KR20220015927A - Aerosol generating device including an electrode - Google Patents

Abstract

According to one embodiment of the present invention, provided is an aerosol generating device, which includes: a heater; a housing including an accommodation portion into which an aerosol generating article is inserted; an electrode apart from the aerosol generating article inserted into the accommodation portion and located to correspond to at least a part of the aerosol generating article; and a processor electrically connected to the heater and the electrode. In addition, various embodiments identified through the specification are possible. Therefore, it is possible to detect whether the aerosol generating article is inserted regardless of the type of packaging material.

Description

Aerosol generating device comprising electrodes

Various embodiments according to the present disclosure relate to an aerosol-generating device including an electrode, and more particularly, to an aerosol-generating device capable of performing various controls by sensing a change in the amount of charge of an electrode according to the dielectric constant of an aerosol-generating article. it's about

In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for alternative methods that overcome the disadvantages of conventional cigarettes. For example, there is a growing need for a method in which an aerosol is generated as the aerosol generating material in the cigarette is heated rather than a method in which the aerosol is generated by burning the cigarette. Accordingly, studies on a heated cigarette or a heated aerosol generating device are being actively conducted.

Various embodiments according to the present disclosure provide an aerosol-generating device capable of performing various controls by sensing a change in the amount of electric charge of an electrode according to the dielectric constant of an aerosol-generating article.

The problems to be solved through the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and the problems not mentioned are clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments belong from the present specification and the accompanying drawings. it could be

The aerosol-generating device in one embodiment includes a housing including a heater, a housing into which an aerosol-generating article is inserted, and an electrode disposed spaced apart from the aerosol-generating article inserted in the receiving part and positioned to correspond to at least one region of the aerosol-generating article; and a processor electrically connected to the electrode.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, whether or not the aerosol-generating article is inserted may be detected regardless of the type of packaging material surrounding at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, by disposing one electrode in order to measure the change in the amount of charge due to the insertion of the aerosol-generating article, it may be easy to change the design of the other components.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, as the amount of aerosol is directly detected through the dielectric constant of the aerosol, the accuracy of data regarding the amount of aerosol generated and whether the user puffs based thereon may be improved.

1 to 3 are views illustrating examples in which an aerosol-generating article is inserted into an aerosol-generating device.
4 and 5 are diagrams illustrating examples of aerosol-generating articles.
6A shows a schematic diagram for explaining a relationship between an electrode and an aerosol-generating article according to an embodiment.
Figure 6b shows an exemplary view of the position of the electrode of the aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.
7A shows a perspective view of a housing of an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment.
7B is a cross-sectional view of the housing of the aerosol generating device according to an embodiment cut in the AA′ direction.
8A shows a perspective view of a housing of an aerosol-generating device according to another embodiment;
8B is a cross-sectional view of the housing of the aerosol generating device according to another embodiment, cut in the AA′ direction.
9A shows a perspective view of a housing of an aerosol-generating device according to another embodiment;
9B is a cross-sectional view showing a housing of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment, cut in the AA′ direction.
10 shows an exemplary view of the position of the electrode of the aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.
11A shows an exemplary view of a position of an electrode of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.
11B shows an exemplary view of a position of an electrode with respect to a heater according to another embodiment.
12A shows an exemplary view of a position of an electrode of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.
12B shows an exemplary view of a position of an electrode of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.
13A shows an exemplary view of a position of an electrode of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.
13B shows an exemplary view of a position of an electrode of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.
Figure 14 shows a circuit diagram for the electrode in Figures 13a and 13b;
15 shows a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.
16A and 16B are diagrams illustrating an example of a method for an electrode of an aerosol-generating device to determine a type of an aerosol-generating article according to an embodiment.
17 is a graph for explaining a method in which a processor detects a change in a charging time of an electrode according to an embodiment.
18 is a graph illustrating a method in which a processor detects a change in a charging time of an electrode according to another exemplary embodiment.
19A is a graph illustrating a charging time of an electrode of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.
Fig. 19b shows a graph of discharge time of the electrode in Fig. 19a.
20 depicts a flow diagram in which an aerosol-generating device detects insertion of an aerosol-generating article according to an embodiment.
21 is a graph illustrating a charging time of an electrode that changes as an aerosol-generating article is inserted into an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment.
22A illustrates a state before the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment.
22B illustrates a state after the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment.
23 is a flowchart illustrating an aerosol generating device detecting a user's puff according to an embodiment.
24 is a graph illustrating a charging time of an electrode that changes as a user's puff is detected in the aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.
25A illustrates a state before the user's puff is detected in the aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.
25B illustrates a state after the user's puff is detected in the aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.
26 is a flowchart for controlling the power supplied to the heater in the aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.
27 shows a graph for controlling the power supplied to the heater according to the change in the charging time of the electrode in the aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.
28 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.
29 is a graph illustrating a charging time of an electrode that changes according to a user's smoking pattern according to an exemplary embodiment.
30 is a graph illustrating a charging time of an electrode that changes according to a user's smoking pattern according to another embodiment.
31 depicts a flow diagram in which an aerosol-generating device detects removal of an aerosol-generating article, according to an embodiment.
32 illustrates a graph of charging time of an electrode that changes as an aerosol-generating article is removed from an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment.
33A illustrates a state before the aerosol-generating article is removed from the aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment.
33B illustrates a state after the aerosol-generating article is removed from the aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment.
34 shows a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

The terms used in the embodiments are selected as currently widely used general terms as possible while considering the functions of the embodiments, which may vary depending on the intention or precedent of a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains, the emergence of new technology, etc. have. In addition, in a specific case, there is a term arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in this case, the meaning will be described in detail in the corresponding description. Therefore, the terms used in the description of the embodiments should be defined based on the meaning of the terms and the contents of the present disclosure, rather than the simple names of terms.

In the entire specification, when a part "includes" a certain element, this means that other elements may be further included, rather than excluding other elements, unless otherwise stated. In addition, terms such as “…unit” and “…module” described in the specification mean a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be implemented as hardware or software, or may be implemented as a combination of hardware and software.

Throughout the specification, an aerosol-generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol using an aerosol-generating material to generate an inhalable aerosol directly into the user's lungs through the user's mouth. For example, the aerosol generating device may be a holder.

Throughout the specification, the term “puff” refers to a user's inhalation, and inhalation may refer to a situation in which the user's mouth or nose is drawn into the user's mouth, nasal cavity, or lungs.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those of ordinary skill in the art can easily carry out the embodiments. However, the embodiments may be implemented in several different forms and are not limited to the embodiments described herein.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

1 to 3 are views illustrating examples in which an aerosol-generating article is inserted into an aerosol-generating device.

Referring to FIG. 1 , the aerosol generating device 1 includes a battery 11 , a control unit 12 , and a heater 13 . 2 and 3 , the aerosol generating device 1 further comprises a vaporizer 14 . In addition, a cigarette 2 may be inserted into the inner space of the aerosol generating device 1 .

The aerosol generating device 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 shows components related to the present embodiment. Therefore, it can be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art related to this embodiment that other general-purpose components other than those shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 may be further included in the aerosol generating device 1 . .

In addition, although it is shown that the heater 13 is included in the aerosol generating device 1 in FIGS. 2 and 3 , if necessary, the heater 13 may be omitted.

1 illustrates that the battery 11, the control unit 12, and the heater 13 are arranged in a line. In addition, in FIG. 2 , the battery 11 , the control unit 12 , the vaporizer 14 , and the heater 13 are illustrated as being arranged in a line. Also, FIG. 3 shows that the vaporizer 14 and the heater 13 are arranged in parallel. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1 is not limited to those shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 . In other words, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 1 , the arrangement of the battery 11 , the control unit 12 , the heater 13 and the vaporizer 14 may be changed.

When the cigarette 2 is inserted into the aerosol-generating device 1 , the aerosol-generating device 1 may actuate the heater 13 and/or the vaporizer 14 to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generated by the heater 13 and/or the vaporizer 14 passes through the cigarette 2 and is delivered to the user.

If desired, the aerosol-generating device 1 can heat the heater 13 even when the aerosol-generating article 2 is not inserted into the aerosol-generating device 1 .

The battery 11 supplies the power used to operate the aerosol generating device 1 . For example, the battery 11 may supply electric power so that the heater 13 or the vaporizer 14 can be heated, and may supply electric power required for the control unit 12 to operate. In addition, the battery 11 may supply power required to operate a display, a sensor, a motor, etc. installed in the aerosol generating device 1 .

The control unit 12 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1 . Specifically, the control unit 12 controls the operation of the battery 11 , the heater 13 and the vaporizer 14 , as well as other components included in the aerosol generating device 1 . Also, the control unit 12 may determine whether the aerosol generating device 1 is in an operable state by checking the state of each of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 .

The control unit 12 includes at least one processor. The 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. In addition, it can be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment pertains that it may be implemented in other types of hardware.

The heater 13 may be heated by electric power supplied from the battery 11 . For example, if the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the aerosol-generating device 1 , the heater 13 may be located external to the aerosol-generating article. Thus, the heated heater 13 may raise the temperature of the aerosol-generating material in the aerosol-generating article.

The heater 13 may be an electrically resistive heater. For example, the heater 13 may include an electrically conductive track, and the heater 13 may be heated as current flows through the electrically conductive track. However, the heater 13 is not limited to the above-described example, and may be applicable without limitation as long as it can be heated to a desired temperature. Here, the desired temperature may be preset in the aerosol generating device 1 or may be set to a desired temperature by the user.

Meanwhile, as another example, the heater 13 may be an induction heating type heater. Specifically, the heater 13 may include an electrically conductive coil for heating the aerosol-generating article in an induction heating manner, and the aerosol-generating article may include a susceptor capable of being heated by the induction heating heater.

For example, the heater 13 may comprise a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element, depending on the shape of the heating element, inside or outside the aerosol-generating article 2 . It can be heated outside.

In addition, a plurality of heaters 13 may be disposed in the aerosol generating device 1 . In this case, the plurality of heaters 13 may be disposed to be inserted into the interior of the aerosol-generating article 2 , or may be disposed on the outside of the aerosol-generating article 2 . In addition, some of the plurality of heaters 13 may be disposed to be inserted inside the aerosol-generating article 2 , and the rest may be disposed outside the aerosol-generating article 2 . In addition, the shape of the heater 13 is not limited to the shape shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 , and may be manufactured in various shapes.

Vaporizer 14 may heat the liquid composition to generate an aerosol, which may be passed through aerosol generating article 2 and delivered to a user. In other words, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 may travel along an airflow passage of the aerosol-generating device 1 , wherein the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 passes through the aerosol-generating article to a user It can be configured to be delivered to

For example, the vaporizer 14 may include, but is not limited to, a liquid reservoir, a liquid delivery means and a heating element. For example, the liquid reservoir, the liquid delivery means and the heating element may be included in the aerosol-generating device 1 as independent modules.

The liquid reservoir may store the liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid comprising a tobacco-containing material comprising a volatile tobacco flavor component, or may be a liquid comprising a non-tobacco material. The liquid storage unit may be manufactured to be detachably/attached from the vaporizer 14 , or may be manufactured integrally with the vaporizer 14 .

For example, the liquid composition may include water, a solvent, ethanol, a plant extract, a flavoring, flavoring agent, or a vitamin mixture. The fragrance may include, but is not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, various fruit flavoring ingredients, and the like. Flavoring agents may include ingredients capable of providing a user with a variety of flavors or flavors. The vitamin mixture may be a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E, but is not limited thereto. Liquid compositions may also include aerosol formers such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

The liquid delivery means may deliver the liquid composition of the liquid reservoir to the heating element. For example, the liquid delivery means may be, but is not limited to, a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic.

The heating element is an element for heating the liquid composition delivered by the liquid delivery means. For example, the heating element may be, but is not limited to, a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate, a ceramic heater, or the like. In addition, the heating element may be composed of a conductive filament, such as a nichrome wire, and may be arranged to be wound around the liquid delivery means. The heating element may be heated by supplying an electrical current, and may transfer heat to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element, thereby heating the liquid composition. As a result, an aerosol may be generated.

For example, the vaporizer 14 may be referred to as a cartomizer or an atomizer, but is not limited thereto.

Meanwhile, the aerosol generating device 1 may further include general-purpose components in addition to the battery 11 , the controller 12 , the heater 13 , and the vaporizer 14 . For example, the aerosol generating device 1 may include a display capable of outputting visual information and/or a motor for outputting tactile information. In addition, the aerosol-generating device 1 may include at least one sensor (a puff detection sensor, a temperature detection sensor, an aerosol-generating article insertion detection sensor, etc.). In addition, the aerosol generating device 1 may be manufactured to have a structure in which external air may be introduced or internal gas may flow out even in a state in which the aerosol generating article 2 is inserted.

Although not shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 , the aerosol generating device 1 may constitute a system together with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle may be used for charging the battery 11 of the aerosol generating device 1 . Alternatively, the heater 13 may be heated in a state in which the cradle and the aerosol generating device 1 are coupled.

The aerosol-generating article 2 may be similar to a conventional combustible cigarette. For example, the aerosol-generating article 2 may be divided into a first part comprising an aerosol-generating material and a second part comprising a filter or the like. Alternatively, the second part of the aerosol-generating article 2 may also contain an aerosol-generating material. For example, an aerosol-generating material made in the form of granules or capsules may be inserted into the second part.

The entire first part may be inserted into the aerosol generating device 1 , and the second part may be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a part of the first part may be inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, and the whole of the first part and a part of the second part may be inserted. The user may inhale the aerosol while biting the second part with the mouth. At this time, the aerosol is generated by passing the outside air through the first part, and the generated aerosol passes through the second part and is delivered to the user's mouth.

As an example, external air may be introduced through at least one air passage formed in the aerosol generating device 1 . For example, the opening and closing of the air passage and/or the size of the air passage formed in the aerosol generating device 1 may be adjusted by the user. Accordingly, the amount of atomization, the feeling of smoking, and the like can be adjusted by the user. As another example, outside air may be introduced into the interior of the aerosol-generating article 2 through at least one hole formed in the surface of the aerosol-generating article 2 .

Examples of the aerosol-generating article 2 are described below with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 .

4 and 5 are diagrams illustrating examples of aerosol-generating articles.

Referring to FIG. 4 , the aerosol-generating article 2 comprises a tobacco rod 21 and a filter rod 22 . The first part 21 described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 includes a tobacco rod 21 , and the second part 22 includes a filter rod 22 .

4, the filter rod 22 is shown as a single segment, but is not limited thereto. In other words, the filter rod 22 may be composed of a plurality of segments. For example, the filter rod 22 may include a segment that cools the aerosol and a segment that filters certain components contained within the aerosol. In addition, if necessary, the filter rod 22 may further include at least one segment performing other functions.

The aerosol generating article 2 may be wrapped by at least one wrapper 24 . At least one hole through which external air is introduced or internal gas flows may be formed in the wrapper 24 . As an example, the aerosol generating article 2 may be wrapped by one wrapper 24 . As another example, the aerosol generating article 2 may be wrapped by two or more wrappers 24 overlappingly. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be packaged by the first wrapper 241 , and the filter rod 22 may be packaged by the wrappers 242 , 243 , and 244 . And, the entire aerosol-generating article 2 can be repackaged by a single wrapper 245 . If the filter rod 22 is composed of a plurality of segments, each segment may be wrapped by wrappers 242 , 243 , 244 .

The tobacco rod 21 comprises an aerosol generating material. For example, the aerosol generating material may include, but is not limited to, at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol and oleyl alcohol. In addition, the tobacco rod 21 may contain other additive substances such as flavoring agents, wetting agents and/or organic acids. In addition, a flavoring liquid such as menthol or a moisturizing agent can be added to the tobacco rod 21 by being sprayed onto the tobacco rod 21 .

Tobacco rod 21 may be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be manufactured as a sheet or as a strand. In addition, the tobacco rod 21 may be made of cut filler from which the tobacco sheet is chopped. In addition, the tobacco rod 21 may be surrounded by a heat-conducting material. For example, the heat-conducting material may be, but is not limited to, a metal foil such as aluminum foil. For example, the heat-conducting material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 may improve the thermal conductivity applied to the tobacco rod by evenly distributing the heat transferred to the tobacco rod 21, thereby improving the tobacco taste. . Further, the heat-conducting material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 may function as a susceptor heated by an induction heater. At this time, although not shown in the drawings, the tobacco rod 21 may further include an additional susceptor in addition to the heat-conducting material surrounding the outside.

The filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. On the other hand, the shape of the filter rod 22 is not limited. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a cylindrical rod, or a tubular rod including a hollow therein. Also, the filter rod 22 may be a recess type rod. If the filter rod 22 is composed of a plurality of segments, at least one of the plurality of segments may be manufactured in a different shape.

In addition, the filter rod 22 may include at least one capsule 23 . Here, the capsule 23 may perform a function of generating flavor, or may perform a function of generating an aerosol. For example, the capsule 23 may have a structure in which a liquid containing a fragrance is wrapped with a film. The capsule 23 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

Referring to FIG. 5 , the aerosol-generating article 3 may further comprise a shear plug 33 . The front plug 33 may be located on one side of the tobacco rod 31 opposite to the filter rod 32 . The shear plug 33 can prevent the tobacco rod 31 from escaping to the outside, and the aerosol liquefied from the tobacco rod 31 during smoking flows into the aerosol generating device ( 1 in FIGS. 1 to 3 ). can be prevented

The filter rod 32 may include a first segment 321 and a second segment 322 . Here, the first segment 321 may correspond to the first segment of the filter rod 22 of FIG. 4 , and the second segment 322 may correspond to the third segment of the filter rod 22 of FIG. 4 . can

The diameter and overall length of the aerosol-generating article 3 may correspond to the diameter and overall length of the aerosol-generating article 2 of FIG. 4 . For example, the length of the shear plug 33 is about 7 mm, the length of the tobacco rod 31 is about 15 mm, the length of the first segment 321 is about 12 mm, the length of the second segment 322 is about 14 mm. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

The aerosol-generating article 3 may be wrapped by at least one wrapper 35 . At least one hole through which external air flows or internal gas flows may be formed in the wrapper 35 . For example, the shear plug 33 is wrapped by the first wrapper 351 , the tobacco rod 31 is wrapped by the second wrapper 352 , and the first segment ( 353 ) is wrapped by the third wrapper 353 . 321 may be wrapped, and the second segment 322 may be wrapped by the fourth wrapper 354 . And, the entire aerosol-generating article 3 may be repackaged by the fifth wrapper 355 .

In addition, at least one perforation 36 may be formed in the fifth wrapper 355 . For example, the perforations 36 may be formed in the area surrounding the tobacco rod 31, but are not limited thereto. The perforation 36 may serve to transfer heat formed by the heater 13 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 to the inside of the tobacco rod 31 .

Also, the second segment 322 may include at least one capsule 34 . Here, the capsule 34 may perform a function of generating flavor, or may perform a function of generating an aerosol. For example, the capsule 34 may have a structure in which a liquid containing fragrance is wrapped with a film. The capsule 34 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

6A shows a schematic diagram for explaining a relationship between an electrode and an aerosol-generating article according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 6A , the aerosol generating device 600 may include an electrode 620 and a processor 640 . In one embodiment, the processor 640 is based on the charging time or the discharging time of the electrode 620, the function of detecting whether the insertion / removal of the aerosol-generating article 605, the function of detecting the user's puff and the amount of aerosol generated Accordingly, it is possible to perform a function of controlling the power supplied to the heater. For example, the processor 640 may measure the charging time of the electrode 620 by applying a specific voltage to the electrode 620 . The processor 640 may perform various functions based on the measured charging time of the electrode 620 or a change in the charging time. As another example, the processor 640 may measure the discharge time of the electrode 620 as the electrode 620 is naturally discharged. That is, when the charging voltage of the electrode 620 is the same as the applied voltage, the processor 640 may measure the discharge time of the electrode 620 , and the measured discharge time or change in the discharge time of the electrode 620 . Based on the above, the various functions may be performed.

In one embodiment, when the aerosol-generating article 605 is inserted into a portion (eg, a receptacle) of the aerosol-generating device 600 , the electrode 620 is spaced apart from the inserted aerosol-generating article 605 by a predetermined distance. can be placed. For example, the predetermined distance may mean a distance in which a change in charging time or discharging time of the electrode 620 generated by the aerosol-generating article 605 can be sensed. In one embodiment, the electrode 620 may be positioned to correspond to at least one region of the inserted aerosol-generating article 605 . For example, the electrode 620 may be positioned to correspond to at least one region in which the aerosol-generating material of the aerosol-generating article 605 is disposed.

Figure 6b shows an exemplary view of the position of the electrode of the aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 6B , the aerosol generating device 600 may include a housing 610 , an electrode 620 , and a heater 650 . In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating device 600 may include a receptacle into which the aerosol-generating article 605 may be inserted. For example, the housing 610 may correspond to a cylinder shape including an outer circumferential surface and an inner circumferential surface. In this case, the accommodating part may mean a space surrounded by the inner circumferential surface of the housing 610 or a region corresponding to the inner circumferential surface of the housing 610 . However, the shape of the housing 610 is not limited thereto, and may be variously changed according to the design of the manufacturer.

In an embodiment, the electrode 620 may be disposed to be spaced apart from the inner circumferential surface of the housing 610 in the direction of the outer circumferential surface of the housing 610 . For example, the housing 610 may extend in a first direction (eg, a +y direction), and the electrodes 620 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the first direction (eg, a +x direction). . In addition, as the electrode 620 is spaced apart from the inner circumferential surface of the housing 610 by a predetermined distance x, the electrode 620 may be buried between the inner circumferential surface and the outer circumferential surface of the housing 610 .

As the electrode 620 is disposed inside the housing 610 , noise of a data measurement result measured by the processor through the electrode 620 may be reduced. For example, if the electrode 620 is disposed to be exposed to the outside and comes into contact with the aerosol-generating article 605, the electrode 620 may be affected by data measurement due to external substances (eg, tobacco leaves, dust, etc.). have. Contrary to this, since the electrode 620 according to the present disclosure is disposed to be buried inside the housing 610 or not exposed to the outside by a separate protective layer, contamination by external substances does not occur, so noise on data measurement has a reducing effect.

In an embodiment, the electrode 620 may be disposed to correspond to at least one region where the aerosol generating material 630 is disposed. For example, the position of the electrode 620 may correspond to a region where the aerosol-generating material 630 is disposed as the aerosol-generating article 605 is fully inserted into the receptacle of the aerosol-generating device 600 .

In an embodiment, the heater 650 may correspond to an internal heating type heater. However, the type of the heater 650 is not limited thereto, and the shape of the heater in various embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described later with reference to FIGS. 11A to 13B .

7A shows a perspective view of a housing of an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the housing of the aerosol generating device according to an embodiment cut in the A-A' direction. 7A and 7B may correspond to a specific example of the electrode 620 included in the aerosol generating device 600 of FIG. 6 .

In one embodiment, the electrode 720 may be in the form of a plate having no curvature. In an embodiment, the electrode 720 may be disposed to be spaced apart from the receiving part 715 by a predetermined distance. At this time, since the electrode 720 is in the form of a plate having no curvature, the central portion of the electrode 720 is spaced apart from the receiving portion 715 by x, and the distal portion of the electrode 720 is separated from the receiving portion 715 . can be further apart than x. In order to minimize the difference between the distance between the receptacle 715 and the central portion of the electrode 720 and the distance between the receptacle 715 and the distal portion of the electrode 720 , the width of the electrode 720 is substantially can be formed narrowly.

8A shows a perspective view of a housing of an aerosol-generating device according to another embodiment; 8B is a cross-sectional view of the housing of the aerosol generating device according to another embodiment, taken in the A-A' direction. 9A shows a perspective view of a housing of an aerosol-generating device according to another embodiment; FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view showing a housing of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment, cut in the A-A' direction. 8A, 8B, 9A and 9B may correspond to a specific example of the electrode 620 included in the aerosol generating device 600 of FIG. 6 .

In an embodiment, the electrodes 820 and 920 may be in the form of a plate having a specific curvature. For example, the electrodes 820 and 920 may have a curvature smaller than the curvature of the inner peripheral surfaces of the housings 810 and 910 and greater than the curvature of the outer peripheral surfaces of the housings 810 and 910 . When the electrodes 820 and 920 are in the form of a plate having a curvature, all parts (eg, the central part, the distal part, etc.) of the electrodes 820 and 920 are spaced apart from the receiving parts 815 and 915 by a certain distance. can be placed.

In an embodiment, the electrodes 820 and 920 may be spaced apart from the accommodating parts 815 and 915 by a predetermined distance x to surround at least a portion of the accommodating parts 815 and 915 . For example, the electrode 820 may be disposed to surround only a region corresponding to a portion (eg, 25%) of the circumference of the accommodating portion 815 . As another example, the electrode 920 may be disposed to surround a region corresponding to a portion (eg, 90%) of the circumference of the accommodating portion 915 . However, the region surrounded by the electrode 620 is not limited thereto.

10 shows an exemplary view of the position of the electrode of the aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 10 , the aerosol generating device 1000 may include a housing 1010 and an electrode 1020 . In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating device 1000 may include a receptacle into which the aerosol-generating article 1005 may be inserted. For example, the housing 1010 may correspond to a cylinder shape including an outer circumferential surface and an inner circumferential surface. However, the shape of the housing 1010 is not limited thereto, and may be variously changed according to the design of the manufacturer.

In an embodiment, the electrode 1020 may be disposed to contact a region of the inner peripheral surface of the housing 1010 . In this case, a separate protective layer 1040 may be disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the housing 1010 . The protective layer 1040 may be formed to have a predetermined thickness x, and the electrode 1020 may be disposed to be spaced apart from the inner circumferential surface of the protective layer 1040 by a predetermined distance x.

The protective layer 1040 may be formed of a material, color, or pattern different from that of the housing 1010 . For example, the protective layer 1040 may mean a plating layer, an oxide layer, etc. formed so as not to react with the aerosol-generating article 1005 or an aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating article 1005 .

In an embodiment, the electrode 1020 may be disposed to correspond to at least one region where the aerosol generating material 1030 is disposed. For example, the position of the electrode 1020 may correspond to a region where the aerosol-generating material 1030 is disposed as the aerosol-generating article 1005 is fully inserted into the receptacle of the aerosol-generating device 1000 .

11A shows an exemplary view of a position of an electrode of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. 11B shows an exemplary view of a position of an electrode with respect to a heater according to another embodiment. 11A and 11B may correspond to a specific example of the heater 650 included in the aerosol generating device 600 of FIG. 6 .

11A and 11B , the aerosol generating device 1100 may include a housing 1110 , an electrode 1120 , and a heater 1150 . In an embodiment, the heater 1150 may correspond to a film heater including patterns arranged at regular intervals. For example, the heater 1150 may include a heating pattern 1140 and an electrode 1120 . The heating pattern 1140 may be printed on the heater 1150 in the form of a film (eg, a polyimide film). The electrode 1120 may be attached to at least a portion of the heater 1150 .

In an embodiment, the electrode 1120 may be disposed in a region that does not overlap the heating pattern 1140 of the heater 1150 . For example, the electrode 1120 may be disposed in at least one of region A (eg, an outer portion of the heating pattern) and region B (eg, an inner portion of the heating pattern).

12A shows an exemplary view of a position of an electrode of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. 12B shows an exemplary view of a position of an electrode of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. 12A and 12B may correspond to a specific example of the heater 650 included in the aerosol generating device 600 of FIG. 6 .

12A and 12B , the aerosol generating device 1200 may include a housing 1210 , an electrode 1220 , and a heater.

In an embodiment, the heater may include an internal heating type heater 1230 and an induction coil 1240 . For example, the induction coil 1240 may induce a variable magnetic field to heat the internal heating type heater 1230 of the aerosol generating device 1200 . In this case, the internal heating type heater 1230 may correspond to an example of the susceptor.

In another embodiment, the heater may include only the induction coil 1240 . For example, the induction coil 1240 can induce a variable magnetic field to heat the susceptor 1250 included in the medium region of the aerosol-generating article 1205 .

In an embodiment, the electrode 1220 may be disposed between the inner circumferential surface of the housing 1210 and the induction coil 1240 . In an embodiment, the electrode 1220 may be formed so as not to affect the variable magnetic field generated from the induction coil 1240 . For example, in order to prevent the intensity of the variable magnetic field generated by the induction coil 1240 from being reduced, the width of the electrode 1220 may be formed to be substantially narrow.

13A shows an exemplary view of a position of an electrode of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. 13B shows an exemplary view of a position of an electrode of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. 13A and 13B may correspond to a specific example of the electrode 620 and the heater 650 included in the aerosol generating device 600 of FIG. 6 .

13A and 13B , the aerosol generating device 1300 may include a housing 1310 and a heater.

In an embodiment, the heater may include an internal heating type heater 1330 and an induction coil 1340 . For example, the induction coil 1340 may induce a variable magnetic field to heat the internal heating type heater 1330 of the aerosol generating device 1300 .

In another embodiment, the heater may include only the induction coil 1340 . For example, the induction coil 1340 may induce a variable magnetic field to heat the susceptor 1350 included in the medium region of the aerosol-generating article 1305 .

In an embodiment, the electrode (eg, the electrode 620 of FIG. 6 ) may be integrally formed with the induction coil 1340 . That is, the induction coil 1340 may perform a sensing function of an electrode while heating a heating object (eg, an internal heating type heater or a susceptor) by inducing a variable magnetic field. A detailed description of the sensing function of the electrode will be described later with reference to FIG. 15 .

Figure 14 shows a circuit diagram for the electrode in Figures 13a and 13b;

Referring to FIG. 14 , the processor (eg, the processor of FIGS. 13A and 13B ) may include an induction heating controller 1400 and a sensor controller 1410 . In an embodiment, the induction heating controller 1400 may heat a heating object (eg, an internal heating type heater 1330 and a susceptor 1350 ) by inducing a variable magnetic field through an induction coil. In an embodiment, the sensor controller 1410 may apply power to the induction coil, detect a change in the charging time of the induction coil, and perform a sensing operation.

In an embodiment, the induction coil may be selectively controlled by the induction heating controller 1400 or the sensor controller 1410 .

In an embodiment, the induction coil may perform a heating operation through the induction heating controller 1400 . In this case, the connection between the sensor controller 1410 and the induction coil may be disconnected. For example, when the induction heating controller 1400 performs a heating operation by inducing a variable magnetic field through an induction coil, the switch A and the switch C are in an on state, and the switch B and the switch D are in an off state can be converted to

In an embodiment, the induction coil may receive power through the sensor controller 1410 and perform a sensing operation. For example, the sensing operation may include at least one of: sensing whether an aerosol-generating article (eg, the aerosol-generating article 605 of FIG. 6A ) is inserted/removed, sensing an atomization amount generated by the aerosol-generating article 605, and sensing a puff of the user. may contain one. At this time, the connection between the induction heating controller 1400 and the induction coil may be cut off. For example, when the sensor controller 1410 performs a sensing operation based on a change in the charging time of the induction coil, the switch A and the switch C may be switched to an off state, and the switch B and the switch D may be switched to an on state. In this case, when the induction coil performs a sensing operation through the sensor controller 1410 , one end of the circuit may be opened to serve as a ground (GND) terminal. When the switch C is switched to the off state, one end of the induction coil is opened to serve as a ground terminal.

14 illustrates that the sensor controller 1410 and the induction coil are connected by two lines, but is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the sensor controller 1410 and the induction coil may be connected with only one line including the switch B.

15 shows a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 15 , the aerosol generating device 1500 may include an electrode 1510 , a battery 1520 , a processor 1530 , and a heater 1540 .

The electrode 1510 may have a change in the amount of charge when a change according to the aerosol-generating article occurs. For example, changes with an aerosol-generating article may include insertion, removal of an aerosol-generating article, generating an aerosol according to the aerosol-generating article, and removing the aerosol by a puff of a user, and the like.

In one embodiment, when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the aerosol-generating device 1500 and disposed in proximity to the electrode 1510, the electrode 1510 according to the permittivity (ε) of the component included in the aerosol-generating article. The amount of charge can vary. The permittivity is a characteristic value indicating the electrical characteristics of the insulator, and may mean the size of polarization created with respect to an external electric field. At this time, even when the inserted aerosol-generating article is removed, the charge amount of the electrode 1510 may change.

For example, where the aerosol-generating article is a cigarette, the cigarette contains a packaging material having an amount of moisture or moisture (eg, an outer wrapper, an inner wrapper, etc.) and a solid smokeable material (eg, tobacco leaves, granules) included in the medium. form of tobacco substances, etc.). At this time, since the permittivity of moisture (H ₂ O) is about 80 times greater than that of air, when a cigarette is inserted even if the packaging material and the smokingable material contain only a small amount of moisture, the electrode 1510 may be affected. have.

As another example, even if the aerosol-generating article is a cartridge comprising a liquid smokeable material, the electrode 1510 may be affected when the cartridge is inserted as it contains a liquid having a high permittivity value.

In an embodiment, when the aerosol-generating article is disposed in proximity to the electrode 1510 as the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the aerosol-generating device 1500 , the charge amount of the electrode 1510 may be reduced. In one embodiment, as the aerosol-generating article is removed from the aerosol-generating device 1500 as it moves away from the electrode 1510 , the amount of charge on the electrode 1510 may increase.

In an embodiment, the processor 1530 may determine whether to insert or remove the aerosol-generating article by using the dielectric constant of a component included in the aerosol-generating article. Through this, the material of the aerosol-generating article can be variously changed. The conventional aerosol-generating device determines whether the aerosol-generating article is inserted through the wrapping paper of the aerosol-generating article or the aluminum foil included in the wrapping paper. However, even if the aerosol-generating article does not include aluminum foil, the aerosol-generating device according to the present disclosure can determine whether the aerosol-generating article is inserted or removed, so the manufacturer can variously change the material of the wrapping paper.

In one embodiment, when the aerosol-generating article is heated to generate an aerosol, the amount of electric charge of the electrode 1510 may change according to the dielectric constant of the aerosol.

For example, when an aerosol generating article is heated by the heater 1540, an aerosol with a constant moisture content may be generated. At this time, since the dielectric constant of the aerosol is about 80 times greater than that of air, the electrode 1510 may be affected when the aerosol is generated.

In one embodiment, when the aerosol is generated as the aerosol-generating article is heated, the amount of charge on the electrode 1510 may decrease. In one embodiment, when the aerosol generated as the aerosol-generating article is heated is removed by the user's puff, the amount of charge of the electrode 1510 may increase.

In an embodiment, the processor 1530 may determine the amount of aerosol generated and whether the user puffs by using the dielectric constant of the aerosol generated as the aerosol-generating article is heated. Through this, the aerosol generating device 1500 may provide a uniform atomization amount, and may detect the user's puff without a separate sensor module (eg, a puff detection sensor).

The battery 1520 may supply power required for the aerosol generating device 1500 to operate. For example, the battery 1520 may supply power to the processor 1530 to detect a change in the amount of charge in the electrode 1510 . In addition, the battery 1520 has other hardware components included in the aerosol generating device 1500, for example, various sensors (not shown), a user interface (not shown), and power required for the operation of a memory (not shown). can supply The battery 1520 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 1520 may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

The processor 1530 may control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1500 . For example, the processor 1530 may control the operation of the battery 1520 as well as other components included in the aerosol generating device 1500 . In addition, the processor 1530 may determine whether the aerosol generating device 1500 is in an operable state by checking the state of each of the components of the aerosol generating device 1500 .

In an embodiment, the processor 1530 may detect a change according to the aerosol-generating article based on the voltage of the electrode 1510 . For example, the processor 1530 may determine a change in the charging time of the electrode 1510 through the output voltage V _out and the input voltage V _in for the electrode 1510 . The processor 1530 may detect a change with the aerosol-generating article based on a change in the charging time of the electrode 1510 . A method for the processor 1530 to check the voltage of the electrode 1510 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18 .

16A and 16B are diagrams illustrating an example of a method for an electrode of an aerosol-generating device to determine a type of an aerosol-generating article according to an embodiment. The aerosol generating device 1600 of FIGS. 16A and 16B may correspond to the aerosol generating device 1500 of FIG. 15 .

16A and 16B , in the aerosol generating device 1600 , different types of aerosol generating articles may be inserted through the inner circumferential surface of the housing 1610 . For example, the first aerosol-generating article 1650 may have a larger area comprising tobacco material than the second aerosol-generating article 1660 . In this case, the tobacco material may include at least one of a solid phase and a liquid phase formed in the form of granules, capsules, and the like.

In an embodiment, when the aerosol-generating article is inserted, the processor 1630 may determine the type of the aerosol-generating article through the electrode 1620 .

For example, the first aerosol-generating article 1650 may comprise more moisture according to the tobacco material than the second aerosol-generating article 1660 . When the aerosol-generating article is inserted, the processor 1630 may determine that the first aerosol-generating article 1650 is inserted if the charge amount of the electrode 1620 is further reduced. The processor 1630 may store the amount of electric charge of the electrode 1620 reduced for each type of aerosol-generating article in a memory (not shown).

However, this is only an example, and the second aerosol-generating article 1660 is the first aerosol-generating article according to the composition ratio of the tobacco material included in the first aerosol-generating article 1650 and the second aerosol-generating article 1660 . It may contain more moisture depending on the tobacco material than (1650).

17 is a graph for explaining a method in which a processor detects a change in a charging time of an electrode according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 17 , a processor (eg, the processor 1630 of FIGS. 16A and 16B ) may be connected to an electrode (eg, the electrode 1620 of FIGS. 16A and 16B ) by one line. In an embodiment, the processor 1630 may apply an output voltage to the electrode 1620 at a predetermined period to charge the electrode 1620 . In this case, the output voltage may be adjusted and applied in a pulse width modulation (PWM) method. For example, the processor 1630 may apply an output voltage to the electrode 1620 every 50 ms to charge the electrode 1620 .

In an embodiment, the processor 1630 may sense an input voltage input from the electrode 1620 after applying the output voltage to the electrode 1620 a preset number of times (eg, 2). For example, the voltage value of the output voltage may correspond to a range of about 2.8V to 3.3V. As another example, the voltage value of the output voltage may correspond to about 5V. At this time, as shown in graph (a), if the input voltage input from the electrode 1620 is maintained as the reference voltage (V _ref ), it is determined that an event (eg, insertion of an aerosol-generating article, a user's puff, etc.) has not occurred. can do. The preset number of times when the processor 1630 applies the output voltage may be variously changed according to the design of the manufacturer.

In an embodiment, the processor 1630 may determine whether an event has occurred by detecting a change in the input voltage input from the electrode 1620 . For example, as shown in graph (b), when the input voltage input from the electrode 1620 is sensed to be lower than the reference voltage V _ref , the processor 1630 may detect 1700 occurrence of the event. For example, when the input voltage input from the electrode 1620 is initially sensed to be lower than the reference voltage V _ref , the processor 1630 may determine that an event in which the aerosol-generating article is inserted has occurred.

In an embodiment, after the input voltage is lower than the reference voltage (V _ref ) according to the occurrence of an event, the processor 1630 applies the output voltage to the electrode 1620 at a predetermined period, so that the input voltage is the reference voltage (V _ref ) ) can be reached.

18 is a graph illustrating a method in which a processor detects a change in a charging time of an electrode according to another exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 18 , the processor 1630 and the electrode 1620 may be connected by at least two or more lines. For example, the at least two or more lines apply an input voltage to the processor 1630 to transmit a line to which the processor 1630 applies an output voltage to charge the electrode 1620 and a state of charge of the electrode 1620 . It may contain a line that says

In an embodiment, the processor 1630 may apply an output voltage to the electrode 1620 at a predetermined period as shown in graph (a). In this case, the output voltage may be adjusted and applied in a pulse width modulation (PWM) method. For example, the processor 1630 may apply an output voltage to the electrode 1620 every 50 ms to charge the electrode 1620 . In an embodiment, the processor 1630 may sense an input voltage input from the electrode 1620 while simultaneously applying an output voltage to the electrode 1620 . For example, in checking the state of charge of the electrode 1620 , the processor 1630 may sense the input voltage without stopping the output of the output voltage for charging the electrode 1620 .

However, FIG. 18 is only an example, and even if the processor 1630 and the electrode 1620 are connected by two or more lines, the processor 1630 detects the input voltage input from the electrode 1620, and outputs the output voltage. may be stopped.

19A is a graph illustrating a charging time of an electrode of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 19A , an aerosol-generating article (eg, the aerosol-generating article 605 of FIG. 6 ) is inserted into an aerosol-generating device (eg, the aerosol-generating device 600 of FIG. 6 ), and puff by a user is performed. After the aerosol-generating article 605 is removed, the change in charging time of the electrode (eg, the electrode 620 of FIG. 6 ) may be divided into (i) section, (ii) section, and (iii) section.

In an embodiment, the processor (eg, the processor 1530 of FIG. 15 ) may detect the insertion of the aerosol-generating article 605 based on the charging time of the electrode 620 in section (i). In one embodiment, the processor 1530 detects and counts the user's puff based on the charging time of the electrode 620 in section (ii), and the heating temperature of the heater (eg, the heater 1540 of FIG. 15 ) can be controlled In an embodiment, the processor 1530 may detect the removal of the aerosol-generating article 605 based on the charging time of the electrode 620 in section (iii) and control the cleaning operation of the heater 1540 . . A detailed operation of the processor for each section will be described later with reference to FIGS. 20 to 33B .

Fig. 19b shows a graph of discharge time of the electrode in Fig. 19a.

Referring to FIG. 19B , an aerosol-generating article (eg, the aerosol-generating article 605 of FIG. 6 ) is inserted into an aerosol-generating device (eg, the aerosol-generating device 600 of FIG. 6 ), and puff by a user is performed. After the aerosol-generating article 605 is removed, the change in the discharge time of the electrode (eg, the electrode 620 of FIG. 6 ) may be divided into (i) section, (ii) section, and (iii) section.

In an embodiment, the processor (eg, the processor 1530 of FIG. 15 ) may detect the insertion of the aerosol-generating article 605 based on the discharge time of the electrode 620 in (i) section. In one embodiment, the processor 1530 detects and counts the user's puff based on the discharge time of the electrode 620 in section (ii), and the heating temperature of the heater (eg, the heater 1540 of FIG. 15 ) can be controlled In an embodiment, the processor 1530 may detect the removal of the aerosol-generating article 605 based on the discharge time of the electrode 620 in section (iii) and control the cleaning operation of the heater 1540 . .

However, the graph of the discharge time of the electrode in FIG. 19B is shown in an inverted form with respect to the graph of the charging time of the electrode in FIG. 19A, but is not limited thereto.

20 depicts a flow diagram in which an aerosol-generating device detects insertion of an aerosol-generating article according to an embodiment. The flowchart of FIG. 20 may correspond to the operation of the processor in section (i) of FIG. 19 .

Referring to FIG. 20 , the processor (eg, the processor 1530 of FIG. 15 ) may acquire at least one of a charging time or a discharging time of an electrode (eg, the electrode 1510 of FIG. 15 ) in operation 2001 . In an embodiment, the processor 1530 may acquire the charging time of the electrode 1510 based on an input voltage input from the electrode 1510 (eg, the input voltage in FIGS. 17 and 18 ). For example, the charging time of the electrode 1510 may mean a time required for the charging voltage of the electrode 1510 to reach a predetermined reference voltage (eg, the reference voltage V _ref in FIGS. 17 and 18 ). can In another embodiment, the processor 1530 may obtain the discharge time of the electrode 1510 based on an input voltage input from the electrode 1510 . For example, the discharge time of the electrode 1510 may mean a time required for the charging voltage of the electrode 1510 to reach 0V.

According to an embodiment, in operation 2003 , the processor 1530 may determine whether the charging time of the electrode is longer than the specified first charging time or whether the discharging time of the electrode is shorter than the specified first discharging time. For example, the specified first charging time and the specified first discharging time are the charging time required for the charging voltage of the electrode 1510 , which has a reduced amount of charge as the aerosol-generating article is inserted, to reach the predetermined reference voltage V _ref , and It may mean a discharge time, respectively.

According to an embodiment, when the charging time of the electrode is longer than the specified first charging time or the discharging time of the electrode is shorter than the specified first discharging time, the processor 1530 may detect the insertion of the aerosol-generating article in operation 2005 . have. According to an embodiment, when the charging time of the electrode is shorter than the specified first charging time or the discharging time of the electrode is longer than the specified first discharging time, the processor 1530 may return to operation 2001 .

According to an embodiment, the processor 1530 may supply power to the heater 1540 to preheat the heater (eg, the heater 1540 of FIG. 15 ) in operation 2007 . For example, when insertion of an aerosol-generating article is detected, the processor 1530 may power the heater 1540 to perform an auto-start function of the aerosol-generating device (eg, the aerosol-generating device 1500 of FIG. 15 ). can In this case, the heater 1540 may be controlled to have any one of a range of a preheating temperature corresponding to about 220°C to 230°C, about 290°C to 300°C, and about 330°C to 340°C. However, the range of the preheating temperature is exemplary, and the range of the preheating temperature may be variously changed according to the design of the manufacturer.

21 is a graph illustrating a charging time of an electrode that changes as an aerosol-generating article is inserted into an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 21 , the time interval for determining whether to insert the aerosol-generating article into the aerosol-generating device (eg, the aerosol-generating device 1500 of FIG. 15 ) is a first interval 2100 , a second interval 2110 and It may be divided into a third section 2120 . The first section 2100 may correspond to a section waiting before the aerosol-generating article is inserted. The second section 2110 may correspond to a section in which the aerosol-generating article is prepared for preheating immediately after the aerosol-generating article is inserted. The third section 2120 may correspond to a section in which the aerosol-generating article is preheated.

According to an embodiment, the charging time required to charge the electrode (eg, the electrode 1510 of FIG. 15 ) in the first section 2100 may be substantially constant. Since the electrode 1510 may be continuously discharged even if it does not include a separate discharging circuit, a constant charging time may be required to charge the amount of electric charge lost as the electrode 1510 is discharged. Accordingly, the processor of the aerosol generating device (eg, the processor 1530 of FIG. 15 ) may continuously apply a constant voltage to the electrode 1510 .

In one embodiment, the charging time of the electrode may increase at the time point 2130 at which the aerosol-generating article is inserted. In this case, the charging time of the electrode may increase substantially rapidly. In one embodiment, when the charging time 2150 of the electrode 1610 is longer than the specified first charging time 2140 , the processor 1530 determines that the aerosol-generating article has been inserted, and a heater (eg, FIG. 15 ) of the heater 1540) may be controlled to preheat.

According to an embodiment, during preparation for preheating the aerosol-generating article in the second section 2110 , the charging time of the electrode 1510 may vary only within a specific range. According to an embodiment, while the aerosol-generating article is preheated in the third section 2120 , the charging time of the electrode 1510 may gradually increase.

22A illustrates a state before the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment. 22B illustrates a state after the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment.

22A and 22B , the aerosol generating device 2200 may include a housing 2201 , an electrode 2210 , a battery 2220 , a processor 2230 , and a heater 2260 .

The electrode 2210 of FIG. 22A may include (+) charges equal to the first charge amount. Thereafter, when the aerosol-generating article 2205 is inserted against the receiving portion 2203 corresponding to the inner circumferential surface of the housing 2201 , the electrode 2210 of FIG. 22B is a component included in the aerosol-generating article 2205 . (eg, tobacco material 2207, external wrapper, etc.) It is possible to lose some of the positive charge by moisture. Accordingly, the electrode 2210 of FIG. 22B may include a (+) charge corresponding to a second charge amount less than the first charge amount.

22B , when the (+) charge of the electrode 2210 decreases from the first charge amount to the second charge amount, the charging time of the electrode 2210 may increase. The processor 2230 may detect an increase in the charging time of the electrode 2210 of FIG. 22B based on an input voltage input from the electrode 2210 .

In an embodiment, the processor 2230 may determine that the aerosol-generating article 2205 is inserted when detecting that the charging time of the electrode 2210 is increased. In another embodiment, the processor 2230 determines that the charging voltage of the electrode 2210 decreases based on the increase in the charging time of the electrode 2210 , and the aerosol-generating article 2205 based on the decreased charging voltage It may be judged that this has been inserted.

In an embodiment, if it is determined that the aerosol-generating article 2205 has been inserted, the processor 2230 may receive power from the battery 2220 to apply power to the heater 2260 . In this case, the heater 2260 may be an internal heating type heater. However, the heater 2260 is not limited thereto, and may include at least one of an external heating type heater, an induction coil, and a susceptor.

23 is a flowchart illustrating an aerosol generating device detecting a user's puff according to an embodiment. The flowchart of FIG. 23 may correspond to the first operation of the processor in section (ii) of FIG. 19 .

Referring to FIG. 23 , the processor (eg, the processor 1530 of FIG. 15 ) obtains at least one of a change in charging time or a change in discharging time of an electrode (eg, electrode 1510 in FIG. 15 ) in operation 2301 . can In an embodiment, the processor 1530 may detect a change in the amount of aerosol generated by the heater (eg, the heater 1540 of FIG. 15 ) based on a change in the charging time or the change in the discharging time of the electrode. For example, the processor 1530 may obtain a change in the charging time of the electrode 1510 based on an input voltage input from the electrode 1510 (eg, the input voltage in FIGS. 17 and 18 ). If the charging time for the electrode 1510 is reduced for a certain period of time, the processor 1530 may determine that the aerosol generated by the heater 1540 has been removed.

According to an embodiment, in operation 2303 , the processor 1530 may determine whether the gradient of change in the charging time of the electrode 1510 is a negative value or the gradient of change in the discharge time of the electrode 1510 is a positive value. . For example, when the gradient of change in the charging time of the electrode 1510 is a negative value or the gradient of change in the discharge time of the electrode 1510 is a positive value for a certain period of time, the processor 1530 is configured by the heater 1540. It may be determined that the generated aerosol is reduced by the user's puff.

According to an embodiment, when the gradient of change in the charging time of the electrode 1510 is a negative value or the gradient of change in the discharge time of the electrode 1510 is a positive value, the processor 1530 controls the user's puff in operation 2305. can be detected. According to an embodiment, when the slope of change of the charging time of the electrode 1510 is equal to or greater than 0 or the slope of change of the discharge time is equal to or less than 0, the processor 1530 may return to operation 2301 .

According to an embodiment, when the user's puff is detected, the processor 1530 may supply power to the heater 1540 to generate an aerosol in operation 2307 . For example, the processor 1530 may supply a predetermined power to the heater 1540 to generate an aerosol reduced by the user's puff.

24 is a graph illustrating a charging time of an electrode that changes as a user's puff is detected in the aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 24 , the processor (eg, the processor 1530 of FIG. 15 ) may acquire data on whether the user puffs by monitoring the charging time of the electrode (eg, the electrode 1510 of FIG. 15 ).

In an embodiment, the processor 1530 may detect the user's puff based on a change in the charging time of the electrode 1510 .

In an embodiment, when the gradient of change in the charging time of the electrode 1510 is a negative value, the processor 1530 may detect the user's first puff. For example, when the processor 1530 detects that the change slope of the charging time of the electrode 1510 is changed from 0 to a negative value, the detection time is determined as the time point 2400 when the user's first puff is started. can When the processor 1530 detects that the change slope of the charging time of the electrode 1510 is changed from a negative value to 0, the processor 1530 may determine the detection time as a time point 2410 at which the user's first puff ends. As another example, when the gradient of change in the charging time of the electrode 1510 is maintained as a negative value for a predetermined time, the processor 1530 may detect the predetermined time as the user's first puff period.

In another embodiment, when the change amount 2405 of the charging time of the electrode 1510 decreases by more than a specified change amount, the processor 1530 may detect the user's first puff. For example, when the designated change amount is 0.5 seconds and the change amount 2405 of the charging time of the electrode 1510 is 0.8 seconds, the processor 1530 may determine that the user's puff has occurred. However, the processor 1530 may detect not only the charging time but also the change in the charging voltage. That is, when the charging voltage of the electrode 1510 increases by more than a specified change amount, the processor 1530 may detect the user's first puff.

In an embodiment, the charging time of the electrode 1510 may gradually increase from a time point 2410 at which the first puff ends to a time point 2420 at which the second puff starts. For example, when the user's first puff is finished, an aerosol may be generated from the aerosol-generating article until the next puff is started, and the capacitance of the electrode 1510 may change due to the generated aerosol. As the capacitance of the electrode 1510 changes, the charging time of the electrode 1510 gradually increases from the time point 2410 at which the first puff ends to the time point 2420 at which the second puff starts, and the electrode 1510 increases. ) may have a positive slope of change in charging time.

In an embodiment, when the gradient of change in the charging time of the electrode 1510 is a negative value, the processor 1530 may detect the user's second puff. For example, if it is detected that the change slope of the charging time of the electrode 1510 is changed from 0 to a negative value after the time point 2410 at which the first puff ends, the detection time point is set as the time point at which the user's second puff is started. It may be determined as a viewpoint 2420 . When the processor 1530 detects that the change slope of the charging time of the electrode 1510 is changed from a negative value to 0, the processor 1530 may determine the detection time point as a time point 2430 at which the user's second puff ends. As another example, when the gradient of change in the charging time of the electrode 1510 is maintained at a negative value for a predetermined time, the processor 1530 may detect the predetermined time as the user's second puff period.

25A illustrates a state before the user's puff is detected in the aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. 25B illustrates a state after the user's puff is detected in the aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

25A and 25B , the aerosol generating device 2500 may include a housing 2501 , an electrode 2510 , a battery 2520 , a processor 2530 , and a heater 2560 .

The electrode 2510 of FIG. 25A may lose some of the (+) charge by moisture in a component (eg, tobacco material 2507 ) included in the aerosol-generating article 2505 . For example, as the aerosol-generating article 2505 is heated by the heater 2560, an aerosol is generated, and the electrode 2510 in FIG. It may contain a (+) charge. Thereafter, when the generated aerosol is removed by the user's puff 2550, the electrode 2510 of FIG. 25B may contain a (+) charge equal to a second charge amount greater than the first charge amount.

25B , when the (+) charge of the electrode 2510 increases from the first charge amount to the second charge amount, the charging time of the electrode 2510 may decrease. The processor 2530 may detect a decrease in the charging time of the electrode 2510 of FIG. 25B based on an input voltage input from the electrode 2510 .

In an embodiment, when the processor 2530 detects that the charging time of the electrode 2510 is reduced, it may be determined that the user's puff 2550 has occurred. In another embodiment, the processor 2530 determines that the charging voltage of the electrode 2510 increases based on the decrease in the charging time of the electrode, and determines that the user's puff 2550 has occurred based on the increased charging voltage. may judge.

In an embodiment, the processor 2530 may count the number of puffs upon detecting the user's puffs 2550 . At this time, when the counted number of puffs exceeds the preset maximum number of puffs for the aerosol-generating article 2505 , the processor 2530 may limit the power supply to the heater 2560 . For example, if the preset maximum number of puffs for the aerosol-generating article 2505 is 15 and the currently counted number of puffs is 5, the processor 2530 may cause the heater 2560 to heat the aerosol-generating article 2505. power can be supplied. As another example, if the preset maximum number of puffs for the aerosol-generating article 2505 is 15 and the currently counted number of puffs is 16, the processor 2530 may heat the aerosol-generating article 250 through the heater 256. Power supply to heater 2560 may be limited to stop.

26 is a flowchart for controlling the power supplied to the heater in the aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. The flowchart of FIG. 26 may correspond to the second operation of the processor in section (ii) of FIG. 19 .

Referring to FIG. 26 , the processor (eg, the processor 1530 of FIG. 15 ) may acquire at least one of a charging time or a discharging time of an electrode (eg, the electrode 1510 of FIG. 15 ) in operation 2601 . In an embodiment, the processor 1530 may acquire the charging time of the electrode 1510 based on an input voltage input from the electrode 1510 (eg, the input voltage in FIGS. 17 and 18 ). For example, the charging time of the electrode 1510 means a charging time required for the charging voltage of the electrode 1510 to reach a predetermined reference voltage (eg, the reference voltage V _ref in FIGS. 17 and 18 ). can do. In another embodiment, the processor 1530 may obtain the discharge time of the electrode 1510 based on an input voltage input from the electrode 1510 . For example, the discharge time of the electrode 1510 may mean a discharge time required for the charging voltage of the electrode 1510 to reach 0V.

According to an embodiment, in operation 2603 , the processor 1530 determines whether the charging time of the electrode 1510 is longer than the specified second charging time or the discharging time of the electrode 1510 is shorter than the specified second discharging time. can For example, the specified second charging time and the specified second discharging time include the charging time required for the charging voltage of the electrode 1510 to reach the voltage at which the aerosol-generating article would be heated to generate an aerosol equal to the reference atomizing amount and It may mean a discharge time, respectively. In this case, the reference atomization amount may mean a reference generation amount for providing a uniform aerosol amount to the user through the aerosol-generating article.

According to an embodiment, when the charging time of the electrode is longer than the specified second charging time or the discharging time of the electrode is shorter than the specified second discharging time, in operation 2605 , the processor 1530 sends the heater 1540 lower than the reference power. The first power may be supplied. According to an embodiment, when the charging time of the electrode is not longer than the specified second charging time or the discharging time of the electrode is not shorter than the specified second discharging time, the processor 1530 determines in operation 2607 that the charging time of the electrode is the specified second charging time. It may be determined whether the second charging time is shorter or the discharging time of the electrode is longer than a specified second discharging time. According to an embodiment, when the charging time of the electrode is shorter than the specified second charging time or the discharging time of the electrode is longer than the specified second discharging time, the processor 1530 sends the heater 1540 to the heater 1540 in operation 2609. High secondary power can be supplied. According to an embodiment, when the charging time of the electrode is the same as the specified second charging time or the discharging time of the electrode is the same as the specified second discharging time, the processor 1530 operates without supplying power to the heater 1540 . can be terminated.

For example, the processor 1530 may supply a reference power to the heater 1540 such that an aerosol may be generated from the aerosol generating article. In this case, the heating temperature of the heater 1540 receiving the reference power may be 250°C.

The processor 1530 may obtain the charging time or the discharging time of the electrode, and determine whether the obtained charging time of the electrode is longer than a specified second charging time or the discharging time of the electrode is shorter than the specified second discharging time. have. When the obtained charging time of the electrode is longer than the specified second charging time or the discharging time of the electrode is shorter than the specified second charging time, the processor 1530 controls the heater 1540 to lower the heating temperature of the heater 1540. The power supply can be controlled. That is, the processor 1530 determines that the amount of aerosol generated is greater than the reference atomization amount, and sets the supply power to the heater 1540 than the reference power in order to reduce the heating temperature of the heater 1540 from 250° C. to 230° C. It can be set to a low first power.

When the obtained charging time of the electrode is shorter than the specified second charging time or the discharging time of the electrode is longer than the specified second discharging time, the processor 1530 sends the heater 1540 to the heater 1540 to increase the heating temperature of the heater 1540. You can control the power supply to the That is, the processor 1530 determines that the amount of aerosol generated is less than the reference atomization amount, and sets the supply power to the heater 1540 higher than the reference power to increase the heating temperature of the heater from 250° C. to 270° C. Power can be set.

27 shows a graph for controlling the power supplied to the heater according to the change in the charging time of the electrode in the aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 27 , the processor (eg, the processor 1530 of FIG. 15 ) supplies power to the heater (eg, the heater 1540 of FIG. 15 ) to constantly adjust the amount of aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating article. can be controlled

In an embodiment, the processor 1530 may detect a charging time of the electrode that is shorter than the second charging time specified in the first period 2700 . For example, the processor 1530 may determine that the amount of aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating article is less than the reference atomization amount based on the detected charging time of the electrode. The processor 1530 may supply first power 2730 higher than the reference power to the heater 1540 so that the aerosol amount in the first section 2700 may reach the reference atomization amount. In an embodiment, as the supply power to the heater 1540 is set to the first power 2730 , the charging time of the electrode may gradually increase to reach the designated second charging time 2705 . However, the charging time of the electrode may exceed the specified second charging time after reaching the specified second charging time ( 2705 ).

In an embodiment, the processor 1530 may supply second power 2740 lower than the reference power to the heater 1540 so that the aerosol amount in the second section 2710 may reach the reference atomization amount. In an embodiment, as the supply power to the heater 1540 is set as the second power 2740 , the charging time of the electrode may gradually decrease to reach the designated second charging time 2715 . However, the charging time of the electrode may be less than the designated second charging time after reaching the designated second charging time (2715).

In one embodiment, the processor 1530 is higher than the reference power to the heater 1540 and lower than the first power 2730 so that the aerosol amount in the third section 2720 can reach the reference atomization amount. (2750) can be supplied. In an embodiment, as the supply power to the heater 1540 is set to the third power 2750, the charging time of the electrode may gradually increase.

In an embodiment, as the process progresses from the first section 2700 to the third section 2720, the difference between the generated aerosol amount and the reference atomization amount may gradually decrease. That is, as the processor 1530 controls the power supply to the heater 1540 based on the charging time of the electrode, the amount of aerosol generated converges to the reference atomization amount.

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

Referring to FIG. 28 , the aerosol generating device 2800 may include an electrode 2810 , a battery 2820 , a processor 2830 , a heater 2840 , and a memory 2850 . The electrode 2810, the battery 2820, the processor 2830, and the heater 2840 of FIG. 28 correspond to the electrode 1510, the battery 1520, the processor 1530 and the heater 1540 of FIG. 15, A duplicate description may be omitted.

In an embodiment, the processor 2830 may store data on the user's smoking pattern in the memory 2850 . For example, the data on the user's smoking pattern may include at least one of data on the user's puff period and data on the user's puff time (suction time).

In an embodiment, the processor 2830 may obtain data on the user's smoking pattern from the memory 2850 to set a reference atomization amount for the aerosol amount generated from the aerosol-generating article. The processor 2830 may control the power supplied to the heater 2840 so that the aerosol amount reaches a reference atomization amount set based on data on the user's smoking pattern.

In an embodiment, the processor 2830 may obtain data about the user's puff period from the memory 2850 . Based on the acquired user's puff period, after the first puff is started, it is possible to determine when the second puff is to be started. Accordingly, the processor 2830 controls the supply power to the heater 2840 so that a reference atomized amount of aerosol can be generated from the aerosol-generating article after the first puff is started until the second puff is started. can

In an embodiment, the processor 2830 may obtain data about the user's puff time (suction time) from the memory 2850 . Based on the acquired user's puff time (inhalation time), it is possible to set the reference atomization amount for the aerosol amount. Accordingly, the processor 2830 may control the power supply to the heater 2840 such that a reference atomizing amount of the aerosol may be generated from the aerosol-generating article.

In an embodiment, the processor 2830 may monitor the charging time of the electrode 2810 and acquire puff data related to the user's puff based on the monitoring result. For example, the puff data related to the user's puff may mean puff data updated with respect to the user's existing puff data. The processor 2830 may store the user's existing puff period as “5.5 seconds” in the memory 2850 . Thereafter, as a result of monitoring the charging time of the electrode 2810 , when the user's puff period is changed to "7 seconds", the processor 2830 transmits the updated puff data "user's puff period = 7 seconds" to the user's The data on the smoking pattern may be reflected and stored in the memory 2850 .

29 is a graph illustrating a charging time of an electrode that changes according to a user's smoking pattern according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 29 , the processor (eg, the processor 2830 of FIG. 28 ) monitors the charging time of the electrode (eg, the electrode 2810 of FIG. 28 ) to obtain data about the user's puff period, and thereby a memory 2850 ) can be stored in For example, if the first user 2900 smokes through an aerosol-generating device (eg, the aerosol-generating device 2800 of FIG. 28 ), the processor 2830 may determine the puff cycle of the first user 2900 . A first puff period 2905 may be obtained as data. As another example, when the second user 2910 smokes through the aerosol generating device 2800 , the processor 2830 may configure the first puff cycle 2905 as data on the puff cycle of the second user 2910 . A longer second puff period 2915 may be obtained.

When the same reference atomization amount of aerosol is provided to the first user 2900 and the second user 2910 having different puff cycles, the processor 2830 generates a heater (eg, the heater ( 2840)) to control the supply power.

For example, the processor 2830 controls the heater 2840 so that the aerosol of the reference atomization amount can be generated during the first puff period 2905 (eg, 5 seconds) from the time when the puff of the first user 2900 is started. The supply power to the first power may be controlled. As another example, the processor 2830 may generate an aerosol of a reference atomization amount during the second puff period 2915 (eg, 8 seconds) from the point in time when the puff of the second user 2910 is started, the heater 2840 ) may be controlled to a second power lower than the first power.

30 is a graph illustrating a charging time of an electrode that changes according to a user's smoking pattern according to another embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 30 , the processor (eg, the processor 2830 of FIG. 28 ) monitors the charging time of the electrode (eg, the electrode 2810 of FIG. 28 ) to obtain data about the user's puff time (suction time) to be stored in a memory (eg, the memory 2850 of FIG. 28 ). For example, when the first user 3000 smokes in the first puff cycle 3020 through an aerosol-generating device (eg, the aerosol-generating device 2800 of FIG. 28 ), the processor 2830 may activate the first user A first puff time 3005 may be obtained as data about a puff time of (3000). As another example, when the second user 3010 smokes in the first puff cycle 3020 through the aerosol generating device 2800 , the processor 2830 may determine the puff time of the second user 3010 . The second puff time 3015 may be obtained as data.

When the same reference atomization amount of aerosol is provided to the first user 3000 and the second user 3010 having different puff times (inhalation times), the processor 2830 sets the reference atomization amount based on the user's puff time. can For example, for a first user 3000 inhaling an aerosol during a first puff time 3005 (eg, 1 second) in a first puff period 3020 , the processor 2830 may cause the first user 3000 to The reference atomization amount for can be set as the first reference atomization amount. As another example, for a second user 3010 inhaling the aerosol during a second puff time 3015 that is longer than the first puff time 3005 in the first puff period 3020 , the processor 2830 may The reference atomization amount for the user 3010 may be set as a second reference atomization amount less than the first reference atomization amount.

As the reference atomization amount is set based on the user's puff time, the maximum number of puffs that the aerosol-generating article can provide (eg, 15 times) may be equally provided to users having different puff times.

31 depicts a flow diagram in which an aerosol-generating device detects removal of an aerosol-generating article, according to an embodiment. The flowchart of FIG. 31 may correspond to the operation of the processor in section (iii) of FIG. 19 .

Referring to FIG. 31 , the processor (eg, the processor 1530 of FIG. 15 ) acquires at least one of a charging time of an electrode (eg, the electrode 1510 of FIG. 15 ) or a discharging time of the electrode 1510 in operation 3101 . can do. In an embodiment, the processor 1530 may acquire the charging time of the electrode 1510 based on an input voltage input from the electrode 1510 (eg, the input voltage in FIGS. 17 and 18 ). For example, the charging time of the electrode 1510 may mean a time required for the charging voltage of the electrode 1510 to reach a predetermined reference voltage (eg, the reference voltage V _ref in FIGS. 17 and 18 ). can In another embodiment, the processor 1530 may obtain the discharge time of the electrode 1510 based on an input voltage input from the electrode 1510 . For example, the discharge time of the electrode may mean a time required for the charging voltage of the electrode 1510 to reach 0V.

According to an embodiment, in operation 3103 , the processor 1530 may determine whether the charging time of the electrode is shorter than the specified third charging time or whether the discharging time of the electrode is longer than the specified third discharging time. For example, the specified third charging time and the specified third discharging time are the charging time required for the charging voltage of the electrode 1510 , which has an increased amount of charge as the aerosol-generating article is removed, to reach the predetermined reference voltage V _ref , and It may mean a discharge time, respectively.

According to an embodiment, if the charging time of the electrode is shorter than the third specified charging time or the discharging time of the electrode is longer than the third specified discharging time, the processor 1530 is configured to detect removal of the aerosol-generating article in operation 3105 . can According to an embodiment, when the charging time of the electrode is longer than the third specified charging time or the discharging time of the electrode is shorter than the specified third discharging time, the processor 1530 may return to operation 3101 .

According to an embodiment, in operation 3107 , the processor 1530 may supply power to the heater 1540 to remove a material adhering to the heater (eg, the heater 1540 of FIG. 15 ). For example, when removal of the aerosol-generating article is detected, the processor 1530 may perform a cleaning operation to remove substances adhering to the heater 1540 by heating the heater 1540 to a high temperature. In this case, the heating temperature of the heater 1540 for the cleaning operation may be higher than the heating temperature of the heater 1540 heating the aerosol-generating article. For example, in order to perform a cleaning operation, the processor 1530 may control the supply power so that the heater 1540 has a temperature range of about 450°C to 550°C. More preferably, in order to perform the cleaning operation, the processor 1530 may control the supply power so that the heater 1540 has a temperature range of about 500°C to 550°C. However, the heating temperature range for performing the cleaning operation for the heater 1540 is exemplary and may be variously changed according to the design of the manufacturer.

In an embodiment, when the removal of the aerosol-generating article is detected, the processor 1530 may automatically perform a cleaning operation on the heater 1540 . For example, if removal of the aerosol-generating article from the aerosol-generating device is detected, the processor 1530 may perform a cleaning operation on the heater 1540 after a specified time (eg, 10 minutes) has elapsed from the time the aerosol-generating article was removed. can run automatically. In an embodiment, the processor 1530 may automatically stop the cleaning operation of the heater 1540 when the insertion of the aerosol-generating article is detected during the cleaning operation.

32 illustrates a graph of charging time of an electrode that changes as an aerosol-generating article is removed from an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 32 , the time interval for determining whether to insert the aerosol-generating article into the aerosol-generating device (eg, the aerosol-generating device 1500 of FIG. 15 ) is a first interval 3200 and a second interval 3210 . can be distinguished. The first section 3200 may correspond to a section in which the aerosol-generating article is inserted. The second section 3210 may correspond to a section after the aerosol-generating article is removed.

In one embodiment, if smoking proceeds 3260 before the time point 3220 at which the aerosol-generating article is removed, the charging time of the electrode (eg, the electrode 1510 of FIG. 15 ) is increased in the first section 3200 . can do. For example, as the aerosol-generating article is heated in the first section 3200 , the temperature of the region in which the electrode is disposed may also increase. As the temperature increases, the charging time required to charge the electrode may gradually increase.

If smoking has occurred ( 3260 ) prior to the point in time 3220 at which the aerosol-generating article is removed, the charging time of the electrode may be reduced as the aerosol-generating article is removed. In this case, the charging time of the electrode may be substantially sharply reduced. In an embodiment, when the charging time 3250 of the electrode is shorter than the specified third charging time 3230 , the processor 1530 may determine that the aerosol-generating article has been removed.

In another embodiment, when smoking does not proceed ( 3270 ) before the time point 3220 at which the aerosol-generating article is removed, the charging time of the electrode in the first section 3200 may be substantially constant. Since the electrode may be continuously discharged even if it does not include a separate discharge circuit, a charging time may be required to charge the amount of electric charge lost as the electrode is discharged. Accordingly, the processor 1530 may continuously apply a predetermined voltage to the electrode.

If smoking has not progressed ( 3270 ) prior to the point in time 3220 at which the aerosol-generating article is removed, the charging time of the electrode may be reduced as the aerosol-generating article is removed. In this case, the charging time of the electrode may be substantially sharply reduced. In an embodiment, when the charging time 3250 of the electrode is shorter than the specified third charging time 3230 , the processor 1530 may determine that the aerosol-generating article has been removed.

In an embodiment, the processor 1530 may determine whether to perform a cleaning operation on the heater 1540 in the second period 3210 based on a change in the charging time of the electrode in the first period 3200 . have. For example, if a substantial change in the charging time of the electrode occurs in the first section 3200, the processor 1530 determines that smoking has progressed before the time point 3220 at which the aerosol-generating article is removed (3260). In section 2 3210 , a cleaning operation for the heater 1540 may be performed. As another example, if a substantial change in the charging time of the electrode does not occur in the first section 3200, the processor 1530 determines that smoking does not proceed before the time point 3220 at which the aerosol-generating article is removed (3270). It is determined that the cleaning operation may not be performed on the heater 1540 in the second section 3210 .

33A illustrates a state before the aerosol-generating article is removed from the aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment. 33B illustrates a state after the aerosol-generating article is removed from the aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment.

33A and 33B , the aerosol generating device 3300 may include a housing 3301 , an electrode 3310 , a battery 3320 , a processor 3330 , and a heater 3360 .

The electrode 3310 of FIG. 33A may include (+) charge equal to the first charge amount. As the aerosol-generating article 3305 is disposed close to the electrode 3310 as shown in FIG. 33A , the first amount of charge increases the moisture of a component (eg, tobacco material 3307) included in the aerosol-generating article 3305 may mean the amount of charge remaining after some (+) charge is lost by Thereafter, when the aerosol-generating article 3305 is removed from the receiving portion 3303 corresponding to the inner circumferential surface of the housing 3301, the electrode 3310 of FIG. +) may contain an electric charge.

33B , when the (+) charge of the electrode 3310 increases from the first charge amount to the second charge amount, the charging time of the electrode 3310 may decrease. The processor 3330 may detect a decrease in the charging time of the electrode 3310 of FIG. 33B based on an input voltage input from the electrode 3310 .

In an embodiment, the processor 3330 may determine that the aerosol-generating article 3305 has been removed when detecting that the charging time of the electrode 3310 is reduced. In another embodiment, the processor 3330 determines that the charging voltage of the electrode 3310 increases based on the decrease in the charging time of the electrode 3310, and the aerosol-generating article 3305 based on the increased charging voltage. It can be considered that this has been removed.

In an embodiment, if it is determined that the aerosol-generating article 3305 has been removed, the processor 3330 may perform a cleaning operation on the heater 3360 . In one embodiment, if the processor 3330 determines that the aerosol-generating article 3305 has been removed, the aerosol-generating article 3305 is removed from the heater 3360 after a specified time (eg, 10 minutes) has elapsed. cleaning operation can be performed. In another embodiment, after it is determined that the aerosol-generating article has been removed, the processor 3330 may perform a cleaning operation on the heater 3360 when a user input for executing a cleaning operation on the heater 3360 is received. .

34 shows a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 34 , the aerosol generating device 3400 may include an electrode 3410 , a battery 3420 , a processor 3430 , and a heater 3460 . The electrode 3410, the battery 3420, the processor 3430, and the heater 3460 of FIG. 34 correspond to the electrode 1510, the battery 1520, the processor 1530 and the heater 1540 of FIG. 15, A duplicate description may be omitted.

In an embodiment, the processor 3430 may include a sensing processor 3440 and a main processor 3450 . The sensing processor 3440 may include a power module 3442 , a controller 3444 , and a communication module 3446 .

The power module 3442 may receive power from the battery 3420 , and supply the received power to the electrode 3410 through the controller 3444 .

The controller 3444 may apply an output voltage to the electrode 3410 and sense an input voltage input from the electrode 3410 . In this case, the controller 3444 may apply an output voltage to the electrode 3410 by adjusting the PWM method. In an embodiment, the controller 3444 and the electrode 3410 are connected by a single line, and the controller 3444 applies an output voltage to the electrode 3410 through the line, and The input voltage can be sensed. In another embodiment, the controller 3444 and the electrode 3410 are connected by at least two or more lines, and the controller 3444 applies an output voltage to the electrode 3410 through one of the at least two or more lines, and An input voltage input from the electrode 3410 through another line may be sensed.

The communication module 3446 may transmit data on a change in charging time of the electrode 3410 sensed based on an input voltage input from the electrode 3410 to the main processor 3450 .

In an embodiment, the main processor 3450 may determine whether to insert the aerosol-generating article based on data about a change in charging time of the electrode 3410 received from the communication module 3446 . When the data includes information indicating that the charging time of the electrode 3410 is increased, the main processor 3450 may determine that the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the aerosol-generating device 3400 . When it is determined that the aerosol-generating article is inserted, the main processor 3450 may apply power to the heater 3460 to cause the heater 3460 to perform a preheating operation.

In an embodiment, the main processor 3450 may be in a sleep mode while the sensing processor 3440 periodically monitors the charging time of the electrode 3410 . When the main processor 3450 receives information from the sensing processor 3440 indicating that the charging time of the electrode 3410 has increased, the main processor 3450 changes the power state of the main processor 3450 from the low power mode to the active mode. can be switched

The description of the above-described embodiments is merely exemplary, and those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent other embodiments are possible therefrom. Accordingly, the true scope of protection of the invention should be defined by the appended claims, and all differences within the scope of equivalents to those described in the claims should be construed as being included in the protection scope defined by the claims.

Claims (15)

heater;
a housing comprising a receptacle into which the aerosol-generating article is inserted;
an electrode disposed to be spaced apart from the aerosol-generating article inserted into the receiving portion and positioned to correspond to at least one region of the aerosol-generating article; and
and a processor in electrical connection with the electrode. The method of claim 1,
The heater is
a susceptor for heating the aerosol-generating article; and
Further comprising a coil for inducing a variable magnetic field in the susceptor,
wherein the electrode is disposed between the receptacle and the coil. According to claim 1,
The heater is
a susceptor for heating the aerosol-generating article; and
Further comprising a coil for inducing a variable magnetic field in the susceptor,
wherein the electrode and the coil are integrally formed. According to claim 1,
The heater heats the inside or outside of the aerosol-generating article in a resistance heating manner,
and the electrode is positioned corresponding to an area where the aerosol-generating article and the heater overlap. According to claim 1,
wherein the electrode is positioned to correspond to at least one area where the aerosol-generating material of the aerosol-generating article is disposed as the aerosol-generating article is inserted. According to claim 1,
The processor is
obtaining at least one of a charging time or a discharging time of the electrode;
and detecting insertion of the aerosol-generating article when the charging time is longer than a specified first charging time or when the discharging time is shorter than a specified first discharging time. 7. The method of claim 6,
The processor is
and powering the heater for preheating when the aerosol-generating article is inserted. According to claim 1,
The processor is
obtaining at least one of a change in charging time or a change in discharging time of the electrode;
Based on the obtained change in charging time or change in discharging time, detecting the user's puff, an aerosol generating device. 9. The method of claim 8,
The processor is
When the gradient of change of the charging time with respect to time is a negative value or the gradient of change of the discharge time with respect to time is a positive value, detecting the puff of the user, an aerosol generating device. 10. The method of claim 9,
The processor is
and powering the heater to generate an aerosol when the user's puff is detected. According to claim 1,
The processor is
obtaining at least one of a charging time or a discharging time of the electrode;
Based on the obtained charging time or discharging time, controlling the power supplied to the heater, an aerosol generating device. 12. The method of claim 11,
The processor is
When the charging time is longer than the specified second charging time, or when the discharging time is shorter than the specified second discharging time, a first power lower than the reference power is supplied to the heater,
When the charging time is shorter than the specified second charging time, or the discharging time is longer than the specified second discharging time, supplying a second power higher than the reference power to the heater, the aerosol generating device. According to claim 1,
The processor is
obtaining at least one of a charging time or a discharging time of the electrode;
and detecting removal of the aerosol-generating article if the charging time is shorter than a third specified charging time, or if the discharging time is longer than a third specified discharging time. 14. The method of claim 13,
The processor is
and powering the heater to remove material adhering on the heater when the aerosol-generating article is removed. 14. The method of claim 13,
The processor is
and powering the heater to remove material adhering on the heater after a specified time when the aerosol-generating article is removed.

Images