RU2808525C1 - Aerosol generating device with electrode - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: aerosol generation systems.

SUBSTANCE: aerosol generating device contains: a heater; a housing containing a housing portion into which the aerosol-generating article being a cigarette is to be inserted; an electrode located separately from the aerosol-generating article at a certain distance such that the amount of charge varies depending on the dielectric constant of moisture in the aerosol-generating article inserted into the containing portion, and located so as to correspond to at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article; and a processor electrically coupled to the heater and the electrode. The processor receives a change in the electrode charge value in accordance with the dielectric constant of moisture in the aerosol-generating product.

EFFECT: increase of accuracy of data on the generated amount of aerosol and the user's whiff.

15 cl, 34 dwg

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[1] One or more embodiments relate to an aerosol generating device comprising an electrode, and in particular to an aerosol generating device in which a change in the amount of charge of the electrode is detected in accordance with the dielectric constant of the aerosol generating article so that various types of control are possible .

BACKGROUND ART

[2] Recently, there has been an increased need for alternative ways to overcome the disadvantages of conventional cigarettes. For example, there is a growing need for a method of generating aerosol without combustion by heating the aerosol-generating material in a cigarette. Thus, research has been actively conducted on heating-type cigarettes and heating-type aerosol generating devices. Thus, object JP 2018-534913 can be considered as the closest analogue.

DISCLOSURE OF OPTIONS FOR IMPLEMENTING THE INVENTION TECHNICAL PROBLEM

[3] One or more embodiments of the present invention provide an aerosol generating apparatus in which a change in the charge amount of an electrode is detected in accordance with the dielectric constant of the aerosol generating article so that various types of control are possible.

[4] The technical objectives achieved by embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the objectives described above, and objectives not mentioned in this disclosure will be apparent to one skilled in the art from this specification and the accompanying drawings.

THE SOLUTION OF THE PROBLEM

[5] According to an aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generating device comprises a heater, a housing containing a housing portion into which an aerosol generating article is inserted, an electrode that is inserted into the housing portion separately from the aerosol generating article and positioned to conform to at least a portion of the aerosol generating article , and a processor electrically coupled to the heater and electrode.

USEFUL EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION

[6] According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to determine whether an aerosol-generating article is inserted, regardless of the type of wrapping material for packaging at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article.

[7] According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the design for other components can be simplified by having a single electrode measure the change in charge magnitude caused by the inserts of the aerosol generating article.

[8] According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, since the generated aerosol amount is determined directly by the dielectric constant of the aerosol, the accuracy of the generated aerosol amount and the user's puff can be increased.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[9] In FIG. 13 is a view illustrating examples of installing an aerosol generating article into an aerosol generating device;

[10] FIG. 4-5 are views illustrating examples of the aerosol-generating article;

[11] FIG. 6A is a view schematically illustrating the relationship between the electrode and the aerosol generating article according to the embodiment;

[12] FIG. 6B is a view illustrating an example of the electrode position of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment;

[13] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a body of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment;

[14] FIG. 7B is a sectional view of the body of the aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiment along line AA';

[15] FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a body of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment;

[16] FIG. 8B is a sectional view of a body of an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment along line AA';

[17] FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a body of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment;

[18] FIG. 9B is a sectional view of a body of an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment along line AA';

[19] FIG. 10 is a view illustrating an example of an electrode position of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment;

[20] FIG. 11A is a view illustrating an example of the electrode position of the aerosol generating device according to another embodiment;

[21] FIG. 11B is a view illustrating an example of installing an electrode on a heater according to another embodiment;

[22] FIG. 12A is a view illustrating an example of the electrode position of the aerosol generating device according to another embodiment;

[23] FIG. 12B is a view illustrating an example of the electrode position of the aerosol generating device according to another embodiment;

[24] FIG. 13A is a view illustrating an example of the electrode position of the aerosol generating device according to another embodiment;

[25] FIG. 13B is a view illustrating an example of the electrode position of the aerosol generating device according to another embodiment;

[26] FIG. 14 is an electrical diagram of the electrode in FIG. 13A and 13B;

[27] FIG. 15 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment;

[28] FIG. 16A and 16B are views illustrating examples of a method for determining the type of an aerosol generating article by using an electrode of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment;

[29] FIG. 17 is a graph for disclosing a method by which a processor according to an embodiment determines a change in electrode charging time;

[30] FIG. 18 is a graph for disclosing a method by which a processor according to another embodiment determines a change in electrode charging time;

[31] FIG. 19A is a graph for disclosing the charging time of the electrode of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment;

[32] FIG. 19B is a graph for revealing the discharge time of the electrode in FIG. 19A;

[33] In FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrating a case where the aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiment detects insertion of the aerosol generating article;

[34] FIG. 21 is a graph showing the charging time of the electrode changing when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment;

[35] In FIG. 22A shows a state before the aerosol generating article is inserted into the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment;

[36] In FIG. 22B shows a state after the aerosol generating article is inserted into the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment;

[37] In FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating a case where the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment detects the user's puff;

[38] FIG. 24 is a graph showing the charging time of the electrode changing when a user puffs on the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment is detected;

[39] In FIG. 25A shows a state before the user's puff is detected by the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment;

[40] In FIG. 25B shows a state after the user's puff is detected by the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment;

[41] FIG. 26 is a block diagram illustrating a case where power supplied to the heater is controlled by the aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiment;

[42] FIG. 27 is a graph illustrating power supplied to the heater controlled based on the charging time of the electrode in the aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiment;

[43] FIG. 28 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment;

[44] FIG. 29 is a graph showing the charging time of the electrode changing according to the smoking pattern of the user according to the embodiment;

[45] FIG. 30 is a graph showing the charging time of the electrode changing according to the smoking pattern of the user according to another embodiment;

[46] In FIG. 31 is a flowchart illustrating a case where the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment determines removal of the aerosol generating article;

[47] FIG. 32 is a graph illustrating the electrode charging time changing when the aerosol generating article is removed from the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment;

[48] In FIG. 33A shows a state before the aerosol generating article is removed from the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment;

[49] In FIG. 33B shows a state after the aerosol generating article is removed from the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment; And

[50] FIG. 34 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment.

DISCLOSURE FEATURES

[51] With respect to the terms used to describe the various embodiments of the invention, the general terms that are currently widely used are selected in view of the functions of the structural elements in the various embodiments of the present specification. However, the meanings of terms are subject to change based on intent, legal precedent, new technology, and the like. In addition, in some cases a term may be chosen that is not commonly used. In such a case, the meaning of the term will be disclosed in detail in the relevant part of the disclosure of the present invention. Therefore, the terms used in various embodiments of the present invention must be defined based on the meanings of the terms and descriptions presented herein.

[52] In addition, unless expressly stated to the contrary, the word “contain” and its forms such as “contains” or “containing” mean the presence of the specified elements in something, but not the exclusion of any other elements. In addition, the terms “block”, “part” and “module” presented in the description of the invention mean blocks for processing at least one function and operation and can be implemented by hardware or software components, or combinations thereof .

[53] In the disclosure of the invention, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol by using an aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol that a user can inhale directly into the lungs through the mouth. For example, the aerosol generating device may be a holder.

[54] In the disclosure of the invention, "puff" refers to inhalation by the user, and inhalation may refer to the action of suction into the mouth, nasal cavity or lungs of the user through the mouth or nose.

[55] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which illustrative embodiments of the present invention are shown in such a way that one of ordinary skill in the art can easily understand the present description of the invention. However, the invention can be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[56] Some embodiments of the proposed invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying figures.

[57] In FIG. 13 are diagrams illustrating examples of installation of an aerosol generating article in an aerosol generating device.

[58] As shown in FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device 1 may include a battery 11, a controller 12, and a heater 13. As shown in FIG. 2 and 3, the aerosol generating device 1 may further include an evaporator 14. Moreover, the aerosol generating article 2 may be inserted into the interior of the aerosol generating device 1.

[59] In FIG. 13 shows only those components of the aerosol generating device 1 that relate to the present embodiment. Thus, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that other general purpose components may be included in the aerosol generating device 1 in addition to the components shown in FIG. 1-3.

[60] Moreover, in FIG. 2 and 3 show an aerosol generating device 1 containing a heater 13. However, if necessary, the heater 13 can be dispensed with.

[61] In FIG. 1 shows that the battery 11, the controller 12 and the heater 13 are arranged in series. In addition, in FIG. 2 shows that the battery 11, controller 12, evaporator 14 and heater 13 are arranged in series. In addition, in FIG. 3 shows that the evaporator 14 and the heater 13 are located in parallel. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1 is not limited to those shown in FIG. 13. In other words, according to the design of the aerosol generating device 1, the arrangement of the battery 11, the controller 12, the heater 13 and the evaporator 14 can be changed.

[62] When the aerosol generating article 2 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, the aerosol generating device 1 may drive the heater 13 and/or the evaporator 14 to generate an aerosol from the aerosol generating article 2 and/or the evaporator 14. Aerosol generated by the heater 13 and/or evaporator 14, comes to the user through the aerosol-generating product 2.

[63] If necessary, even if the aerosol generating article 2 is not inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, the aerosol generating device 1 can heat the heater 13.

[64] The battery 11 can supply power for operating the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the battery 11 may supply power to heat the heater 13 or the evaporator 14 and to operate the controller 12. In addition, the battery 11 may supply power necessary to operate a display, sensor, motor, etc. installed in the aerosol generating device 1 .

[65] The controller 12 can essentially control the operation of the aerosol generating device 1. In particular, the controller 12, in addition to the battery 11, the heater 13 and the evaporator 14, can control the operation of other components included in the aerosol generating device 1. In addition, the controller 12 may check the status of each component of the aerosol generating device 1 to determine whether the aerosol generating device 1 is in an operating condition.

[66] Controller 12 may include at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates or may be implemented as a combination of a general purpose microprocessor and a memory that stores a program executed on the microprocessor. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the processor may be implemented using other types of hardware.

[67] The heater 13 may be heated by power supplied from the battery 11. For example, when the aerosol generating article 2 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, the heater 13 may be located outside the aerosol generating article 2. Therefore, the heated heater 13 may raise the temperature of the aerosol generating material, in an aerosol-generating product 2.

[68] Heater 13 may include an electrical resistive heater. For example, the heater 13 may include an electrically conductive path, and the heater 13 may heat up when electric current flows along the electrically conductive path. However, the heater 13 is not limited to the example disclosed above, but may be any heater capable of heating to the required temperature. In this case, the desired temperature may be preset in the aerosol generating device 1 or set by the user.

[69] In another example, heater 13 may comprise an induction heater. In particular, the heater 13 may include an electrically conductive coil for heating the aerosol-generating article by induction, and the aerosol-generating article may include a current collector that can be heated by the induction heater.

[70] For example, the heater 13 may include a cylindrical heating element, a plate heating element, a needle or a rod heating element, and may heat the interior or exterior of the aerosol generating article 2 according to the shape of the heating element.

[71] In addition, the aerosol generating device 1 may include multiple heaters 13. Moreover, several heaters 13 may be included in the aerosol generating product 2 or located outside the aerosol generating product 2. Also, some of the plurality of heaters 13 may be included in the aerosol generating product 2, and other heaters may be located outside the aerosol generating article 2. Moreover, the shape of the heater 13 is not limited to the shape shown in FIG. 1-3, and may be different.

[72] The evaporator 14 can generate an aerosol by heating the liquid mixture, after which the generated aerosol can be supplied to the user through the aerosol generating article 2. In other words, the aerosol generated by the evaporator 14 can be moved along the air channel of the aerosol generating device 1, which can be performed with the possibility of delivering the aerosol generated by the evaporator 14 to the user through the aerosol-generating product 2.

[73] For example, the evaporator 14 may include, among other things, a liquid storage, a liquid supply element, and a heating element. For example, a liquid storage element, a liquid supply element and a heating element may be included in the aerosol generating device 1 as independent modules.

[74] Liquid storage can store a liquid mixture. For example, the liquid mixture may be a liquid containing tobacco material that includes a volatile tobacco flavoring component, or a liquid containing non-tobacco material. The liquid storage may be configured to be detachable from the evaporator 14 or integral with the evaporator 14.

[75] For example, the liquid formulation may contain water, a solvent, ethanol, a plant extract, spices, aromatics, or a vitamin mixture. Spices may contain, but are not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and various fruit-flavored ingredients. Flavoring agents may contain ingredients capable of imparting different aromas or tastes to the user. Vitamin mixtures may be, but are not limited to, a mixture of at least vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C or vitamin E. In addition, the liquid mixture may also contain an aerosol generating agent, such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[76] The liquid supply element may move the liquid mixture from the liquid storage to the heating element. For example, the fluid supply element may be, but is not limited to, a wick, such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic.

[77] The heating element is an element for heating a liquid mixture supplied by the liquid supply element. For example, the heating element may be, but is not limited to, a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate, a ceramic heater, or the like. In addition, the heating element may include a conductive filament, such as nichrome wire, and may be wound around the fluid supply element. The heating element may be heated by the application of current and may transfer heat to a liquid mixture in contact with the heating element, thereby heating the liquid mixture. As a result, an aerosol may be generated.

[78] For example, the vaporizer 14 may be, among other things, a cartomizer or an atomizer.

[79] The aerosol generating device 1 may also include general purpose components in addition to a battery 11, a controller 12, a heater 13, and an evaporator 14. For example, the aerosol generating device 1 may include a display configured to display visual information and/or motor for outputting tactile information. In addition, the aerosol generating device 1 may include at least one sensor (puff detection sensor, temperature sensor, aerosol generating product insertion sensor, etc.). In addition, the aerosol generating device 1 may be configured such that even when the aerosol generating article 2 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, external air can be introduced into it or internal air can be discharged therefrom.

[80] Although not shown in FIG. 13, the aerosol generating device 1 and the additional stand can form a single system. For example, the stand can be used to charge the battery 11 of the aerosol generating device 1. Alternatively, the heater 13 may be heated by connecting the stand and the aerosol generating device 1 to each other.

[81] The aerosol generating article 2 may be similar to a conventional combustion type cigarette. For example, the aerosol generating article 2 may be divided into a first part containing the aerosol generating material and a second part containing a filter, etc. Alternatively, the second part of the aerosol-generating article 2 may also contain an aerosol-generating material. For example, an aerosol generating material, in the form of granules or capsules, can be inserted into the second part.

[82] The first part can be completely inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, and the second part can be brought out. In an alternative embodiment, only one part of the first part may be inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, or the entire first part and part of the second part may be inserted into the aerosol generating device 1. The user can inhale the aerosol while holding the second part in the mouth. In this case, an aerosol is generated when external air passes through the first part, after which the resulting aerosol passes through the second part and enters the user's mouth.

[83] For example, external air may enter at least one air passage formed in the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the user can adjust the opening and closing of the air channel and/or the size of the air channel formed in the aerosol generating device 1. Accordingly, the user can regulate the quantity and quality of smoking. In another example, external air may enter the aerosol generating article 2 through at least one opening formed on the surface of the aerosol generating article 2.

[84] Next, examples of the aerosol generating article 2 will be described with reference to FIG. 4 and 5.

[85] FIG. 4-5 illustrate examples of an aerosol-generating product.

[86] As shown in FIG. 4, the aerosol generating article 2 includes a tobacco rod 21 and a filter rod 22. The first part disclosed above with reference to FIG. 1-3 may contain a tobacco rod 21, and the second part is a filter rod 22.

[87] In FIG. 4 shows that the filter rod 22 contains one segment. However, the design of the filter rod 22 is not limited to this embodiment. In other words, the filter rod 22 may comprise a plurality of segments. For example, the filter rod 22 may include a first segment configured to cool the aerosol and a second segment configured to filter a specific component contained in the aerosol. In addition, if necessary, the filter rod 22 may further comprise at least one segment configured to perform other functions.

[88] The aerosol generating article 2 may be packaged in at least one sleeve 24. The sleeve 24 may have at least one opening through which external air can enter or internal air can escape. The aerosol-generating article 2 may be packaged in a single sleeve 24. In another example, the aerosol-generating article 2 may be double-packed in two or more sleeves 24. For example, a tobacco rod 21 may be packaged in a first sleeve 241 and a filter rod 22 in sleeves 242, 243 , 244. Also, the aerosol generating article 2 may be repackaged into another cartridge 245. If the filter rod 22 contains multiple segments, each segment may be packaged into a separate cartridge 242, 243, 244.

[89] The tobacco rod 21 may contain an aerosol generating material. For example, the aerosol generating material may, among other things, contain at least one of the following components: glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol. In addition, the tobacco rod 21 may contain other additives such as in particular, flavoring agents, a humectant and/or an organic acid. Also, the tobacco rod 21 may contain a flavored liquid, such as menthol or a humectant, injected into the tobacco rod 21.

[90] The tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured in various shapes. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be formed into a sheet or strand. In addition, the tobacco rod 21 may be formed into pipe tobacco consisting of tiny pieces cut from a tobacco leaf. Also, the tobacco rod 21 may be surrounded by a thermally conductive material. For example, the thermal conductive material may be at least a metal foil, such as aluminum foil. For example, the thermal conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can evenly distribute the heat transferred to the tobacco rod 21, thereby increasing the thermal conductivity applied to the tobacco rod and improving the taste of the tobacco. In addition, the heat-conducting material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can serve as a current collector heated by the induction heater. In this case, although not shown in the drawing, the tobacco rod 21 may include an additional current collector along with a thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 on the outside.

[91] The filter rod 22 may include a cellulose acetate filter. The filter rod 22 can have any shape. For example, the filter rod 22 may be in the shape of a cylinder or a hollow tube. In addition, the filter rod 22 may include a rod with a recess. If the filter rod 22 contains multiple segments, at least one of the segments may have a different shape.

[92] In addition, the filter rod 22 may contain at least one capsule 23. In this case, the capsule 23 may generate an aroma or an aerosol. For example, capsule 23 may have a structure in which a liquid containing a flavoring material is enclosed in a film. For example, capsule 23 may have, among other things, the shape of a sphere or a cylinder.

[93] As shown in FIG. 5, the aerosol generating article 3 may further include a front plug 33. The front plug 33 may be located on one side of the tobacco rod 31 opposite the filter rod 32. The front plug 33 may prevent the tobacco rod 31 from detaching and liquefied aerosol from entering the aerosol generating device (1 on FIGS. 1-3) from the tobacco rod 31 during smoking.

[94] The filter rod 32 may include a first segment 321 and a second segment 322. Here, the first segment 321 may correspond to the first segment of the filter rod 22 in FIG. 4, and the second segment 322 may correspond to the second segment of filter rod 22 in FIG. 4.

[95] The diameter and overall length of the aerosol generating article 3 may correspond to the diameter and overall length of the aerosol generating article 2 in FIG. 4. For example, the length of the front plug 33 is at least about 7 mm, the length of the cigarette rod 31 is about 15 mm, the length of the first segment 321 is about 12 mm, and the length of the second segment 322 is about 14 mm.

[96] The aerosol generating article 3 may be packaged in at least one sleeve 35. The sleeve 35 may include at least one opening through which external air can enter or internal air can escape. For example, the front plug 33 may be packaged in the first sleeve 351, the tobacco rod 31 in the second sleeve 352, the first segment 321 in the third sleeve 353, and the second segment 322 in the fourth sleeve 354. Additionally, the entire aerosol generating article 3 may be repackaged in a fifth 355 case.

[97] In addition, at least one opening 36 may be provided in the fifth sleeve 355. For example, the opening 36 may be provided in at least the area surrounding the tobacco rod 31. The opening 36 may serve to transfer heat generated by the heater 13, shown in FIG. 2 3, inside the tobacco rod 31.

[98] Additionally, at least one capsule 34 may be contained in the second segment 322. In this case, capsule 34 may generate a flavor or aerosol. For example, capsule 34 may have a structure in which a liquid containing a flavoring material is enclosed in a film. For example, capsule 34 may be in the shape of, among other things, a sphere or a cylinder.

[99] FIG. 6A is a view schematically illustrating the relationship between the electrode and the aerosol generating article according to the embodiment.

[100] As shown in FIG. 6A, aerosol generating device 600 may include an electrode 620 and a processor 640. In an embodiment, processor 640 may perform the function of determining whether an aerosol generating article 605 is inserted or removed into or out of aerosol generating device 600 based on the charging time or discharging time of the electrode. 620, a user puff detection function, and a function to control the power supplied to the heater according to the amount of aerosol generated. For example, processor 640 may apply a specific voltage to electrode 620 and measure the charging time of electrode 620. Processor 640 may perform various functions based on the measured charging time of electrode 620 or changes in the measured charging time of electrode 620. In another example, processor 640 may measure the discharging time of electrode 620, since the electrode 620 discharges naturally. That is, when the charging voltage of the electrode 620 matches the applied voltage, the processor 640 can measure the discharge time of the electrode 620 and can perform various functions based on the measured discharge time of the electrode 620 or a change in the discharge time.

[101] In an embodiment, when the aerosol generating article 605 is inserted into a portion (eg, a housing portion) of the aerosol generating device 600, the electrode 620 may be a certain distance from the inserted aerosol generating article 605. For example, the certain distance may refer to a distance at which a change in charging time or discharging time of the electrode 620 that occurs due to the aerosol generating article 605 can be determined. In an embodiment, the electrode 620 can be positioned to match at least a portion of the inserted aerosol generating article 605. For example, the electrode 620 can be positioned so as to correspond to at least a portion of the region in which the aerosol-generating material is located of the aerosol-generating article 605.

[102] FIG. 6B is a view illustrating an example of the electrode position of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment.

[103] As shown in FIG. 6B, aerosol generating device 600 may include a housing 610, an electrode 620, and a heater 650. In an embodiment, aerosol generating device 600 may include a housing portion into which an aerosol generating article 605 may be inserted. For example, housing 610 may be shaped like a cylinder containing an outer circumferential surface and an inner circumferential surface. In this case, the housing portion may refer to the space surrounded by the inner circumferential surface of the housing 610, or the area corresponding to the inner circumferential surface of the housing 610. However, the shape of the housing 610 is not limited to this and may vary according to the manufacturer's design.

[104] In an embodiment, electrode 620 may be positioned separate from the inner circumferential surface of housing 610 toward the outer circumferential surface of housing 610. For example, housing 610 may extend in a first direction (e.g., the +y direction), and electrode 620 may be located separately from the inner circumference of housing 610. the circumferential surface of the housing 610 in a direction (eg, +x direction) perpendicular to the first direction. Also, since the electrode 620 is located separately from the inner circumferential surface of the housing 610 at a certain distance x, the electrode 620 can be interposed between the inner circumferential surface and the outer circumferential surface of the housing 610.

[105] Since electrode 620 is located inside housing 610, noise resulting from data being measured through electrode 620 by the processor can be reduced. If the electrode 620 is positioned to extend outward and contact the aerosol-generating article 605, the electrode 620 may be affected when measuring data due to external material (eg, tobacco leaf, dust, etc.). On the other hand, the electrode 620 of the present disclosure may be embedded in the housing 610 or may not be exposed to the outside by an additional protective layer to prevent contamination by external material and thus reduce noise during data measurement.

[106] In an embodiment of the invention, the electrode 620 may be positioned to correspond at least partially to the region in which the aerosol-generating material 630 is located. For example, the position of the electrode 620 may correspond to the region in which the aerosol-generating material 630 is located when the aerosol-generating article 605 fully inserted into the accommodating portion of the aerosol generating device 600.

[107] In an embodiment, heater 650 may correspond to an internally heated heater. However, the 650 heater type is not limited to this option. The shape of the heater according to various embodiments of the present invention will be disclosed below with reference to FIG. 11A-13B.

[108] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a body of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the body of the aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiment along line AA'. FIG. 7A and 7B may correspond to a specific example of electrode 620 contained in aerosol generating device 600 in FIG. 6.

[109] In an embodiment of the invention, the electrode 720 may be plate-shaped without bends. In an embodiment of the invention, the electrode 720 may be located at a certain distance from the containing portion 715. In this case, since the electrode 720 has a plate shape without bending, the central portion of the electrode 720 may be a distance x from the containing portion 715, and the end portion of the electrode 720 may be at a distance greater than x from the containing area 715. To minimize the difference in the distance between the housing portion 715 and the central portion of the electrode 720 and the distance between the housing portion 715 and the end portion of the electrode 720, the width of the electrode 720 may be substantially small.

[110] FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a body of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view of the body of an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment along line AA'. FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a body of an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment. FIG. 9B is a sectional view of a body of an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment along line AA'. FIG. 8A, 8B, 9A, and 9B may correspond to a specific example of electrode 620 contained in aerosol generating device 600 in FIG. 6.

[111] In an embodiment of the invention, the electrodes 820 and 920 may be in the form of a plate with a special bend. For example, the electrodes 820 and 920 may have bends that are less than the bends of the inner circumferential surfaces of the bodies 810 and 910 and greater than the bends of the outer circumferential surfaces of the bodies 810 and 910. When the electrodes 820 and 920 are shaped like a plate with a bend, all portions (e.g., the central portion, end portion, etc.) of electrodes 820 and 920 may be located at a certain distance from host portions 815 and 915.

[112] In an embodiment of the invention, electrodes 820 and 920 may be located at a certain distance x from the containing areas 815 and 915 and surround at least a portion of the containing areas 815 and 915. For example, the electrode 820 may be positioned to surround only the area corresponding to portion (e.g., 25%) of the circumference of the containing portion 815. In another example, the electrode 920 may be positioned to surround an area corresponding to a portion (e.g., 90%) of the circumference of the containing portion 915. However, the area surrounded by the electrode 620 is not limited to this.

[113] FIG. 10 is a view illustrating an example of an electrode position of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[114] As shown in FIG. 10, aerosol generating device 1000 may include a housing 1010 and an electrode 1020. In an embodiment, aerosol generating device 1000 may include a housing portion into which an aerosol generating article 1005 may be inserted. For example, housing 1010 may be shaped like a cylinder containing an outer circumferential surface and the inner circumferential surface. However, the shape of the housing 1010 is not limited to this and may vary according to the manufacturer's design.

[115] In an embodiment, the electrode 1020 may be in contact with a region of the inner circumferential surface of the housing 1010. In this case, an additional protective layer 1040 may be located on the inner circumferential surface of the housing 1010. The protective layer 1040 may have a certain thickness x, and the electrode 1020 may be at a specific distance x from the inner circumferential surface of the protective layer 1040.

[116] The barrier layer 1040 may be of a different material, color, or pattern than the body 1010. For example, the barrier layer 1040 may be a metallized layer, an oxide layer, or the like formed so as not to react with the aerosol generating article 1005 or aerosol generated by aerosol-generating product 1005.

[117] In an embodiment of the invention, the electrode 1020 may be positioned to correspond at least partially to the region in which the aerosol-generating material 1030 is located. For example, the position of the electrode 1020 may correspond to the region in which the aerosol-generating material 1030 is located when the aerosol-generating article 1005 fully inserted into the accommodating portion of the aerosol generating device 1000.

[118] FIG. 11A is a view illustrating an example of the electrode position of the aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. FIG. 11B is a view illustrating an example of installing an electrode on a heater according to another embodiment. FIG. 11A and 11B may correspond to a particular example of a heater 650 contained in the aerosol generating device 600 of FIG. 6.

[119] As shown in FIG. 11A and 11B, the aerosol generating device 1100 may include a housing 1110, an electrode 1120, and a heater 1150. In an embodiment, the heater 1150 may correspond to a film heater containing patterns spaced at regular intervals. For example, heater 1150 may include a heating pattern 1140 and an electrode 1120. The heating pattern 1140 may be printed on a heater 1150 in the form of a film (eg, polyimide film). Electrode 1120 may be coupled to at least a portion of heater 1150.

[120] In an embodiment of the invention, the electrode 1120 may be positioned such that the electrode 1120 does not intersect with the heating pattern 1140 of the heater 1150. For example, the electrode 1120 may be located in at least region A (e.g., the outer portion of the heating pattern) or region In (inner area of the heating pattern).

[121] FIG. 12A is a view illustrating an example of an electrode position of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. FIG. 12B is a view illustrating an example of the electrode position of the aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. FIG. 12A and 12B may correspond to a particular example of a heater 650 contained in the aerosol generating device 600 of FIG. 6.

[122] As shown in FIG. 12A and 12B, the aerosol generating device 1200 may include a housing 1210, an electrode 1220, and a heater.

[123] In an embodiment, the heater may include an internally heated heater 1230 and an induction coil 1240. For example, the induction coil 1240 may induce an alternating magnetic field to heat the internally heated heater 1230 of the aerosol generating device 1200. In this case, the internally heated heater 1230 may correspond to an example of a current collector.

[124] In another embodiment, the heater may also include only the induction coil 1240. For example, the induction coil 1240 may induce an alternating magnetic field to heat the susceptor 1250 contained in the middle region of the aerosol generating article 1205.

[125] In an embodiment, electrode 1220 may be positioned between the inner circumferential surface of housing 1210 and induction coil 1240. In an embodiment, electrode 1220 may be formed so as not to interfere with the alternating magnetic field generated by induction coil 1240. For example, to prevent reducing the strength of the alternating magnetic field generated by the induction coil 1240, the width of the electrode 1220 can be substantially small.

[126] FIG. 13A is a view illustrating an example of the electrode position of the aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. FIG. 13B is a view illustrating an example of the electrode position of the aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. FIG. 13A and 13B may correspond to a specific example of electrode 620 and heater 650 contained in aerosol generating device 600 in FIG. 6.

[127] As shown in FIG. 13A and 13B, the aerosol generating device 1300 may include a housing 1310 and a heater.

[128] In an embodiment, the heater may include an internally heated heater 1330 and an induction coil 1340. For example, the induction coil 1340 may induce an alternating magnetic field to heat the internally heated heater 1330 of the aerosol generating device 1300.

[129] In another embodiment, the heater may also include only the induction coil 1340. For example, the induction coil 1340 may induce an alternating magnetic field to heat the susceptor 1350 contained in the middle region of the aerosol generating article 1305.

[130] In an embodiment, an electrode (eg, electrode 620 in FIG. 6) may be integrally formed with the induction coil 1340. That is, the induction coil 1340 may heat a heating object (eg, an internally heated heater or susceptor) in by inducing an alternating magnetic field to perform the electrode reading function. A detailed description of the electrode sensing function is presented below with reference to FIG. 15.

[131] FIG. 14 is an electrical diagram of the electrode in FIG. 13A and 13B.

[132] As shown in FIG. 14, a processor (eg, the processor in FIGS. 13A and 13B) may include an induction heating controller 1400 and a sensor controller 1410. In an embodiment, the induction heating controller 1400 may induce an alternating magnetic field via an induction coil to heat a heating object (eg, internally heated heater 1330 or susceptor 1350). In an embodiment, sensor controller 1410 may apply power to the induction coil to detect a change in the timing of charging the induction coil and performing a read operation.

[133] In an embodiment, the induction coil may be selectively controlled by an induction heating controller 1400 or a sensor controller 1410.

[134] In an embodiment, the induction coil may provide heating via the induction heating controller 1400. In this case, the connection between the sensor controller 1410 and the induction coil may be broken. For example, when the induction heating controller 1400 induces an alternating magnetic field through the induction coil to effect heating, switch A and switch C may be set to the on position, and switch B and switch D may be set to the off position.

[135] In an embodiment, power may be applied to the induction coil by the sensor controller 1410, and the induction coil may perform a read operation. For example, the sensing operation may comprise at least sensing that an aerosol-generating article (eg, aerosol-generating article 605 in FIG. 6A) is inserted or removed, reading a spray volume generated by the aerosol-generating article 605, and reading a user's puff. In this case, the connection between the induction heating controller 1400 and the induction coil may be broken. For example, when the sensor controller 1410 performs a read operation based on a change in the induction coil charging time, switch A and switch C may be set to the off position, and switch B and switch D may be set to the on position. In this case, when the induction coil performs a read operation by the sensor controller 1410, one end of the circuit may be open to serve as a GND ground terminal. When switch C is set to off, one end of the induction coil can be opened to serve as the GND ground terminal.

[136] In FIG. 14 shows that the sensor controller 1410 and the induction coil are connected to each other by two lines. However, the embodiments are not limited to the above. In another embodiment, the sensor controller 1410 and the induction coil may also be connected by only one line containing switch B.

[137] FIG. 15 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment.

[138] As shown in FIG. 15, aerosol generating device 1500 may include an electrode 1510, a battery 1520, a processor 1530, and a heater 1540.

[139] In the electrode 1510, when a change caused by the aerosol-generating article occurs, the charge amount may be changed. For example, the change caused by the aerosol-generating product may include insertion and removal of the aerosol-generating product, generation of aerosol caused by the aerosol-generating product, and removal of aerosol by tightening of the user.

[140] In an embodiment, when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1500 and located adjacent to the electrode 1510, the charge amount of the electrode 1510 can be changed in accordance with the dielectric constant s of the components contained in the aerosol generating article. Dielectric constant, which is a characteristic value representing the electrical characteristics of a dielectric, can refer to the degree of polarization generated taking into account an external electric field. In this case, even when the inserted aerosol-generating article is removed, the charge amount of the electrode 1510 can be changed.

[141] For example, the aerosol-generating article may be a cigarette. In this case, the cigarette may contain a wrapping material (eg, an outer sleeve, an inner sleeve, etc.) containing a certain amount of moisture or hygroscopic moisture, and may also contain a solid smoking material (for example, tobacco leaf, granular tobacco material, etc.) .d.), contained in the middle section. In this case, since the dielectric constant of moisture (H ₂ O) is approximately 80 times greater than the dielectric constant of air, the electrode 1510 can be affected by inserting a cigarette even if the wrapping material and the smoking material contain a small amount of moisture.

[142] As another example, when the aerosol-generating article is a cartridge containing a liquid smoking material, the electrode 1510 may be affected by insertion of the cartridge since the liquid has a high dielectric constant.

[143] In an embodiment, since the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the aerosol-generating device 1500, the aerosol-generating article is located adjacent to the electrode 1510, so the charge amount of the electrode 1510 can be reduced. In an embodiment, when the aerosol generating article is removed from the electrode 1510, when the aerosol generating article is removed from the aerosol generating device 1500, the charge amount of the electrode 1510 may be increased.

[144] In an embodiment, processor 1530 may determine whether an aerosol generating article is inserted or removed by using the dielectric constant of components contained in the aerosol generating article. Thus, the material of the aerosol-generating article can be changed. In the aerosol generating apparatus according to the prior art, the insertion of the aerosol generating article is determined by the wrapping paper of the aerosol generating article or the thin aluminum paper contained in the wrapping paper. However, the aerosol generating device according to the present invention can detect insertion or removal of an aerosol generating article even when the aluminum thin paper is not contained in the aerosol generating article. Thus, the material of the wrapping paper can be changed.

[145] In an embodiment, the aerosol is generated by heating the aerosol generating article, the charge amount of the electrode 1510 can be changed in accordance with the dielectric constant of the aerosol.

[146] For example, when the aerosol generating article is heated by the heater 1540, an aerosol having uniform moisture content can be generated. In this case, since the dielectric constant of the aerosol is approximately 80 times the dielectric constant of air, the aerosol can affect the electrode 1510.

[147] In an embodiment, when an aerosol is generated by heating the aerosol generating article, the charge amount of the electrode 1510 can be reduced. In an embodiment, when the aerosol generated by heating the aerosol-generating article is removed by the user's puff, the charge amount of the electrode 1510 can be increased.

[148] In an embodiment, processor 1530 may determine the amount of aerosol generated and the user's puff by using the dielectric constant of the aerosol generated by heating the aerosol-generating article. Thus, the aerosol generating device 1500 can provide a uniform spray volume and can detect a user's puff without an additional sensor module (eg, a puff detection sensor).

[149] Battery 1520 may supply power necessary to drive aerosol generating device 1500. For example, battery 1520 may supply power such that processor 1530 can detect a change in the amount of charge in electrode 1510. Also, battery 1520 may supply power needed to operate other hardware components, such as various sensors (not shown), user interface (not shown), shown) and memory (not shown) contained in the aerosol generating device 1500. Battery 1520 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, battery 1520 may be a lithium-ion (LiPoly) battery. However, the embodiments are not limited to the above.

[150] The processor 1530 may control the operation of the aerosol generating device 1500 as a whole. For example, the processor 1530 may control the operation of other components contained in the aerosol generating device 1500 in addition to the battery 1520. Also, the processor 1530 may check each component of the aerosol generating device 1500, thereby determining whether the aerosol generating device 1500 is in operating condition. condition.

[151] In an embodiment, processor 1530 may determine the change caused by the aerosol generating article based on the voltage of electrode 1510. For example, processor 1530 may determine the change in charge time of electrode 1510 based on the output voltage V _out and the input voltage V _{in of} electrode 1510. Processor 1530 may determine the change caused by the aerosol-generating article based on the change in the charging time of the electrode 1510. A method for checking the voltage of the electrode 1510 by using the processor 1530 will be described in detail below with reference to FIG. 17 and 18.

[152] FIG. 16A and 16B are views illustrating examples of a method for determining the type of an aerosol generating article by using an electrode of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. The aerosol generating device 1600 in FIG. 16A and 16B may correspond to the aerosol generating device 1500 of FIG. 15.

[153] As shown in FIG. 16A and 16B, various types of aerosol-generating articles may be inserted into the aerosol-generating device 1600 through the inner circumferential surface of the housing 1610. For example, the first aerosol-generating article 1650 may have a larger area containing tobacco material than the second aerosol-generating article 1660. In this case, the tobacco material may contain at least solid tobacco material or liquid tobacco material and may be in the form of granules, capsules or the like.

[154] In an embodiment, when an aerosol-generating article is inserted, processor 1630 may determine the type of aerosol-generating article via electrode 1620.

[155] For example, the first aerosol-generating article 1650 may contain more moisture, in accordance with the tobacco material, than the second aerosol-generating article 1660. When the aerosol-generating article is inserted, if the charge amount of the electrode 1620 continues to decrease, the processor 1630 may determine that the first aerosol-generating article 1650 is inserted. Processor 1630 may store a charge reduction amount on electrode 1620 according to the type of aerosol-generating article in memory (not shown).

[156] However, this is an example only, and the second aerosol-generating article 1660 may contain more moisture in accordance with the tobacco material than the first aerosol-generating article 1650, depending on the ratio of the composition of tobacco materials contained in the first aerosol-generating article 1650 and the second aerosol-generating product 1660.

[157] FIG. 17 is a graph for disclosing a method by which a processor according to an embodiment determines a change in electrode charging time.

[158] As shown in FIG. 17, a processor (eg, processor 1630 in FIGS. 16A and 16B) may be coupled to an electrode (eg, electrode 1620 in FIGS. 16A and 16B) in a single line. In an embodiment, processor 1630 may apply an output voltage to electrode 1620 at a certain period so as to charge electrode 1620. In this case, the output voltage may be adjusted by using a pulse width modulation (PWM) technique. For example, processor 1630 may apply an output voltage to electrode 1620 every 50 ms so as to charge electrode 1620.

[159] In an embodiment, processor 1630 may determine an input voltage input from electrode 1620 after applying an output voltage to electrode 1620 a predetermined number of times (eg, twice). For example, the output voltage value may be in the range of 2.8 to 3.3 V. In another example, the output voltage value may be about 5 V. In this case, when the input voltage input from electrode 1620 is maintained as the source voltage V _ref , as shown in graph (a), it can be determined that the event (eg, insertion of an aerosol-generating product, user's puff, etc.) has not occurred. The number of times the 1630 processor applies the output voltage may vary according to the manufacturer's design.

[160] In an embodiment, processor 1630 may determine whether an event has occurred by detecting a change in the input voltage from electrode 1620. For example, when it is determined that the input voltage input from electrode 1620 is lower than the initial voltage V _ref , as shown in the graph ( b), processor 1630 may determine (1700) that the event has occurred. For example, when it is first determined that the input voltage input from the electrode 1620 is below the initial voltage V _ref , the processor 1630 may determine that an event has occurred in which the aerosol-generating article is inserted.

[161] In an embodiment, after the input voltage has fallen below the initial voltage V _ref in accordance with an event occurring, when the processor 1630 applies an output voltage to the electrode 1620 at a certain period, the input voltage can reach the initial voltage V _ref .

[162] FIG. 18 is a graph for disclosing a method by which a processor according to another embodiment determines a change in electrode charging time.

[163] As shown in FIG. 18, processor 1630 and electrode 1620 may be connected to each other by at least two lines. For example, the at least two lines may include a line for applying an output voltage to processor 1630 to charge electrode 1620, and a line for applying an input voltage to processor 1630 to convey the state of charge of electrode 1620.

[164] In an embodiment, processor 1630 may apply an output voltage to electrode 1620 at a certain period, as shown in graph (a). In this case, the output voltage can be adjusted by using the PWM method. For example, processor 1630 may apply an output voltage to electrode 1620 every 50 ms so as to charge electrode 1620. In an embodiment, processor 1630 may apply an output voltage to electrode 1620 and simultaneously determine an input voltage from electrode 1620. For example, when checking the state of charge of electrode 1620 processor 1630 may sense the input voltage while continuing to output an output voltage to charge electrode 1620.

[165] However, FIG. 18 is only an example, and even when the processor 1630 and the electrode 1620 are connected to each other by two or more lines, the processor 1630 may stop the output voltage output when determining the input voltage from the electrode 1620.

[166] FIG. 19A is a graph for revealing the charging time of the electrode of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment.

[167] As shown in FIG. 19A, when the aerosol generating article (for example, the aerosol generating article 605 in FIG. 6) is inserted into the aerosol generating device (for example, the aerosol generating device 600 in FIG. 6) and the aerosol generating article 605 is removed after the user tightens, the electrode charging time changes (for example , electrode 620 in FIG. 6) can be divided into (i) a segment, (ii) a segment, and (iii) a segment.

[168] In an embodiment, a processor (eg, processor 1530 in FIG. 15) may determine insertion of aerosol generating article 605 based on the charge time of electrode 620 in (i) segment. In an embodiment, the processor 1530 may determine and count the user's puff based on the charge time of the electrode 620 in segment (ii) and also control the heating temperature of the heater (eg, heater 1540 in FIG. 15). In an embodiment, the processor 1530 may determine removal of the aerosol generating article 605 based on the charge time of the electrode 620 in segment (iii) and may control the cleaning operation of the heater 1540. Detailed operation of the processor in each segment will be disclosed below with reference to FIG. 20-33V.

[169] FIG. 19B is a graph showing the discharge time of the electrode in FIG. 19A.

[170] As shown in FIG. 19B, when the aerosol generating article (for example, the aerosol generating article 605 in FIG. 6) is inserted into the aerosol generating device (for example, the aerosol generating device 600 in FIG. 6) and the aerosol generating article 605 is removed after the user tightens, the electrode discharge time changes (for example , electrode 620 in FIG. 6) can be divided into (i) a segment, (ii) a segment, and (iii) a segment.

[171] In an embodiment, a processor (eg, processor 1530 in FIG. 15) may determine insertion of aerosol generating article 605 based on the discharge time of electrode 620 in (i) segment. In an embodiment, the processor 1530 may sense the user's puff and count based on the discharge time of the electrode 620 in segment (ii) and also control the heating temperature of the heater (eg, heater 1540 in FIG. 15). In an embodiment, processor 1530 may determine removal of aerosol generating article 605 based on the discharge time of electrode 620 in segment (iii) and may control the cleaning operation of heater 1540.

[172] A graph showing the electrode discharge time in FIG. 19B is a vertical reflection of the graph showing the charging time of the electrode in FIG. 19A, but the embodiments are not limited to this.

[173] In FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrating a case where the aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiment detects insertion of the aerosol generating article. The block diagram in FIG. 20 may correspond to the processor operation in segment (i) of FIG. 19.

[174] As shown in FIG. 20, a processor (e.g., processor 1530 in FIG. 15) may obtain at least a charge time or a discharge time of an electrode (e.g., electrode 1510 in FIG. 15) in operation 2001. In an embodiment, processor 1530 may obtain the charge time of electrode 1510 at based on the input voltage (e.g., the input voltage in FIGS. 17 and 18) input from electrode 1510. For example, the charging time of electrode 1510 may refer to the time required for the charging voltage of electrode 1510 to reach a predetermined initial voltage (e.g., initial voltage V _ref in FIGS. 17 and 18). In another embodiment, processor 1530 may derive the discharge time of electrode 1510 based on the input voltage input from electrode 1510. For example, the discharge time of electrode 1510 may refer to the time required for the charge voltage of electrode 1510 to reach 0 V.

[175] According to an embodiment, the processor 1530 may determine whether the electrode charging time is greater than the set first charge time, or the electrode discharge time is less than the set first discharge time in operation 2003. For example, the set first charge time and the set first discharge time may refer to the charge time and the discharging time, respectively, taken for the charging voltage of the electrode 1510 to reach a predetermined initial voltage V _ref after being reduced by inserting the aerosol generating article.

[176] According to an embodiment, if the electrode charging time is greater than the set first charge time or the electrode discharging time is less than the set first time, the processor 1530 may determine insertion of the aerosol generating article in operations 2005. According to the embodiment, when the electrode charging time is less than the set first charge time or the electrode discharge time exceeds the set first discharge time, the processor 1530 may return to operation 2001.

[177] In an embodiment, processor 1530 may provide power to heater 1540 so as to preheat the heater (e.g., heater 1540 in FIG. 15) in operation 2007. For example, when determining insertion of an aerosol generating article, processor 1530 may provide power to heater 1540 so as to to perform the function of automatically starting the aerosol generating device (eg, the aerosol generating device 1500 in FIG. 15). In this case, the preheater 1540 can be controlled to preheat from 220 to 230°C, 290 to 300°C, or 330 to 340°C. However, the preheat temperature range is illustrative and may vary according to design manufacturer.

[178] FIG. 21 is a graph showing the charging time of the electrode changing when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment.

[179] As shown in FIG. 21, a time segment in which it is determined that an aerosol generating article is inserted into a device (eg, aerosol generating device 1500 in FIG. 15) for generating an aerosol may be divided into a first segment 2100, a second segment 2110, and a third segment 2120. The first segment 2100 may correspond to a segment in which the aerosol generating article waits before being inserted into the aerosol generating device. The second segment 2110 may correspond to a segment in which the aerosol generating article is prepared to be preheated immediately after the aerosol generating article is inserted into the aerosol generating device. The third segment 2120 may correspond to a segment in which the aerosol generating article is preheated.

[180] In an embodiment, the time required to charge an electrode (eg, electrode 1510 in FIG. 15) in the first segment 2100 may be substantially uniform. Even when the electrode 1510 does not include an additional discharge circuit, the electrode 1510 may be continuously discharged. Thus, the electrode 1510 may require a uniform charge time to compensate for the amount of charge lost due to the fact that the electrode 1510 is constantly discharging. Thus, the processor (e.g., processor 1530 in FIG. 15) of the aerosol generating device can continuously apply a uniform voltage to the electrode 1510.

[181] In an embodiment, the charging time of the electrode may increase at time point 2130 at which the aerosol generating article is inserted into the aerosol generating device. In this case, the charging time of the electrode may increase rapidly. In an embodiment, when the charge time 2150 of the electrode 1610 exceeds the set first charge time 2140, the processor 1530 may determine that an aerosol generating article is inserted and control a heater (eg, heater 1540 in FIG. 15) to be preheated.

[182] According to an embodiment, while the aerosol generating article is being preheated in the second segment 2110, the charging time of the electrode 1510 can only be changed within a certain range. According to an embodiment, while the aerosol generating article is preheated in the third segment 2120, the charging time of the electrode 1510 can gradually increase.

[183] In FIG. 22A shows a state before the aerosol generating article is inserted into the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment. In FIG. 22B shows a state after the aerosol generating article is inserted into the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment.

[184] As shown in FIG. 22A and 22B, aerosol generating device 2200 may include a housing 2201, an electrode 2210, a battery 2220, a processor 2230, and a heater 2260.

[185] Electrode 2210 in FIG. 22A may contain positive (+) charges of the first charge magnitude. Thus, when the aerosol generating article 2205 is inserted into the housing portion 2203 corresponding to the inner circumferential surface of the housing 2201, the electrode 2210 in FIG. 22V may lose some of the positive (+) charge picked up by moisture in components (eg, tobacco material 2207, outer sleeve, etc.) contained in aerosol generating article 2205. Thus, electrode 2210 in FIG. 22B may contain positive (+) charges of a second charge amount that is less than the first charge amount.

[186] As shown in FIG. 22B, when the positive (+) charges of the electrode 2210 decrease from the first charge amount to the second charge amount, the charging time of the electrode 2210 may increase. The processor 2230 may determine that the charging time of the electrode 2210 in FIG. 22V is increased based on the input voltage input from electrode 2210.

[187] In an embodiment, processor 2230 may determine that an aerosol generating article 2205 is inserted when determining that the charging time of electrode 2210 has increased. In another embodiment, processor 2230 may determine that the charging voltage of electrode 2210 has decreased based on the fact that the charging time of the electrode has increased. 2210, and can determine that an aerosol-generating article 2205 is inserted based on the reduced charging voltage.

[188] In an embodiment, when it is determined that the aerosol generating article 2205 is inserted, the processor 2230 may apply power from the battery 2220 to the heater 2260. In this case, the heater 2260 may be of an internal type heating. However, heater 2260 is not limited to this and may include at least an internally heated external heater, an induction coil, or a current collector.

[189] In FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating a case where the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment detects a user's puff. The block diagram in FIG. 23 may correspond to the first processor operation in segment (ii) of FIG. 19.

[190] As shown in FIG. 23, a processor (e.g., processor 1530 in FIG. 15) may receive at least a change in charge time or a change in discharge time of an electrode (e.g., electrode 1510 in FIG. 15) in operation 2301. In an embodiment, processor 1530 may determine a change in the amount of generated an aerosol heater (eg, heater 1540 in FIG. 15) based on a change in charging time or a change in discharge time of the electrode. For example, processor 1530 may receive a change in the charge time of electrode 1510 based on an input voltage (e.g., the input voltage in FIGS. 17 and 18) input from electrode 1510. When the charge time of electrode 1510 decreases within a certain time, processor 1530 may determine that the aerosol generated by the heater 1540 is removed.

[191] In an embodiment, processor 1530 may determine whether the charge time profile of electrode 1510 is a negative value and whether the discharge time profile of electrode 1510 is a positive value in operation 2303. For example, when the charge time profile of electrode 1510 is a negative value or Since the discharge time profile of the electrode 1510 is positive, the processor 1530 may determine that the amount of aerosol generated by the heater 1540 is reduced by the user's puff.

[192] According to an embodiment, when the charge time profile of the electrode 1510 is a negative value or the discharge time profile of the electrode 1510 is a positive value, the processor 1530 may determine the user's puff in operation 2305. According to an embodiment, when the charge time profile electrode 1510 is 0 or the discharge time profile of electrode 1510 is 0, processor 1530 may return to operation 2301.

[193] In an embodiment, upon detecting a user's puff, processor 1530 may apply power to heater 1540 so as to generate an aerosol in operation 2307. For example, processor 1530 may provide a certain amount of power to heater 1540 so as to generate an amount of aerosol that is reduced by the user's puff.

[194] FIG. 24 is a graph showing the charging time of the electrode changing upon detection of a user puffing on the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment.

[195] As shown in FIG. 24, a processor (eg, processor 1530 in FIG. 15) may obtain user puff data by monitoring the charge time of an electrode (eg, electrode 1510 in FIG. 15).

[196] In an embodiment, processor 1530 may determine a user's puff based on changes in the charging time of electrode 1510.

[197] In an embodiment, when the charge time profile of electrode 1510 is a negative value, processor 1530 may determine the user's first puff. For example, when the charge time profile determination of electrode 1510 switches from 0 to a negative value, processor 1530 may determine that the user's first puff begins at time point 2400. When the charge time profile determination of electrode 1510 switches from a negative value to 0, the processor 1530 may determine that the user's first puff is interrupted at time point 2410. In another example, when determining the time profile of the charge of electrode 1510 is maintained at a negative value for a certain time, processor 1530 may determine that the certain time is the first segment of the user's puff.

[198] In another embodiment, when the change 2405 in the charge time of the electrode 1510 is greater than the set change or more, the processor 1530 may determine the user's first puff. For example, when the set change is 0.5 seconds and the charge time change 2405 of the electrode 1510 is 0.8 seconds, the processor 1530 may determine that a user puff has occurred. On the other hand, the processor 1530 may also detect the user's puff by varying the charge voltage. That is, when the charge voltage of the electrode 1510 increases by a set change or more, the processor 1530 can determine the user's first puff.

[199] In an embodiment, the charging time of the electrode 1510 may gradually increase from the time point 2410 at which the first puff is interrupted to the time point 2420 at which the second puff begins. For example, when the user's first puff is interrupted, an aerosol may be generated from the aerosol-generating article before the next puff is initiated, and thus the capacitance of the electrode 1510 may be changed due to the generated aerosol. As the capacitance of the electrode 1510 changes, the charge time of the electrode 1510 may gradually increase from the time point 2410 at which the first puff is interrupted to the time point 2420 at which the second puff is performed, and thus the charge time profile of the electrode 1510 may be positive. meaning.

[200] In an embodiment, when the charge time profile of electrode 1510 is negative, processor 1530 may determine the user's second puff. For example, when the processor 1530 determines that the time profile of the charge of the electrode 1510 after the time point 2410 at which the first puff is interrupted switches from 0 to a negative value, the processor 1530 may determine that the user's second puff begins at the time point 2420. When the processor 1530 determines that the charge time profile of electrode 1510 switches from a negative value to 0, processor 1530 may determine that the determination time point should be the time point 2430 at which the user's second puff is interrupted. In another example, when determining the time profile of the charge of the electrode 1510 is maintained at a negative value for a certain time, the processor 1530 may determine the certain time as the second segment of the user's puff.

[201] In FIG. 25A shows a state before the user's puff is detected in the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment. In FIG. 25B shows a state after a user's puff is detected in the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment.

[202] As shown in FIG. 25A and 25B, aerosol generating device 2500 may include a housing 2501, an electrode 2510, a battery 2520, a processor 2530, and a heater 2560.

[203] Electrode 2510 in FIG. 25A may lose positive (+) charges due to the moisture of a component (eg, tobacco material 2507) contained in aerosol generating article 2505. For example, an aerosol may be generated as aerosol generating article 2505 is heated by heater 2560, and electrode 2510 in FIG. 25A may lose positive (+) charges due to the generated aerosol and may contain positive (+) charges of the first charge magnitude. Then, when the generated aerosol is removed by the user's puff 2550, the electrode 2510 in FIG. 25B may contain positive (+) charges of a second charge amount that is greater than the first charge amount.

[204] As shown in FIG. 25B, when the positive (+) charges of the electrode 2510 increase from the first charge amount to the second charge amount, the charging time of the electrode 2510 may decrease. Processor 2530 may determine that the charging time of electrode 2510 in FIG. The 25V is scaled down based on the input voltage input from the 2510 electrode.

[205] In an embodiment, the processor 2530 may determine that a user puff 2550 has occurred when determining a decrease in the charge time of the electrode 2510. In another embodiment, the processor 2530 may determine that the charge voltage of the electrode 2510 has increased based on the decrease in the charge time of the electrode 2510, and may also determine that a user puff 2550 has occurred based on the increased charge voltage.

[206] In an embodiment, processor 2530 may count the number of puffs 2550 of a user. In this case, when the number of puffs counted exceeds the maximum number of puffs preset for the aerosol generating article 2505, the processor 2530 may limit the power supply to the heater 2560. For example, when the maximum number of puffs preset for the aerosol generating article 2505 is 15 and the current number puffs counted is 5, processor 2530 may provide power to heat the aerosol generating article 2505 through use of the heater 2560. In another example, when the maximum number of puffs preset for the aerosol generating article 2505 is 15 and the current number of puffs counted is 16, processor 2530 may limit power to heater 2560 so as to stop heating of aerosol generating article 2505 by heater 2560.

[207] FIG. 26 is a block diagram illustrating a case where power supplied to the heater is controlled by the aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiment. The block diagram in FIG. 26 may correspond to the second processor operation in segment (ii) of FIG. 19.

[208] As shown in FIG. 26, a processor (e.g., processor 1530 in FIG. 15) may obtain at least a charge time or a discharge time of an electrode (e.g., electrode 1510 in FIG. 15) in operation 2601. In an embodiment, processor 1530 may obtain the charge time of electrode 1510 at based on the input voltage (e.g., the input voltage in FIGS. 17 and 18) input from electrode 1510. For example, the charge time of electrode 1510 may refer to the charge time required for the charge voltage of electrode 1510 to reach a predetermined source voltage (e.g., source voltage V _ref in FIGS. 17 and 18). In another embodiment, processor 1530 may derive the charge time of electrode 1510 based on the input voltage input from electrode 1510. For example, the discharge time of electrode 1510 may refer to the discharge time required for the charge voltage of electrode 1510 to reach 0 V.

[209] According to an embodiment, the processor 1530 may determine whether the charging time of the electrode 1510 is greater than the set second charge time, or the discharge time of the electrode 1510 is less than the set second discharge time in operation 2603. For example, the set second charge time and the set second discharge time may be related to charging time and discharging time, respectively, taken to cause the charging voltage of the electrode 1510 to reach a certain voltage at which the aerosol generating article can heat up and generate an initial spray amount of aerosol. In this case, the initial spray quantity may refer to the initial generated quantity, which is determined such that a uniform amount of aerosol is delivered to the user of the aerosol generating product.

[210] According to an embodiment, when the electrode charge time is greater than the set second charge time or the electrode discharge time is less than the set second discharge time, the processor 1530 may supply a first power that is less than the initial power of the heater 1540 in step 2605. According to an embodiment, when the time If the electrode charge time is not greater than the preset second charge time or the electrode discharge time is not less than the predetermined second discharge time, the processor 1530 may determine whether the electrode charge time is less than the second charge time or whether the electrode discharge time is greater than the preset second discharge time in operation 2607. According to an embodiment, when the electrode charge time is less than the set second charge time or the electrode discharge time is greater than the set second discharge time, the processor 1530 may supply a second power that is greater than the initial power to the heater in operation 2609. According to an embodiment, when the electrode charge time is equal to the set the second charge time or the electrode discharge time is equal to the set second discharge time, the processor 1530 may interrupt the operation without supplying power to the heater 1540.

[211] For example, processor 1530 may provide source power to heater 1540 such that an aerosol can be generated by the aerosol generating article. In this case, the heating temperature of the heater 1540 to which the initial power is applied may be 250°C.

[212] The processor 1530 may obtain a charge time or a discharge time of the electrode, and may determine whether the obtained electrode charge time is greater than the set second charge time or the electrode discharge time is less than the set second discharge time. When the obtained electrode charging time is greater than the set second charge time or the electrode discharge time is less than the set second charge time, the processor 1530 may control the power supplied to the heater 1540 so as to reduce the heating temperature of the heater 1540. That is, processor 1530 may determine that the amount of aerosol generated is greater than the original spray amount, and may set the power supplied to heater 1540 as a first power less than the original power so as to reduce the heating temperature of heater 1540 from 250°C to 230°C.

[213] When the obtained electrode charging time is less than the set second charge time or the electrode discharge time is greater than the set second discharge time, the processor 1530 may control the power supplied to the heater 1540 so as to increase the heating temperature of the heater 1540. That is, the processor 1530 may determine that the amount of aerosol generated is less than the original spray amount, and can set the power supplied to the heater 1540 as a second power greater than the original power so as to increase the heating temperature of the heater 1540 from 250 to 270°C.

[214] FIG. 27 is a graph illustrating power supplied to the heater controlled based on the charging time of the electrode in the aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiment.

[215] As shown in FIG. 27, a processor (eg, processor 1530 in FIG. 15) may control power supplied to a heater (eg, heater 1540 in FIG. 15) such that the aerosol generating article generates a uniform amount of aerosol.

[216] In an embodiment, processor 1530 may determine an electrode charge time that is less than a set second charge time in first segment 2700. In this case, processor 1530 may determine that the amount of aerosol generated by the aerosol generating article is less than the initial spray amount based on a certain time for charging the electrode. Thus, the processor 1530 may supply a first power 2730 greater than the initial power to the heater 1540 so that the aerosol amount can reach the initial atomized amount in the first segment 2700. Since the power supplied to the heater 1540 is set to the first power 2730, the charge time electrode can gradually increase and reach (2705) the set second charge time. Then, the charging time of the electrode may exceed the set second charge time after reaching (2705) the set second charge time.

[217] In this case, the processor 1530 may supply a second power 2740, less than the original power, to the heater 1540 so that the amount of aerosol can reach the original spray amount in the second segment 2710. Since the power supplied to the heater 1540 is set to the second power is 2740, the electrode charging time can gradually decrease and reach (2715) the set second charging time. Then, the charging time of the electrode may become less than the set second charge time after reaching (2715) the set second charge time.

[218] In this case, the processor 1530 may apply a third power 2750, greater than the original power and less than the first power 2730, to the heater 1540 so that the amount of aerosol can reach the original spray amount in the third segment 2720. Since the power supplied to the heater 1540, set as the third power 2750, the electrode charging time can gradually increase.

[219] In the embodiment from the first segment 2700 to the third segment 2720, the difference between the amount of aerosol generated and the initial spray amount may gradually decrease. That is, since the processor 1530 controls the power supplied to the heater 1540 based on the electrode charging time, the amount of aerosol generated may approach the original spray amount.

[220] FIG. 28 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment.

[221] As shown in FIG. 28, aerosol generating device 2800 may include an electrode 2810, a battery 2820, a processor 2830, a heater 2840, and a memory 2850. The electrode 2810, battery 2820, processor 2830, and heater 2840 in FIG. 28 may correspond to electrode 2510, battery 1520, processor 1530, and heater 1540 in FIG. 15 respectively. Thus, their repeated description may be omitted.

[222] In an embodiment, processor 2830 may store user smoking pattern data in memory 2850. For example, user smoking pattern data may include at least user puff period data or user puff time data (i.e., inhalation time) .

[223] In an embodiment, processor 2830 may obtain data about the user's smoking pattern from memory 2850, thereby setting an initial spray amount for the aerosol-generating article. The processor 2830 may control the power supplied to the heater 2840 so that the amount of aerosol can achieve an initial spray amount determined based on the user's smoking pattern.

[224] In an embodiment, processor 2830 may obtain the user's puff period data from memory 2850. When the second puff will begin after the first puff has been completed can be determined based on the received user puff period data. Thus, after the first puff, the processor 2830 can control the power supplied to the heater 2840 so that the initial atomization amount of aerosol can be generated by the aerosol generating article before the second puff begins.

[225] In an embodiment, processor 2830 may obtain user puff time (i.e., inhalation time) data from memory 2850. An initial aerosol amount to be sprayed may be set based on the user's puff time (i.e., inhalation time) data received. . Thus, the processor 2830 can control the power supplied to the heater 2840 such that the aerosol in the initial atomization amount can be generated by the aerosol generating article.

[226] In an embodiment, processor 2830 may monitor the charge time of electrode 2810 and may obtain puff data related to a user's puff based on the monitoring result. For example, puff data related to a user's puff may refer to puff data updated from existing user puff data. The processor 2830 may store "5.5 seconds" prior to the user's existing puff period in memory 2850. Then, as a result of monitoring the charging time of the electrode 2810, when the user's puff period changes to "7 seconds", the processor 2830 may reflect the updated puff data "puff period user = 7 seconds" in the user's smoking pattern data and store the updated puff data in memory 2850.

[227] FIG. 29 is a graph showing the charging time of the electrode changing according to the smoking pattern of the user according to the embodiment.

[228] As shown in FIG. 29, a processor (e.g., processor 2830 in FIG. 28) may monitor the charging time of an electrode (e.g., electrode 2810 in FIG. 28) to obtain data about the user's puff period and to store the resulting user puff period data in memory 2850. For example, when the first user 2900 smokes through an aerosol generating device (e.g., aerosol generating device 2800 in FIG. 28), the processor 2830 may obtain the first puff period 2905 as the puff period data of the first user 2900. In another example, when the second user 2910 smokes through the aerosol generating device 2800, the processor 2830 may obtain a second puff period 2915 greater than the first puff period 2905 as data on the puff period of the second user 2910.

[229] If the same initial spray amount of aerosol is to be delivered to the first user 2900 and the second user 2910 with different puff periods, the processor 2830 may control the power supplied to the heater (e.g., heater 2840 in FIG. 28) based on the puff period user.

[230] For example, the processor 2830 may control the power supplied to the heater 2840, which should be the first power, such that an initial spray amount of aerosol can be generated for the first puff period 2905 (e.g., 5 seconds) from the time point at which the first user's puff 2900 begins. In another example, the processor 2830 may control the power supplied to the heater 2840 to be a second power less than the first power, such that an initial spray amount of aerosol can be generated for the second puff period 2915 (e.g. , 8 seconds) from the time point at which the second user's puff 2910 begins.

[231] FIG. 30 is a graph showing the charging time of the electrode changing according to the smoking pattern of the user according to another embodiment.

[232] As shown in FIG. 30, a processor (e.g., processor 2830 in FIG. 28) may monitor the charge time of an electrode (e.g., electrode 2810 in FIG. 28) to obtain the user's puff time data (i.e., inhalation time) and to store the resulting time data. user puffs in memory (eg, memory 2850 in FIG. 28). For example, when the first user 3000 smokes during the first puff period 3020 through an aerosol generating device (e.g., aerosol generating device 2800 in FIG. 28), the processor 2830 may obtain the first puff time 3005 as the puff time data of the first user 3000. In another example, when the second user 3010 smokes during the first puff period 3020 through the aerosol generating device 2800, the processor 2830 may receive the second puff time 3015 as the puff time data of the second user 3010.

[233] When an aerosol in the same nebulized amount is to be delivered to the first user 3000 and the second user 3010 with different puff times (i.e., inhalation times), the processor 2830 may set the initial nebulized amount based on the user's puff time. For example, for the first user 3000 inhaling the aerosol during the first puff time 3005 (eg, 1 second) in the first puff period 3020, the processor 2830 may set the initial spray amount for the first user 3000 as the first initial spray amount. In another example, for a second user 3010 inhaling an aerosol during a second puff time 3015 greater than a first puff time 3005 in a first puff period 3020, the processor 2830 may set the initial spray amount for the second user 3010 to be a second initial spray amount less than the first initial spray amount. spray quantity.

[234] Since the initial spray amount is set based on the user's puff time, the maximum number of puffs (eg, 15) of the aerosol-generating article can be equally provided to users with different puff times.

[235] In FIG. 31 is a flowchart illustrating a case where the aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiment determines removal of the aerosol generating article. The block diagram in FIG. 31 may correspond to the processor operation in segment (iii) of FIG. 19.

[236] As shown in FIG. 31, a processor (e.g., processor 1530 in FIG. 15) may obtain at least a charge time or a discharge time of an electrode (e.g., electrode 1510 in FIG. 15) in operation 3101. In an embodiment, processor 1530 may obtain the charge time of electrode 1510 at based on the input voltage (e.g., the input voltage in FIGS. 17 and 18) input from electrode 1510. For example, the charging time of electrode 1510 may refer to the time required for the charging voltage of electrode 1510 to reach a predetermined initial voltage (e.g., initial voltage V _ref in FIGS. 17 and 18). In another embodiment, processor 1530 may derive the discharge time of electrode 1510 based on the input voltage input from electrode 1510. For example, the electrode discharge time may refer to the time required for the charge voltage of electrode 1510 to reach 0 V.

[237] According to an embodiment, the processor 1530 may determine whether the electrode charging time is less than the set third charge time, or whether the electrode discharge time is greater than the set third discharge time in operation 3103. For example, the set third charge time and the set third discharge time may refer to the charging time and discharging time, respectively, taken for the charging voltage of the electrode 1510 to reach a predetermined initial voltage V _ref after increasing by removing the aerosol-generating article.

[238] According to an embodiment, when the electrode charge time is less than the set third charge time or the electrode discharge time is greater than the set third discharge time, the processor 1530 may determine removal of the aerosol generating article in step 3105. According to an embodiment, when the electrode charge time exceeds the set third discharge time or the electrode discharge time is less than the set third discharge time, processor 1530 may return to step 3101.

[239] In an embodiment, processor 1530 may apply power to heater 1540 so as to remove material mounted on the heater (e.g., heater 1540 in FIG. 15) in operation 3107. For example, when determining removal of an aerosol-generating article, processor 1530 may perform a cleaning operation. when removing material mounted on the heater 1540 by heating the heater 1540 to a high temperature. In this case, the heating temperature of the heater 1540 for the cleaning operation may exceed the heating temperature of the heater 1540 at which the aerosol generating article is heated. For example, to perform a cleaning operation, processor 1530 may control the power supplied to heater 1540 so that heater 1540 may have a temperature range of 450 to 550° C. More preferably, to perform a cleaning operation, processor 1530 may control power supplied to heater 1540 so that the heater 1540 may have a temperature range of 500 to 550° C. However, the heating temperature range for performing the cleaning operation of the heater 1540 is only an example and may vary in various ways according to the manufacturer's design.

[240] In an embodiment, when determining the removal of an aerosol-generating article, the processor 1530 may automatically perform a cleaning operation of the heater 1540. For example, when determining the removal of an aerosol-generating article, the processor 1530 may automatically perform a cleaning operation of the heater 1540 after a set time (e.g., 10 minutes) has passed after the removal of the aerosol-generating article. products. In an embodiment, processor 1530 may automatically stop the cleaning operation of heater 1540 when insertion of an aerosol generating article is detected during the cleaning operation.

[241] FIG. 32 is a graph illustrating the electrode charging time changing when the aerosol generating article is removed from the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment.

[242] As shown in FIG. 32, a time segment in which it is determined that an aerosol generating article is inserted into a device (eg, aerosol generating device 1500 in FIG. 15) for generating an aerosol may be divided into a first segment 3200 and a second segment 3210. The first segment 3200 may correspond to a segment , into which the aerosol-generating product is inserted. The second segment 3210 may correspond to a segment following removal of the aerosol-generating article.

[243] In an embodiment, when smoking occurs before the time point 3220 at which the aerosol-generating article is removed, the charge time of the electrode (e.g., electrode 1510 in FIG. 15) may be increased in the first segment 3200. For example, as the aerosol-generating article is heated at first segment 3200, the temperature of the region in which the electrode is located may also be increased. As the temperature increases, the charging time required to charge the electrode may gradually increase.

[244] When smoking is performed before the time point 3220 at which the aerosol-generating article is removed, since the aerosol-generating article is removed, the charging time of the electrode can be reduced. In this case, the electrode charging time can quickly decrease. In an embodiment, when the electrode charge time 3250 is less than the set third charge time 3230, the processor 1530 may determine that the aerosol-generating article has been removed.

[245] In another embodiment, when smoking is not occurring (3270) prior to the time point 3220 at which the aerosol-generating article is removed, the charging time of the electrode may be substantially uniform in the first segment 3200. Since the electrode may be continuously discharging even when not containing additional discharge circuit, the electrode may need time to charge up to the amount of charge lost due to the fact that the electrode is constantly discharging. Thus, processor 1530 can continuously apply a constant voltage to the electrode.

[246] When smoking is not performed (3270) before the time point 3220 at which the aerosol-generating article is removed, the electrode charging time can be reduced since the aerosol-generating article is removed. In this case, the electrode charging time can quickly decrease. In an embodiment, when the electrode charge time 3250 is less than the set third charge time 3230, the processor 1530 may determine that the aerosol-generating article has been removed.

[247] In an embodiment, processor 1530 may determine whether to perform a cleaning operation on heater 1540 in second segment 3210 based on a change in electrode charge time in first segment 3200. For example, when a significant change in electrode charge time has occurred in first segment 3200, processor 1530 may determine that smoking occurs (3260) before the time point 3220 at which the aerosol-generating article is removed, and thus can perform the cleaning operation of the heater 1540 in the second segment 3210. In another example, when a significant change in electrode charge time has not occurred in the first segment 3200 , processor 1530 may determine that smoking is not occurring (3270) prior to the time point 3220 at which the aerosol-generating article is removed, and thus may not perform the cleaning operation of heater 1540 in second segment 3210.

[248] In FIG. 33A shows a state before the aerosol generating article is removed from the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment. In FIG. 33B shows a state after the aerosol generating article is removed from the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment.

[249] As shown in FIG. 33A and 33B, the aerosol generating device 3300 may include a housing 3301, an electrode 3310, a battery 3320, a processor 3330, and a heater 3360.

[250] Electrode 3310 in FIG. 33A may contain positive (+) charges of the first charge magnitude. The first charge amount may refer to the amount of charge remaining in the electrode 3310 after some positive (+) charges are lost due to the moisture of a component (e.g., tobacco material 3307) contained in the aerosol generating article 3305 located adjacent to the electrode 3310, as shown. in FIG. 33A. Then, when the aerosol generating article 3305 is removed from the housing portion 3303 corresponding to the inner circumferential surface of the housing 3301, the electrode 3310 in FIG. 33V may contain positive (+) charges of a second charge amount greater than the first charge amount.

[251] As shown in FIG. 33B, when the positive (+) charges of the electrode 3310 increase from the first charge amount to the second charge amount, the charging time of the electrode 3310 may decrease. The processor 3330 may determine that the charging time of the electrode 3310 in FIG. 33V is reduced based on the input voltage input from electrode 3310.

[252] In an embodiment, processor 3330 may determine that the aerosol generating article 3305 has been removed when determining a decrease in the charge time of electrode 3310. In another embodiment, processor 3330 may determine that the charge voltage of electrode 3310 has increased based on the decrease in charge time of electrode 3310, and may determine that the aerosol generating article 3305 has been removed based on the increased charge voltage.

[253] In an embodiment, when it is determined that the aerosol generating product 3305 has been removed, the processor 3330 may perform a cleaning operation of the heater 3360. In an embodiment, when it is determined that the aerosol generating product 3305 has been removed, the processor 3330 may perform a cleaning operation of the heater 3360 after a predetermined time has elapsed. (e.g., 10 minutes) from removal of the aerosol-generating article 3305. In another embodiment, after it is determined that the aerosol-generating article has been removed when user input to perform a cleaning operation of the heater 3360 is received, the processor 3330 may perform a cleaning operation of the heater 3360.

[254] FIG. 34 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment.

[255] As shown in FIG. 34, aerosol generating device 3400 may include electrode 3410, battery 3420, processor 3430, and heater 3460. Electrode 3410, battery 3420, processor 3430, and heater 3460 in FIG. 34 may correspond to electrode 1510, battery 1520, processor 1530, and heater 1540 in FIG. 15. Thus, their repeated description may be omitted.

[256] In an embodiment, processor 3430 may include a read processor 3440 and a main processor 3450. Read processor 3440 may include a power delivery module 3442, a controller 3444, and a communications module 3446.

[257] Power delivery module 3442 may receive power from battery 3420 and may provide power to electrode 3410 via controller 3444.

[258] Controller 3444 may apply an output voltage to electrode 3410 and may sense an input voltage input from electrode 3410. In this case, controller 3444 may regulate and apply an output voltage to electrode 3410 in a PWM manner. In an embodiment, controller 3444 and electrode 3410 may be connected to each other by a single line, and controller 3444 may apply an output voltage to electrode 3410 via the line and may sense an input voltage input from electrode 3410. In another embodiment, controller 3444 and electrode 3410 may be are connected to each other by at least two lines, and controller 3444 may apply an output voltage to electrode 3410 via one of the at least two lines and may determine input of an input voltage from electrode 3410 via the other line.

[259] Communications module 3446 may communicate changes in charge time of electrode 3410 determined based on input voltage input from electrode 3410 to main processor 3450.

[260] In an embodiment, the main processor 3450 may determine the input of the aerosol generating product based on the change in charging time of the electrode 3410 received from the communication module 3446. When the data contains information indicating that the charging time of the electrode 3410 is increased, the main processor 3450 may determine that an aerosol generating article is inserted into the aerosol generating device 3410. When it is determined that an aerosol-generating article is inserted, the main processor 3450 may apply power to the heater 3460 so as to perform a preheating operation by using the heater 3460.

[261] In an embodiment, while the sensing processor 3440 periodically monitors the charge time of the electrode 3410, the main processor 3450 may correspond to a low power mode (sleep mode). Upon receiving information from the sensing processor 3440 indicating that the charge time of the electrode 3410 is increased, the main processor 3450 may switch the power supply state of the main processor 3450 from a low power mode to an active mode.

[262] The disclosures of the foregoing embodiments are exemplary only, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and equivalents may be possible. Therefore, the protected scope of the present invention is to be determined by the appended claims, and all differences in the protected scope equivalent to those disclosed in the claims are to be interpreted as being included within the protected scope of the claims.

Claims (38)

1. A device for generating an aerosol, containing: heater; a housing containing a housing portion into which the aerosol-generating article being a cigarette is to be inserted; an electrode located separately from the aerosol-generating article at a certain distance such that the amount of charge varies depending on the dielectric constant of moisture in the aerosol-generating article inserted into the containing portion, and located so as to correspond to at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article; And a processor electrically coupled to the heater and electrode, in this case, the processor receives a change in the value of the electrode charge in accordance with the dielectric constant of moisture in the aerosol-generating product. 2. A device for generating an aerosol according to claim 1, in which the heater contains: a current collector configured to heat the aerosol-generating product; And a coil configured to induce an alternating magnetic field for the current collector, wherein the electrode is disposed between the accommodating portion and the coil. 3. A device for generating an aerosol according to claim 1, in which the heater contains: a current collector configured to heat the aerosol-generating product; And a coil configured to induce an alternating magnetic field for the current collector, in which the electrode and the coil are formed as one. 4. A device for generating an aerosol according to claim 1, in which the heater is configured to heat the interior or exterior of the aerosol generating article by resistive heating, and the electrode is positioned to correspond to the intersection of the aerosol generating article and the heater. 5. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the electrode is positioned to correspond to at least a portion of a region of the aerosol generating article in which the aerosol generating material is located when the aerosol generating article is inserted. 6. A device for generating an aerosol according to claim 1, in which the processor receives at least the charge time or the electrode discharge time, and, when the charging time exceeds the set first charge time or the electrode discharge time is less than the set first time, the processor determines that insertion of the aerosol generating article has occurred. 7. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 6, wherein the processor supplies power to the heater for preheating when insertion of the aerosol generating article is determined. 8. A device for generating an aerosol according to claim 1, in which the processor receives at least a change in electrode charging time or a change in electrode discharge time, and determines the user's puff based on the received charge time change or the received electrode discharge time change. 9. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the processor determines the user's puff when the charge time profile with time is a negative value or the discharge time profile with time is a positive value. 10. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 9, wherein the processor supplies power to the aerosol generating heater when detecting a user's puff. 11. A device for generating an aerosol according to claim 1, in which the processor obtains at least the charging time or the discharging time of the electrode and controls the power supplied to the heater based on the received charge time or discharge time. 12. A device for generating an aerosol according to claim 11, in which the processor supplies a first power less than the initial power to the heater when the charge time is greater than the set second charge time or the discharge time is less than the set second discharge time, and supplies a second power greater than the original power to the heater when the charging time is less than the set second charge time or the discharge time is greater than the set second discharge time. 13. A device for generating an aerosol according to claim 1, in which the processor obtains at least the charging time or the discharging time of the electrode and determines that removal of the aerosol-generating product has occurred when the charging time is less than the set third charge time or the electrode discharge time is greater than the set third discharge time. 14. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 13, wherein the processor applies power to the heater to remove material mounted on the heater when determining removal of the aerosol generating article. 15. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 13, wherein the processor applies power to the heater to remove material mounted on the heater after a predetermined time has elapsed from determining removal of the aerosol generating article.