WO2020009410A1

WO2020009410A1 - Aerosol generation device and puff recognition method of aerosol generation device

Info

Publication number: WO2020009410A1
Application number: PCT/KR2019/008018
Authority: WO
Inventors: 정종성; 고경민; 서장원; 정민석; 정진철; 장철호; 장용준
Original assignee: 주식회사 케이티앤지
Priority date: 2018-07-04
Filing date: 2019-07-02
Publication date: 2020-01-09
Also published as: KR102367432B1; KR20200004695A

Abstract

One embodiment of the present invention provides a puff recognition method of an aerosol generation device, the method comprising: an air flow change detection step of detecting the change caused by a user's puff, in air flow inside the aerosol generation device; a temperature comparison step of comparing, when a change in air flow is detected, the difference between the temperature of inflow air introduced into the aerosol generation device by the puff and the internal temperature of the aerosol generation device before the inflow air is introduced; and a puff recognition step of recognizing a puff as having been generated when the result of the comparison satisfies a puff recognition condition relating to the temperature-descending time and the temperature difference.

Description

Aerosol Generator and Puff Recognition Method of Aerosol Generator

The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device and a puff recognition method of the aerosol generating device, and more specifically, to recognize a user's puff based on the difference between the temperature of the air flowing into the aerosol generating device and the internal temperature of the aerosol generating device. An aerosol generating device and a puff recognition method implemented by the aerosol generating device.

In recent years there is a growing demand for alternative ways to overcome the shortcomings of common cigarettes. For example, there is an increasing demand for how aerosols are produced as the aerosol generating material in the cigarette is heated, rather than burning the cigarette to produce aerosols. Accordingly, studies on heated cigarette or heated aerosol generating devices are actively progressing.

The technical problem to be solved by the present invention, the aerosol generating device and the aerosol generating device that can recognize the user's puff based on the temperature of the inlet air flowing into the aerosol generating device through the user's suction (puff) operation To provide a puff recognition method.

Method according to an embodiment of the present invention for solving the technical problem, a puff recognition method of the aerosol generating device, the air flow change detection for detecting a change in the air flow inside the aerosol generating device by the user's puff step; When the change in the air flow is detected, a temperature comparison step for comparing the difference between the temperature of the inlet air introduced into the aerosol generating device by the puff and the internal temperature of the aerosol generating device before the inlet air is introduced ; And a puff recognition step of recognizing that the puff is generated when the comparison result satisfies the puff recognition conditions for the temperature fall time and the temperature difference.

An apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention for solving the technical problem, a puff recognition aerosol generating device, air flow change for detecting a change in the air flow inside the aerosol generating device by the user's puff Sensing unit; When the change in the air flow is detected, the temperature comparison unit for comparing the difference between the temperature of the inlet air introduced into the aerosol generating device by the puff and the internal temperature of the aerosol generating device before the inlet air is introduced ; And a puff recognition unit recognizing that the puff is generated when the comparison result satisfies the puff recognition conditions for the temperature fall time and the temperature difference.

According to the present invention, by comparing the difference between the temperature of the incoming air and the temperature inside the aerosol generating device, and recognizes the puff by identifying whether the comparison result satisfies the puff recognition conditions for the temperature fall time and temperature difference As such, much more accurate puff recognition is possible than is known in the art.

1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of an aerosol generating device.

2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a holder.

3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a cradle.

4A and 4B show examples of cradles.

5 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a holder is inserted into a cradle.

6 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the holder is tilted in a state where the holder is inserted into the cradle.

7 is a block diagram of an example of an aerosol generating device according to the present invention.

8 is a schematic diagram of an example of an aerosol generating device for explaining the interior of the aerosol generating device.

9 is a view for explaining a puff recognition process of the puff recognition unit.

10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a puff recognition method according to the present invention.

Method according to an embodiment of the present invention for solving the technical problem, a puff recognition method of the aerosol generating device, the air flow change detection for detecting a change in the air flow inside the aerosol generating device by the user's puff step; When the change in the air flow is detected, a temperature comparison step of comparing the difference between the temperature of the inlet air introduced into the aerosol generating device by the puff and the internal temperature of the aerosol generating device before the inlet air is introduced ; And a puff recognition step of recognizing that the puff is generated when the comparison result satisfies the puff recognition conditions for the temperature fall time and the temperature difference.

In the method, the temperature comparing step, the temperature of the inlet air flowing into the aerosol generating device through the air flow passage provided in the aerosol generating device and the air remaining in the air flow passage before the inlet air is introduced. It may be characterized by comparing the difference with the temperature of.

In the method, the temperature comparison step, the aerosol is generated by the heater before the inlet air temperature and the temperature of the inlet air flowing into the aerosol generating device through the air flow passage provided in the aerosol generating device. It may be characterized by comparing the difference with the temperature of the aerosol generating substrate.

In the method, the temperature comparing step, the temperature of the inlet air flowing into the aerosol generating device through the air flow passage provided in the aerosol generating device and the air remaining in the air flow passage before the inlet air is introduced. Compare the difference with the temperature of the primary and the aerosol is generated by the heater before the inlet air temperature and the temperature of the inlet air flowing into the interior of the aerosol generating device through the air flow passage provided in the aerosol generating device Compare the difference with the temperature of the aerosol generating substrate to be secondary, and the puff recognition step, if the first and second comparison results satisfy the puff recognition conditions for time and temperature difference, It may be characterized by the recognition.

In the method, the puff recognition step, the internal temperature is kept lowered for a predetermined duration by the inlet air, the internal temperature and the lowered internal temperature of the aerosol generating device before the inlet air is introduced If the difference with the temperature exceeds a preset temperature gap, it can be determined that the puff recognition condition is satisfied.

The terminology used in the embodiments is a general term that has been widely used as much as possible in consideration of the functions of the present invention, but may vary according to the intention or precedent of a person skilled in the art, the emergence of new technology, and the like. In addition, in certain cases, there is also a term arbitrarily selected by the applicant, in which case the meaning will be described in detail in the description of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention should be defined based on the meanings of the terms and the contents throughout the present invention, rather than the names of the simple terms.

When a part of the specification is said to "include" any component, this means that it may further include other components, except to exclude other components unless otherwise stated. In addition, the “…” described in the specification. Wealth ”,“… Module ”means a unit for processing at least one function or operation, which may be implemented in hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art may easily implement the present invention. As those skilled in the art would realize, the described embodiments may be modified in various different ways, all without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.

Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings will be described embodiments of the present invention;

Referring to FIG. 1, an aerosol generating device 1 (hereinafter referred to as a holder) includes a battery 110, a controller 120, and a heater 130. In addition, the holder 1 includes an inner space formed by the case 140. A cigarette may be inserted into the inner space of the holder 1.

The holder 1 shown in FIG. 1 shows only the components related to the present embodiment. Therefore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the general purpose components other than the components shown in FIG. 1 may be further included in the holder 1.

When the cigarette is inserted into the holder 1, the holder 1 heats the heater 130. The aerosol generating material in the cigarette is raised in temperature by the heated heater 130, thereby producing an aerosol. The resulting aerosol is delivered to the user through the filter of the cigarette. However, even when the cigarette is not inserted into the holder 1, for example, in order to clean the heater 130, the holder 1 may heat the heater 130.

The case 140 may be moved between the first position and the second position. For example, when the case 140 is in the first position, the user can insert a cigarette into the holder 1 to inhale the aerosol. On the other hand, when the case 140 is in the second position, the user can remove (separate) the cigarette from the holder 1. As the user pushes or pulls the case 140, the case 140 may be moved between the first position and the second position. In addition, the case 140 may be completely separated from the holder 1 by a user's manipulation.

In addition, the diameter of the hole formed by the end 141 of the case 140 may be made smaller than the diameter of the space formed by the case 140 and the heater 130, in this case is inserted into the holder (1) Can serve as a guide to cigarettes.

The battery 110 supplies the power used to operate the holder 1. For example, the battery 110 may supply power so that the heater 130 may be heated, and may supply power necessary for the control unit 120 to operate. In addition, the battery 110 may supply power required to operate a display, a sensor, a motor, etc. installed in the holder 1.

The battery 110 may be a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO 4) battery, but is not limited to the example described above. For example, the battery 110 may correspond to a lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO 2) battery, a lithium titanate battery, or the like.

Whether the battery 110 is fully charged or completely discharged may be determined by how much the power stored in the battery 110 is compared with the total capacity of the battery 110. For example, when the power stored in the battery 110 is 95% or more of the total capacity, it may be determined that the battery 110 is fully charged. In addition, when the power stored in the battery 110 is 10% or less of the total capacity, it may be determined that the battery 110 is completely discharged. However, the criterion for determining whether the battery 110 is fully charged or completely discharged is not limited to the above-described example.

The heater 130 is heated by the power supplied from the battery 110. When the cigarette is inserted into the holder 1, the heater 130 is located inside the cigarette. Thus, the heated heater 130 may raise the temperature of the aerosol generating material in the cigarette.

The heater 130 may be manufactured in a shape that can be easily inserted into the interior of the cigarette. For example, the heater 130 may have a blade shape or a shape in which a cylinder and a cone are combined, but is not limited thereto. In addition, only a part of the heater 130 may be heated. For example, only the first portion of the heater 130 may be heated, and the second portion may not be heated. Here, the first part may be a part where the tobacco rod is located when the cigarette is inserted into the holder 1. In addition, the heater 130 may be heated to a different temperature for each part. For example, the above-mentioned first portion and the above-mentioned second portion may be heated to different temperatures from each other.

The heater 130 may be an electric resistance heater. For example, the heater 130 may be fabricated such that an electrically conductive track is disposed on a substrate formed of an electrically insulating material. Here, the substrate may be made of a ceramic material, and the electrically conductive track may be made of tungsten, but is not limited thereto.

Holder 1 may be provided with a separate temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor may not be provided in the holder 1, and the heater 130 may serve as the temperature sensor. Alternatively, the heater 130 of the holder 1 may serve as a temperature sensor, and at the same time, a separate temperature sensor may be further included in the holder 1. In order for the heater 130 to function as a temperature sensor, the heater 130 may include at least one electrically conductive track for heat generation and temperature sensing. In addition, the heater 130 may separately include a second electrically conductive track for temperature sensing in addition to the first electrically conductive track for heat generation.

For example, if the voltage across the electrically conductive track and the current flowing through the electrically conductive track are measured, the resistance R can be determined. At this time, the temperature T of the electrically conductive track may be determined by Equation 1 below.

In Equation 1, R denotes a current resistance value of the electrically conductive track, R ₀ denotes a resistance value at a temperature T ₀ (eg, 0 ° C.), and α denotes a resistance temperature coefficient of the electrically conductive track. it means. The conductive material (eg metal) has a unique resistance temperature coefficient, so α may be predetermined according to the conductive material constituting the electrically conductive track. Therefore, when the resistance R of the electrically conductive track is determined, the temperature T of the electrically conductive track can be calculated by Equation 1 above.

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

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

The controller 120 controls the overall operation of the holder 1. Specifically, the controller 120 controls the operation of not only the battery 110 and the heater 130, but also other components included in the holder 1. In addition, the controller 120 may determine whether the holder 1 is in an operable state by checking a state of each of the components of the holder 1.

The controller 120 includes at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program that may be executed on the microprocessor. In addition, it can be understood by those skilled in the art that the present embodiment may be implemented in other forms of hardware.

For example, the controller 120 may control the operation of the heater 130. The controller 120 may control the amount of power supplied to the heater 130 and the time at which power is supplied so that the heater 130 may be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintain an appropriate temperature. In addition, the controller 120 may check the state of the battery 110 (for example, the remaining amount of the battery 110) and generate a notification signal if necessary.

In addition, the controller 120 may check the presence or absence of the puff and the strength of the puff, and count the number of puffs. In addition, the controller 120 may continuously check the time that the holder 1 is operating. In addition, the controller 120 determines whether the cradle 2 to be described later is coupled with the holder 1, and controls the operation of the holder 1 according to the coupling or detachment of the cradle 2 and the holder 1. Can be.

Meanwhile, the holder 1 may further include general components in addition to the battery 110, the controller 120, and the heater 130.

For example, the holder 1 may include a display capable of outputting visual information or a motor for outputting tactile information. As an example, when a display is included in the holder 1, the controller 120 may display information about the state of the holder 1 (for example, whether the holder may be used), a heater (eg, a user) through the display. Information on the battery 110 (eg, preheating start, preheating progress, preheating completion, etc.), information related to the battery 110 (eg, remaining capacity of the battery 110, availability, etc.), holder 1 Information related to the resetting of the holder (for example, reset timing, reset progress, reset completion, etc.), information related to cleaning of the holder 1 (for example, cleaning timing, cleaning necessity, cleaning progress, cleaning completion, etc.), Information related to the charging of the holder 1 (e.g., charging required, charging progressed, charging completed, etc.), information related to the puff (e.g., puff count, puff end notice, etc.) or safety related information (e.g. For example, the use time elapsed) can be delivered. As another example, when a motor is included in the holder 1, the controller 120 may generate the vibration signal using the motor, thereby transferring the above-described information to the user.

In addition, the holder 1 may comprise a terminal coupled with at least one input device (eg a button) and / or the cradle 2 through which the user can control the function of the holder 1. For example, the user can execute various functions using the input device of the holder 1. Multiple functions of the holder 1 by adjusting the number of times the user presses the input device (for example, once, twice, etc.) or the time for holding the input device (for example, 0.1 seconds, 0.2 seconds, etc.) You can execute any of these functions. As the user operates the input device, the holder 1 has a function of preheating the heater 130, a function of adjusting the temperature of the heater 130, a function of cleaning a space where a cigarette is inserted, and a holder 1 of the holder 1. A function of checking whether it is in an operable state, a function of displaying a residual amount (available power) of the battery 110, a reset function of the holder 1, and the like may be performed. However, the function of the holder 1 is not limited to the examples described above.

For example, the holder 1 may clean the space where the cigarette is inserted by controlling the heater 130 as follows. For example, the holder 1 can clean the space where the cigarette is inserted by heating the heater 130 to a sufficiently high temperature. Here, a sufficiently high temperature means a temperature suitable for cleaning the space where the cigarette is inserted. For example, the holder 1 may heat the heater 130 to the highest of a temperature range in which an aerosol can be generated in the inserted cigarette and a temperature range in which the heater 130 is preheated, but is not limited thereto. .

In addition, the holder 1 may maintain the temperature of the heater 130 at a sufficiently high temperature for a predetermined time period. Here, the predetermined time period means a time period sufficient to clean the space where the cigarette is inserted. For example, the holder 1 may maintain the temperature of the heated heater 130 for an appropriate time of 10 seconds to 10 minutes, but is not limited thereto. Preferably, the holder 1 may maintain the temperature of the heated heater 130 for a suitable time period selected within the range of 20 seconds to 1 minute. Also, preferably, the holder 1 may maintain the temperature of the heated heater 130 for a suitable time period selected within the range of 20 seconds to 1 minute 30 seconds.

As the holder 1 heats the heater 130 to a sufficiently high temperature and also maintains the temperature of the heated heater 130 for a predetermined time period, the surface of the heater 130 and / or the space into which the cigarette is inserted The effect of cleaning may be generated by volatilizing the substance deposited on the substrate.

In addition, the holder 1 may comprise a puff sensor, a temperature sensor and / or a cigarette insertion sensor. For example, the puff sensor may be implemented by a general pressure sensor. Alternatively, the holder 1 may detect a puff by a change in resistance of an electrically conductive track included in the heater 130 without a separate puff detection sensor. The electrically conductive track here comprises an electrically conductive track for heat generation and / or an electrically conductive track for temperature sensing. Alternatively, the holder 1 may further include a puff detecting sensor separately from detecting the puff using an electrically conductive track included in the heater 130.

The cigarette insertion sensor may be implemented by a general capacitive sensor or a resistance sensor. In addition, the holder 1 may be manufactured in a structure in which external air may be introduced / exhausted even when a cigarette is inserted.

2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a holder.

As shown in FIG. 2, the holder 1 may be manufactured in a cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto. The case 140 of the holder 1 may be moved or separated by a user's operation, and a cigarette may be inserted into the end 141 of the case 140. In addition, the holder 1 may include a button 150 that allows a user to control the holder 1. In addition, if necessary, the holder 1 may further include a display on which an image is output.

3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a cradle.

Referring to FIG. 3, the cradle 2 includes a battery 210 and a controller 220. The cradle 2 also includes an interior space 230 into which the holder 1 can be inserted. Depending on the design of the cradle 2, the cradle 2 may or may not include a separate lid. As an example, the holder 1 may be inserted into and fixed to the cradle 2 even if the cradle 2 does not include a separate lid. As another example, the holder 1 may be fixed to the cradle 2 as the lid of the cradle 2 is closed after the holder 1 is inserted into the cradle 2.

The cradle 2 shown in FIG. 3 shows only the components related to the present embodiment. Accordingly, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the general purpose components other than the components illustrated in FIG. 3 may be further included in the cradle 2.

The battery 210 supplies the power used to operate the cradle 2. In addition, the battery 210 may supply power for charging the battery 110 of the holder 1. For example, when the holder 1 is inserted into the cradle 2 so that the terminal of the holder 1 and the terminal of the cradle 2 are coupled, the battery 210 of the cradle 2 is the battery of the holder 1. Power may be supplied to 110.

In addition, when the holder 1 and the cradle 2 are coupled, the battery 210 may supply power used to operate the holder 1. For example, when the terminal of the holder 1 and the terminal of the cradle 2 are coupled, regardless of whether the battery 110 of the holder 1 is discharged, the holder 1 is a battery of the cradle 2 ( The operation may be performed by using the power supplied by the 210.

For example, the battery 210 may be a lithium ion battery, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the capacity of the battery 210 may be larger than that of the battery 110.

The controller 220 generally controls the operation of the cradle 2. The controller 220 may control the operation of all the components of the cradle 2. In addition, the controller 220 may determine whether the holder 1 and the cradle 2 are coupled, and control the operation of the cradle 2 according to the coupling or detachment of the cradle 2 and the holder 1.

For example, when the holder 1 and the cradle 2 are coupled, the controller 220 supplies power of the battery 210 to the holder 1 to charge the battery 110 or to heat the heater 130. You can. Therefore, even when the remaining amount of the battery 110 is small, the user can continuously smoke by combining the holder 1 and the cradle 2.

The controller 220 includes at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program that may be executed on the microprocessor. In addition, it can be understood by those skilled in the art that the present embodiment may be implemented in other forms of hardware.

Meanwhile, the cradle 2 may further include general components in addition to the battery 210 and the controller 220. For example, the cradle 2 may include a display capable of outputting visual information. For example, if the cradle 2 includes a display, the controller 220 generates a signal to be displayed on the display, thereby providing the user with a battery 210 (eg, remaining capacity of the battery 210, available for use). Information related to whether the cradle 2 is reset (e.g., reset timing, reset progress, reset completion, etc.), cleaning of the holder 1 (e.g., cleaning timing, cleaning needs, cleaning) Information related to progress, cleaning completion, etc., and information related to charging of the cradle 2 (for example, charging needs, charging progress, charging completion, etc.) may be transmitted.

In addition, the cradle 2 may include at least one input device (e.g., a button) that allows a user to control the function of the cradle 2, a terminal coupled with the holder 1, and / or a charge of the battery 210. It may include an interface for (eg, USB port, etc.).

For example, the user can execute various functions using the input device of the cradle 2. By adjusting the number of times the user presses the input device or the time the user presses the input device, it is possible to execute a desired function among the plurality of functions of the cradle 2. As the user operates the input device, the cradle 2 has the function of preheating the heater 130 of the holder 1, the function of adjusting the temperature of the heater 130 of the holder 1, within the holder 1. A function of cleaning the space where the cigarette is inserted, a function of checking whether the cradle 2 is in an operable state, a function of displaying the remaining amount (power available) of the battery 210 of the cradle 2, and a reset of the cradle 2 Functions and the like can be performed. However, the function of the cradle 2 is not limited to the examples described above.

4A and 4B show examples of cradles.

4A shows an example of a cradle 2 without a lid. For example, there may be a space 230 in which the holder 1 may be inserted at one side of the cradle 2. Even if the cradle 2 does not include a separate securing means such as a lid, the holder 1 can be inserted into and secured to the cradle 2. In addition, the cradle 2 may include a button 240 that allows a user to control the cradle 2. In addition, if necessary, the cradle 2 may further include a display on which an image is output.

4b shows an example of a cradle 2 with a lid. For example, the holder 1 may be inserted into the interior space 230 of the cradle 2, and the holder 1 may be fixed to the cradle 2 as the lid 250 is closed.

Referring to FIG. 5, an example in which the holder 1 is inserted into the cradle 2 is illustrated. Since the space 230 in which the holder 1 is to be inserted is present at one side of the cradle 2, the inserted holder 1 may not be exposed to the outside by the other sides of the cradle 2. Thus, the cradle 2 may not include another configuration (eg a lid) for not exposing the holder 1 to the outside.

The cradle 2 may include at least one

fastening member

271, 272 to increase the fastening strength with the holder 1. In addition, the holder 1 may also include at least one binding member 181. Here, the binding

members

181, 271, and 272 may be magnets, but are not limited thereto. In FIG. 5, for convenience of description, although the holder 1 includes one fastening member 181 and the cradle 2 includes two

fastening members

271 and 272, the fastening member The number of (181, 271, 272) is not limited to this.

The holder 1 may include a binding member 181 in a first position, and the cradle 2 may include binding

members

271 and 272 in a second position and a third position, respectively. In this case, the first position and the third position may be positions facing each other when the holder 1 is inserted into the cradle 2.

As the

fastening members

181, 271, 272 are included in the holder 1 and the cradle 2, even if the holder 1 is inserted into one side of the cradle 2, the holder 1 and the cradle 2 are secured. The binding can be stronger. In other words, as the holder 1 and the cradle 2 further include the

fastening members

181, 271, and 272 in addition to the terminals, the holder 1 and the cradle 2 may be more strongly bound. Thus, even if the cradle 2 does not have a separate configuration (eg a lid), the inserted holder 1 may not be easily separated from the cradle 2.

In addition, when it is determined that the holder 1 is completely inserted into the cradle 2 by the terminals and / or the binding

members

181, 271, and 272, the controller 220 uses the power of the battery 210 to control the holder. The battery 110 of (1) can be charged.

Referring to FIG. 6, the holder 1 is tilted inside the cradle 2. Here, tilt means that the holder 1 is inclined at an angle with the holder 1 inserted in the cradle 2.

As shown in FIG. 5, when the holder 1 is fully inserted into the cradle 2, the user cannot smoke. In other words, when the holder 1 is fully inserted into the cradle 2, no cigarette can be inserted into the holder 1. Thus, the user cannot smoke while the holder 1 is fully inserted into the cradle 2.

As shown in FIG. 6, when the holder 1 is tilted, the end 141 of the holder 1 is exposed to the outside. Accordingly, the user may insert a cigarette into the end 141 and inhale (smoke) the generated aerosol. The tilt angle [theta] can be secured at a sufficient angle so that when the cigarette is inserted into the distal end 141 of the holder 1, the cigarette is not bent or damaged. For example, the holder 1 may be tilted at a minimum angle greater than or greater than the entire cigarette insertion hole included in the distal end 141 is exposed to the outside. For example, the range of the tilt angle θ may be greater than 0 ° and less than 180 °, and preferably, greater than or equal to 5 ° and less than or equal to 90 °. More preferably, the tilt angle θ is in a range of 5 ° to 20 °, 5 ° to 30 °, 5 ° to 40 °, 5 ° to 50 °, or 5 ° to 60 °. Can be. More preferably, the tilt angle θ can be 10 degrees.

In addition, even when the holder 1 is tilted, the terminal of the holder 1 and the terminal of the cradle 2 are coupled to each other. Accordingly, the heater 130 of the holder 1 may be heated by the power supplied by the battery 210 of the cradle 2. Thus, even when the remaining amount of battery 110 in holder 1 is low or absent, holder 1 may generate aerosol using battery 210 of cradle 2.

6 shows an example in which the holder 1 comprises one fastening member 182 and the cradle 2 includes two

fastening members

273, 274. For example, the positions of each of the binding

members

182, 273, and 274 are as described above with reference to FIG. 5. If the binding

members

182, 273, and 274 are magnets, the magnet strength of the binding member 274 may be greater than the magnet strength of the binding member 273. Therefore, even when the holder 1 is tilted, by the binding member 182 and the binding member 274, the holder 1 may not be completely separated from the cradle 2.

In addition, when it is determined that the holder 1 is tilted by the terminals and / or the binding

members

182, 273, and 274, the controller 220 uses the power of the battery 210 to heat the heater of the holder 1. The 130 may be heated or the battery 110 may be charged.

Referring to FIG. 7, it can be seen that the aerosol generating device 1 according to the present invention includes an air flow change detection unit 710, a temperature comparison unit 730, and a puff recognition unit 750. In addition, although not shown in FIG. 7, the aerosol generating device 1 according to the present invention has another configuration of the aerosol generating device 1 described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 (battery 110, control unit 120, and heater). It will be appreciated that it may include (130)).

The air flow change detection unit 710 detects a change in the air flow inside the aerosol generating device 1 by the user's puff. Here, the interior of the aerosol generating device 1 means not only an air flow path through which air enters when the user inhales air through the inlet of the aerosol generating device 1, but also according to an embodiment. In addition, the aerosol generating device 1 may be another part in which the air flow may be changed by the user's puff.

Referring to FIG. 8, the aerosol generating device 1 includes an airflow passage 810, a temperature sensor 820, an aerosol generating substrate 830, a heater 840, an outer case 850, an air gap 860, and an interior. It can be seen that the case 870 is included.

The airflow passage 810 means a passage through which air is introduced by the suction action caused by the puff when the user performs the puff through the aerosol generating device 1. In the airflow passage 810, the puff electric air is filled before the user performs the puff, and the puff after air is full after the user performs the puff. Here, the puff after air is a concept including the puff air and inlet air. The airflow passages 810 which exist on the left and right sides of the heater 840 are different examples of the airflow passages 810, and the aerosol generating device 1 includes an airflow passage according to any one embodiment. 810 is present.

Temperature sensor 820 is a sensor for measuring the temperature, is attached to the air flow passage 810 or the aerosol generating substrate 830 to measure the temperature of the air present in the air flow passage 810 or the temperature of the aerosol generating substrate 830 Transmit the measurement result to the microcontroller unit (MCU) by wire or wireless. One or more temperature sensors 820 may be disposed at a specific point of the airflow passage 810, and a plurality of temperature sensors 820 may be disposed for accuracy of sensing.

The aerosol generating substrate 830 is an object that is heated by the heater 840 to generate an aerosol and is in direct contact with the heater 840.

The heater 840 is heated by receiving power from a battery so that the aerosol generating substrate 830 can generate an aerosol.

The outer case 850 allows the user to hold the aerosol generating device 1 to perform a puff, and to prevent the user from being burned by the high temperature of the heated aerosol generating substrate 830. 860 is centered and spaced apart from the inner case 870.

Hereinafter, FIG. 7 will be described again.

When the temperature comparison unit 730 detects a change in the air flow in the interior of the aerosol generator 1, the temperature of the inlet air introduced into the interior of the aerosol generator 1 by the puff and the inlet air are introduced. Compare the difference with the internal temperature of the aerosol generating device.

As an optional embodiment, the temperature comparison unit 730 may compare the temperature of the inlet air and the temperature of the internal air existing in the air flow passage 810 of the aerosol generating device 1 before the inlet air is introduced. In order to implement the present exemplary embodiment, the temperature sensor 820 is disposed in the air flow passage 810, and in order to increase the accuracy of sensing, the temperature sensor 820 may be disposed in plural.

As another alternative embodiment, the temperature comparison unit 730 may compare the temperature of the inlet air and the temperature of the aerosol generating substrate 830 of the aerosol generating device 1 before the inlet air is introduced. In order to implement the present exemplary embodiment, the temperature sensor 820 is disposed in the aerosol generating substrate 830, and in order to increase the accuracy of sensing, a plurality of temperature sensors 820 may be disposed.

As another alternative embodiment, the temperature comparison unit 730 is the temperature of the inlet air and the temperature and the aerosol generating substrate of the internal air existing in the air flow passage 810 of the aerosol generating device 1 before the inlet air is introduced ( It may be compared with the temperature of 830 at the same time. In order to implement the present exemplary embodiment, the temperature sensor 820 may be disposed in the aerosol generating substrate 830 as well as the airflow passage 810 in the aerosol generating device 1.

The puff recognition unit 750 recognizes that the puff is generated when the result compared by the temperature comparison unit 730 satisfies the puff recognition conditions for the temperature fall time and the temperature difference. The temperature comparison unit 730 compares the difference between the temperature of the inlet air and the internal temperature of the aerosol generating device 1 and transmits the comparison result to the puff recognition unit 750. As an example of the result delivered by the temperature comparison unit 730, information on whether the temperature of the inlet air is higher or lower than the temperature of the inside of the aerosol generator 1, the temperature of the inlet air of the aerosol generator 1 If there is a difference with the internal temperature, there is information on how exactly that difference is.

In addition, the puff recognition condition is reference information stored in advance by the puff recognition unit 750 to recognize that the puff is generated, and is compared with a comparison result transmitted by the temperature comparison unit 730. In the present invention, in order to recognize the puff more accurately, the puff recognition condition is set to a condition that simultaneously considers the temperature drop time and the temperature difference. For example, the temperature of the air existing in the airflow passage 810 falls by more than 10 degrees due to the inflow air flowing into the airflow passage 810, and the time taken for the temperature to decrease is 1.5 seconds to 2 seconds. The puff recognition condition may be set in the puff recognition unit 750, and if the comparison result transmitted from the temperature comparison unit 730 meets the puff recognition conditions, the puff recognition unit 750 recognizes that the puff has been performed. can do.

In the present invention, as the puff recognition condition is set to a condition that considers the temperature drop time and the temperature difference at the same time, even if air is temporarily introduced into the aerosol generating device 1 and the temperature drop occurs, the degree of temperature drop is sufficiently high. If it is not large or if the duration of the temperature drop is not sufficiently maintained even if the degree of temperature drop is large enough, the puff recognition unit 750 considers that it does not meet the puff recognition conditions and recognizes that no puff has occurred. have.

First, the initial temperature inside the aerosol generating device 1 is T0. Here, it has already been described that the interior of the aerosol generating device 1 may be the temperature of the aerosol generating substrate 830 as well as the airflow passage 810.

The internal temperature of the aerosol generating device 1 rapidly rises as the heater 840 is heated to reach T2 at the time t1. The internal temperature of the aerosol generating device 1 is lowered from T2 to T1 as the inflow air flows into the airflow passage 810 by the user's puff, and the time required to descend from T2 to T1 is (t2). -t1). The puff recognition unit 750 has a time required to decrease the temperature even if the magnitude of the temperature drop is smaller than (T2-T1) or the magnitude of the temperature drop is (T2-T1) (t2-t1). If it is shorter or much longer than (t2-t1), the puff of the user may be regarded as a temporary inflow of air rather than air into the aerosol generating device 1, and may be regarded as not satisfying the puff recognition condition. have.

That is, the puff recognition unit 750 maintains the internal temperature lowered by the inlet air for a predetermined duration, and the difference between the internal temperature of the aerosol generating device 1 and the lowered internal temperature before the inlet air is introduced. When P exceeds the preset temperature gap, it can be seen that the puff recognition condition is satisfied.

As shown in FIG. 9, whether the result compared by the temperature comparator 730 satisfies the puff recognition condition is not determined to be one-time, but may be continuously determined according to the passage of time. For the sake of judgment, the puff recognition condition may not be a specific point in time, but may be a condition for several points of time.

As an optional embodiment, the temperature comparison unit 730 compares the difference between the temperature of the inlet air and the temperature of the air and aerosol generating substrate remaining in the air flow passage, and the puff recognition unit 750 compares the result. Can determine whether the puff is generated by knowing whether the puff recognition condition is satisfied. More specifically, the temperature comparison unit 730 is the inlet air temperature and inlet air is introduced into the aerosol generating device 1 through the air flow passage 810 provided in the aerosol generating device (1) The difference between the temperature of the air remaining in the previous air flow passage is primarily compared, and the temperature of the inlet air and the inlet air flowing into the aerosol generating apparatus 1 through the air flow passage 810 provided in the aerosol generating apparatus. Secondly compare the difference with the temperature of the aerosol generating substrate 830 before the inflow, and if each comparison result is transmitted to the puff recognition unit 750, the puff recognition unit 750 is compared first and second It is also possible to recognize whether a puff is generated by determining whether a result simultaneously satisfies the puff recognition condition. According to the present exemplary embodiment, as the puff recognition unit 750 determines whether the result compared by the temperature comparison unit 730 satisfies the puff recognition condition twice, there is an advantage that more accurate puff recognition is possible.

Since FIG. 10 may be implemented by the apparatus according to FIG. 7, the description with reference to FIG. 7 will be omitted.

The air flow change detection unit 710 detects a change in the air flow inside the aerosol generating device 1 (S1010).

The temperature comparison unit 730 compares the temperature of the inlet air introduced into the aerosol generating device 1 with the internal temperature before the inlet air is introduced (S1030).

The puff recognition unit 750 determines whether the comparison result of step S1030 satisfies the puff recognition condition (S1050). As described above, according to the embodiment, in step S1050, the puff recognition unit 750 may simultaneously consider the temperature fall time and the temperature difference as the puff recognition conditions, the puff recognition unit 750 is the internal temperature is increased by the inlet air If the difference between the internal temperature of the aerosol generating device 1 and the lowered internal temperature before the inlet air is introduced exceeds the preset temperature gap, the puff recognition condition is satisfied. You can figure it out.

If the comparison result of step S1030 satisfies the puff recognition condition, the puff recognition unit 750 recognizes that the puff has been generated (S1070). The puff recognized by the puff recognition unit 750 may be measured through a puff counter and recorded in the memory of the aerosol generating device 1, and outputted through the display unit of the aerosol generating device 1 by a user's input. Can be.

As described above, according to the present invention, the difference between the temperature of the incoming air and the temperature of the inside of the aerosol generating device is compared, and it is determined whether the comparison result satisfies the puff recognition conditions for the temperature fall time and the temperature difference By recognizing the puff, a much more accurate puff recognition is possible than known methods.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention may be embodied in a modified form without departing from the essential characteristics of the above-described substrate. Therefore, the disclosed methods should be considered in descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. The scope of the present invention is shown in the claims rather than the foregoing description, and all differences within the scope will be construed as being included in the present invention.

The present invention can be used to produce a control unit (MCU) that recognizes a puff of a user using an electronic cigarette.

Claims

As a puff recognition method of an aerosol generating device,

An air flow change detection step of detecting a change in air flow inside the aerosol generating device by a user's puff;

When the change in the air flow is detected, a temperature comparison step of comparing the difference between the temperature of the inlet air introduced into the aerosol generating device by the puff and the internal temperature of the aerosol generating device before the inlet air is introduced ; And

The puff recognition method of the aerosol generating device comprising a puff recognition step of recognizing that the puff is generated if the comparison result satisfies the puff recognition conditions for the temperature fall time and temperature difference.
The method of claim 1,

The temperature comparison step,

Comparing the difference between the temperature of the inlet air introduced into the aerosol generating device through the air flow passage provided in the aerosol generating device and the temperature of the air remaining in the air flow passage before the inlet air is introduced. Puff recognition method of the aerosol generating device.
The method of claim 1,

The temperature comparison step,

Comparing the difference between the temperature of the inlet air flowing into the interior of the aerosol generating device through the air flow passage provided in the aerosol generating device and the temperature of the aerosol generating substrate to produce aerosol by the heater before the inlet air is introduced Puff recognition method of the aerosol generating device, characterized in that.
The method of claim 1,

The temperature comparison step,

The difference between the temperature of the inlet air flowing into the interior of the aerosol generating device through the air flow passage provided in the aerosol generating device and the temperature of the air remaining in the air flow passage before the inlet air is introduced, ,

The difference between the temperature of the inlet air introduced into the aerosol generating device through the air flow passage provided in the aerosol generating device and the temperature of the aerosol generating substrate which generates the aerosol by the heater before the inlet air is introduced Compare with,

The puff recognition step,

The puff recognition method of the aerosol generating apparatus, characterized in that the puff is generated if the first and second comparison results satisfy the puff recognition conditions for the time and temperature difference.
The method of claim 1,

The puff recognition step,

The internal temperature is kept lowered for a preset duration by the inlet air,

And a puff recognition method for determining that the puff recognition condition is satisfied when a difference between an internal temperature of the aerosol generating device and the lowered internal temperature before the inflow air exceeds a preset temperature gap.
Puff recognition aerosol generating device,

An air flow change detection unit detecting a change in air flow inside the aerosol generating device by a user's puff;

When the change in the air flow is detected, the temperature comparison unit for comparing the difference between the temperature of the inlet air introduced into the aerosol generating device by the puff and the internal temperature of the aerosol generating device before the inlet air is introduced ; And

A puff recognition aerosol generating device comprising a puff recognition unit for recognizing that the puff is generated if the comparison result satisfies the puff recognition conditions for the temperature fall time and temperature difference.