KR20190019114A - Method and apparatus for providing adaptive feedback through puff recognition - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device which provides various feedback through puff recognition of a user and a method thereof. The aerosol generating device comprises: a battery which supplies power; a heater for heating aerosol products; a sensor; at least two output units including an LED lamp and a vibration motor; and a control unit, wherein the control unit detects a puff of a user using the sensor and controls the operation of the output units including the LED lamp and the vibration motor based on puff characteristic data corresponding to a detection result.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device and method for providing adaptive feedback through puff recognition,

The present invention is an invention for an aerosol generating device, particularly for recognizing a user's puff and providing various feedbacks.

Conventional smoking articles use a method of generating aerosols by directly burning the aerosol product during use. However, if the aerosol product is directly combusted, undesired volatile compounds may be generated and health problems may arise. Thus, in recent years, various aerosol generating devices have been developed by heating the aerosol producing material without burning, thereby providing the flavor of the cigarette without generating unwanted volatile compounds.

However, the aerosol generating device may not provide sufficient satisfaction to the user as compared with the conventional cigarette. For example, aerosol generating devices are somewhat different from the feelings provided by existing fumigated cigarettes, and the number of puffs and the amount of aerosol material produced may differ from conventional fumigants.

Therefore, there is a need for a method that allows the user to obtain an aerosol generating device-like feel as much as possible.

The present invention seeks to provide adaptive feedback by recognizing a user's puff.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, some embodiments provide a holder comprising: a battery for supplying electric power; A heater for heating the aerosol producing material; sensor; At least one output; And the control unit may use the sensor to sense the puff of the user and to control the at least one output unit based on the puff characteristic data corresponding to the detection result.

The sensor may further include a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the heater, and the controller may sense the puff of the user by measuring the temperature change of the heater using the temperature sensor.

The sensor may further include the flow rate sensor, and the control unit may sense the puff of the user by measuring a change in the flow rate in the holder using the flow rate sensor.

The puff characteristic data may include at least one of data on the puff intensity, the puff interval, and the number of puffs.

The controller may predict the number of puffs possible based on the power amount of the power supply or the amount of aerosol generating material, and may change the predicted number of puffs possible based on the puff characteristic data.

The control unit may output the changed number of puffs using the at least one output unit.

The controller may determine the number of remaining puffs according to the puff characteristic data, and may control the output intensity of the vibration motor based on the determined number of remaining puffs.

The controller may determine the number of remaining puffs according to the puff characteristic data, and may control the light intensity or the flashing interval of the LED lamp based on the determined number of remaining puffs.

The controller may determine the number of remaining puffs according to the puff characteristic data, and may control the sound output intensity or the type of sound to be output based on the determined number of remaining puffs.

The holder may further include an outer case, and the control unit may control the case temperature outside the holder based on the heater temperature at the time of puffing.

The control unit predicts the remaining puffable frequency based on the measured puff intensity and the estimated remaining battery power, and outputs the predicted remaining puffable frequency.

The control unit may control the at least one output unit to provide a notification to the user whenever the temperature of the heater is raised above a predetermined temperature.

The control unit may control the at least one output to provide a notification to the user based on the measured puff intensity or the measured puff interval.

The control unit may control the at least one output unit to notify the user that puffing is possible at predetermined intervals.

As a technical means to accomplish the above object, some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method of detecting a puff of a user using a sensor, Obtaining puff characteristic data based on the detection result; And controlling at least one output based on the puff characteristic data.

The method includes: predicting a puffable frequency based on a power amount of a battery or an amount of an aerosol generating material; And changing the predicted number of puffs possible based on the puff characteristic data.

The method may further comprise outputting a modified number of puffs possible using the at least one output.

As a technical means for achieving the above-mentioned technical object, some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a computer-readable recording medium on which a program for implementing the method is recorded.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a feedback method based on puff recognition so as to provide users with satisfaction while providing necessary information while using the holder.

Figure 1 shows the appearance of a holder according to some embodiments.
Figure 2 shows a block diagram of a holder according to some embodiments.
Figures 3 and 4 show a conceptual view of a holder according to some embodiments.
5 shows a method of controlling a holder for sensing an output unit by sensing a puff according to some embodiments.
6 illustrates a method of controlling the output mode according to the number of remaining puffs possible according to some embodiments.
Figure 7 shows the variation of the heater temperature according to the puff according to some embodiments.
Figure 8 shows the variation of the flow rate according to the puff according to some embodiments.
Figures 9A-9C illustrate LED lamp output control according to the number of remaining puffs possible according to some embodiments.
Figure 10 illustrates the correlation between puff strength and vibration intensity in accordance with some embodiments.
11 is a configuration diagram showing an example of an aerosol generating apparatus.
12A and 12B are views showing various examples of the holder.
13 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a cradle.
14A and 14B are views showing various examples of an example of a cradle.
15 is a view showing an example in which the holder is inserted into the cradle.
16 is a view showing an example in which the holder is tilted while being inserted into the cradle.
17A to 17B are views showing examples in which the holder is inserted into the cradle.
18 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation of the holder and the cradle.
19 is a flowchart for explaining an example in which the holder operates.
20 is a flowchart for explaining an example in which the cradle operates.
21 is a view showing an example in which a cigarette is inserted into a holder.
22A and 22B are diagrams showing an example of a cigarette.
23A to 23F are views showing examples of the cooling structure of the cigarette.

While the present invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Also, in certain cases, there may be a term selected arbitrarily by the applicant, in which case the meaning thereof will be described in detail in the description of the corresponding invention. Therefore, the term used in the present invention should be defined based on the meaning of the term, not on the name of a simple term, but on the entire contents of the present invention.

Throughout the specification, when a part is connected to another part, it includes not only a direct connection but also a case where the part is electrically connected with another part in between. Also, when a component includes an element, it is understood that the element may include other elements, not the exclusion of any other element unless specifically stated otherwise. Furthermore, the terms "part," " module, "and the like described in the specification mean units for processing at least one function or operation, which may be implemented in hardware or software or a combination of hardware and software .

Throughout the specification, an aerosol generating material means a material capable of generating an aerosol, and may mean an aerosol forming substrate. Aerosols may include volatile compounds. The aerosol producing material may be solid or liquid.

For example, solid aerosol producing materials may include solid materials based on tobacco raw materials, such as tobacco leaves, tobacco plants, reconstituted tobacco, etc., and aerosol producing liquids may be based on nicotine, tobacco extract and various flavors ≪ / RTI > Of course, the present invention is not limited to the above example.

Throughout the specification, an aerosol generating device (hereinafter referred to as a holder) can be an apparatus that generates an aerosol using an aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol that can be sucked directly into the user's lungs through the wearer's mouth. The term 'aerosol generating device' and 'holder' can be used in combination.

Throughout the specification, the term puff refers to the user's inhalation, and inhalation can refer to a situation where the user's mouth or nose draws into the user's mouth, nasal cavity or lungs.

In the entire specification, the puff characteristic data may include information on the puff intensity, the puff interval, and the number of puffs. For example, information on the strength of the user's puff, the time interval between the user's puff and puff, the number of remaining puffs possible, and the total number of puffs currently, and the like.

Figure 1 shows the appearance of a holder according to some embodiments.

According to the example shown in Fig. 1, the holder 1 may be in the form of a stick. The user can use the holder 1 by putting it on a finger like a conventional cigarette. The holder 1 may also be in the form of a holder. That is, the solid aerosol generating material 3 is inserted into the holder 1 and heated to produce an aerosol. According to some embodiments, the solid aerosol generating material 3 may be a cigarette. The term " cigarette " and " aerosol generating material (3) " The operation in which the aerosol generating material 3 is inserted into the holder 1 and the structure of the cigarette are described in more detail below.

According to some embodiments, when an aerosol is generated, the generated aerosol may be delivered to the user through a filter. The filter may be provided in the holder 1, attached to the aerosol generating material 3, and is not limited to the above example.

Also according to some embodiments, the holder 1 may include at least one output for providing feedback to the user. For example, it may include an LED display window 121 or an LED lamp 122, and is not limited to the above example. The description of at least one output portion included in the holder 1 will be described in more detail below.

Additionally, according to some embodiments, the holder 1 may be powered on or off by the user's input, and powered on when the user's puff is sensed. The operation when the power of the holder 1 is turned on will be described in Fig.

Also according to some embodiments, the holder 1 may be coupled to the cradle. The contents of the cradle will be described in detail in the following drawings.

Figure 2 shows a block diagram of a holder 1 according to some embodiments.

The holder 1 shown in FIG. 2 may include a battery 110, a control unit 120, a sensor 130, an output unit 140, and a heater 150. However, all the components shown in Fig. 2 are not essential components of the holder 1. The holder 1 may be embodied by more elements than the elements shown in Fig. 2 and the holder 1 may be embodied by fewer elements than those shown in Fig.

According to some embodiments, the control unit 120 is configured to control the entire operation of the holder 1. The control unit 120 may include a microprocessor, a microcontroller, and an IC circuit including the microcontroller, a microcontroller, and the like.

According to some embodiments, the controller 120 may use the sensor 130 to sense the puff of the user. Also, the controller 120 may obtain the puff characteristic data according to the puff detection result. The control unit 120 may control the output unit 140 based on the puff characteristic data.

According to some embodiments, the holder 1 may include an output 140. The output unit 140 may include an LED display, a display such as an LED lamp, a motor, a speaker, a temperature controller, and the like, and is not limited to the above example. The holder 1 may also include at least one output 140. For example, one holder 1 may include both an LED display window, an LED lamp, and a motor.

According to some embodiments, the control unit 120 may control the output unit 140 based on the puff characteristic data.

 For example, the controller 120 can predict the number of remaining puffs possible, recognize the puff of the user, and output the remaining puff count minus the number of puffs of the user from the remaining number of puffs. That is, the control unit 120 may output the changed number of puffs. The control unit 120 can predict the remaining number of puffs possible based on the amount of the battery and the amount of the aerosol generating material (for example, cigarette).

Also, according to some embodiments, the control unit 120 may control the output intensity of the vibration motor based on the number of remaining puffs possible. For example, the smaller the number of remaining puffs possible, the more the control unit 120 controls the output of the vibration motor. Of course, the opposite is also possible, and the control unit 120 may control the vibration motor to vibrate by the number of remaining puffs.

Further, the control unit 120 may control the light intensity or the flashing interval of the LED lamp based on the number of remaining puffs possible. For example, as the number of remaining puffs becomes smaller, the controller 120 can control the output of the LED lamp to emit stronger. Of course, the opposite is also possible, and the control unit 120 may control the LED lamp so as to blink rapidly as the number of remaining puffs decreases.

The control unit 120 may also control the sound output intensity or the type of sound to be output based on the number of remaining puffs possible. For example, as the number of remaining remaining puffs becomes smaller, the control unit 120 may control the sound output unit 140 such as a speaker so that the sound output is counted. Also, the control unit 120 may control the sound output unit 140 to output one of various sounds such as wind sound, paper sound, and the like.

The control unit 120 may also control the case temperature outside the holder based on the temperature of the heater 150 at the time of puffing. Even if the temperature of the heater 150 is high, a user using the holder may not know that the temperature of the heater 150 is high. Therefore, if the temperature of the heater 150 is excessively high, , The user can be informed of the temperature of the heater 150 through the case temperature change.

Further, the controller 120 may provide a notification to the user whenever the temperature of the heater 150 is raised above a predetermined temperature. (For example, the size of the generated aerosol particles, the amount of the generated aerosol, the temperature of the generated aerosol, etc.) that can give satisfaction to the user when the temperature of the heater 150 is higher than the predetermined temperature The control unit 120 controls the output unit 140 when the temperature of the heater 150 is raised to a predetermined temperature or more so as to allow the user to puff the optimum aerosol, .

The control unit 120 may also control the output unit 140 to notify the user that puffing is possible at predetermined intervals. That is, the control unit 120 may provide a notification to the user to puff at predetermined time intervals to provide an optimal aerosol.

Also, according to some embodiments, the control unit 120 may control the output unit 140 to provide a notification to the user based on the measured puff intensity or the measured puff interval. Too strong puffs or too short puffs make it difficult to provide satisfactory aerosols, so that if the user puffs too strongly or the puff-to-puff spacing is too short, The user may be provided with a notification by controlling the output unit 140 so as to keep the interval.

The sensor 130 may be various types of sensors and may include at least one sensor. For example, the sensor 130 may include a flow sensor and a temperature sensor.

According to some embodiments, the controller 120 may measure the temperature of the heater 150 using a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor may be a sensor for measuring the air temperature around the heater, or a sensor for determining the heater temperature using a conductive track of the heater. The controller 120 can sense the puff of the user by measuring the temperature of the heater 150. [

According to some embodiments, the controller 120 may use a flow sensor to measure the flow and / or flow of air, gas, and aerosol in the holder. The control unit 120 can sense the user's puff by measuring the change in the flow rate. The general configuration of the control unit 120 will be described in more detail in the following drawings.

According to some embodiments, the heater 150 may be configured to heat the aerosol generating material (e.g., cigarette or liquid) by the power supplied from the battery 110. The temperature of the heater 150 may be set differently depending on the kind of the aerosol producing material. Specifically, the temperature of the heater 150 may vary depending on whether the aerosol-generating material is solid or liquid, and may vary depending on the thickness of the aerosol-generating material and the constituent material when the aerosol-generating material is a solid. Details of the battery 110 will be described in more detail below.

The heater 150 may be formed in various shapes. The heater may be a tubular heater, a plate type heater, or a needle or rod type heater. The heater 150 can heat the inside or outside of the aerosol generating material depending on the shape. The configuration for the heater 150 will be described in more detail below.

According to some embodiments, the control unit 120 may control the heater 150 and the battery 110. [ Specifically, the controller 120 may preheat the heater 150 to a predetermined temperature, and may control the battery 110 to perform power saving. Also, the controller 120 can control the battery 110 and the heater 150 by dividing them into various modes using the stored profile.

For example, the control unit 120 may divide and control the aerosol generation mode, the pre-heating mode, the normal suction mode, or the amplified suction mode that generates more aerosol at a higher temperature than the normal suction mode, , But is not limited to the above example.

According to some embodiments, the battery 110 may include at least one power source. For example, the battery 110 may include at least one battery. The battery 110 can be charged by an external charging device, and there is no limitation on the charging method. Also, when the battery 110 is charged, the power of the holder may be automatically turned off or may be operated in the power saving mode.

In addition, the holder 1 may further comprise a memory (not shown). The memory may store user information, data for temperature control such as a profile, puff characteristic data, and the like.

Figures 3 and 4 show a conceptual view of a holder according to some embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 3, the holder 1 may include an outer case 170. A battery 110, a control unit 120, a sensor 130, an output unit 140, and a heater 150 may be included in the outer case. The solid aerosol generating material 3 can also be inserted outside the holder 1. The operation of each configuration is the same as that described with reference to FIG. 2, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Fig. 4 shows a configuration in which the holder 1 further includes a liquid-phase storage portion 180 as compared with Fig. The liquid reservoir 180 contains a liquid aerosol generating material. The holder 1 of FIG. 4 can produce an aerosol product by simultaneously, alternating, and / or sequentially heating the solid aerosol product and the liquid aerosol product.

Further, the holder 1 of Fig. 4 may heat the liquid aerosol generating material through a separate heater, and there is no limitation on the configuration of the heater for heating the liquid aerosol generating material and the solid aerosol producing material. The following drawings further illustrate and illustrate additional conceptual views of the holder.

5 shows a method of controlling a holder for sensing an output unit by sensing a puff according to some embodiments.

In step 501, the holder can sense the puff of the user using the sensor. The holder can detect the puff of the user by using the flow sensor and the temperature sensor.

According to some embodiments, the holder can sense the user's puff by checking the amount of air entering the holder or the amount of gas flowing out of the holder using the flow sensor.

The holder can also sense the user's puff by measuring the temperature of the heater using a temperature sensor and checking the temperature change of the heater. In addition, the holder may use a pressure sensor to recognize the user's puff, and the manner in which the holder can sense the user's puff is not limited to the example described above.

In step 503, the holder can obtain puff characteristic data based on the detection result.

According to some embodiments, the puff characteristic data may include information about the puff intensity, the puff interval, and the number of puffs. Specifically, the puff characteristic data may include information regarding the pressure of the user's puff (puff strength, strength), the time interval between the first puff and the second puff, the number of remaining puffs possible, and the current total number of puffs . The current total puff count may be a number of puffs counted since the holder was turned on or the aerosol product was inserted, and is not limited to the above example.

According to some embodiments, the holder can sense at least one puff of the user and obtain information about the strength of the puff, the puff spacing, the number of puffs, and the like.

In step 505, the holder may control at least one output based on the puff characteristic data.

According to some embodiments, the holder can control the output based on the number of remaining puffs possible. For example, the holder can control the vibration motor to vibrate weakly when the number of remaining puffs is more than a predetermined number, and to control the vibration motor to vibrate strongly when the remaining number of puffs is less than a predetermined number.

In addition, the holder can control the flashing interval of the LED lamp to be short or increase the light emission intensity of the LED lamp as the number of remaining puffs is reduced.

Also according to some embodiments, the holder may control the output in accordance with the puff intensity. For example, the holder can control the puff intensity to be proportional to the vibration intensity of the vibration motor. The manner in which the holder controls at least one output section based on the puff characteristic data is not limited, and the contents described in Fig. 2 may also be included.

6 illustrates a method of controlling the output mode according to the number of remaining puffs possible according to some embodiments.

In step 601, the holder can sense the user's puff using the sensor. Since this is the same as described above, a detailed description is omitted.

In step 603, the holder can determine if the remaining puff possible number is below the threshold value.

According to some embodiments, the holder can predict the number of remaining puffs possible. The holder can predict the number of remaining puffs possible based on the amount of aerosol producing material, the amount of battery, the reference puff strength, the number of puffs of the user, and the like.

Also, the remaining puff possible number can be changed according to the user's puff strength and puff distance. For example, if it is assumed that the first remaining puff possible number of times predicted by the holder based on the amount of aerosol product and battery is eight, then the user can pause after the second puff, depending on the user's puff strength and puff interval The number of times may be predicted five times rather than six times. That is, the holder can calculate the remaining puffable count based on the puff characteristic data.

According to some embodiments, the holder may determine if the calculated remaining puffable count is greater than or equal to a threshold value. The holder can also output the calculated remaining puff possible number of times. The holder can output the remaining number of puffs possible through the LED display window or the LED lamp.

In step 605, the holder can maintain the output mode if the remaining puffable count is greater than or equal to the threshold value. The output mode may mean a mode in which the holder controls at least one output unit.

For example, the output mode 1 may refer to the first stage light emission mode of the LED lamp and the first stage vibration mode of the vibration motor, and the output mode 2 stage may include the two-stage light emission mode of the LED lamp and the two- And is not limited to the above example.

That is, the output mode may mean a combination of modes in which at least one output portion included in the holder is output. Specifically, the light emitting mode of the LED lamp may indicate a predetermined LED flash intensity and a blinking interval, and the vibration mode of the vibration motor may mean a predetermined vibration intensity and a vibration interval, and is not limited to the above example.

According to some embodiments, the holder may maintain the output mode if the remaining puffable count is greater than or equal to the threshold. That is, the holder may not change the output mode. For example, the holder can keep the output mode at one level if the number of remaining puffs possible is four or more.

In step 607, the holder can determine if the remaining puffable count is equal to or less than the threshold value, and if the remaining puffifiable count is equal to zero. For example, if it is determined that the number of remaining puffs possible is four or less, the holder can confirm that the number of remaining puffs possible is zero.

In step 609, the holder can change the output mode when the remaining puffable count is not zero. For example, the holder can change the output mode to two levels if the number of remaining puffs is not zero but less than four times.

 Further, in step 611, the holder can stop the output mode when the remaining puffable count is zero. That is, the holder stops flashing of the LED, and vibration of the vibration motor can also be stopped.

Of course, the holder can change the output mode instead of stopping the output mode completely, or inform the user of the need to remove, replace, or charge the aerosol generating material using an output different from the output used in the conventional output mode. For example, if the number of remaining puffs possible is zero, the holder can notify the user to remove or replace the aerosol generating material using the LED display window and charge the holder, without using the LED lamp and vibration motor any more have.

Figure 7 shows the variation of the heater temperature according to the puff according to some embodiments.

As described above, the user can perform the operation of sucking the aerosol generated through the holder.

According to some embodiments, not only the aerosol generated by the holder from the aerosol producing material through the heating is transferred to the user, but the air introduced into the holder through the holder and the generated aerosol may be mixed and delivered to the user .

According to some embodiments, the holder can sense the user's puff in a variety of ways. For example, the holder can sense the puff of the user by measuring the pressure change in the holder using the pressure sensor. However, the holder may sense the user's puff by measuring the heater temperature, without having a separate pressure sensor.

The heater temperature can vary from user to user. Air having a temperature lower than the heater temperature is introduced from the puff hour holder, so that the temperature of the heater is lowered. Referring to FIG. 7, it can be seen that the temperature of the heater is lowered at the first puff 701 where the user first sucks the aerosol.

Then, the holder supplies electric power to the heater to raise the temperature of the heater to a predetermined temperature again. The heater temperature may be lowered at the time of the second puff 702 and the third puff 703 as in the case of the first puff 701. [ The holder can measure the heater temperature and sense that the puff has occurred when the heater temperature is low. Further, the holder can supply electric power to the heater to raise the temperature of the heater to a predetermined temperature because the temperature of the heater is lowered.

Figure 8 shows the variation of the flow rate according to the puff according to some embodiments.

As described above, not only the aerosol generated from the aerosol producing material through the heating of the holder is mixed with the aerosol generated through the holder and the generated aerosol, and can be transmitted to the user. Thus, the holder can recognize the puff of the user through the change of the flow rate in the holder.

The flow rate can vary from user to user. Air is introduced from the outside of the puffy holder, so that the flow rate in the holder is increased. Referring to FIG. 8, it can be seen that the flow increases at the first puff 801 where the user first sucks the aerosol.

The flow rate can be increased at the time of the second puff 802 and the time of the third puff 803 as in the case of the first puff 801. The holder can measure the change in flow rate and sense that the puff has occurred when the flow rate has increased. Therefore, the holder can sense the puff based on the change in the flow rate, the change in temperature, and the like without a separate pressure sensor. The holder may also sense the strength of the puff based on the degree of change in flow rate and the degree of change in temperature.

Figures 9A-9C illustrate LED lamp output control according to the number of remaining puffs possible according to some embodiments.

As described above, the holder 1 can make the output mode different according to the number of remaining puffs possible.

9A to 9C, the holder 1 can control the flashing color, the blinking degree, and the blinking interval of the LED lamp 901 differently when the number of remaining puffs is five, three, and one. The LED lamp 901 of FIG. 9 may be the same lamp as the LED lamp 122 of FIG. If the number of remaining puffs possible is 0, the holder 1 can be controlled so that the LED lamp does not blink.

In addition, the holder 1 may also be controlled so that the LED lamp 901 flashes only at the time of puff. The holder 1 may also control the flashing intensity of the LED lamp 901 or may output a sound to interact with a user's input using a power button or an input button.

The holder 1 may also control the LED lamp or the vibration motor to inform the user of the insertion or ejection of the aerosol generating material. In other words, the at least one output that the holder 1 includes can be controlled to provide a notification to the user, in order to provide feedback to the user's puff, for interaction with the user.

Figure 10 illustrates the correlation between puff strength and vibration intensity in accordance with some embodiments.

According to some embodiments, the puff intensity of the user and the vibration intensity of the vibration motor in the holder may be proportional. That is, the intensity of vibration can also be changed depending on how hard the user puffs.

As shown in FIG. 10, when the vibration intensity is adjusted according to the puff strength of the user, the user can immediately provide feedback on the puff strength. To provide the optimum aerosol it must be accompanied by a puff of adequate strength, which allows the user to puff the proper intensity by providing the user with feedback on the puff strength through the vibrational intensity.

As a matter of course, as shown in FIG. 10, the vibration intensity may be set to be weaker as the puff intensity increases, and the relationship between the vibration intensity and the puff intensity is not limited. That is, a method of giving feedback to the user is sufficient.

11 is a configuration diagram showing an example of an aerosol generating apparatus.

Referring to FIG. 11, an aerosol generating apparatus 1 (hereinafter referred to as a holder) includes a battery 110, a control unit 120, and a heater 2130. In addition, the holder 1 includes an inner space formed by the case 2140. The cigarette can be inserted into the inner space of the holder 1. [ The holder 1 shown in Fig. 11 may be another embodiment of the holder 1 described above, and some or all of the configurations of the holder 1 described above may correspond to each other.

Only the components related to the present embodiment are shown in the holder 1 shown in Fig. Therefore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that other general components other than the components shown in Fig. 11 can be further included in the holder 1.

When the cigarette is inserted into the holder 1, the holder 1 heats the heater 2130. The aerosol product in the cigarette rises in temperature by the heated heater 2130, thereby generating an aerosol. The generated aerosol is delivered to the user through the filter of the cigarette. However, even when the cigarette is not inserted into the holder 1, the holder 1 can heat the heater 2130.

The case 2140 can be detached from the holder 1. For example, when the user rotates the case 2140 clockwise or counterclockwise, the case 2140 can be separated from the holder 1.

The diameter of the hole formed by the distal end 2141 of the case 2140 may be made smaller than the diameter of the space formed by the case 2140 and the heater 2130. In this case, It can serve as a guide for the cigarette.

The battery 110 supplies the electric power used by the holder 1 to operate. For example, the battery 110 can supply power to the heater 2130 to be heated, and can supply the power required for the controller 120 to operate. In addition, the battery 110 can supply power required for operation of a display, a sensor, a motor, and the like, which is an output unit provided in the holder 1.

The battery 110 may be a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery, but is not limited to the example described above. For example, the battery 110 may be a lithium-cobalt (LiCoO 2) battery, a lithium titanate battery, or the like.

Also, the battery 110 may have a cylindrical shape with a diameter of 10 mm and a length of 37 mm, but is not limited thereto. The capacity of the battery 110 may be 120 mAh or more, a rechargeable battery, or a disposable battery. For example, when the battery 110 can be charged, the charging rate (C-rate) of the battery 110 may be 10 C and the discharging rate (C-rate) may be 16 C to 20 C, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Also, for stable use, the battery 110 can be manufactured so that 80% or more of the total capacity can be ensured even when the charge / discharge progresses 8,000 times.

Here, whether the battery 110 is fully charged or completely discharged can be determined by determining the level of the power stored in the battery 110 with respect to the total capacity of the battery 110. For example, when the power stored in the battery 110 is equal to or greater than 95% of the total capacity, it can be determined that the battery 110 is fully charged. Also, when the power stored in the battery 110 is 10% or less of the total capacity, it can be determined that the battery 110 is completely discharged. However, the criterion for determining whether the battery 110 is fully charged or completely discharged is not limited to the above example.

The heater 2130 is heated by the electric power supplied from the battery 110. When the cigarette is inserted into the holder 1, the heater 2130 is located inside the cigarette. Thus, the heated heater 2130 can raise the temperature of the aerosol product in the cigarette. The heater 2130 may correspond to the heater 150 described above.

The heater 2130 may be a combination of a cylinder and a cone. For example, the heater 2130 may have a cylindrical shape with a diameter of about 2 mm and a length of about 23 mm, and the distal end 2131 of the heater 2130 may be closed at an acute angle. In other words, the heater 2130 can be applied without limitation as long as it can be inserted into the interior of the cigarette. Further, only a part of the heater 2130 may be heated. For example, assuming that the length of the heater 2130 is 23 mm, only 12 mm is heated from the distal end 2131 of the heater 2130, and the remaining portion of the heater 2130 may not be heated.

The heater 2130 may be an electrically resistive heater. For example, the heater 2130 includes an electrically conductive track, and the heater 2130 can be heated as current flows through the electrically conductive track.

For stable use, the heater 2130 may be supplied with power according to the specifications of 3.2 V, 2.4 A, 8 W, but is not limited thereto. For example, when electric power is supplied to the heater 2130, the surface temperature of the heater 2130 may rise to 400 ° C or more. The surface temperature of the heater 2130 may rise to about 350 ° C before 15 seconds have elapsed since the start of power supply to the heater 2130.

The holder 1 may be provided with a separate temperature sensor. Alternatively, the holder 1 may not have a temperature sensing sensor, and the heater 2130 may serve as a temperature sensing sensor. For example, the heater 2130 may further include a second electrically conductive track for temperature sensing in addition to the first electrically conductive track for heat generation.

For example, when the voltage across the second electrically conductive track and the current through the second electrically conductive track are measured, the resistance R can be determined. At this time, the temperature (T) of the second electrically conductive track can be determined by the following equation (1). The temperature sensing sensor may be one embodiment of the sensor 130 described above.

In the equation (1), R denotes the current resistance value of the second electrically conductive track, R ₀ denotes the resistance value at the temperature T ₀ (for example, 0 ° C) Resistance temperature coefficient. The conductive material (e.g., metal) has a resistive temperature coefficient inherent thereto, so that? Can be predetermined according to the conductive material constituting the second electrically conductive track. Thus, when the resistance R of the second electrically conductive track is determined, the temperature T of the second electrically conductive track can be calculated by Equation (1) above.

The heater 2130 may be comprised of at least one electrically conductive track (a first electrically conductive track and a second electrically conductive track). For example, the heater 2130 may be composed of two first electrically conductive tracks and one or two second electrically conductive tracks, but is not limited thereto.

The electrically conductive track includes an electrically resistive material. As an example, the electrically conductive track can be made of a metallic material. As another example, an electrically conductive track can be made of an electrically conductive ceramic material, a carbon, a metal alloy, or a composite of a ceramic material and a metal.

Further, the holder 1 may include both an electrically conductive track and a temperature sensing sensor, which serve as temperature sensing sensors.

The control unit 120 controls the operation of the holder 1 as a whole. Specifically, the control unit 120 controls the operation of not only the battery 110 and the heater 2130, but also other components included in the holder 1. The controller 120 may also check the status of each of the configurations of the holder 1 to determine whether or not the holder 1 is in an operable state.

The control unit 120 includes at least one processor. A processor may be implemented as an array of a plurality of logic gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executable in the microprocessor is stored. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present invention may be implemented in other forms of hardware.

For example, the control unit 120 may control the operation of the heater 2130. [ The control unit 120 can control the amount of power supplied to the heater 2130 and the time at which the power is supplied so that the heater 2130 can be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintain an appropriate temperature. In addition, the control unit 120 can check the state of the battery 110 (e.g., the remaining amount of the battery 110) and generate a notification signal if necessary.

In addition, the controller 120 can check the presence or absence of a user's puff and the strength of the puff, and count the number of puffs. Further, the control unit 120 can continuously confirm the time during which the holder 1 is operating. The control unit 120 determines whether the cradle 2 is coupled to the holder 1 and controls the operation of the holder 1 according to the coupling or separation of the cradle 2 and the holder 1 .

Meanwhile, the holder 1 may further include general configurations other than the battery 110, the control unit 120, and the heater 2130.

For example, the holder 1 may include a display capable of outputting visual information or a motor for outputting tactile information. As an example, when a display is included in the holder 1, the control unit 120 displays, via the display, information about the state of the holder 1 (e.g., availability of the holder, etc.) Information about the battery 110 (e.g., remaining capacity of the battery 110, availability, etc.), information about the battery 110 (for example, (E.g., cleaning timing, cleaning progress, cleaning completion, etc.) related to the cleaning of the holder 1, information related to the cleaning of the holder 1 Information related to the charging of the holder 1 (e.g., charging required, charging progress, charging completed, etc.), information related to the puff (e.g., number of puffs, Time of use, etc.). As another example, when the holder 1 includes a motor, the control unit 120 can transmit the above-described information to the user by generating a vibration signal using the motor.

The holder 1 may also include a terminal coupled to the cradle 2 and / or at least one input device (e.g. a button) by which the user can control the function of the holder 1. For example, the user can perform various functions using the input device of the holder 1. [ By adjusting the number of times the user presses the input device (e.g., once, twice, etc.) or the time the input device is pressed (e.g., 0.1 second, 0.2 second, The desired function can be executed. As the user operates the input device, the holder 1 has a function of preheating the heater 2130, a function of adjusting the temperature of the heater 2130, a function of cleaning the space into which the cigarette is inserted, A function of checking whether the battery 110 is in an operable state, a function of displaying the remaining amount (available power) of the battery 110, a reset function of the holder 1, and the like. However, the function of the holder 1 is not limited to the examples described above.

Further, the holder 1 may include a puff detection sensor, a temperature detection sensor, and / or a cigarette insertion detection sensor. For example, the puff detection sensor can be implemented by a general pressure sensor, and the cigarette insertion detection sensor can be implemented by a general capacitive sensor or a resistance sensor. Also, the holder 1 can be manufactured in such a structure that external air can flow in / out even in the state where the cigarette is inserted.

12A and 12B are views showing various examples of the holder.

12A is a view showing an example in which the holder 1 is viewed in the first direction. As shown in Fig. 12A, the holder 1 can be made in a cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto. The case 2140 of the holder 1 may be separated by the operation of the user and the cigarette may be inserted into the distal end 2141 of the case 2140. [ The holder 1 may also include a button 2150 for allowing the user to control the holder 1 and a display 2160 for outputting the image. The case 2140 may be one embodiment of the case described above.

12B is a view showing an example in which the holder 1 is viewed in the second direction. The holder 1 may include a terminal 2170 coupled with the cradle 2. The terminal 2170 of the holder 1 is engaged with the terminal 2260 of the cradle 2 so that the battery 110 of the holder 1 is charged by the electric power supplied by the battery 210 of the cradle 2 . The holder 1 may be operated by the electric power supplied from the battery 210 of the cradle 2 through the terminal 2170 and the terminal 2260 and the communication between the holder 1 and the cradle 2 (Signal transmission / reception) is possible. For example, the terminal 2170 may be composed of four micro pins, but is not limited thereto.

13 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a cradle.

Referring to FIG. 13, the cradle 2 includes a battery 210 and a control unit 220. Further, the cradle 2 includes an inner space 2230 into which the holder 1 can be inserted. For example, the inner space 2230 may be formed on one side of the cradle 2. Thus, the holder 1 can be inserted and fixed in the cradle 2 even if the cradle 2 does not include a separate lid.

Only the components related to the present embodiment are shown in the cradle 2 shown in Fig. Therefore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that other general-purpose components other than the components shown in FIG. 13 may be further included in the cradle 2.

The battery 210 supplies the power used to operate the cradle 2. In addition, the battery 210 can supply electric power for charging the battery 110 of the holder 1. For example, when the holder 1 is inserted into the cradle 2 so that the terminal 2170 of the holder 1 and the terminal 2260 of the cradle 2 are engaged, the battery 210 of the cradle 2 The battery 110 of the holder 1 can be supplied with power.

Further, when the holder 1 and the cradle 2 are engaged, the battery 210 can supply the electric power used for operating the holder 1. [ For example, when the terminal 2170 of the holder 1 and the terminal 2260 of the cradle 2 are coupled, the holder 1 can be held in the cradle 2 regardless of whether the battery 110 of the holder 1 is discharged or not. And can operate using power supplied from the battery 210 of the battery 2.

An example of the type of the battery 210 may be the same as the example of the battery 110 described above with reference to FIG. The capacity of the battery 210 may be greater than the capacity of the battery 110. For example, the capacity of the battery 210 may be 3000 mAh or more. However, the capacity of the battery 210 is not limited to the above example Do not.

The control unit 220 controls the operation of the cradle 2 as a whole. The control unit 220 can control the operation of all the configurations of the cradle 2. [ The control unit 220 can determine whether the holder 1 and the cradle 2 are coupled and control the operation of the cradle 2 in accordance with the coupling or separation of the cradle 2 and the holder 1. [

For example, when the holder 1 and the cradle 2 are coupled, the control unit 220 supplies the power of the battery 210 to the holder 1 to charge the battery 110 or heat the heater 2130 . Therefore, even when the remaining amount of the battery 110 is small, the user can continuously smoke by combining the holder 1 and the cradle 2. [

The control unit 120 includes at least one processor. A processor may be implemented as an array of a plurality of logic gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executable in the microprocessor is stored. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present invention may be implemented in other forms of hardware.

Meanwhile, the cradle 2 may further include general configurations other than the battery 210 and the control unit 220. [ For example, the cradle 2 may include a display capable of outputting visual information. For example, when a display is included in the cradle 2, the control unit 220 generates a signal to be displayed on the display so that the user can be informed of the battery 210 (e.g., remaining capacity of the battery 210, Whether or not the cleaning of the holder 1 (for example, cleaning time, cleaning necessity, cleaning, etc.), information related to the reset (E.g., completion of charging, completion of charging, completion of charging, etc.) of the cradle 2, and the like. The display may be one embodiment of the output 140 described above.

The cradle 2 also includes at least one input device (e.g., a button) that allows the user to control the function of the cradle 2, a terminal 2260 that couples with the holder 1 and / (E. G., A USB port, etc.) for charging the battery.

For example, the user can perform various functions using the input device of the cradle 2. [ By controlling the number of times the user presses the input device or the amount of time the input device is pressed, the desired function among the plurality of functions of the cradle 2 can be executed. As the user operates the input device, the cradle 2 has a function of preheating the heater 2130 of the holder 1, a function of regulating the temperature of the heater 2130 of the holder 1, A function of checking whether the cradle 2 is operable or not, a function of displaying the remaining amount (available power) of the battery 210 of the cradle 2, a function of resetting the cradle 2, Function and the like can be performed. However, the function of the cradle 2 is not limited to the above-described examples.

14A and 14B are views showing various examples of an example of a cradle.

14A is a diagram showing an example in which the cradle 2 is viewed in the first direction. On one side of the cradle 2, there is a space 2230 into which the holder 1 can be inserted. In addition, the holder 1 can be inserted and fixed in the cradle 2 even if the cradle 2 does not include a separate securing means such as a lid. The cradle 2 may also include a button 2240 for allowing the user to control the cradle 2 and a display 2250 for outputting the image.

14B is a view showing an example of the cradle 2 viewed from the second direction. The cradle 2 may include a terminal 2260 coupled with the inserted holder 1. The battery 110 of the holder 1 can be charged by the electric power supplied from the battery 210 of the cradle 2 by engaging the terminal 2260 with the terminal 2170 of the holder 1. [ The holder 1 may be operated by the power supplied from the battery 210 of the cradle 2 through the terminal 2170 and the terminal 2260 and the signal between the holder 1 and the cradle 2 Lt; / RTI > For example, the terminal 2260 may be composed of four micro-pins, but is not limited thereto.

The holder 1 can be inserted into the inner space 2230 of the cradle 2, as described above with reference to Figs. 11 to 14B. The holder 1 may be completely inserted into the cradle 2 or may be tilted while being inserted into the cradle 2. [ Hereinafter, examples in which the holder 1 is inserted into the cradle 2 will be described with reference to Figs. 15 to 17B. Fig.

15 is a view showing an example in which the holder is inserted into the cradle.

Referring to Fig. 15, an example in which the holder 1 is inserted into the cradle 2 is shown. The inserted holder 1 may not be exposed to the outside by other sides of the cradle 2 because the space 2230 into which the holder 1 is to be inserted is present on one side of the cradle 2. [ Therefore, the cradle 2 may not include another configuration (for example, a lid) for not exposing the holder 1 to the outside.

At least one binding member 2271, 2272 may be included in the cradle 2 to increase the binding strength with the holder 1. Also, at least one binding member 2181 may be included in the holder 1 as well. Here, the binding members 2181, 2271, and 2272 may be magnets, but are not limited thereto. 15 shows that the holder 1 includes a single binding member 2181 and the cradle 2 includes two binding members 2271 and 2272. However, (2181, 2271, 2272) are not limited thereto.

The holder 1 may include a binding member 2181 in a first position and the cradle 2 may include binding members 2271 and 2272 in a second position and a third position, respectively. At this time, the first position and the third position may be positions facing each other when the holder 1 is inserted into the cradle 2.

As the holder 1 and the cradle 2 include the binding members 2181, 2271 and 2272, even if the holder 1 is inserted into one side of the cradle 2, the holder 1 and the cradle 2 It can bind more strongly. In other words, as the holder 1 and the cradle 2 further include the binding members 2181, 2271 and 2272 in addition to the terminals 2170 and 2260, the holder 1 and the cradle 2 can be stuck more strongly have. Therefore, even if the cradle 2 does not have a separate structure (e.g., a lid), the inserted holder 1 may not be easily separated from the cradle 2. [

When the controller 220 determines that the holder 1 is completely inserted into the cradle 2 by the terminals 2170 and 2260 and / or the binding members 2181, 2271, and 2272, The battery 110 of the holder 1 can be charged using electric power.

16 is a view showing an example in which the holder is tilted while being inserted into the cradle.

Referring to Fig. 16, the holder 1 is tilted inside the cradle 2. As shown in Fig. Here, the tilt means that the holder 1 is tilted at a certain angle in a state where it is inserted into the cradle 2. [

As shown in Fig. 15, when the holder 1 is completely inserted into the cradle 2, the user can not smoke. In other words, when the holder 1 is completely inserted into the cradle 2, the cigarette can not be inserted into the holder 1. Therefore, the user can not smoke when the holder 1 is completely inserted into the cradle 2. [

As shown in Fig. 16, when the holder 1 is tilted, the distal end 2141 of the holder 1 is exposed to the outside. Accordingly, the user can insert a cigarette into the distal end 2141 and suck (smoke) the generated aerosol. A sufficient angle can be secured so that the cigarette may not be bent or damaged when the cigarette is inserted into the distal end 2141 of the holder 1. For example, the holder 1 can be tilted as much as the entire cigarette insertion hole included in the distal end 2141 can be exposed to the outside. For example, the range of the tilt angle [theta] may be more than 0 DEG and not more than 180 DEG, preferably not less than 10 DEG and not more than 90 DEG. More preferably, the range of the tilt angle? Is not less than 10 degrees and not more than 20 degrees, not less than 10 degrees and not more than 30 degrees, not less than 10 degrees and not more than 40 degrees, not less than 10 degrees and not more than 50 degrees, .

Even if the holder 1 is tilted, the terminal 2170 of the holder 1 and the terminal 2260 of the cradle 2 are coupled to each other. Therefore, the heater 2130 of the holder 1 can be heated by the electric power supplied by the battery 210 of the cradle 2. The holder 1 can generate aerosol using the battery 210 of the cradle 2 even when the remaining amount of the battery 110 of the holder 1 is small or absent.

Fig. 16 shows an example in which the holder 1 includes one binding member 2182 and the cradle 2 includes two binding members 2273 and 2274. Fig. For example, the positions of the respective binding members 2182, 2273, and 2274 are as described above with reference to FIG. Assuming that the binding members 2182, 2273, and 2274 are magnets, the magnet strength of the binding member 2274 may be greater than the magnet strength of the binding member 2273. [ The holder 1 may not be completely separated from the cradle 2 by the binding member 182 and the binding member 2274 even if the holder 1 is tilted.

When the controller 220 determines that the holder 1 is tilted by the terminals 2170 and 2260 and / or the binding members 2182, 2273 and 2274, The heater 2130 of the battery 1 can be heated or the battery 110 can be charged.

17A to 17B are views showing examples in which the holder is inserted into the cradle.

Fig. 17A shows an example in which the holder 1 is completely inserted into the cradle 2. Fig. The inner space 2230 of the cradle 2 can be sufficiently secured to minimize the contact of the user with the holder 1 when the holder 1 is completely inserted into the cradle 2. [ When the holder 1 is completely inserted into the cradle 2, the control unit 220 supplies the power of the battery 210 to the holder 1 so that the battery 110 of the holder 1 can be charged.

17B shows an example in which the holder 1 is tilted with the cradle 2 inserted. When the holder 1 is tilted, the controller 220 controls the electric power of the battery 210 to be stored in the holder 1 so that the battery 110 of the holder 1 can be charged or the heater 2130 of the holder 1 can be heated. (1).

18 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation of the holder and the cradle.

The method of producing the aerosol shown in Fig. 18 consists of steps that are processed in a time-series manner in the holder 1 shown in Fig. 11 or the cradle 2 shown in Fig. Therefore, it will be understood that the contents described above with respect to the holder 1 shown in Fig. 11 and the cradle 2 shown in Fig. 13 apply to the method of Fig. 18, even if omitted from the following description.

In step 2710, the holder 1 determines whether or not it is inserted into the cradle 2. For example, the control unit 120 may control the holder 1 and the cradle 2 according to whether the terminals 2170 and 2260 of the holder 1 and the cradle 2 are connected to each other and / or the binding members 2181, 2271, 1) is inserted into the cradle 2 can be determined.

If the holder 1 is inserted into the cradle 2, the process proceeds to step 2720. If the holder 1 has separated the cradle 2,

In step 2720, the cradle 2 determines whether the holder 1 is tilted. For example, the control unit 220 may control the operation of the holder 1 and the cradle 2 according to whether the terminals 2170 and 2260 of the holder 1 and the cradle 2 are connected to each other and / or the binding members 2182, 2273, 1) is tilted.

In step 2720, the cradle 2 determines whether the holder 1 is tilted. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In other words, whether or not the holder 1 is tilted may be judged by the control unit 120 of the holder 1.

When the holder 1 is tilted, the process proceeds to step 2740. In the case where the holder 1 is not tilted (that is, when the holder 1 is completely inserted into the cradle 2), the process proceeds to step 2770.

In step 2730, the holder 1 judges whether or not the use condition of the holder 1 is satisfied. For example, the control unit 120 can determine whether the usage conditions are satisfied by checking whether the remaining amount of the battery 110 and other configurations of the holder 1 can be normally operated.

If the use condition of the holder 1 is satisfied, the process proceeds to step 2740. Otherwise, the procedure is terminated.

In step 2740, the holder 1 informs the user that it is in the usable state. For example, the control unit 120 may output an image indicating that it is usable on the display of the holder 1, or may control the motor of the holder 1 to generate a vibration signal.

In step 2750, the heater 2130 is heated. As one example, when the holder 1 is separated from the cradle 2, the heater 2130 can be heated by the power of the battery 110 of the holder 1. [ As another example, when the holder 1 is tilted, the heater 2130 can be heated by the power of the battery 210 of the cradle 2. [

The control unit 120 of the holder 1 or the control unit 220 of the cradle 2 checks the temperature of the heater 2130 in real time and controls the amount of power supplied to the heater 2130 and the amount of power supplied to the heater 2130 Can be adjusted. For example, the control unit 120 or 220 can confirm the temperature of the heater 2130 in real time through the temperature sensor included in the holder 1 or the electrically conductive track of the heater 2130.

In step 2760, the holder 1 performs an aerosol generation mechanism. For example, the control unit 120 or 220 may control the amount of power supplied to the heater 2130 or the amount of power supplied to the heater 2130 by checking the temperature of the heater 2130, You can stop. Also, the control units 120 and 220 can count the number of puffs of the user and output information indicating that the holder needs to be cleaned when the number of puffs reaches a predetermined number of times (for example, 1500).

In step 2770, the cradle 2 performs charging of the holder 1. For example, the control unit 220 can charge the holder 1 by supplying the battery 210 power of the cradle 2 to the battery 110 of the holder 1.

Meanwhile, the control units 120 and 220 may stop the operation of the holder 1 according to the number of puffs of the user or the operation time of the holder 1. Hereinafter, an example in which the control units 120 and 220 stop the operation of the holder 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

19 is a flowchart for explaining another example in which the holder operates.

The method of producing the aerosol shown in Fig. 19 consists of the steps of the holder 1 shown in Fig. 11 and the cradle 2 shown in Fig. 3, which are processed in a time-series manner. Therefore, it is understood that the contents described above with respect to the holder 1 shown in Fig. 15 or the cradle 2 shown in Fig. 3 apply to the method of Fig. 19, even if omitted from the following description.

In step 2810, the controller 120 or 220 determines whether the user has puffed. For example, the controller 120 or 220 may determine whether the user has puffed through the puff detection sensor included in the holder 1.

In step 2820, an aerosol is generated according to the user's puff. The control units 120 and 220 can adjust the power supplied to the heater 2130 according to the temperature of the user's puff and heater 2130 as described above with reference to FIG. Also, the controllers 120 and 220 count the number of puffs of the user.

In step 2830, the controller 120 or 220 determines whether the user's puff count is greater than or equal to the puff limit count. For example, if it is assumed that the number of puff restriction times is set to 14, the control unit 120 or 220 determines whether the counted number of puffs is 14 or more.

On the other hand, when the number of puffs of the user is close to the number of puff limitation (for example, when the number of puffs of the user is 12), the control unit 120 or 220 can output a warning signal through the display or the vibration motor.

If the number of puffs of the user is equal to or greater than the puff limit number, the process proceeds to step 2850. If the number of puffs of the user is less than the puff limit number,

In step 2840, the controller 120 or 220 determines whether the time when the holder 1 is operated is equal to or longer than the operation limit time. Here, the time when the holder 1 is operated means the time accumulated from the time when the holder started to operate to the present time. For example, if it is assumed that the operation time limit is set to 10 minutes, the control unit 120 or 220 determines whether the holder 1 is operating for 10 minutes or more.

On the other hand, when the operation time of the holder 1 is close to the operation limit time (for example, when the holder 1 is operating for 8 minutes), the control unit 120, Can be output.

If the operation time of the holder 1 is less than the operation time limit, the process proceeds to step 2820. If the operation time of the holder 1 is shorter than the operation time limit,

In step 2850, the controllers 120 and 220 forcefully terminate the operation of the holder. In other words, the control units 120 and 220 stop the aerosol generation mechanism of the holder. For example, the control units 120 and 220 may forcibly terminate the operation of the holder by cutting off the power supplied to the heater 2130. [

20 is a flowchart for explaining an example in which the cradle operates.

The flow chart shown in Fig. 20 consists of steps that are processed in a time-series manner in the cradle 2 shown in Fig. Therefore, it will be understood that the contents described above with respect to the cradle 2 shown in Fig. 3 apply to the flow chart of Fig. 20, even if omitted from the following description.

Although not shown in FIG. 20, the operation of the cradle 2 to be described below can be performed regardless of whether or not the holder 1 is inserted into the cradle 2.

In step 2910, the control unit 220 of the cradle 2 determines whether the button 2240 is pressed. If the button 2240 is pressed, the process proceeds to step 2920. If the button 2240 is not pressed, the process proceeds to step 2930. [

In step 2920, the cradle 2 displays the status of the battery. For example, the control unit 220 may output information about the current state of the battery 210 (for example, the remaining amount, etc.) to the display 2250.

In step 2930, the control unit 220 of the cradle 2 determines whether or not a cable is connected to the cradle 2. For example, the control unit 220 determines whether a cable is connected to an interface (for example, a USB port, etc.) included in the cradle 2. [ If the cable is connected to the cradle 2, the process proceeds to step 2940; otherwise, the procedure is terminated.

In step 2940, the cradle 2 performs a charging operation. For example, the cradle 2 charges the battery 210 using electric power supplied through a connected cable.

As described above with reference to Fig. 11, the cigarette can be inserted into the holder 1. Fig. The cigarette contains the aerosol product, and the aerosol is produced by the heated heater 2130.

An example of a cigarette which can be inserted into the holder 1 will now be described with reference to Figs. 21 to 23F. Fig.

21 is a view showing an example in which a cigarette is inserted into a holder.

Referring to Fig. 21, the cigarette 3 can be inserted into the holder 1 through the end 2141 of the case 2140. Fig. When the cigarette 3 is inserted, the heater 2130 is positioned inside the cigarette 3. Thus, the heated aerosol generating material of the cigarette 3 is heated by the heater 2130, thereby generating an aerosol.

The cigarette 3 may be similar to a general soft cigarette. For example, the cigarette 3 may be divided into a first portion 3310 comprising an aerosol generating material and a second portion 3320 including a filter or the like. Meanwhile, the cigarette 3 according to one embodiment may include an aerosol generating material in the second portion 3320. [ For example, an aerosol product made in the form of granules or capsules may be inserted into the second portion 3320.

The entire first portion 3310 may be inserted into the holder 1 and the second portion 3320 may be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a part of the first part 3310 may be inserted into the holder 1, and a part of the first part 3310 and the second part 3320 may be inserted.

The user may inhale the aerosol from the second portion 3320 into the mouth. At this time, the aerosol is mixed with the outside air and transferred to the user's mouth. 21, the external air may be introduced (3110) through at least one hole formed in the surface of the cigarette 3 and may be introduced into the holder 1 through at least one air passage formed in the holder 1 (3120). For example, the air passage formed in the holder 1 may be made openable and closable by the user.

22A and 22B are block diagrams showing an example of a cigarette.

22A and 22B, the cigarette 3 includes a cigarette rod 3300, a first filter segment 3321, a cooling structure 3322, and a second filter segment 3323. The first portion 3310 described above with reference to Figure 21 includes a tobacco rod 3300 and the second portion 3320 includes a first filter segment 3321, a cooling structure 3322 and a second filter segment 3323 ).

22A and Fig. 22B, the cigarette 3 of Fig. 22B further includes a fourth wrapper 3334 in comparison with the cigarette 3 of Fig. 22A.

However, the structure of the cigarette 3 shown in Figs. 22A and 22B is merely an example, and a part of the structure may be omitted. For example, the cigarette 3 may not include at least one of the first filter segment 3321, the cooling structure 3322, and the second filter segment 3323.

The tobacco rod 3300 includes an aerosol generating material. For example, the aerosol producing material may comprise at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol and oleyl alcohol. The length of the tobacco rod 3300 may be about 7 mm to 15 mm, or preferably about 12 mm. In addition, the diameter of the tobacco rod 3300 may be between 7 mm and 9 mm, or preferably about 7.9 mm. The length and diameter of the tobacco rod 3300 are not limited to the above-described numerical ranges.

In addition, the tobacco rod 3300 may contain other additives such as flavorings, wetting agents and / or acetate compounds. For example, the flavorings may be selected from the group consisting of licorice, sucrose, fructose syrup, isosweet, cocoa, lavender, cinnamon, cardamom, celery, fenugreek, cascara, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, Mint oil, cinnamon, keragene, cognac, jasmine, chamomile, menthol, cinnamon, ylang ylang, salvia, spearmint, ginger, coriander or coffee and the like. In addition, the wetting agent may include glycerin or propylene glycol.

As an example, the tobacco rod 3300 may be filled with cigarette ore. Here, tobacco orchards can be produced by finely crushing a tobacco sheet.

In order for the wide tobacco sheet to be filled in the tobacco rod 3300 in the narrow space, a process is required to make the tobacco sheet easily foldable. Thus, it is easier to fill the cigarette load 3300 with tobacco cymbals, compared to filling the cigarette rod 3300 with a cigarette sheet, and the productivity and efficiency of the process of producing the cigarette rod 3300 can be higher have.

As another example, the tobacco rod 3300 can be filled with a plurality of cigarette strands that are cut into cigarette sheets. For example, the tobacco rod 3300 can be formed by combining a plurality of tobacco strands in the same direction (parallel) or at random. One cigarette strand may be manufactured in a rectangular parallelepiped shape having a length of 1 mm, a length of 12 mm, and a thickness (height) of 0.1 mm, but is not limited thereto.

Compared to the tobacco rod 3300 being filled with a cigarette sheet, the tobacco rod 3300 filled with tobacco strands can generate a greater amount of aerosol. Assuming that they are filled in the same space, the tobacco strands ensure a wider surface area than the tobacco sheet. A large surface area means that the aerosol product has a greater chance of contact with the outside air. Thus, when the tobacco rod 3300 is filled with tobacco strands, more aerosols may be generated than those filled with the tobacco sheet.

Further, when the cigarette 3 is separated from the holder 1, the tobacco rod 3300 filled with the cigarette strands can be separated more easily than when the cigarette rod 3300 is filled with the cigarette sheet. Compared to the tobacco sheet, the tobacco strands are less prone to contact with the heater 2130. Thus, when the tobacco rod 3300 is filled with tobacco strands, it can be more easily detached from the holder 1 than it is filled with the tobacco sheet.

The tobacco sheet may be formed by pulverizing the tobacco raw material into a slurry form and then drying the slurry. For example, 15 to 30% of the aerosol product may be added to the slurry. The tobacco raw materials may be tobacco leaf slices, tobacco stalks, tobacco dusts generated during tobacco processing, and / or major side strips of tobacco leaves. The tobacco sheet may also contain other additives such as wood cellulose fibers.

The first filter segment 3321 may be a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the first filter segment 3321 may be in the form of a tube containing hollow therein. The length of the first filter segment 3321 may be about 7 mm to 15 mm, or preferably about 7 mm. The length of the first filter segment 3321 may be less than about 7 mm, but preferably has a length such that the function of at least one cigarette element (e.g., cooling element, capsule, acetate filter, etc.) . The length of the first filter segment 3321 is not limited to the above-described numerical range. On the other hand, the length of the first filter segment 3321 can be extended, and the length of the entire cigarette 3 can be adjusted according to the length of the first filter segment 3321.

The second filter segment 3323 may also be a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the second filter segment 3323 may be fabricated with a recess filter including a hollow, but is not limited thereto. The length of the second filter segment 3323 can be about 5 mm to 15 mm or, preferably, about 12 mm. The length of the second filter segment 3323 is not limited to the above-described numerical range.

Also, at least one capsule 3324 may be included in the second filter segment 3323. Here, the capsule 3324 may be a structure in which a content liquid containing a perfume is wrapped in a film. For example, the capsule 3324 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape. The diameter of the capsule 3324 may be 2 mm or more, or preferably 2 to 4 mm.

The material forming the capsule of the capsule 3324 may be starch and / or gelling agent. For example, as the gelling agent, gellan gum or gelatin may be used. Further, as a material for forming the coating film of the capsule 3324, a gelation assistant may be further used. Here, as the gelling agent, for example, calcium chloride may be used. Further, a plasticizer may be further used as a material for forming the film of the capsule 3324. [ As the plasticizer, glycerin and / or sorbitol may be used. Further, a coloring agent may be further used as a material for forming the coating film of the capsule 3324. [

For example, as the fragrance contained in the content liquid of the capsule, menthol, plant essential oil and the like can be used. As the solvent of the flavor included in the content liquid, for example, a medium chain fatty acid triglyceride (MCT) may be used. In addition, the content liquid may contain other additives such as coloring matters, emulsifying agents, thickening agents and the like.

The cooling structure 3322 cools the aerosol generated by the heater 2130 heating the tobacco rod 3300. Thus, the user can inhale the cooled aerosol to a suitable temperature. The length of the cooling structure 3322 may be about 10 mm to 20 mm, or preferably about 14 mm. The length of the cooling structure 3322 is not limited to the above-described numerical range.

For example, the cooling structure 3322 can be made of polylactic acid. The cooling structure 3322 can be manufactured in various forms to increase the surface area per unit area (i.e., the surface area in contact with the aerosol). Various examples of the cooling structure 3322 will be described later with reference to Figs. 23A to 23F.

The tobacco rod 3300 and the first filter segment 3321 may be packaged by the first wrapper 3331. For example, the first wrapper 3331 may be made of a paper wrapping material having oil resistance.

The cooling structure 3322 and the second filter segment 3323 may be packaged by the second wrapper 3332. [ Further, the entire cigarette 3 can be repackaged by the third wrapper 3333. For example, the second wrapper 3332 and the third wrapper 3333 may be made of ordinary paper wrapping materials. Optionally, the second wrapper 3332 may be an oil-resistant hard wrapper or a PLA louver. The second wrapper 3332 may also wrap the second filter segment 3323 portion and further package the second filter segment 3323 and the cooling structure 3322.

Referring to Fig. 22B, the cigarette 3 may include a fourth wrapper 3334. Fig. At least one of the tobacco rod 3300 and the first filter segment 3321 may be packaged by a fourth wrapper 3334. In other words, only the tobacco rod 3300 may be packed by the fourth wrapper 3334, and the tobacco rod 3300 and the first filter segment 3321 may be packed by the fourth wrapper 3334. [ For example, the fourth wrapper 3334 may be made of paper wrapping material.

The fourth wrapper 3334 can be formed by coating (or coating) a predetermined material on one surface or both surfaces of the paper wrapper. Here, examples of a predetermined material may include, but are not limited to, silicon. Silicon has properties such as heat resistance with little change with temperature, oxidation resistance not oxidized, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency to water, or electrical insulation. However, even if it is not made of silicon, it may be coated (or coated) on the fourth wrapper 3334 without restriction if it is a material having the above-mentioned characteristics.

22B, the cigarette 3 is shown to include both the first wrapper 3331 and the fourth wrapper 3334, but is not limited thereto. In other words, the cigarette 3 may include only one of the first wrapper 3331 and the fourth wrapper 3334.

The fourth wrapper 3334 can prevent the cigarette 3 from burning. For example, when the tobacco rod 3300 is heated by the heater 2130, there is a possibility that the cigarette 3 is burned. Specifically, when the temperature rises above the ignition point of any one of the substances contained in the tobacco rod 3300, the cigarette 3 can be burned. Even in this case, since the fourth wrapper 3334 includes a non-combustible material, the burning of the cigarette 3 can be prevented.

In addition, the fourth wrapper 3334 can prevent the holder 1 from being contaminated by the substances generated in the cigarette 3. [ By means of the puff of the user, liquid substances can be produced in the cigarette 3. For example, the aerosol generated in the cigarette 3 is cooled by the outside air, so that liquid substances (for example, water, etc.) can be generated. As the fourth wrapper 3334 packs the tobacco rod 3300 and / or the first filter segment 3321, the liquid substances produced in the cigarette 3 are prevented from leaking out of the cigarette 3 . Therefore, the case 2140 of the holder 1 and the like can be prevented from being contaminated by the liquid substances generated in the cigarette 3. [

23A to 23F are views showing examples of the cooling structure of the cigarette.

For example, the cooling structures shown in Figures 23A-23F can be fabricated using fibers produced with pure polylactic acid (PLA).

As one example, when a film (sheet) is filled and the cooling structure is made into a film (sheet), the film (sheet) may be broken by an external impact. In this case, the effect of the cooling structure cooling the aerosol is reduced.

As another example, when a cooling structure is manufactured by extrusion molding or the like, the efficiency of the process is lowered as a process such as cutting of the structure is added. Also, there are limitations in manufacturing the cooling structure in various shapes.

Depending upon the fabrication (e.g., weaving) of the cooling structure according to one embodiment using polylactic acid fibers, the risk that the cooling structure will be deformed or lost by external impact may be reduced. Further, by changing the manner of combining the fibers, a cooling structure having various shapes can be manufactured.

Further, by making the cooling structure using the fibers, the surface area in contact with the aerosol is increased. Therefore, the effect of cooling the aerosol of the cooling structure can be further improved.

Referring to FIG. 23A, the cooling structure 3510 may be formed in a cylindrical shape, and at least one air passage 3511 may be formed in a cross section of the cooling structure 3510.

Referring to FIG. 23B, the cooling structure 3520 can be made of a structure in which a plurality of fibers are intertwined with each other. At this time, the aerosol may flow between the fibers and vortices may form depending on the shape of the cooling structure 3520. The vortex formed expands the area of contact of the aerosol in the cooling structure 3520 and increases the residence time of the aerosol in the cooling structure 3520. Thus, the heated aerosol can be effectively cooled.

Referring to FIG. 23C, the cooling structure 3530 may be formed by gathering a plurality of bundles 3531.

Referring to Fig. 23D, the cooling structure 3540 can be filled with granules made of polylactic acid, an orchard or char, respectively. The granules may also be prepared from a mixture of polylactic acid, an orchard, and charcoal. On the other hand, the granules may further comprise, in addition to the polylactic acid, the orchards and / or charcoal, an element capable of increasing the cooling effect of the aerosol.

Referring to Figure 23E, the cooling structure 3550 may include a first end face 3551 and a second end face 3552.

The first end face 3551 is bounded by the first filter segment 3321 and may include voids into which the aerosol flows. The second end face 3552 is bounded by the second filter segment 3323 and may include voids through which the aerosol can be released. For example, the first end face 3551 and the second end face 3552 may include a single cavity having the same diameter, but the diameter and the number of the cavities included in the first end face 3551 and the second end face 3552 Are not limited thereto.

In addition, the cooling structure 3550 may include a third end face 3553 including a plurality of voids between the first end face 3551 and the second end face 3552. For example, the diameter of the plurality of voids included in the third end face 3553 may be smaller than the diameter of the voids included in the first end face 3551 and the second end face 3552. In addition, the number of voids included in the third end face 3553 may be greater than the number of voids included in the first end face 3551 and the second end face 3552.

23F, the cooling structure 3560 can include a first end face 3561 that is in contact with the first filter segment 3321 and a second end face 3562 that is in contact with the second filter segment 3323 . In addition, the cooling structure 3560 can include one or more tubular elements 3563. For example, the tubular element 3563 can penetrate the first end face 3561 and the second end face 3562. In addition, the tubular element 3563 can be packed with microporous packaging material and filled with a filler (e.g., the granules described above with reference to Figure 23D) that can increase the cooling effect of the aerosol.

According to the above, the holder can generate an aerosol by heating the cigarette. In addition, the holder can be produced independently or even when the holder is inserted into the cradle and tilted. In particular, when the holder is tilted, the heater can be heated by the electric power of the battery of the cradle.

In the drawings and the description above, the same constitution has been cited as another member number according to the drawings and embodiments. However, it is apparent to those skilled in the art that this is different from the member number for convenience only, and can be the same regardless of the member number.

An apparatus according to the present invention may include a processor, a memory for storing and executing program data, a permanent storage such as a disk drive, a communication port for communicating with an external device, a user interface such as a touch panel, a key, Devices, and the like. Methods implemented with software modules or algorithms may be stored on a computer readable recording medium as computer readable codes or program instructions executable on the processor. Here, the computer-readable recording medium may be a magnetic storage medium such as a read-only memory (ROM), a random-access memory (RAM), a floppy disk, a hard disk, ), And a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc). The computer-readable recording medium may be distributed over networked computer systems so that computer readable code can be stored and executed in a distributed manner. The medium is readable by a computer, stored in a memory, and executable on a processor.

All documents, including publications, patent applications, patents, etc., cited in the present invention may be incorporated into the present invention in the same manner as each cited document is shown individually and specifically in conjunction with one another, .

In order to facilitate understanding of the present invention, reference will be made to the preferred embodiments shown in the drawings, and specific terminology is used to describe the embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the specific terminology, Lt; / RTI > may include all elements commonly conceivable by those skilled in the art.

The present invention may be represented by functional block configurations and various processing steps. These functional blocks may be implemented in a wide variety of hardware and / or software configurations that perform particular functions. For example, the present invention may include integrated circuit configurations, such as memory, processing, logic, look-up tables, etc., that may perform various functions by control of one or more microprocessors or other control devices Can be adopted. Similar to the components of the present invention that may be implemented with software programming or software components, the present invention may be implemented as a combination of C, C ++, and C ++, including various algorithms implemented with data structures, processes, routines, , Java (Java), assembler, and the like. Functional aspects may be implemented with algorithms running on one or more processors. The present invention may also employ conventional techniques for electronic configuration, signal processing, and / or data processing, and the like. Terms such as "mechanism," "element," "means," and "configuration" may be used broadly and are not limited to mechanical and physical configurations. The term may include the meaning of a series of routines of software in conjunction with a processor or the like.

The specific acts described in the present invention are, by way of example, not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. For brevity of description, descriptions of conventional electronic configurations, control systems, software, and other functional aspects of such systems may be omitted. Also, the connections or connecting members of the lines between the components shown in the figures are illustrative of functional connections and / or physical or circuit connections, which may be replaced or additionally provided by a variety of functional connections, physical Connection, or circuit connections. Also, unless explicitly referred to as " essential ", " important ", etc., it may not be a necessary component for application of the present invention.

The use of the terms " above " and similar indication words in the specification of the present invention (particularly in the claims) may refer to both singular and plural. In addition, in the present invention, when a range is described, it includes the invention to which the individual values belonging to the above range are applied (unless there is contradiction thereto), and each individual value constituting the above range is described in the detailed description of the invention The same. Finally, the steps may be performed in any suitable order, unless explicitly stated or contrary to the description of the steps constituting the method according to the invention. The present invention is not necessarily limited to the order of description of the above steps. The use of all examples or exemplary language (e.g., etc.) in this invention is for the purpose of describing the present invention only in detail and is not to be limited by the scope of the claims, It is not. It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications, combinations, and alterations may be made depending on design criteria and factors within the scope of the appended claims or equivalents thereof.

1: Holder
2: Cradle
3: Aerosol product, cigarette
110: Battery in holder
120: Control of holder
121: LED display window
122, 901: LED lamp
130: sensor
140:
150, 2130: heater
2131: End of heater
170, 2140: Case of holder
2141: End of case holder
180:

Claims (18)

In an aerosol generating device,
A battery for supplying electric power;
A heater for heating the aerosol producing material;
sensor;
At least two outputs including an LED lamp and a vibration motor; And
And a control unit,
Wherein the controller detects the puff of the user using the sensor and controls the operation of the output units including the LED lamp and the vibration motor based on the puff characteristic data corresponding to the detection result An aerosol generating device. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the sensor further comprises a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the heater,
Wherein the controller senses the user's puff by measuring the temperature change of the heater using the temperature sensor. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the sensor further comprises the flow sensor,
Wherein the controller senses a puff of a user by measuring a change in flow rate in the device using the flow sensor. The method according to claim 1,
The puff characteristic data may include:
Data on the puff intensity, puff interval, and number of puffs. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the control unit predicts the number of puffs possible based on the amount of power of the battery or the amount of aerosol generated material, and changes the predicted number of times of puffing based on the puff characteristic data. 6. The method of claim 5,
Wherein,
And outputting the changed number of puffs using the at least one output unit. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein,
Determines the number of remaining puffs according to the puff characteristic data, and controls the output intensity of the vibration motor based on the determined number of remaining puffs. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein,
Determines the number of remaining puffs according to the puff characteristic data, and controls the light intensity or the flashing interval of the LED lamp based on the determined number of remaining puffs. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein,
Determines the number of remaining puffs according to the puff characteristic data, and controls the sound output intensity or the type of sound to be output based on the determined number of remaining puffs. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the aerosol generating device further comprises an outer case,
Wherein,
Wherein the temperature of the outer case is controlled based on the heater temperature of the puff state. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein,
Predicts the remaining puffable frequency based on the measured puff intensity and the estimated remaining battery power, and outputs the predicted remaining puffable frequency. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein,
Wherein the controller controls the at least one output to provide a notification to the user whenever the heater is warmed above a predetermined temperature. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein,
And controls the at least one output to provide a notification to the user based on the measured puff intensity or the measured puff distance. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein,
Wherein the controller controls the at least one output to inform the user that puffing is possible at predetermined intervals. Sensing a user's puff using a sensor;
Obtaining puff characteristic data based on the detection result; And
And controlling at least two outputs including an LED lamp and a vibration motor based on the puff characteristic data,
Wherein the controlling at least two outputs comprises:
And controlling the simultaneous operation of the LED lamp and the vibration motor based on the puff characteristic data. 16. The method of claim 15,
The method comprises:
Estimating the number of puffs possible based on the amount of power in the battery or the amount of aerosol generating material; And
And changing the predicted number of puffs possible based on the puff characteristic data. 17. The method of claim 16,
The method comprises:
Further comprising outputting a modified number of puffs possible using the at least one output. 17. A computer-readable recording medium on which a program for causing a computer to execute the method according to any one of claims 15 to 17 is recorded.

Images