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WO2024262880A1 - Dispositif de génération d'aérosol et son procédé de fonctionnement - Google Patents

Dispositif de génération d'aérosol et son procédé de fonctionnement Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2024262880A1
WO2024262880A1 PCT/KR2024/008231 KR2024008231W WO2024262880A1 WO 2024262880 A1 WO2024262880 A1 WO 2024262880A1 KR 2024008231 W KR2024008231 W KR 2024008231W WO 2024262880 A1 WO2024262880 A1 WO 2024262880A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
sensor
cartridge
cap
aerosol generating
microcontroller
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
PCT/KR2024/008231
Other languages
English (en)
Korean (ko)
Inventor
정형진
김태훈
박주언
신연지
임헌일
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
KT&G Corp
Original Assignee
KT&G Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from KR1020230109866A external-priority patent/KR20240178646A/ko
Application filed by KT&G Corp filed Critical KT&G Corp
Priority to CN202480019499.2A priority Critical patent/CN120826172A/zh
Publication of WO2024262880A1 publication Critical patent/WO2024262880A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
    • A24F40/42—Cartridges or containers for inhalable precursors
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/10—Devices using liquid inhalable precursors
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/50—Control or monitoring
    • A24F40/51—Arrangement of sensors
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/50—Control or monitoring
    • A24F40/53—Monitoring, e.g. fault detection
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
    • A24F40/46—Shape or structure of electric heating means
    • A24F40/465—Shape or structure of electric heating means specially adapted for induction heating
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/60—Devices with integrated user interfaces

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device and method including a cartridge. Specifically, it relates to an aerosol generating device capable of checking whether a cartridge is replaced with low power.
  • the aerosol generating device may include a cartridge for generating an aerosol.
  • the cartridge may include a storage portion for storing an aerosol generating substance and an atomizing portion for vaporizing the aerosol generating substance.
  • information on whether the cartridge has been replaced and the remaining amount of liquid in the cartridge may be required.
  • an aerosol generating device and a method for driving the same can be provided that can accurately determine whether a cartridge needs to be replaced with low power consumption.
  • An aerosol generating device includes a body having a receiving space into which an aerosol generating article is inserted, a cap detachably coupled to the body, a cartridge detachably coupled to the body, a first sensor detecting whether the cap is detached, a second sensor detecting whether the cartridge is detached, a third sensor detecting a remaining amount of liquid in the cartridge, and a microcontroller electrically connected to the first sensor, the second sensor, and the third sensor.
  • the above microcontroller wakes up when a measurement value detected by the first sensor changes to a preset value or more, determines whether the cap is removed, and if it is determined that the cap has been removed from the main body, detects whether the cartridge is removed using the second sensor during a preset grace period, but if the cartridge is not detected to be removed during the grace period, the microcontroller switches to a sleep mode when the grace period elapses, and wakes up when a measurement value detected by the third sensor changes to a preset value or more during the sleep mode, and re-detects whether the cartridge is removed using the second sensor.
  • An aerosol generating device includes a body having a receiving space into which an aerosol generating article is inserted, a cap detachably coupled with the body, a cartridge detachably coupled with the body, a first sensor detecting whether the cap is detached, a second sensor detecting whether the cartridge is detached, a third sensor detecting a remaining amount of liquid in the cartridge, and a microcontroller electrically connected to the first sensor, the second sensor, and the third sensor.
  • the above microcontroller wakes up when a measurement value detected by the first sensor changes by a value greater than or equal to a preset value, determines whether the cap is removed, and if it is determined that the cap has been removed from the main body, detects whether the cartridge is removed using the second sensor during a preset grace period. However, if the cartridge is not detected to be removed during the grace period, the microcontroller switches to a sleep mode when the grace period elapses, and wakes up during the sleep mode at preset intervals to re-detect whether the cartridge is removed using the second sensor.
  • An operating method of an aerosol generating device includes: a step of waking up the microcontroller and determining whether the cap is detached when a measurement value detected by a first sensor detecting whether the cap is detached changes by a preset value or more; a step of performing detection of whether the cartridge is detached using a second sensor detecting whether the cartridge is detached during a preset grace period when it is determined that the cap has been removed from the main body, and switching the microcontroller to a sleep mode when the grace period has elapsed when the cartridge is not detached during the grace period; and a step of waking up the microcontroller and re-performing detection of whether the cartridge is detached using the second sensor detecting whether the cartridge is detached during the grace period when the measurement value detected by a third sensor detecting a remaining amount of liquid in the cartridge during the sleep mode changes by a preset value or more.
  • the aerosol generating device and method according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can accurately determine whether a cartridge needs to be replaced at low power by generating an interrupt signal for releasing a sleep mode based on a measurement value of a capacitance sensor that detects the remaining liquid amount in the cartridge.
  • Figures 1 and 2 illustrate examples of aerosol generating devices.
  • FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.
  • Figure 4 is a drawing for explaining an example of a method for determining the joining state of a main body and a cap.
  • FIG. 5a is a drawing for explaining the structure of a third sensor according to one embodiment.
  • Figures 5b to 5e are drawings for explaining a method of driving a third sensor.
  • FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining an electrode unit arranged in a main body according to another embodiment.
  • FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining an electrode unit arranged in a main body according to another embodiment.
  • FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method for determining whether a cartridge is detached in an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.
  • Figures 1 and 2 illustrate examples of aerosol generating devices.
  • the aerosol generating device (100) may include a main body (10) including a semi-external body (13), an electrode unit (150), a sensing unit (140), a microcontroller (130), a battery (120), and a housing unit (14).
  • the aerosol generating device (100) may further include a cap (30).
  • the semi-external part (13) may be detachably mounted with a cartridge (20).
  • the semi-external part (13) may include a fixing means physically connected to the cartridge (20) and an electrical contact (18) electrically connected to the cartridge (20).
  • the cartridge (20) may be electrically connected to the sensing part (140), the battery (120), and the microcontroller (130). Power may be supplied to the atomizer (22) from the battery (120) through the electrical contact (18).
  • the microcontroller (130) may determine whether the cartridge (20) is mounted on the semi-external part (13) through the electrical contact (18) or the fixing means.
  • the cartridge (20) may include a liquid storage part (21) storing a liquid composition and an atomizer (22).
  • the electrode unit (150) may be arranged adjacent to the liquid storage part (21).
  • the aerosol generating device (100) may be implemented to accommodate an aerosol generating article (7, for example, a cigarette) in addition to the cartridge (20).
  • the semi-outer portion (13) may include an article receiving portion (12) for receiving an aerosol generating article (7).
  • the article receiving portion (12) is a space for receiving an aerosol generating article (7), and a heater (110) arranged along the circumferential direction of a side of the article receiving portion (12) may be further included in the semi-outer portion (13).
  • the main body (10) may further include airflow paths (15, 16).
  • the airflow paths (15, 16) may be passages for introducing outside air to the aerosol generating article (7) so that an aerosol may be generated from the aerosol generating article (7).
  • the airflow paths (15, 16) may be passages connecting the aerosol generating article (7) and the cartridge (20). Accordingly, the aerosol generated from the cartridge (20) may be transferred to the aerosol generating article (7) through the airflow paths (15, 16).
  • the aerosol generating article (7) may generate the aerosol separately from the cartridge (20). Accordingly, the aerosol generated from the cartridge (20) may be transferred to the user through the aerosol generating article (7) together with the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating article (7).
  • the cap (30) can be detachably coupled to the main body (10).
  • the cap (30) can be coupled to the main body (10) so as to cover at least a portion of the cartridge (20) mounted on the semi-outer body (13).
  • the cap (30) can be coupled to the main body (10) to prevent the cartridge (20) from being unintentionally separated from the aerosol generating device (100).
  • the cap (30) can further include an insertion hole (31) positioned at a position corresponding to the article receiving portion (12) and a slide cover (32) capable of opening and closing the insertion hole (31).
  • the cap (30) may include an electromagnetic wave blocking material. When the cap (30) is combined with the main body (10), electromagnetic waves are blocked from the outside, so the reliability of the electrostatic capacity measurement value obtained by the sensing unit (140) measuring the electrostatic capacity of the electrode unit (150) can be increased.
  • the aerosol generating device (100) When the aerosol generating device (100) further includes an article receiving portion (12), a heater (110), and an airflow path (15, 16), the aerosol generating device (100) can generate an aerosol from both the cartridge (20) and the aerosol generating article (7) and provide the aerosol to the user. Accordingly, the aerosol provided from the device (100) can be diversified, so that the flavor and smoking sensation of the aerosol can be improved.
  • the sensing unit (140) can obtain a capacitance measurement value by measuring the capacitance of the electrode unit (150). For example, if the electrode unit (150) includes a plurality of electrodes, the capacitance measurement value can be obtained by measuring the capacitance between the electrodes. For another example, if the electrode unit (150) includes one electrode, the capacitance measurement value can be obtained by measuring the capacitance between the electrode and the ground.
  • a sensing unit (140), a microcontroller (130), and a battery (120) may be placed inside the housing unit (14).
  • the electrode unit (150) may be placed so as to be spaced apart from the cartridge (20) mounted on the semi-external part (13).
  • An input interface means and an output interface means may be arranged on the outside of the housing unit (14).
  • a button (button, 161) that can be operated by a user may be installed as an input interface means
  • an LED (light-emitting diode, 162) and a screen (163) that display the internal operating status of the aerosol generating device (100) may be installed as an output interface means.
  • the screen (163) may be a touch screen as an input interface means.
  • the microcontroller (130) can indicate a 'normal operating state' based on conditions such as normal operation of the heater (110), sufficient remaining battery power, and sufficient remaining cartridge power by emitting an LED (162).
  • the LED (162) can indicate the internal operating state of the aerosol generating device (100) by emitting light in one of several preset colors.
  • the LED (162) lights up, and the user can check the remaining battery capacity, the total number of puffs, the number of puffs used, or the remaining number of puffs from the light-emitting color of the LED (162). For example, when the LED (162) lights up green, it may mean that there are sufficient remaining puffs to provide the user with a predetermined number of cigarettes, and when the LED (162) lights up red, it may mean that there are insufficient remaining puffs to provide the user with a predetermined number of cigarettes.
  • the status of the aerosol generating device (100), such as the remaining battery capacity, the total number of puffs, the number of puffs used, or the number of puffs remaining, may be output on the screen (163).
  • the total number of puffs, the number of puffs used, or the number of puffs remaining may be output on the screen (163) based on various numerals, such as Arabic numerals.
  • FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.
  • the aerosol generating device (100) may include a heater (110), a battery (120), a microcontroller (130), a sensing unit (140), a user interface (160), and a memory (170).
  • the internal structure of the aerosol generating device (100) is not limited to that illustrated in FIG. 3. Those skilled in the art will understand that some of the hardware configurations illustrated in FIG. 3 may be omitted or new configurations may be added depending on the design of the aerosol generating device (100).
  • the aerosol generating device (100) can generate the aerosol by heating the aerosol generating article.
  • the aerosol generating article can be a cigarette (7).
  • the aerosol generating device (100) can generate the aerosol by heating the liquid composition of the cartridge.
  • the aerosol generating device (100) can generate the aerosol by heating the aerosol generating article and the liquid composition of the cartridge.
  • the liquid composition may be a liquid comprising a tobacco-containing material including a volatile tobacco flavoring component, or may be a liquid comprising a non-tobacco material.
  • the liquid composition may comprise any one or a mixture of components of water, a solvent, ethanol, a plant extract, a flavoring agent, a flavoring agent, and a vitamin mixture, for example.
  • the liquid composition may also comprise an aerosol-forming agent, such as glycerin and propylene glycol.
  • the aerosol generating device (100) may include a cartridge (20).
  • the cartridge (20) may be removably coupled to the aerosol generating device (100).
  • the cartridge may be disposable or reusable.
  • the aerosol generating device (100) may include a heater (110).
  • the heater (110) is powered from a battery (120) under the control of a microcontroller (130).
  • the heater (110) may receive power from the battery (120) to heat a liquid composition of an aerosol generating article or cartridge inserted into the aerosol generating device (100).
  • the heater (110) may be formed of any suitable electrically resistive material.
  • suitable electrically resistive materials may be metals or metal alloys including, but not limited to, titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, and the like.
  • the heater (110) may be implemented as, but not limited to, a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate having electrically conductive tracks arranged thereon, a ceramic heating element, and the like.
  • the heater (110) may be a component included in the cartridge.
  • the cartridge may include an atomizing portion including the heater (110) and a liquid delivery means, and a liquid storage portion.
  • the aerosol generating material contained in the liquid storage portion may move to the liquid delivery means, and the heater (110) may heat the liquid composition absorbed in the liquid delivery means to generate the aerosol.
  • the heater (110) may include a material such as nickel chromium and may be wound around the liquid delivery means or disposed adjacent to the liquid delivery means.
  • the heater (110) can heat an aerosol generating article inserted into the article receiving portion of the aerosol generating device (100). As the aerosol generating article is received in the article receiving portion of the aerosol generating device (100), the heater (110) can be positioned inside and/or outside the aerosol generating article. As such, the heater (110) can heat the aerosol generating material within the aerosol generating article to generate an aerosol.
  • the heater (110) may be an induction heating heater (110).
  • the heater (110) may include an electrically conductive coil for inductively heating the aerosol generating article or cartridge, and the aerosol generating article or cartridge may include a susceptor that can be heated by the induction heating heater (110).
  • the battery (120) supplies power used to operate the aerosol generating device (100). That is, the battery (120) can supply power so that the heater (110) can be heated. In addition, the battery (120) can supply power required for the operation of other hardware components provided in the aerosol generating device (100), that is, the microcontroller (130), the sensing unit (140), the user interface (160), and the memory (170).
  • the battery (120) may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery.
  • the battery (120) may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.
  • the aerosol generating device (100) may include a sensing unit (140).
  • the result sensed by the sensing unit (140) is transmitted to the microcontroller (130), and based on the sensing result, the microcontroller (130) may control the aerosol generating device (100) to perform various functions, such as controlling the operation of the heater (110), restricting smoking, determining whether the cap is detached, determining whether or not an aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is inserted, determining the remaining amount of liquid in the cartridge, displaying a notification, determining the number of puffs, etc.
  • a sensing unit (140) may include a first sensor (141) that detects whether a cap (30) is removed, a second sensor (142) that detects whether a cartridge (20 in FIG. 3) is removed, and a third sensor (143) that detects the remaining amount of liquid in the cartridge.
  • the first sensor (141) may be an inductive sensor that detects a change in inductance of a coil (19 of FIG. 6).
  • the inductive sensor may detect whether a cap (30) is removed or mounted on the main body (10) of the aerosol generating device (100).
  • the inductive sensor may detect a change in inductance of the coil that occurs as the cap (30) is removed or mounted from the main body (10).
  • the cap (30) may include an electromagnetic inductor.
  • the second sensor (142) may be a cartridge detection sensor that determines whether the cartridge (20) is detached or not through current sensing. Current sensing may be performed at a preset cycle.
  • the second sensor (142) may perform current sensing at a cycle of 500 [ms], and the activation time of the sensor may be 200 [ ⁇ s].
  • the cartridge detection sensor includes two terminals connected to the cartridge (20), and can transmit a pulse current through one terminal connected to the cartridge. At this time, the cartridge detection sensor can detect whether the cartridge is connected based on whether a pulse current is received through the other terminal. For example, the second sensor (142) (or cartridge detection sensor) can determine that the cartridge (20) is mounted on the main body (10) if the pulse current transmitted through one terminal is received through the other terminal, and conversely, can determine that the cartridge (20) is removed from the main body (10) if the pulse current is not received through the other terminal.
  • the microcontroller (130) receives continuous result values in the order of a state in which the cartridge (20) is mounted on the main body (10), a state in which the cartridge (20) is removed from the main body (10), and a state in which the cartridge (20) is mounted on the main body (10) from the second sensor (142), it can determine that the cartridge (20) has been replaced.
  • the third sensor (143) may be a capacitance sensor that obtains a capacitance measurement value by measuring the capacitance of the electrode unit (150).
  • the capacitance sensor may measure the capacitance of the electrode unit (150).
  • the electrode unit (150) may include a first electrode, and the capacitance sensor may measure the capacitance between the first electrode and ground.
  • the electrode unit (150) may include a first electrode and a second electrode, and the capacitance sensor may measure the capacitance between the first electrode and the second electrode.
  • the capacitance sensor can be used as a level sensor that measures the water level using capacitance when the cap (30) is mounted on the main body (10), and can be used as a proximity sensor that detects a nearby object using capacitance when the cap (30) is removed from the main body (10).
  • the capacitance measurement value can change when a part of the user's body (e.g., a finger) approaches or leaves the electrode unit (150).
  • the sensing unit (140) may include a puff sensor (not shown).
  • the puff sensor may detect a user's puff based on various physical changes in an airflow passage or airflow channel.
  • the puff sensor may detect a user's puff based on any one of temperature change, flow change, voltage change, and pressure change.
  • the user interface (160) can provide the user with information about the status of the aerosol generating device (100).
  • the user interface (160) can include various interfacing means, such as a display or lamp that outputs visual information, a motor that outputs tactile information, a speaker that outputs sound information, input/output (I/O) interfacing means (e.g., a button or a touch screen) that receives information input from a user or outputs information to the user, terminals for data communication or supplying charging power, and a communication interfacing module for performing wireless communication (e.g., WI-FI, WI-FI Direct, Bluetooth, NFC (Near-Field Communication), etc.) with an external device.
  • wireless communication e.g., WI-FI, WI-FI Direct, Bluetooth, NFC (Near-Field Communication), etc.
  • the microcontroller (130) is a hardware that controls the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (100).
  • the microcontroller (130) may mean a computer that performs a set function by forming a microprocessor and an input/output module into a single chip.
  • the microcontroller (130) analyzes the results sensed by the sensing unit (140) and controls the processes to be performed subsequently.
  • the microcontroller (130) can control the power supplied to the heater (110) so that the operation of the heater (110) is started or ended based on the result sensed by the sensing unit (140). In addition, the microcontroller (130) can control the amount of power supplied to the heater (110) and the time for which the power is supplied so that the heater (110) can be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature based on the result sensed by the sensing unit (140).
  • the microcontroller (130) may set the mode of the heater (110) to the preheating mode to initiate operation of the heater (110) after receiving a user input for the aerosol generating device (100).
  • the microcontroller (130) may detect a user's puff using a puff detection sensor and then switch the mode of the heater (110) from the preheating mode to the operating mode.
  • the microcontroller (130) may count the number of puffs using the puff detection sensor and then stop supplying power to the heater (110) when the number of puffs reaches a preset number.
  • the microcontroller (130) can control the user interface (160) based on the result sensed by the sensing unit (140). For example, when the number of puffs is counted using a puff detection sensor and the number of puffs reaches a preset number, the microcontroller (130) can notify the user that the aerosol generating device (100) will soon be terminated using an output interfacing means.
  • the microcontroller (130) can wake up from sleep mode when the measurement value detected by the first sensor (141) changes beyond a preset value and determine whether the cap (30) is removed.
  • the microcontroller (130) determines that the cap (30) has been removed from the main body (10), it detects whether the cartridge (20) has been removed using the second sensor (142) for a preset grace period. However, if it fails to detect the removal of the cartridge (20) during the grace period, it may switch to sleep mode when the grace period elapses.
  • the microcontroller (130) wakes up when the measurement value detected by the third sensor (143) during sleep mode changes to a value greater than a preset value, and can re-detect whether the cartridge has been removed using the second sensor (142).
  • the microcontroller (130) can determine the total number of puffs that can be generated from the cartridge mounted on the aerosol generating device (100) based on the measurement value of the capacitance sensor. In addition, the microcontroller (130) can determine the number of puffs to be used based on the user's inhalation detected by the puff detection sensor. In addition, the microcontroller (130) can determine the number of remaining puffs by subtracting the number of puffs to be used from the total number of puffs. The microcontroller (130) can notify the user of the total number of puffs, the number of puffs to be used, and the number of remaining puffs by using an output interfacing means.
  • Memory (170) is a hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device (100), and memory (170) can store data processed and data to be processed in the microcontroller (130).
  • Memory (170) can be implemented in various types, such as RAM (random access memory) such as DRAM (dynamic random access memory), SRAM (static random access memory), ROM (read-only memory), EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), etc.
  • RAM random access memory
  • DRAM dynamic random access memory
  • SRAM static random access memory
  • ROM read-only memory
  • EEPROM electrically erasable programmable read-only memory
  • the memory (170) may store data such as the operating time of the aerosol generating device (100), the total number of puffs, the number of puffs used, the number of remaining puffs, at least one temperature profile, and the user's smoking pattern.
  • Figure 4 is a drawing for explaining an example of a method for determining the joining state of a main body and a cap.
  • the main body (10) may include a coil (19) for determining a state of engagement with the cap (30) and the aerosol generating article (7).
  • the first sensor (141) can detect a change in the current flowing in the coil (19) caused by electromagnetic induction between the coil (19) and the electromagnetic inductor (33) depending on the coupling state of the main body (10) and the cap (30).
  • the distance between the electromagnetic inductor (33) and the coil (19) may become closer.
  • the microcontroller (130) may determine the coupling of the cap (30) and the main body (10) based on the change in current.
  • the microcontroller (130) can determine that the cap (30) is separated from the main body (10) based on the change in current detected through the first sensor (141).
  • the first sensor (141) can detect a change in the current flowing in the coil caused by electromagnetic induction between the coil (19) and the electromagnetic inductor (71) depending on the insertion state of the aerosol generating article (7).
  • the distance between the electromagnetic inductor (71) and the coil (19) may become closer.
  • the microcontroller (130) may determine the insertion of the aerosol generating article (7) based on the change in current.
  • the aerosol generating article (7) when the aerosol generating article (7) is separated from the main body (10), a change in current may occur in the coil (19) as the distance between the electromagnetic inductor (71) and the coil (19) increases.
  • the microcontroller (130) can determine that the aerosol generating article (7) is separated from the main body (10) based on the change in current detected through the first sensor (141).
  • the change in current of the coil caused by the electromagnetic inductor (33) of the cap (30) may be different from the change in current of the coil caused by the electromagnetic inductor (71) of the aerosol generating article (7).
  • the change in frequency of the current caused when the cap (30) is coupled to the main body (10) may be greater than the change in frequency of the current caused when the aerosol generating article (7) is inserted into the main body (10).
  • the microcontroller (130) can distinguish and specify the coupling state of the cap (30) and the insertion state of the aerosol generating article (7), respectively, and specify one of the coupling state of the cap (30) and the insertion state of the aerosol generating article (7).
  • the first sensor (141) can transmit the amount of current change in the coil caused by the detachment of the cap (30) to the microcontroller (130) as an interrupt signal.
  • the microcontroller (130) can wake up from the sleep mode when the measurement value detected by the first sensor (141) changes to a preset value or more, and determine whether the cap (30) is detached.
  • the sleep mode can mean a mode in which power is cut off to the remaining components (e.g., heater (110)) excluding the components for detecting whether the cap (30) is detached (e.g., sensing unit (140), memory (170), etc.).
  • the microcontroller (130) may detect whether the cartridge (20) has been removed using the second sensor (142) for a preset grace period (e.g., 5 seconds). However, if the microcontroller (130) fails to detect whether the cartridge (20) has been removed during the grace period, it may switch to a sleep mode when the grace period elapses. At this time, the sleep mode may mean a mode in which power is cut off to the remaining components (e.g., the heater (110)) excluding the components for detecting an object approaching the cartridge (20) (e.g., the sensing unit (140), the memory (170), etc.).
  • the sleep mode may mean a mode in which power is cut off to the remaining components (e.g., the heater (110)) excluding the components for detecting an object approaching the cartridge (20) (e.g., the sensing unit (140), the memory (170), etc.).
  • the third sensor (143) (e.g., capacitance sensor) can also be used to detect whether the cartridge (20) is removed. Even when the liquid in the cartridge (20) is completely exhausted, since the cartridge (20) itself has a dielectric constant, the capacitance sensor can detect whether the cartridge (20) is removed based on the difference between the capacitance measurement value when the cartridge (20) is mounted on the main body (10) and the capacitance measurement value when the cartridge (20) is removed from the main body (10). However, when the cap (30) is removed, the electrode unit (150) can be affected by external noise, so there may be a risk of error in determining whether the cartridge (20) is removed based on the difference in the capacitance measurement value due to the removal of the cartridge (20).
  • the third sensor (143) e.g., capacitance sensor
  • FIGS. 5A to 5E an embodiment capable of accurately measuring whether a cartridge (20) is detached or not with low power will be described.
  • a general driving method of the third sensor (143) (or, capacitance sensor) will be described through FIGS. 5A to 5D, and a driving method of the third sensor (143) in sleep mode will be described through FIG. 5E.
  • FIG. 5a is a drawing for explaining the structure of a third sensor according to one embodiment.
  • FIGS. 5b to 5e are drawings for explaining a method of driving the third sensor.
  • a third sensor (143) may include a transmitter (TDC), a receiver (TRC), and an output unit (INF).
  • TDC transmitter
  • TRC receiver
  • INF output unit
  • the transmitter (TDC) may be configured to supply a driving signal to the electrode unit (150).
  • the transmitter (TDC) may be configured to supply the driving signal to the electrode unit (150) during a first period.
  • the receiver (TRC) may be configured to receive a detection signal from the electrode unit (150).
  • the receiver (TRC) may be configured to receive the detection signal from the electrode unit (150) during a second period following the first period. The first period and the second period may not overlap each other.
  • the output portion (INF) may be configured to transmit a detection signal to the microcontroller (130).
  • the output portion (INF) may be configured to transmit the detection signal to the microcontroller (130) during a second period.
  • the transmitter (TDC) may include a power supply (PSP) and a first switch (SW1).
  • the first switch (SW1) may connect the power supply (PSP) and the electrode unit (150).
  • the power supply (PSP) may supply a driving signal (VDD) or an initialization signal (VSS).
  • the voltage level of the driving signal (VDD) may be higher than the voltage level of the initialization signal (VSS).
  • the power supply (PSP) may supply the driving signal (VDD) to an output terminal when the third switch (SW3) is turned on, and may supply the initialization signal (VSS) to the output terminal when the fourth switch (SW4) is turned on.
  • the receiver (TRC) may include an integrator (ITG) and a second switch (SW2).
  • the integrator (ITG) may output a voltage signal having a voltage level corresponding to the amount of charge charged in the electrode unit (150) to the output terminal (OUT1). That is, the integrator (ITG) may function as a type of sensor channel.
  • the second switch (SW2) may connect the integrator (ITG) and the electrode unit (150).
  • the integrator (ITG) may include an amplifier (AMP), a capacitor (Ca), and a reset switch (SWr).
  • the amplifier (AMP) may include a first input terminal (IN1) connected to a second switch (SW2), a second input terminal (IN2) receiving a reference voltage (Vref), and an output terminal (OUT1).
  • the amplifier (AMP) may be an operational amplifier.
  • the first input terminal (IN1) may be an inverting terminal
  • the second input terminal (IN2) may be a non-inverting terminal.
  • a voltage level of the reference voltage (Vref) may be greater than a voltage level of the initialization signal (VSS) and less than a voltage level of the driving signal (VDD).
  • the capacitor (Ca) may connect the first input terminal (IN1) and the output terminal (OUT1).
  • the reset switch (SWr) may connect the first input terminal (IN1) and the output terminal (OUT1).
  • the output section (INF) may include an analog-to-digital converter (ADC).
  • ADC analog-to-digital converter
  • the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) may receive an output signal from the integrator (ITG).
  • the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) may convert an analog voltage level output from the integrator (ITG) into a digital value and output it to the microcontroller (130).
  • the microcontroller (130) can receive an output signal from an analog-to-digital converter (ADC).
  • ADC analog-to-digital converter
  • the microcontroller (130) can calculate the electrostatic capacitance of the electrode unit (150) using the received digital value.
  • the power supply (PSP) can supply a driving signal (VDD) to the electrode unit (150) during the first period.
  • VDD driving signal
  • SW3 third switch
  • VDD driving signal
  • the first switch (SW1) can electrically connect the power supply (PSP) and the electrode unit (150) during the first period. That is, the first switch (SW1) can be turned on during the first period. Therefore, the driving signal (VDD) can be applied to the electrode unit (150) during the first period.
  • the second switch (SW2) can electrically separate the integrator (ITG) and the electrode unit (150) during the first period. That is, the second switch (SW2) can be in a turned-off state during the first period.
  • the self-electrostatic capacity between the electrode unit (150) and the cartridge (20) may vary, and a difference may occur in the amount of charge charged to the electrode unit (150).
  • the electrostatic capacity between the electrode unit (150) and the cartridge (20) may depend on the amount of the aerosol generating material stored in the cartridge (20). For example, the electrostatic capacity may decrease as the amount of the aerosol generating material stored in the cartridge (20) decreases.
  • the second switch (SW2) can electrically connect the integrator (ITG) and the electrode unit (150) during a second period after the first period. That is, the second switch (SW2) can be turned on during the second period.
  • the integrator (ITG) can receive a detection signal (SI) from the electrode unit (150) during the second period. For example, the integrator (ITG) can output a voltage signal corresponding to the amount of charge charged in the electrode unit (150) to the output terminal (OUT1). At the end of the second period, the voltage level of the electrode unit (150) can be equal to the voltage level of the reference voltage (Vref).
  • SI detection signal
  • Vref reference voltage
  • the first switch (SW1) can electrically isolate the power supply (PSP) and the electrode unit (150) during the second period. That is, the first switch (SW1) can be turned off during the second period.
  • An analog-to-digital converter converts a voltage signal received from an integrator (ITG) into a digital value and transmits it to a microcontroller (130), and the microcontroller (130) can calculate the electrostatic capacitance of the electrode unit (150) using the received digital value.
  • the electrostatic capacitance of the electrode unit (150) means the total amount of electrostatic capacitance between the electrode unit (150) and the aerosol generating material.
  • the first switch (SW1) can electrically connect the power supply (PSP) and the electrode unit (150) during a third period after the second period. That is, the first switch (SW1) can be turned on during the third period.
  • the power supply (PSP) can supply an initialization signal (VSS) to the electrode unit (150) during the third period.
  • the power supply (PSP) can supply the initialization signal (VSS) to the electrode unit (150).
  • the voltage level of the electrode unit (150) can be equal to the voltage level of the initialization signal (VSS).
  • the voltage level of the initialization signal (VSS) can be lower than the voltage level of the reference voltage (Vref).
  • the charge amount of the capacitor (Ca) can be initialized by turning on the reset switch (SWr) during the third period.
  • the reset switch (SWr) may be turned on in a period other than the third period.
  • the microcontroller (130) may switch to the sleep mode when the grace period elapses. If the measurement value detected by the third sensor (143) during the sleep mode changes to a preset value or more, the microcontroller (130) may wake up from the sleep mode and re-determine whether the cartridge (20) is detached or not using the second sensor (142).
  • the preset value may be set as the difference between the amount of charge charged in the electrode unit (150) when an empty cartridge (20) is mounted and the amount of charge charged in the electrode unit (150) when a part of the user's body (e.g., a finger) approaches (or detaches) from the mounted empty cartridge (20).
  • the amount of charge charged into the electrode unit (150) generally varies depending on the remaining amount of the aerosol generating material (or liquid) in the cartridge (20), but as illustrated in FIG. 5e, the amount of charge charged into the electrode unit (150) may additionally vary by an external object (OBJ) approaching the electrode unit (150) (or the cartridge (20)) or departing from the electrode unit (150) (or the cartridge (20)).
  • the external object (OBJ) may be a part of the user's body, such as a finger.
  • the third sensor (143) can transmit the amount of change in electrostatic capacity caused by an external object (OBJ) approaching or departing from the electrode unit (150) as an interrupt signal to the microcontroller (130). This is to determine whether the cartridge (20) is detached or not by considering the user's finger approaching or departing from the electrode unit (150) as an action to replace the empty cartridge (20) when the microcontroller (130) is operating in the sleep mode while the cap (30) is removed, and to release the sleep mode of the microcontroller (130) and to re-determine whether the cartridge (20) is detached or not using the second sensor (142).
  • OJ external object
  • the second sensor (142) may be a cartridge detection sensor that determines whether the cartridge (20) is removed through current sensing.
  • the current sensing may be performed at a preset cycle.
  • the cartridge detection sensor includes two terminals connected to the cartridge (20), and may transmit a pulse current through one terminal connected to the cartridge. At this time, the cartridge detection sensor may detect whether the cartridge is connected based on whether a pulse current is received through the other terminal.
  • the second sensor (142) (or cartridge detection sensor) may determine that the cartridge (20) is mounted on the main body (10) if a pulse current transmitted through one terminal is received through the other terminal, and conversely, if the pulse current is not received through the other terminal, the cartridge (20) may be determined to be removed from the main body (10).
  • the microcontroller (130) When the microcontroller (130) receives consecutive result values in the following order from the second sensor (142): a state in which the cartridge (20) is mounted on the main body (10), a state in which the cartridge (20) is removed from the main body (10), and a state in which the cartridge (20) is mounted on the main body (10), it can determine that the cartridge (20) has been replaced.
  • the second sensor (142) is operated only when the user has a clear will to replace the cartridge (20) (i.e., when the measurement value detected by the third sensor (143) during sleep mode changes by a preset value or more), thereby reducing power consumption and accurately determining whether to replace the cartridge (20) using a current sensing method that is robust to external noise.
  • the microcontroller (130) wakes up when the measurement value detected by the first sensor (141) changes to a preset value or more, determines whether the cap (30) is detached, and if it is determined that the cap (30) is detached from the main body (10), detects whether the cartridge (20) is detached using the second sensor (142) during a preset grace period.
  • the microcontroller can be switched to a sleep mode when the grace period elapses.
  • the microcontroller (130) may switch to a sleep mode when the grace period elapses. During the sleep mode, the microcontroller (130) may wake up at preset intervals and re-detect whether the cartridge (20) is removed using the second sensor (142). At this time, the wake-up of the microcontroller (130) may be repeated multiple times until the cap (30) is mounted on the main body (10).
  • the sleep mode of the microcontroller (130) can be easily woken up by a signal of the microcontroller (130) itself rather than an interrupt signal from the third sensor (143).
  • the microcontroller (130) can determine the total number of puffs that can be generated from the cartridge (20) based on the electrostatic capacity measurement value when it is determined that the cap (30) is mounted after replacing the cartridge (20).
  • the microcontroller (130) obtains a capacitance difference value by calculating a difference between a first capacitance measurement value obtained by measuring the capacitance of the electrode unit (150) at a first time point when the cap (30) is removed from the main body (10) and a second capacitance measurement value obtained by measuring the capacitance of the electrode unit (150) at a second time point when the cap (30) is mounted on the main body (10), and determines the total number of puffs for the second time point based on the capacitance difference value.
  • the first point in time may be the point in time when the cap (30) is separated from the main body (10) or may be the point in time before being separated.
  • the microcontroller (130) may obtain the first capacitance measurement value by measuring the capacitance of the electrode unit (150) at the first point in time through the third sensor (143).
  • the third sensor (143) may measure the capacitance of the electrode unit (150) at predetermined time intervals, and the microcontroller (130) may obtain the last measured capacitance before the cap (30) is separated from the main body (10) as the first capacitance measurement value.
  • the first point in time may be the point in time when the cartridge (20) is separated from the semi-outer portion (13) or may be a point in time before separation.
  • the microcontroller (130) may obtain the first capacitance measurement value by measuring the capacitance of the electrode unit (150) at the first point in time. For example, the microcontroller (130) may obtain the last measured capacitance before the first cartridge is separated from the semi-outer portion (13) as the first capacitance measurement value.
  • the cap (30) is coupled with the main body (10) so as to cover at least a portion of the cartridge (20) mounted on the semi-outer body (13), so that the time at which the cap (30) is separated from the main body (10) and the time at which the cartridge (20) is separated from the semi-outer body (13) can be the same.
  • the second time point may be the time point when the cap (30) is mounted on the main body (10) or a time point after the cap (30) is mounted.
  • the microcontroller (130) can obtain the second electrostatic capacity measurement value by measuring the electrostatic capacity of the electrode unit (150) at the second time point through the third sensor (143).
  • the third sensor (143) can measure the electrostatic capacity of the electrode unit (150) at predetermined time intervals, and the microcontroller (130) can obtain the electrostatic capacity measured for the first time when the cap (30) is mounted on the main body (10) as the second electrostatic capacity measurement value.
  • the second point in time may be the point in time when the second cartridge is mounted on the semi-outer portion (13) or a point in time after the second cartridge is mounted.
  • the microcontroller (130) may obtain the second electrostatic capacity measurement value by measuring the electrostatic capacity of the electrode unit (150) at the second point in time. For example, the microcontroller (130) may obtain the electrostatic capacity measured for the first time when the second cartridge is mounted on the semi-outer portion (13) as the second electrostatic capacity measurement value.
  • the cap (30) is coupled with the main body (10) so as to cover at least a portion of the cartridge (20) mounted on the semi-outer portion (13), the point in time when the cap (30) is mounted on the main body (10) and the point in time when the cartridge is mounted on the semi-outer portion (13) may be the same.
  • the microcontroller (130) can obtain a capacitance difference value by calculating the difference between the first capacitance measurement value and the second capacitance measurement value.
  • the capacitance difference value can be a value obtained by subtracting the second capacitance measurement value from the first capacitance measurement value.
  • the capacitance difference value can be a value obtained by subtracting the first capacitance measurement value from the second capacitance measurement value.
  • the capacitance difference value can be an absolute value of the difference between the first capacitance measurement value and the second capacitance measurement value.
  • the microcontroller (130) can determine the total number of puffs that can be generated from the cartridge mounted on the aerosol generating device (100) based on the difference in electrostatic capacitance.
  • the microcontroller (130) can determine the total number of puffs for the second time point.
  • the total number of puffs for the second time point may be the number of puffs that can generate an aerosol expected from the cartridge (20) mounted on the semi-external part (13) at the second time point.
  • the total number of puffs for the first time point may be the number of puffs that can generate an aerosol expected from the cartridge (20) mounted on the semi-external part (13) at the first time point.
  • the microcontroller (130) can determine the remaining puff count by subtracting the number of used puffs based on the user's inhalation from the total number of puffs.
  • the number of used puffs may be the number of puffs counted by the user's inhalation as the user uses the aerosol generating device (100). For example, if the total number of puffs is 450 and the number of used puffs counted as the user inhaled 80 times is 80, the remaining number of puffs may be 370.
  • the microcontroller (130) can determine the remaining number of puffs for the second time point by subtracting the number of puffs used for the second time point from the total number of puffs for the second time point. At this time, the number of puffs used for the second time point may be the number of puffs according to the user's inhalation counted based on the second time point. In addition, the microcontroller (130) can determine the remaining number of puffs for the first time point by subtracting the number of puffs used for the first time point from the total number of puffs for the first time point. At this time, the number of puffs used for the first time point may be the number of puffs according to the user's inhalation counted based on the first time point.
  • FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining an electrode unit arranged in a main body according to another embodiment.
  • the electrode unit (150) may be placed inside the housing unit (14) so as to be spaced apart from the cartridge (20).
  • the first electrode (151) and the second electrode (152) may be placed toward the cartridge (20). Additionally, the first electrode (151) and the second electrode (152) may be placed in the longitudinal direction (X) of the aerosol generating device (100).
  • the first electrode (151) and the second electrode (152) can be mounted on a PCB (155).
  • the PCB (155) can be electrically connected to a sensing unit (140) and a microcontroller (130).
  • the main body (10) may include a shield (17) arranged between the electrode unit (150) and the article receiving portion (12).
  • the shield (17) may include an electromagnetic wave blocking material to block electromagnetic interference between the electrode unit (150) and a coil (19) for detecting whether the cap (30 of FIG. 4) is detached and/or whether the aerosol generating article (7) is inserted.
  • the shield (17) may include a material capable of blocking EMI (Electro Magnetic Interference).
  • the first electrode (151) may be charged with a positive charge
  • the second electrode (152) may be charged with a negative charge.
  • the capacitance between the first electrode (151) and the second electrode (152) may vary depending on the amount of liquid composition stored in the cartridge (20) and/or the presence or absence of an external object approaching the cartridge (20).
  • the third sensor (143) can obtain a capacitance measurement value by measuring the capacitance of the electrode unit (150).
  • the microcontroller (130) can wake up from sleep mode or determine the total number of puffs based on the capacitance measurement value.
  • FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining an electrode unit arranged in a main body according to another embodiment.
  • the electrode unit (150) may be arranged inside the housing unit (14) so as to be spaced apart from the cartridge (20).
  • the first electrode (153) may be arranged toward the cartridge (20), and the second electrode (154) may be arranged toward the first electrode (153).
  • the first electrode (153) and the second electrode (154) may be arranged in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction (X) of the aerosol generating device (100).
  • the first electrode (153) and the second electrode (154) may be arranged in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X) of the aerosol generating device (100).
  • the main body (10) may further include a shield (17) and a coil (19) as in Fig. 6.
  • the first electrode (153) may be charged with a positive charge, and the second electrode (154) may be grounded.
  • the capacitance between the first electrode (153) and the second electrode (154) may vary depending on the amount of liquid composition stored in the cartridge (20) and/or the presence or absence of an external object approaching the cartridge (20).
  • the third sensor (143) can obtain a capacitance measurement value by measuring the capacitance of the electrode unit (150).
  • the microcontroller (130) can wake up from sleep mode or determine the total number of puffs based on the capacitance measurement value.
  • Fig. 8 is a flow chart for explaining a method for determining whether a cartridge is detached in an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. At this time, it goes without saying that not only the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 8 but also the embodiments described above in Figs. 1 to 7 can be applied to the operating method of the aerosol generating device.
  • the operating method of the aerosol generating device (100) comprises: a step (S10) of waking up the microcontroller (130) and determining whether the cap (30) is removed when a measurement value detected by a first sensor (141) for detecting whether the cap (30) is removed changes to a preset value or more; a step (S20) of detecting whether the cartridge (20) is removed using a second sensor (142) for detecting whether the cartridge (20) is removed during a preset grace period if it is determined that the cap (30) is removed from the main body (10); and a step (S30) of switching the microcontroller (130) to a sleep mode when the grace period elapses if the removal of the cartridge (20) is not detected during the grace period; and a step (S40) of waking up the microcontroller (130) and determining whether the second sensor (142) for detecting whether the cartridge (20) is removed changes to a preset value or more during the sleep mode if a measurement value detected
  • the first sensor (141) can detect a change in the current flowing in the coil (19) caused by electromagnetic induction between the coil (19) and the electromagnetic inductor (33) depending on the coupling state of the main body (10) and the cap (30).
  • the distance between the electromagnetic inductor (33) and the coil (19) may become closer.
  • the electromagnetic inductor (33) approaches the coil (19) a change in current may occur in the coil (19), and the first sensor (141) may detect this.
  • the microcontroller (130) may determine the coupling of the cap (30) and the main body (10) based on the change in current.
  • the microcontroller (130) can determine that the cap (30) is separated from the main body (10) based on the change in current detected through the first sensor (141).
  • the first sensor (141) can transmit the amount of current change in the coil caused by the detachment of the cap (30) to the microcontroller (130) as an interrupt signal.
  • the microcontroller (130) can wake up from the sleep mode when the measurement value detected by the first sensor (141) changes to a preset value or more, and determine whether the cap (30) is detached.
  • the sleep mode can mean a mode in which power is cut off to the remaining components (e.g., heater (110)) excluding the components for detecting whether the cap (30) is detached (e.g., sensing unit (140), memory (170), etc.).
  • the microcontroller (130) may detect whether the cartridge (20) is detached using the second sensor (142) for a preset grace period (e.g., 5 seconds).
  • the second sensor (142) may be a cartridge detection sensor that determines whether the cartridge (20) is detached through current sensing.
  • the current sensing may be performed at a preset cycle.
  • the second sensor (142) may perform current sensing at a cycle of 500 [ms], and the activation time of the sensor may be 200 [ms].
  • the cartridge detection sensor includes two terminals connected to the cartridge (20) and may transmit a pulse current through one terminal connected to the cartridge.
  • the cartridge detection sensor may detect whether the cartridge is connected based on whether a pulse current is received through the other terminal.
  • the second sensor (142) (or cartridge detection sensor) may determine that the cartridge (20) is mounted in the main body (10) when a pulse current transmitted through one terminal is received through the other terminal, and conversely, may determine that the cartridge (20) is removed from the main body (10) when the pulse current is not received through the other terminal.
  • the microcontroller (130) may determine that the cartridge (20) has been replaced when it receives consecutive result values in the following order from the second sensor (142): a state in which the cartridge (20) is mounted in the main body (10), a state in which the cartridge (20) is removed from the main body (10), and a state in which the cartridge (20) is mounted in the main body (10).
  • the microcontroller (130) may switch to a sleep mode when the grace period elapses.
  • the sleep mode may mean a mode in which power is cut off to the remaining components (e.g., heater (110)) except for the components for detecting an object approaching the cartridge (e.g., sensing unit (140), memory (170), etc.).
  • step S30 the microcontroller (130) wakes up from the sleep mode when the measurement value detected by the third sensor (143) changes to a preset value or more during the sleep mode, and can re-determine whether the cartridge (20) is detached or not using the second sensor (142).
  • the preset value can be set as the difference between the amount of charge charged in the electrode unit (150) when an empty cartridge (20) is mounted and the amount of charge charged in the electrode unit (150) when a part of the user's body (e.g., a finger) approaches (or detaches) from the mounted empty cartridge (20).
  • the third sensor (143) may be a capacitance sensor that obtains a capacitance measurement value by measuring the capacitance of the electrode unit (150).
  • the capacitance sensor can measure the capacitance of the electrode unit (150).
  • the third sensor (143) can transmit the amount of change in electrostatic capacity caused by an external object (OBJ) approaching or departing from the electrode unit (150) as an interrupt signal to the microcontroller (130). This is to determine whether the cartridge (20) is detached or not by considering the user's finger approaching or departing from the electrode unit (150) as an action to replace the empty cartridge (20) when the microcontroller (130) is operating in sleep mode while the cap (30) is removed, and to release the sleep mode of the microcontroller (130) and to re-determine whether the cartridge (20) is detached or not using the second sensor (142).
  • OJ external object
  • the second sensor (142) is operated only when the user has a clear will to replace the cartridge (20) (i.e., when the measurement value detected by the third sensor (143) during sleep mode changes by a preset value or more), thereby reducing power consumption and accurately determining whether to replace the cartridge (20) using a current sensing method that is robust to external noise.
  • Computer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a computer and includes both volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. Additionally, computer-readable media can include both computer storage media and communication media.
  • Computer storage media includes both volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data.
  • Communication media typically includes computer-readable instructions, data structures, other data, such as program modules, in a modulated data signal, or other transport mechanism, and includes any information delivery media.
  • the aerosol generating device and method according to various embodiments of the present invention can check whether the cartridge needs to be replaced at low power by generating an interrupt signal for releasing the sleep mode according to the measurement value of an electrostatic capacity sensor that detects the remaining amount of liquid inside the cartridge.

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  • Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)

Abstract

Un dispositif de génération d'aérosol, selon un mode de réalisation, comprend : un corps principal comprenant une unité de corps principal ayant un espace de réception dans lequel un article de génération d'aérosol est inséré ; un capuchon couplé de manière amovible au corps principal ; une cartouche couplée de manière amovible à l'unité de corps principal ; un premier capteur pour détecter si le capuchon est détaché ; un deuxième capteur pour détecter si la cartouche est détachée ; un troisième capteur pour détecter la quantité de liquide restante dans la cartouche ; et un microcontrôleur connecté électriquement au premier capteur, au deuxième capteur et au troisième capteur. Le microcontrôleur est réveillé lorsqu'une valeur de mesure détectée par le premier capteur change en une valeur prédéfinie ou en une valeur supérieure, et détermine ainsi si le capuchon est détaché, et si le capuchon est déterminé comme étant retiré du corps principal, effectue une détection du détachement de la cartouche, en utilisant le deuxième capteur pendant un temps de grâce prédéfini, et si le détachement de la cartouche ne peut pas être détecté pendant le temps de grâce, est commuté vers un mode de veille lorsque le temps de grâce s'écoule, et est réveillé lorsqu'une valeur de mesure détectée par le troisième capteur change à une valeur prédéfinie ou plus pendant le mode de veille, et effectue ainsi la détection du fait que la cartouche est détachée, à l'aide du deuxième capteur.
PCT/KR2024/008231 2023-06-22 2024-06-14 Dispositif de génération d'aérosol et son procédé de fonctionnement Pending WO2024262880A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CN202480019499.2A CN120826172A (zh) 2023-06-22 2024-06-14 气溶胶生成装置及其操作方法

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KR20230080561 2023-06-22
KR10-2023-0080561 2023-06-22
KR1020230109866A KR20240178646A (ko) 2023-06-22 2023-08-22 에어로졸 생성 장치 및 그 작동 방법
KR10-2023-0109866 2023-08-22

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WO2024262880A1 true WO2024262880A1 (fr) 2024-12-26

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Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2018138749A1 (fr) * 2017-01-24 2018-08-02 日本たばこ産業株式会社 Dispositif d'inhalation et procédé et programme pour son fonctionnement
WO2019197170A1 (fr) * 2018-04-10 2019-10-17 Philip Morris Products S.A. Article de génération d'aérosol comprenant un élément chauffant
KR20200126828A (ko) * 2019-04-30 2020-11-09 주식회사 케이티앤지 에어로졸 생성 장치 및 그의 동작 방법
KR20200127819A (ko) * 2019-05-03 2020-11-11 주식회사 이엠텍 휴대용 에어로졸 발생장치 내에 적용될 수 있는 액상 카트리지 내의 액상 잔량 측정 구조
KR20210138547A (ko) * 2020-02-07 2021-11-19 주식회사 케이티앤지 에어로졸 생성 장치 및 그 동작 방법

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2018138749A1 (fr) * 2017-01-24 2018-08-02 日本たばこ産業株式会社 Dispositif d'inhalation et procédé et programme pour son fonctionnement
WO2019197170A1 (fr) * 2018-04-10 2019-10-17 Philip Morris Products S.A. Article de génération d'aérosol comprenant un élément chauffant
KR20200126828A (ko) * 2019-04-30 2020-11-09 주식회사 케이티앤지 에어로졸 생성 장치 및 그의 동작 방법
KR20200127819A (ko) * 2019-05-03 2020-11-11 주식회사 이엠텍 휴대용 에어로졸 발생장치 내에 적용될 수 있는 액상 카트리지 내의 액상 잔량 측정 구조
KR20210138547A (ko) * 2020-02-07 2021-11-19 주식회사 케이티앤지 에어로졸 생성 장치 및 그 동작 방법

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