For example, the memory (17) may store data on the operation time of the aerosol generating device (1), the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and a user's smoking pattern.

[0082] 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.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the control unit (12) can include at least one processor. The control unit (12) can be implemented as an array of a plurality of logic gates, or can be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose MCU (microcontroller unit) (or microprocessor) and a memory storing a program that can be executed in such an MCU. In addition, it will be understood by those skilled in the art to which the present embodiment pertains that the control unit (12) can be implemented as other types of hardware.

[0084] 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).

[0085] 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).

[0086] 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).

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can detect the user's puff by detecting the power supplied to the heater (18, 24). More specifically, the control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) using a PID method. When the user's puff is generated, a temporary temperature drop may occur in a space where an aerosol generating article is inserted (hereinafter, referred to as the insertion space), the heater (18, 24), etc. Accordingly, a change may occur in the power (or current) supplied to the heater (18, 24) during the power control using the PID method. The control unit (12) can detect the user's puff based on the change in the controlled power.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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).

[0092] 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).

[0093] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article into the insertion space. For example, the control unit (12) can control to supply power to the heater (18, 24) when it is determined that the aerosol-generating article has been inserted into the insertion space using an insertion detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). The control unit (12) can cut off the power supply to the heater (18, 24) when it is determined that the aerosol-generating article has been removed from the insertion space using an insertion detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). The control unit (12) can also determine that the aerosol-generating article has been removed from the insertion space when the temperature of the heater (18, 24) is equal to or higher than a limited temperature or when the temperature change slope of the heater (18, 24) is equal to or higher than a set slope.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply time and / or power supply amount to the heater (18, 24) based on the state of the aerosol generating article. For example, if the control unit (12) determines that the aerosol generating article is in an over-humidity state by using an over-humidity detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)), the control unit (12) can increase the power supply time (e.g., preheating time) to the heater (18, 24).

[0095] In one embodiment, the control unit (12) may control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the aerosol generating article has been reused. For example, the control unit (12) may cut off the power supply to the heater (18, 24) if it is determined that the aerosol generating article has been used.

[0096] 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).

[0097] 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).

[0098] 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).

[0099] 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.

[0100] In one embodiment, the control unit (12) may control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is genuine and / or the type thereof. For example, the control unit (12) may detect whether the aerosol generating article is genuine and / or the type thereof using a cigarette identification sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). For example, if the control unit (12) detects that the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is counterfeit, the control unit (12) may cut off the power supply to the heater (18, 24). If the control unit (12) detects that the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is genuine, the control unit (12) may control (e.g., start) the power supply to the heater (18, 24). As another example, the control unit (12) may control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) differently depending on the type of the aerosol generating article (or cartridge). More specifically, the control unit (12) can control the temperature and / or power of the heater (18, 24) based on a first temperature profile (or a first power profile) when the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is detected as a first aerosol generating article (or a first cartridge), and can control the temperature and / or power of the heater (18, 24) based on a second temperature profile (or a second power profile) when the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is detected as a second aerosol generating article (or a second cartridge).

[0101] 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).

[0102] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) may store and update a history of events that have occurred in the memory (17) based on the occurrence of a predetermined event. For example, the event may include operations such as detection of insertion of an aerosol generating article, initiation of heating of the aerosol generating article, detection of puff, termination of puff, detection of overheating of a heater (18, 24), detection of overvoltage application to a heater (18, 24), termination of heating of an aerosol generating article, power on / off of the aerosol generating device (1), initiation of charging of the power source (11), detection of overcharging of the power source (11), termination of charging of the power source (11), etc., performed in the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the history of events may include the date and time when the event occurred, log data corresponding to the event, etc. For example, if a given event is detection of insertion of an aerosol generating article, log data corresponding to the event may include data on the sensing value of an insertion detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). For example, if a given event is detection of overheating of a heater (18, 24), log data corresponding to the event may include data on the temperature of the heater (18, 24), the voltage applied to the heater (18, 24), the current flowing through the heater (18, 24), and the like.

[0103] 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.

[0104] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) may release restrictions on the use of at least one function (e.g., heating function) of the aerosol generating device (1) when authentication data is received from an external device via a communication link. For example, the authentication data may include the user's birthday, a unique number identifying the user, whether the user has completed authentication, etc.

[0105] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can transmit data on the status of the aerosol generating device (1) to an external device via a communication link (e.g., remaining capacity of the power source (11), operating mode, etc.). The transmitted data can be output through a display of the external device, etc.

[0106] According to one embodiment, when a request for location search of the aerosol generating device (1) is received from an external device via a communication link, the control unit (12) can control the output unit (14) to perform an operation corresponding to the location search. For example, the control unit (12) can control the haptic unit to generate vibration or control the display to output an object corresponding to the location search and the end of the search.

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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.

[0109] Although not shown in FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a power protection circuit. The power protection circuit may include at least one switching element and may cut off the power supply (11) in response to overcharging and / or overdischarging of the power supply (11). The aerosol generating device (1) may further include a connection interface, such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and may transmit and receive information or charge the power supply (11) by connecting to another external device through the connection interface.

[0110] The aerosol generating article referred to in the present disclosure may include at least one aerosol generating rod (e.g., a medium portion) and at least one filter rod. The heater (18) may be arranged to correspond to the at least one aerosol generating rod, and may be designed differently depending on the arrangement order and / or position of the aerosol generating rod and the filter rod. The aerosol generating rod may include at least one of nicotine, an aerosol generating material, and an additive. For example, the aerosol generating material may include glycerin (e.g., vegetable glycerin (VG)) and / or propylene glycol (PG), and may also include various other substances. For example, the additive may include a flavoring agent and / or an organic acid, and may also include various other substances. For example, the aerosol-generating rod may comprise an aerosol-generating substrate (e.g., a sheet) impregnated with a liquid non-tobacco material (e.g., an aerosol-generating material and / or nicotine), and / or may comprise a solid tobacco material (e.g., leaf tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, etc.). The tobacco material may be included in the aerosol-generating rod in various forms, such as cut tobacco, granules, powder, etc. In one embodiment, the additive of the aerosol-generating rod may include an alkaline material. Based on the alkaline material, the nicotine of the tobacco material included in the aerosol-generating rod may have an alkaline pH (e.g., pH 7.0 or higher). In this case, freebase nicotine may be released from the aerosol-generating rod even at low temperatures. In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating rod may include two or more aerosol-generating rods, and the two or more aerosol-generating rods may each include a tobacco material and / or a non-tobacco material.Meanwhile, although not shown, at least one aerosol generating rod and at least one filter rod may be individually and / or integrally wrapped by at least one wrapper. In the present disclosure, the aerosol generating article may also be referred to as a stick.

[0111] The cartridge referred to in the present disclosure may contain an aerosol-generating material having any one of the following states: a liquid state, a solid state, a gaseous state, or a gel state. The aerosol-generating material may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing material including a volatile tobacco flavor component, or may be a liquid containing a non-tobacco material. Meanwhile, the cartridge may include a storage portion containing the aerosol-generating material and / or a liquid delivery means impregnating (containing) the aerosol-generating material. For example, the liquid delivery means may include a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic. The cartridge heater (24) may be included in the cartridge in the form of a coil-shaped structure surrounding (or winding) the liquid delivery means, or in a structure contacting one side of the liquid delivery means. Alternatively, the cartridge heater (24) may be included in an aerosol-generating device (1) that is separable from the cartridge.

[0112] Fig. 2 illustrates an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment. Fig. 3 illustrates an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment.

[0113] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a housing (10), a power source (11), a control unit (12), a sensor unit (13), and / or a heater (182, 183) (e.g., the heater (18) of FIG. 1). However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art related to the present embodiment that the components included in the aerosol generating device (1) are not limited to those illustrated in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, and that some of the components may be omitted or new configurations may be added. The aerosol generating device (1) illustrated in FIG. 2 may be referred to as an 'internal heating type' aerosol generating device that heats the inside of the aerosol generating article (2). The aerosol generating device (1) illustrated in FIG. 3 may be referred to as an 'external heating type' aerosol generating device that heats the outside of the aerosol generating article (2). In the drawings below, any description overlapping with that of FIG. 1 will be omitted.

[0114] According to one embodiment, the housing (10) may provide a space that is opened upwardly to allow an aerosol-generating article (2) to be inserted. In the present disclosure, the space that is opened upwardly may be referred to as an insertion space. The insertion space may be formed by being recessed toward the interior of the housing (10) to a predetermined depth so that at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article (2) can be inserted. The depth of the insertion space may be longer than the length of a region of the aerosol-generating article (2) containing an aerosol-generating material and / or medium. The lower end of the aerosol-generating article (2) may be inserted into the interior of the housing (10), and the upper end of the aerosol-generating article (2) may protrude outside the housing (10). A user may hold the upper end of the aerosol-generating article (2) exposed to the outside in his / her mouth and inhale the aerosol.

[0115] According to one embodiment, the heater (182, 183) can heat the aerosol generating article (2).

[0116] Referring to FIG. 2, the heater (182) may be an internal heating type heater.

[0117] According to one embodiment, the internally heated heater may extend upwardly in a space (i.e., an insertion space) into which the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted. For example, the internally heated heater may include a rod-shaped or needle-shaped heating element as illustrated, but may also include various heating elements such as a tubular heating element or a plate-shaped heating element. The internally heated heater may be inserted through the lower portion of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0118] According to one embodiment, the internal heating heater may include an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heating heater.

[0119] 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.

[0120] For example, in the case of an induction heating type heater, the aerosol generating device (1) may include an induction coil (181) that surrounds at least a portion of the internal heating type heater (e.g., is disposed externally to correspond to the length of at least a portion of the heater). In this case, a magnetic flux concentrator or the like may be further included on the outside of the induction coil (181) to increase the efficiency of induction heating. The induction heating type heater includes a susceptor and may generate heat based on a magnetic field generated from the induction coil (181). According to one embodiment, the induction heating type heater (e.g., susceptor) (or a heater module including the same) may be arranged to be detachable from the housing (10).

[0121] 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 generating article (2). The first heater and the second heater may be arranged side by side along the longitudinal direction. The first heater and the second heater may operate as an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heater, and may be heated sequentially or simultaneously. In this case, the first heater and the second heater may be arranged at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of two or more aerosol generating rods, respectively (respectively). Alternatively, the first heater and the second heater may be arranged at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of a first portion and a second portion of one aerosol generating rod, respectively. Meanwhile, when the heater (182) is an induction heating type heater, the aerosol generating device (1) includes a first induction coil and a second induction coil, and the first induction coil and the second induction coil may be respectively disposed at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of the first heater and the second heater. Alternatively, the first heater and the second heater may respectively be disposed at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of the first part and the second part of one heater (182). In addition, three or more heaters and / or induction coils may be included.

[0122] According to one embodiment, the susceptor may be disposed (or included) within the aerosol generating article (2) (e.g., the medium portion), and the susceptor included within the aerosol generating article (2) may be implemented to generate heat based on a magnetic field generated from an induction coil (181).

[0123] Referring to FIG. 3, the heater (183) may be an external heating type heater.

[0124] In one embodiment, the external heating heater may extend upwardly around the space into which the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted (i.e., the insertion space). For example, the external heating heater may be arranged to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. For example, the external heating heater may have a tubular shape (e.g., a cylindrical shape) having a hollow space therein. The external heating heater may also have a shape having a hollow space on the inside and surrounding the hollow space. In this case, the external heating heater may be supported by a polyimide film. A heater supported by such a film may be referred to as a film heater. The external heating heater may be arranged to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. The external heating heater may heat the outside of the aerosol generating article (2) inserted into the hollow space.

[0125] According to one embodiment, the external heating heater may include an electric resistance heater and / or an induction heating heater, and a description overlapping with FIG. 2 will be omitted. Meanwhile, in the case of an induction heating heater, the aerosol generating device (1) may include an external heating heater implemented as a tubular susceptor, and may include an induction coil (181) surrounding at least a portion of the external heating heater (e.g., disposed externally to correspond to the length of at least a portion of the heater). In addition, the induction coil (181) may include a fan coil. Meanwhile, when the external heating heater is an electric resistance heater, a separate induction coil (181) may be omitted since heat generation is possible through current flow on a tubular electric resistance heater (e.g., a film heater). Meanwhile, an insulating material may be disposed on the outside of the external heating heater. Through this, heat radiating from the heater (183) in an outward direction and applied to the outside of the housing (10) may be reduced.

[0126] According to one embodiment, the heater (183) may be a multiple heater, and the first heater and the second heater may be arranged side by side along the longitudinal direction to surround at least a portion of the insertion space, respectively. The first heater and the second heater may operate as an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heating heater, and may be heated sequentially or simultaneously. Meanwhile, when the heater (183) is an induction heating heater, the aerosol generating device (1) includes a first induction coil and a second induction coil, and the first induction coil and the second induction coil may be arranged at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of the first heater and the second heater, respectively. Alternatively, the first heater and the second heater may be arranged at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of the first portion and the second portion of one heater (183), respectively.

[0127] Unlike as shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, the heater (182) of FIG. 2 and the heater (183) of FIG. 3 may be included together in the aerosol generating device (1). In this case, the heater (182) may heat the inside of the aerosol generating article (2), and the heater (183) may heat the outside of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0128] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) may be provided with an airflow channel through which air flows. For example, the housing (10) may include a structure (e.g., a hole) through which air can be introduced from the outside into the housing (10). The air introduced into the housing (10) may be introduced into the aerosol generating article (2) through the lower end (i.e., the upstream side) of the aerosol generating article (2). The aerosol generated based on the heating of the aerosol generating article (2) may be inhaled into the user's oral cavity through the upper end (i.e., the downstream side) of the aerosol generating article (2) together with the introduced air.

[0129] Fig. 4 illustrates an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment.

[0130] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a housing (10), a power source (11), a control unit (12), a sensor unit (13), and / or a heater (183, 24) (e.g., the heater (18, 24) of FIG. 1). However, those skilled in the art will understand that the components included in the aerosol generating device (1) are not limited to those illustrated in FIG. 4, and that some of the components may be omitted or new configurations may be added. In the drawings below, any description overlapping with that of FIG. 1 will be omitted.

[0131] According to one embodiment, the housing (10) may provide an upper-open space (hereinafter, referred to as an insertion space) into which an aerosol-generating article (2) is inserted. The insertion space may be formed by being recessed toward the interior of the housing (10) to a predetermined depth so that at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article (2) can be inserted. The lower end of the aerosol-generating article (2) may be inserted into the interior of the housing (10), and the upper end of the aerosol-generating article (2) may protrude outside the housing (10).

[0132] Unlike the illustrated embodiment, the cartridge (19) may provide an insertion space for accommodating the aerosol generating article (2). In this case, the insertion space may be formed by being recessed toward the interior of the cartridge (19) to a predetermined depth so that at least a portion of the aerosol generating article (2) can be inserted. The lower end of the aerosol generating article (2) may be inserted into the interior of the cartridge (19), and the upper end of the aerosol generating article (2) may protrude outside the cartridge (19). Furthermore, in this case, the aerosol generating device (1) may not include a heater (183).

[0133] In one embodiment, the depth of the insertion space may be greater than the length of the region containing the aerosol-generating material and / or medium in the aerosol-generating article (2). The user may hold the upper end of the aerosol-generating article (2) exposed to the outside in his / her mouth and inhale air.

[0134] According to one embodiment, the heater (183) can heat the aerosol generating article (2). The heater (183) can extend upwardly around the space into which the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted (i.e., the insertion space). For example, the heater (183) can be in the form of a tube (e.g., a cylindrical shape) having a hollow space therein. The heater (183) can have a shape including a hollow space on the inside and surrounding the hollow space. In this case, the heater (183) can be supported by a polyimide film. A heater supported by such a film may be referred to as a film heater. The heater (183) can be arranged to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. The heater (183) can heat the outside of the aerosol generating article (2) inserted into the hollow space. In the present disclosure, the heater (183) may be referred to as an external heating type heater that heats the outside of the aerosol generating article (2). Meanwhile, an insulating material may be placed on the outside of the heater (183). Through this, the heat radiating from the heater (183) in an outward direction and applied to the outside of the housing (10) can be reduced.

[0135] According to one embodiment, the heater (183) may include an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heating type heater.

[0136] For example, an electrical resistance heater includes an electrically resistive material and can be heated as current flows through the electrically resistive material. In this case, the electrical resistance heater can be electrically connected to a power source (11) and can directly generate heat by receiving current from the power source (11).

[0137] For example, in the case of an induction heating type heater, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include an induction coil (not shown) that surrounds at least a portion of the heater (183) (e.g., is disposed externally to correspond to the length of at least a portion of the heater (183). In this case, a magnetic flux concentrator or the like may further be included on the outside of the induction coil (not shown) to increase the efficiency of induction heating. The induction heating type heater includes a susceptor and can generate heat based on a magnetic field generated from the induction coil (not shown).

[0138] According to one embodiment, the heater (183) may be a multi-heater. The multi-heater may include a first heater and a second heater, and may be inserted into the aerosol generating article (2). The first heater and the second heater may be arranged side by side along the longitudinal direction. The first heater and the second heater may operate as an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heater, and may be heated sequentially or simultaneously. In this case, the first heater and the second heater may be arranged at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of two or more aerosol generating rods, respectively (respectively). Alternatively, the first heater and the second heater may be arranged at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of a first portion and a second portion of one aerosol generating rod, respectively. Meanwhile, when the heater (183) is an induction heating type heater, the aerosol generating device (1) includes a first induction coil and a second induction coil, and the first induction coil and the second induction coil may be respectively disposed at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of the first heater and the second heater. Alternatively, the first heater and the second heater may respectively be disposed at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of the first part and the second part of one heater (183). In addition, three or more heaters and / or induction coils may be included.

[0139] Unlike the drawing, the aerosol generating device (1) may not include a heater (183). The aerosol generating article (2) may be heated directly or indirectly by the cartridge heater (24), or may not be substantially heated. Indirect heating may mean that the aerosol generating article (2) is heated by receiving heat contained in the aerosol during the process in which the aerosol generated by the cartridge heater (24) passes through the aerosol generating article (2). In this case, the aerosol generating device (1) may be referred to as a non-heating (or indirect heating) aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating rod of the aerosol generating article (2) may include an additive such as a basic substance. Based on this basic substance, the nicotine contained in the aerosol generating rod may have a basic pH (e.g., pH 7.0 or higher). This basic nicotine can flow into the user's oral cavity together with the aerosol flowing into the aerosol generating article (2) from the cartridge (19) described below.

[0140] Unlike the illustrated embodiment, the heater (183) may include an internal heating heater. For example, the internal heating heater may include various heating elements, such as a rod-shaped or tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, or a needle-shaped heating element. The internal heating heater may be inserted through the lower portion of the aerosol generating article (2) and may be configured to heat the inside of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0141] According to one embodiment, the cartridge (19) may be detachably coupled to the housing (10). For example, a space may be formed on one side of the housing (10), and at least a portion of the cartridge (19) may be inserted into the space formed on one side of the housing (10) so that the cartridge (19) may be mounted on the housing (10). Alternatively, the cartridge (19) may be formed integrally with the housing (10).

[0142] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) and / or the cartridge (19) may be provided with an airflow channel through which air flows. For example, the housing (10) may include a structure through which air can be introduced from the outside into the interior of the housing (10) when the cartridge (19) is inserted. The introduced air can pass through the cartridge (19) and enter the insertion space through the airflow channel (CN) and flow into the user's oral cavity. The airflow channel (CN) may include various structures to reduce residual droplets or facilitate airflow.

[0143] In FIG. 4, the cartridge (19) is positioned laterally relative to the aerosol-generating article (2), and the airflow channel (CN) is formed from the side of the aerosol-generating article (2) to the lower end (i.e., upstream side) of the aerosol-generating article (2), but the positions of the cartridge (19) and the airflow channel (CN) are not limited thereto. For example, the cartridge (19) may be positioned adjacent to the lower end (i.e., upstream side) of the aerosol-generating article (2), and in this case, the airflow channel (CN) may be formed in a substantially straight shape so as to connect the cartridge (19) and the lower end (i.e., upstream side) of the aerosol-generating article (2).

[0144] According to one embodiment, the cartridge (19) may include a reservoir (C0) containing an aerosol generating material, a cartridge heater (24), and / or a liquid delivery means impregnating (containing) the aerosol generating material. The liquid delivery means (25) may impregnate the aerosol generating material supplied from the reservoir (C0). For example, the liquid delivery means may include a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic.

[0145] According to one embodiment, the cartridge heater (24) can heat the aerosol generating material contained in the cartridge (19). For example, the cartridge heater (24) can include an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heater.

[0146] For example, an electrical resistance heater includes an electrically resistive material and can be heated as a current flows through the electrically resistive material. As another example, in the case of an induction heating type heater, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include an induction coil (not shown) around the induction heating type heater. The induction heating type heater includes a susceptor and can generate heat based on a magnetic field generated from the induction coil (not shown). The cartridge heater (24) may be formed in a coil shape that surrounds (or winds) a liquid delivery means and / or in a shape (e.g., a pattern shape) that contacts one side of the liquid delivery means.

[0147] Unlike the illustration, the cartridge heater (24) may be included in the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the cartridge heater (24) may be included inside the housing (10). In this case, the cartridge (19) and the cartridge heater (24) may be separated by removing the cartridge (19).

[0148] In one embodiment, an aerosol may be generated based on heat generation from a cartridge heater (24). For example, vapor may be generated from an aerosol generating material impregnated in a liquid delivery means as the aerosol generating material is heated by the cartridge heater (24), and an aerosol may be generated as the generated vapor is mixed with outside air introduced into the cartridge (19). The aerosol generated by the cartridge heater (24) may be introduced into an aerosol generating article (2) through an airflow channel (CN). Tobacco or a flavoring material may be added to the aerosol as it passes through the aerosol generating article (2), and the aerosol added with tobacco or a flavoring material may be inhaled into the user's oral cavity through one end of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0149] FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating a method for detecting insertion of an aerosol generating article into the interior of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0150] Referring to reference numeral 501 of FIG. 5, the housing (10) of the aerosol generating device can form the overall appearance and accommodate various components of the aerosol generating device. The housing (10) may include a cavity housing (110) that provides a space for accommodating an aerosol generating article (hereinafter also referred to as a "cigarette") (2).

[0151] The cavity housing (110) may have a cylindrical or tubular structure that forms a cavity (115), which is an empty space of a predetermined depth toward the inside of the housing (10), so as to accommodate at least a portion of the aerosol generating article (2). The cavity housing (110) may be made of an insulator. The insulator may be formed of a material having flexibility and heat resistance. The insulator may include, but is not limited to, polyimide or polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and may include other materials having elasticity, heat resistance, and electrical insulation.

[0152] When the aerosol generating article (2) corresponds to a general-sized article, the diameter of the aerosol generating article (2) may be, for example, about 6 to 8 mm, and preferably, about 7.2 mm. Conversely, when the aerosol generating article (2) corresponds to a slim-type article, the aerosol generating article (2) may have a smaller diameter, for example, about 3 to 5 mm. The diameter of the cavity housing (110) may be slightly larger than the diameter of the aerosol generating article (2) so as to support the aerosol generating article (2). That is, when the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted into the cavity (115), the gap between the cavity housing (110) and the outer surface of the aerosol generating article (2) may be within about 1 mm. However, the described numerical ranges are merely examples, and those skilled in the art will understand that the numerical ranges may vary depending on the embodiment.

[0153] In the embodiment of the aerosol generating device (1) of FIG. 2, the cavity housing (110) may correspond to a thermally conductive structure of an outer wall that is formed separately from the heater (182) (e.g., an internal heater) and accommodates and surrounds the inserted aerosol generating article (2). However, in contrast, in the embodiment of the aerosol generating device (1) of FIG. 3 or 4, the heater (183) (e.g., an external heater) is formed in a structure that surrounds a portion of the length of the aerosol generating article (2) (i.e., a heating area). In this case, the cavity housing (110) may correspond to an outer wall structure that is formed on the outside of the heater (183) and supports the aerosol generating article (2) together with the heater (183). That is, although the cavity housing (110) may have a different structure depending on the heater type, such as an internal heater or an external heater, it may mean the same structure in terms of providing a cavity (115) for accommodating an aerosol generating article (2). The embodiments described below may be applied to all aerosol generating devices having types of internal heaters or external heaters without distinction, even without separate description.

[0154] As described in FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device can detect whether an aerosol generating article (2) has been inserted or removed by using an insertion detection sensor (130) provided near or in the cavity housing (110).

[0155] Reference numerals 511 and 512 in FIG. 5 illustrate in more detail the area of ​​reference numeral 501 with respect to the cavity housing (110).

[0156] Referring to reference number 511, a state in which an aerosol generating article (2) has not yet been inserted into the cavity (115) of the cavity housing (110) is illustrated. At this time, the insertion detection sensor (130) may not have detected any change in signal.

[0157] Thereafter, as in reference numeral 512, when the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted into the cavity (115) in one direction (e.g., -z direction) along the longitudinal direction of the cavity (115), the insertion detection sensor (130) can detect a change in a signal. For example, when the insertion detection sensor (130) is disposed on the side of the cavity (115), the insertion detection sensor (130) can detect a pressure in one direction (x direction) applied due to the insertion of the aerosol generating article (2). Alternatively, when the insertion detection sensor (130) is disposed on the bottom surface (base) of the cavity (115), the insertion detection sensor (130) can detect a pressure in one direction (z direction) applied due to the insertion of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0158] However, the insertion detection sensor (130) may be positioned on both the side and the bottom surface (base) of the cavity (115), or may be positioned on only one of the side and the bottom surface (base) of the cavity (115). That is, although FIG. 5 illustrates that the insertion detection sensor (130) is positioned in three areas, this is merely an example for the convenience of explanation, and the areas where the insertion detection sensor (130) is positioned may be diverse, with one or more areas.

[0159] The insertion detection sensor (130) can detect the insertion of the aerosol-generating article (2) based on the generation of contact pressure due to the insertion of the aerosol-generating article (2) at the position in which it is placed. Conversely, the insertion detection sensor (130) can also detect the removal of the aerosol-generating article (2) by detecting that the contact with the aerosol-generating article (2) is released. For this purpose, the insertion detection sensor (130) can be implemented as a type of piezoelectric sensor that can detect the pressure (pressure value) applied by being pressed by an external physical force. The insertion detection sensor (130) can mean hardware including a piezoelectric pressure sensor (or also referred to as a piezoelectric pressure sensing module) that generates an electric signal corresponding to the pressure when the pressure is generated to detect the pressure intensity.

[0160] More specifically, at least a portion of the insertion detection sensor (130) may be positioned in a protruding state on the empty space of the cavity (115). If a force is applied to the insertion detection sensor (130) from the outer surface of the aerosol generating article (2) due to the insertion of the aerosol generating article (2), the insertion detection sensor (130) may operate in a piezoelectric manner to convert the intensity of the pressure applied on the protruding portion of the insertion detection sensor (130) into an electric signal. If the pressure is detected by the insertion detection sensor (130), the control unit (12 in FIG. 1) may determine whether or not the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted.

[0161] FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating various arrangements of an insertion detection sensor within a housing of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0162] Referring to FIG. 6, the cavity housing (110) within the housing (10) can be arbitrarily divided into several regions along the longitudinal direction (z direction) of the cavity (115).

[0163] Specifically, the side closest to the opening of the cavity housing (110) may be referred to as the proximal region, region A, and the side furthest from the opening of the cavity housing (110) may be referred to as the distal region, region C. In addition, the region near the middle of the cavity housing (110), between regions A and C, may be referred to as region B. Meanwhile, the base region of the bottom surface of the cavity housing (110), which is the part that comes into closest contact with the end of the aerosol generating article (2) when the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted, may be referred to as region D. However, the regions referred to in this way are merely distinguished according to an arbitrary distance from the opening of the cavity housing (110) for the convenience of describing the embodiment, and the lengths of the regions may not necessarily be the same.

[0164] According to the embodiment of FIG. 2 described above, the heater (182) in the aerosol generating device (1) corresponds to a type of internal heater that is inserted into the aerosol generating article (2). In this case, the insertion detection sensor may be placed in an area A, an area B, or an area C of the cavity housing (110) where the heater (182) is not placed and thus is not directly heated. However, the area D of the cavity housing (110) may be a relatively high temperature area as it is an area where one end of the heater (182) is in contact, but the insertion detection sensor may also be placed therein.

[0165] According to the embodiments of FIGS. 3 and 4 described above, the heater (183) in the aerosol generating device (1) corresponds to a type of external heater that heats the outer surface of the aerosol generating article (2). When the heater (183) is provided at a height a certain distance from the base on the wall surface of the cavity housing (110), the insertion detection sensor can be placed in area A or area C, which are areas that do not overlap with the heater (183) on the wall surface of the cavity housing (110). That is, when the area where the heater (183) is placed is assumed to be area B, the insertion detection sensor can be placed in area A or area C where the heater (183) is not placed. Here, the lengths of areas A, B, and C do not need to be the same based on the longitudinal direction (z direction) of the cavity housing (110). Furthermore, when the heater (183) is provided at a height along the B and C regions from the base on the wall surface of the cavity housing (110), the insertion detection sensor may be placed in the A region, which is an region that does not overlap with the heater (183), on the wall surface of the cavity housing (110). Meanwhile, the insertion detection sensor may also be placed in the D region of the cavity housing (110).

[0166] That is, with respect to the cavity housing (110), it is preferable that the insertion detection sensor be positioned at a location that does not overlap with the heaters (182, 183) so as not to be directly affected by the heating of the heaters (182, 183). In addition, one or more insertion detection sensors may be positioned in each area.

[0167] FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating an insertion detection sensor that detects the insertion of an aerosol generating article from the side using a piezoelectric method according to one embodiment.

[0168] Referring to reference numeral 701 of FIG. 7, an insertion detection sensor (131) may be disposed on a side of a cavity housing (110). The insertion detection sensor (131) may include a contact module (1311) that causes deformation or displacement according to pressure generated by contact with an external object, and a piezoelectric module (1312) that generates an electrical signal based on a pressure change corresponding to the deformation or displacement of the contact module (1311). The piezoelectric module (1312) converts the pressure intensity applied to the piezoelectric module (1312) as the contact module (1311) is pressed in the x direction into an electrical signal. That is, the insertion detection sensor (131) may perform piezoelectric pressure sensing. Here, in the present embodiments, the insertion detection sensor (131) is described as including a contact module (1311) and a piezoelectric module (1312), but the terms contact module (1311) and piezoelectric module (1312) are only functionally distinguished for convenience of explanation, and the insertion detection sensor (131) may also be implemented as a single, integrated piezoelectric sensing module.

[0169] If no object exists in the cavity (115), the contact module (1311), which is a part of the insertion detection sensor (131), may remain in a state of being partially protruded toward the cavity (115), and the piezoelectric module (1312) may not detect any pressure.

[0170] Meanwhile, the position of the insertion detection sensor (131) in FIG. 7 may correspond to at least one of the A region, the B region, and the C region described in FIG. 6. That is, the position of the insertion detection sensor (131) may be appropriately selected based on the cavity housing (110) according to the embodiment of the aerosol generating device, and may be arranged in a total of one or more. When a plurality of insertion detection sensors (131) are arranged, they do not necessarily have to be arranged in each region, and multiple insertion detection sensors (131) may be arranged in one region.

[0171] Referring to reference numeral 702 of FIG. 7, a state in which an aerosol generating article (2) is inserted into a cavity (115) of a cavity housing (110) is illustrated. When an aerosol generating article (2) is inserted, the cavity (115) of the cavity housing (110) is filled with the volume of the aerosol generating article (2). Accordingly, pressure may be applied to the insertion detection sensor (131) protruding toward the cavity (115).

[0172] Specifically, the contact module (1311) of the insertion detection sensor (131) is subjected to pressure in the x direction by the outer surface of the aerosol generating article (2). Accordingly, the piezoelectric module (1312) of the insertion detection sensor (131) can measure the pressure intensity by generating an electrical signal based on a pressure change corresponding to the deformation or displacement of the contact module (1311).

[0173] For example, it can be assumed that the initial position of one end of the contact module (1311) is d1 before the insertion of the aerosol generating article (2). Subsequently, when the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted, the position of one end of the contact module (1311) can change to d2. That is, the contact module (1311) can be displaced by Δd due to the insertion of the aerosol generating article (2). The piezoelectric module (1312) can perform piezoelectric pressure sensing for the insertion of the aerosol generating article (2) by converting the pressure intensity corresponding to the displacement of the contact module (1311) by Δd into an electric signal.

[0174] The insertion detection sensor (131) corresponds to a component of the sensor unit (13) in the aerosol generating device (1) of FIG. 1 described above. That is, the insertion detection sensor (131) corresponds to a component electrically connected to the control unit (12). A pressure change detected by the insertion detection sensor (131) is transmitted to the control unit (12), and the control unit (12) can determine that the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted into the aerosol generating device (1) when the pressure change detected by the insertion detection sensor (131) satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0175] The control unit (12) can determine whether the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted by comparing the pressure intensity detected by the insertion detection sensor (131) with a preset reference pressure. If the pressure intensity detected by the insertion detection sensor (131) exceeds the reference pressure, the control unit (12) can determine that the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted. If not, the control unit (12) can determine that the aerosol generating article (2) is not inserted.

[0176] Meanwhile, after it is determined that the aerosol generating article (2) has been inserted, the insertion detection sensor (131) may detect that the pressure level has again become lower than the reference pressure. In this case, the control unit (12) may determine that the inserted aerosol generating article (2) has been removed from the aerosol generating device (1). Here, the removal of the aerosol generating article (2) may mean that the aerosol generating article (2) has been completely removed from the aerosol generating device (1) by the user's intention, or may mean that the aerosol generating article (2) has been slightly dislodged regardless of the user's intention.

[0177] In this embodiment, it has been described that the control unit (12) determines whether or not to insert by comparing the detected pressure with the reference pressure. However, in addition, various methods for determining whether or not to insert based on the detected pressure can be adopted, and this can also be interpreted as falling within the scope of the insertion detection method of the control unit (12) in this embodiment.

[0178] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a perspective view and a plan view of a cavity housing in which an insertion detection sensor is arranged according to one embodiment.

[0179] Referring to the perspective view (801) of Fig. 8, the insertion detection sensor (132) may be implemented in a ring shape at a certain lateral position of the cavity housing (110). That is, the cross-section of the insertion detection sensor (131) described in Fig. 7 may represent the cross-section of the ring-shaped insertion detection sensor (132). A portion of the ring-shaped insertion detection sensor (132) (i.e., the contact module portion) may protrude into the cavity (115), thereby causing contact with the inserted aerosol generating article (2), and thus the insertion detection sensor (132) may detect pressure.

[0180] The plan view (802) of Fig. 8 is a plan view looking down from above in the S1 direction. The ring-shaped insertion detection sensor (132) (e.g., the contact module portion) protrudes partially into the cavity (115) so as to have a diameter smaller than the cavity housing (110). Therefore, when an aerosol generating article (2) is inserted into the cavity (115), the ring-shaped insertion detection sensor (132) can detect a pressure applied radially (i.e., in the x direction) due to the outer surface of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0181] Meanwhile, in FIG. 8, only one ring-shaped sensor is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited thereto and may be implemented so that two or more ring-shaped sensors are arranged according to embodiments.

[0182] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a perspective view and a plan view of a cavity housing in which an insertion detection sensor is arranged according to another embodiment.

[0183] Referring to the perspective view (901) of FIG. 9, the insertion detection sensor (133) may be positioned to face some side positions of the cavity housing (110). That is, the piezoelectric pressure sensing modules included in the insertion detection sensor (133) may be positioned to be spaced apart from each other by an appropriate distance. The cross-section of the insertion detection sensor (131) described in FIG. 7 may represent the cross-section of the insertion detection sensor (133) positioned to face it. A portion of the insertion detection sensor (133) (i.e., the contact module portion) may protrude into the cavity (115), thereby causing contact with the inserted aerosol generating article (2), and thus the insertion detection sensor (132) may detect pressure.

[0184] The plan view (902) of Fig. 9 is a plan view looking down on the S2 direction from above. Two insertion detection sensors (133) are arranged so as to face each other, and a portion of the insertion detection sensors (133) protrude into the cavity (115). When an aerosol generating article (2) is inserted into the cavity (115), the insertion detection sensor (132) can detect the pressure applied radially (i.e., in the x direction) by the outer surface of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0185] However, although FIG. 9 illustrates two sensors, the present invention is not limited thereto and may be implemented such that only one sensor is positioned or three or more sensors are positioned according to embodiments. In addition, when multiple sensors are positioned, they do not necessarily have to be positioned in opposing positions, and multiple sensors may be positioned adjacent to each other above and below or to the left and right on the side of the cavity housing (110).

[0186] FIG. 10 is a drawing for explaining examples of cross-sections of a contact module provided in an insertion detection sensor according to one embodiment.

[0187] Referring to Fig. 10, the part of the insertion detection sensor that directly contacts the aerosol-generating article (2) in the insertion direction (-z direction) corresponds to the contact modules (1001, 1002, 1003). In order to facilitate insertion of the aerosol-generating article (2), the part where the contact modules (1001, 1002, 1003) first contact the end of the aerosol-generating article (2) during the insertion process of the aerosol-generating article (2) is preferably a curved shape or a slidable inclined shape. Otherwise, if it is implemented in a shape perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, such as a speed bump, insertion of the aerosol-generating article (2) may not be easy.

[0188] Referring to the first example (1011), the cross-section of the contact module (1001) protruding from the insertion detection sensor is implemented as a curved shape so that the aerosol generating article (2) can apply pressure to the contact module (1001) in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction (+x direction) while sliding.

[0189] Likewise, referring to the second example (1012), the cross-section of the contact module (1002) protruding from the insertion detection sensor is implemented as a curved shape so that the aerosol generating article (2) can apply pressure to the contact module (1002) while sliding.

[0190] Referring to the third example (1013), the cross-section of the contact module (1003) protruding from the insertion detection sensor is implemented in a shape inclined downward (-z direction). Accordingly, as the aerosol generating article (2) slides, pressure can be applied to the contact module (1003) in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction (+x direction).

[0191] In Fig. 10, various embodiments of cross-sections of the insertion detection sensor are described, but the insertion detection sensor is not limited thereto, and the insertion detection sensor can be implemented to have a cross-section of a shape that facilitates insertion of an aerosol generating article (2) and also facilitates measurement of pressure applied by insertion of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0192] FIG. 11 is a drawing illustrating an insertion detection sensor detecting the insertion of an aerosol generating article from a bottom surface (base) using a piezoelectric method according to one embodiment.

[0193] Referring to reference number 1101 of FIG. 11, the insertion detection sensor (134) may be placed on the bottom surface (base) (112) of the cavity housing (110), and the insertion detection sensor (134) may be implemented in a shape (e.g., a rod shape) protruding above the cavity (115).

[0194] The bottom surface (112) is a base structure that contacts the end of the aerosol generating article (2) so that the aerosol generating article (2) is no longer inserted. The bottom surface (112) may be manufactured integrally with the side structure of the cavity housing (110), or may be manufactured as a separate structure from the side structure and then coupled to each other. An insertion detection sensor (134) may be arranged adjacent to the bottom surface (112). An airflow path (aperture) (117) through which air can flow around the insertion detection sensor (134) may be provided on the bottom surface (112). When a user inhales through the aerosol generating article (2), air drawn into the aerosol generating device from the outside may flow into the aerosol generating article (2) through the airflow path (117) provided around the insertion detection sensor (134) on the bottom surface (112).

[0195] The insertion detection sensor (134) may include a contact module (1341) that causes deformation or displacement according to pressure applied in one direction (-z direction) by an object, and a piezoelectric module (1342) that generates an electrical signal based on a pressure change corresponding to the deformation or displacement of the contact module (1341). That is, the piezoelectric module (1342) converts the pressure intensity applied to the piezoelectric module (1312) as the contact module (1341) is pressed in the -z direction into an electrical signal. However, as described above, the insertion detection sensor (134) may also be implemented as a piezoelectric sensing module that is not separated into the contact module (1341) and the piezoelectric module (1342) but is integrated into one.

[0196] As illustrated in reference number 1101, when no object exists in the cavity (115), the contact module (1341) corresponding to a part of the insertion detection sensor (134) may remain in a state of being partially protruded toward the cavity (115) and the piezoelectric module (1342) may not detect any pressure.

[0197] Referring to reference numeral 1102 of FIG. 11, a state in which an aerosol generating article (2) is inserted into a cavity (115) of a cavity housing (110) is illustrated. A contact pressure may be applied to an insertion detection sensor (134) protruding toward the cavity (115) by a distal end of the aerosol generating article (2). Accordingly, a position of one distal end of the contact module (1341) may change from d3 to d4. The contact module (1341) may be displaced by Δd due to the insertion of the aerosol generating article (2). The piezoelectric module (1342) may perform piezoelectric pressure sensing for the insertion of the aerosol generating article (2) by converting a pressure intensity corresponding to the displacement of the contact module (1341) by Δd into an electric signal.

[0198] The position of the insertion detection sensor (134) in FIG. 11 may correspond to the D region described in FIG. 6. For example, in the case of the embodiments of the aerosol generating device (1) equipped with the heater (183) of FIGS. 3 and 4, the insertion detection sensor (134) may be placed in the D region. However, even in the embodiments of FIGS. 3 and 4, it is not necessary to be placed in the D region, and may be placed in another region (any region among regions A to C).

[0199] In FIG. 11, only one insertion detection sensor (134) is shown, but two or more sensors may be arranged on the bottom surface (112) depending on the embodiment.

[0200] FIG. 12 is a drawing for explaining that an insertion detection sensor detects the insertion of an aerosol generating article from a bottom surface using a piezoelectric method according to another embodiment.

[0201] Referring to reference numerals 1201 and 1202 of FIG. 12, compared to FIG. 11, a separate spacer structure (or stopper structure) (113) is coupled to the lower end of the cavity housing (110) instead of the bottom surface (112). That is, the spacer structure (or stopper structure) (113) may correspond to a base structure. The spacer structure (113) corresponds to a base structure that contacts the end of the aerosol generating article (2) so that the aerosol generating article (2) is no longer inserted. An insertion detection sensor (135) may be arranged adjacent to the spacer structure (113). The insertion detection sensor (135) may be implemented to be longer than the height of the spacer structure (113) by penetrating an empty space (aperture) on the spacer structure (113) and protruding into the cavity (115).

[0202] The insertion detection sensor (135) may be embedded in the flange (119). In some embodiments, external air introduced between the spacer structure (113) and the flange (119) may be provided into the aerosol generating article (2) through an airflow path (aperture) (117) formed on the spacer structure (113). That is, the airflow path (117) may be formed around the insertion detection sensor (135) provided in the empty space of the spacer structure (113).

[0203] The embodiment of Fig. 12 is different from the embodiment of Fig. 11 in the lower structure of the cavity housing (110), but the method of piezoelectric pressure sensing is the same.

[0204] FIG. 13 is a drawing illustrating another embodiment in which an insertion detection sensor detects the insertion of an aerosol generating article from a bottom surface using a piezoelectric method.

[0205] Referring to reference numerals 1301 and 1302 of FIG. 13, compared to FIGS. 11 and 12, the insertion detection sensor (136) can be implemented as a flat-type piezoelectric pressure sensor.

[0206] The insertion detection sensor (136) can be placed in close contact with the bottom surface (base) (114) of the cavity housing (110). When the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted and approaches the bottom surface (114), the end of the aerosol generating article (2) can apply a pressing force to the flat-type piezoelectric pressure sensor (insertion detection sensor (136)). The flat-type piezoelectric pressure sensor (insertion detection sensor (136)) can detect the insertion of the aerosol generating article (2) by performing piezoelectric sensing that converts the pressure intensity applied in one direction (-z direction) by the aerosol generating article (2) into an electric signal.

[0207] Meanwhile, an airflow path (aperture) (117) through which external air can flow into the aerosol generating article (2) may be provided on the bottom surface (112).

[0208] FIG. 14 is a plan view illustrating different examples of the cavity housing of the insertion detection sensor of FIG. 13.

[0209] Referring to reference numeral 1401 of FIG. 14, an insertion detection sensor (137) is arranged on the bottom surface (base) (114) of the cavity housing (110), and the insertion detection sensor (137) can be implemented as a flat-type piezoelectric pressure sensor (piezoelectric pressure sensing module) formed in a circular shape. That is, the insertion detection sensor (137) can be arranged in a shape that surrounds an opening (aperture) for an airflow path formed on the bottom surface (114).

[0210] The insertion detection sensor (137) performs piezoelectric sensing to convert the pressure applied by the end of the aerosol generating article (2) in one direction (-z direction) into an electric signal, thereby detecting the insertion of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0211] Referring to reference number 1402 of FIG. 14, unlike reference number 1401, the insertion detection sensor (138) may correspond to a flat-type piezoelectric pressure sensor manufactured in small module units. For example, although reference number 1402 illustrates that two modules of insertion detection sensors (138) are arranged, the invention is not limited thereto, and the number of insertion detection sensors (138) may be arranged as one or more. In addition, since the insertion detection sensor (138) is preferably arranged at a position capable of detecting contact pressure by an aerosol generating article (2) on the floor surface (114), the position of the insertion detection sensor (138) on the floor surface (114) may vary.

[0212] In the embodiments of the drawings above, various embodiments for detecting the insertion of an aerosol generating article using an insertion detection sensor of a piezoelectric pressure sensing type have been described.

[0213] Meanwhile, a plurality of piezoelectric pressure sensing modules may be arranged at different locations. At this time, the control unit (12) may determine that the aerosol generating article (2) has been inserted when it is determined that a pressure greater than a predetermined level has been detected from at least two of the plurality of piezoelectric pressure sensing modules. Alternatively, even when a plurality of piezoelectric pressure sensing modules are arranged, the control unit (12) may determine that the aerosol generating article (2) has been inserted when pressure is detected by one module. That is, the insertion detection method may not be limited to any one embodiment.

[0214] Furthermore, the control unit (12) of the aerosol generating device (1) can provide more extended operations of the aerosol generating device (1) by controlling the aerosol generating device (1) by linking the function of detecting the insertion of the aerosol generating article (2) with other functions.

[0215] For example, when the insertion of an aerosol-generating article (2) is detected, the control unit (12) can control the execution of a function for initiating heating of the heater to generate an aerosol from the inserted aerosol-generating article (2). In addition, when the insertion of an aerosol-generating article (2) is detected, the control unit (12) can control the execution of additional sensing functions for identifying what type (flavor, material, humidity, etc.) the inserted aerosol-generating article (2) corresponds to. Furthermore, when the insertion of an aerosol-generating article (2) is detected, the control unit (12) can control the execution of various user interface (UI) functions for indicating that the aerosol-generating article (2) has been inserted. Hereinafter, a process for initiating heating of the heater by detecting the insertion of an aerosol-generating article (2) will be described in detail.

[0216] FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a method for controlling heating of a heater by detecting insertion of an aerosol generating article according to one embodiment.

[0217] Referring to Fig. 15, the method for controlling the heating of the heater through insertion detection corresponds to the steps processed in time series in the aerosol generating device (1) described in the drawings above. Therefore, even if the details are omitted below, the details described in the drawings above can also be applied to the control method of Fig. 15.

[0218] In step 1501, the insertion detection sensor (130) provided in the sensor section (13) of the aerosol generating device (1) monitors pressure changes using a piezoelectric pressure sensor to detect insertion of an aerosol generating article (2) into the aerosol generating device (1). Insertion detection using the piezoelectric pressure sensor can be performed using the methods described in FIGS. 5 to 14.

[0219] In step 1502, the control unit (12) of the aerosol generating device (1) determines whether a pressure change is detected by the piezoelectric pressure sensor of the insertion detection sensor (130). If a pressure change is detected, the control unit (12) performs step 1503. However, if a pressure change is not detected, the control unit (12) controls monitoring by the insertion detection sensor (130) to be maintained.

[0220] At step 1503, when a pressure change is detected by the piezoelectric pressure sensor of the insertion detection sensor (130), the control unit (12) determines whether or not the insertion of an aerosol generating article occurs based on an electric signal corresponding to the detected pressure change.

[0221] The control unit (12) can determine whether the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted into the aerosol generating device (1) based on whether the detected pressure change satisfies a predetermined condition. For example, the control unit (12) can determine whether the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted by comparing the detected pressure intensity with a preset reference pressure. If the detected pressure intensity exceeds the reference pressure, the control unit (12) performs step 1504. However, if not, the control unit (12) controls so that monitoring by the insertion detection sensor (130) is maintained.

[0222] At step 1504, the control unit (12) determines that the aerosol generating article (2) has been inserted, as the pressure detected at step 1503 exceeds the reference pressure.

[0223] At step 1505, if the control unit (12) determines that an aerosol generating article (2) has been inserted, it performs heating of the heater (18, 24) to generate an aerosol from the aerosol generating article (2).

[0224] That is, the aerosol generating device (1) according to the present embodiment can monitor whether an aerosol generating article (2) is inserted into the aerosol generating device (1), and automatically start heating the aerosol generating article (2) when it is determined that the aerosol generating article (2) has been inserted. Accordingly, convenience can be provided to the user because the user can start smoking simply by inserting the article without having to perform many cumbersome operations.

[0225] 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.

[0226] 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.

[0227] 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. In the aerosol generating device, A cavity housing providing a cavity for accommodating at least a portion of an aerosol generating article; An insertion detection sensor that detects pressure applied by a piezoelectric pressure method when the protruding portion is pressed due to contact with the aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the cavity housing, at least a portion of which is positioned to protrude into the cavity; and A control unit that determines whether the aerosol generating article is inserted into the aerosol generating device based on the intensity of the detected pressure. Aerosol generating device.

2. In paragraph 1, The above insertion detection sensor At least one piezoelectric pressure sensing module disposed adjacent to at least one of the side and bottom surfaces of the cavity housing, Aerosol generating device.

3. In paragraph 1, The above insertion detection sensor comprising a plurality of piezoelectric pressure sensing modules arranged at different locations; The above control unit If it is determined that a pressure greater than a predetermined level is detected from at least two of the plurality of piezoelectric pressure sensing modules, it is determined that the aerosol generating article is inserted into the aerosol generating device. Aerosol generating device.

4. In paragraph 1, The above insertion detection sensor is placed on the side of the above cavity housing, Detecting the pressure applied radially perpendicular to the insertion direction due to the insertion of the above aerosol generating article, Aerosol generating device.

5. In paragraph 4, The above insertion detection sensor It includes a ring-shaped piezoelectric pressure sensing module surrounding the side of the above cavity housing, The above ring-shaped piezoelectric pressure sensing module having a diameter smaller than the cavity housing such that at least a portion thereof protrudes into the cavity; Aerosol generating device.

6. In paragraph 4, The above insertion detection sensor comprising at least two piezoelectric pressure sensing modules arranged so as to face each other on the side of the cavity housing; Aerosol generating device.

7. In paragraph 1, The above insertion detection sensor A piezoelectric pressure sensing module having a rod shape, at least a portion of which protrudes into the cavity housing, is disposed adjacent to the bottom surface of the cavity housing or a spacer structure coupled to the cavity housing, The above piezoelectric pressure sensing module in the shape of a rod Detecting the pressure applied in the insertion direction due to the insertion of the above aerosol generating article, Aerosol generating device.

8. In paragraph 7, The above floor surface or the above spacer structure Having an opening around the piezoelectric pressure sensing module in the shape of a rod to provide an airflow path through which outside air can flow into the aerosol generating article. Aerosol generating device.

9. In paragraph 1, The above insertion detection sensor A flat type piezoelectric pressure sensing module is provided on the bottom surface of the cavity housing or on a spacer structure coupled to the cavity housing, The above piezoelectric pressure sensing module of the above flat type Detecting the pressure applied in the insertion direction due to the insertion of the above aerosol generating article, Aerosol generating device.

10. In paragraph 1, The above cavity housing Based on the insertion direction of the aerosol generating article, it is divided into a proximal region close to the opening of the cavity housing, a distal region far from the opening of the cavity housing, and an intermediate region between the proximal region and the distal region. The above insertion detection sensor Based on the type of heater provided in the aerosol generating device, it is placed in at least one of the proximal region, the distal region and the intermediate region. Aerosol generating device.

11. In paragraph 10, The above insertion detection sensor At least one region among the base region, the proximal region, the distal region and the middle region of the cavity housing, which is not directly heated by the heater, is disposed therein. Aerosol generating device.

12. In paragraph 1, The above control unit When it is determined that the aerosol generating article is inserted, controlling the heater so that heating of the heater for the aerosol generating article is initiated. Aerosol generating device.

13. In paragraph 1, The above control unit The intensity of the pressure detected by the above insertion detection sensor is compared with the reference pressure, If the magnitude of the detected pressure is determined to exceed the reference pressure, it is determined that the aerosol generating article has been inserted. Aerosol generating device.

14. In paragraph 1, The above control unit When it is determined that the aerosol generating article is inserted into the cavity housing, controlling the heater to initiate heating of the aerosol generating article. Aerosol generating device.

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