KR20230110149A - Aerosol generating device and method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

An aerosol generating device and an operating method thereof are disclosed. An aerosol generating device of the present disclosure includes a housing having an insertion space; a heater for heating the stick inserted into the insertion space; a capacitance sensor including an electrode disposed adjacent to the insertion space; And a control unit, which sets a unit time for monitoring charging and discharging of the electrode once, calculates a time for completing charging and discharging of the electrode once according to the set unit time, determines whether the stick is inserted based on the calculated time, and the unit time may exceed a predetermined time in that charging and discharging of the electrode are completed once in response to the insertion of the stick.

Description

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

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device and an operating method thereof.

Aerosol generating devices are for extracting certain components from a medium or substance through an aerosol. The medium may contain materials of various components. Substances included in the medium may be flavor substances of various components. For example, the substance included in the medium may include a nicotine component, an herbal component, and/or a coffee component. Recently, many studies on these aerosol generating devices have been conducted.

The present disclosure aims to solve the foregoing and other problems.

Another object may be to provide an aerosol generating device and an operating method thereof capable of accurately determining whether a stick is inserted into an insertion space by optimizing a unit time for monitoring charging and discharging of a capacitive sensor.

Another object may be to provide an aerosol generating device and an operating method thereof capable of accurately determining whether a stick is inserted into an insertion space by adjusting unit time for monitoring charging and discharging of a capacitance sensor according to internal temperature.

Another object may be to provide an aerosol generating device capable of accurately calculating the charge/discharge time of the capacitance sensor and its operating method by removing noise components included in the result of monitoring the charge and discharge of the capacitance sensor.

An aerosol generating device according to an aspect of the present disclosure for achieving the above object includes a housing having an insertion space; a heater for heating the stick inserted into the insertion space; a capacitance sensor including an electrode disposed adjacent to the insertion space; And a control unit, which sets a unit time for monitoring charging and discharging of the electrode once, calculates a time for completing charging and discharging of the electrode once according to the set unit time, determines whether the stick is inserted based on the calculated time, and the unit time may exceed a preset maximum time in which charging and discharging of the electrode are completed once in response to the insertion of the stick.

An operation method of an aerosol generating device according to an aspect of the present disclosure for achieving the above object includes an operation of setting a unit time for monitoring charging and discharging of an electrode included in a capacitance sensor and disposed adjacent to an insertion space once; calculating a time at which charging and discharging of the electrode is completed once according to the set unit time; And based on the calculated time, it includes an operation of determining whether the stick is inserted into the insertion space, wherein the unit time corresponds to the insertion of the stick, charging and discharging of the electrode is completed once, and may exceed a preset maximum time.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to accurately determine whether the stick is inserted into the insertion space by optimizing unit time for monitoring charging and discharging of the capacitance sensor.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to accurately determine whether the stick is inserted into the insertion space by adjusting unit time for monitoring charging and discharging of the capacitance sensor according to internal temperature.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the charge/discharge time of the capacitance sensor may be accurately calculated by removing noise components included in the result of monitoring charging and discharging of the capacitance sensor.

Additional scope of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description that follows. However, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure may be clearly understood by those skilled in the art, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific embodiments such as the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are given by way of example only.

Figure 1 is. It is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
2 to 4 are. These drawings are referenced in the description of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiments of the present disclosure.
5 and 6 are. These drawings are referenced in the description of the stick according to the embodiments of the present disclosure.
7 to 9 are views referenced in a description of the configuration of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
10 and 11 are flowcharts illustrating an operating method of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
12 is a diagram referenced for description of an operation of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed herein will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Regardless of the reference numerals, the same or similar components are given the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions thereof will be omitted.

The suffixes "module" and "unit" for components used in the following description may be given or used interchangeably in consideration of ease of writing the specification. "Module" and "unit" do not have meanings or roles distinct from each other by themselves.

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

Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first and second, may be used to describe various components. However, the components are not limited by the terms. These terms are only used for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

When an element is referred to as being “connected” or “connected” to another element, it may be directly connected or connected to the other element. However, it should be understood that other components may exist in the middle. On the other hand, when an element is referred to as “directly connected” or “directly connected” to another element, it should be understood that no other element exists in the middle.

Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Figure 1 is. It is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 1 , the aerosol generating device 10 may include a communication interface 11, an input/output interface 12, an aerosol generating module 13, a memory 14, a sensor module 15, a battery 16, and/or a controller 17.

In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 10 may be composed of only the main body. In this case, components included in the aerosol generating device 10 may be located in the main body. In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device 10 may be composed of a main body and a cartridge holding an aerosol generating material. In this case, components included in the aerosol generating device 10 may be located on at least one of the main body and the cartridge.

The communication interface 11 may include at least one communication module for communication with an external device and/or network. For example, the communication interface 11 may include a communication module for wired communication such as universal serial bus (USB). For example, the communication interface 11 may include a communication module for wireless communication such as wireless fidelity (WiFi), bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Zigbee, and near field communication (NFC).

The input/output interface 12 may include an input interface for receiving a command from a user and/or an output interface for outputting information to the user. For example, the input interface may include a touch panel, physical buttons, and a microphone. For example, the output interface may include a display device outputting visual information such as a display or a light emitting diode (LED), an audio device outputting auditory information such as a speaker or buzzer, and a motor outputting tactile information such as a haptic effect.

The input/output interface 12 may transfer data corresponding to a command input from the user through the input interface to other component(s) of the aerosol generating device 10 . The input/output interface 12 may output information corresponding to data received from the other component(s) of the aerosol generating device 10 through an output interface.

The aerosol generating module 13 may generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material. Here, the aerosol-generating material may refer to any one material or a combination of two or more materials in various states such as a liquid state, a solid state, and a gel state capable of generating an aerosol.

The liquid aerosol-generating material may be, according to one embodiment, a liquid comprising a tobacco-containing material comprising a volatile tobacco flavor component. The liquid aerosol generating material may be a liquid comprising a non-tobacco material according to another embodiment. For example, liquid aerosol-generating substances may include water, solvents, nicotine, plant extracts, fragrances, flavoring agents, vitamin mixtures, and the like.

Solid-state aerosol-generating materials may include solid materials based on tobacco raw materials, such as leafy leaf sheets, cut fillers, and granules. In addition, the solid-state aerosol-generating material may include a solid material including a taste control agent, a flavoring material, and the like. For example, the taste control agent may include calcium carbonate, sodium hydrogen carbonate, calcium oxide and the like. For example, the fragrance material may include natural materials such as herbal granules, or silica, zeolite, and dextrin including fragrance components.

In addition, the aerosol generating material may further include an aerosol former such as glycerin or propylene glycol.

The aerosol generating module 13 may include at least one heater.

The aerosol generating module 13 may include an electrical resistive heater. For example, an electrical resistive heater may include at least one electrically conductive track. An electrical resistive heater can be heated by a current flowing through an electrically conductive track. At this time, the aerosol generating material may be heated by the heated electrical resistive heater.

The electrically conductive track may include an electrically resistive material. As an example, the electrically conductive track may be formed of a metallic material. As another example, the electrically conductive tracks may be formed of a ceramic material, carbon, a metal alloy, or a combination of a ceramic material and a metal.

The electrical resistive heater may include electrically conductive tracks formed in various shapes. For example, the electrically conductive track may be formed in any one of a tubular shape, a plate shape, a needle shape, a rod shape, and a coil shape.

The aerosol generating module 13 may include a heater using an induction heating method. For example, an induction heating type heater may include an electrically conductive coil. The induction heating type heater may generate an alternating magnetic field whose direction is periodically changed by adjusting the current flowing through the electrically conductive coil. In this case, when an alternating magnetic field is applied to the magnetic body, energy loss due to eddy current loss and hysteresis loss may occur in the magnetic body. Also, as the energy lost is released as thermal energy, the aerosol generating material adjacent to the magnetic body may be heated. Here, an object generating heat by a magnetic field may be referred to as a susceptor.

Meanwhile, the aerosol generating module 13 may generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material by generating ultrasonic vibrations.

The aerosol generating module 13 may be referred to as a cartomizer, an atomizer, a vaporizer, and the like.

The memory 14 may store programs for processing and controlling each signal in the control unit 17 . The memory 14 may store data processed by the controller 17 and data to be processed.

For example, the memory 14 may store application programs designed for the purpose of performing various tasks processable by the control unit 17 . The memory 14 may selectively provide some of the stored application programs upon request of the control unit 17 .

For example, the memory 14 may store the operating time of the aerosol generating device 10, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, the number of charging the battery 16, the number of discharging the battery 16, at least one temperature profile, data on a user's inhalation pattern, data on charging/discharging, and the like. Here, the puff may mean user's inhalation. Inhalation may refer to a situation in which the user draws into the user's oral cavity, nasal cavity, or lungs through the mouth or nose.

The memory 14 may include at least one of volatile memory (eg, DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, etc.) or non-volatile memory (eg, flash memory, hard disk drive (HDD), solid-state drive (SSD), etc.).

The sensor module 15 may include at least one sensor.

For example, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor for detecting a puff (hereinafter referred to as a puff sensor). In this case, the puff sensor may be implemented by a proximity sensor such as an IR sensor, a pressure sensor, a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, a magnetic field sensor, and the like.

For example, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor (hereinafter referred to as a temperature sensor) for sensing the temperature of a heater included in the aerosol generating module 13 and the temperature of an aerosol generating material. At this time, a heater included in the aerosol generating module 13 may serve as a temperature sensor. For example. The electrical resistive material of the heater may be a material having a temperature coefficient of resistance. The sensor module 15 may sense the temperature of the heater by measuring the resistance of the heater, which varies according to the temperature.

For example, when a stick can be inserted into the body of the aerosol generating device 10, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor (hereinafter referred to as a stick detection sensor) for detecting the insertion of the stick.

For example, when the aerosol generating device 10 includes a cartridge, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor (hereinafter referred to as a cartridge detection sensor) for detecting attachment/detachment, position, etc. of the cartridge to the main body.

At this time, the stick detection sensor and/or the cartridge detection sensor may be implemented by an inductance-based sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistance sensor, a hall sensor using a hall effect (hall IC), and the like.

For example, the sensor module 15 may include a component provided in the aerosol generating device 10 (eg, a voltage sensor for detecting voltage applied to the battery 16 and/or a current sensor for detecting current).

The battery 16 may supply power used for the operation of the aerosol generating device 10 under the control of the controller 17 . The battery 16 may supply power to other components included in the aerosol generating device 10 . For example, the battery 16 may supply power to a communication module included in the communication interface 11, an output device included in the input/output interface 12, a heater included in the aerosol generating module 13, and the like.

The battery 16 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 16 may be a lithium ion battery or a lithium polymer (Li-Polymer) battery, but is not limited thereto. For example, when the battery 16 can be charged, the charge rate (C-rate) of the battery 16 may be 10C and the discharge rate (C-rate) may be 10C to 20C, but is not limited thereto. In addition, for stable use, the battery 16 may be manufactured so that 80% or more of the total capacity may be secured even when charging/discharging is performed 2000 times.

The aerosol generating device 10 may further include a protection circuit module (PCM), which is a circuit for protecting the battery 16. The protection circuit module (PCM) may be disposed adjacent to the upper surface of the battery 16 . For example, in order to prevent overcharging and overdischarging of the battery 16, the protection circuit module (PCM) may cut off the circuit to the battery 16 when a short circuit occurs in a circuit connected to the battery 16, when an overvoltage is applied to the battery 16, when an overcurrent flows through the battery 16, and the like.

The aerosol generating device 10 may further include a charging terminal into which power supplied from the outside is input. For example, a charging terminal may be formed on one side of the main body of the aerosol generating device 10. The aerosol generating device 10 may charge the battery 16 using power supplied through a charging terminal. At this time, the charging terminal may include a wired terminal for USB communication, a pogo pin, and the like.

The aerosol generating device 10 may wirelessly receive power supplied from the outside through the communication interface 11 . For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may receive power wirelessly using an antenna included in a communication module for wireless communication. The aerosol generating device 10 may charge the battery 16 using power supplied wirelessly.

The controller 17 may control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 10 . The control unit 17 may be connected to each component provided in the aerosol generating device 10. The control unit 17 may transmit and/or receive signals between each component and control the overall operation of each component.

The controller 17 may include at least one processor. The controller 17 may control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 10 by using a processor. Here, the processor may be a general processor such as a central processing unit (CPU). Of course, the processor may be a dedicated device such as an ASIC or other hardware-based processor.

The controller 17 may perform any one of a plurality of functions of the aerosol generating device 10 . For example, the controller 17 may perform one of a plurality of functions (eg, a preheating function, a heating function, a charging function, a cleaning function, etc.) of the aerosol generating apparatus 10 according to the state of each component provided in the aerosol generating apparatus 10, a user's command received through the input/output interface 12, and the like.

The controller 17 may control the operation of each component provided in the aerosol generating device 10 based on data stored in the memory 14 . For example, the controller 17 may control a predetermined power to be supplied from the battery 16 to the aerosol generating module 13 for a predetermined period of time based on data on a temperature profile, a user's inhalation pattern, etc. stored in the memory 14.

The controller 17 may determine whether a puff is present through a puff sensor included in the sensor module 15 . For example, the controller 17 may check a temperature change, a flow change, a pressure change, a voltage change, and the like in the aerosol generating device 10 based on the sensing value of the puff sensor. The control unit 17 may determine whether or not a puff is present according to a result confirmed based on the sensing value of the puff sensor.

The control unit 17 may control the operation of each component provided in the aerosol generating device 10 according to whether or not puffs are puffed and/or the number of puffs. For example, the controller 17 may control the temperature of the heater to be changed or maintained based on the temperature profile stored in the memory 14 .

The control unit 17 may control power supply to the heater to be cut off according to a predetermined condition. For example, when the stick is removed, when the cartridge is separated, when the number of puffs reaches a preset maximum number of puffs, when no puffs are detected for a preset time or more, and when the remaining capacity of the battery 16 is less than a predetermined value, the control unit 17 may control power supply to the heater to be cut off.

The control unit 17 may calculate the remaining capacity of power stored in the battery 16 (hereinafter, remaining power amount). For example, the controller 17 may calculate the amount of remaining power of the battery 16 based on a sensing value of a voltage sensor and/or a current sensor included in the sensor module 15 .

The control unit 17 may control power to be supplied to the heater using at least one of a pulse width modulation (PWM) method and a proportional-integral-differential (PID) method.

For example, the control unit 17 may control a current pulse having a predetermined frequency and duty ratio to be supplied to the heater using a PWM method. At this time, the controller 17 may control power supplied to the heater by adjusting the frequency and duty ratio of the current pulse.

For example, the control unit 17 can determine a target temperature serving as a control target based on the temperature profile. At this time, the control unit 17 uses a PID method, which is a feedback control method through a difference value between the temperature of the heater and the target temperature, a value obtained by integrating the difference value over time, and a value obtained by differentiating the difference value over time. The power supplied to the heater can be controlled.

On the other hand, although the PWM method and the PID method have been described as examples of control methods for supplying power to the heater, the present invention is not limited thereto, and a proportional-integral (PI) method and a proportional-differential (Proportional-Differential). Various control methods such as PD) may be used.

Meanwhile, the controller 17 may control power to be supplied to the heater according to preset conditions. For example, when a cleaning function for cleaning a space into which a stick is inserted is selected according to a command input from a user through the input/output interface 12, the controller 17 may control a predetermined power to be supplied to the heater.

2 to 6 are views referenced for description of an aerosol generating device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

According to various embodiments of the present invention, the aerosol generating device 10 may include a main body 100 and/or a cartridge 200.

Referring to FIG. 2 , the aerosol generating device 10 according to an embodiment may include a main body 100 configured to allow the stick 20 to be inserted into a space formed by the housing 101 .

The stick 20 may be similar to a conventional combustible cigarette. For example, the stick 20 may be divided into a first part containing an aerosol generating material and a second part including a filter. Alternatively, the aerosol generating material may also be included in the second part of the stick 20 . An aerosol generating material, eg 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 10, 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 10, or parts of the first part and the second part may be inserted. The user may inhale the aerosol while opening the second portion. At this time, the aerosol is generated by passing the external air through the first portion, and the generated aerosol may pass through the second portion and be delivered to the user's mouth.

The main body 100 may be formed in a structure in which external air may be introduced into the main body 100 in a state in which the stick 20 is inserted. At this time, the outside air introduced into the main body 100 may flow into the user's mouth through the stick 20 .

The heater may be disposed at a position within the body 100 corresponding to a position of the stick 20 when the stick 20 is inserted into the body 100 . In this drawing, the heater is shown as being an electrically conductive heater 110 including a needle-shaped electrically conductive track, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

The heater may heat the inside and/or outside of the stick 20 using power supplied from the battery 16 . At this time, aerosol may be generated from the heated stick 20 . At this time, the user may inhale the tobacco-flavored aerosol by inhaling one end of the stick 20 through the mouth.

Meanwhile, the controller 17 may control power to be supplied to the heater according to a preset condition even when the stick 20 is not inserted. For example, when a cleaning function for cleaning a space into which the stick 20 is inserted is selected according to a command input from a user through the input/output interface 12, the control unit 17 can control a predetermined power to be supplied to the heater.

The controller 17 may monitor the number of puffs based on a value sensed by the puff sensor from the time point when the stick 20 is inserted.

The controller 17 may initialize the current number of puffs stored in the memory 14 when the inserted stick 20 is removed.

Referring to FIG. 3 , an aerosol generating device 100 according to an embodiment may include a main body 100 supporting a cartridge 200 and a cartridge 200 holding an aerosol generating material.

The cartridge 200 may be configured to be detachable from the main body 100 according to one embodiment. The cartridge 200 may be integrally formed with the main body 100 according to another embodiment. For example, at least a portion of the cartridge 200 may be inserted into an inner space formed by the housing 101 of the main body 100, and the cartridge 200 may be mounted on the main body 100.

The main body 100 may be formed in a structure in which external air may be introduced into the main body 100 in a state in which the cartridge 200 is inserted. At this time, outside air introduced into the main body 100 may flow into the user's mouth through the cartridge 200 .

The controller 17 may determine whether the cartridge 200 is mounted/detached through a cartridge detection sensor included in the sensor module 15 . For example, the cartridge detection sensor may transmit a pulse current through one terminal connected to the cartridge 200 . In this case, the cartridge detecting sensor may detect whether or not the cartridge 200 is connected based on whether a pulse current is received through the other terminal.

The cartridge 200 may include a heater 210 for heating the aerosol generating material and/or a reservoir 220 for holding the aerosol generating material. For example, a liquid delivery means that impregnates (contains) an aerosol generating material may be disposed inside the reservoir 220 . The electrically conductive track of the heater 210 may be formed into a structure that winds the liquid delivery means. At this time, as the liquid delivery unit is heated by the heater 210, aerosol may be generated. Here, the liquid delivery means may include a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic.

The cartridge 200 may include an insertion space 230 configured to allow the stick 20 to be inserted. For example, the cartridge 200 may include an insertion space formed by an inner wall (not shown) extending in a circumferential direction along a direction in which the stick 20 is inserted. At this time, the insertion space may be formed by opening the inner side of the inner wall vertically. The stick 20 may be inserted into the insertion space 230 formed by the inner wall.

The insertion space into which the stick 20 is inserted may be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of a portion of the stick 20 inserted into the insertion space. For example, when the stick 20 is formed in a cylindrical shape, the insertion space may be formed in a cylindrical shape.

When the stick 20 is inserted into the insertion space, the outer circumferential surface of the stick 20 is surrounded by an inner wall and may be in contact with the inner wall.

A portion of the stick 20 is inserted into the insertion space 230 of the cartridge 200, and the remaining portion may be exposed to the outside.

The user may inhale the aerosol while holding one end of the stick 20 in the mouth. The aerosol generated by the heater 210 may pass through the stick 20 and be delivered to the user's mouth. At this time, while the aerosol passes through the stick 20, the substance contained in the stick 20 may be added to the aerosol, and the aerosol to which the substance is added may be sucked into the user's mouth through one end of the stick 20.

Referring to FIG. 4 , an aerosol generating device 100 according to an embodiment may include a main body 100 supporting a cartridge 200 and a cartridge 200 holding an aerosol generating material. The main body 100 may be configured such that the stick 20 can be inserted into the insertion space 130 .

The aerosol generating device 100 may include a first heater for heating the aerosol generating material stored in the cartridge 200 . For example, when a user inhales one end of the stick 20 through the mouth, aerosol generated by the first heater may pass through the stick 20 . At this time, while the aerosol passes through the stick 20, a flavor may be added to the aerosol. The flavored aerosol may be inhaled into the user's mouth through one end of the stick 20 .

Meanwhile, according to another embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 may include a first heater for heating the aerosol generating material stored in the cartridge 200 and a second heater for heating the stick 20 inserted into the main body 100, respectively. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may generate an aerosol by heating the aerosol generating material stored in the cartridge 200 and the stick 20 through the first heater and the second heater, respectively.

5 and 6 are. These drawings are referenced in the description of the stick according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. Detailed descriptions of overlapping contents in FIGS. 5 and 6 will be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 5 , a stick 20 according to one embodiment may include a tobacco rod 21 and a filter rod 22 . The first part described above with reference to FIG. 2 may include a tobacco rod 21 . The second part described above with reference to FIG. 2 may include the filter rod 22 .

Although filter rod 22 is shown as a single segment in FIG. 5, it is not limited thereto. In other words, the filter rod 22 may be composed of a plurality of segments. For example, filter rod 22 may include a first segment that cools the aerosol and a second segment that filters certain components contained in the aerosol. Also, if necessary, the filter rod 22 may further include at least one segment performing other functions.

The diameter of the stick 20 is within the range of 5mm to 9mm, and the length may be about 48mm, but is not limited thereto. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may have a length of about 12 mm, the length of the first segment of the filter rod 22 may be about 10 mm, the length of the second segment of the filter rod 22 may be about 14 mm, and the length of the third segment of the filter rod 22 may be about 12 mm, but is not limited thereto.

The stick 20 may be wrapped by at least one wrapper 24 . At least one hole through which external air is introduced or internal gas is discharged may be formed in the wrapper 24 . As an example, the stick 20 may be wrapped by one wrapper 24 . As another example, the stick 20 may be overlappingly wrapped by two or more wrappers 24 . For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be wrapped by the first wrapper 241 . For example, the filter rod 22 may be wrapped by wrappers 242 , 243 , and 244 . The tobacco rod 21 and the filter rod 22 wrapped by individual wrappers may be combined. The entire stick 20 may be re-wrapped by the third wrapper 245 . When each of the filter rods 22 is composed of a plurality of segments, each segment may be wrapped by individual wrappers 242, 243, and 244. The entire stick 20 in which segments wrapped by individual wrappers are combined may be re-wrapped by another wrapper.

The first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be made of general filter paper. For example, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be porous wrappers or non-porous wrappers. In addition, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be made of oil-resistant paper and/or aluminum laminate packaging material.

The third wrapper 243 may be made of hard paper. For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper 243 may be within a range of 88 g/m 2 to 96 g/m 2 . For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper 243 may be within a range of 90 g/m 2 to 94 g/m 2 . In addition, the thickness of the third wrapper 243 may be included in the range of 120um to 130um. For example, the thickness of the third wrapper 243 may be 125um.

The fourth wrapper 244 may be made of oil-resistant hard paper. For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 244 may be within a range of 88 g/m 2 to 96 g/m 2 . For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 244 may be within a range of 90 g/m 2 to 94 g/m 2 . In addition, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 244 may be included in the range of 120um to 130um. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 244 may be 125um.

The fifth wrapper 245 may be made of sterile paper (MFW). Here, the sterilized paper (MFW) may refer to paper specially manufactured to improve tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, and the like compared to general paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 245 may be within a range of 57 g/m 2 to 63 g/m 2 . For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 245 may be 60 g/m 2 . Also, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 245 may be within a range of 64um to 70um. For example, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 245 may be 67um.

A predetermined material may be internally added to the fifth wrapper 245 . Here, an example of the predetermined material may be silicon, but is not limited thereto. For example, silicon may have properties such as heat resistance with little change with temperature, oxidation resistance without being oxidized, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency, or electrical insulation. However, even if it is not silicon, any material having the above characteristics may be coated or coated on the fifth wrapper 245 without limitation.

The fifth wrapper 245 may prevent the stick 20 from burning. For example, when the tobacco rod 21 is heated by the heater 110, there is a possibility that the stick 20 is burned. Specifically, when the temperature rises above the ignition point of any one of the materials included in the tobacco rod 21, the stick 20 may be burned. Even in this case, since the fifth wrapper 245 includes an incombustible material, burning of the stick 20 can be prevented.

In addition, the fifth wrapper 245 may prevent the main body 100 from being contaminated by substances produced in the stick 20 . Liquid substances may be created in the stick 20 by the user's puff. For example, liquid substances (eg, moisture, etc.) may be generated by cooling the aerosol generated in the stick 20 by external air. As the fifth wrapper 245 wraps the stick 20 , liquid substances generated in the stick 20 may be prevented from leaking out of the stick 20 .

The tobacco rod 21 may contain 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, humectants and/or organic acids. In addition, a flavoring liquid such as menthol or a moisturizer can be added to the tobacco rod 21 by spraying it to the tobacco rod 21 .

The tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be made of a sheet. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be made of a strand. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be made of a cut filler in which a tobacco sheet is chopped. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be surrounded by a heat conducting material. For example, the heat conduction material may be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited thereto. For example, the heat conduction material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can improve the thermal conductivity applied to the tobacco rod by evenly distributing the heat transmitted to the tobacco rod 21 . This can improve the taste of tobacco. A heat conduction material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 may function as a susceptor to be heated by an induction heating type heater. At this time, although not shown in the drawing, 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. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a tubular rod having a hollow inside. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a recess type rod. When 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.

The first segment of filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the first segment may be a tube-shaped structure including a hollow therein. When the heater 110 is inserted by the first segment, the internal material of the tobacco rod 21 may be prevented from being pushed back, and a cooling effect of the aerosol may be generated. The diameter of the hollow included in the first segment may be appropriately employed within a range of 2 mm to 4.5 mm, but is not limited thereto.

The length of the first segment may be appropriately employed within a range of 4 mm to 30 mm, but is not limited thereto. For example, the length of the first segment may be 10 mm, but is not limited thereto.

The second segment of the filter rod 22 cools the aerosol produced by the heater 110 heating the tobacco rod 21 . Thus, the user can inhale the aerosol cooled to an appropriate temperature.

The length or diameter of the second segment may be variously determined according to the shape of the stick 20 . For example, the length of the second segment may be appropriately employed within a range of 7 mm to 20 mm. Preferably, the length of the second segment may be about 14 mm, but is not limited thereto.

The second segment may be fabricated by weaving polymer fibers. In this case, flavoring liquid may be applied to fibers made of polymer. Alternatively, the second segment may be manufactured by weaving a separate fiber coated with flavoring liquid and a fiber made of a polymer together. Alternatively, the second segment may be formed by a crimped polymer sheet.

For example, the polymer may be made of a material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PLA), cellulose acetate (CA) and aluminum foil.

As the second segment is formed by woven polymer fibers or crimped polymer sheets, the second segment may include one or more longitudinally extending channels. Here, the channel may refer to a passage through which gas (eg, air or aerosol) passes. .

For example, the second segment of a crimped polymer sheet may be formed from a material having a thickness between about 5 μm and about 300 μm, such as between about 10 μm and about 250 μm. Also, the total surface area of the second segment may be between about 300 mm 2 /mm and about 1000 mm 2 /mm. Additionally, the aerosol-cooling element may be formed from a material having a specific surface area between about 10 mm 2 /mg and about 100 mm 2 /mg.

Meanwhile, the second segment may include a thread containing a volatile flavor component. Here, the volatile flavor component may be menthol, but is not limited thereto. For example, the thread may be loaded with sufficient menthol to provide at least 1.5 mg of menthol to the second segment.

The third segment of filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. The length of the third segment may be appropriately employed within a range of 4 mm to 20 mm. For example, the length of the third segment may be about 12 mm, but is not limited thereto.

The filter rod 22 may be manufactured to generate flavor. As an example, flavoring liquid may be sprayed onto the filter rod 22 . As an example, a separate fiber coated with flavoring liquid may be inserted into the filter rod 22 .

In addition, at least one capsule 23 may be included in the filter rod 22 . Here, the capsule 23 may perform a function of generating flavor. The capsule 23 may also function to generate 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. 6 , the stick 30 according to one embodiment may further include a shear plug 33 . The front end plug 33 is located on one side opposite to the filter rod 32 in the tobacco rod 31 . The shear plug 33 can prevent the tobacco rod 31 from escaping to the outside. The shear plug 33 can prevent the aerosol liquefied from the tobacco rod 31 from flowing into the aerosol generating device 100 during smoking.

The filter rod 32 may include a first segment 321 and a second segment 322 . The first segment 321 may correspond to the first segment of the filter rod 22 of FIG. 5 . The second segment 322 may correspond to the third segment of the filter rod 22 of FIG. 5 .

The diameter and total length of the stick 30 may correspond to the diameter and total length of the stick 20 of FIG. 5 . 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, and the length of the second segment 322 is about 14 mm, but is not limited thereto.

The stick 30 may be wrapped by at least one wrapper 35 . At least one hole through which external air is introduced or internal gas is discharged 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 321 is wrapped by the third wrapper 353. The second segment 322 may be wrapped by the fourth wrapper 354. Also, the entire stick 30 may be re-wrapped by the fifth wrapper 355 .

In addition, at least one perforation 36 may be formed in the fifth wrapper 355 . For example, the perforation 36 may be formed in an area surrounding the tobacco rod 31, but is not limited thereto. For example, the perforation 36 may serve to transfer heat generated by the heater 210 shown in FIG. 3 to the inside of the tobacco rod 31.

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

The first wrapper 351 may be a metal foil such as aluminum foil coupled to a general filter wrapper. For example, the total thickness of the first wrapper 351 may be within a range of 45um to 55um. For example, the total thickness of the first wrapper 351 may be 50.3um. In addition, the thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper 351 may be included in the range of 6um to 7um. For example, the thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper 351 may be 6.3um. In addition, the basis weight of the first wrapper 351 may be included in the range of 50 g/m 2 to 55 g/m 2 . For example, the basis weight of the first wrapper 351 may be 53 g/m2.

The second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 may be made of general filter wrappers. For example, the second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 may be porous wrappers or non-porous wrappers.

For example, the porosity of the second wrapper 352 may be 35000 CU, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the thickness of the second wrapper 352 may be included in the range of 70um ~ 80um. For example, the thickness of the second wrapper 352 may be 78um. In addition, the basis weight of the second wrapper 352 may be within the range of 20 g/m 2 to 25 g/m 2 . For example, the basis weight of the second wrapper 352 may be 23.5 g/m2.

For example, the porosity of the third wrapper 353 may be 24000 CU, but is not limited thereto. Also, the thickness of the third wrapper 353 may be within a range of 60um to 70um. For example, the thickness of the third wrapper 353 may be 68um. In addition, the basis weight of the third wrapper 353 may be within the range of 20 g/m 2 to 25 g/m 2 . For example, the basis weight of the 3 wrappers 353 may be 21 g/m2.

The fourth wrapper 354 may be made of PLA laminate. Here, the PLA laminate may refer to three layers of paper including a paper layer, a PLA layer, and a paper layer. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 354 may be included in the range of 100um to 120um. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 354 may be 110um. In addition, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 354 may be included in the range of 80 g/m 2 to 100 g/m 2 . For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 354 may be 88 g/m2.

The fifth wrapper 355 may be made of sterile paper (MFW). Here, the sterilized paper (MFW) may refer to paper specially manufactured to improve tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, and the like compared to general paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 355 may be within a range of 57 g/m 2 to 63 g/m 2 . For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 355 may be 60 g/m2. In addition, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 355 may be included in the range of 64um to 70um. For example, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 355 may be 67um.

A predetermined material may be internally added to the fifth wrapper 355 . Here, an example of the predetermined material may be silicon, but is not limited thereto. For example, silicon has properties such as heat resistance with little change with temperature, oxidation resistance that does not oxidize, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency, or electrical insulation. However, even if it is not silicon, any material having the above characteristics may be applied (or coated) to the fifth wrapper 355 without limitation.

The shear plug 33 may be made of cellulose acetate. As an example, the shear plug 33 may be fabricated by adding a plasticizer (eg, triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. The mono denier of the filaments constituting the cellulose acetate tow may be included in the range of 1.0 to 10.0. For example, the monodenier of the filament constituting the cellulose acetate tow may be included in the range of 4.0 to 6.0. For example, the mono denier of the filament of the shear plug 33 may be 5.0. In addition, the cross section of the filaments constituting the front end plug 33 may be Y-shaped. The total denier of the shear plug 33 may be included in the range of 20000 to 30000. For example, the total denier of the front end plug 33 may be included in the range of 25000 to 30000. For example, the total denier of the shear plug 33 may be 28000.

Also, if necessary, the front end plug 33 may include at least one channel. The shape of the cross section of the channel of the shear plug 330 can be manufactured in various ways.

The tobacco rod 31 may correspond to the tobacco rod 21 described above with reference to FIG. 5 . Therefore, a detailed description of the tobacco rod 31 will be omitted below.

The first segment 321 may be made of cellulose acetate. For example, the first segment may be a tube-shaped structure including a hollow therein. The first segment 321 may be manufactured by adding a plasticizer (eg, triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. For example, the mono denier and total denier of the first segment 321 may be the same as the mono denier and total denier of the shear plug 33 .

The second segment 322 may be made of cellulose acetate. The mono denier of the filaments constituting the second segment 322 may be included in the range of 1.0 to 10.0. For example, the mono denier of the filament of the second segment 322 may be included in the range of 8.0 to 10.0. For example, the mono denier of the filament of the second segment 322 may be 9.0. In addition, the cross section of the filament of the second segment 322 may be Y-shaped. The total denier of the second segment 322 may be included in the range of 20000 to 30000. For example, the total denier of the second segment 322 may be 25000.

7 to 9 are views referenced in a description of the configuration of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 7 , the aerosol generating device 10 may include a housing 101, a heater 110, an insertion space 130, a stick detection sensor 150, a temperature sensor 155, a battery 16, a control unit 17, and/or a printed circuit board 710.

At least one sensor included in the sensor module 15 and the control unit 17 may be mounted on the printed circuit board 710 . Components mounted on the printed circuit board 710 may transmit or receive signals to each other through a wiring layer of the printed circuit board 710 . The printed circuit board 710 may be electrically connected to the battery 16 . Components mounted on the printed circuit board 710 may operate based on power supplied from the battery 16 .

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the insertion space 130 in which the stick 20 is disposed may be formed at the upper end of the housing 101 of the aerosol generating device 10 .

The inner wall 103 of the housing 101 may extend vertically. The inner wall 103 of the housing 101 may extend along the inner circumference of the housing 101 . The inner wall 103 of the housing 101 may extend in a circumferential direction to form a cylindrical shape.

The inner wall 103 of the housing 101 may form an insertion space 130 into which the stick 20 is inserted. The insertion space 130 of the housing 101 may refer to a space formed by being depressed toward the inside of the aerosol generating device 100 by a predetermined depth so that at least a part of the stick 20 can be inserted. The predetermined depth may correspond to the length of a portion of the stick 20 in which the aerosol generating material is included (eg, the tobacco rod 21).

The insertion space 130 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of a portion of the stick 20 . For example, when the stick 20 is formed in a cylindrical shape, the insertion space 130 may be formed in a cylindrical shape.

The heater 110 may be disposed adjacent to the insertion space 130 . The heater 110 may heat the stick 20 inserted into the insertion space 130 . The heater 110 may be disposed corresponding to the position of the tobacco rod 21 of the stick 20 inserted into the insertion space 130. In the present disclosure, the heater 110 is shown to be an induction heating type heater that generates an alternating magnetic field whose direction changes periodically by controlling the current flowing through the electrically conductive coil, but is not limited thereto.

The temperature sensor 155 may detect the internal temperature of the housing 101 . The temperature sensor 155 may be disposed adjacent to the stick detection sensor 150 . For example, the temperature sensor 155 may be disposed adjacent to an electrode included in the stick sensor 150 . The temperature sensor 155 may be implemented by a thermistor or the like, which is an element using a property in which resistance changes according to temperature. For example, the temperature sensor 155 may include a negative temperature coefficient thermistor (NTC thermistor) having a property of decreasing resistance when the temperature increases.

The controller 17 may determine the internal temperature of the housing 101 based on the detection value of the temperature sensor 155 . For example, the controller 17 may determine the detected value of the temperature sensor 155 as the internal temperature of the housing 101 . For example, the controller 17 may determine a value obtained by compensating for a detected value of the temperature sensor 155 as the internal temperature of the housing 101 according to a predetermined criterion.

The stick detection sensor 150 may be a capacitance sensor including at least one electrode. The capacitance sensor 150 may include a conductor constituting an electrode. The conductor may be disposed adjacent to the insertion space 130 into which the stick 20 is inserted. For example, the conductor may be formed with a length corresponding to the insertion space 130 along the direction in which the insertion space 130 extends.

The capacitance sensor 150 may output a signal corresponding to the insertion space 130 . The capacitance sensor 150 may generate a signal while current flows through the conductor. The capacitance sensor 150 may generate a signal corresponding to electromagnetic properties around the conductor. The capacitance sensor 150 may output a signal corresponding to the capacitance around the conductor. For example, when the stick 20 is inserted into the insertion space 130, the capacitance around the conductor may change due to solid components and/or liquid components constituting the stick 20 or moisture contained in the stick 20. At this time, the capacitance sensor 150 may output a signal corresponding to a change in capacitance due to the insertion of the stick 20 .

At least one electrode included in the capacitance sensor 150 may constitute a plate of a capacitor. The capacitance sensor 150 may charge and discharge electrodes.

Referring to FIG. 8 , the capacitance sensor 150 may charge a capacitor constituted by an electrode included in the capacitance sensor 150 based on power supplied from a current source and/or a voltage source. At this time, the voltage of the electrode may gradually increase from the first voltage V0 in response to the charging of the capacitor constituted by the electrode.

Meanwhile, the capacitance sensor 150 may cut off power supply by the current source and/or the voltage source based on the fact that the voltage of the electrode corresponds to the second voltage V1 higher than the first voltage V0. At this time, as the capacitor is discharged in response to the interruption of the power supply, the voltage of the electrode may be lowered to the first voltage V0 again.

At this time, the time for completing charging and discharging of the capacitor constituted by the electrodes (hereinafter referred to as charge/discharge time) may increase corresponding to an increase in capacitance. For example, in a state in which the stick 20 is not inserted into the insertion space 130, charging and discharging of the capacitor may be repeated four times for a predetermined time (810). Meanwhile, in a state in which the stick 20 is inserted into the insertion space 130, charging and discharging of the capacitor may be repeated three times for a predetermined time due to an increase in capacitance by the stick 20 (820).

That is, the capacitance corresponding to the signal output from the capacitance sensor 150 may correspond to the charge/discharge time of the capacitance sensor 150 . For example, the capacitance corresponding to the signal output from the capacitance sensor 150 may increase corresponding to an increase in the charge/discharge time of the capacitance sensor 150 .

The controller 170 may determine whether the stick 20 is inserted into the insertion space 130 through the capacitance sensor 150 . For example, the controller 170 may determine that the stick 20 is inserted into the insertion space 130 based on the fact that the capacitance corresponding to the signal received from the capacitance sensor 150 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. For example, the controller 170 may determine that the stick 20 is inserted into the insertion space 130 based on a change in capacitance corresponding to a signal received from the capacitance sensor 150 equal to or greater than a predetermined value. For example, the controller 170 may determine that the stick 20 is inserted into the insertion space 130 based on the charge/discharge time of the capacitance sensor 150 being equal to or longer than a predetermined time.

On the other hand, conventionally, based on the number of repetitions of charging and discharging of the electrode for a predetermined time, a standard for determining whether the stick 20 is inserted into the insertion space 130 may be preset in the aerosol generating device 10. For example, a condition corresponding to insertion of the stick 20 may correspond to three times, and a condition corresponding to non-insertion of the stick may correspond to four times. At this time, the control unit 17 may determine that the stick 20 is inserted into the insertion space 130 based on the fact that the number of repetitions of charging and discharging the electrode for a predetermined time is three times.

Referring to FIG. 9 , in an ideal case, in a state in which the stick 20 is not inserted into the insertion space 130, charging and discharging of the electrode of the capacitance sensor 150 may be repeated four times for a predetermined time (910). At this time, the control unit 17 may determine that the stick 20 is not inserted into the insertion space 130 based on the fact that the number of repetitions of charging and discharging of the electrode for a predetermined time is 4 times.

Meanwhile, the actual charge/discharge time of the capacitance sensor 150 may differ from the ideal charge/discharge time according to errors in the manufacturing process of the aerosol generating device 10, increase in usage period, usage environment, and the like. At this time, due to the difference in charging and discharging time of the capacitance sensor 150, the time required while charging and discharging the electrodes are completed four times in a state in which the stick 20 is not inserted into the insertion space 130 may exceed a predetermined time (920). That is, since the number of times that the electrodes are charged and discharged for a predetermined time in a state in which the stick 20 is not inserted into the insertion space 130 is less than 4 times, the aerosol generating device 10 may misjudge that the stick 20 is inserted into the insertion space 130. In addition, processing of the aerosol generating device 10 for the case where charging and discharging of the electrodes are not completed may become complicated and unclear.

10 and 11 are flowcharts illustrating an operating method of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 10 , the aerosol generating device 10 may set a unit time for monitoring charging and discharging of the electrode included in the capacitance sensor 150 in operation S1010. Here, the unit time may be a time for monitoring the charging and discharging of the electrode once.

The unit time may be set based on a predetermined time as the charge/discharge time of the capacitance sensor 150 corresponding to the insertion of the stick 20 . For example, when the charge/discharge time of the capacitance sensor 150 is included in the time interval corresponding to the first time to the second time, it may be determined that the stick 20 is inserted into the insertion space 130 . At this time, the unit time may exceed the second time which is the maximum value of the time interval corresponding to the insertion of the stick 20 . According to an embodiment, the unit time may be set based on a preset charging/discharging time of the capacitance sensor 150 corresponding to non-insertion of the stick 20 . For example, the unit time may be a multiple of the first time which is the maximum value of the time interval corresponding to non-insertion of the stick 20 .

The aerosol generating device 10 may determine whether or not a unit time has elapsed since the charging of the electrodes started, based on the completion of the discharging of the electrodes. At this time, the aerosol generating device 10 may start charging the electrodes again based on the elapse of unit time after the discharge of the electrodes is completed. That is, even if charging and discharging of the electrodes are completed, the aerosol generating device 10 may perform subsequent charging and discharging of the electrodes depending on whether unit time has elapsed.

Referring to FIG. 11 , the aerosol generating device 10 may determine whether to initially set the unit time in operation S1110. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may initially set the unit time based on when the power is initially turned on.

The aerosol generating device 10 may detect the internal temperature of the housing 101 through the temperature sensor 155 in operation S1120.

The aerosol generating device 10 may update the unit time based on the internal temperature of the housing 101 sensed through the temperature sensor 155 in operation S1130. The unit time may increase in response to an increase in the internal temperature of the housing 101 . For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may update the unit time based on a lookup table corresponding to a relationship between the internal temperature of the housing 101 and the unit time. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may update the unit time based on an arithmetic formula for calculating the unit time corresponding to the internal temperature of the housing 101 .

Meanwhile, the aerosol generating device 10 may calculate the charge/discharge time of the capacitance sensor 150 based on the result of charging and discharging the electrode of the capacitance sensor 150 in operation S1140.

The aerosol generating device 10 may perform charging and discharging of the electrode a plurality of times according to a predetermined period corresponding to a unit time. The aerosol generating device 10 may calculate the time for completing charging and discharging of the electrode multiple times. The aerosol generating device 10 may determine the charging/discharging time of the capacitance sensor 150 based on the times calculated multiple times.

According to an embodiment, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine a representative value of the times calculated multiple times as the charge/discharge time of the capacitance sensor 150 . For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine an average value of times calculated a plurality of times as the charge/discharge time of the capacitance sensor 150 .

According to an embodiment, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine the charge/discharge time of the capacitance sensor 150 based on the confidence interval for the time calculated multiple times. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine a 90% confidence interval for times calculated multiple times. At this time, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine a representative value of times corresponding to a 90% confidence interval among times calculated multiple times as the charge/discharge time of the capacitance sensor 150 .

According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 10 may calculate a standard error of mean for times calculated multiple times. At this time, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine the charge/discharge time from the calculated time based on the calculated average error. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may calculate a sample average and average error for a plurality of samples composed of times calculated a plurality of times. In this case, the aerosol generating device 10 may exclude a time corresponding to a noise component from among times calculated a plurality of times based on the calculated sample average and average error. In addition, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine the charge/discharge time of the capacitance sensor 150 based on the remaining times excluding the noise component among the times calculated a plurality of times.

The aerosol generating device 10 may determine the unit time based on the calculated charge/discharge time of the capacitance sensor 150 in operation S1140. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine a multiple of the calculated charge/discharge time of the capacitance sensor 150 as a unit time.

Referring to FIG. 10 , the aerosol generating device 10 may charge and discharge electrodes of the capacitance sensor 150 according to a set unit time in operation S1020. The aerosol generating device 10 may calculate the charge/discharge time of the capacitance sensor 150 based on a result of charging and discharging the electrode of the capacitance sensor 150 .

Referring to FIG. 12 , the electrodes of the capacitance sensor 150 may be charged and discharged according to a predetermined period T corresponding to a unit time. At this time, both the voltage 1210 of the electrode corresponding to the non-insertion of the stick 20 and the voltage 1220 of the electrode corresponding to the insertion of the stick 20 may reach the first voltage V0 corresponding to the discharge of the capacitor within a predetermined period T corresponding to a unit time. That is, the charging and discharging of the electrodes may be completed during the unit time during which the aerosol generating device 10 monitors the charging and discharging of the electrodes.

The aerosol generating device 10 may determine whether the stick 20 is inserted into the insertion space 130 based on the charging/discharging time of the capacitance sensor 150 in operation S1030.

According to an embodiment, the aerosol generating device 10 determines that a foreign substance different from that of the stick 20 is present in the insertion space 130 based on the fact that the charge/discharge time of the capacitance sensor 150 exceeds a unit time. For example, when a certain level or more of water exists in the insertion space 130, the charge/discharge time of the capacitance sensor 150 may exceed a unit time. At this time, the aerosol generating device 10 may output a message about the foreign substance through an output interface based on the determination of the existence of the foreign substance.

The aerosol generating device 10 may determine whether the stick 20 is inserted into the insertion space 130 based on whether the charge/discharge time of the capacitance sensor 150 is equal to or longer than the reference time corresponding to insertion of the stick 20. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine that the stick 20 is not inserted into the insertion space 130 based on the fact that the charge/discharge time of the capacitance sensor 150 is less than the reference time.

The aerosol generating device 10 may determine whether the stick 20 is inserted into the insertion space 130 based on the change in the charge/discharge time of the capacitance sensor 150 . For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine that the stick 20 is inserted into the insertion space 130 based on a difference between the charging and discharging time of the capacitance sensor 150 and the reference time corresponding to non-insertion of the stick 20 being equal to or longer than a predetermined time.

As described above, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to accurately determine whether the stick 20 is inserted into the insertion space 130 by optimizing the unit time for monitoring the charging and discharging of the capacitance sensor 150.

In addition, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, by adjusting the unit time for monitoring the charging and discharging of the capacitance sensor 150 according to the internal temperature, it is possible to accurately determine whether the stick 20 is inserted into the insertion space 130.

In addition, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the charge/discharge time of the capacitance sensor 150 can be accurately calculated by removing noise components included in the result of monitoring the charge and discharge of the capacitance sensor 150.

1 to 12, an aerosol generating device 10 according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a housing 101 having an insertion space 130 formed therein; a heater 110 for heating the stick 20 inserted into the insertion space 130; a capacitance sensor 150 including an electrode disposed adjacent to the insertion space 130; and a control unit 17, which sets a unit time for monitoring charging and discharging of the electrode once, calculates a time at which charging and discharging of the electrode is completed once according to the set unit time, determines whether or not the stick 20 is inserted based on the calculated time, and the unit time may exceed a predetermined time when charging and discharging of the electrode is completed once in response to the insertion of the stick 20.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the controller 17 may determine whether or not the unit time has elapsed since the charging of the electrode was started based on the completion of discharging of the electrode, and start charging the electrode again based on the elapse of the unit time from the time when charging of the electrode was started.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the controller 17 may determine that the stick 20 is not inserted into the insertion space 130 if the calculated time is less than a reference time corresponding to insertion of the stick 20 based on completion of charging and discharging of the electrode within the set unit time, and if the calculated time is greater than or equal to the reference time, it may be determined that the stick 20 is inserted into the insertion space 130.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the controller 17 may determine that a foreign substance different from that of the stick 20 is present in the insertion space 130 based on the calculated time exceeding the set unit time.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit 17 may calculate a time at which charging and discharging of the electrodes are completed multiple times according to a predetermined period corresponding to the unit time, calculate a standard error of mean for the times calculated the plurality of times, calculate a final time from the times calculated the plurality of times based on the calculated average error, and determine whether the stick 20 is inserted based on the calculated final time.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, a temperature sensor 155 for sensing an internal temperature of the housing 101 may be further included, and the control unit 17 may set the unit time based on the internal temperature sensed through the temperature sensor 155, and the unit time may increase in response to an increase in the internal temperature.

Also, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the temperature sensor 155 may be disposed adjacent to the electrode.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, in the step of setting the unit time, the controller 17 calculates a first time at which charging and discharging of the electrode is completed, and sets a second time that is a multiple of the calculated first time as the unit time.

An operation method of the aerosol generating device 10 according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an operation of setting a unit time for monitoring charging and discharging of an electrode included in a capacitance sensor 150 and disposed adjacent to an insertion space 130 once; calculating a time at which charging and discharging of the electrode is completed once according to the set unit time; And an operation of determining whether the stick 20 is inserted into the insertion space 130 based on the calculated time, and the unit time corresponds to the insertion of the stick 20. Charging and discharging of the electrode may exceed a predetermined time when charging and discharging are completed once.

Certain or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct from each other. Certain or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above may be combined or used in combination with each component or function.

For example, configuration A described in a specific embodiment and/or drawing may be combined with configuration B described in another embodiment and/or drawing. That is, even if the combination between the components is not directly explained, it means that the combination is possible except for the case where the combination is impossible.

The above detailed description should not be construed as limiting in all respects and should be considered illustrative. The scope of the present invention should be determined by reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all changes within the equivalent scope of the present invention are included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims (9)

a housing formed with an insertion space;
a heater for heating the stick inserted into the insertion space;
a capacitance sensor including an electrode disposed adjacent to the insertion space; and
Including a control unit,
Setting a unit time for monitoring the charge and discharge of the electrode once,
According to the set unit time, calculating the time when charging and discharging of the electrode is completed once,
Based on the calculated time, it is determined whether the stick is inserted;
The unit time is an aerosol generating device, characterized in that exceeding a predetermined time when charging and discharging of the electrode is completed once in response to the insertion of the stick. According to claim 1,
The control unit,
Based on the completion of the discharge of the electrode, determining whether the unit time has elapsed from the time when the charging of the electrode starts,
The aerosol generating device, characterized in that the charging of the electrode is started again based on the elapse of the unit time from the time point when the charging of the electrode is started. According to claim 1,
The control unit, based on the completion of charging and discharging of the electrode within the set unit time,
If the calculated time is less than a reference time corresponding to the insertion of the stick, it is determined that the stick is not inserted into the insertion space;
If the calculated time is greater than or equal to the reference time, it is determined that the stick is inserted into the insertion space. According to claim 1,
The control unit,
Based on the calculated time exceeding the set unit time, it is determined that a foreign substance different from the stick is present in the insertion space. According to claim 1,
The control unit,
According to a predetermined cycle corresponding to the unit time, the time for completing charging and discharging of the electrode is calculated multiple times,
Calculate the average error (Standard Error of Mean) for the times calculated a plurality of times,
Based on the calculated average error, a final time is calculated from the times calculated a plurality of times,
Based on the calculated final time, the aerosol generating device characterized in that it determines whether the stick is inserted. According to claim 1,
Further comprising a temperature sensor for sensing the internal temperature of the housing,
The control unit sets the unit time based on the internal temperature sensed through the temperature sensor,
The unit time is an aerosol generating device, characterized in that increased corresponding to the increase in the internal temperature. According to claim 6,
The aerosol generating device, characterized in that the temperature sensor is disposed adjacent to the electrode. According to claim 1,
The control unit,
In the step of setting the unit time, a first time at which charging and discharging of the electrode is completed is calculated,
An aerosol generating device characterized in that a second time period, which is a multiple of the calculated first time period, is set as the unit time period. In the operating method of the aerosol generating device,
an operation of setting a unit time for monitoring charge and discharge of an electrode included in the capacitance sensor and disposed adjacent to the insertion space once;
calculating a time at which charging and discharging of the electrode is completed once according to the set unit time; and
Based on the calculated time, determining whether a stick is inserted into the insertion space;
The unit time is a method of operating an aerosol generating device, characterized in that exceeding a predetermined time by completing charging and discharging of the electrode once in response to the insertion of the stick.

Images