KR102645174B1 - Aerosol generating device and operating method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

The aerosol generating device includes a cartridge housing including a reservoir in which an aerosol generating material is stored and an atomizer for atomizing the aerosol generating material, a cartridge including a mouthpiece movably coupled to the cartridge housing, and a receiving space into which the cartridge is inserted. A body including a main body housing, a sensor disposed in an area of the receiving space to detect contact with an object, a battery, and a processor, and the mouthpiece is provided when a cartridge is inserted into the receiving space. , in contact with the sensor in a first position and spaced apart from the sensor as it moves from the first position to the second position, wherein the processor senses, via the sensor, the relative position of the mouthpiece with respect to the sensor when the cartridge is inserted into the receiving space. And, based on the relative position of the mouthpiece, the power supplied to the atomizer through the battery can be controlled.

Description

Aerosol generating device and operating method thereof {AEROSOL GENERATING DEVICE AND OPERATING METHOD THEREOF}

Embodiments relate to an aerosol generating device and a method of operating the same, and more specifically, to an aerosol generating device and a method of operating the same that can control power supplied to an atomizer depending on the position of the mouthpiece.

Recently, the demand for technology to replace the method of supplying aerosol by burning a typical cigarette is increasing. For example, an aerosol can be produced from an aerosol-generating material in a liquid state or a solid state, or an aerosol with a flavor can be supplied by generating vapor from an aerosol-generating material in a liquid state and then passing the generated vapor through a solid-state scent medium. Research on methods such as these is in progress.

Recently, an aerosol-generating device has been proposed, comprising a cartridge capable of storing aerosol-generating material, atomizing the stored aerosol-generating material, and a body capable of accommodating the cartridge and supplying power to the received cartridge.

The aerosol generating device can supply aerosol to the user by atomizing the aerosol generating material stored in the cartridge into aerosol through an atomizer. For example, the aerosol generating device may include an ultrasonic atomizer that lowers the viscosity of the aerosol-generating material through heat generated as power is supplied and generates ultrasonic vibration to transform the aerosol-generating material with the reduced viscosity into fine particles. there is.

In the case of an ultrasonic type atomizer, it takes a certain amount of time for the viscosity of the aerosol-generating material to decrease, so a situation may occur in which a sufficient amount of aerosol is not generated during the user's initial puff operation. Accordingly, an aerosol is generated that can generate a sufficient amount of aerosol even during the initial puff by providing a button to receive user input and pre-heating the atomizer when the user input is received through the button. A device has been proposed.

However, in the above-mentioned aerosol generating device, the overall size of the device increases to secure placement space for the button that receives the user input and the components for operating the button, which may reduce the user's portability, so the device is miniaturized. However, there is a need for a new method to preheat the atomizer.

Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure seek to provide an aerosol generating device that does not include a button and can secure a sufficient amount of aerosol during the initial puff while miniaturizing the device by preheating the atomizer according to the position of the mouthpiece.

The problems to be solved through the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and the problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the present specification and the attached drawings. It could be.

An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment includes a cartridge housing including a reservoir in which an aerosol generating material is stored and an atomizer for atomizing the aerosol generating material, and a cartridge including a mouthpiece movably coupled to the cartridge housing. It includes a body housing including a receiving space into which a cartridge is inserted, a sensor disposed in an area of the receiving space to detect contact with an object, a battery, and a processor, and the mouthpiece is a cartridge in the Contacting the sensor in a first position when inserted into the receiving space, spaced apart from the sensor as it moves from the first position to a second position, the processor determines, via the sensor, a mouse relative to the sensor when the cartridge is inserted into the receiving space. It is possible to detect the relative position of the pieces and control the power supplied to the atomizer through the battery based on the relative position of the mouthpiece.

A method of operating an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment includes a cartridge housing including a reservoir in which an aerosol generating material is stored and an atomizer for atomizing the aerosol generating material, and a cartridge including a mouthpiece movably coupled to the cartridge housing. When inserted into the receiving space of the main body, a sensor disposed in the receiving space indicates whether the mouthpiece is located in a first position in contact with the sensor or moves from the first position to a second position away from the sensor. It may include detecting the position and controlling the power supplied to the atomizer through the battery based on the detected relative position of the mouthpiece.

The aerosol generating device and its operation method according to the above-described embodiments preheat the atomizer without including a button, thereby reducing the overall size of the aerosol generating device and generating a sufficient amount of aerosol even during the initial puff operation.

In addition, the aerosol generating device and its operating method according to the above-described embodiments perform authentication on the cartridge inserted into the main body, so smoking using an unauthorized cartridge can be prevented.

In addition, the aerosol generating device and its operating method according to the above-described embodiments can estimate the remaining amount of aerosol-generating material stored in a cartridge and provide notification of the remaining amount of aerosol-generating material to the user.

The effects of the embodiments are not limited to the effects described above, and effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from this specification and the attached drawings.

Figure 1 is a diagram schematically showing an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.
Figure 2 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.
FIG. 3A is a perspective view showing a state in which the mouthpiece of the cartridge shown in FIG. 2 is disposed in a first position.
FIG. 3B is a perspective view showing the mouthpiece of the cartridge shown in FIG. 2 disposed in a second position.
Figure 4 is a flowchart showing a method of operating an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.
Figure 5 is a flowchart for explaining an operation of controlling power supply based on the relative position of the mouthpiece with respect to the sensor of the aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.
Figure 6a is a perspective view for explaining the positional relationship between the sensor and the mouthpiece when the mouthpiece is in the first position.
Figure 6a is a perspective view for explaining the positional relationship between the sensor and the mouthpiece when the mouthpiece moves from the first position to the second position.
Figure 7 is a flowchart for explaining an operation of controlling power supply to an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.
Figure 8 is a perspective view showing an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the electrical connection relationship between the conductive member and the sensor of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 8.
Figure 10 is a perspective view showing an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the electrical connection relationship between the conductive member and the sensor of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 10.
Figure 12 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

The terms used in the embodiments are general terms that are currently widely used as much as possible while considering the function in the present invention, but this may vary depending on the intention or precedent of a person skilled in the art, the emergence of new technology, etc. In addition, in certain cases, there are terms arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in this case, the meaning will be described in detail in the description of the relevant invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention should be defined based on the meaning of the term and the overall content of the present invention, rather than simply the name of the term.

When it is said that a part "includes" a certain element throughout the specification, this means that, unless specifically stated to the contrary, it does not exclude other elements but may further include other elements. Additionally, terms such as “-unit” and “-module” used in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be implemented as hardware or software, or as a combination of hardware and software.

As used herein, when an expression such as “at least any one” precedes arranged elements, it modifies all of the arranged elements rather than each arranged element. For example, the expression “at least one of a, b, and c” should be interpreted to include a, b, c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a and b and c. do.

In one embodiment, an aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol using a cartridge containing an aerosol generating material.

An aerosol generating device may include a cartridge holding an aerosol generating material and a body supporting the cartridge. The cartridge may be detachably coupled to the main body, but is not limited thereto. The cartridge may be formed or assembled integrally with the main body, and may be fixed so as not to be detached or detached by the user. The cartridge may be mounted on the main body while containing the aerosol-generating material therein. However, it is not limited to this, and an aerosol-generating material may be injected into the cartridge while the cartridge is coupled to the main body.

The cartridge may contain an aerosol-generating material in any one of various states, such as liquid state, solid state, gas state, and gel state. Aerosol-generating materials may include liquid compositions. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing tobacco-containing substances, including volatile tobacco flavor components, or may be a liquid containing non-tobacco substances.

The cartridge is operated by an electric signal or wireless signal transmitted from the main body, thereby converting the phase of the aerosol-generating material inside the cartridge into a gas phase to generate an aerosol. In the present disclosure, 'aerosol' may refer to a gas in a mixed state of vaporized particles generated from an aerosol-generating material and air.

For example, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol from an aerosol generating material using an ultrasonic vibration method. At this time, the ultrasonic vibration method may refer to a method of generating an aerosol by atomizing the aerosol-generating material with ultrasonic vibration generated by a vibrator.

The aerosol generating device may include a vibrator, and may generate short-period vibration through the vibrator to atomize the aerosol-generating material. The vibration generated from the vibrator may be ultrasonic vibration, and the frequency band of the ultrasonic vibration may be from about 100 kHz to about 3.5 MHz, but is not limited thereto.

The aerosol generating device may further include a wick that absorbs the aerosol generating material. For example, the wick may be arranged to surround at least one area of the vibrator or may be arranged to contact at least one area of the vibrator.

As a voltage (e.g., alternating voltage) is applied to the vibrator, heat and/or ultrasonic vibration may be generated from the vibrator, and the heat and/or ultrasonic vibration generated from the vibrator may be transmitted to the aerosol-generating material absorbed by the wick. . The aerosol-generating material absorbed into the wick may be converted into a gas phase by heat and/or ultrasonic vibration transmitted from the vibrator, and as a result, an aerosol may be generated.

For example, the viscosity of the aerosol-generating material absorbed into the wick may be lowered by the heat generated from the vibrator, and the aerosol-generating material with the lowered viscosity due to ultrasonic vibration generated from the vibrator may be converted into fine particles, thereby generating an aerosol. , but is not limited to this.

In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may further include a cradle.

The aerosol generating device can form a system with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle can charge the battery of an aerosol generating device. Alternatively, the heater may be heated while the cradle and the aerosol generating device are combined.

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

Figure 1 is a diagram schematically showing an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 1, an aerosol generating device 1000 according to an embodiment may include a main body 100 and a cartridge 200 detachably coupled to the main body 100.

According to one embodiment, the main body 100 (or 'main body for an aerosol generating device') includes a main body housing 110, a printed circuit board 120, a battery 130, a processor 140, and a sensor 150. can do. The components of the main body 100 are not limited to the above-described embodiment, and at least one component may be added or at least one component may be omitted depending on the embodiment.

The main body housing 110 forms the overall appearance of the main body 100 and may include a receiving space 100i into which at least a portion of the cartridge 200 can be inserted.

In one example, the cartridge 200 may be coupled to the main body 100 by being inserted into the receiving space 100i. At this time, the main body 100 and the cartridge 200 may be coupled through at least one of a snap-fit method, a screw coupling method, a magnetic coupling method, or an interference fit method, but the main body 100 ) and the cartridge 200 are not limited to the above-described example.

In another example, the cartridge 200 inserted into the receiving space 100i may be separated from the receiving space 100i by a user's manipulation. For example, the user may separate the cartridge 200 from the receiving space 100i by applying force to the cartridge 200 inserted into the receiving space 100i.

The printed circuit board 120 may be located inside the main housing 110, and at least some of the components of the aerosol generating device 1000 may be placed or mounted on the printed circuit board 120. You can. For example, the battery 130 and/or the processor 140 may be placed or mounted on the printed circuit board 120, but the types of components placed on the printed circuit board 120 are limited to the above-described embodiments. That is not the case.

The battery 130 may supply power used to operate the aerosol generating device 1000. For example, battery 130 may supply designated power to atomizer 240 of cartridge 200 to enable cartridge 200 to atomize aerosol-generating materials. As another example, the battery 130 may supply power necessary for the operation of other components of the aerosol generating device 1000. For example, the battery 130 may supply power necessary for the operation of the processor 140, sensor 150, and/or memory (not shown), but is not limited thereto.

The battery 130 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 130 may be a nickel-based battery (e.g., nickel-metal hydride battery, nickel-cadmium battery), or a lithium-based battery (e.g., lithium-cobalt battery, lithium-phosphate battery, lithium titanate batteries, lithium-ion batteries, or lithium-polymer batteries). However, the type of battery 130 is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and depending on the embodiment, the battery 130 may include an alkaline battery or a manganese battery.

The processor 140 may control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1000. At this time, the processor 140 may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program that can be executed on the microprocessor. However, the processor 140 is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and may be implemented with different types of hardware depending on the embodiment.

According to one embodiment, the processor 140 may control power supplied to the cartridge 200 through the battery 130. For example, the processor 140 may control the amount of strategy supplied from the battery 130 to the cartridge 200 and/or the time for which power is supplied based on the detection result of the sensor 150. As power is supplied to the cartridge 200 through the processor 140, the atomizer of the cartridge 200 can atomize the aerosol-generating material into an aerosol.

According to another embodiment, the processor 140 may detect the user's puff motion through the sensor 150 and provide a notification to the user based on the user's puff motion. For example, the processor 140 counts the number of puffs of the user, and when the number of puffs of the user reaches a specified number, the processor 140 notifies the user through at least one of the light source, motor, and speaker that the aerosol generating device 1000 is terminated. can be provided.

The sensor 150 may detect the state of the aerosol generating device 1000 and/or the surrounding state of the aerosol generating device 1000, and transmit or deliver the sensed information to the processor 140. Based on the information detected by the sensor 150, the processor 140 is an aerosol generating device ( 1000) can be controlled, but is not limited to this.

According to one embodiment, the sensor 150 may include a sensor for detecting contact with an external object. For example, the sensor 150 may include a switch in contact with an external object or a capacitance sensor that detects a change in capacitance between the external object and the sensor, and the processor 140 may respond to the detection results of the above-described sensor. Based on this, it is possible to detect whether the sensor is in contact with an external object. At this time, the processor 140 may detect whether the sensor is in contact with at least some components of the cartridge 200 through the above-described sensor, and control the power supplied to the cartridge 200 based on the detection result. A detailed explanation of this will be provided later.

According to another embodiment, the sensor 150 includes an air sensor for detecting the flow rate of air and/or a puff sensor for detecting the user's puff motion, and the movement of the aerosol generating device 1000. It may further include at least one acceleration sensor for sensing.

The cartridge 200 may include a cartridge housing 210, a reservoir 220, a liquid delivery means 230, an atomizer 240, a discharge passage 250, and a mouthpiece 260. The components of the cartridge 200 are not limited to the above-described embodiment, and at least one component may be added or at least one component may be omitted depending on the embodiment.

The cartridge housing 210 may form the overall appearance of the cartridge 200, and an arrangement space in which the components of the cartridge 200 may be formed may be formed inside the cartridge housing 210. For example, a storage tank 220, a liquid delivery means 230, an atomizer 240, and a discharge passage 250 may be disposed inside the cartridge housing 210, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

The storage tank 220 is located inside the cartridge housing 210 and can accommodate aerosol-generating materials. In the present disclosure, the expression 'the storage tank accommodates the aerosol-generating material' refers to the fact that the storage tank 220 performs the function of simply containing the aerosol-generating material, such as the use of a container, and the inside of the storage tank 220, for example. For example, it means including an element that impregnates (contains) an aerosol-generating material such as a sponge, cotton, cloth, or porous ceramic structure.

The storage tank 220 may contain, for example, an aerosol-generating material in any one state, such as a liquid state, a solid state, a gas state, or a gel state.

According to one embodiment, the aerosol-generating material may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing tobacco-containing substances, including volatile tobacco flavor components, or may be a liquid containing non-tobacco substances.

The liquid composition may include, for example, any one or a mixture of water, solvents, ethanol, plant extracts, fragrances, flavors, and vitamin mixtures. Fragrances may include, but are not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and various fruit flavor ingredients. Flavoring agents may include ingredients that can provide various flavors or flavors to the user. The vitamin mixture may be a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E, but is not limited thereto. The liquid composition may also contain aerosol formers such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

For example, the liquid composition may include a solution of glycerin and propylene glycol in any weight ratio to which nicotine salt has been added. The liquid composition may contain two or more nicotine salts. Nicotine salts can be formed by adding a suitable acid, including an organic or inorganic acid, to nicotine. Nicotine may be naturally occurring nicotine or synthetic nicotine and may have a concentration of any suitable weight relative to the total solution weight of the liquid composition.

The acid for forming nicotine salt may be appropriately selected considering the absorption rate of nicotine in the blood, the operating temperature of the aerosol generating device 1000, flavor or flavor, solubility, etc. For example, acids for the formation of nicotine salts include benzoic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, lauric acid, sorbic acid, levulinic acid, pyruvic acid, formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, caproic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid. , citric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, phenylacetic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, gluconic acid, saccharic acid, malonic acid or malic acid, or a single acid selected from the group consisting of the above. It may be a mixture of two or more acids selected from the group, but is not limited thereto.

The liquid delivery means 230 may serve to deliver the aerosol generating material contained or stored in the reservoir 220 to the atomizer 240. For example, the liquid delivery means 230 may be a wick containing at least one of cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, and porous ceramic, but is not limited thereto.

The atomizer 240 may generate an aerosol by converting the phase of the aerosol-generating material. For example, the aerosol-generating material stored in the storage tank 220 may be supplied to the atomizer 240 through the liquid delivery means 230, and the atomizer 240 atomizes the supplied aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol. can do.

According to one embodiment, the atomizer 240 can change the phase of the aerosol-generating material by using an ultrasonic vibration method to atomize the aerosol-generating material with ultrasonic vibration. For example, the atomizer 240 may include a vibrator that generates vibration of a short period, and the vibration generated from the vibrator may be ultrasonic vibration. The frequency of ultrasonic vibration may be about 100 kHz to 3.5 MHz, but is not limited thereto.

The aerosol-generating material supplied to the atomizer 240 through the liquid delivery means 230 may be vaporized and/or particleized by a short period of vibration generated from the vibrator and atomized into an aerosol.

The vibrator may include, for example, a piezoelectric ceramic. The piezoelectric ceramic generates electricity (voltage) by physical force (pressure) and conversely generates vibration (mechanical force) when electricity is applied, thereby generating electricity and electricity. It can be a functional material that can mutually convert mechanical forces. In other words, as electricity is applied to the vibrator, a short period of vibration (physical force) can occur, and the generated vibration can break the aerosol-generating material into small particles and atomize it into an aerosol.

According to one embodiment, the vibrator may be electrically connected to other components of the aerosol generating device 1000 through an electrical connection member. For example, the vibrator may be electrically connected to the battery 130 and/or the processor 140 of the main body 100 through an electrical connection member, but the components electrically connected to the vibrator are not limited to the examples described above. no. At this time, the vibrator may receive current or voltage from the battery 130 through an electrical connection member to generate ultrasonic vibration, or its operation may be controlled by the processor 140.

The electrical connection member may include, for example, at least one of a pogo pin or a C-clip, but the electrical connection member is not limited to the examples described above. As another example, the electrical connection member may include at least one of a cable and a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB).

In another embodiment (not shown), the atomizer 240 also has the function of maintaining the aerosol-generating material in an optimal condition for absorbing and converting the aerosol-generating material into an aerosol without using a separate liquid delivery means 230. It may be implemented as a mesh-shaped or plate-shaped vibration receiving part that performs both the function of generating aerosol by transmitting vibration to the body.

In the drawing, only the embodiment in which the liquid delivery means 230 and the atomizer 240 are disposed on the cartridge 200 is shown, but the arrangement structure of the liquid delivery means 230 and the atomizer 240 is shown in the embodiment. It is not limited to. In another embodiment, the liquid delivery means 230 may be disposed in the cartridge 200 and the atomizer 240 may be disposed in the main body 100.

The discharge passage 250 may serve as a passage for the aerosol generated inside the cartridge 200 to be discharged to the outside of the cartridge 200. For example, the discharge passage 250 may be connected or communicated with the discharge port 260e of the atomizer 240 and the mouthpiece 260, and the aerosol generated by the atomizer 240 may pass through the discharge passage 250. It moves along and can be discharged to the outside of the cartridge 200 through the discharge port 260e.

According to one embodiment, the discharge passage 250 may be arranged to be surrounded by the reservoir 220 inside the cartridge 200, but the arrangement structure of the discharge passage 250 is not limited to the above-described embodiment. .

The mouthpiece 260 is disposed in one area combined with the main body 100 of the cartridge 200 and another area located in the opposite direction, and discharges the aerosol generated inside the cartridge 200 to the outside of the cartridge 200. It may include an outlet (260e) for. For example, as the user touches the mouthpiece 260 with his or her mouth and performs a suction or puff motion, a pressure difference may occur between the outside and inside of the cartridge 200.

The aerosol generated inside the cartridge 200 may be discharged to the outside of the cartridge 200 through the outlet 260e due to a pressure difference between the outside and inside of the cartridge 200. That is, the user can receive aerosol discharged to the outside of the cartridge 200 through the outlet 260e by contacting the mouthpiece 260 with the mouth and inhaling.

According to one embodiment, the mouthpiece 260 may be movably coupled to the cartridge housing 210. For example, while the mouthpiece 260 is coupled to the cartridge housing 210, the mouthpiece 260 is positioned at a first position parallel or parallel to the longitudinal direction of the cartridge housing 210 and across the longitudinal direction of the cartridge housing 210. The player can move between secondary positions.

The mouthpiece 260 is rotatably coupled to the cartridge housing 210 and can rotate between the first and second positions, but the method of coupling the cartridge housing 210 and the mouthpiece 260 is limited to this. That is not the case. In another embodiment, the mouthpiece 260 may be slidably coupled to the cartridge housing 210 and may slide between a first position and a second position.

In the aerosol generating device 1000, the cross-sectional shape in the direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the main body 100 and the cartridge 200 may be approximately circular, oval, square, rectangular, or polygonal in various shapes. However, the cross-sectional shape of the aerosol generating device 1000 is not limited to the above-described shape, or the aerosol generating device 1000 does not necessarily have to be formed into a structure that extends linearly when extending in the longitudinal direction. In another embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the aerosol generating device 1000 may be curved in a streamlined shape for the user to easily hold by hand, or may be bent at a predetermined angle in a specific area and extended long, and the cross-sectional shape of the aerosol generating device 1000 may be It may also change along the length direction.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 2, the aerosol generating device 1000 according to one embodiment includes a main body 100 (e.g., the main body 100 of FIG. 1) and a cartridge that can be inserted into the receiving space 100i of the main body 100. 200 (e.g., cartridge 200 of FIG. 1). At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1000 according to an embodiment may be the same or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1000 of FIG. 1, and overlapping descriptions will be omitted below. Let's do it.

The main body housing 110 of the main body 100 includes a receiving space 100i into which at least a portion of the cartridge 200 can be inserted, and can form the overall appearance of the main body 100. In one example, the main housing 110 may be formed in a pillar shape with an overall rectangular cross-section as shown in FIG. 2, but the shape of the main housing 110 is not limited to the illustrated embodiment. In another example (not shown), the main body housing 110 may be formed in a pillar shape with a circular or elliptical cross-section, or a pillar shape with a polygonal cross-section.

According to one embodiment, the accommodation space 100i may include a first area (A) and a second area (B).

The first area (A) can accommodate the mouthpiece 260 movably coupled to the cartridge housing 210 when the cartridge 200 is inserted into the main body 100. For example, the first area A may accommodate a portion of the mouthpiece 260 located at the first position. At this time, the first area A may include an inclined surface having an inclination corresponding to the shape of the mouthpiece 260 so as to accommodate the mouthpiece 260, but is not limited thereto.

The second area B is disposed adjacent to the first area A, and can accommodate at least a portion of the cartridge housing 210 when the cartridge 200 is inserted into the main body 100. For example, the second area B may be formed in a shape corresponding to the outer peripheral surface of the cartridge housing 210, but the shape of the second area B is not limited to the above-described embodiment.

According to one embodiment, the main housing 110 may include a first housing 111 and a second housing 112 (or 'cover') that is detachably coupled to the first housing 111. there is.

The first housing 111 may provide a placement space (or ‘mounting space’) in which the components of the aerosol generating device 1000 can be placed. For example, components (e.g., battery, processor) of the aerosol generating device 1000 for operating the cartridge 200 may be disposed in the arrangement space of the first housing 111, and the first housing 111 ) can protect components placed in the arrangement space from external shock and/or inflow of foreign substances.

In one embodiment, the receiving space 100i may be disposed in at least one area of the first housing 111. For example, the receiving space 100i is formed to extend along the longitudinal direction of the first housing 111 and can accommodate at least a portion of the inserted cartridge 200. At this time, the receiving space 100i is formed in a shape corresponding to the outer peripheral surface of the cartridge 200 and can accommodate at least a portion of the cartridge 200. However, the shape of the receiving space 100i is limited to the illustrated embodiment. That is not the case.

According to one embodiment, the receiving space 100i is spaced apart from the center of the first housing 111 and is biased toward one side of the first housing 111 in order to secure the arrangement space for the components of the main body 100. However, the arrangement position of the accommodation space 100i is not limited to the above-described embodiment.

The second housing 112 is detachably coupled to at least one area of the first housing 111 and can protect one area of the first housing 111 exposed to the outside of the main body 100. For example, the second housing 112 may be detachably coupled to at least one area of the first housing 111 through at least one magnet (not shown) disposed inside the first housing 111. , the method of coupling the first housing 111 and the second housing 112 is not limited to this.

According to one embodiment, the second housing 112 may include an opening 112h disposed at a position corresponding to the accommodation space 100i of the first housing 111. In the present disclosure, the expression 'the opening is disposed at a position corresponding to the receiving space' means that the opening 112h is arranged to overlap the receiving space 100i, or the opening 112h includes the outer peripheral surface of the receiving space 100i. It may mean arranged, and the expression may be used with the same meaning below.

As the opening 112h of the second housing 112 is disposed at a position corresponding to the receiving space 100i, even when the second housing 112 is attached to one area of the first housing 111, the receiving space ( 100i) may be exposed to the outside of the main body 100. That is, even when the second housing 112 is attached to one area of the first housing 111, the receiving space 100i is exposed to the outside of the main body 100, so the cartridge 200 is attached to the second housing 112. ) can be inserted into the receiving space (100i) regardless of the attachment/detachment state.

The sensor 150 is disposed in one area of the receiving space 100i and can detect whether an external object is in contact. For example, the sensor 150 is disposed in the first area A of the receiving space 100i to determine whether the sensor 150 is in contact with the mouthpiece 260 of the cartridge 200 inserted into the receiving space 100i. It can be detected whether or not

The processor of the aerosol generating device 1000 may detect the relative position of the mouthpiece 260 of the cartridge 200 with respect to the sensor 150 based on the detection result of the sensor 150, and the position of the mouthpiece 260 of the mouthpiece 260 may be detected. The power supplied to the cartridge 200 can be controlled based on the relative position.

In one example, the processor may discontinue powering the cartridge 200 if sensor 150 and mouthpiece 260 are detected to be in contact. In another example, the processor may supply designated power to the cartridge 200 when the mouthpiece 260 is detected to be separated from the sensor 150, a detailed description of which will be provided later.

Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B, we will look in detail at the cartridge 200 that is detachably coupled to the main body 100.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view showing the mouthpiece of the cartridge shown in FIG. 2 disposed in the first position, and FIG. 3B is a perspective view showing the mouthpiece of the cartridge shown in FIG. 2 disposed in the second position.

3A and 3B, the cartridge 200 according to one embodiment includes a cartridge housing 210 (e.g., the cartridge housing 210 of FIG. 1) and a mouthpiece 260 (e.g., the mouthpiece of FIG. 1). (260)). Components of the cartridge 200 according to one embodiment may be the same or similar to at least one of the components of the cartridge 200 shown in FIG. 1, and overlapping descriptions will be omitted below.

The cartridge housing 210 forms the overall appearance of the cartridge 200, and components for generating aerosol may be disposed inside the cartridge housing 210. For example, inside the cartridge housing 210, there is a storage tank in which the aerosol-generating material is stored (e.g., the storage tank 220 in FIG. 1) and an atomizer for atomizing the aerosol-generating material into an aerosol (e.g., the atomizer in FIG. 1). (240)) and a liquid delivery means (e.g., liquid delivery means 230 in FIG. 1) for supplying the aerosol generating material stored in the reservoir to the atomizer may be disposed, but is disposed inside the cartridge housing 210. The elements are not limited to this.

The mouthpiece 260 is movably coupled to an area of the cartridge housing 210 and moves between the first position (or 'closed position') and the second position (or 'open position') according to the user's operation. You can move. For example, the mouthpiece 260 may be rotatably coupled to one area of the cartridge housing 210 and may rotate between the first position and the second position, but the mouthpiece 260 is not limited thereto. In another example, mouthpiece 260 may slide between a first position and a second position.

In the present disclosure, the 'first position' refers to a cartridge housing ( 210) may mean a state arranged in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction. For example, when the mouthpiece 260 is placed in the second position, the mouthpiece 260 is accommodated or housed in the main body 100, so that the area of the mouthpiece 260 exposed to the outside of the main body 100 is This can be minimized, and as a result, the portability of the aerosol generating device (e.g., the aerosol generating device 1000 of FIG. 2) can be improved.

In addition, in the present disclosure, the 'second position' refers to the position in which the mouthpiece 260 is located in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge housing 210 so that the user's mouth can easily contact the mouthpiece 260, as shown in FIG. 3B. It may mean a state of being arranged parallel to or coincident with the direction.

That is, in a situation where the user is not smoking, the mouthpiece 260 is placed in the first position with the cartridge 200 inserted into the main body (e.g., the main body 100 of FIG. 2) to improve portability and to smoke. In this case, the mouthpiece 260 can be moved from the first position to the second position to facilitate contact between the mouthpiece 260 and the mouth part.

Figure 4 is a flowchart showing a method of operating an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. The operating method of the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 4 may be an example of the operating method of the aerosol generating device 1000 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and redundant description will be omitted below.

Referring to FIG. 4, in step 401, a processor (e.g., processor 140 of FIG. 1) of an aerosol generating device (e.g., aerosol generating device 1000 of FIG. 2) according to an embodiment uses a sensor (e.g., FIG. The relative position of the mouthpiece (e.g., mouthpiece 260 of FIGS. 2 and 3) of the cartridge (e.g., cartridge 200 of FIG. 2) with respect to the sensor can be detected through the sensor 150 of 2. . In the present disclosure, 'relative position of the mouthpiece to the sensor' may mean information indicating whether the mouthpiece is close to the sensor or away from the sensor, and the expression may be used with the same meaning hereinafter. there is.

For example, when the processor is inserted into the receiving space (e.g., the receiving space (100i) of FIG. 2) of the main body (e.g., the main body 100 of FIG. 2) through the sensor, the mouthpiece is positioned at the first position. It is possible to detect whether the sensor and the mouthpiece are in contact with each other or whether the mouthpiece is spaced apart from the sensor by moving the mouthpiece from the first position to the second position.

In step 402, the processor of the aerosol generating device according to one embodiment adjusts the power supplied to the atomizer of the cartridge (e.g., the atomizer 240 of FIG. 1) based on the relative position of the mouthpiece detected through step 401. You can control it.

For example, the processor may supply a certain amount of power to the atomizer or stop supplying power to the atomizer based on whether the mouthpiece and the sensor are in contact or the mouthpiece is separated from the sensor.

Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 5, 6A, and 6B, we will look in detail at the operation of controlling power supply to the atomizer based on the relative position of the mouthpiece with respect to the sensor of the processor.

Figure 5 is a flowchart for explaining an operation of controlling power supply based on the relative position of the mouthpiece with respect to the sensor of the aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. In addition, Figure 6a is a perspective view for explaining the positional relationship between the sensor and the mouthpiece when the mouthpiece is in the first position, and Figure 6a is a perspective view of the sensor and the mouthpiece when the mouthpiece is moved from the first position to the second position. This is a perspective view to explain the positional relationship.

Hereinafter, in explaining the operation of controlling the power supply in FIG. 5, the description will be made with reference to the components of the aerosol generating device 1000 shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B. At this time, at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1000 shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B is the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1000 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. This can be done, and redundant explanations will be omitted below.

Referring to FIGS. 5, 6A, and 6B, in step 501, the processor (e.g., processor 140 of FIG. 1) of the aerosol generating device 1000 according to one embodiment processes the cartridge 200 into the main body 100. When inserted into the receiving space 100i, the relative position of the mouthpiece 260 with respect to the sensor (eg, sensor 150 in FIG. 2) can be detected.

According to one embodiment, the sensor may include a switch 151 that is disposed in one area of the receiving space 100i and contacts the mouthpiece 260. The switch 151 can be pressed by contacting an external object, including the mouthpiece 260, and when pressed, can generate a signal containing information that it has come into contact with an external object. For example, the switch 151 may include at least one of a physical switch or a C-clip, but is not limited thereto.

The switch 151 is disposed in an area of the receiving space 100i (e.g., the first area A in FIG. 2) that can contact the mouthpiece 260. . When the switch 151 comes into contact with the mouthpiece 260, it can transmit a signal containing information that it has contacted the mouthpiece 260 to the processor, and the processor responds to the switch 151 based on the transmitted signal. The relative position of the mouthpiece 260 can be detected.

As shown in FIG. 6A, when the mouthpiece 260 is located in the first position with the cartridge 200 inserted into the receiving space 100i, the switch 151 is located in one area of the mouthpiece 260. and the processor can detect that the mouthpiece 260 and the switch 151 are in contact based on a signal transmitted from the switch 151.

In contrast, as shown in FIG. 6B, when the mouthpiece 260 moves from the first position to the second position while the cartridge 200 is inserted into the receiving space 100i, the mouthpiece 260 By being separated from the switch 151, the mouthpiece 260 and the switch 151 may be in a non-contact state. As the mouthpiece 260 and the switch 151 become non-contact, the signal transmitted from the switch 151 to the processor may be interrupted, and the processor may stop the signal transmitted from the switch 151 to the mouthpiece ( It can be detected that 260) is separated from the switch 151.

In step 502, the processor of the aerosol generating device 1000 according to one embodiment determines whether the mouthpiece 260 is spaced from the sensor based on the relative position of the mouthpiece 260 with respect to the sensor detected through step 501. You can check it.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6B, in step 503, the processor according to one embodiment determines that the mouthpiece 260 is spaced apart from the sensor while the cartridge 200 is inserted into the receiving space 100i through step 502. If confirmed, designated power may be supplied to the atomizer of the cartridge 200 (e.g., atomizer 240 of FIG. 1) through a battery (e.g., battery 130 of FIG. 1).

In the present disclosure, 'designated power' may mean power for preheating the atomizer, and when designated power is supplied to the atomizer, a preheating operation to lower the viscosity of the aerosol-generating material may be performed.

According to one embodiment, the processor moves the mouthpiece 260 from the first position to the second position while the cartridge 200 is inserted into the receiving space 100i so that the mouthpiece 260 is separated from the switch 151. When separated, it is determined that the user has manipulated the mouthpiece 260 for smoking, and the designated power can be supplied to the atomizer to preheat the atomizer.

For example, an atomizer generates heat as power is supplied to lower the viscosity of the aerosol-generating material, and generates ultrasonic vibration to transform the aerosol-generating material with the reduced viscosity into fine particles. At this time, it takes a certain amount of time for the viscosity of the aerosol-generating material to decrease, so a sufficient amount of aerosol may not be generated during the user's initial puff operation, and as a result, the user's smoking sensation may be reduced.

When the aerosol generating device 1000 according to one embodiment detects that the mouthpiece 260 is separated from the sensor (e.g., switch 151) through step 503 described above, it supplies power to the atomizer to preheat the atomizer. By doing so, a sufficient amount of aerosol can be generated even during the user's initial puff operation.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6A, in step 504, the processor according to one embodiment determines in step 502 that the mouthpiece 260 is not separated from the sensor while the cartridge 200 is inserted into the receiving space 100i. If it is confirmed that it is, the power supply to the atomizer can be stopped.

According to one embodiment, the processor operates when the cartridge 200 is inserted into the receiving space 100i and the mouthpiece 260 is located in the first position and the mouthpiece 260 and the switch 151 come into contact, It may be determined that the user has finished smoking or that the user has manipulated the mouthpiece 260 for storage, and the power supply to the atomizer may be stopped.

That is, the aerosol generating device 1000 according to one embodiment supplies power to the atomizer based on a change in the position of the mouthpiece 260 without detecting a separate user input through steps 501 to 504 described above, thereby Convenience can be improved. In addition, the aerosol generating device 1000 according to one embodiment can preheat the atomizer without including a separate component (eg, a button) for detecting user input, thereby miniaturizing the overall size of the device.

Figure 7 is a flowchart for explaining an operation of controlling power supply to an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. At this time, FIG. 7 shows the operation of controlling power supply to the aerosol generating device when contact with an external object is detected through a sensor after step 503 of FIG. 5. In addition, operations for controlling the power supply of the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 7 control the power supply of the aerosol generating device 1000 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 or the aerosol generating device 1000 shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B. This may be an example of operations, and redundant description will be omitted below.

Referring to FIG. 7, in step 701, the processor of the aerosol generating device (e.g., the aerosol generating device 1000 of FIGS. 2 and 6A) according to one embodiment determines the current time of the mouthpiece (e.g., FIGS. 2 and 6b). It is possible to check whether the mouthpiece 260 is within a specified time from the point at which it is separated from the sensor (e.g., the switch 151 in FIG. 6B).

For example, the processor moves the current time from the first position to the second position with the cartridge (e.g., cartridge 200 in FIG. 6B) inserted into the receiving space (e.g., receiving space 100i in FIG. 6B). You can check whether it is within a specified time from the time you do it. In the present disclosure, the 'designated time' may be a value pre-stored in the processor or memory, and the designated time may be changed depending on the type of aerosol generating device, usage environment, and/or user's operation. For example, the designated time may be about 1 second to about 2 seconds, but is not limited thereto.

In step 702, if the processor of the aerosol generating device according to one embodiment determines in step 701 that the current time is within a specified time from the time the mouthpiece is separated from the sensor, whether contact with an external object is detected through the sensor. can be judged.

Alternatively, if the processor determines in step 701 that the current time is after a specified time has elapsed from the time the mouthpiece was separated from the sensor, the processor may repeatedly perform step 701.

In step 703, if it is determined in step 702 that the processor of the aerosol generating device according to the aerosol generating device detects the contact of the external object through the sensor, the processor ignores the contact of the external object detected through the sensor, and generates the cartridge through the battery. Designated power may be continuously supplied to the cartridge 200 (e.g., FIG. 6B).

If the mouthpiece moves from the first position to the second position with the cartridge inserted into the receiving space and the atomizer is energized and contact with a foreign object is detected by the sensor, the processor determines whether the mouthpiece will be moved again. It is determined that there has been contact with the sensor and the power supply to the atomizer can be stopped.

At this time, even if an external object other than the mouthpiece (e.g., the user's hand) contacts the sensor, the processor determines that the mouthpiece is in contact with the sensor, supplies power to the atomizer, and preheats the atomizer normally. Situations may arise where this does not work.

The aerosol generating device according to one embodiment ignores contact with an external object through the sensor within a specified time from the time the mouthpiece is separated from the sensor through steps 701 to 703 described above, and continues to supply power to the atomizer. , it is possible to prevent the preheating of the atomizer from being interrupted by contact of the sensor with an external object, such as the user's hand, rather than the mouthpiece.

In addition, the processor of the aerosol generating device is configured to prevent unnecessary power supply from continuing even when the mouthpiece moves to the first position and comes into contact with the sensor again within a specified time from the time the mouthpiece is separated from the sensor. If the contact time is detected to be longer than a predetermined time, power supply to the atomizer may be stopped.

In other words, the aerosol generating device detects contact with an external object within a specified time from the time the mouthpiece is separated from the sensor, but if the contact time between the sensor and the external object is longer than a predetermined time, the aerosol generating device detects that the mouthpiece is in contact with the sensor. It is determined that this is the case, and the power supply to the atomizer can be stopped.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment, and FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the electrical connection relationship between a conductive member and a sensor of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 8.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, an aerosol generating device 1000 according to another embodiment includes a receiving space 100i into which a cartridge 200 can be inserted and a sensor (e.g., sensor 150 in FIG. 2). It may include a cartridge 200 including a main body 100, a cartridge housing 210, and a mouthpiece 260 movably coupled to the cartridge housing 110. The aerosol generating device 1000 according to another embodiment is a device in which the switch 151 is omitted from the aerosol generating device 1000 of FIGS. 6A to 6B and a conductive pattern 152 and a capacitance sensor 153 are added. It is possible, and redundant explanations will be omitted below.

According to one embodiment, the mouthpiece 260 may include a conductive member 270 disposed in an area of the mouthpiece 260 facing the sensor. The conductive member 270 is a mouthpiece ( 260) can be placed in one area. In other words, when the mouthpiece 260 is positioned in the first position while the cartridge 200 is inserted into the receiving space 100i, the conductive member 270 may contact one area of the sensor. For example, the conductive member 270 may include a metal material such as aluminum, copper, or stainless steel, but depending on the embodiment, the conductive member 270 may include another material having conductivity.

According to one embodiment, the sensor includes a conductive pattern 152 disposed in one area of the receiving space 100i and a capacitance sensor 153 electrically or operatively connected to the conductive pattern 152. can do.

The conductive pattern 152 is disposed in an area (e.g., the first area (A) of FIG. 2) of the receiving space 100i that can be in contact with the conductive member 270 of the mouthpiece 260, and the conductive member ( 270) can be contacted. For example, the conductive pattern 152 is formed in the receiving space corresponding to the mouthpiece 260 when the mouthpiece 260 is located in the first position while the cartridge 200 is inserted into the receiving space 100i ( It may be disposed in one area of 100i) and contact the conductive member 270.

In FIG. 8 , the conductive pattern 152 is shown only for an embodiment in which the conductive pattern 152 is substantially formed in an “ㄹ” shape. However, the shape of the conductive pattern 152 is not limited to the above-described embodiment.

The capacitance sensor 153 may be placed or mounted on a printed circuit board 120 disposed inside the main housing 110, and an electrical connection member connecting the printed circuit board 120 and the conductive pattern 152 ( It may be electrically or operationally connected to the conductive pattern 152 through 154). For example, the electrical connection member 154 may be at least one of a C-clip, an electric wire, a conductive cable, and a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB), but is not limited thereto.

The capacitance sensor 153 can detect the capacitance between the conductive member 270 and the conductive pattern 152 due to a change in the position of the mouthpiece 260 through the above-described electrical connection relationship. At this time, information about the capacitance between the conductive member 270 and the conductive pattern 152 detected by the capacitance sensor 153 may be transmitted to a processor (eg, processor 140 of FIG. 1).

In one example, the capacitance sensor 153 is a conductive member 270 generated as the mouthpiece 260 moves from the first position to the second position and the conductive member 270 is spaced from the conductive pattern 152. The amount of change in capacitance between the conductive patterns 152 can be detected.

In another example, the capacitance sensor 153 detects the conductive member 270 and the conductive member 270 generated as the mouthpiece 260 moves from the second position to the first position and the conductive member 270 approaches the conductive pattern 152. The amount of change in capacitance between the conductive patterns 152 can be detected.

According to one embodiment, the processor inserts the cartridge 200 into the receiving space 100i based on the change in capacitance between the conductive member 270 and the conductive pattern 152 transmitted from the capacitance sensor 153. It is possible to detect the relative position of the mouthpiece 260 with respect to the sensor in the state.

In one example, the processor positions the mouthpiece 260 at the first position based on the amount of change in capacitance between the conductive member 270 and the capacitance sensor 153 to determine the conductive member 270 of the mouthpiece 260. ) and the conductive pattern 152 of the sensor can be detected. For example, the processor determines the capacitance value between the conductive member 270 and the capacitance sensor 153 detected through the capacitance sensor 153 and the mouthpiece 260 previously stored in the processor or memory at the first position. It is possible to detect whether the mouthpiece 260 is located in the first position by comparing the capacitance value between the conductive member 270 and the conductive pattern 152 when the mouthpiece 260 is moved.

When the processor detects that the mouthpiece 260 is located in the first position, the processor determines that power supply to the atomizer (e.g., atomizer 240 in FIG. 2) is unnecessary, and supplies power to the atomizer. can be stopped.

In another example, the processor moves the mouthpiece 260 from the first position to the second position based on the change in capacitance between the conductive member 270 and the conductive pattern 152 so that the conductive member 270 becomes conductive. It is possible to detect whether there is a separation from the pattern 152. For example, when the processor detects that the mouthpiece 260 is located in the first position and the amount of change in capacitance between the conductive member 270 and the conductive pattern 152 is greater than a specified value, the mouthpiece 260 ) moves to the second position to detect that the mouthpiece 260 is separated from the conductive pattern 152.

In the present disclosure, the 'designated value' may be a pre-designated capacitance value for detecting whether the conductive member 270 and the conductive pattern 152 are separated. For example, if the amount of change in capacitance between the conductive member 270 and the conductive pattern 152 is less than a specified value while the mouthpiece 260 is detected to be located in the first position, the processor controls the mouthpiece 260 ), it may be determined that the capacitance has changed due to the movement of an external object (e.g., the user's hand) rather than the movement of the device, and it may be determined that the mouthpiece 260 is still located in the first position.

When the processor detects that the mouthpiece 260 has moved from the first position to the second position, the processor determines that preheating of the atomizer for the user's smoking is necessary, and recharges the battery (e.g., battery 130 in FIG. 1). ), the atomizer can be preheated by supplying designated power to the atomizer of the cartridge 200.

In another example, the processor moves the mouthpiece 260 from the first position to the second position and the conductive member 270 is spaced apart from the conductive pattern 152 through the capacitance sensor 153 within a specified time. If a change in capacitance is detected, the change in capacitance can be ignored and power supply to the atomizer can continue.

That is, if a change in capacitance is detected within a specified time from the time the mouthpiece 260 is spaced from the first position to the second position, the processor detects a change in capacitance due to contact between an external object and the conductive pattern 152. decision, and power supply for preheating of the atomizer can be continued. Accordingly, the aerosol generating device can prevent preheating of the atomizer from being interrupted by contact of the sensor with an external object, such as the user's hand, rather than the mouthpiece 260.

According to another embodiment, the processor processes the cartridge 200 inserted into the receiving space 100i based on the change in capacitance between the conductive member 270 and the conductive pattern 152 transmitted from the capacitance sensor 153. Authentication can be performed. In the present disclosure, 'authentication for cartridge' may refer to an operation of determining whether the cartridge 200 is genuine, and the corresponding expression may be used with the same meaning hereinafter.

For example, depending on the location, shape, and/or material of the conductive member 270 attached to one area of the mouthpiece 260, the conductive member 270 and the conductive pattern generated when the mouthpiece 260 is moved. The amount of change in capacitance between (152) may vary.

The processor of the aerosol generating device according to another embodiment may calculate the change in capacitance of the conductive member 270 and the conductive pattern 152 generated when the mouthpiece 260 is moved and the mouthpiece 260 stored in the processor and/or memory. It is possible to determine whether the cartridge 200 inserted into the receiving space 100i is a genuine product or a counterfeit product by comparing the capacitance change data generated when the cartridge is moved.

If the processor determines that the cartridge 200 inserted into the receiving space 100i is a counterfeit product, the processor may restrict the user's smoking. For example, the processor may stop supplying power to the cartridge 200 through the battery or provide a user notification indicating that the cartridge 200 is counterfeit. For example, the processor may provide user notifications through at least one of a light source, a motor, and sound, but is not limited thereto.

The aerosol generating device according to another embodiment performs authentication on the cartridge 200 inserted into the receiving space 100i through the above-described operation, and when it is determined that the inserted cartridge 200 is a counterfeit product, the user smokes. By limiting or providing user notification, it is possible to prevent the user's enjoyment of smoking from being reduced due to the use of counterfeit products.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment, and FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the electrical connection relationship between a conductive member and a sensor of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 10.

10 and 11, the aerosol generating device 1000 according to another embodiment includes an accommodation space 100i into which the cartridge 200 can be inserted and a sensor (e.g., sensor 150 in FIG. 2). It may include a cartridge 200 including a main body 100 and a cartridge housing 210 and a mouthpiece 260 movably coupled to the cartridge housing 110. The aerosol generating device 1000 according to another embodiment may be a device in which the shape of the conductive pattern 152 in the aerosol generating device 1000 of FIGS. 8 and 9 is modified, and redundant description will be omitted below. .

In the aerosol generating device 1000 according to another embodiment, the conductive pattern 152 may be arranged to contact an area of the cartridge housing 210 of the cartridge 200 inserted into the receiving space 100i.

According to one embodiment, when the cartridge 200 is inserted into the receiving space 100i, the conductive pattern 152 is formed in the first area of the receiving space 100i where the mouthpiece 260 is accommodated (e.g., in FIG. 2). Area A) and a second area (e.g. area B in FIG. 2) of the receiving space 100i where the cartridge housing 210 is accommodated, and the conductive member 270 and/or the cartridge housing of the mouthpiece 260 You can contact (210).

The capacitance sensor 153 is electrically or operationally connected to the conductive pattern 152 through an electrical connection member 154, and is connected to the cartridge housing 210 and the cartridge housing 210 when the cartridge 200 is inserted into the receiving space 100i. A change in capacitance between the conductive patterns 152 can be detected. At this time, information about the amount of change in capacitance between the cartridge housing 210 and the conductive pattern 152 detected through the capacitance sensor 153 may be transmitted to the processor.

A storage tank 220 in which an aerosol-generating material is stored may be disposed inside the cartridge housing 210, and a space between the cartridge housing 210 and the conductive pattern 152 may be placed depending on the remaining amount of the aerosol-generating material stored in the storage tank 220. Changes in capacitance may occur. For example, when the aerosol-generating material stored in the reservoir 220 decreases, a change in capacitance between the cartridge housing 210 and the conductive pattern 152 may occur.

The processor detects or estimates the remaining amount of aerosol-generating material stored in the reservoir 220 based on the amount of change in capacitance between the cartridge housing 210 and the conductive pattern 152 transmitted from the capacitance sensor 153. You can. For example, the processor detects the capacitance change between the cartridge housing 210 and the conductive pattern 152 through the capacitance sensor 153, the capacitance change stored in the processor and/or memory, and the remaining amount of aerosol-generating material. By comparing data representing the relationship between , the remaining amount of aerosol-generating material stored in the storage tank 220 can be detected or estimated.

Additionally, when the processor determines that the aerosol-generating material stored in the reservoir 220 is depleted, the processor may provide a user notification indicating that the aerosol-generating material is depleted. For example, the processor may provide user notifications through at least one of a light source, a motor, and sound, but is not limited thereto.

That is, the aerosol generating device according to another embodiment can estimate the remaining amount of aerosol generating material and notify the user of the replacement time of the cartridge 200, so that the cartridge 200 can be replaced at an appropriate time.

Figure 12 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 12, the aerosol generating device 1200 includes a processor 1210, a sensing unit 1220, an output unit 1230, a battery 1240, an atomizer 1250, a user input unit 1260, and a memory 1270. ) and a communication unit 1280. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1200 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 12. That is, those skilled in the art can understand that, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 1200, some of the configurations shown in FIG. 12 may be omitted or new configurations may be added. there is.

The sensing unit 1220 may detect the state of the aerosol generating device 1200 or the state surrounding the aerosol generating device 1200 and transmit the sensed information to the processor 1210. Based on the sensed information, the processor 1210 performs various functions such as controlling the operation of the atomizer 1250, limiting smoking, determining whether to insert an aerosol-generating article (e.g., cigarette, cartridge, etc.), displaying a notification, etc. The aerosol generating device 1200 can be controlled as much as possible.

The sensing unit 1220 may include at least one of a temperature sensor 1222, an insertion detection sensor 1224, and a suction detection sensor 1226, but is not limited thereto.

The temperature sensor 1222 can detect the temperature at which the atomizer 1250 (or an aerosol generating material) is heated. The aerosol generating device 1200 may include a separate temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the atomizer 1250, or the atomizer 1250 itself may serve as a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 1222 may be disposed around the battery 1240 to monitor the temperature of the battery 1240.

Insertion detection sensor 1224 can detect insertion and/or removal of an aerosol-generating article. For example, the insertion detection sensor 1224 may include at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, and an infrared sensor, and the aerosol-generating article may be inserted and/or Signal changes can be detected as it is removed.

The suction detection sensor 1226 can detect the user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow passage or airflow channel. For example, the suction detection sensor 1226 may detect the user's puff based on any one of temperature change, flow change, voltage change, and pressure change.

In addition to the sensors 1222 to 1226 described above, the sensing unit 1220 includes a temperature/humidity sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS), It may further include at least one of a proximity sensor and an RGB sensor (illuminance sensor). Since the function of each sensor can be intuitively deduced by a person skilled in the art from its name, detailed descriptions may be omitted.

The output unit 1230 may output information about the status of the aerosol generating device 1200 and provide it to the user. The output unit 1230 may include at least one of a display unit 1232, a haptic unit 1234, and an audio output unit 1236, but is not limited thereto. When the display unit 1232 and the touch pad form a layer structure to form a touch screen, the display unit 1232 can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

The display unit 1232 can visually provide information about the aerosol generating device 1200 to the user. For example, information about the aerosol generating device 1200 may include the charging/discharging state of the battery 1240 of the aerosol generating device 1200, the operating state of the atomizer 1250, and the insertion/removal state of the cartridge or aerosol generating article. Alternatively, it may refer to various information such as a state in which the use of the aerosol generating device 1200 is restricted (e.g., abnormal item detection), and the display unit 1232 may output the information to the outside. The display unit 1232 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD) or an organic light emitting display panel (OLED). Additionally, the display unit 1232 may be in the form of an LED light-emitting device.

The haptic unit 1234 may convert an electrical signal into mechanical stimulation or electrical stimulation and tactilely provide information about the aerosol generating device 1200 to the user. For example, the haptic unit 1234 may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

The sound output unit 1236 can provide information about the aerosol generating device 1200 audibly to the user. For example, the audio output unit 1236 may convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

The battery 1240 may supply power used to operate the aerosol generating device 1200. The battery 1240 may supply power so that the atomizer 1250 can be heated. In addition, the battery 1240 includes other components provided in the aerosol generating device 1200 (e.g., sensing unit 1220, output unit 1230, user input unit 1260, memory 1270, and communication unit 1280). ) can supply the power required for operation. The battery 1240 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 1240 may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

The atomizer 1250 can heat the aerosol-generating material by receiving power from the battery 1240. Although not shown in FIG. 12, the aerosol generating device 1200 may further include a power conversion circuit (eg, DC/DC converter) that converts the power of the battery 1240 and supplies it to the atomizer 1250. Additionally, when the aerosol generating device 1200 generates an aerosol by induction heating, the aerosol generating device 1200 may further include a DC/AC converter that converts the direct current power of the battery 1240 into alternating current power.

The processor 1210, the sensing unit 1220, the output unit 1230, the user input unit 1260, the memory 1270, and the communication unit 1280 may perform their functions by receiving power from the battery 1240. Although not shown in FIG. 12 , it may further include a power conversion circuit that converts the power of the battery 1240 and supplies it to each component, for example, a low dropout (LDO) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit.

In one embodiment, the atomizer 1250 may be a resistance heating type heater. The heater may be formed from any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, suitable electrically resistive materials include titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc. It may be a metal or metal alloy containing, but is not limited thereto. Additionally, the heater may be implemented as a metal hot wire, a metal plate with electrically conductive tracks, a ceramic heating element, etc., but is not limited thereto.

In another embodiment, the atomizer 1250 may be an induction heating type heater. For example, the atomizer 1250 may include a susceptor that heats the aerosol-generating material by generating heat through a magnetic field applied by the coil.

In another embodiment, the atomizer 1250 may be a vibrator that generates ultrasonic vibration. The vibrator may include, for example, piezoelectric ceramic. As electricity is applied to the vibrator, short high-frequency vibrations may occur, and the generated vibrations can break aerosol-generating materials into small particles and atomize them into aerosols.

The user input unit 1260 may receive information input from the user or output information to the user. For example, the user input unit 1260 includes a key pad, a dome switch, and a touch pad (contact capacitive type, pressure resistance type, infrared detection type, surface ultrasonic conduction type, and integral type). Tension measurement method, piezo effect method, etc.), jog wheel, jog switch, etc., but are not limited thereto. In addition, although not shown in FIG. 12, the aerosol generating device 1200 further includes a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and is connected to other external devices through a connection interface such as a USB interface. In this way, information can be transmitted and received or the battery 1240 can be charged.

The memory 1270 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device 1200, and can store data processed by the processor 1210 and data to be processed. The memory 1270 is a flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia card micro type, card type memory (for example, SD or XD memory, etc.), RAM. (RAM, random access memory) SRAM (static random access memory), ROM (read-only memory), EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), PROM (programmable read-only memory), magnetic memory, magnetic disk , and may include at least one type of storage medium among optical disks. The memory 1270 may store the operation time of the aerosol generating device 1200, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and data on the user's smoking pattern.

The communication unit 1280 may include at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 1280 may include a short-range communication unit 1282 and a wireless communication unit 1284.

The short-range wireless communication unit 1282 includes a Bluetooth communication unit, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, and an infrared (IrDA) communication unit. , infrared Data Association) communication unit, WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, Ant+ communication unit, etc., but is not limited thereto.

The wireless communication unit 1284 may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, and a computer network (eg, LAN or WAN) communication unit. The wireless communication unit 1284 may use subscriber information (e.g., International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)) to identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device 1200 within the communication network.

The processor 1210 may control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1200. In one embodiment, processor 1210 may include at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program that can be executed on the microprocessor. Additionally, those skilled in the art can understand that this embodiment may be implemented with other types of hardware.

The processor 1210 may control the temperature or vibration frequency of the atomizer 1250 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 1240 to the atomizer 1250. For example, the processor 1210 may control power supply by controlling switching of a switching element between the battery 1240 and the atomizer 1250. In another example, the heating direct circuit may control power supply to the atomizer 1250 according to the control command of the processor 1210.

The processor 1210 may analyze the results sensed by the sensing unit 1220 and control subsequent processing. For example, the processor 1210 may control the power supplied to the atomizer 1250 to start or end the operation of the atomizer 1250 based on the result detected by the sensing unit 1220. For another example, based on the results detected by the sensing unit 1220, the processor 1210 heats the atomizer 1250 to a predetermined temperature or supplies the atomizer 1250 to maintain an appropriate temperature. You can control the amount of power and the time it is supplied.

The processor 1210 may control the output unit 1230 based on the results detected by the sensing unit 1220. For example, when the number of puffs counted through the suction detection sensor 12260 reaches a preset number, the processor 1210 performs at least one of the display unit 1232, the haptic unit 1234, and the sound output unit 1236. It is possible to notify the user that the aerosol generating device 1200 will soon be terminated.

One embodiment may also be implemented in the form of a recording medium containing instructions executable by a computer, such as program modules executed by a computer. Computer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a computer and includes both volatile and non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media. Additionally, computer-readable media may include both computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media includes both volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Communication media typically includes computer readable instructions, data structures, other data such as program modules, modulated data signals, or other transmission mechanisms, and includes any information delivery medium.

Those skilled in the art related to the present embodiment will understand that the above-described substrate can be implemented in a modified form without departing from the essential characteristics. Therefore, the disclosed methods should be considered from an explanatory rather than a restrictive perspective. The scope of the present invention is indicated in the claims, not the foregoing description, and all differences within the equivalent scope should be construed as being included in the present invention.

100: main body 110: main body housing
120: printed circuit board 130: battery
140: processor 150: sensor
151: switch 152: conductive pattern
153: Capacitance sensor 200: Cartridge
210: cartridge housing 220: reservoir
230: Liquid delivery means 240: Atomizer
250: discharge passage 260: mouthpiece
270: Conductive member 1000: Aerosol generating device

Claims (15)

A cartridge including a reservoir in which an aerosol-generating material is stored, a cartridge housing including an atomizer for atomizing the aerosol-generating material, and a mouthpiece movably coupled to the cartridge housing; and
A body including a main housing including a receiving space into which the cartridge is inserted, a sensor disposed in an area of the receiving space to detect contact with an object, a battery, and a processor electrically connected to the sensor. Contains,
the mouthpiece contacts the sensor in a first position when the cartridge is inserted into the receiving space, and moves away from the sensor as it moves from the first position to the second position,
The processor,
detecting, via the sensor, the relative position of the mouthpiece with respect to the sensor when the cartridge is inserted into the receiving space;
Supplying designated power to the atomizer through the battery when the mouthpiece is moved from the first position to the second position and the mouthpiece is detected to be separated from the sensor. According to paragraph 1,
The mouthpiece is rotatably coupled to the cartridge housing between the first position and the second position. According to paragraph 1,
The atomizer is an aerosol generating device comprising a vibrator that generates vibration as power is supplied from the battery to atomize the aerosol generating material into an aerosol. delete According to paragraph 1,
The processor,
An aerosol generating device that stops supplying power to the atomizer when the sensor and the mouthpiece come into contact with the cartridge being inserted into the receiving space. According to clause 5,
The processor,
An aerosol generating device that supplies specified power to the atomizer even if contact with an external object is detected through the sensor when the mouthpiece is separated from the sensor within a specified time. According to paragraph 1,
The sensor includes a switch that is pressed by the mouthpiece,
wherein the processor senses the relative position of the mouthpiece with respect to the sensor when the cartridge is inserted into the receiving space based on whether the switch is pressed. According to paragraph 1,
The mouthpiece includes a conductive member disposed in an area that contacts the sensor when the mouthpiece is positioned in the first position with the cartridge inserted into the receiving space,
The sensor is an aerosol generating device including a conductive pattern disposed in one area of the receiving space and a capacitance sensor for detecting a change in capacitance between the conductive member and the conductive pattern. According to clause 8,
The processor detects the relative position of the mouthpiece with respect to the sensor when the cartridge is inserted into the receiving space based on the amount of change in capacitance between the conductive member and the conductive pattern depending on the position of the mouthpiece. Generating device. According to clause 8,
The processor performs authentication on the cartridge inserted into the receiving space based on the amount of change in capacitance between the conductive pattern and the conductive member. According to clause 8,
The conductive pattern is arranged to contact at least one area of the cartridge housing inserted into the receiving space,
The capacitance sensor detects a change in capacitance between the cartridge housing and the conductive pattern. According to clause 11,
The processor detects the remaining amount of the aerosol-generating material based on a change in capacitance between the cartridge housing and the conductive pattern according to the remaining amount of the aerosol-generating material stored in the reservoir. In a method of operating an aerosol generating device,
When a cartridge including a reservoir in which an aerosol-generating material is stored, a cartridge housing including an atomizer for atomizing the aerosol-generating material, and a mouthpiece movably coupled to the cartridge housing is inserted into the receiving space of the main body, the accommodation detecting, via a sensor disposed in space, the relative position of the mouthpiece, indicating whether the mouthpiece is located in a first position in contact with the sensor or is moving from the first position to a second position spaced apart from the sensor. ; and
When it is detected that the mouthpiece moves from the first position to the second position and the mouthpiece is separated from the sensor, controlling the power supplied to the atomizer through a battery. delete According to clause 13,
The step of controlling the power is,
A method for stopping power supply to the atomizer when the sensor and the mouthpiece come into contact with the cartridge being inserted into the receiving space.