KR20230159225A - Aerosol generating device - Google Patents

Abstract

An aerosol generating device is disclosed. The aerosol generating device of the present disclosure includes a body; a first container containing a wick, heater and identifier; a second container storing liquid; a cartridge detection sensor that detects coupling between the first container and the second container; Memory; and a control unit, wherein the body and the first container are separably coupled to each other, the first container and the second container are separably coupled to each other, and the control unit comprises the body and the first container. When containers are combined, the identifier included in the first container is confirmed, and when the first container and the second container are separated from each other, the data for the confirmed identifier stored in the memory is checked. Based on this, it may be determined whether to supply the initial power corresponding to the combination to the heater, and based on the decision to supply the initial power to the heater, the initial power may be controlled to be supplied to the heater.

Description

Aerosol generating device {AEROSOL GENERATING DEVICE}

This disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device.

An aerosol generating device is intended to extract certain components from a medium or material through aerosol. The medium may contain substances of various compositions. Substances included in the medium may be flavor substances of various ingredients. For example, substances included in the medium may include nicotine ingredients, herbal ingredients, and/or coffee ingredients. Recently, much research has been conducted on such aerosol generating devices.

The present disclosure aims to solve the above-described problems and other problems.

Another purpose may be to provide an aerosol generating device in which the configuration for storing liquid and the configuration including the wick can be independently replaced with each other.

Another purpose may be to provide an aerosol generating device that can efficiently manage and use a configuration including a wick.

Another purpose may be to provide an aerosol generating device that can more smoothly move liquid to the wick for aerosol generation.

Another purpose may be to provide an aerosol generating device that can notify the user that liquid has sufficiently flowed into the wick.

Another purpose may be to provide an aerosol generating device that can reduce unnecessary power consumption.

An aerosol generating device according to an aspect of the present disclosure for achieving the above-described object includes a body; a first container containing a wick, heater and identifier; a second container storing liquid; a cartridge detection sensor that detects coupling between the first container and the second container; Memory; and a control unit, wherein the body and the first container are separably coupled to each other, the first container and the second container are separably coupled to each other, and the control unit comprises the body and the first container. When containers are combined, the identifier included in the first container is confirmed, and when the first container and the second container are separated from each other, the data for the confirmed identifier stored in the memory is checked. Based on this, it may be determined whether to supply the initial power corresponding to the combination to the heater, and based on the decision to supply the initial power to the heater, the initial power may be controlled to be supplied to the heater.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the configuration for storing liquid and the configuration including the wick can be replaced independently of each other.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a configuration including a wick can be efficiently managed and used.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, liquid can be moved more smoothly to the wick to generate an aerosol.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the user can be notified that the liquid sufficiently flows into the wick.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, unnecessary power consumption can be reduced.

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, the detailed description and specific embodiments, such as preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, should be understood as being given by way of example only.

Figure 1. This is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
2 to 7B. These are drawings referenced in the description of the aerosol generating device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
8 to 10 are flowcharts showing a method of operating an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
11 to 13 are diagrams referenced in the description of the operation of the aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Regardless of the reference numerals, identical or similar components will be given the same reference numbers and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

The suffixes “module” and “unit” for components used in the following description may be given or used interchangeably, considering only the ease of writing the specification. “Module” and “part” themselves do not have distinct meanings or roles.

Additionally, in describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that detailed descriptions of related known technologies may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, the detailed descriptions will be omitted. In addition, the attached drawings are only intended to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical idea disclosed in this specification is not limited by the attached drawings. The attached drawings should be understood to include all changes, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present disclosure.

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

When a component is referred to as being “connected” or “connected” to another component, it may be directly connected or connected to the other component. However, it should be understood that other components may exist in the middle. On the other hand, when it is mentioned that a component is “directly connected” or “directly connected” to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

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

Figure 1. This 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 100 includes a communication interface 110, an input/output interface 120, an aerosol generating module 130, a memory 140, a sensor module 150, a battery 160, and/ Alternatively, it may include a control unit 170.

In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 may consist of only the main body. In this case, the components included in the aerosol generating device 100 may be located in the main body. In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 may be composed of a cartridge holding an aerosol generating material and a main body. In this case, the components included in the aerosol generating device 100 may be located in at least one of the main body and the cartridge.

The communication interface 110 may include at least one communication module for communication with an external device and/or a network. For example, the communication interface 110 may include a communication module for wired communication, such as USB (universal serial bus). For example, the communication interface 110 may include a communication module for wireless communication such as WiFi (wireless fidelity), Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy (BLE), Zigbee, and near field communication (NFC). You can.

The input/output interface 120 may include an input device that receives commands from a user and/or an output device that outputs information to the user. For example, the input device may include a touch panel, physical buttons, microphone, etc. For example, output devices include display devices that output visual information such as displays and light emitting diodes (LEDs), audio devices that output auditory information such as speakers and buzzers, and tactile information such as haptic effects. It may include a motor, etc.

The input/output interface 120 may transmit data corresponding to a command input by the user through an input device to other component(s) of the aerosol generating device 100. The input/output interface 120 may output information corresponding to data received from other component(s) of the aerosol generating device 100 through an output device.

The aerosol generation module 130 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, or a gel state, that can generate an aerosol.

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

Solid aerosol-generating materials may include solid materials based on tobacco raw materials, such as leaf sheets, cut fillers, and granules. Additionally, solid aerosol-generating materials may include solid materials containing taste control agents, flavoring agents, etc. For example, the taste modifier may include calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, calcium oxide, etc. For example, the flavoring material may include natural substances such as herb granules, or silica, zeolite, dextrin, etc. containing fragrance ingredients.

Additionally, the aerosol-generating material may further include an aerosol-forming agent such as glycerin or propylene glycol.

The aerosol generation module 130 may include at least one heater.

The aerosol generation module 130 may include an electrically resistive heater. For example, an electrically resistive heater may include at least one electrically conductive track. Electrical resistive heaters can be heated by current flowing in electrically conductive tracks. At this time, the aerosol-generating material may be heated by a heated electrical resistance 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 track may be formed of a ceramic material, carbon, a metal alloy, or a composite of a ceramic material and a metal.

Electrical resistive heaters can include electrically conductive tracks formed in various shapes. For example, the electrically conductive track can be formed in any one of a tubular shape, a plate shape, a needle shape, a rod shape, and a coil shape.

The aerosol generation module 130 may include a heater using an induction heating method. For example, an induction heater may include an electrically conductive coil. Induction heaters can generate an alternating magnetic field whose direction changes periodically by controlling the current flowing through an electrically conductive coil. At this time, when an alternating magnetic field is applied to the magnetic material, energy loss due to eddy current loss and hysteresis loss may occur in the magnetic material. Additionally, as the energy lost is released as thermal energy, the aerosol-generating material adjacent to the magnetic material may be heated. Here, an object that generates heat by a magnetic field may be named a susceptor.

Meanwhile, the aerosol generation module 130 may generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material by generating ultrasonic vibration.

The aerosol generation module 130 may be named a cartomizer, atomizer, vaporizer, etc.

The memory 140 may store programs for processing and controlling each signal in the control unit 170. The memory 140 may store data processed by the control unit 170 and data to be processed.

For example, the memory 140 may store application programs designed to perform various tasks that can be processed by the control unit 170. The memory 140 may selectively provide some of the stored application programs upon request from the control unit 170.

For example, the memory 140 may include the operating time of the aerosol generating device 100, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, the number of charges of the battery 160, the number of discharges of the battery 160, at least one temperature profile, Data about the user's suction pattern, data about charging/discharging, etc. may be stored. Here, the puff may refer to the user's inhalation. Inhalation can refer to situations where a user draws something into the user's oral cavity, nasal cavity, or lungs through the mouth or nose.

The memory 140 is volatile memory (e.g., DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, etc.), non-volatile memory (e.g., flash memory, hard disk drive (HDD), solid state drive (Solid- It may include at least one of state drive (SSD), etc.).

The sensor module 150 may include at least one sensor.

For example, the sensor module 150 may include a sensor that detects a puff (hereinafter referred to as a puff sensor). At this time, 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, etc.

For example, the sensor module 150 may include a sensor (hereinafter referred to as a temperature sensor) that detects the temperature of the heater included in the aerosol generating module 130, the temperature of the aerosol generating material, etc. At this time, the heater included in the aerosol generation module 130 may serve as a temperature sensor. For example. The electrically resistive material of the heater may be a material having a temperature coefficient of resistance. The sensor module 150 can sense the temperature of the heater by measuring the resistance of the heater that varies depending on the temperature.

For example, when a stick can be inserted into the main body of the aerosol generating device 100, the sensor module 150 may include a sensor that detects insertion of the stick (hereinafter, a stick detection sensor).

For example, when the aerosol generating device 100 includes a cartridge, the sensor module 150 may include a sensor (hereinafter referred to as a cartridge detection sensor) that detects the attachment/detachment, position, etc. of the cartridge to the main body. there is.

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

For example, the sensor module 150 may include a voltage sensor that detects voltage applied to a component (e.g., battery 160) provided in the aerosol generating device 100 and/or a current sensor that detects current. You can.

The battery 160 may supply power used to operate the aerosol generating device 100 under the control of the control unit 170. The battery 160 can supply power to other components provided in the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the battery 160 may supply power to a communication module included in the communication interface 110, an output device included in the input/output interface 120, a heater included in the aerosol generating module 130, etc.

The battery 160 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 160 may be a lithium-ion battery or a lithium-polymer (Li-Polymer) battery, but is not limited thereto. For example, if the battery 160 is rechargeable, the charging rate (C-rate) of the battery 160 may be 10C and the discharge rate (C-rate) may be 10C to 20C, but are not limited thereto. Additionally, for stable use, the battery 160 can be manufactured so that more than 80% of the total capacity can be secured even when charging/discharging is performed 2000 times.

The aerosol generating device 100 may further include a battery protection module (Protection Circuit Module, PCM), which is a circuit for protecting the battery 160. The battery protection module (PCM) may be placed adjacent to the top of the battery 160. For example, the battery protection module (PCM) prevents overcharging and overdischarging of the battery 160 when a short circuit occurs in the circuit connected to the battery 160 or when overvoltage is applied to the battery 160. , in cases where overcurrent flows in the battery 160, the electric path to the battery 160 can be blocked.

The aerosol generating device 100 may further include a charging terminal through 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 100. The aerosol generating device 100 can charge the battery 160 using power supplied through the charging terminal. At this time, the charging terminal may be composed of a wired terminal for USB communication, a pogo pin, etc.

The aerosol generating device 100 may wirelessly receive power supplied from the outside through the communication interface 110. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may receive power wirelessly using an antenna included in a communication module for wireless communication. The aerosol generating device 100 can charge the battery 160 using power supplied wirelessly.

The control unit 170 may control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 100. The control unit 170 may be connected to each component provided in the aerosol generating device 100. The control unit 170 may control the overall operation of each component by transmitting and/or receiving signals between each component and each other.

The control unit 170 may include at least one processor. The control unit 170 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 100 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 another hardware-based processor.

The control unit 170 may perform one of a plurality of functions of the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the control unit 170 may perform a plurality of functions ( For example: preheating function, heating function, charging function, cleaning function, etc.) can be performed.

The control unit 170 may control the operation of each component provided in the aerosol generating device 100 based on data stored in the memory 140. For example, the control unit 170 supplies predetermined power from the battery 160 to the aerosol generation module 130 for a predetermined time based on data about the temperature profile and the user's inhalation pattern stored in the memory 140. You can control it.

The control unit 170 can determine whether there is a puff through the puff sensor included in the sensor module 150. For example, the control unit 170 may check temperature changes, flow changes, pressure changes, voltage changes, etc. within the aerosol generating device 100 based on the sensing value of the puff sensor. The control unit 170 may determine whether or not there is a puff according to the confirmation result based on the sensing value of the puff sensor.

The control unit 170 may control the operation of each component provided in the aerosol generating device 100 depending on whether there is a puff and/or the number of puffs. For example, the controller 170 may control the temperature of the heater to be changed or maintained based on the temperature profile stored in the memory 140.

The control unit 170 may control the power supply to the heater to be cut off according to predetermined conditions. For example, when the stick is removed, when the cartridge is separated, when the number of puffs reaches the preset maximum number of puffs, or when no puffs are detected for more than a preset time, the remaining capacity of the battery 160 is reduced to a predetermined value. In cases where the power is less than 100%, the control unit 170 may control the power supply to the heater to be cut off.

The control unit 170 may calculate the remaining capacity of power stored in the battery 160 (hereinafter, remaining power amount). For example, the control unit 170 may calculate the remaining power amount of the battery 160 based on the sensing value of the voltage sensor and/or current sensor included in the sensor module 150.

The control unit 170 controls power to be supplied to the heater using at least one of the pulse width modulation (PWM) method and the proportional-integral-differential (PID) method. You can.

For example, the control unit 170 may use the PWM method to control current pulses having a certain frequency and duty ratio to be supplied to the heater. At this time, the control unit 170 can control the power supplied to the heater by adjusting the frequency and duty ratio of the current pulse.

For example, the control unit 170 may determine the target temperature that is the target of control based on the temperature profile. At this time, the control unit 170 uses the PID method, which is a feedback control method through the difference between the temperature of the heater and the target temperature, the integration of the difference over time, and the differentiation of the difference over time. Using this, the power supplied to the heater can be controlled.

Meanwhile, the PWM method and the PID method have been described as examples of control methods for supplying power to the heater, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the present invention is not limited to the Proportional-Integral (PI) method and the Proportional-Differential (Proportional-Integral) method. Various control methods such as Differential (PD) method can be used.

Meanwhile, the control unit 170 may control power to be supplied to the heater according to preset conditions. For example, when a cleaning function that cleans the heater according to a command input from the user through the input/output interface 120 is selected, the control unit 170 can control the heater to be supplied with a certain amount of power.

Referring to FIG. 2, the aerosol generating device 100 may include a body 10 and cartridges 20 and 30. Cartridges 20 and 30 may include a first container 20 and a second container 30. Cartridges 20 and 30 may be coupled to the body 10.

The body 10 can accommodate a power source 11 (e.g., the battery 160 in FIG. 1) and a control unit 12 (e.g., the control unit 170 in FIG. 1). Power source 11 may supply the power necessary for the configuration to operate. The power source 11 may be named battery 11. The control unit 12 can control the operation of the component.

The first container 20 may provide a first chamber C1 therein. The first container 20 may be provided with a wick 25. The wick 25 may be placed in the first chamber C1. The upper end of the wick 25 may protrude from the first chamber C1 to the upper side of the first container 20.

The first container 20 may be equipped with a heater 2531. The heater 2531 may be disposed in the first chamber (C1). The heater 2531 can heat the wick 25. The heater 2531 may be attached to the wick 25. The first container 20 may have a terminal 223 therein. The terminal 223 may be exposed to the lower part of the first container 20. Terminal 223 may be electrically connected to heater 2531. The first container 20 may be called a lower container 20 or a heating module 20.

The first container 20 may be provided with a first airflow inlet 241 formed by opening the first chamber C1. The first container 20 may be provided with a first airflow outlet 242 formed by opening the first chamber C1.

The second container 30 may provide a second chamber C2 therein. The second container 30 may store liquid in the second chamber C2. The second container 30 may be provided with an airflow discharge passage 340. Both ends 341 and 342 of the airflow discharge passage 340 may be open. The airflow discharge passage 340 may be separated from the second chamber C2. The second container 30 may be called an upper container 30 or a liquid storage unit 30.

The mouthpiece 35 may be coupled to the upper side of the second container 30. The mouthpiece 35 may cover the top of the second container 30. The mouthpiece 35 may have a second airflow outlet 354 therein. The second airflow outlet 354 may communicate with the other end 342 of the airflow discharge passage 340.

The first container 20 may be coupled to the body 10 . The first container 20 may be inserted into the body 10 . When the first container 20 is coupled to the body, the heater 2531 may be electrically connected to the power source 11 through the terminal 223. The heater 2531 may receive power from the power source 11 and generate heat. Heater 2531 may be a resistive heater.

The second container 30 may be coupled to the upper side of the first container 20. The second container 30 is coupled to the first container 20, meaning that the second container 30 is directly coupled to the first container 20, and the second container 30 is coupled to the body 10. It may include being indirectly coupled to the first container 20.

When the second container 30 is coupled to the first container 20, the second container 30 can supply the stored liquid to the wick 25. The wick 25 can receive liquid from the second container 30 and absorb it. The heater 2531 may heat the wick that has absorbed the liquid to generate an aerosol in the first chamber C1.

The body 10 may be open on one side and may be provided with a second airflow inlet 141. When the first container 20 is coupled to the body 10, the first airflow inlet 241 may communicate with the second airflow inlet 141. When the second container 30 is coupled to the first container 20, one end 341 of the airflow discharge passage 340 and the first airflow outlet 242 may be in communication. Accordingly, a flow path through which air flows can be formed. The user can hold the mouthpiece 35 in his mouth and inhale air. When the user inhales air, the external air flows through the second airflow inlet 141, the first airflow inlet 241, the first chamber C1, the first airflow outlet 242, the airflow discharge passage 340, and the first airflow inlet 141. 2 It can be provided to the user by sequentially passing through the airflow outlet 354. Air may flow along with the aerosol generated in the first chamber C1.

The puff sensor 461 can output a signal corresponding to the puff. For example, the puff sensor 461 may output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device 100. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device 100 may correspond to the pressure of the airflow path through which the gas flows. The puff sensor 461 may be disposed in a position corresponding to an airflow path through which air flows in the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the puff sensor 461 may be disposed inside the body 10 adjacent to the first airflow inlet 241.

The first container 20 and the second container 30 can be replaced independently of each other. For example, the consumption cycle of the liquid stored in the second container 30 and the appropriate replacement cycle of the first container 20 may be different from each other. The user can replace only the second container 30 or the first container 20 separately. For example, the consumption cycle of the liquid stored in the second container 30 may be shorter than the appropriate replacement cycle of the first container 20, and when the second container 30 is replaced several times, the first container ( 20) may be replaced only once. Accordingly, the first container 20 can be used for a longer period of time, and cartridge replacement costs can be reduced.

Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5 , the first container 20 may be separably coupled to the body 10 . The first coupler 151 may couple the first container 20 and the body 10 to be separable from each other. For example, the first coupler 151 may include a hook groove 225 and a hook 125 that is separably fastened to the hook groove 225. The hook 125 may be formed of a material such as rubber or silicone to seal between the body around the second airflow inlet 141 and the first container 20. As another example, the first coupler 151 may couple the first container 20 and the body 10 through magnetic force.

The second container 30 may be coupled to the first container 20 in a separable manner. The second container 30 may be coupled to the upper side of the first container 20. The second container 30 may be indirectly coupled to the first container 20 by being coupled to the body 10 . The second coupler 152 may couple the second container 30 and the body 10 to be separable from each other. For example, the second coupler 152 may include a hook groove 325 and a hook 135 that is separably fastened to the hook groove 325. As another example, the second coupler 152 may couple the second container 30 and the body 10 through magnetic force.

The first container 20 may be coupled to the body 10 in a separable manner. The first coupler 151 may couple the first container 20 and the body 10 to be separable from each other. The second container 30 may be coupled to the first container 20 in a separable manner. The second container 30 may be indirectly coupled to the first container 20 by being coupled to the body 10 through the second coupler 152. The second container 30 may be coupled to the upper side of the first container 20.

When the second container 30 is combined with the first container 20, the second container 30 can supply liquid to the wick 25. The liquid stored in the second chamber C2 may pass through the liquid outlet 314 and be absorbed into the absorption unit 316. The absorption part 316 that absorbs the liquid may be in contact with the second wick part 252 to transmit the liquid. The liquid absorbed into the second wick part 252 may diffuse into the first wick part 251. The heater 3531 may generate an aerosol by heating the first wick part 251 that absorbs the liquid.

According to one embodiment, films may be attached to the absorbent portion 316 in a separable manner. The film may be attached to the lower part of the absorbent portion 316. The edge of the film may be attached to the lower surface of the bracket 317. The film may be formed of a waterproof material. The film can prevent liquid from leaking from the absorbent portion 316. Before coupling the second container 30 to the first container 20, the user may remove the film from the absorbent portion 316.

The sealer 26 may seal the periphery of the liquid inlet 235 where the wick 25 is exposed from the first chamber C1. When the second container 30 is coupled to the upper side of the first container 20, the sealer 26 can seal between the first container 20 and the second container 30. The sealing walls 266 and 267 may protrude toward the second container 30. The sealing walls 266 and 267 may be in close contact with the second container 30. The sealing walls 266 and 267 may surround the liquid inlet 235. Accordingly, the liquid discharged from the second container 30 can be prevented from leaking through the gap between the first container 20 and the second container 30.

The sealer 26 may include an airflow sealing portion 268. The airflow sealing unit 268 may surround the first airflow outlet 242. The second sealing wall 267 may protrude higher than the airflow sealing portion 268. The airflow sealing portion 268 may be formed on the outside of the sealing walls 266 and 267.

The cartridge detection sensor 471 may be installed inside the body 10. The cartridge detection sensor 471 can sense whether the second container 30 is coupled to the first container 20. The control unit 12 can control the operations of various components by utilizing whether or not the cartridge detection sensor 471 is sensing. For example, the cartridge detection sensor 471 may be a contact sensor. The cartridge detection sensor 471 can detect whether the second container 30 is coupled to the first container 20 through physical contact. When the second container 30 is coupled to the first container 20, physical contact may occur with the cartridge detection sensor 471. The cartridge detection sensor 471 can detect physical contact made to the cartridge detection sensor 471. For example, physical contact may occur when the cartridge detection sensor 471 directly contacts the second container 30. For example, physical contact may occur through an intermediate component between the cartridge detection sensor 471 and the second container 30.

The pusher 40 may be disposed between the cartridge detection sensor 471 and the second container 30. The pusher 40 may be inserted into the pusher movement path 44. The pusher 40 may include a first pusher part 41 and a second pusher part 42. The first pusher part 41 and the second pusher part 42 may be vertically coupled to each other. The pusher 40 may extend long between the cartridge detection sensor 471 and the second container 30. The pusher 40 can move between the cartridge detection sensor 471 and the second container 30. One end of the pusher 40 may be adjacent to the second container 30 . One end of the pusher 40 may be exposed toward the second container 30 through one end of the pusher movement path 44. The other end of the pusher 40 may be adjacent to the cartridge detection sensor 471. The other end of the pusher 40 may be exposed toward the cartridge detection sensor 471 through the other end of the pusher movement path 44.

For example, the pusher 40 and the pusher movement path 44 may have a shape extending vertically. The pusher 40 may be capable of moving up and down. When the second container 30 is coupled to the upper side of the first container 20, the lower part 312 of the second container 30 contacts the top of the pusher 40 and pushes the pusher 40 downward. Accordingly, the lower end of the pusher 40 may be in contact with the cartridge detection sensor 471.

The cartridge detection sensor 471 may transmit a detection signal corresponding to physical contact to the control unit 12. The control unit 12 may determine whether the second container 30 is coupled to the first container 20 based on the detection signal received from the cartridge detection sensor 471.

Accordingly, whether the second container 30 is coupled to the second container 30 can be determined by the cartridge detection sensor 471 without a separate terminal configuration for electrical connection being included in the second container 30 . Accordingly, the configuration of the second container 30 for sensing can be simplified and manufacturing costs can be reduced. In addition, when determining whether or not to couple to the second container 30 using a physical contact method, the accuracy of sensing can be improved because the influence of external noise is small.

The actuator 472 may be pressed by the pusher 40 to transmit physical contact to the cartridge detection sensor 471. The actuator 472 may be formed integrally with the cartridge detection sensor 471. The actuator 472 may protrude long from the cartridge detection sensor 471 toward the pusher 40. The actuator 472 may provide a repulsive force to the pusher 40 in a direction away from the cartridge detection sensor 471. The actuator 472 may provide a repulsive force to the pusher 40 from the other end to one end of the pusher movement path 44. For example, the actuator 472 may provide a repulsive force that pushes the pusher 40 upward.

When the second container 30 is coupled to the first container 20, the pusher 40 can press the actuator 472 toward the cartridge detection sensor 471. When the pusher 40 presses the actuator 472 toward the cartridge detection sensor 471, the cartridge detection sensor 471 can detect physical contact. When the second container 30 is separated from the first container 20, the pusher 40 may move in a direction away from the cartridge detection sensor 471 due to the repulsive force of the actuator 472. At this time, the position of the pusher 40 may be returned to the state before the second container 30 was coupled to the first container 20.

A sealing film 48 may be formed between the cartridge detection sensor 471 and the pusher movement path 44. The sealing film 48 may be formed between the actuator 472 and the pusher movement path 44. The sealing film 48 may be formed of an elastic material so that its shape may be deformed. For example, the sealing film may be formed of rubber or silicone.

When the actuator 472 pushes the sealing film 48, the sealing film 48 may have a convex shape toward the pusher 40. When the pusher 40 presses the cartridge detection sensor 471, the curvature of the sealing film 48 may decrease or may be deformed to be convex toward the cartridge detection sensor 471. Accordingly, the sealing film 48 can prevent foreign substances such as liquid from leaking around the cartridge detection sensor 471 through the pusher movement path 44.

In the present disclosure, the cartridge detection sensor 471 is described as a contact sensor, but is not limited thereto. According to one embodiment, the cartridge detection sensor 471 may be a non-contact sensor. For example, the cartridge detection sensor 471 may be one of a magnetic proximity sensor, an optical proximity sensor, an ultrasonic proximity sensor, an inductive proximity sensor, a capacitive proximity sensor, and an eddy current proximity sensor.

According to one embodiment, whether the first container 20 is coupled to the body 10 can be detected through a separate sensor or by electrical connection between the second terminal 223 and the power source 11. there is.

Referring to FIG. 6, the wick 25 may be formed of a porous rigid body that absorbs liquid. For example, the wick 25 may be formed of porous ceramic. The wick 25 may have greater rigidity and heat resistance than a cotton wick.

Accordingly, the wick 25 has little or no shape deformation and can be implemented in various shapes. Additionally, the durability of the wick 25 is improved, and the replacement cycle of the first container 20 including the wick 25 can be increased.

The first core part 251 may extend long in the horizontal direction. The first core part 251 may have a hexahedral shape. The second core part 252 may protrude upward from the first core part 251. The second core part 252 may extend long in the horizontal direction. The second core part 252 may have a hexahedral shape.

The first wick part 251 may be larger than the second wick part 252. The circumference corresponding to the side surface 2512 of the first interlining part 251 may be larger than the circumference corresponding to the side surface 2522 of the second interlining part 252.

The heater 2531 may be attached to the first wick part 251. The heater 2531 may form a pattern on the lower surface 2513 of the first wick part 251. The heater 2531 may form various patterns along the longitudinal direction of the first wick part 251. Both ends of the heater 2531 may be adjacent to both ends of the first wick part 251.

A pair of first terminals 2533 may be formed at both ends of the heater 2531. The first terminal 2533 may be coupled to the lower surface of the first wick part 251. A pair of first terminals 2533 may be adjacent to both ends of the first wick part 251. The first terminal 2533 may protrude downward from the first wick part 251.

The first terminal 2533 may be in contact with the second terminal 223 to electrically connect the heater 2531 and the second terminal 223. The second terminal 223 may support the first terminal 2533 and the lower surface 2513 of the first wick part 251.

Referring to FIG. 7A , the body 10 may include a control unit 12, a memory 715, and/or a temperature sensor 730.

The first container 20 may include a heater 2531 and a memory 725.

The memory 715 of the body 10 may store data corresponding to the configuration included in the body 10. For example, the memory 715 of the body 10 may store data about the total capacity of the battery 160, data about the manufacturing date of the body 10, etc.

The memory 725 of the first container 20 may store an identifier corresponding to the first container 20. Here, the identifier may be composed of letters, numbers, symbols, or a combination thereof indicating the first container 20.

Referring to FIG. 7C, the identifier may be composed of a plurality of detailed identifiers. For example, when the identifier consists of a plurality of numbers, some of the plurality of numbers may correspond to the first detailed identifier, and other parts may correspond to the second detailed identifier. A plurality of detailed identifiers may each indicate characteristics of the first container 20. For example, the plurality of detailed identifiers may indicate the resistance value of the heater 2531, the temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) of the heater 2531, the type of the wick 25, etc.

The body 10 and the first container 20 may include at least one connection terminal 710 and 720, respectively. When the body 10 and the first container 20 are coupled, the connection terminal 710 of the body 10 and the connection terminal 720 of the first container 20 may be electrically connected.

The control unit 12 of the body 10 and the memory 725 of the first container 20 may communicate with each other. For example, the control unit 12 of the body 10 and the memory 725 of the first container 20 may perform communication according to a preset protocol using a single wire communication interface (1-wire interface). You can. At this time, a signal is transmitted between the control unit 12 of the body 10 and the memory 725 of the first container 20 through the connection terminals 710 and 720 of the body 10 and the first container 20. It can be.

The control unit 12 may obtain data from the memory 725 of the first container 20. For example, the control unit 12 may obtain an identifier corresponding to the first container 20 from the memory 725 of the first container 20.

The control unit 12 may check the characteristics of the first container 20 based on the identifier corresponding to the first container 20. For example, the control unit 12 determines the resistance value of the heater 2531 and the temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) of the heater 2531 based on the plurality of detailed identifiers constituting the identifier corresponding to the first container 20. , the type of wick 25, etc. can be confirmed. According to one embodiment, the memory 715 of the body 10 may store a look-up table related to the characteristics of the first container 20. The control unit 12 may extract characteristics of the first container 20 corresponding to a plurality of detailed identifiers from a look-up table stored in the memory 715 of the body 10.

The control unit 12 may determine whether data stored in the memory 725 of the first container 20 is valid. According to one embodiment, the identifier corresponding to the first container 20 may be encrypted data. The control unit 12 may decrypt the identifier corresponding to the first container 20 based on the encryption key stored in the memory 715 of the body 10. At this time, when decryption of the identifier corresponding to the first container 20 is completed, the control unit 12 may determine that the first container 20 is an authenticated configuration. According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 may decrypt the identifier corresponding to the first container 20 and then extract a plurality of detailed identifiers from the decrypted identifier.

The control unit 12 may generate data for an identifier corresponding to the first container 20. Data about the identifier may include characteristics of the configuration included in the first container 20. For example, data on the identifier includes the identifier corresponding to the first container 20, the resistance value of the heater 2531, the temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) of the heater 2531, the type of the wick 25, and the maximum puff. It may include the number of times, etc. Data about the identifier may include data about the history of use of the first container 20 (hereinafter referred to as use history). For example, data on the identifier may include the current number of puffs, the maximum number of puffs, the total time the heater 2531 has been heated, the total amount of power supplied to the heater 2531, the time of coupling to the body 10, and the second container. It may include the point of separation from (30), the history of the liquid being judged to have been exhausted, etc.

The memory 715 of the body 10 may store a database consisting of data about identifiers. The database may be composed of data corresponding to a plurality of identifiers. When generating data for an identifier, the control unit 12 may add the generated data for the identifier to a database stored in the memory 715 of the body 10.

The control unit 12 may determine the temperature of the heater 2531 through the temperature sensor 730. The temperature sensor 730 may detect the current flowing in the heater 2531, the voltage applied to the heater 2531, and/or the current resistance value of the heater 2531. The control unit 12 may determine the temperature of the heater 2531 based on the identifier corresponding to the first container 20. For example, the control unit 12 may determine the resistance value of the heater 2531 and the temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) of the heater 2531 based on the identifier corresponding to the first container 20. At this time, the control unit 12 may calculate the current temperature of the heater 2531 based on a calculation formula for calculating the temperature of the heater 2531. Here, the calculation formula for calculating the temperature of the heater 2531 may correspond to Equation 1 below.

In Equation 1, TCR is the temperature coefficient of resistance of the heater 2531, T1 is the current temperature of the heater 2531, R1 is the current resistance value of the heater 2531, T0 is the reference temperature, and R0 is the reference temperature. This may be the resistance value of the heater 2531.

Referring to FIG. 7B, the first container 20 may include an identification unit 740. The identification unit 740 may be placed on one side of the first container 20. For example, the identification unit 740 may be disposed at the lower part of the first container 20 in contact with the body 10.

The identification unit 740 may include an identifier corresponding to the first container 20. The identification unit 740 may include text and/or an image corresponding to the identifier. The identifier included in the identification unit 740 may be arranged to be exposed to the outside of the first container 20. For example, the identifier included in the identification unit 740 may be implemented as a product code, QR code, barcode, etc.

The body 10 may include an identification sensor 745. The identification sensor 745 may be placed on one side of the body 10. The identification sensor 745 may be arranged to face the identification unit 740 when the body 10 and the first container 20 are combined. For example, the identification sensor 745 may be disposed on the upper part of the body 10 in contact with the first cartridge 20.

The identification unit detection sensor 745 may detect the identifier corresponding to the first container 20 included in the identification unit 740. For example, the identification sensor 745 may be implemented as an optical sensor that scans a product code, QR code, barcode, etc.

The control unit 12 may obtain an identifier corresponding to the first container 20 through the identification sensor 745. The control unit 12 may check the characteristics of the first container 20 based on the identifier corresponding to the first container 20 obtained through the identification sensor 745.

8 to 10 are flowcharts showing a method of operating an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 8, the aerosol generating device 100 may determine whether the first container 20 is coupled to the body 10 in operation S801. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 is based on whether the power source 11 included in the body 10 and the second terminal 223 included in the first container 20 are electrically connected to each other, It may be determined whether the body 10 and the first container 20 are coupled.

The aerosol generating device 100 may deactivate the operation of at least one component provided on the body 10, etc., while the body 10 and the first container 20 are separated. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may block the supply of power to the heater 2531, the puff sensor 461, the cartridge detection sensor 471, etc.

The aerosol generating device 100 may acquire an identifier corresponding to the first container 20 based on the body 10 and the first container 20 being combined in a separated state in operation S802. . For example, the aerosol generating device 100 stores the first container 20 in the memory 725 of the first container 20 based on the first container 20 being coupled to the body 10. The corresponding identifier can be obtained. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may obtain an identifier included in the identification unit 740 through the identification unit detection sensor 745. Meanwhile, the aerosol generating device 100 provides information on the point in time at which the first container 20 is coupled to the body 10, based on the fact that the body 10 and the first container 20 are coupled in a separated state. Data may be stored in the memory 725 of the first container 20.

The aerosol generating device 100 may determine whether data for the identifier corresponding to the first container 20 is stored in the memory 715 of the body 10 in operation S803. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may check whether the database stored in the memory 715 of the body 10 includes data about the identifier corresponding to the first container 20.

The aerosol generating device 100 corresponds to the first container 20 when, in operation S804, data for the identifier corresponding to the first container 20 is not stored in the memory 715 of the body 10. You can generate data about the identifier. The aerosol generating device 100 may store data about the generated identifier in the memory 715 of the body 10.

Referring to FIG. 11 , data 1100 about the identifier may include characteristics about the first container 20 .

The data 1100 for the identifier includes the identifier 1110 corresponding to the first container 20, the resistance value 1120 of the heater 2531, the temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) 1130 of the heater 2531, and the wick. It may include the type (1140) of (25), the current number of puffs (1150), the maximum number of puffs (1160), etc.

According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 may determine whether the identifier corresponding to the first container 20 is valid. For example, based on the encryption key stored in the memory 715 of the body 10, the identifier corresponding to the first container 20 may be decrypted. At this time, when decoding of the identifier corresponding to the first container 20 is completed, the aerosol generating device 100 may determine that the identifier corresponding to the first container 20 is valid. Meanwhile, the aerosol generating device 100 may control the supply of power to the heater 2531 to be blocked if the identifier corresponding to the first container 20 is invalid. Additionally, the aerosol generating device 100 may determine that the first container 20 cannot be used if the identifier corresponding to the first container 20 is invalid.

Referring again to FIG. 8, the aerosol generating device 100, in operation S805, when data for the identifier corresponding to the first container 20 is stored in the memory 715 of the body 10, the body ( It is possible to determine whether the first container 20 coupled to 10) can be used. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may use the first container 20 when the current number of puffs is greater than or equal to the maximum number of puffs based on data about the identifier stored in the memory 715 of the body 10. It can be judged as impossible. For example, when the total time for which the heater 2531 is heated is more than a preset maximum time based on data about the identifier stored in the memory 715 of the body 10, the aerosol generating device 100 (20) can be judged to be unusable. For example, when the total amount of power supplied to the heater 2531 is more than a preset maximum amount of power based on data about the identifier stored in the memory 715 of the body 10, the aerosol generating device 100 connects the first container to the first container. (20) can be judged to be unusable.

If the first container 20 is available, the aerosol generating device 100 may determine whether the first container 20 and the second container 30 are combined in operation S806. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 is in a state in which the first container 20 and the second container 30 are separated while a detection signal corresponding to physical contact is not output from the cartridge detection sensor 471. It can be judged that At this time, the aerosol generating device 100 combines the first container 20 and the second container 30 in a separated state based on the detection signal corresponding to physical contact being output from the cartridge detection sensor 471. It can be judged that it has been done. When the first container 20 and the second container 30 are coupled, the body 10 and the second container 30 may also be coupled.

The aerosol generating device 100 may deactivate the operation of at least one component provided on the body 10, etc., while the first container 20 and the second container 30 are separated from each other. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may block the supply of power to the heater 2531, puff sensor 461, etc.

The aerosol generating device 100 responds to the combination of the first container 20 and the second container 30 based on the fact that the first container 20 and the second container 30 are combined with each other in operation S807. It is possible to determine whether it is necessary to perform preheating (hereinafter referred to as initial preheating).

According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 may determine whether initial preheating is necessary based on whether liquid is absorbed into the wick 25. The determination of whether initial preheating is necessary will be explained with reference to FIG. 9.

Referring to FIG. 9, the aerosol generating device 100 may determine whether the first container 20 is used for the first time in operation S901. For example, when the data for the identifier stored in the memory 715 of the body 10 includes the point in time at which the aerosol generating device 100 was separated from the second container 30, the aerosol generating device 100 stores the first container 20. It can be judged that it has been used. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 determines that the first container 20 has already been used when the current number of puffs included in the data for the identifier stored in the memory 715 of the body 10 is one or more. You can judge.

The aerosol generating device 100, in operation S902, when the first container 20 has already been used, the time elapsed until the first container 20 and the second container 30 are separated and combined is preset. It can be determined whether the standard time is exceeded. Here, the preset reference time is the liquid absorbed into the wick 25 as the first container 20 and the second container 30 are separated and the wick 25 is exposed to the outside through the liquid inlet 235. This may correspond to the time at which evaporates above a certain level. For example, the aerosol generating device 100, from the time the first container 10 and the second container 30 included in the data for the identifier are separated, the first container 20 and the second container 30 ) can be determined whether the time elapsed until they are combined with each other exceeds a preset reference time.

The aerosol generating device 100 may determine whether the liquid is exhausted before the first container 20 and the second container 30 are separated in operation S903. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 stores the first container 20 based on whether there is a history of determining that the liquid is exhausted in the data for the identifier stored in the memory 715 of the body 10. It is possible to determine whether the liquid is exhausted before the and second container 30 are separated. According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 determines that the liquid stored in the second chamber C2 is exhausted when the temperature of the heater 2531 is above the limit temperature while heating power is supplied to the heater 2531. You can judge. In addition, the aerosol generating device 10 may include a history of the determination that the liquid has been exhausted in the data for the identifier stored in the memory 715 of the body 10, based on the determination that the liquid has been exhausted. .

In the operation S904, the aerosol generating device 100 determines that the first container 20 has already been used, and the time elapsed from when the first container 20 and the second container 30 are separated and then combined is recorded. If it is less than the set reference time and the liquid is not exhausted before the first container 20 and the second container 30 are separated, it may be determined that initial preheating is unnecessary.

Meanwhile, in the aerosol generating device 100, in operation S905, when the first container 20 is used for the first time, the time elapsed until the first container 20 and the second container 30 are separated and combined is When the preset reference time is exceeded and/or when the liquid is exhausted before the first container 20 and the second container 30 are separated, it may be determined that initial preheating is necessary.

Referring again to FIG. 8, the aerosol generating device 100 may perform initial preheating in operation S808. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may supply power corresponding to initial preheating (hereinafter referred to as initial power) to the heater 2531. At this time, the initial power may be lower than the power supplied to the heater 2531 for generating aerosol.

According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 may supply initial power to the heater 2531 for a time (hereinafter, initial time) corresponding to the initial power. The aerosol generating device 100 may block the supply of power to the heater 2531 when the time for which initial power is supplied to the heater 2531 elapses a preset initial time. Here, the preset initial time depends on the time it takes for the liquid to flow from one side of the second wick part 252 adjacent to the absorber 316 to one side of the first wick part 251 adjacent to the heater 2531. can be set.

When the first container 20 and the second container 30 are combined, the liquid stored in the second chamber C2 may flow to the wick 25 through the absorber 316. In a state where the liquid is not absorbed into the wick 25, it may take a considerable amount of time for the wick 25 to sufficiently absorb the liquid to generate an aerosol. At this time, when the temperature of the heater 2531 increases due to the initial power supplied to the heater 2531, the temperature of the liquid flowing in the wick 25 may increase. Additionally, when the temperature of the liquid flowing in the wick 25 increases, the viscosity of the liquid decreases, allowing the liquid to flow more smoothly in the wick 25. Accordingly, the time required for the wick 25 to sufficiently absorb the liquid can be shortened.

The aerosol generating device 100 may output a notification about completion of initial preheating based on the completion of initial preheating in operation S809. For example, when initial power is supplied to the heater 2531 for a preset initial time, the aerosol generating device 100 may output light corresponding to completion of initial preheating through a light emitting diode (LED). For example, when initial power is supplied to the heater 2531 for a preset initial time, the aerosol generating device 100 may generate vibration corresponding to completion of initial preheating through a motor.

The aerosol generating device 100 may perform an operation according to the puff while the first container 20 and the second container 30 are combined in operation S808. Regarding the performance of the motion according to the puff, it will be described with reference to FIG. 10.

Referring to FIG. 10, the aerosol generating device 100 may determine whether a puff is detected through the puff sensor 461 in operation S1001. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may determine that a puff has been generated based on the fact that the internal pressure value of the aerosol generating device 100 is less than the reference pressure value. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may determine that a puff has been generated based on the fact that the amount of change in the internal pressure value of the aerosol generating device 100 is greater than or equal to the minimum change amount.

The aerosol generating device 100 may heat the heater 2531 to generate an aerosol based on the puff being detected in operation S1002. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may supply power corresponding to the generation of aerosol (hereinafter referred to as heating power) to the heater 2531 based on the temperature profile. According to one embodiment, the temperature profile may be stored in memory 715 of body 10. The aerosol generating device 100 generates a temperature profile corresponding to the first container 10 among a plurality of temperature profiles stored in the memory 715 of the body 10, based on the identifier corresponding to the first container 10. You can decide. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may determine a temperature profile corresponding to the first container 10 according to the type of the wick 25 obtained from the identifier corresponding to the first container 10.

The aerosol generating device 100 may determine whether the puff has ended in operation S1003. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may determine that the puff has ended based on the fact that the internal pressure value of the aerosol generating device 100 is less than the reference pressure value. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may determine that the puff has ended based on the slope corresponding to the change in the internal pressure value of the aerosol generating device 100 being greater than 0.

The aerosol generating device 100 may update data about the identifier stored in the memory 715 of the body 10 based on the end of the puff in operation S1004. For example, the aerosol generating device 100, based on the end of the puff, the current number of puffs included in the data for the identifier, the total time for which the heater 2531 was heated, the total amount of power supplied to the heater 2531, etc. can increase.

The aerosol generating device 100 may determine whether the first container 20 cannot be used in operation S1005. For example, if the current number of puffs included in the data for the identifier is greater than or equal to the maximum number of puffs included in the data for the identifier, the aerosol generating device 100 determines that the first container 20 cannot be used. You can judge.

Referring again to FIG. 8, the aerosol generating device 100 may determine whether the first container 20 and the second container 30 are separated from each other in operation S811. For example, the aerosol generating device 100, based on the fact that a detection signal corresponding to physical contact is not output from the cartridge detection sensor 471, the first container 20 and the second container 30 are combined. It can be judged that they are separated from each other in this state. At this time, the aerosol generating device 100 may include the point in time at which the first container 20 and the second container 30 were separated in the data about the identifier stored in the memory 715 of the body 10.

The aerosol generating device 100 may perform an operation according to the puff while the first container 20 and the second container 30 remain coupled to each other.

The aerosol generating device 100 may determine whether the body 10 and the first container 20 are separated from each other while the second container 30 is separated in operation S812. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 is based on the power source 11 included in the body 10 and the second terminal 223 included in the first container 20 being electrically disconnected from the body ( 10) and the first container 20 may be determined to be separated from each other. The aerosol generating device 100 may monitor whether the second container 30 is coupled while the body 10 and the first container 20 remain coupled to each other.

According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100, when the first container 20 and the second container 30 are separated from each other while the body 10 and the first container 20 are coupled, a predetermined It can be determined whether a predetermined input is received within time. Here, the predetermined time may be a preset time limit corresponding to the cleaning function. Here, the predetermined input may correspond to a user input preset to execute the cleaning function. For example, when an input of pressing a physical button a preset number of times is received, the aerosol generating device 100 may determine that a predetermined input has been received. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 determines that a predetermined input has been received when a tap input for tapping the aerosol generating device 100 a preset number of times is received based on a signal from an acceleration sensor and/or a gyro sensor. can do.

When a predetermined input is received within a predetermined time, the aerosol generating device 100 may determine whether a predetermined condition related to the cleaning function is satisfied. Here, the predetermined condition may correspond to the degree to which the first container 20 is used. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may determine that a predetermined condition is met when the accumulated number of puffs related to the cleaning function included in the data for the identifier is more than a predetermined number (e.g., 1000). . When the cleaning function is executed, the aerosol generating device 100 may initialize the accumulated number of puffs in relation to the cleaning function included in the data for the identifier. Meanwhile, the predetermined number of times may be determined according to the number of times the cleaning function has been executed. For example, in response to an increase in the number of times the cleaning function has been executed, the predetermined number of times may decrease.

The aerosol generating device 100 may perform a cleaning operation based on satisfying a predetermined condition related to the cleaning function. Here, the cleaning operation may mean an operation of removing impurities generated by the generation of aerosol and accumulated in the wick 25. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may supply power to the heater 2531 according to a temperature profile corresponding to the cleaning function. At this time, the maximum value of the target temperature for the heater 2531 (e.g., 300°C), which is determined according to the temperature profile corresponding to the cleaning function, may exceed the maximum value of the target temperature for aerosol generation (e.g., 220°C). You can. Meanwhile, when a cleaning operation is performed, the aerosol generating device 100 may update the cleaning count included in the data for the identifier. For example, when a cleaning operation is performed, the aerosol generating device 100 may increase the number of cleaning times included in the data for the identifier.

Meanwhile, the aerosol generating device 100 may output a notification regarding replacement of the first container 20 in operation S813. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 responds to a request for replacement of the first container 20 through a light emitting diode (LED) based on the fact that the first container 20 is determined to be unusable. light can be output.

Referring to reference numeral 1201 in FIG. 12, when the first container 20 and the second container 30 are separated, the supply of power to the heater 2531 may be cut off.

When the first container 20 and the second container 30 are combined at time t1, the aerosol generating device 100 may supply initial power P0 to the heater 2531. The aerosol generating device 100 may supply initial power (P0) to the heater 2531 from time t1 to time t2 when a preset initial time has elapsed.

When a puff is detected at time t2 when the initial preheating is completed, the aerosol generating device 100 may supply heating power P1 to the heater 2531. The aerosol generating device 100 may supply heating power (P1) to the heater 2531 from time t2 when the puff is sensed to time t3 when the puff ends.

The aerosol generating device 100 may supply preheating power P2 to the heater 2531 from time t3 when the puff ends.

Meanwhile, referring to reference numeral 1202 in FIG. 12, the aerosol generating device 100 operates the heater from time t1, when the first container 20 and the second container 30 are combined, to time t2, when a preset initial time has elapsed. Initial power (P0) can be supplied to (2531).

The aerosol generating device 100 may block the supply of power to the heater 2531 from time t2 when the initial preheating is completed. At this time, the aerosol generating device 100 may monitor whether a puff is detected while the power supply to the heater 2531 is cut off.

The aerosol generating device 100 may supply heating power P1 to the heater 2531 at time t3 when the puff is detected. The aerosol generating device 100 may supply preheating power (P2) to the heater 2531 from time t4 when the puff ends.

Referring to FIG. 13, when the first container 20 and the second container 30 are combined, the supply of power to the heater 2531 may be cut off. The aerosol generating device 100 may monitor whether a puff is detected when the first container 20 and the second container 30 are combined and the power supply to the heater 2531 is cut off.

The aerosol generating device 100 may supply heating power P1 to the heater 2531 at time t1 when the puff is detected. The aerosol generating device 100 may supply heating power (P1) to the heater 2531 from time t1 when the puff is detected to time t2 when the puff ends.

The aerosol generating device 100 may supply preheating power P2 to the heater 2531 from time t2 when the puff ends.

As described above, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the configuration for storing liquid and the configuration including the wick 25 can be replaced independently of each other.

Additionally, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a configuration including the wick 25 can be efficiently managed and used.

Additionally, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, liquid can be moved more smoothly to the wick 25 to generate an aerosol.

Additionally, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the user may be notified that the liquid sufficiently flows into the wick 25.

Additionally, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, unnecessary power consumption can be reduced.

1 to 13, an aerosol generating device 100 according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a body 10; A first container (20) including a wick (25), a heater (2531) and an identifier; a second container (30) storing liquid; A cartridge detection sensor 471 that detects coupling between the first container 20 and the second container 30; memory(715); and a control unit 170, wherein the body 10 and the first container 20 are detachably coupled to each other, and the first container 20 and the second container 30 are separated from each other. Possibly combined, the control unit 170 checks the identifier included in the first container 20 when the body 10 and the first container 20 are combined, and When the 20 and the second container 30 are combined in a separated state, the initial power corresponding to the combination is applied to the heater 2531 based on data on the confirmed identifier stored in the memory 715. ), and based on the decision to supply the initial power to the heater 2531, the initial power can be controlled to be supplied to the heater 2531.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the memory 715 stores a database consisting of data about the identifier, and the control unit 170 includes data about the confirmed identifier in the database. It is determined whether or not data for the confirmed identifier is included in the database, and if data for the confirmed identifier is not included in the database, data for the confirmed identifier may be added to the database.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the identifier includes a plurality of detailed identifiers each representing characteristics of the first container 20, and the control unit 170 determines the detailed identifier based on the detailed identifier. Thus, data about the identifier including characteristics of the first container 20 can be generated.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first container 20 further includes a sub-memory 725 for storing the identifier, and the control unit 170 includes the body 10 and When the first container 20 is combined, the identifier stored in the sub-memory 725 can be obtained.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit 170 controls the initial power to be supplied to the heater 2531 during an initial time corresponding to the initial power, and when the initial time elapses. Based on this, the supply of power to the heater 2531 can be controlled to be cut off.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit 170 operates on the basis that the first container 20 and the second container 30 are separated from each other in a combined state, The point in time at which the container 20 and the second container 30 are separated can be stored in data about the identifier stored in the memory 715.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the data for the identifier stores a first time point in which the first container 20 and the second container 30 are separated from each other in a combined state, The control unit 170 calculates the elapsed time from the first time point to the second time point when the first container 20 and the second container 30 are combined from each other in a separated state, and the elapsed time Based on exceeding the preset reference time, the initial power is controlled to be supplied to the heater 2531, and based on the elapsed time being less than or equal to the reference time, power is supplied to the heater 2531. This can be controlled to be blocked.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, a puff sensor 461 that detects a puff; And further includes a temperature sensor 730 that detects the temperature of the heater 2531, wherein the control unit 170, based on at least one of the temperature of the heater 2531 and the number of times the puff is detected, It is determined whether the liquid contained in the second container 30 is exhausted, and based on the determination that the liquid is exhausted, the history of the determination that the liquid is exhausted is stored in the memory 715. ) can be stored in the data about the identifier stored in .

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the data for the identifier stores a history of determining that the liquid has been exhausted, and the control unit 170 stores the first device based on the data for the identifier. 1 Determine whether the liquid is exhausted before the container 20 and the second container 30 are separated, and if it is determined that the liquid is exhausted, control the initial power to be supplied to the heater 2531 , if it is determined that the liquid is not exhausted, the supply of power to the heater 2531 can be controlled to be cut off.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, it further includes an interface 120 for outputting a notification, and the data for the identifier stores a history of determining that the liquid has been exhausted, and the control unit 170 ) determines whether the liquid has been exhausted before the first container 20 and the second container 30 are separated based on data on the identifier, and if it is determined that the liquid has been exhausted, the A notification corresponding to the initial power is output for a first time through the interface 120, and if it is determined that the liquid is not exhausted based on the obtained data, a notification corresponding to the initial power is output through the interface 120 for a period shorter than the first time. A notification corresponding to the initial power may be output during the second time.

Additionally, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first time may correspond to the initial time.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the wick 25 includes a first wick part 251 disposed inside the first container 20; and a second wick part 252 disposed to be exposed to the outside of the first container 20 through a liquid inlet formed in the first container 20, and the heater 2531 is connected to the first wick. It may be placed in contact with the part 251.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the second container 30 includes a chamber C2 for storing the liquid; and an absorbing part 316 that absorbs the liquid, wherein the absorbing part 316 is disposed to be exposed to the outside of the second container 30, and is connected to the first container 20 and the second container. When (30) is coupled, the liquid absorbed by the absorber 316 can be supplied to the first container 20.

Additionally, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the wick 25 may be formed of ceramic.

Any or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not exclusive or distinct from each other. In certain embodiments or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above, each configuration or function may be used in combination or combined.

For example, this means that configuration A described in a particular embodiment and/or drawing may be combined with configuration B described in other embodiments and/or drawings. In other words, even if the combination between components is not directly explained, it means that combination is possible, except in cases where it is explained that combination is impossible.

The above detailed description should not be construed as restrictive in any respect 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 (14)

body;
a first container containing a wick, heater and identifier;
a second container storing liquid;
a cartridge detection sensor that detects coupling between the first container and the second container;
Memory; and
Includes a control unit,
The body and the first container are separably coupled to each other,
The first container and the second container are separably coupled to each other,
The control unit,
When the body and the first container are combined, check the identifier included in the first container,
When the first container and the second container are separated from each other and combined, determine whether to supply initial power corresponding to the combination to the heater based on data about the confirmed identifier stored in the memory; ,
An aerosol generating device characterized in that the initial power is controlled to be supplied to the heater based on the determination of supplying the initial power to the heater. According to paragraph 1,
The memory stores a database consisting of data about identifiers,
The control unit,
Determine whether data for the confirmed identifier is included in the database,
If the data for the confirmed identifier is not included in the database, the aerosol generating device is characterized in that adding the data for the confirmed identifier to the database. According to paragraph 1,
The identifier includes a plurality of detailed identifiers each representing characteristics of the first container,
The control unit,
An aerosol generating device characterized in that, based on the detailed identifier, data for the identifier including characteristics of the first container is generated. According to paragraph 1,
The first container further includes a sub-memory that stores the identifier,
The control unit,
An aerosol generating device, characterized in that when the body and the first container are combined, the identifier stored in the sub-memory is acquired. According to paragraph 1,
The control unit,
Controlling the initial power to be supplied to the heater for an initial time corresponding to the initial power,
An aerosol generating device, characterized in that the supply of power to the heater is controlled to be cut off based on the passage of the initial time. According to paragraph 1,
The control unit,
Based on the fact that the first container and the second container are separated from each other in a combined state, the point in time when the first container and the second container are separated is stored in data about the identifier stored in the memory. Aerosol generating device. According to paragraph 1,
The data for the identifier stores a first point in time when the first container and the second container are separated from each other while they are combined,
The control unit,
Calculate the time elapsed from the first time point to the second time point when the first container and the second container are combined from each other in a separated state,
Based on the elapsed time exceeding a preset reference time, controlling the initial power to be supplied to the heater,
An aerosol generating device characterized in that the supply of power to the heater is controlled to be cut off based on the elapsed time being less than or equal to the reference time. According to paragraph 1,
Puff sensor that detects puffs; and
Further comprising a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the heater,
The control unit,
Based on at least one of the temperature of the heater and the number of times the puff has been detected, determine whether the liquid contained in the second container is exhausted,
An aerosol generating device, characterized in that, based on the determination that the liquid has been exhausted, the history of the determination that the liquid has been exhausted in the memory is stored in data about the identifier stored in the memory. According to paragraph 1,
The data for the identifier stores a history of determining that the liquid has been exhausted,
The control unit,
Determine whether the liquid is exhausted before the first container and the second container are separated based on data about the identifier,
When it is determined that the liquid is exhausted, the initial power is controlled to be supplied to the heater,
An aerosol generating device characterized in that when it is determined that the liquid is not exhausted, the supply of power to the heater is controlled to be cut off. According to paragraph 1,
It further includes an interface for outputting a notification,
The data for the identifier stores a history of determining that the liquid has been exhausted,
The control unit,
Determine whether the liquid is exhausted before the first container and the second container are separated based on data about the identifier,
When it is determined that the liquid is exhausted, output a notification corresponding to the initial power for a first time through the interface,
If it is determined that the liquid is not exhausted based on the acquired data, an aerosol generating device outputs a notification corresponding to the initial power for a second time shorter than the first time through the interface. In clause 7,
The first time is an aerosol generating device, characterized in that it corresponds to the initial time. According to paragraph 1,
The wick is,
a first wick part disposed inside the first container; and
It includes a second wick part disposed to be exposed to the outside of the first container through a liquid inlet formed in the first container,
The heater is an aerosol generating device, characterized in that it is arranged to be in contact with the first wick part. According to paragraph 1,
The second container is,
a chamber storing the liquid; and
It includes an absorption portion that absorbs the liquid,
The absorber is disposed to be exposed to the outside of the second container,
When the first container and the second container are combined, the liquid absorbed in the absorber is supplied to the first container. According to paragraph 1,
The wick is an aerosol generating device, characterized in that it is formed of ceramic.

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