AEROSOL GENERATING DEVICE

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based on and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0116814, filed on Aug. 29, 2024, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

Embodiments relate to an aerosol generating device configured to detect a user's puffs and control a heater based on the detected puffs.

2. Description of the Related Art

Recently, there has been an increasing demand for an alternative method of overcoming disadvantages of general cigarettes. For example, there has been an increasing demand for systems that generate aerosols by heating a cigarette (or an “aerosol-generating article”) using an aerosol-generating device, rather than by burning the cigarette.

An aerosol generating device may include sensors performing various functions. An example of a sensor may include a sensor that detects puffs of a user.

SUMMARY

Provided is an aerosol generating device in which a heater is controlled with different temperature profiles, based on strength of a puff of a user.

Provided is an aerosol generating device including a sensor with various functions, for example, a sensor detecting a puff of a user may also generate power.

Provided is an aerosol generating device in which power generated by a sensor may be used to charge a power supply of the aerosol generating device or may be supplied to a component of the aerosol generating device.

The technical problems of the present disclosure are not limited to the aforementioned description, and other technical problems may be clearly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art from the present specification and the attached drawings.

An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment includes an insertion space accommodating an aerosol generating substrate, a heater configured to heat the aerosol generating substrate inserted into the insertion space, an airflow passage connected to the insertion space and through which air flows, a sensor unit arranged in the airflow passage and generating a current by being pressed according to a change in pressure inside the airflow passage, and a controller configured to control the heater, based on an operation of the sensor unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain embodiments will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2A is a diagram showing a sensor unit before being pressed, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2B is a diagram showing a sensor unit after being pressed, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device including a sensor unit according to an embodiment;

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device including a pressing member pressing a sensor unit according to an embodiment;

FIG. 5A is an enlarged view of a portion A of FIG. 4 before the pressing member presses the sensor unit;

FIG. 5B is an enlarged view of the portion A of FIG. 4 while the pressing member is pressing the sensor unit;

FIG. 5C is an enlarged view of the portion A of FIG. 4 for describing an anti-rotation member;

FIGS. 6A to 6C illustrate examples of an aerosol generating device including various embodiments of an airflow passage;

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device, for describing components protecting a sensor unit from a heater;

FIG. 8 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device performing energy harvesting by using a sensor unit according to an embodiment;

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device performing energy harvesting by using a sensor unit according to another embodiment;

FIGS. 10A to 10C are enlarged views of a portion B of FIG. 9 for describing a process of performing energy harvesting by using a sensor unit according to another embodiment;

FIG. 11 illustrates another example of an aerosol generating device including a sensor unit according to an embodiment; and

FIG. 12 illustrates another example of an aerosol generating device including a sensor unit according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and the same or similar components will be assigned the same reference numerals regardless of the reference numerals in the drawings, and the same descriptions thereof will be omitted. With regard to the description of the drawings, like reference numerals may be used to represent like or related elements.

The suffixes “module”, “-er”, and “-or” for the components used in the following description are given or used interchangeably by considering only the ease of writing the description, and do not have distinct meanings or roles in themselves. The suffix “module” or “unit”, as used herein, may include a unit implemented as hardware, software, or firmware. For example, the suffix “module” or “unit” may be interchangeably used with the term a “logic”, a “logical block”, a “component”, or a “circuit”. The “module” or “unit” may be an integrally formed component, a minimum unit of the component performing one or more functions, or a part of the minimum unit. For example, the “module” or “unit” may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

In addition, when describing the embodiments of the disclosure, the detailed description of the related known art, which may obscure the subject matter of the embodiments, may be omitted. Also, the accompanying drawings are only intended to facilitate understanding of the embodiments described herein, and the spirit of the disclosure is not limited by the accompanying drawings and should be understood to include all changes, equivalents or alternatives included in the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements or components, these elements or components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element or component from another element or component.

When an element is referred to as being “connected to” or “coupled to” another element, it may be directly connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly connected to” or “directly coupled to” another element, there are no intervening elements present.

The singular forms are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented as software including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., a memory 17) readable by a machine (e.g., an aerosol generating device 1). For example, a processor (e.g., a controller 12) of the machine (e.g., the aerosol generating device 1) may call at least one instruction among one or more instructions stored from the storage medium and execute the at least one instruction. This makes it possible for the machine to be operated to perform at least one function according to the called at least one instruction. Examples of the one or more instructions may include codes created by a compiler, or codes executable by an interpreter. A machine-readable storage medium may be provided as a non-transitory storage medium. The ‘non-transitory storage medium’ is a tangible device and only means that it does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves). This term does not distinguish a case in which data is stored semi-permanently in a storage medium from a case in which data is temporarily stored.

In the present disclosure, a direction of the aerosol generating device 1 may be defined based on an orthogonal coordinate system. The x-axis direction in the orthogonal coordinate system may be defined as a left-right direction of the aerosol generating device 1. The y-axis direction may be defined as a front-back direction of the aerosol generating device 1. The z-axis direction may be defined as an upward and downward direction of the aerosol generating device 1.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment.

According to an embodiment, the aerosol generating device 1 may include a power supply 11, the controller 12, a sensor unit 13, an output unit 14, an input unit 15, a communication unit 16, a memory 17, and/or heater 18 or 24. However, it may be understood by those skilled in the art that some of the components shown in FIG. 1 may be omitted or new components may be added, according to the design of the aerosol generating device 1.

According to an embodiment, the sensor unit 13 may sense a state of the aerosol generating device 1 or a state of the surroundings of the aerosol generating device 1 and may transmit information corresponding to the sensed state to the controller 12. For example, the sensor unit 13 may include a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, an insertion detection sensor, a reuse detection sensor, an overwetting detection sensor, a cigarette identification sensor, a cartridge detection sensor, a cap detection sensor, and/or a movement detection sensor. The sensor unit 13 may further include various sensors, such as a liquid remaining amount sensor for detecting the liquid remaining amount of a cartridge and an immersion sensor for detecting immersion of the aerosol generating device 1.

According to an embodiment, the temperature sensor may detect the heating temperature of the heater 18 or 24 The aerosol generating device 1 may include a separate temperature sensor for detecting respective temperatures of the heater 18 or 24, or the heater 18 or 24 may serve as a temperature sensor. For example, the temperature sensor may be used to measure an impedance of the heater 18. The impedance of the heater 18 may be correlated with the temperature of the heater 18. The temperature sensor may measure a current and/or voltage applied to the heater 18 (or an induction coil). Based on the measured current and/or voltage, the impedance for the heater 18 may be calculated. The controller 12 may estimate the temperature of the heater 18, based on the calculated impedance.

For example, the temperature sensor may include a resistive element (e.g., a thermistor) whose resistance value changes in response to a change in temperatures of the heater 18 or 24. The temperature sensor may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistive element, and the controller 12 may detect the temperatures and/or temperature changes of the heater 18 or 24, based on the signal corresponding to the resistance value.

As another example, the temperature sensor may include a sensor for detecting the resistance values of the heater 18 or 24. The temperature sensor may output signals corresponding to the resistance values of the heater 18 or 24, and the controller 12 may detect the temperatures and/or temperature changes of the heater 18 or 24, based on the signals corresponding to the resistance values.

According to an embodiment, the temperature sensor may detect a temperature of the power supply 11. The temperature sensor may be disposed adjacent to the power supply 11. For example, the temperature sensor may be attached to one surface of the power supply 11 (e.g., a battery) and/or mounted on one surface of a printed circuit board. For example, the aerosol generating device 1 may include a power protection circuit module (PCM), and the temperature sensor may be disposed adjacent to the power supply 11 together with the power PCM.

According to an embodiment, the temperature sensor may be disposed inside a housing (not shown) of the aerosol generating device 1 to detect an internal temperature of the housing.

According to an embodiment, the puff sensor may detect a puff of a user.

For example, the puff sensor may include a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor may output a signal corresponding to an internal pressure of the aerosol generating device 1, and the controller 12 may detect the puff of the user, based on the signal corresponding to the internal pressure. The internal pressure of the aerosol generating device 1 may correspond to pressure of an airflow path along which gas flows. The puff sensor may be disposed to correspond to the airflow path along which gas flows, in the aerosol generating device 1.

As another example, the puff sensor may include a temperature sensor. When the user' puff occurs, a temporary temperature drop may occur in the airflow path, a space where an aerosol generating article is inserted (hereinafter, an insertion space), the heater 18 or 24, etc. The controller 12 may detect the user's puff, based on a signal corresponding to the temperature of the airflow path, etc. output from the temperature sensor.

As another example, the puff sensor may include both a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor. In this case, the temperature sensor may measure a temperature that is used to correct an internal pressure measured by the pressure sensor. For example, the puff sensor may correct the signal corresponding to the internal pressure, based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor, and may output the corrected signal. As another example, the puff sensor may output the signal corresponding to the temperature measured by the temperature sensor, and the signal corresponding to the internal pressure measured by the puff sensor. In this case, the controller 12 may receive the signals, and may correct the signal corresponding to the internal pressure, based on the signal corresponding to the temperature.

As another example, the puff sensor may include a capacitance sensor. In the present disclosure, the capacitance sensor may also be referred to as a cap sensor or a capacitive sensor. When the user's puff occurs, a temperature change and/or aerosol flow may occur within the insertion space of the aerosol generating article, and accordingly, an internal permittivity of the insertion space may change. The controller 12 may detect the user's puff, based on a signal corresponding to the internal permittivity, etc. of the insertion space output by the temperature sensor.

The puff sensor is not limited to the aforementioned examples, and may be implemented using various sensors for detecting the user's puff.

According to an embodiment, the insertion detection sensor may detect insertion and/or removal of the aerosol generating article. The insertion detection sensor may be provided around the insertion space. The insertion detection sensor may also include any combination of the aforementioned examples.

For example, the insertion detection sensor may include a capacitance sensor. The capacitance sensor may include at least one conductor. The at least one conductor may be arranged adjacent to the insertion space. When the aerosol generating article is inserted into or removed from the insertion space, a permittivity around the conductor may change. The controller 12 may detect the insertion and/or removal of the aerosol generating article, based on a signal corresponding to the internal permittivity, etc. of the insertion space output by the capacitance sensor.

As another example, the insertion detection sensor may include an inductive sensor. The inductive sensor may include at least one coil. The at least one coil may be disposed adjacent to the insertion space. When the aerosol generating article (e.g., a wrapper of the aerosol-generating article) includes a conductor and is inserted into or removed from the insertion space, a change in a magnetic field may occur around a coil where a current flows. The controller 12 may detect insertion and/or removal of the aerosol generating article including the conductor, based on the characteristics (e.g., a frequency, a current value, a voltage value, an inductance value, and an impedance value of an alternating current) of a current output or detected by the inductive sensor. Alternatively, the aerosol generating article (e.g., a medium portion of the aerosol generating article) may include a susceptor (SUS), etc. Even in this case, a change in the magnetic field around the coil may occur based on the insertion or removal of the susceptor, etc. within the insertion space, and the controller 12 may also detect the insertion and/or removal of the aerosol generating article, based on the characteristics of the current of the inductive sensor.

The insertion detection sensor is not limited to the aforementioned examples, and may be implemented using any of various sensors (e.g., a proximity sensor) for detecting insertion and/or removal of the aerosol generating article. The insertion detection sensor may also include any combination of the aforementioned examples. According to an embodiment, the insertion detection sensor may include a switch, etc. for detecting compression performed by the aerosol generating article.

According to an embodiment, the reuse detection sensor may detect whether the aerosol generating article is reused For example, the reuse detection sensor may be a color sensor for detecting a color of the aerosol generating article. When the aerosol generating article is used by the user, a change in the color of a portion of the wrapper surrounding the outside of the aerosol generating article may occur due to generated aerosol or heating. The color sensor may output a signal corresponding to optical characteristics (e.g., a wavelength of light) corresponding to the color of the wrapper, based on light reflected by the wrapper. When a change in the color of the portion of the wrapper is detected, the controller 12 may determine that the aerosol generating article inserted into the insertion space has already been used.

According to an embodiment, the overwetting detection sensor may detect whether the aerosol generating article is in an overwetting state. For example, the overwetting detection sensor may include a capacitance sensor. The capacitance sensor may include at least one conductor disposed adjacent to the insertion space. The controller 12 may detect whether the aerosol generating article is in an overwetting state, based on the level of a signal corresponding to a permittivity, etc. output by the capacitance sensor. For example, the controller 12 may check a level range including the level of the signal, based on a look-up table, and may determine a moisture content for the aerosol generating article, based on the checked level range.

According to an embodiment, the cigarette identification sensor may detect whether the aerosol generating article is authentic, and/or detect the type of the aerosol generating article.

For example, the cigarette identification sensor may include an optical sensor for detecting an identification material (or an identification mark) located on an outer surface (e.g., a wrapper) of the aerosol generating article. The optical sensor may radiate light toward the identification material (or the identification mark) of the aerosol generating article, and may detect the authenticity and/or the type of the aerosol generating article, based on the reflected light. For example, the identification material may include a material that emits light of a wavelength in a specific band, based on the radiated light. The controller 12 may detect the authenticity and/or the type of the aerosol generating article, based on the range of the wavelength.

As another example, the cigarette identification sensor may include a capacitance sensor. According to the types of aerosol generating article inserted into the insertion space, the internal permittivity of the insertion space may vary. The controller 12 may detect the authenticity of and/or the type of the aerosol generating article, based on the signal corresponding to the internal permittivity, etc. of the insertion space output by the capacitance sensor.

As another example, the cigarette identification sensor may include an inductive sensor. When a conductor is included in the wrapper and/or interior (e.g., a medium portion) of the aerosol generating article inserted into the insertion space, the characteristics of a current detected by the inductive sensor (e.g., a frequency, a current value, a voltage value, an inductance value, and an impedance value of an AC current) may differ according to the types of aerosol generating article inserted into the insertion space. The controller 12 may detect the authenticity of and/or the type of the aerosol generating article, based on the characteristics of a current output by the capacitance sensor or detected by the inductive sensor.

The cigarette identification sensor is not limited to the aforementioned examples, and may be implemented using any of various sensors for detecting whether the aerosol generating article is authentic, and/or detecting the type of the aerosol generating article. The cigarette identification sensor may also include any combination of the aforementioned examples.

According to an embodiment, the cartridge detection sensor may detect insertion and/or removal of the cartridge. For example, the cartridge detection sensor may include an inductive sensor, a capacitance sensor, a resistance sensor, a hall sensor (a hall IC) using a hall effect, and/or an optical sensor.

According to an embodiment, the cap detection sensor may detect insertion and/or removal of the cap. For example, the cap detection sensor may include an inductive sensor, a capacitance sensor, a resistance sensor, a hall sensor (a hall IC), and/or an optical sensor. The cap may include a structure that covers at least a portion of the cartridge mounted on or inserted into the aerosol generating device 1 or covers at least a portion of the housing of the aerosol generating device 1. When the cap is mounted on or removed from the housing, the cap detection sensor may output a signal corresponding to the mounting or removal of the cap. The controller 12 may detect the mounting or removal of the cap, based on a signal corresponding to the mounting or removal.

According to an embodiment, the movement detection sensor may detect a motion of the aerosol generating device 1. The movement detection sensor may be implemented using at least one of an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor.

According to an embodiment, the sensor unit 13 may further include at least one of a humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a global positioning sensor (GPS), or a proximity sensor, in addition to the above-described sensors. Functions of the sensors would be instinctively understood by one of ordinary skill in the art in view of their names and thus detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted herein.

According to an embodiment, the output unit 14 may output information about the state of the aerosol generating device 1. The output unit 14 may include a display, a haptic unit, and/or a sound output unit, but embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, information about the aerosol generating device 1 may include a charging/discharging state of the power supply 11 of the aerosol generating device 1, preheating states of the heater 18 or 24, an insertion/removal state of the aerosol generating article and/or the cartridge, a mounting and/or removal state of the cap, or a state in which use of the aerosol generating device 1 is limited (e.g., detection of an abnormal article). The display may visually provide the information about the state of the aerosol generating device 1 to the user. For example, the display may include a light-emitting diode (LED), a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), etc. When the display includes a touch pad, the display may also be used as an input unit 15. A haptic unit may tactually provide the information about the state of the aerosol generating device 1 to the user. For example, the haptic unit may include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, an electrical stimulation device, etc. The sound output unit may acoustically provide the information about the aerosol generating device 1 to the user. For example, the sound output unit may convert an electrical signal into a sound signal and may output the sound signal to the outside.

According to an embodiment, the power supply 11 may output power for operating the aerosol generating device 1. The power supply 11 may include one or more batteries. The power supply 11 may supply power so that the heater 18 or 24 may be heated. In addition, the power supply 11 may supply power required for operations of the controller 12, the sensor unit 13, the output unit 14, the input unit 15, the communication unit 16, the memory 17, etc. which are other components included in the aerosol generating device 1. The power supply 11 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the power supply 11 may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but embodiments are not limited thereto. The power supply 11 may be a rechargeable (separate-type) battery (hereinafter, a detachable battery. The detachable battery may be mounted on a battery accommodation part provided within the aerosol generating device 1, or may be removed from the battery accommodation part. The detachable battery may be charged either via wire or wirelessly.

According to an embodiment, the heater 18 or 24 may heat a medium and/or an aerosol generating material within the aerosol generating article and/or the cartridge by receiving power from the power supply 11. The aerosol generating device 1 may include a heater 18 for heating the aerosol generating article and/or a cartridge heater 24 for heating the cartridge (i.e., a solid and/or liquid medium).

According to an embodiment, the heater 18 or 24 may be electro-resistive heaters. For example, the electro-resistive heaters may include an electro-resistive material, such as a metal including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, or the like, or a metal alloy. The electro-resistive heaters may be implemented using a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate on which an electric conductive track is disposed, a ceramic heating body, or the like.

According to an embodiment, the heater 18 or 24 may be induction heating heaters. For example, the induction heating heaters may include a susceptor that generates heat through a magnetic field. The magnetic field may be generated from an induction coil by an AC current flowing through the induction coil. The generated magnetic field may penetrates a heater and an eddy current may be generated by the susceptor. The susceptor may be heated based on the generation of the eddy current. According to an embodiment, the susceptor may be included within the aerosol generating article (e.g., the medium portion). Even in this case, the susceptor included within the aerosol generating article may be heated by the induction coil.

The heater 18 or 24 are not limited to the aforementioned examples, and may include or be replaced with various heating methods, structures, components, etc. for heating the aerosol generating article and/or the cartridge.

According to an embodiment, the input unit 15 may receive information input by the user. For example, the input unit 15 may include a touch panel, a button, a keypad, a dome switch, a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc.

According to an embodiment, the memory 17 is hardware for storing various kinds of data processed in the aerosol generating device 1, and may store pieces of data that have been processed and are to be processed by the controller 12. For example, the memory 17 may include at least one type of storage medium selected from among a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (for example, a secure digital (SD) or extreme digital (XD) memory), a random access memory (RAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), a programmable ROM (PROM), magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. For example, the memory 17 may store data about an operating time of the aerosol generating device 1, a maximum number of puffs, a current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and the user's smoking pattern.

According to an embodiment, the communication unit 16 may include at least one component for communication with another electronic device (e.g., a portable electronic apparatus). For example, the communication unit 16 may include a Bluetooth communication unit, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication unit, an Near Field Communication (NFC) communication unit, a wireless local area network (WLAN) communication unit, a ZigBee communication unit, an infrared Data Association (IrDA) communication unit, a Wireless Fidelity Direct (WFD) communication unit, an ultra wideband (UWB) communication unit, an Adaptive Network Topology (Ant)+communication unit, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc.

According to an embodiment, the controller 12 may control overall operations of the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the controller 12 may include at least one processor. The controller 12 may be implemented as an array of a plurality of logic gates, or as a combination of a general-use micro controller unit (MCU) (or a microprocessor) and a memory in which a program executable by the general-use MCU is stored. It will also be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present embodiment pertains that the controller 12 may be implemented as other types of hardware.

According to an embodiment, the controller 12 may control supplying of the power of the power supply 11 to the heater 18 or 24, thereby controlling the temperatures of the heater 18 or 24. The controller 12 may control the temperatures of the heater 18 or 24 and/or power supplied to the heater 18 or 24, based on the temperatures of the heater 18 or 24 detected using the temperature sensor (e.g., the sensor unit 13). The controller 12 may control the temperatures of the heater 18 or 24 and/or the power supplied to the heater 18 or 24, based on a temperature profile and/or a power profile stored in the memory 17.

According to an embodiment, the controller 12 may control power (e.g., a voltage and/or a current) supplied to the heater 18 or 24 by controlling a power conversion circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the heater 18 or 24 and the power supply 11. For example, the power conversion circuit may include a DC/DC converter (e.g., a buck converter, a buck-boost converter, a boost converter, or a Zener diode) that converts power that is to be supplied to the heater 18 or 24, and a DC/AC converter (e.g., an inverter) that converts power that is to be supplied to an induction coil (not shown). The DC/AC inverter may be implemented as a full-bridge circuit or half-bridge circuit including a plurality of switching elements. For example, the power conversion circuit may include at least one switching element, such as a bipolar junction transistor (BJT) and a field effect transistor (FET).

According to an embodiment, the controller 12 may control the current and/or voltage supplied to the heater 18 or 24 by controlling the frequency and/or duty ratio of a current pulse input to the at least one switching element of the power conversion circuit. A duty ratio with respect to an on/off operation of the switching element may correspond to a ratio of an output voltage of the power conversion circuit to an output voltage of the power supply 11.

According to an embodiment, the controller 12 may control power that is supplied to the heater 18 or 24, by using at least one method among a pulse width modulation (PWM) method and a proportional-integral-differential (PID) method. For example, the controller 12 may control a current pulse having a certain frequency and a duty ratio to be supplied to the heater 18 or 24, by using the PWM method. The controller 12 may control the power supplied to the heater 18 or 24, by adjusting the frequency and duty ratio of the current pulse. For example, the controller 12 may determine a target temperature that is a target of control, based on the temperature profile. The controller 12 may control the power supplied to the heater 18 or 24, by using a PID method, which is a feedback control method using a difference value between the temperatures of the heater 18 or 24 and the target temperature thereof, a value obtained by integrating the difference value according to the flow of time, and a value obtained by differentiating the difference value according to the flow of time.

According to an embodiment, the controller 12 may determine target power that is a target of control, based on the power profile. The controller 12 may control the power supplied to the heater 18 or 24 to correspond to preset target power, according to the flow of time.

According to an embodiment, the controller 12 may detect the user's puff by detecting the power supplied to the heater 18 or 24. In more detail, the controller 12 may control the power supplied to the heater 18 or 24, by using the PID method. When the user' puff occurs, a temporary temperature drop may occur in a space where the aerosol generating article is inserted (hereinafter, the insertion space), the heater 18 or 24, etc. Accordingly, a change may occur in the power (or current) supplied to the heater 18 or 24 during power control using the PID method. The controller 12 may detect the user's puff, based on a change in the power that is controlled.

According to an embodiment, the controller 12 may prevent the heater 18 or 24 from being heated. For example, the controller 12 may control an operation of the power conversion circuit so that the amount of the power supplied to the heater 18 or 24 is reduced or the power supply to the heater 18 or 24 is stopped, based on the temperatures of the heater 18 or 24 exceeding a preset limit temperature.

According to an embodiment, the controller 12 may control charging/discharging of the power supply 11. For example, the controller 12 may check the temperature of the power supply 11 by using the temperature sensor (e.g., the sensor unit 13). When the temperature of the power supply 11 is equal to or greater than a first limit temperature, the controller 12 may block charging of the power supply 11. When the temperature of the power supply 11 is greater than or equal to a second limit temperature, the controller 12 may stop using (e.g., discharging) the power stored in the power supply 11. The controller 12 may calculate the remaining capacity of the power stored in the power supply 11. For example, the controller 12 may calculate the remaining capacity of the power supply 11, based on a voltage and/or current sensing value of the power supply 11.

According to an embodiment, the controller 12 may control supply of power to the heater 18 or 24, based on a result of the sensing performed by the sensor 13.

According to an embodiment, the controller 12 may control supply of power to the heater 18 or 24, based on insertion and/or removal of the aerosol generating article into and/or the insertion space. For example, when it is determined using the insertion detection sensor (e.g., the sensor unit 13) that the aerosol generating article has been inserted into the insertion space, the controller 12 may control power to be supplied to the heater 18 or 24. When it is determined using the insertion detection sensor (e.g., the sensor unit 13) that the aerosol generating article has been removed from the insertion space, the controller 12 may block the supply of power to the heater 18 or 24. When the temperatures of the heater 18 or 24 are equal to or greater than a limit temperature or temperature change slopes of the heater 18 or 24 are equal to or greater than a set slope, the controller 12 may determine that the aerosol generating article has been removed from the insertion space.

According to an embodiment, the controller 12 may control power supply time periods and/or power supply amounts for the heater 18 or 24, based on the state of the aerosol generating article. For example, when it is determined using the overwetting detection sensor (e.g., the sensor unit 13) that the aerosol generating article is in an overwetting state, the controller 12 may increase the power supply time periods (e.g., preheating time periods) for the heater 18 or 24.

According to an embodiment, the controller 12 may control supply of power to the heater 18 or 24, based on reuse or non-reuse of the aerosol generating article. For example, when it is determined that the aerosol generating article has been used, the controller 12 may block supply of power to the heater 18 or 24.

According to an embodiment, the controller 12 may control supply of power to the heater 18 or 24, based on attachment and/or removal of the cartridge. For example, when it is determined using the cartridge detection sensor (e.g., the sensor unit 13) that the cartridge is in a separated state, the controller 12 may block supply of power to the heater 18 or 24 or may control power to be not supplied to the heater 18 or 24.

According to an embodiment, the controller 12 may control supply of power to the heater 18 or 24, based on whether the aerosol generating material of the cartridge has been exhausted. For example, when it is determined that the temperatures of the heater 18 or 24 exceed the limit temperature while the heater 18 or 24 are being preheated (i.e., in a preheating section), the controller 12 may determine that the aerosol generating material in the cartridge has been exhausted. When it is determined that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge has been exhausted, the controller 12 may cut off the supply of power to the heater 18 or 24.

According to an embodiment, the controller 12 may control the supply of power to the heater 18 or 24, based on whether use of the cartridge is possible. For example, when it is determined based on data stored in the memory 17 that a current number of puffs is equal to or greater than a maximum number of puffs set in the cartridge, the controller 12 may determine that the use of the cartridge is not possible. For example, when a total time period during which the heater 18 or 24 are heated is greater than or equal to a preset maximum time period or a total amount of power supplied to the heater 18 or 24 is greater than or equal to a preset maximum power amount, the controller 12 may determine that the use of the cartridge is not possible. In this case, the controller 12 may block supply of power to the heater 18 or 24 or may control power to be not supplied to the heater 18 or 24.

According to an embodiment, the controller 12 may control the supply of power to the heater 18 or 24, based on the user's puff. For example, the controller 12 may determine occurrence or non-occurrence of a puff and/or the intensity of the puff, by using the puff sensor (e.g., the sensor unit 13). When the number of puffs reaches the preset maximum of puffs or puffs are not sensed for a preset time period or more, the controller 12 may cut off the supply of power to the heater 18 or 24. When a puff is sensed, the controller 12 may control the supply of power to the heater 18 or 24.

According to an embodiment, the controller 12 may control supply of power to the heater 18 or 24, based on authenticity of the aerosol generating article (or the cartridge) and/or the type of the aerosol generating article. For example, the controller 12 may detect authenticity or of the aerosol generating article and/or the type of the aerosol generating article, by using the cigarette identification sensor (e.g., the sensor unit 13). For example, when the aerosol generating article (or the cartridge) is detected as counterfeit, the controller 12 may block supply of power to the heater 18 or 24. When the aerosol generating article (or the cartridge) is detected as authentic, the controller 12 may control (e.g., start) supply of power to the heater 18 or 24. As another example, the controller 12 may differently control power supply to the heater 18 or 24 according to the types of aerosol generating article (or cartridge). In more detail, when the aerosol generating article (or the cartridge) is detected as a first aerosol generating article (or a first cartridge), the controller 12 may control the temperatures and/or power of the heater 18 or 24, based on a first temperature profile (or a first power profile), and, when the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is detected as a second aerosol generating article (or a second cartridge), may control the temperatures and/or power of the heater 18 or 24, based on a second temperature profile (or a second power profile).

According to an embodiment, the controller 12 may control the output unit 14, based on a result of the sensing performed by the sensor unit 13. For example, when the number of puffs counted using the puff sensor (e.g., the sensor unit 13) reaches a preset number, the controller 12 may control the output unit 14 to visually, tactually, and/or acoustically provide information indicating that the aerosol generating device 1 is about to be terminated. For example, the controller 12 may control the output unit 14 to visually, tactually, and/or acoustically provide information about the temperatures of the heater 18 or 24.

According to an embodiment, the controller 12 may store and update a history of an event occurred in the memory 17, based on certain event occurrence. For example, the event may include insertion detection of the aerosol generating article, heating start of the aerosol generating article, puff detection, puff end, overheat detection of the heater 18 or 24, detection of overvoltage application to the heater 18 or 24, heating end of the aerosol generating article, an operation such as power on/off of the aerosol generation device 1, charging start of the power supply 11, detection of overcharging of the power supply 11, and charging end of the power supply 11, which are performed by the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the history of the event may include, for example, a date and time of the event, and log data corresponding to the event. For example, when a predetermined event is insertion detection of the aerosol generating article, log data corresponding to the event may include data for a sensing value, etc. of the insertion detection sensor (e.g., the sensor unit 13). For example, when the predetermined event is overheating detection of the heater 18 or 24, the log data corresponding to the event may include data about, for example, the temperature of the heater 18 or 24, the voltage applied to the heater 18 or 24, and the current flowing through the heater 18 or 24.

According to an embodiment, the controller 12 may control the communication unit 16 to form a communication link with an external device, such as the user's mobile terminal.

According to an embodiment, when receiving data on authentication from the external device through the communication link, the controller 12 may dismiss limitation of the use of at least one function (e.g., a heating function) of the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the data on authentication may include the user's birthday, a unique number representing the user, and completion or non-completion of authentication of the user.

According to an embodiment, the controller 12 may transmit data on the state of the aerosol generating device 1 (e.g., a remaining capacity of the power supply 11, and an operating mode) to the external device via the communication link. The transmitted data may be output through, for example, a display of the external device.

According to an embodiment, when a request for a location search of the aerosol generating device 1 is received from the external device via the communication link, the controller 12 may control the communication unit 16 to perform an operation corresponding to the location search. For example, the controller 12 may control the haptic unit to generate vibration, or may control the display to output an object corresponding to the location search and a search end.

According to an embodiment, when receiving firmware data from the external device via the communication link, the controller 12 may perform firmware update.

According to an embodiment, the controller 12 may transmit data on a sensing value of at least one sensor unit 13 to an external server (not shown) through the communication link, and may receive and store a learning model generated by learning sensing values from a server through machine learning, such as deep learning. The controller 12 may perform, for example, an operation of determining the user's inhaling pattern and an operation of generating a temperature profile, by using the learning model received from the server.

Although not shown in FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device 1 may further include a power supply protection circuit. The power protection circuit may include at least one switching element, and may cut off transmission path to the power supply 11 in response to overcharging and/or overdischarging of the power supply 11. The aerosol generating device 1 may further include a connection interface, such as a universal serial bus (USB) interface, and may transmit/receive information by being connected to another external device through the connection interface, or may charge the power supply 11.

The aerosol generating article as described herein may include at least one aerosol generating rod (e.g., a medium portion) and at least one filter rod. The heater 18 may be arranged to correspond to the at least one aerosol generating rod, and may be designed differently according to arrangement orders and/or locations of the aerosol generating rod and the filter rod. The aerosol generating rod may include at least one of nicotine, an aerosol generating material, and additives. For example, the aerosol generating material may include glycerin (e.g., vegetable glycerin (VG)) and/or propylene glycol (PG), but may also include various other materials. For example, the additives may include flavors and/or organic acid, and may also include various other materials. For example, the aerosol generating rod may include an aerosol generating substrate (e.g., a sheet) impregnated with a liquid non-tobacco material (e.g., an aerosol generating material and/or nicotine), and/or may include a solid tobacco material (e.g., leaf tobacco and reconstituted tobacco). The tobacco material may be included in the aerosol generating rod in various forms, such as Cut Tobacco, granules, or powder. According to an embodiment, the additives of the aerosol generating rod may include an alkaline substance. Based on the basic material, the nicotine of the tobacco material included in the aerosol generating rod may have an alkaline pH (e.g., pH 7.0 or higher). In this case, freebase nicotine may be released from the aerosol generating rod even at low temperature. According to an embodiment, the aerosol generating rod may include two or more aerosol generating rods, wherein the two or more aerosol generating rods may include a tobacco material and/or a non-tobacco material, respectively. Although not shown, at least one aerosol generating rod and at least one filter rod may be individually and/or integrally wrapped by at least one wrapper. In the disclosure, the aerosol generating article may be referred to as a stick.

The cartridge mentioned in the disclosure may contain an aerosol generating material in any one state among a liquid state, a solid state, a gaseous state, a gel state, and the like. The aerosol generating material may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid including a tobacco-containing material having a volatile tobacco flavor component, or may be a liquid including a non-tobacco material. The cartridge may include a storage containing an aerosol generating material and/or a liquid delivery unit impregnated with (containing) the aerosol-generating material. For example, the liquid delivery unit may include a wick or the like, such as a cotton fiber, a ceramic fiber, a glass fiber, or porous ceramic. The cartridge heater 24 may be included in the cartridge, as a coil-shaped structure that is wound around the liquid delivery unit or in a structure in contact with one side of the liquid delivery unit. Alternatively, the cartridge heater 24 may be included in an aerosol generating device 1 that is separable from the cartridge.

In an embodiment, an aerosol generating device may be a device that generates aerosols by electrically heating a cigarette accommodated in an interior space thereof.

A cigarette may include a tobacco rod and a filter rod. The tobacco rod may be formed of sheets, strands, and tiny bits cut from a tobacco sheet. Also, the tobacco rod may be surrounded by a heat conductive material. For example, the heat conductive material may be, but is not limited to, a metal foil such as aluminum foil.

The filter rod may include a cellulose acetate filter. The filter rod may include at least one segment. For example, the filter rod may include a first segment configured to cool aerosols, and a second segment configured to filter a certain component in aerosols.

In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates aerosols by using a cartridge containing an aerosol generating material.

The aerosol generating device may include a cartridge that contains an aerosol generating material, and a main body that supports the cartridge. The cartridge may be detachably coupled to the main body, but is not limited thereto. The cartridge may be integrally formed or assembled with the main body, and may also be fixed to the main body so as not to be detached from the main body by a user. The cartridge may be mounted on the main body while accommodating an aerosol generating material therein. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. An aerosol generating material may also be injected into the cartridge while the cartridge is coupled to the main body.

The cartridge may be operated by an electrical signal or a wireless signal transmitted from the main body to perform a function of generating aerosols by converting the phase of an aerosol generating material inside the cartridge into a gaseous phase. The aerosols may refer to a gas in which vaporized particles generated from an aerosol generating material are mixed with air.

In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may generate aerosols by heating a liquid composition, and generated aerosols may be delivered to a user through a cigarette. That is, the aerosols generated from the liquid composition may move along an airflow passage of the aerosol generating device, and the airflow passage may be configured to allow aerosols to be delivered to a user by passing through a cigarette.

In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates aerosols from an aerosol generating material by using an ultrasonic vibration method. At this time, the ultrasonic vibration method may mean a method of generating aerosols by converting an aerosol generating material into aerosols with ultrasonic vibration generated by a vibrator.

The aerosol generating device may include a vibrator, and generate a short-period vibration through the vibrator to convert an aerosol generating material into aerosols. The vibration generated by the vibrator may be ultrasonic vibration, and the frequency band of the ultrasonic vibration may be in a frequency band of about 100 kHz to about 3.5 MHz, but is not limited thereto.

The aerosol generating device may further include a wick that absorbs an aerosol generating material. For example, the wick may be arranged to surround at least one area of the vibrator, or may be arranged to contact at least one area of the vibrator.

As a voltage (for example, an alternating voltage) is applied to the vibrator, heat and/or ultrasonic vibrations may be generated from the vibrator, and the heat and/or ultrasonic vibrations generated from the vibrator may be transmitted to the aerosol generating material absorbed in the wick. The aerosol generating material absorbed in the wick may be converted into a gaseous phase by heat and/or ultrasonic vibrations transmitted from the vibrator, and as a result, aerosols may be generated.

For example, the viscosity of the aerosol generating material absorbed in the wick may be lowered by the heat generated by the vibrator, and as the aerosol generating material having a lowered viscosity is granulated by the ultrasonic vibrations generated from the vibrator, aerosols may be generated, but is not limited thereto.

In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may further include a cradle.

The aerosol generating device may configure a system together with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle may charge a battery of the aerosol generating device. Alternatively, the heater may be heated when the cradle and the aerosol generating device are coupled to each other.

Hereinafter, the present disclosure will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown such that one of ordinary skill in the art may easily work the present disclosure. The present disclosure may be implemented in a form that can be implemented in the aerosol generating devices of the various embodiments described above or may be implemented in various different forms, and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

FIG. 2A is a diagram showing the sensor unit 13 before being pressed, according to an embodiment, and FIG. 2B is a diagram showing the sensor unit 13 after being pressed, according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the sensor unit 13 may include a first electrode 131, a second electrode 132, a sensing layer 133, and a substrate 134. However, components of the sensor unit 13 are not limited thereto, and at least one component may be omitted or added according to an embodiment.

According to an embodiment, the sensor unit 13 may be a piezoelectric element. In the disclosure, the piezoelectric element may be a device configured to convert a physical pressure into an electrical signal by using a piezoelectric effect. When an external force is applied to the sensor unit 13 that is the piezoelectric element, electric polarization occurs inside the piezoelectric element and as a result, the piezoelectric element may form one electric field and generate a current. In other words, when a physical external force is applied to the piezoelectric element, a polarization phenomenon is induced and as a result, the piezoelectric element may conduct electricity (=generate a voltage) and generate power. The power generated by the sensor unit 13 may be in a range of about microwatts (uW) to about milliwatts (mW). An external force required for the piezoelectric element to generate power may be about 10 kN, but is not limited thereto.

For example, the piezoelectric element may include at least one crystalline material, primarily ceramic or quartz.

When an external force is not applied to the sensor unit 13, charges 13c1 and 13c2 may be arranged in the sensing layer 133 without directionality, as shown in FIG. 2A. As a result, the first electrode 131 and the second electrode 132 are not charged and thus maintain electrically neutral states, and the sensor unit 13 is unable to generate a current.

At this time, when an external force is applied to the sensor unit 13, a polarization phenomenon may be induced by the charges 13c1 and 13c2 inside the sensing layer 133. In detail, when one region (e.g., the second electrode 132) of the sensor unit 13 is pressed, the sensing layer 133 may also be pressed, and as a result, the polarization phenomenon of the sensor unit 13 may be induced by the charges 13c1 and 13c2 inside the sensing layer 133.

For example, when an external force is applied to the sensor unit 13, the charges 13c1 and 13c2 are arranged to have a specific directionality as shown in FIG. 2B, and the − charges 13c2 may be biased towards the first electrode 131 and the + charges 13c1 may be biased towards the second electrode 132. As a result, the first electrode 131 may be charged in a negative pole and the second electrode 132 may be charged in a positive pole, and thus, the sensor unit 13 may conduct electricity by forming its own electric field. Through such processes, the sensor unit 13 may generate a current by using an external force that is mechanical energy, and generate electrical energy.

However, states in which the first electrode 131 and the second electrode 132 are charged as shown in FIG. 2B is only an example, and according to an embodiment, the first electrode 131 may be charged in the positive pole and the second electrode 132 may be charged in the negative pole.

According to an embodiment, when the size of an external force applied to the sensor unit 13 increases, the amplitudes of current and power generated by the sensor unit 13 may be increased.

The first electrode 131, the second electrode 132, and the sensing layer 133 may be arranged on the substrate 134. For example, the substrate 134 may be a silicon substrate or a silicon thin-plate for manufacturing a semiconductor device or an integrated circuit (IC). In another example, the substrate 134 may be a printed circuit board (PCB) or a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). It is obvious that the substrate 134 may correspond to a substrate of another material capable of performing a same function.

For example, the substrate 134 may include a metal material. In this case, an insulating layer for preventing electrical contact may be provided between the first electrode 131 and the substrate 134. The insulating layer refers to a separate layer formed by using an insulating material so as not to conduct electricity or heat, and the insulating layer may correspond to an oxide film or a nitride film formed by stacking one or more materials among silicon dioxide (SiO2) or silicon nitride (Si3N4) on the substrate 134.

In another example, the substrate 134 may be an insulator. In this case, the first electrode 131 may be directly deposited on the substrate 134.

A structure of the sensor unit 13 is not limited to those illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, and may include any modification that generates a current by using mechanical energy and generates electrical energy.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of the aerosol generating device 1 including the sensor unit 13 according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 3, the aerosol generating device 1 may include the power supply 11, the controller 12, the sensor unit 13, the heater 18, an aerosol generating device body 100, an insertion space 110, and an airflow passage 200. However, components of the aerosol generating device 1 are not limited thereto, and according to an embodiment, at least one of the above components may be omitted or another component may be added.

The sensor unit 13 may detect a change in pressure inside the airflow passage 200. The sensor unit 13 may output a signal corresponding to the change in pressure inside the airflow passage 200 and the controller 12 may detect a user's puff based on a signal corresponding to the pressure.

The sensor unit 13 may be arranged in the airflow passage 200. The sensor unit 13 may be pressed when the pressure inside the airflow passage 200 is changed. Air introduced into the aerosol generating device body 100 through an inlet hole 200a may press the sensor unit 13 while passing through the airflow passage 200, and the sensor unit 13 may generate a current as described with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B.

In other words, the sensor unit 13 may output an electrical signal according to mechanical energy using a flow of an air current, and the controller 12 may detect the user's puff based on the electrical signal generated by the sensor unit 13.

The controller 12 may control the aerosol generating device 1 based on an operation of the sensor unit 13. The controller 12 may analyze a result detected by the sensor unit 13 and control processes to be performed thereafter. For example, the controller 12 may control power supplied to the heater 18 such that an operation of the heater 18 is started or ended, based on the result detected by the sensor unit 13. For example, the controller 12 may control an amount of power supplied to the heater 18 or a time of supplying power such that the heater 18 is heated up to a certain temperature or maintains a suitable temperature, based on the result detected by the sensor unit 13.

According to an embodiment, the controller 12 may control the operation of the heater 18 to be started only when a size of the change in pressure inside the airflow passage 200 exceeds a threshold range (e.g., Δ200 pa). A minute change in pressure (e.g., Δ100 pa) may occur in the airflow passage 200 when air is introduced into the airflow passage 200 according to an external environment of the aerosol generating device 1, despite that the user did not puff. The sensor unit 13 may generate an electrical signal by being pressed according to the minute change in pressure, and when the controller 12 controls the heater 18 to be heated at this time, power consumption of the power supply 11 is increased and the user may be burnt by heating of the heater 18 in an unintended situation. According to an embodiment, the controller 12 may control the heater 18 to be heated only when the size of the change in pressure inside the airflow passage 200 exceeds the threshold range (only when an output value of the sensor unit 13 exceeds a pre-set value), thereby reducing power consumption of the power supply 11 and preventing the user from being burnt.

According to an embodiment, the controller 12 may control the heater 18 with different temperature profiles, based on the size of the change in pressure inside the airflow passage 200. In other words, the controller 12 may control the heater 18 with different temperature profiles based on strength (intensity) of the user's puff. According to an embodiment, the heater 18 is controlled with different temperature profiles based on the strength of the user's puff, and thus, an amount of generated aerosols may be adjusted according to a usage pattern of the user.

For example, when the strength of the user's puff is strong, a flow velocity or a flow rate of air passing through the airflow passage 200 may increase, and the size of the change in pressure inside the airflow passage 200 may exceed a pre-set first range (e.g., Δ300 pa). Accordingly, the sensor unit 13 may be pressed with a relatively strong pressing force. Here, the sensor unit 13 may generate a large amount of currents and for example, an output value of the sensor unit 13 may be a first output value (e.g., 100 mW). As a result, the controller 12 may control a heating temperature of the heater 18 to a first temperature (e.g., 380° C.). In other words, when the strength of the user's puff is strong, the amount of air to be heated is relatively large, and thus, the controller 12 controls the heating temperature of the heater 18 to be increased.

In another example, when the strength of the user's puff is weak, the flow velocity or the flow rate of air passing through the airflow passage 200 may decrease, and the size of the change in pressure inside the airflow passage 200 may exceed a pre-set second range (e.g., Δ250 pa) while being in the first range (e.g., Δ300 pa) or less. Accordingly, the sensor unit 13 may be pressed with a relatively weak pressing force. Here, the sensor unit 13 may generate a small amount of currents and for example, the output value of the sensor unit 13 may be a second output value (e.g., 80 mW) that is lower than the first output value. As a result, the controller 12 may control the heating temperature of the heater 18 to a second temperature (e.g., 330° C.) that is lower than the first temperature. In other words, when the strength of the user's puff is weak, the amount of air to be heated is relatively small, and thus, the controller 12 controls the heating temperature of the heater 18 to be decreased.

The heater 18 may heat an aerosol generating article 2 inserted into the insertion space 110. The heater 18 may extend long upward on the insertion space 110. For example, the heater 18 may include a tube-shaped heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element. The heater 18 may be inserted below the aerosol generating article 2.

However, a shape of the heater 18 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 3, and the heater 18 may include a cylindrical heating element arranged outside the aerosol generating article 2.

Although not illustrated, the heater 18 may be a multi-heater. The heater 18 may include a first heater and a second heater. The first heater and the second heater may be arranged in parallel in a length direction. The first heater and the second heater may be instantaneously heated and may be simultaneously heated.

According to an embodiment, the aerosol generating device 1 may further include an induction coil surrounding the heater 18. The induction coil may heat the heater 18. Here, the heater 18 is a susceptor and the heater 18 may be heated according to a magnetic field generated by an alternating current (AC) flowing through the induction coil. The magnetic field may penetrate the heater 18 and generate eddy currents in the heater 18. The current may generate heat in the heater 18.

Although not illustrated, the susceptor may be included inside the aerosol generating article 2, and the susceptor inside the aerosol generating article 2 may generate heat according to the magnetic field generated by the AC flowing through the induction coil. The susceptor may be arranged inside the aerosol generating article 2 and may not be electrically connected to the aerosol generating device 1. The susceptor may be inserted into the insertion space 110 together with the aerosol generating article 2, and detached from the insertion space 110 together with the aerosol generating article 2. The aerosol generating article 2 may be heated by the susceptor inside the aerosol generating article 2. In this case, the aerosol generating device 1 may not include the heater 18.

The aerosol generating device body 100 may form the exterior of the aerosol generating device 1 and function as a body of the aerosol generating device 1. The insertion space 110, the airflow passage 200, the power supply 11, the controller 12, the sensor unit 13, and the heater 18 may be arranged in the aerosol generating device body 100.

The insertion space 110 may be formed by being sunken into the aerosol generating device body 100 by a certain depth such that at least a portion of the aerosol generating article 2 is inserted. A depth of the insertion space 110 may correspond to a length of a region of the aerosol generating article 2, which includes an aerosol generating material and/or medium. A lower end of the aerosol generating article 2 may be inserted into the aerosol generating device body 100 and an upper end of the aerosol generating article 2 may protrude outside the aerosol generating device body 100. The user may inhale the air and/or aerosols while holding, in his/her mouth, the upper end of the aerosol generating article 2, which is externally exposed.

An aerosol generating substrate may be accommodated in the insertion space 110. In the disclosure, the aerosol generating substrate is a component including the aerosol generating material and may be used as a term including the aerosol generating article 2 or a cartridge.

The airflow passage 200 may be a path through which a fluid flows inside the aerosol generating device body 100. For example, the fluid may include air or at least one of aerosols in the form of vapor. The airflow passage 200 may include the inlet hole 200a and air introduced into the aerosol generating device body 100 through the inlet hole 200a may move along the airflow passage 200, pass through the aerosol generating article 2 inserted into the insertion space 110, and be discharged outside. The airflow passage 200 may be an airflow path described with reference to FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of the aerosol generating device 1 including a pressing member 300 pressing the sensor unit 13 according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 4, the aerosol generating device 1 may include the power supply 11, the controller 12, the sensor unit 13, the heater 18, the aerosol generating device body 100, the insertion space 110, the airflow passage 200, and the pressing member 300. The aerosol generating device 1 of FIG. 4 may further include the pressing member 300 compared to the aerosol generating device 1 of FIG. 3, and remaining components (e.g., the sensor unit 13) may be the same as or similar to the above components, and thus, redundant descriptions are omitted.

The pressing member 300 may press the sensor unit 13 by moving when the pressure inside the airflow passage 200 is changed. The pressing member 300 may physically come into contact with the sensor unit 13 to press the sensor unit 13, thereby improving sensitivity of the sensor unit 13. In other words, because the sensor unit 13 easily detects the user's puff according to physical contact of the pressing member 300 rather than being pressed by a flow of an air current, easiness of detecting the user's puff and easiness of controlling the aerosol generating device 1 based thereon may be improved.

The pressing member 300 may be arranged in a region on the airflow passage 200, adjacent to the sensor unit 13. The pressing member 300 may be arranged at a front end of the sensor unit 13. In the disclosure, the front end may be in a direction facing the inlet hole 200a. In other words, the pressing member 300 may be arranged in the middle between the inlet hole 200a and the sensor unit 13.

Hereinafter, a structure of the pressing member 300 and an operating process of the pressing member 300 will be described in detail with reference to accompanying drawings.

FIG. 5A is an enlarged view of a portion A of FIG. 4 before the pressing member 300 presses the sensor unit 13, FIG. 5B is an enlarged view of the portion A of FIG. 4 while the pressing member 300 is pressing the sensor unit 13, and FIG. 5C is an enlarged view of the portion A of FIG. 4 for describing an anti-rotation member 350.

Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the aerosol generating device 1 may include the controller 12, the sensor unit 13, the aerosol generating device body 100, the airflow passage 200, and the pressing member 300.

According to an embodiment, the pressing member 300 may be located at the front end of the sensor unit 13 and may be rotatably arranged at the aerosol generating device body 100. The pressing member 300 may come into contact with the sensor unit 13 by rotating towards the sensor unit 13 when the pressure inside the airflow passage 200 is changed.

The pressing member 300 may include a rotating member 310 and a hinge 320.

The rotating member 310 may rotate when the pressure inside the airflow passage 200 is changed. The rotating member 310 may extend in a direction crossing a direction in which the airflow passage 200 extends. In other words, the rotating member 310 may extend in a direction crossing a direction in which an air current is formed on the airflow passage 200. Accordingly, the rotating member 310 may have a structure that is easily rotated according to the air current formed on the airflow passage 200.

The rotating member 310 may be coupled to the hinge 320. For example, the hinge 320 may be integrated with the rotating member 310, and thus, the hinge 320 and the rotating member 310 may rotate together according to the air current formed on the airflow passage 200. In another example, the rotating member 310 may be rotatably coupled to the hinge 320 and only the rotating member 310 may rotate according to the air current formed on the airflow passage 200 while the hinge 320 is stationary. The hinge 320 may be coupled to each of the rotating member 310 and the aerosol generating device body 100.

As shown in FIG. 5A, when the air current flows on the airflow passage 200, the rotating member 310 may rotate towards the sensor unit 13 according to the air current. According to an embodiment, a distance D between the rotating member 310 and the sensor unit 13 may be shorter than a height H of the rotating member 310. When the distance D is longer than the height H of the rotating member 310, the rotating member 310 does not come into contact with the sensor unit 13 even when the rotating member 310 rotates. Thus, according to an embodiment, by setting the distance D between the rotating member 310 and the sensor unit 13 to be shorter than the height H of the rotating member 310, a structure in which the sensor unit 13 is sufficiently pressed may be realized.

As shown in FIG. 5B, when the rotating member 310 rotates and comes into contact with the sensor unit 13, the sensor unit 13 is pressed and may generate a current through polarization. Accordingly, the controller 12 may detect the user's puff and control a component (e.g., the heater 18) of the aerosol generating device 1 based on the user's puff.

According to an embodiment, the pressing member 300 may press the sensor unit 13 with different pressing forces based on the size of the change in pressure in the airflow passage 200, and the controller 12 may control the heater 18 with different temperature profiles based on the pressing force of the pressing member 300.

For example, when the strength of the user's puff is strong, the flow velocity or the flow rate of air passing through the airflow passage 200 may increase, and the size of the change in pressure inside the airflow passage 200 may exceed the pre-set first range (e.g., Δ300 pa). Accordingly, a rotating force of the rotating member 310 is greatly increased and the rotating member 310 may press the sensor unit 13 with a strong pressing force. Here, the output value of the sensor unit 13 may be a third output value (e.g., 150 mW) that is higher than the first output value, and the controller 12 may control the heating temperature of the heater 18 to a third temperature (e.g., 400° C.) that is higher than the first temperature.

In another example, when the strength of the user's puff is weak, the flow velocity or the flow rate of air passing through the airflow passage 200 may decrease, and the size of the change in pressure inside the airflow passage 200 may exceed the pre-set second range (e.g., Δ250 pa) while being in the first range (e.g., Δ300 pa) or less. Accordingly, the rotating force of the rotating member 310 is increased somewhat less and the rotating member 310 may press the sensor unit 13 with a weak pressing force. Here, the output value of the sensor unit 13 may be a fourth output value (e.g., 120 mW) that is higher than the second output value, and the controller 12 may control the heating temperature of the heater 18 to a fourth temperature (e.g., 390° C.) that is higher than the second temperature and lower than the third temperature.

In other words, in an embodiment in which the sensor unit 13 is pressed by using the pressing member 300, the output value of the sensor unit 13 may be increased even when the user inhales with same puff strength, and thus, sensitivity of the sensor unit 13 may improve and the user's puff may be easily detected.

The aerosol generating device 1 may include a restoration member for the pressing member 300 to return to an original position after coming into contact with the sensor unit 13. When the change in pressure inside the airflow passage 200 is removed, i.e., when the user's puff is ended, the restoration member may restore the rotating member 310 to the original position (a position shown in FIG. 5A). Accordingly, the pressing member 300 may be spaced apart from the sensor unit 13 again and then may be used to generate a current by pressing the sensor unit 13 later.

The restoration member may be coupled to at least one of the rotating member 310 and the hinge 320. The restoration member may have an appropriate elastic coefficient such that the rotating member 310 is rotatable by an air current. The restoration member may be a spring.

Referring to FIG. 5C, the pressing member 300 may further include a pressing protrusion 330. The pressing protrusion 330 may protrude from the rotating member 310 towards the sensor unit 13. The pressing protrusion 330 may be coupled to one region of the rotating member 310. The pressing protrusion 330 may press the sensor unit 13 by rotating together with the rotating member 310. The pressing protrusion 330 may be integrated with the rotating member 310.

The pressing protrusion 330 may have a stronger strength than the rotating member 310. Accordingly, the sensor unit 13 may be pressed with stronger pressure.

At least a portion of the pressing protrusion 330 may include an elastic material. Accordingly, a possibility of the sensor unit 13 being damaged or broken may be reduced while the pressing protrusion 330 presses the sensor unit 13. For example, at least a portion of the pressing protrusion 330 may include a rubber material.

The aerosol generating device 1 may further include the anti-rotation member 350.

The anti-rotation member 350 may prevent the pressing member 300 from rotating in an opposite direction of the sensor unit 13. The anti-rotation member 350 may be arranged in the airflow passage 200 at the front end of the pressing member 300. When the pressing member 300 is restored to the original position after pressing the sensor unit 13, the pressing member 300 may excessively rotate in the opposite direction of the sensor unit 13 by the restoration member. In this case, even when a flow of an air current occurs inside the airflow passage 200, it is difficult for the pressing member 300 to rotate towards the sensor unit 13 again and press the sensor unit 13. According to an embodiment, the anti-rotation member 350 may prevent the pressing member 300 from rotating in the opposite direction of the sensor unit 13, thereby realizing a structure in which the pressing member 300 may press the sensor unit 13 again.

The anti-rotation member 350 may have an appropriate height that does not block a flow of an air current inside the airflow passage 200. According to an embodiment, the height of the anti-rotation member 350 may be ⅕ or less of a height of the rotating member 310.

Hereinafter, various shapes of the airflow passage 200 where the sensor unit 13 is arranged will be described with reference to accompanying drawings.

FIGS. 6A to 6C illustrate examples of the aerosol generating device 1 including various embodiments of the airflow passages 200.

Referring to FIGS. 6A to 6C, the aerosol generating device 1 may include the power supply 11, the controller 12, the sensor unit 13, the heater 18, the aerosol generating device body 100, the insertion space 110, and the airflow passage 200. At least one (e.g., the controller 12) of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 is the same as or similar to at least one of the above components, and thus, redundant descriptions are omitted below.

FIG. 6A illustrates an example of the aerosol generating device 1 including the airflow passage 200 with a narrow portion, FIG. 6B illustrates an example of the aerosol generating device 1 including to two branched airflow passages 200, and FIG. 6C illustrates another example of the aerosol generating device 1 including two branched airflow passages 200.

Referring to FIG. 6A, the airflow passage 200 may include a first portion 210 and a second portion 220.

The first portion 210 may have a smaller size than the second portion 220. The sensor unit 13 may be arranged in the first portion 210. In other words, the sensor unit 13 may be arranged in a portion of the airflow passage 200 where the area is decreased.

The second portion 220 may be connected to the first portion 210 and have a greater size than the second portion 220. The inlet hole 200a of the airflow passage 200 may be included in the second portion 220. One end of the second portion 220 may be connected to the outside and the other end thereof may be connected to the insertion space 110.

According to an embodiment, air introduced into the airflow passage 200 through the inlet hole 200a may have a flow velocity that is instantaneously increased while passing through the first portion 210 having the small area. At this time, because the sensor unit 13 is arranged in the first portion 210, an air current with a high flow velocity may press the sensor unit 13 with a strong pressing force. As a result, the sensor unit 13 may easily conduct electricity and the controller 12 may easily detect the user's puff.

Referring to FIG. 6B, the airflow passage 200 may include a first airflow passage 250 and a second airflow passage 260.

The first airflow passage 250 may be a passage into which external air is introduced and in which the external air moves. The first airflow passage 250 may also be referred to as a main airflow passage in which a more amount of air currents flows than the second airflow passage 260. The inlet hole 200a may be included in the first airflow passage 250. One end of the first airflow passage 250 may be connected to the outside and the other end thereof may be connected to the insertion space 110.

The second airflow passage 260 may be branched from the first airflow passage 250. The second airflow passage 260 may have a smaller size than the first airflow passage 250. The sensor unit 13 may be arranged in the second airflow passage 260.

The second airflow passage 260 may also be referred to as a branch passage that is branched from the first airflow passage 250.

The second airflow passage 260 may include an inlet 260a and an outlet 260b. The inlet 260a may communicate with one region of the first airflow passage 250 and the outlet 260b may communicate with the insertion space 110.

Some of air introduced into the first airflow passage 250 through the inlet hole 200a may move to the second airflow passage 260 at the inlet 260a and the remainder may move to the first airflow passage 250. An air current moved to the second airflow passage 260 may press the sensor unit 13, pass through the outlet 260b, and move to the insertion space 110.

According to an embodiment, air introduced into the airflow passage 200 through the inlet hole 200a may have a flow velocity that is increased while passing through the second airflow passage 260 having the small area. At this time, because the sensor unit 13 is arranged in the second airflow passage 260, an air current with a high flow velocity may press the sensor unit 13 with a strong pressing force. As a result, the sensor unit 13 may easily conduct electricity and the controller 12 may easily detect the user's puff.

Also, because the second airflow passage 260 is branched from the first airflow passage 250 that is the main airflow passage, the second airflow passage 260 may not interfere with an overall flow of the air current on the airflow passage 200. Thus, the aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment may have a structure in which an air current smoothly flows therein while the user's puff is easily detected.

Referring to FIG. 6C, the airflow passage 200 may include the first airflow passage 250 and the second airflow passage 260.

The second airflow passage 260 may be branched from the first airflow passage 250 and then join the first airflow passage 250 again. The second airflow passage 260 may have a smaller size than the first airflow passage 250. The sensor unit 13 may be arranged in the second airflow passage 260.

The second airflow passage 260 may include the inlet 260a and the outlet 260b. The inlet 260a may communicate with one region of the first airflow passage 250 and the outlet 260b may communicate with another region of the first airflow passage 250. The inlet 260a may be arranged closer to the inlet hole 200a than the outlet 260b.

Some of air introduced into the first airflow passage 250 through the inlet hole 200a may move to the second airflow passage 260 at the inlet 260a and the remainder may move to the first airflow passage 250. An air current moved to the second airflow passage 260 may press the sensor unit 13, pass through the outlet 260b to join the first airflow passage 250, and then move to the insertion space 110.

According to an embodiment, air introduced into the airflow passage 200 through the inlet hole 200a may have a flow velocity that is increased while passing through the second airflow passage 260 having the small area. At this time, because the sensor unit 13 is arranged in the second airflow passage 260, an air current with a high flow velocity may press the sensor unit 13 with a strong pressing force. As a result, the sensor unit 13 may easily conduct electricity and the controller 12 may easily detect the user's puff.

Also, because the second airflow passage 260 is branched from the first airflow passage 250 that is the main airflow passage, the second airflow passage 260 may not interfere with an overall flow of the air current on the airflow passage 200. Thus, the aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment may have a structure in which an air current smoothly flows therein while the user's puff is easily detected.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of the aerosol generating device 1 for describing components protecting the sensor unit 13 from the heater 18.

Referring to FIG. 7, the aerosol generating device 1 may include the power supply 11, the controller 12, the sensor unit 13, the heater 18, the aerosol generating device body 100, the insertion space 110, the airflow passage 200, and an insulating member 400. The aerosol generating device 1 of FIG. 7 may differ from the aerosol generating device 1 described above in that an arrangement position of the sensor unit 13 is specified and the insulating member 400 is further included, and remaining components (e.g., the controller 12) may be the same as or similar to the components described above, and thus, redundant descriptions are omitted below.

The insulating member 400 may prevent heat generated in the heater 18 from being transmitted to the sensor unit 13. In a case where the sensor unit 13 includes a material vulnerable to heat, the insulating member 400 may reduce a possibility of damage or breakage of the sensor unit 13, thereby increasing a service life of the sensor unit 13. The insulating member 400 may be arranged between the heater 18 and the sensor unit 13.

According to an embodiment, the insulating member 400 may include a material that has thermal resistance while having low heat conductivity. Accordingly, the insulating member 400 may not be damaged by heat generated in the heater 18 and may not transmit the heat generated in the heater 18 to the sensor unit 13. For example, the insulating member 400 may include at least one of a ceramic material and a metal material such as steel, iron, nickel, aluminum, or tungsten.

As long as the insulating member 400 is arranged between the heater 18 and the sensor unit 13, the insulating member 400 may be arranged in one region of the aerosol generating device body 100.

According to an embodiment, the sensor unit 13 may be arranged at a first distance L1 from the inlet hole 200a of the airflow passage 200 and arranged at a second distance L2 from the heater 18. Here, the first distance L1 may be shorter than the second distance L2. In other words, the sensor unit 13 may be arranged farther from the heater 18 and closer to the inlet hole 200a. Accordingly, the sensor unit 13 is arranged physically away from the heater 18 and thus may be affected less by heat generated in the heater 18.

Hereinafter, energy harvesting in which an operation of the aerosol generating device 1 is controlled by using power generated by the sensor unit 13 will be described in detail with reference to accompanying drawings.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example of the aerosol generating device 1 for performing energy harvesting by using the sensor unit 13 according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 8, the aerosol generating device 1 may include the power supply 11, the controller 12, the sensor unit 13, the heater 18, the aerosol generating device body 100, the insertion space 110, a power conversion circuit 160, a power amplification circuit 170, and the airflow passage 200. The aerosol generating device 1 of FIG. 8 may differ from the aerosol generating device 1 described above in that the power conversion circuit 160 and the power amplification circuit 170 are further included, and remaining components (e.g., the controller 12) may be the same as or similar to the components described above, and thus, redundant descriptions are omitted below.

According to an embodiment, the sensor unit 13 may be arranged in the airflow passage 200 and used to perform energy harvesting. In the disclosure, the energy harvesting is a technology for collecting energy generated during a mechanical operation of the aerosol generating device 1 and reusing the collected energy as electrical energy, wherein energy is regenerated by searching resources that are discarded or not used for energy that may be harvested or used.

In other words, when a flow of an air current occurs on the airflow passage 200, the sensor unit 13 may receive an external force by the air current (or a pressing member), and may be polarized and generate power as described with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B. In the disclosure, the sensor unit 13 may also be referred to as a harvest element.

Accordingly, because one sensor unit 13 performs puff detection and energy harvesting, the sensor unit 13 having complex functions may be implemented in a compact structure.

The controller 12 may control the aerosol generating device 1 by using the power generated by the sensor unit 13. For example, the controller 12 may control the heater 18 by using the power generated by the sensor unit 13.

The power conversion circuit 160 may convert the power generated by the sensor unit 13. The power generated by the sensor unit 13 is in the form that is not suitable to be directly applied to the aerosol generating device 1. Thus, the power conversion circuit 160 may convert the power generated by the sensor unit 13 into power that is suppliable to the heater 18, the power conversion circuit 160, or a display. The power conversion circuit 160 may include a rectifier circuit that rectifies alternating current (AC) power to a direct current (DC) power, a DC conversion circuit that converts the rectified DC power to DC power having a DC voltage size suitable for a device, and a power storage device temporarily storing the DC power, but components included in the power conversion circuit 160 are not limited thereto.

The controller 12 may control the power conversion circuit 160 to supply output power of the sensor unit 13 to the power supply 11. In other words, the controller 12 may control the power conversion circuit 160 to store the power generated by the sensor unit 13 in the power supply 11, to be used for an operation of the aerosol generating device 1.

The power amplification circuit 170 may amplify the power generated by the sensor unit 13. In general, the power generated by the sensor unit 13 may be in a range of about microwatts (uW) to about milliwatts (mW), and the controller 12 may control the power amplification circuit 170 such that the output power of the sensor unit 13 becomes maximum.

According to an embodiment, the controller 12 may control the output power of the sensor unit 13 to become the maximum by controlling the power amplification circuit 170 based on a type of the sensor unit 13, an operating state of the aerosol generating device 1, for example, an operating cycle of the aerosol generating device 1, a heating cycle (a pulse width modulation (PWM) duty ratio) or a heating profile of the heater 18, or the user's puff, a puff cycle, or a puff strength detected by the sensor unit 13.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of the aerosol generating device 1 for performing energy harvesting by using the sensor unit 13 according to another embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 9, the aerosol generating device 1 may include the power supply 11, the controller 12, the sensor unit 13, the heater 18, the aerosol generating device body 100, the insertion space 110, the power conversion circuit 160, the power amplification circuit 170, the airflow passage 200, a cover 500, and a pressure transfer member 600. The aerosol generating device 1 of FIG. 9 may differ from the aerosol generating device 1 described above in that a second sensor 13b of the sensor unit 13, the cover 500, and the pressure transfer member 600 are further included, and remaining components (e.g., the controller 12) may be the same as or similar to the components described above, and thus, redundant descriptions are omitted below.

The sensor unit 13 may collect power from an energy source generated at various locations of the aerosol generating device 1. In the disclosure, the sensor unit 13 may generate electrical energy according to a flow of an air current occurred on the airflow passage 200, and may generate electrical energy according to an opening or closing operation of the cover 500.

In this regard, the sensor unit 13 may include a first sensor 13a arranged in the airflow passage 200 and the second sensor 13b arranged in a region adjacent to the cover 500. The first sensor 13a and the second sensor 13b may operate in a same principle as the sensor unit 13 described with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B. The first sensor 13a may be referred to as a first harvest element and the second sensor 13b may be referred to as a second harvest element.

The cover 500 may be arranged in the aerosol generating device body 100 to be movable between a first position P1 (or an opening position) for opening the insertion space 110 and a second position P2 (or a closing position) for closing the insertion space 110.

For example, the cover 500 may be arranged to cover the insertion space 110 at the second position P2 such that the insertion space 110 is not exposed to the outside of the aerosol generating device 1. The cover 500 at the second position P2 prevents the insertion space 110 from being exposed to the outside, thereby preventing external foreign substances from being introduced into the aerosol generating device body 100 through the insertion space 110.

In another example, the cover 500 may move from the second position P2 to the first position P1 to expose the insertion space 110 to the outside. The cover 500 at the first position P1 exposes the insertion space 110, and thus, an aerosol generating article may be inserted into the aerosol generating device body 100 through the insertion space 110.

According to an embodiment, the cover 500 may slide between the first position P1 and the second position P2 along a groove formed in one region (e.g., an upper portion) of the aerosol generating device body 100, but a moving method of the cover 500 is not limited thereto. Also, the cover 500 that has moved from the second position P2 to the first position P1 may return to the second position P2 according to elasticity (or a restoring force) even without a separate operation of the user, but an embodiment is not limited thereto.

The pressure transfer member 600 may be pressed by the cover 500. In detail, the pressure transfer member 600 may come into contact with one region of the cover 500 while the cover 500 is moving, thereby pressing the second sensor 13b.

The pressure transfer member 600 may be arranged below the cover 500. The pressure transfer member 600 may be arranged between the cover 500 and the second sensor 13b. However, an arrangement position of the pressure transfer member 600 is not limited as long as the pressure transfer member 600 is pressed when the cover 500 moves.

Hereinafter, a process in which the second sensor 13b is pressed when the cover 500 moves will be described in detail with reference to accompanying drawings.

FIGS. 10A to 10C are enlarged views of a portion B of FIG. 9 for describing a process of performing energy harvesting by using the sensor unit 13 according to another embodiment.

The cover 500 may include a cover body 510 and an insertion groove 520.

The cover body 510 forms an outer shape of the cover 500 and may function as a body of the cover 500. The cover body 510 may be arranged in one region of the aerosol generating device body 100 and move to open or close an insertion space.

The insertion groove 520 may be formed on the cover body 510. A protruding member 630 of the pressure transfer member 600 may be inserted into the insertion groove 520. The insertion groove 520 may be formed by processing a groove having a certain depth from one surface of the cover body 510 towards the pressure transfer member 600.

According to an embodiment, the insertion groove 520 may be provided at a location spaced from each of one end portion and another end portion of the cover body 510. For example, the insertion groove 520 may be provided at a location spaced apart from the one end portion and the other end portion of the cover body 510 by a same distance.

The pressure transfer member 600 may include a pressure transfer body 610, a pressure transfer protrusion 620, and the protruding member 630.

The pressure transfer body 610 may function as a body of the pressure transfer member 600. The pressure transfer body 610 may be arranged between the cover 500 and the second sensor 13b.

The pressure transfer protrusion 620 may protrude towards the second sensor 13b. When the cover 500 presses the protruding member 630, the pressure transfer protrusion 620 may press one region (e.g., a second electrode) of the second sensor 13b.

The pressure transfer protrusion 620 may protrude from the pressure transfer body 610.

According to an embodiment, a distance d between the pressure transfer protrusion 620 and the second sensor 13b may be 0. In other words, the pressure transfer protrusion 620 and the second sensor 13b may always maintain a contact state before the pressure transfer member 600 is pressed by the cover 500. Accordingly, the pressure transfer protrusion 620 may press the second sensor 13b with a strong force by being pressed by the cover 500.

According to another embodiment, the distance d between the pressure transfer protrusion 620 and the second sensor 13b may be greater than 0. In other words, the pressure transfer protrusion 620 and the second sensor 13b may be spaced apart from each other by a certain distance before the pressure transfer member 600 is pressed by the cover 500. Here, the distance d may have an appropriate size such that the pressure transfer protrusion 620 may sufficiently press the second sensor 13b. For example, the distance d may be between 0.1 mm to 10 mm, but is not limited thereto.

The pressure transfer protrusion 620 may have a stronger strength than the pressure transfer body 610. Accordingly, the second sensor 13b may be pressed with stronger pressure.

At least a portion of the pressure transfer protrusion 620 may include an elastic material. Accordingly, a possibility of the second sensor 13b being damaged or broken may be reduced while the pressure transfer protrusion 620 presses the second sensor 13b. For example, at least a portion of the pressure transfer protrusion 620 may include a rubber material.

The protruding member 630 may protrude from the pressure transfer body 610 towards the cover 500. The protruding member 630 may be arranged in the pressure transfer body 610 to be located at an opposite side of the pressure transfer protrusion 620. The protruding member 630 may be inserted into the insertion groove 520 of the cover 500. The protruding member 630 may have a size or a shape corresponding to the insertion groove 520.

The protruding member 630, the pressure transfer protrusion 620, and the pressure transfer body 610 may be integrated with each other.

According to an embodiment, the second sensor 13b may be pressed by the pressure transfer member 600 instead of being pressed directly by the cover 500. In other words, the pressure transfer member 600 may press the second sensor 13b while protecting the second sensor 13b. Accordingly, a possibility of the second sensor 13b being damaged or broken due to direct press of the cover 500 may be prevented.

Hereinafter, a process in which the second sensor 13b generates power according to an opening or closing operation of the cover 500 moves will be described in detail with reference to accompanying drawings.

FIG. 10A illustrates the protruding member 630 being completely inserted into the insertion groove 520, and FIG. 10B illustrates the pressure transfer protrusion 620 pressing the second sensor 13b when the cover 500 presses the protruding member 630.

FIG. 10C illustrates the cover 500 that has completely pressed the pressure transfer member 600.

First, referring to FIG. 10A, the cover 500 starts to move while the protruding member 630 is inserted into the insertion groove 520. For example, the cover 500 may move from a first position to a second position.

Then, referring to FIG. 10B, one region of the cover body 510 may come into contact with the protruding member 630. Because the protruding member 630 protrudes from the pressure transfer body 610 towards the cover 500, the protruding member 630 may move towards the second sensor 13b by coming into contact with the cover body 510. Accordingly, the pressure transfer body 610 and the pressure transfer protrusion 620 may move towards the second sensor 13b together, and the pressure transfer protrusion 620 may press the second sensor 13b. As a result, the second sensor 13b may conduct electricity and generate power, and the controller 12 may control the poser generated by the second sensor 13b to be supplied to the power supply 11.

Here, one region 630a of the protruding member 630 facing the insertion groove 520 may include a curve. Accordingly, the cover body 510 may smoothly come into contact with the protruding member 630, and thus, easiness of movement of the cover 500 may improve and a possibility of damage to the cover body 510 and the protruding member 630 may be reduced.

Then, referring to FIG. 10C, when the cover 500 further moves, for example, when the cover 500 is moved to the second position, the cover 500 may be spaced apart from the protruding member 630. Accordingly, the pressure transfer member 600 may entirely move upward and the pressure transfer protrusion 620 may be spaced apart from the second sensor 13b. Here, when a pressing state is released, the second sensor 13b may return to an original state, i.e., a state before conducting electricity.

At this time, when the cover 500 located at the second position is moved back to the first position, the second sensor 13b may be pressed in a same mechanism as described above.

According to an embodiment, the second sensor 13b may generate power two times during processes in which the cover 500 moves from the first position to the second position and then moves from the second position to the first position. In other words, the aerosol generating device 1 generates power two times through a relatively easy operation of opening and closing one time, and thus, efficiency and convenience of power harvesting operation may improve.

In the disclosure, the cover 500 includes the insertion groove 520 and the pressure transfer member 600 includes the protruding member 630, but this is only an example. In other words, according to an embodiment, the cover 500 may include the protruding member 630 and the pressure transfer member 600 may include the insertion groove 520. In this case, the protruding member 630 may protrude from a bottom portion of the cover body 510 and the insertion groove 520 may be formed on a top surface of the pressure transfer body 610.

Hereinafter, other examples of the aerosol generating device 1 will be described with reference to accompanying drawings.

FIG. 11 illustrates another example of the aerosol generating device 1 including the sensor unit 13 according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 11, the aerosol generating device 1 may include the power supply 11, the controller 12, the sensor unit 13, the heater 18, the aerosol generating device body 100, the insertion space 110, the airflow passage 200, and a cartridge 700. At least one (e.g., the controller 12 or the heater 18) of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 of FIG. 11 is the same as or similar to at least one of the above components, and thus, redundant descriptions are omitted below.

According to an embodiment, the heater 18 may be omitted from the aerosol generating device 1. In this case, the aerosol generating article 2 accommodated in the insertion space 110 may not be heated and vapors generated in a heater assembly 720 may pass through the aerosol generating article 2 and delivered to the user.

The airflow passage 200 may extend from the cartridge 700 to the insertion space 110. Here, air may be introduced into the cartridge 700 through an upper end portion of the cartridge 700, and then move to the insertion space 110 through the heater assembly 720. The vapors generated in the heater assembly 720 may be mixed with external air to become aerosols, and the aerosols may be introduced to the insertion space 110 and discharged to the outside through the aerosol generating article 2.

The cartridge 700 may be detachably coupled to the aerosol generating device body 100. The cartridge 700 may include a storage 710 and the heater assembly 720.

The storage 710 may store an aerosol generating material. The aerosol generating material stored in the storage 710 may be supplied to the heater assembly 720. The aerosol generating material stored in the storage 710 may include a tobacco-containing material having a volatile tobacco flavor component or a liquid composition including a non-tobacco material.

According to an embodiment, the liquid composition may include one component from among water, a solvent, ethanol, plant extract, spices, flavorings, and a vitamin mixture, or a mixture thereof. The spices may include menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and various fruit-flavored ingredients, but are not limited thereto. The flavorings may include ingredients capable of providing various flavors or tastes to the user. Vitamin mixtures may be a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E, but are not limited thereto. Also, the liquid composition may include an aerosol forming substance, such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

For example, the liquid composition may include any weight ratio of glycerin and propylene glycol solution to which nicotine salts are added. The liquid composition may include two or more types of nicotine salts. Nicotine salts may be formed by adding suitable acids, including organic or inorganic acids, to nicotine. Nicotine may be a naturally generated nicotine or synthetic nicotine and may have any suitable weight concentration relative to the total solution weight of the liquid composition.

Acid for forming nicotine salts may be appropriately selected in consideration of the rate of nicotine absorption in blood, operating temperature of the aerosol generating device 1, the flavor or savor, the solubility, or the like. For example, the acid for the formation of nicotine salts may be a single acid selected from the group consisting of benzoic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, lauric acid, sorbic acid, levulinic acid, pyruvic acid, formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, caproic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, citric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, phenylacetic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, gluconic acid, saccharic acid, malonic acid or malic acid, or a mixture of two or more acids selected from the group, but is not limited thereto.

The heater assembly 720 may perform a function of generating aerosols by converting a phase of the aerosol generating material into a gas phase. The heater assembly 720 may heat the aerosol generating material by receiving the aerosol generating material from the storage 710. Accordingly, the aerosol generating material become the aerosols inside the heater assembly 720. In the disclosure, “aerosols” may denote particles generated when vapors generated when the aerosol generating material is heated are mixed with the air, and such a term may be used in the same meaning in the present specification.

Although not illustrated, the heater assembly 720 may include a wick into which the aerosol generating material is absorbed and a heating unit (e.g., a heating coil) that heats the aerosol generating material when the wick is heated. The heating unit may be wound around the wick to surround the wick. The heating unit may be the cartridge heater 24 described above.

The sensor unit 13 may be arranged in the airflow passage 200 located between the heater assembly 720 and the insertion space 110. The sensor unit 13 may be arranged in the airflow passage 200 and may be pressed and polarized according to a flow of an air current on the airflow passage 200. An embodiment in which the controller 12 controls the aerosol generating device 1 based on an output of the sensor unit 13 is identically applicable to the aerosol generating device 1 of FIG. 11, and thus, redundant descriptions are omitted.

Although FIG. 11 does not illustrate the cover 500 (see FIG. 9) that opens the insertion space 110, the aerosol generating device 1 may further include a cover, and in this case, the sensor unit 13 may include the first sensor 13a (see FIG. 9) arranged in the airflow passage 200 and the second sensor 13b (see FIG. 9) arranged in a region adjacent to the cover.

FIG. 12 illustrates another example of the aerosol generating device 1 including the sensor unit 13 according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 12, the aerosol generating device 1 may include the power supply 11, the controller 12, the sensor unit 13, the aerosol generating device body 100, the airflow passage 200, and the cartridge 700. At least one (e.g., the controller 12 or the heater 18) of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 of FIG. 12 is the same as or similar to at least one of the above components, and thus, redundant descriptions are omitted below.

The airflow passage 200 may be provided in the heater assembly 720 and extend up to a mouth piece 700m. Air introduced into the heater assembly 720 through the airflow passage 200 may be introduced to a chamber of the heater assembly 720. Here, the aerosol generating material heated by the heating unit may be mixed with the air introduced through the airflow passage 200, and the aerosols generated accordingly may be discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device 1 towards the mouth piece 700m.

The cartridge 700 may include the mouth piece 700m, the storage 710, and the heater assembly 720.

The mouth piece 700m is used to supply the aerosols to the user. For example, the mouth piece 700m may connect or fluidly connect the inside of the heater assembly 720 and the outside of the aerosol generating device 1, and the aerosols generated inside the heater assembly 720 may be discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device 1 through the mouth piece 700m. Here, the user may contact the mouth piece 700m with the mouth and inhale the aerosols discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device 1.

In the disclosure, the term “fluid connection” may indicate that components are connected to each other such that air or a fluid, such as liquid, may flow therethrough.

The storage 710 may store the aerosol generating material therein, and the aerosol generating material stored in the storage 710 may be supplied to the heater assembly 720 arranged below the storage 710. The aerosol generating material stored in the storage 710 is the same as or similar to the aerosol generating material described with reference to FIG. 11, and thus, detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

The heater assembly 720 may be located between the storage 710 and the aerosol generating device body 100, and generate the aerosols by converting a phase of the aerosol generating material into a gas phase.

The heater assembly 720 may heat the aerosol generating material received from the storage 710 to generate vapors from the aerosol generating material. The generated vapors may be mixed with external air introduced from the outside of the heater assembly 720 to the inside of the heater assembly 720, and as a result, the aerosols may be generated. The heater assembly 720 may include a chamber providing a space in which the aerosols are generated, a wick absorbing the aerosol generating material, and a heating unit (e.g., an electrically conductive pattern) heating the aerosol generating material absorbed by the wick. The heating unit may be the cartridge heater 24 described above.

The aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment may enable replacement of the storage 710 and/or the heater assembly 720 through a structure in which the storage 710 and the heater assembly 720 are detachably coupled together and the heater assembly 720 and the aerosol generating device body 100 are detachably coupled together.

When the aerosol generating material stored in the storage 710 is exhausted, the user may continue smoking by replacing the existing storage 710 with a new storage 710. In other example, when performance of a component (e.g., the heating unit or the wick) of the heater assembly 720 deteriorates and a sufficient amount of aerosols is not generated, the user may replace the existing heater assembly 720 with a new heater assembly 720 such that the sufficient amount of aerosols is generated.

When the storage 710 needs to be replaced as the aerosol generating material stored in the storage 710 is consumed, the aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment may be implemented in a structure in which only the storage 710 is replaced and the heater assembly 720 may be reused. This is because the storage 710 is detachably coupled to the heater assembly 720. Accordingly, a component such as the heating unit included in the heater assembly 720 is not required to be necessarily replaced together even when the storage 710 is required to be replaced, and thus, overall costs of use of the aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment may be reduced.

The sensor unit 13 may be arranged in the airflow passage 200 inside the heater assembly 720. The sensor unit 13 may be arranged in the airflow passage 200 and may be pressed and polarized according to a flow of an air current on the airflow passage 200. An embodiment in which the controller 12 controls the aerosol generating device 1 based on an output of the sensor unit 13 is identically applicable to the aerosol generating device 1 of FIG. 12, and thus, redundant descriptions are omitted.

The aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment may include the insertion space 110 accommodating the aerosol generating substrate, the heater 18 configured to heat the aerosol generating substrate inserted into the insertion space 110, the airflow passage 200 connected to the insertion space 110 and through which air flows, the sensor unit 13 arranged in the airflow passage 200 and generating a current by being pressed according to a change in pressure inside the airflow passage 200, and the controller 12 configured to control the heater 18 based on an operation of the sensor unit 13.

The controller 12 may be further configured to control the heater 18 with different temperature profiles, based on a size of the change in pressure inside the airflow passage 200.

The aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment may further include the pressing member 300 arranged in the airflow passage 200 and pressing the sensor unit 13 by moving according to the change in pressure inside the airflow passage 200.

The pressing member 300 may be arranged rotatably at a front end of the sensor unit 13.

The pressing member 300 may press the sensor unit 13 in different pressing forces, based on a size of the change in pressure inside the airflow passage 200.

The aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment may further include the anti-rotation member 350 arranged in the airflow passage 200 at a front end of the pressing member 300 and preventing the pressing member 300 from rotating in a direction opposite to the sensor unit 13.

The airflow passage 200 may include the first portion 210 where the sensor unit 13 is arranged, and the second portion 220 connected to the first portion 210 and having a greater size than the first portion 210.

The airflow passage 200 may include the first airflow passage 250 into which external air is introduced and moves, and the second airflow passage 260 that is branched from the first airflow passage 250, is connected to the insertion space 110, and has a smaller size than the first airflow passage 250, and the sensor unit 13 may be arranged in the second airflow passage 260.

The airflow passage 200 may include the first airflow passage 250 into which external air is introduced and moves, and the second airflow passage 260 that is branched from the first airflow passage 250, joins the first airflow passage 250 again, and has a smaller size than the first airflow passage 250, and the sensor unit 13 may be arranged in the second airflow passage 260.

The sensor unit 13 may be arranged at the first distance L1 from the inlet hole 200a of the airflow passage 200 and arranged at the second distance L2 greater than the first distance L1 from the heater 18.

The aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment may further include the insulating member 400 arranged between the sensor unit 13 and the heater 18 and preventing heat generated by the heater 18 from reaching the sensor unit 13.

The aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment may further include the power amplification circuit 170 configured to amplify power generated when the sensor unit 13 is pressed and polarized.

The aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment may further include the power conversion circuit 160 configured to convert power generated when the sensor unit 13 is pressed and polarized, wherein the controller 12 may be further configured to control the power converted by the power conversion circuit 160 to be supplied to a power supply 11.

The aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment may further include the aerosol generating device body 100 including the insertion space 110, and the cover 500 arranged in the aerosol generating device body 100 to be movable between the first position P1 for opening the insertion space 110 and the second position P2 for closing the insertion space 110, wherein the sensor unit 13 may include the first sensor 13a arranged in the airflow passage 200, and the second sensor 13b configured to generate power by being pressed when the cover 500 moves between the first position P1 and the second position P2.

The aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment may further include the pressure transfer member 600 arranged between the cover 500 and the second sensor 13b and presses the second sensor 13b when the cover 500 moves, wherein one of the cover 500 or the pressure transfer member 600 may include the protruding member 630 protruding towards the other one of the cover 500 or the pressure transfer member 600, and the other one of the cover 500 or the pressure transfer member 600 may include the insertion groove 520 which the protruding member 630 is inserted.

Certain embodiments or other embodiments of the disclosure described above are not exclusive or distinct from each other. The certain embodiments or other embodiments of the disclosure described above may be combined with each other or used in combination with each other in their respective components or functions.

For example, it means that an A component described in a specific embodiment and/or the drawings and a B component described in another embodiment and/or the drawings may be combined with each other. In other words, even when it is not explained directly about combination between components, it is possible to combine unless it is explained that combination is impossible.

The above detailed description should not be interpreted restrictedly and should be considered as exemplary in all aspects. The scope of the disclosure should be determined by a rational interpretation of the attached claims, and all changes within the equivalent scope of the disclosure are included in the scope of the disclosure.

According to various embodiments, a heater is controlled with different temperature profiles based on the strength of a user's puff, and thus, an amount of generated aerosols may be adjusted according to a usage pattern of the user.

Also, according to various embodiments, one sensor may perform puff detection and energy harvesting, and thus, a sensor having a complex function may be implemented in a compact structure.

Also, according to various embodiments, power generated by the sensor is used to charge a power supply of an aerosol generating device or is supplied to a component of the aerosol generating device, thereby increasing energy efficiency and reducing the number of times the power supply is charged.

Also, according to various embodiments, the energy harvesting may be performed through a simple operation, and thus, convenience and efficiency of the energy harvesting may improve.

Effects according to the sprit of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.