WO2021205009A1

WO2021205009A1 - Device for generating an inhalable aerosol

Info

Publication number: WO2021205009A1
Application number: PCT/EP2021/059321
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael GOCH; Marko Medic
Original assignee: Xeotech Gmbh
Priority date: 2020-04-09
Filing date: 2021-04-09
Publication date: 2021-10-14
Also published as: DE102020110031A1; EP4125467A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for generating an inhalable aerosol, comprising: a receiving region (2) for a product (3) which generates an aerosol on heating; at least one sensor (11, 12, 19) for measuring a physical characteristic of the product as sensor data; and a control unit (13) for controlling the device (1) and/or for evaluating the sensor data. According to the invention, the at least one sensor (11) is an electrostatic sensor (11), by means of which an electrostatic charge of the product (3) can be measured, and the control unit (13) is designed to determine the fill level of the product (3) with the aid of at least the sensor data of the electrostatic sensor (11) and/or to identify the product (3). The invention also relates to a method for operating a device (1) for generating an inhalable aerosol.

Description

Device for generating an inhalable aerosol

The present invention relates to a device for generating an inhalable aerosol with a receiving area for an article which emits an aerosol when heated, with at least one sensor for detecting a physical property of the article as sensor data and with a control unit for controlling the device and / or to evaluate the sensor data.

Such inhalers have been an alternative to classic tobacco consumption for some time, in which tobacco products are burned and the resulting smoke is inhaled. Various forms of inhalers are known. In vaporizers, which are also known as electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes, an aerosol is generated from a flavored and possibly nicotine-containing liquid (also called “liquid”) by heating it with an electric heater. Furthermore, so-called “heat-not-burn” devices are known, in which a solid based on tobacco is heated, the temperature generally being kept below the ignition temperature and thus less harmful substances being released. It is known to provide such inhalers with sensors, for example to monitor the temperature of the Heizvor direction or to measure certain properties of the respective aerosol generating article.

For example, from EP 3536 176 A1 an evaporation device for generating an inhalable aerosol is known, wherein a level of a liquid to be evaporated is detected by means of a level sensor. At a low level, for example, a signal can be output to a user or the operation of the evaporation device can be prevented. The level sensor is designed in particular as a capacitive sensor. The present invention resides in the finding, among other things based on the fact that such a sensor often delivers inadequate or inaccurate results. In addition, an expanded range of sensor-based functions of the device would be desirable.

The object of the present invention is therefore to improve the accuracy of a level measurement in a device for generating an inhalable aerosol and to expand the functional scope of the device based on sensor data.

The object is achieved by a device for generating an inhalier ble aerosol with the features of the independent claim.

A device for generating an inhalable aerosol is proposed.

The device comprises a receiving area for an article which, when heated, generates the aerosol. As already described above, the aerosol can contain nicotine and / or other substances.

The device further comprises at least one sensor for detecting a physical property of the article as sensor data. The device or the article can be monitored with the aid of the sensor data.

In addition, the device comprises a control unit for controlling the device and / or for evaluating the sensor data.

According to the invention, the at least one sensor is designed as an electrostatic sensor. Furthermore, the control unit is designed in such a way that it can determine a fill level of the article and / or identify the article on the basis of at least the sensor data of the electrostatic sensor. The electrostatic sensor can measure an electrostatic charge on the article. The electrostatic charge can be measured, for example, by measuring an electrical voltage that is measured by an electrical influence on the electrostatic sensor. The electrical influence is formed by the electrostatic charge. Since the electrostatic charge is accompanied by an electrostatic field, the electrostatic field can also be measured. Additionally or alternatively, the electrostatic charge can also be measured by means of a change in the electrostatic charge and / or by means of a change in the electrostatic field formed by the electrostatic charge.

Furthermore, the electrostatic charge can also be measured on the basis of a force on a test charge.

The electrostatic charge can also be determined by measuring the electrical field.

Furthermore, a change in the electrostatic charge, that is to say a time profile, can also be measured in order to identify the article and / or to measure the fill level on the basis of this.

The electrostatic sensor can also be used to detect, in particular static, electrical charges, a charge distribution and / or an electrical field.

By means of the electrostatic sensor, an electrical potential can also be detected, which the electrostatically charged article forms.

The determination of the fill level can be improved by means of the measurement by the electrostatic sensor. For example, the measured electrostatic charge on the article can depend on the fill level. One higher measured electrostatic charge can mean, for example, that the fill level is higher.

Additionally or alternatively, the article can also be identified by means of the electrostatic sensor. Different articles can have different electrostatic charges or different electrostatic characteristics, i.e. different characteristics of the electrostatic charge. For example, different articles can have different electrostatic charge curves over time, because they discharge differently, for example. Furthermore, the course over time can also depend on the fill level.

The device may further comprise a meat device for heating the article so that the aerosol can be generated. The sausage device can be designed as a sausage spiral, for example.

In addition or as an alternative, the meat frying device can also be arranged on the article itself. Then, however, the control unit can control the meat device of the article if there is an interface which connects the device to the control unit.

Furthermore, the device can have an energy supply, in particular in the form of an energy store. The energy supply can, in particular, supply the meat-filling device, the sensors and, if necessary, the meat-filling device of the article with electrical energy. The energy supply can be designed, for example, as at least one accumulator or at least one battery. The energy supply can either be permanently installed in the device or it can be exchanged. An energy supply in the form of a capacitor is also conceivable. The device can in particular have a connection for an external energy source, via which the energy supply can be charged, for example. The device can be designed for the use of various aerosol generating articles. As already mentioned, the article can have or consist of a flavored and optionally nicotine-containing liquid. The device can have a permanently installed liquid storage device into which the article can be filled in the form of the liquid. The article can also consist of a cartridge filled with an appropriate liquid, which must be replaced after use. The article can further comprise or consist of a tobacco-based solid. Commonly used are, for example, articles that are reminiscent of classic cigarettes in a shortened form, the tobacco-based solid being wrapped in cigarette paper.

The meat meat device can be designed differently depending on the aerosol-generating article. The meat meat device can, for example, have one or more meat spirals which are heated by the flow of electrical current. A light source, for example in the form of a laser, is also conceivable as a heating device. The Heizvorrich device can also be designed interchangeably as part of the device. In the case of a liquid to be evaporated, the heating device can have a liquid carrier, in particular in the form of wadding or in the form of a metallic sieve. In this case, too, the heating device is connected to a liquid supply, in particular by a liquid-transferring element. The liquid-transferring element can be a wick or a wire mesh, for example, and transfer the liquid in particular by capillary forces. The control unit is designed, for example, to activate the heating device as a function of the behavior of a user of the device. In particular, it is conceivable that the heating device is triggered by actuating a switch, by touching a part of the body of the user or by inhaling by the user.

It is also conceivable that the heating device is not part of the device, but part of the article and, for example, with it is exchanged regularly. In this case, a connection between the heating device of the article and the energy supply is established in particular through the receiving area. For this purpose, the device can have an interface by means of which a heating device of the article can be controlled and / or supplied with energy. In particular, the control unit can control the heating device of the article via the interface.

The electrostatic sensor can be a first sensor that detects a first physical property of the article as first sensor data. The first sensor and the electrostatic sensor can be synonymous here.

It is advantageous if the device furthermore has at least one second sensor for detecting a second physical property of the article as second sensor data. The device can advantageously comprise a third sensor for detecting a third physical property of the article as third sensor data.

With the help of the second sensor and preferably the third sensor, which detects the second and preferably the third physical property of the aerosol-generating article, and the evaluation of the signals from at least the first sensor, the second and preferably the third sensor, an accuracy and reliability in the Increase the determination of the fill level of the aerosol generating article. In addition, the joint evaluation of the signals from the first sensor, the second sensor and preferably the third sensor enables further functions based on this evaluation, such as in particular the identification of the aerosol-generating article.

The receiving area can in particular receive the article in a form-fitting manner. It is conceivable that the receiving area has a locking device for xing of the article. As already mentioned, the receiving area can also have a connection to the power supply. The receiving area can be designed, for example, as a liquid storage or liquid keitstank.

The first sensor, the second sensor and / or the third sensor are preferably designed as electronic components, in particular semiconductor elements. The sensors are preferably supplied with an electrical voltage from the energy supply. Depending on the first, second and / or third physical property, for example, an output signal from the sensors changes that manifests itself as first, second and / or third sensor data. The first, second and / or third sensor data can be present as analog and / or digital data, for example.

In particular, the sensors are integral components of the device and are independent of the article. In the interests of sustainability, the sensors in particular should not be exchanged with the article.

In the present case, the physical properties of the article are to be understood as properties that are determined by the composition, an amount or residual amount, the geometric dimensions and / or basic material properties of the article. The term article includes both the substance consumed during the intended use of the device and a container or a covering of the substance.

The control unit is designed, for example, as an electrical circuit, in particular an integrated circuit, or a microcontroller. In particular, the control unit is designed to receive the sensor data, store it, convert it and / or perform mathematical operations with the sensor data. The control unit is preferably designed to generate output data and / or control signals on the basis of the sensor data. The term “fill level” of the article is to be understood in particular as an amount or residual amount of the substance already mentioned and consumed in the intended use of the device. The filling level of the article can be determined, for example, automatically at regular intervals or with a specific cycle time. The determination of the fill level can in particular be used to notify a user in the event of a low fill level or to prevent the use of the device. Any damage to the device or disadvantages for the user can thus be avoided.

Identification of the article is to be understood in particular as an assignment of the article currently used in the device to a specific type of article. A type of article can, for example, be determined by the fact that it is determined or approved for use with the device by the lowering plate of the device. In addition, the type of article can be characterized, for example, by a certain nicotine content and / or a certain flavoring. Above all, an identification of the article can, for example, prevent the device from being used with undesired articles from competitors or imitations of articles.

In an advantageous development of the device, the control unit is designed in such a way that it combines the first, second and third sensor data and / or evaluates them together. When evaluating the individual sensor data, there is thus a synergy effect that increases the accuracy and reliability of the data evaluation. If, for example, the evaluation of a single sensor delivers inconclusive results, the other sensor data can be used to arrive at a conclusive result anyway. The sensor data can be used for mutual correction, for example. They can be used as parameters in a clearing calculation. For example, a sensor fusion or information fusion can be carried out by the control unit. The sensor data of the individual sensors can, for example, be weighted differently, depending on which sensor-based function is to be performed by the device. In addition, depending on the respective sensor-based function, only a subset of the sensors can be evaluated together. For the joint evaluation of the sensor data, the control unit includes, for example, data models that were determined by the respective Fierstellers of the device as part of laboratory tests with different articles and different states of the articles, such as fill levels in particular.

The second and / or third sensor is advantageously designed as a capacitive sensor and / or optical sensor, in particular a spectral sensor. On the one hand, these sensors allow easily reproducible measurements of different physical properties. On the other hand, such sensors are inexpensive to manufacture and can be easily miniaturized. The first, second and / or third physical property is in particular a permittivity, an electromagnetic spectrum and / or a particularly characteristic electrostatic charge. The electromagnetic spectrum can be an absorption and / or emission spectrum.

The capacitive sensor measures in particular the electrical capacitance between two electrical conductors isolated from one another, the capacitance being equal to the ratio of the amount of charge stored on these conductors and the electrical voltage between them. The capacity is dependent on the permittivity of the insulating medium located between the conductors or in the immediate vicinity of the conductors and the geometry of the conductors. The dependence on the permittivity can be used for present device can be exploited. The article is generally designed as an insulator or dielectric, the permittivity of the article on the one hand on its nature and, in the case of an article in the form of a liquid, or if the article has a liquid, on the level of the liquid depending on the level of the liquid.

The capacitive sensor has, in particular, at least two electrodes between which the capacitance is measured, the two electrodes being able to be spaced, for example, such that the article is arranged between the electrodes when the device is used as intended. Alternatively, both electrodes can also be arranged in the immediate vicinity of the article, for example in a common housing. In both cases mentioned, the electrodes can be arranged, for example, in a side wall of the receiving area. By changing the capacitance, which is detected by the capacitive sensor, an insertion of the article into the receiving area can also be recognized in a simple manner independently of the other sensors.

Various configurations are conceivable for the optical sensor. Basically, however, the optical sensor measures light from at least one light source that has been influenced by the article. This influencing can mean, for example, absorption, reflection, refraction and / or fluorescence. The light measured by the sensor can be rich in the visible Be, in the infrared range and / or in the ultraviolet range. The optical sensor designed as a spectral sensor measures in particular an intensity distribution as a function of the wavelength of the light. The influences listed above, in particular the absorption and / or the fluorescence, can thus be measured in particular as a function of the wavelength.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the device, the optical sensor comprises a detector and a first and / or second illuminant. The measurement accuracy of the optical sensor can be improved by using dedicated lighting means with a predetermined intensity or spectral composition of the light. The first illuminant and the second illuminant can have different intensities and / or spectral compositions of the emitted light, for example. The first light source and / or the second light source are, for example, an LED, in particular a white light LED, for example with a color temperature of 6000 K. It is conceivable that the first illuminant is designed as a monochromatic illuminant and the second illuminant as a white light illuminant, that is to say polychromatic illuminant with a broad spectral distribution. For example, the first luminous means and the second luminous means can be activated by the control unit at different times for a measurement of the optical sensor.

The detector is designed, for example, as a photodiode, solar cell, CCD or CMOS detector. The detector is designed in particular as a spectral detector, i. H. the detector is designed to measure the intensity of the light as a function of the wavelength. For this purpose, the detector is designed as a CCD spectrometer or grating spectrometer, for example.

In this context, it is advantageous if the first illuminant is arranged adjacent to the detector and / or the second illuminant is spaced from the detector. In this way, different areas of the article can be defined that are detected by the optical sensor or detector. The second illuminant objected to by the detector can, for example, shine through a large proportion of the volume of the article. The first illuminant adjacent to the detector can, for example, only illuminate a section of the surface of the article. This makes it possible to better differentiate between various aspects of the nature of the article. As already described, the first lighting means and the second lighting means can be activated by the control unit, for example at different times, for a measurement of the optical sensor. The first Lighting means and the second lighting means can be used, for example, for different sensor-based functions of the device.

For example, the first light source can only be used to identify the article.

It is advantageous if the detector and / or the first illuminant are arranged in a side wall of the receiving area and / or, if the article is properly arranged, on a longitudinal side of the article and / or the second illuminant in a bottom of the receiving area and / or at The intended arrangement of the article on one end face of the article is arranged. Such an arrangement of the lighting means and the detector allows, for example, that the first lighting means only illuminates a section of the surface of the article and that the second lighting means illuminates a large part of the article. By examining different areas of the article, the measurement results can be further refined. If the article is designed, for example, as a cartridge with a liquid contained therein, in particular the first illuminant can illuminate a side wall of the cartridge and the second illuminant can illuminate the cartridge with the liquid contained therein Liquid may be examined separately from one another.

It is particularly advantageous if the device has at least one, in particular visual, acoustic and / or haptic, feedback element, in particular a display element and / or a vibration element.

The feedback element allows the device or the control unit to communicate with a user of the device. For example, usage instructions and / or error messages can be communicated. Outputs on the feedback element occur in particular on the basis of the evaluation of the sensor data by the control unit. Examples of a visual feedback element can be a lighting means, in particular an LED, or a display, in particular an LCD display. The visual feedback elements are arranged in particular on an outside of the device that is clearly visible to a user. An acoustic feedback element can in particular be a tone generator or loudspeaker. An example of a haptic feedback element is the vibration element already mentioned, which is designed in particular to set the device in vibration. The device can in particular have several of the feedback elements listed by way of example.

In addition, it is advantageous if the device has a data memory in which reference values and / or reference value sets for at least one article are stored. By comparing the sensor data with the reference values or the reference value sets, in particular the identification of the article is made possible. Successful identification presupposes that a set of sensor data matches a set of reference values. The correspondence does not necessarily have to be exact; it can also be sufficient to fall below a certain difference. It is conceivable that the reference values or the reference value sets are each stored in the data memory with a tolerance range. In this case, there is also agreement between measured values and reference values or the reference value sets, for example, within the tolerance range.

A reference value can be, for example, the color of the article, which is detected by the optical sensor. The reference value sets can, for example, be temporal progressions of the electrical charge or the other physical properties of the article. The reference value sets can thus consist of several reference values, for example. For example, the reference value records describe the unloading of the article over time. Different articles or articles with different filling levels can, for example, be discharged or charged differently, which is mapped over time. The reference value sets can also describe an increase and / or decrease in the electrostatic charge, which is characteristic of an article.

The reference value sets stored in the data memory can be used, for example, by a manufacturer of the device to limit a quantity of articles that can be used with the device. A reference value set corresponds, for example, to an article compatible with the device. The reference values or reference value sets were determined, for example, by a manufacturer of the device in the course of laboratory tests with a large number of different articles. It is conceivable that a user can transfer further reference value sets to the data memory. In this way, the selection of compatible articles can also be expanded retrospectively by a manufacturer. Such an extension can also take place, for example, by means of an automatic update of the device.

A reference value and / or a reference value set can include, for example, a time curve of a physical property, in particular the electrostatic charge, of the article.

The data memory is designed as a flash memory, for example. For writing to and reading out the data memory, the device can also have a data interface, in particular a USB connection. Wireless data interfaces, in particular a Bluetooth or WLAN interface, are also conceivable.

It is advantageous if the control unit is designed in such a way that it can compare at least the first sensor data with the reference values and / or the reference value sets in order to identify the article and / or to measure the fill level. For example, the time course of the measured discharging and / or charging of the electrostatic charge are compared with stored reference value sets which include the time courses of the discharge and / or the charging of the electrostatic charge. On the basis of this, the article can then be identified and / or the fill level can be determined.

As already described, it is advantageous to distinguish between articles compatible with the device and articles which are not compatible with the device. This prevents, for example, the imitation of articles or incorrect use of the device.

It is advantageous if the control unit is designed in such a way that it can compare the sensor data recorded by several antenna units with one another and / or with reference value sets stored in the data memory in order to identify the article and / or to record the fill level, in particular the temporal progressions . The antenna units can be positioned and / or oriented differently in relation to the article, so that the different antenna units detect different sensor data. On the basis of this, however, a spatial distribution of the electrostatic charge can be concluded, for example, so that the article can be identified and / or the fill level can be determined.

The reference values can correspond, for example, to the physical properties of the article described above. For example, a third reference value can be the permittivity of the article, a second reference value can correspond to an electromagnetic spectrum of the article, in which case the reference value is to be understood as a multitude of value pairs, namely intensities and wavelengths. A first reference value can be the characteristic electrostatic charge of the article. It is also conceivable that the reference values correspond to the sensor data that are not processed further, which are based on the physical properties depend on the item. In this case, for example, output voltages from the sensors are stored as reference values. In the case of a joint evaluation of the sensor data by the control unit, the reference values can also correspond to a result of a possibly complex joint processing of the sensor data.

It is advantageous if the at least one electrostatic sensor comprises at least one, in particular four, antenna unit, by means of which measured values can be recorded. With the help of the antenna unit, the electrostatic charge or the electric field can be detected. If several antenna units are present, the measured values of the different antenna units can be compared with one another by the control unit, so that the measurement by the electrostatic sensor is more reliable.

If there are several antenna units, two antenna units can acquire the sensor data.

The at least one antenna unit can be formed, for example, on a circuit board.

It is advantageous if an electrostatic and / or electrodynamic field can be generated by means of the at least one antenna unit. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one antenna unit can also detect the electrostatic and / or electrodynamic field. The electrostatic and / or electrodynamic field thus influences the article, so that the article is, for example, electrostatically charged, which in turn can be measured by the electrostatic sensor or by the at least one antenna unit. For example, if there are two antenna units, one antenna unit can generate the field and the other antenna unit can generate the resulting electrostatic charge, in particular special measure the temporal course of the article. Using a characteristic of the charging and / or discharging of the electrostatic charge on the article, the article can be identified and / or the fill level can be determined. The control unit can activate the at least one antenna unit accordingly.

It is advantageous if an antenna unit is designed as a transmitting and receiving antenna. Additionally or alternatively, the control unit is designed in such a way that it statically charges the article via the transmitting antenna and, in particular at the same time or at different times, detects the static charge of the article via the receiver antenna.

It is advantageous if one antenna unit is designed as a transmitting antenna and another antenna unit is designed as a receiving antenna. Additionally or alternatively, the control unit is designed in such a way that it electrostatically charges the article via the transmitting antenna and, in particular at the same time or offset in time, detects the static charge of the article via the receiver antenna.

It is advantageous if the control unit is designed in such a way that it can use the sensor data of the electrostatic sensor to determine a spatial distribution of the electrostatic charge on the article. This allows conclusions to be drawn about the fill level, for example.

It is advantageous if the control unit can determine the time course of the first sensor data acquired by the electrostatic sensor, in particular the sensor data acquired by the at least one antenna unit, the second sensor data acquired by the second sensor and / or the third sensor data acquired by the third sensor. For example, the electrical charge on the article will weaken over time, with a weakening rate being able to depend on the article, its nature and / or the fill level. Based on the measurement of the course over time the first, second and / or third sensor data can thus be concluded about the article and / or the fill level.

If there are several antenna units, the control unit can determine the course over time from the sensor data of each antenna unit. The control unit can then compare the timing of the sensor data from the various antenna units with one another. The control unit can identify the article therefrom and / or determine the fill level.

It is advantageous if the control unit can be taught to an article. This can take place in that test articles are inserted into the device and the control unit detects the first sensor data at least by means of the electrostatic sensor. From this, the control unit can determine the reference values and / or the reference value sets and store them in the data memory. Additionally or alternatively, the control unit can also use the second and / or third sensor data for teaching or generating the reference values and / or the reference value sets.

The control unit can, however, also be learned or learn itself that it continuously determines the reference values and / or the reference value sets of the article used during normal use of the device. Since the users of the device predominantly consume the same article or the same brand of the article, the control unit can continuously determine the reference values and / or the reference value sets as they are used. The control unit can, for example, output a message when a different article is inserted into the device in order to make the user aware that he may be unknowingly using the wrong article.

With a successful identification, the device can also be adapted to the respective article. Such an advantageous adaptation results when an article-specific heating parameter is stored in the data memory the heating device, in particular a heating curve, is stored for at least one article and if the control unit is designed such that it adapts the heating parameter of the heating device to the article-specific heating parameter of the identified article. Different articles can react differently to heating due to their different composition, with a uniform heating process resulting in an aerosol that is more or possibly less pleasant for a user. This can be compensated for in an advantageous manner by adapting the heating parameter or heating profile to the respective article. The heating parameter can be, for example, a maximum temperature or a heating duration. The heating curve is, in particular, a temperature dependent on the heating duration. The heating parameters or heating profiles can in particular be specified by the manufacturer of the device. However, it is also conceivable that a user can save his own heating parameters or heating processes in the data memory.

In particular, it is advantageous if the control unit is designed in such a way that if the sensor data do not match, at least one of the sensors with the corresponding reference values of the reference value set prevents activation of the heating device and / or outputs an error signal via the at least one feedback element. In this way, use of the device with an unauthorized article can be prevented. This makes it particularly difficult to copy articles. At least one second identification process can possibly be triggered automatically or by a user in the event of a mismatch in order to avoid incorrect assessments by the control unit.

Another advantage is shown when the device has a pressure sensor for detecting an inhalation process by a user of the device. In this way, for example, the heating device can be automatically triggered when the pressure sensor detects an inhalation process. For example, a level measurement can also be carried out automatically by the pressure sensor when an inhalation process is recognized. The pressure sensor can be designed, for example, as a piezoresistive, piezoelectric, capacitive or inductive pressure sensor.

Another great advantage is when the device comprises at least one orientation sensor, in particular an inertial measuring unit, for detecting an actual orientation of the device. Determining an actual orientation can represent an important prerequisite for further functions of the device. For example, the sensor data of the other sensors can be influenced by the actual orientation of the device. In particular if the article includes a liquid to be evaporated, the measurement results of the sensors change depending on the position of the liquid in the liquid reservoir. The position of the liquid in the liquid storage tank is in turn dependent on the actual orientation of the device due to gravity. It is also conceivable that the device must be brought into a certain orientation before the article is identified. The orientation sensor is designed, for example, to determine an inclination of the device, in particular a deviation from the vertical. The device is, for example, precisely parallel to the vertical when a longitudinal axis of the device, i. H. an axis along the longest extension of the device is parallel to the vertical. The vertical is the axis along which gravity acts. Roughly estimated is the vertical axis that points to the center of the earth. The orientation sensor is designed in particular as a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS). An inertial measuring unit is in particular a combination of one or more orientation sensors, acceleration sensors and / or rotation rate sensors.

Advantageously, the control unit is also designed in such a way that it first detects an actual orientation of the device by means of the at least one orientation sensor in order to determine the fill level of the article and compares it with a target orientation stored in the data memory and, if they match, the determination of the fill level continues or, if they don't match, outputs an error signal via the at least one feedback element. For precise measurement results, the filling level of the article should be determined with the device in an upright position. This can be ensured by the design of the control unit described. The user is stopped by the error signal, for example, to bring the device into the corresponding upright position so that the determination of the fill level can be continued. It is also conceivable that a determination of the fill level of the article is automatically triggered if the actual orientation and the target orientation match. The target orientation is given in particular by the Fiersteller of the Vorrich device.

It is also advantageous if the control unit is designed in such a way that it transfers the sensor data from the sensors as parameters of a fill level function stored in the data memory to determine the fill level of the article, an output value of the fill level function representing a current fill level of the article. For the fill level, it may be inexpedient to store individual reference values for the sensor data due to the many possible different states. It is therefore advantageous to use the fill level function with regard to the memory requirement in the data memory and the precision of the determination of the fill level. The filling level function can, for example, have been determined by the Fiersteller of the device in the course of laboratory tests. It is conceivable that several level functions are stored in the data memory, these being, for example, article-specific. In this case, successful identification of the article is a prerequisite for determining the fill level. It can therefore be expedient to carry out the identification of the article immediately after an article has been inserted into the device or the device has been filled with an article. It represents a further advantage if the control unit is designed in such a way that it increases a cycle time for retrieving the sensor data of at least one sensor as soon as the fill level falls below a fill level limit value stored in the data memory, in particular 30%. Use of the device with an article in which the liquid to be vaporized has been consumed can result in damage to the device and / or an undesirable experience for the user. It is therefore important to monitor a low level with increased precision. The cycle time is to be understood as the frequency of the successive automatic reading processes of the sensor data. For example, the cycle time can be doubled after falling below the fill level limit value.

Advantageously, the control unit is also designed such that it outputs an error signal via the at least one feedback element when the fill level limit value is not reached and / or controls activation and deactivation of the meat device depending on the actual orientation of the device detected by the orientation sensor and the determined fill level. Even with a low level but not yet exhausted system of liquid supply, if the device is oriented in a certain way, no liquid may reach the meat device during a meat process. This also threatens, for example, damage to the device. For example, if the device is inclined too much with respect to the vertical, the control unit can prevent the meat frying device from being activated. An inclination limit value can be, for example, 30 °, 20 ° or 10 °. The slope limit value can also depend, for example, on the fill level. The inclination limit value becomes smaller, especially when the fill level drops.

In addition, it is advantageous if the control unit is designed in such a way that it only allows the meat device to be activated if an actual orientation of the device corresponds to a target orientation stored in the data memory. As already indicated, this can be especially true for a low filling level to prevent damage to the device or an undesirable experience by the user. In other cases, however, the user experience may possibly be improved in this way. The target orientation relates in particular to an inclination of the device.

It is a further advantage if the control unit is designed to form a difference between a metering level stored in the data memory and the actual level of the article and, if the difference exceeds a difference limit value stored in the data memory, over the at least one feedback element to output an error signal and / or to prevent activation of the sausage device. This makes it possible for the Fiersteller or a user of the device, for example, to limit a time-dependent maximum dosage of the article that is consumed by the user in a dosage interval. For example, a maximum dosage can be set for one day. The dosing level is saved in particular at the point in time when the maximum dose is set or at the beginning of the dosing interval. The maximum dosage is preferably converted into the difference limit value by the control unit. The device can in particular have a timer, for example a clock, with the aid of which the dosing interval is established or checked.

The device can, for example, have an input means, in particular for determining a maximum dosage. The input means can also be used, for example, to input a user-defined meat course and / or other operating parameters of the device. The input means is in particular connected to the control unit for data transmission. The input means can be designed, for example, as one or more buttons. The function of an input means can also for example from the data interface already described, via which an external input means is connected to the device.

It is also advantageous for the device if the control unit is designed in such a way that it detects bubbles in the article based on the sensor data of at least one sensor, in particular the optical sensor, and / or that the determination of the fill level only starts when a stored waiting time has elapsed and / or no more bubbles can be detected. Bubbles in an article comprising a liquid can arise, for example, when the device is moved. On the one hand, the bubbles can negatively influence the determination of the fill level by falsifying the measurement results. On the other hand, the bubbles may cause too little liquid to reach the meat processor, which may result in overheating of the meat processor or an undesirable experience for the user. It is therefore also conceivable for the control unit to prevent the meat frying device from being activated if bubbles are detected in the article.

Due to the additional interfaces created by the bubbles, the optical sensor is particularly suitable for detecting the bubbles. In particular, light absorption can be increased by the bubbles. It is conceivable that sensor data from the orientation sensor are used as an additional indicator of the presence of bubbles if, for example, increased movements of the device have been detected. A measurement for recognizing the bubbles can also be triggered, for example after increased movements of the device have been detected.

According to the invention, a method for operating a device for generating an inhalable aerosol is also proposed, which is characterized in that the method is carried out with a device according to the preceding description. The features described can be implemented individually or in any combination. The described advantages of the device also extend to the method.

Further advantages of the invention are described in the following exemplary embodiments. Show it:

Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a first Ausführungsbei game of the device according to the invention, Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a second Ausführungsbei game of the device according to the invention,

Figure 3 is a schematic representation of a third Ausführungsbei game of the device according to the invention,

Figure 4 is a schematic representation of a fourth Ausführungsbei game of the device according to the invention and

Figure 5 is a schematic representation of a fifth Ausführungsbei game of the device according to the invention.

In the following description of the figures, the same reference numerals are used for features that are identical and / or at least comparable in the various figures. The individual features, their design and / or mode of action are usually only explained in detail when they are first mentioned. If individual features are not explained again in detail, their design and / or mode of action corresponds to the design and mode of action of the already described identically acting or identically named features. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, not all features can be shown in every figure. It may be that features are only described for one figure, but are also present in the other exemplary embodiments of the other figures. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a first Ausführungsbei game of the device 1 according to the invention for generating an inhalierba Ren aerosol. The device 1 comprises a receiving area 2 for an aerosol-generating article 3. In this example, the article 3 comprises a tank 4 and a liquid 5 stored in the tank. In this example, the device 1 is designed to vaporize the liquid 5 and there with the inhalable aerosol to form. In addition, the device 1 has in particular a special heating device 6 by which the liquid 5 is heated. The heating device 6 is shown here schematically by means of a heating coil which can be heated by means of a current flow. An air inlet duct 23 is also shown schematically, via which ambient air is guided to the heating device 6. There the air mixes with the aerosol and reaches the user via the mouthpiece 7 and an air outlet channel 28. In addition, a line element 24 is shown schematically. By means of the line element 24, the liquid 5 can be fed to the heating device 6 in order to generate the aerosol there by heating. The line element 24 is shown here schematically in such a way that it extends into the tank 4. The line element 24 can, for example, as is customary with most e-cigarettes, be formed from cotton wool or a cotton wool-like material. The line element 24 soaks up in particular with the liquid 5 and thereby leads it to the heating device 6. The heating device 6 and the line element 24 can be in direct contact with one another. For example, the tank 4 is permeable to the liquid 5 on the side facing the heating device 6, so that it can reach the line element 24.

In the present embodiment, the device 1 comprises the Heizvor direction 6. When the article 3 is exchanged, the heating device 6 is therefore not exchanged. Article 3, in which the heating device 6 is part of article 3 and is thus exchanged with out when exchanging, are of course also conceivable. If the heating device 6 is part of the article 3, however, it can be supplied with energy and / or controlled by the device 1. FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of a second embodiment example of the device 1 according to the invention. The devices 1 from FIG

I and FIG. 2 differ significantly in the article 3 for which the devices 1 are intended. The physical characteristics of the two exemplary embodiments are largely the same. The device 1 from FIG. 1 has in particular a mouthpiece 7 that the device 1 from FIG. 2 lacks. In addition, in the device 1 from FIG. The article 3 from FIG. 2 comprises a tobacco-based solid which is wrapped in a paper envelope 9, for example. In the case of this article 3, a user places his mouth directly on the article 3 to inhale the aerosol formed. An additional mouthpiece 7 is not necessary here.

The exemplary embodiments from FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 have in common that the devices 1 each have an energy supply 10, which in particular supplies the meat frying device 6 with an electrical current. The energy supply 10 is designed, for example, as an energy store, in particular as a battery or accumulator. The devices 1 also have at least one electrostatic sensor 11a-11c for detecting electrostatic properties of the article 3. As will be explained in the following description, the device 1 can also have a second and optionally a third sensor, so that the electrostatic sensor 11a -

I I c can also be a first sensor 11a-11c, which can detect the physical properties of the article 3 as first sensor data. The first sensor data thus comprise the electrostatic properties of Article 3.

The devices 1 each have a control unit 13 for evaluating the sensor data. The control unit 13 is designed in such a way that it identifies the article 3 on the basis of the sensor data of at least one first sensor 11. In the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 1, the control unit 13 is additionally or alternatively designed such that this uses the sensor data of at least one first sensor 11 to determine a fill level of the liquid 5 of the article 3.

The control unit 13 is connected in particular to the energy supply 10, the meat processing device 6 and the first sensor, but this is not shown in the schematic illustration for the sake of clarity. In particular, the control unit 13 is designed to activate or terminate a meat process of the meat device 6, the control unit 13 controlling the electrical current flowing through the meat device 6, for example.

The devices 1 also have a data memory 14, which is also connected to the control unit 13. It is conceivable that the data memory 14 is integrated in the control unit 13. The data memory 14 includes, in particular, comparison data which the control unit 13 can use to evaluate the sensor data. For example, the data memory 14 comprised a database of reference value sets, each reference value set having reference values for the sensor data which correspond to a certain article 3 compatible with the device 1 and intended for use with the device 1. These reference value sets can consequently be used by the control unit 13 to identify the article 3.

The article 3 can be identified, for example, by the control unit 13 after a new article 3 has been inserted into the receiving area 2 of the device 1. For this purpose, the sensor data of at least the first sensor 11 are called up by the control unit 13 and compared with the reference values stored in the data memory 14. If a specified difference between reference values and sensor data is not reached, the article 3 inserted in the device 1 is identified as an article 3 corresponding to a reference value record of the data memory 14. Away- Depending on the successful identification of the article 3, the control unit 13 can, for example, allow or prevent activation of the heating device 6. In particular, use of the device 1 with imitation products is to be prevented. Likewise, for example, the use of damaged articles 3 or articles 3 into which foreign substances or foreign bodies have entered during manufacture or during transport can be prevented.

It is also conceivable that the article 3 is marked in a certain way during manufacture, so that an identification of the article 3 is simplified by the at least one sensor 11 and the control unit 13. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, for example, the liquid 5 and / or the tank 4 of the article 3 can be provided with a substance with known electrostatic properties, so that this electrostatic properties can be easily obtained from the at least one first sensor 11, which is a electrostatic sensor 11 is, can be detected. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2, for example, the paper sleeve 9 can be prepared in the manner described. Likewise, for example, a thickness of the paper envelope 9 influences the electrostatic properties of the article 3. The articles 3 become particularly resistant to imitation if various physical properties of the articles 3 are prepared in a certain way.

The data memory 14 can, for example, also contain article-based heating parameters or heating profiles. After the article 3 has been successfully identified, the control unit 13 can operate the heating device 6, in particular with that heating parameter or heating process that is assigned to the article 3 identified.

According to the present exemplary embodiment in FIG. 1, the device 1 has three electrostatic sensors 11 a - 11 c or first sensors 11 a - 11 c on. In the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 2, only an electrostatic sensor 11 or a first sensor 11 is shown as an example.

As already described, the receiving area 2 has a base 8 and at least one longitudinal side 25, 26. The first electrostatic sensor 11a is on the first longitudinal side 25 in FIG. 1, the second electrostatic sensor 11b is on the second longitudinal side 26 in FIG. 1 and the third electrostatic sensor 11c is disposed on the floor 8. As a result, the fill level can be determined well, for example.

The electrostatic sensor 11 of FIG. 2 is arranged on the first longitudinal side 25.

Determining the level in the sense described is not possible for the embodiment of FIG. 2, since the article 3 of the device 1 in FIG FIG. 2 changes its physical properties in the course of consumption in such a way that this can be measured by the at least one sensor 11. Consequently, a remaining amount of the consumable article 3 can possibly also be determined here by the control unit 13 by evaluating the sensor data. The dosage functions already described are thus also conceivable for the exemplary embodiment in FIG.

FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 each show schematic representations of a third and fourth exemplary embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention. Analogously to FIGS. 1 and 2, the exemplary embodiments differ significantly in terms of the articles 3 for which the devices 1 are intended. As before, the device 1 of FIG. 3 is intended for use with an article 3 which comprises a liquid 5. The device 1 of FIG. 4 is intended for an article 3 with a tobacco-based solid. The physical features of the exemplary embodiments in FIGS. 3 and 4 largely match.

The devices 1 of FIGS. 3 and 4 have, in addition to the first sensor 11, at least one second sensor 12 and at least one third sensor 19, which are designed to detect a second and third physical property of the article 3 as second and third sensor data.

The second sensor 12, designed as an optical sensor, comprises in these exemplary embodiments a detector 15, a first illuminant 16 and a second illuminant 17. The first illuminant 16 is arranged adjacent to the detector 15 and the second illuminant 17 is arranged at a distance from the detector 15 . More precisely, the detector 15 and the first illuminant 16 are arranged in a side wall 18 of the receiving area 2. With the intended arrangement of the article 3 in the receiving area 2, the detector 15 and the first illuminant 16 are located on a longitudinal side of the article 3. The second illuminant 17 is arranged in the bottom 8 of the receiving area 2, with the intended arrangement of the article 3 that second lighting means 17 is arranged on an end face of the article 3. In this arrangement, the first illuminant 16 primarily illuminates a section of the longitudinal side of the article 3. A measurement of the detector 15 with an active first illuminant 16 and an inactive second illuminant 17 thus primarily records the properties of the longitudinal surface of the article 3. In this arrangement, the second illuminant 17 shines through the article 3 from the lower end face. A measurement of the detector 15 with an inactive first light source 16 and an active second light source 17 thus primarily detects the properties of the volume of the article 3 . It is conceivable that the aforementioned marking for identifying the article 3 is illuminated in particular by the first illuminant 16. The bulbs 16, 17 are designed as LEDs, for example. The detector 15 is designed in particular as a CCD detector.

It is conceivable that the article 3 is marked in a certain way during manufacture, so that an identification of the article 3 by the sensors 11, 12, 19 and the control unit 13 is simplified. In the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 3, for example, the liquid 5 and / or the tank 4 of the article 3 can be provided with a substance with a known electromagnetic spectrum, so that this electromagnetic spectrum is captured in a simple manner by the second sensor 12 designed as an optical sensor can be. In particular, the liquid 5 and / or the tank 4 can be provided with a specific dye or a dye mixture. In the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 4, for example, the paper sleeve 9 can be prepared in the manner described. Likewise, for example, a thickness of the paper sleeve 9 has a particularly strong influence on a characteristic light absorption by the article 3. The articles 3 become particularly resistant to imitation if various physical properties of the articles 3 are prepared in a certain way.

In these exemplary embodiments, the third sensor 19 is designed as a capacitive sensor and the third physical property is a specific capacitance and / or specific permittivity of the article 3. For example, the permittivity can be influenced in a certain way by a material composition of the article 3.

The third sensor 19, designed as a capacitive sensor, is designed, for example, in such a way that it can measure the permittivity of the article 3. The sensor data of the second and possibly the third sensor 19 can supplement the sensor data of the first sensor 11 for the functions of the control unit 13 described in the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2, in particular the identification of article 3 and / or the determination of ei nes level of article 3, can be used. This will give accuracy and reliability of the evaluation of the sensor data and the functions based on it further increased. The control unit 13 is designed in particular to combine the sensor data from the first sensor 11, the second sensor 12 and possibly the third sensor 19 and / or to evaluate them together. Merging can be understood to mean, for example, that the sensor data from sensors 11, 12, 19 are evaluated separately, but a result of the evaluation depends on all sensor data. In the case of a joint evaluation of the sensor data from the first sensor 11, the second sensor 12 and possibly the third sensor 19, the sensor data are evaluated jointly, for example. In the latter case, the sensor data can flow into a joint calculation as parameters, for example.

The devices 1 have an orientation sensor 20 with which an actual orientation of the devices 1 can be determined. The orientation sensor 20 is designed, for example, as an inertial measuring unit. In addition, the orientation sensor 20 is connected to the control unit 13, the control unit 13 being designed to carry out certain functions as a function of the actual orientation of the device 1. For example, it is expedient to determine the level of the liquid 5 when the device 1 is in an upright position as in the diagrams shown. For example, the data memory 14 can include one or more target orientations for this purpose, with which the control unit 13 can compare the actual orientation determined by the orientation sensor 20.

In the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 3, for example, when the liquid 5 is low, the control unit 13 can prevent the meat device 6 from being activated if the device 1 is tilted excessively by the orientation sensor 20. The devices 1 also have a pressure sensor 21 which can detect inhalation by a user of the device 1 in particular due to a pressure drop. The pressure sensor 21 is also connected to the control unit 13 so that the control unit 13 can, for example, automatically activate the heating device 6 when an inhalation process is detected. It is also conceivable that when an inhalation process is detected by the pressure sensor 21, the control unit 13 ascertains the level of the liquid 5 or generally ascertains the remaining quantity of the article 3.

In order to communicate with a user of the devices 1, a feedback element 22 is used, which is designed, for example, as an optical display element, an acoustic loudspeaker element or a haptic vibration element. In particular, error messages can be output via the feedback element 22. Thus, for example, a user can be signaled a low level or, in general, an almost used up item 3 that needs to be replaced. The corresponding signal can be, for example, a lighting up, a sound or a vibration of the feedback element 22. By means of the feedback element 22, the user of the device 1 can, for example, also be informed of a failed identification of the article 3. For example, an incorrect actual orientation, a low state of charge of the energy supply 10, damage to the heating device 6 or some other malfunction of the device 1 can be indicated by the feedback element 22. It is conceivable that if the feedback element 22 is designed as an optical display element, a category of the successfully identified article 3 is displayed.

The device 1 also has an interface 18 by means of which the device 1 can be connected to a smartphone, for example. Statistics can then be displayed, for example, and / or the device 1 can be controlled via the smartphone. The control unit can send a signal to the smartphone, for example that the fill level is low, to alert the user. Error messages can also be transmitted by the control unit. The interface 18 is preferably a wireless interface, for example Bluetooth, WLAN or the like.

FIG. 5 shows an exemplary embodiment in which the electrostatic sensor 11 or the first sensor 11 comprise at least one antenna unit 27. The two electrostatic sensors 11a, 11c of FIG. 1 are shown in greater detail here by way of example. Of course, the other electrostatic sensors 11 of the other figures can also be designed according to FIG.

The first electrostatic sensor 11a, which is arranged on the first longitudinal side 25, comprises at least one, in this exemplary embodiment four, antenna units 27a-27d. The third electrostatic sensor 11c, which is arranged on the floor 8, also comprises at least one, in this exemplary embodiment two, antenna units 27e, 27f.

The antenna units 27a - 27f can be arranged at a distance from one another on the longitudinal side 25 and / or on the floor 8.

Additionally or alternatively, the antenna units 27 can also be arranged in a circumferential direction around the receiving area 2.

Several antenna units 27 can be used, for example, to confirm a measurement result or, for example, to form an average value from the measurement results of the respective antenna units 27. The measurement result of the electrostatic sensor 11 is improved or becomes more trustworthy by means of the plurality of antenna units 27. The at least one antenna unit 27 can also be activated by the control unit 13.

The at least one antenna unit 27 can furthermore be used to measure the electrostatic charge of the article 3. The electrostatic charging of the article 3 also results in a charge shift on the electrostatic sensor 11 and in particular in the at least one antenna unit 27, which can be measured.

The at least one antenna unit 27 can also be used to transmit and / or receive. For example, by means of the at least one antenna unit 27, an electrical, in particular an electrostatic or electrodynamic, field can be generated, to which the article 3 reacts. The article 3 can thereby charge itself electrostatically, which can then be measured again. If the antenna unit 27 generates an electrodynamic field, a characteristic, for example a time profile, of the electrostatic charge of the article 3 can be measured, which can then be used to identify the fill level of the article 3 and / or the article 3.

Of course, only the electrostatic charge can be measured with the aid of the antenna unit 27. The level can be determined, for example, from the strength of the electrostatic charge. More liquid 5 in tank 3 can also be related to the strength of the electrostatic charge.

Additionally or alternatively, an antenna unit 27 can also be arranged on the second longitudinal side 26.

The present invention is not limited to the illustrated and described exemplary embodiments. Modifications within the scope of the patent claims are just as possible as a combination of the features, too if these are shown and described in different exemplary embodiments.

Reference list

1 device 2 receiving area

3 items

4 tank

5 liquid

6 heater 7 mouthpiece

8 floor

9 paper sleeve

10 power supply 11 electrostatic sensor / first sensor 12 second sensor

13 control unit

14 data memory

15 detector

16 first illuminant 17 second illuminant

18 interface

19 third sensor

20 Orientation sensor 21 Pressure sensor 22 Feedback element

23 air inlet duct

24 line element

25 first long side

26 second long side 27 antenna unit

28 air outlet duct

Claims

Patent claims

1. Device (1) for generating an inhalable aerosol with a receiving area (2) for an article (3) which generates the aerosol when heated, with at least one sensor (11, 12, 19) for detecting a physical property of the article as sensor data and with a control unit (13) for controlling the device (1) and / or for evaluating the sensor data, characterized in that the at least one sensor (11) is an electrostatic sensor (11), by means of which an electrostatic charge of the article (3) can be detected, and that the control unit (13) is designed in such a way that it can determine a fill level of the article (3) and / or identify the article (3) using at least the sensor data of the electrostatic sensor (11).

2. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the at least one electrostatic sensor (11) comprises at least one, in particular four, antenna unit (27).

3. Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (13) is formed in such a way that it generates and / or captures an electrostatic and / or electrodynamic field by means of the at least one antenna unit (27) can.

4. The device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an antenna unit (27) is designed as a transmitting antenna and a receiving antenna and / or that a first antenna unit (27) is designed as a transmitting antenna and a second antenna unit (27) is designed as a receiving antenna.

5. The device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit is designed such that it charges the article electrostatically via the Sen deantenne and, in particular at the same time or offset in time, via the receiver antenna, the electrostatic charging of the Item recorded.

6. The device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (13) is formed in such a way that it can determine a spatial distribution of the electrostatic charge of the article (3).

7. The device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (1) comprises a Heizvor device (6) for heating the article (3) so that the aerosol can be generated, and / or that the device (1) comprises an interface by means of which a heating device (6) of the article (3) can be controlled and / or supplied with energy.

8. Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (1) has at least one first sensor (11) formed by the electrostatic sensor (11) for detecting a first physical property of the article (3) as first sensor data, at least one second sensor (12) for detecting a second physical property of the article (3) as second sensor data and / or the comprises at least one third sensor (19) for detecting a third physical property of the article (3) as third sensor data.

9. The device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second and / or third sensor (12, 19) is a capacitive and / or optical sensor, in particular a spectral sensor.

10. The device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (13) is formed in such a way that it can combine and / or jointly evaluate the first, second and / or third sensor data.

11. The device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (13) is formed in such a way that it has a time profile, in particular a time profile of an increase and / or decrease, of the first, can determine second and / or third sensor data.

12. The device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one electrostatic-specific sensor (11), in particular several electrostatic sensors (11), on at least one longitudinal side (25, 26) of the receiving area (2) and / or in a bottom (8) of the receiving area (2) is angeord net.

13. Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (1) has a data memory (14) in which reference values and / or reference value sets are stored, and that the control unit (13) such is designed that this is the ideal tification of the article (3) and / or for detecting the fill level can at least compare the first, second and / or third sensor data and / or the corresponding time courses with the reference values and / or the reference value sets.

14. The device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (13) is formed in such a way that it is used to identify the article (3) and / or to detect the fill level, in particular the chronological progressions, which can compare sensor data acquired by several antenna units (27) with one another and / or with reference value sets stored in the data memory.

15. The device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (13) is formed in such a way that it is used to identify the article (3) and / or to detect the fill level of the article (3), physical properties of the article (3) can be learned in particular by means of at least one test article, the control unit (13) being able to determine the reference values and / or the reference value sets therefrom.

16. Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an article-specific meat parameter of the meat device (6), in particular a meat course, for at least one article (3) is stored and / or in the data memory (14) that the control unit (13) is designed in such a way that it can adapt the meat parameters of the meat device (6) to the article-specific meat parameters of the identified article (3).

17. The device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (1) at least a, in particular visual, acoustic and / or haptic, feedback element (22).

18. The device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (13) is formed in such a way that, in the event of a mismatch of the sensor data, at least one of the sensors (11, 12, 19) with the corresponding reference values of the reference value set prevent activation of the heating device (6) and / or can output an error signal via the at least one feedback element (22).

19. The device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the optical sensor comprises a detector (15) and a first and / or second illuminant (16, 17).

20. The device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first lighting means (16) be arranged adjacent to the detector (15) and / or the second lighting means (17) is spaced from the detector (15).

21. Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one orientation sensor (20) for detecting an actual orientation of the device (1).

22. Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (13) is formed in such a way that it uses the at least one orientation sensor (20) to determine the filling level of the article (3). Orientation of the device (1) can be recorded and compared with a target orientation stored in the data memory (14) and Mood continue to determine the level or, if there is a disagreement, can output an error signal via the at least one feedback element (22).

23. Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (13) is formed in such a way that it uses the sensor data of the sensors (11, 12, 19) to determine the fill level of the article (3) can be passed as a parameter of a level function stored in the data memory (14), where an output value of the level function represents a current level of the item (3).

24. The device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (13) is formed in such a way that it can increase a cycle time for retrieving the sensor data of at least one sensor (11, 12, 19), if the level falls below a level limit value stored in the data memory (14), in particular in a range from 5% to 30%.

25. The device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (13) is formed in such a way that it activates and deactivates the meat device (6) depending on the orientation sensor (20) when the fill level is below the limit value. recorded actual orientation of the device (1) and the determined level can control.

26. The device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (13) is formed in such a way that it only allows activation of the sausage device (6) if an actual orientation of the device (1 ) corresponds to a target orientation stored in the data memory (14).

27. The device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (13) is designed, when determining the fill level, a difference between a metering fill level stored in the data memory (14) and the actual fill level of the article (3) and, if the difference exceeds a difference limit value stored in the data memory (14), an error signal is output via the at least one feedback element (22) and / or an activation of the meat device (6) is prevented.

28. The device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (13) is formed in such a way that it bubbles based on the sensor data of at least one sensor (11, 12, 19), in particular the optical sensor in article (3) recognizes and / or the determination of the fill level only starts when a stored waiting time has elapsed and / or no more bubbles are recognized.

29. A method for operating a device (1) for generating an inhalable aerosol, characterized in that the method is carried out with a device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims.