KR102586969B1 - Aerosol generating device - Google Patents

Abstract

An aerosol generating device is disclosed. The aerosol generating device of the present disclosure includes a cartridge containing an aerosol generating material; a housing including an inner wall portion defining an insertion space into which the cartridge is inserted; and at least one type detection sensor that outputs a signal corresponding to the type of the cartridge, wherein the cartridge has a feature formed in a shape corresponding to the type on one of a plurality of external surfaces in contact with the inner wall portion. It may include at least one type detection sensor, and may be disposed adjacent to the insertion space so as to contact the feature when the cartridge is inserted.

Description

Aerosol generating device {AEROSOL GENERATING DEVICE}

This disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device.

An aerosol generating device is intended to extract certain components from a medium or material through aerosol. The medium may contain substances of various compositions. Substances included in the medium may be flavor substances of various ingredients. For example, substances included in the medium may include nicotine ingredients, herbal ingredients, and/or coffee ingredients. Recently, much research has been conducted on such aerosol generating devices.

The present disclosure aims to solve the above-described problems and other problems.

Another purpose may be to provide an aerosol generating device that can accurately determine the type of a removable cartridge and operate according to the type of cartridge.

An aerosol generating device according to one aspect of the present disclosure for achieving the above-described object includes: a cartridge containing an aerosol generating material; a housing including an inner wall portion defining an insertion space into which the cartridge is inserted; and at least one type detection sensor that outputs a signal corresponding to the type of the cartridge, wherein the cartridge has a feature formed in a shape corresponding to the type on one of a plurality of external surfaces in contact with the inner wall portion. It may include at least one type detection sensor, and may be disposed adjacent to the insertion space so as to contact the feature when the cartridge is inserted.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the type of cartridge is determined based on physical contact between the feature formed on the outer surface of the cartridge coupled to the main body and the sensor that detects the type of cartridge, so that external environmental factors and Regardless, the type of cartridge can be accurately determined.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the mode can be changed and set in various ways according to the type of cartridge, so the user can use various cartridges even if equipped with one main body.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the mode of the aerosol generating device can be automatically changed and set depending on the type of cartridge, thereby improving user convenience.

Additional scope of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description that follows. However, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure may be clearly understood by those skilled in the art, the detailed description and specific embodiments, such as preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, should be understood as being given by way of example only.

Figure 1. This is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figures 2 to 4. These are drawings referenced in the description of the aerosol generating device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
Figure 5 is a flowchart showing a method of operating an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
6 to 15 are drawings referenced in the description of the aerosol generating device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in the present specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, identical or similar components will be assigned the same reference numbers regardless of reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions thereof will be omitted.

The suffixes “module” and “part” for components used in the following description are given or used interchangeably only for the ease of preparing the specification, and do not have distinct meanings or roles in themselves.

Additionally, in describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that detailed descriptions of related known technologies may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, the detailed descriptions will be omitted. In addition, the attached drawings are only for easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical idea disclosed in this specification is not limited by the attached drawings, and all changes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present disclosure are not limited. , should be understood to include equivalents or substitutes.

Terms containing ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms. The above terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

When a component is said to be "connected" or "connected" to another component, it is understood that it may be directly connected to or connected to the other component, but that other components may exist in between. It should be. On the other hand, when it is mentioned that a component is “directly connected” or “directly connected” to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Figure 1. This is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device 100 includes a communication interface 110, an input/output interface 120, an aerosol generating module 130, a memory 140, a sensor module 150, a battery 160, and/ Alternatively, it may include a control unit 170.

In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 may be composed of only the main body, and in this case, the components included in the aerosol generating device 100 may be located in the main body. In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 may be composed of a cartridge holding an aerosol generating material and a main body. In this case, the components included in the aerosol generating device 100 may be located in at least one of the main body and the cartridge. You can.

The communication interface 110 may include at least one communication module for communication with an external device and/or a network. For example, the communication interface 110 may include a communication module for wired communication, such as USB (universal serial bus). For example, the communication interface 110 includes a communication module for wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity), Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy (BLE), Zigbee, and near field communication (NFC). It can be included.

The input/output interface 120 may include an input device that receives commands from a user and/or an output device that outputs information to the user. For example, the input device may include a touch panel, physical buttons, microphone, etc. For example, output devices include display devices that output visual information such as displays and light emitting diodes (LEDs), audio devices that output auditory information such as speakers and buzzers, and tactile information such as haptic effects. It may include a motor, etc.

The input/output interface 120 can transmit data corresponding to a command input from the user through an input device to other component(s) of the aerosol generating device 100, and other components of the aerosol generating device 100 ( Information corresponding to the data received from) can be output through an output device.

The aerosol generation module 130 may generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material. Here, the aerosol-generating material may refer to any one material or a combination of two or more materials in various states, such as a liquid state, a solid state, or a gel state, that can generate an aerosol.

The aerosol-generating material in a liquid state may be a liquid containing tobacco-containing substances including volatile tobacco flavor components according to one embodiment, and may be a liquid containing non-tobacco substances according to another embodiment. For example, liquid aerosol-generating substances may include water, solvents, nicotine, plant extracts, fragrances, flavoring agents, vitamin mixtures, etc.

Solid aerosol-generating materials may include solid materials based on tobacco raw materials, such as leaf sheets, cut fillers, and granules. Additionally, solid aerosol-generating materials may include solid materials containing taste control agents, flavoring agents, etc. For example, the taste modifier may include calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, calcium oxide, etc. For example, the flavoring material may include natural substances such as herb granules, or silica, zeolite, dextrin, etc. containing fragrance ingredients.

Additionally, the aerosol-generating material may further include an aerosol-forming agent such as glycerin or propylene glycol.

The aerosol generation module 130 may include at least one heater.

The aerosol generation module 130 may include an electrically resistive heater. For example, an electrically resistive heater may include at least one electrically conductive track and may be heated by an electric current flowing through the electrically conductive track. At this time, the aerosol-generating material may be heated by a heated electrical resistance heater.

The electrically conductive track may include an electrically resistive material. As an example, the electrically conductive track may be formed of a metallic material. As another example, the electrically conductive track may be formed of a ceramic material, carbon, a metal alloy, or a composite of a ceramic material and a metal.

Electrical resistive heaters can include electrically conductive tracks formed in various shapes. For example, the electrically conductive track can be formed in any one of a tubular shape, a plate shape, a needle shape, a rod shape, and a coil shape.

The aerosol generation module 130 may include a heater using an induction heating method. For example, an induction heater may include an electrically conductive coil, and may generate an alternating magnetic field whose direction changes periodically by adjusting the current flowing through the electrically conductive coil. At this time, when an alternating magnetic field is applied to the magnetic material, energy loss due to eddy current loss and hysteresis loss may occur in the magnetic material, and as the lost energy is released as heat energy, aerosol adjacent to the magnetic material The resulting material may be heated. Here, an object that generates heat by a magnetic field may be named a susceptor.

Meanwhile, the aerosol generation module 130 may generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material by generating ultrasonic vibration.

The aerosol generation module 130 may be named a cartomizer, atomizer, vaporizer, etc.

The memory 140 can store programs for processing and controlling each signal in the control unit 170, and can store processed data and data to be processed.

For example, the memory 140 stores application programs designed for the purpose of performing various tasks that can be processed by the control unit 170, and selects some of the stored application programs at the request of the control unit 170. can be provided.

For example, the memory 140 may store the operation time of the aerosol generating device 100, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, data on the user's inhalation pattern, etc. Here, the puff may refer to the user's inhalation, and inhalation may refer to a situation in which the user pulls the puff into the user's oral cavity, nasal cavity, or lungs through the mouth or nose.

The memory 140 is volatile memory (e.g., DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, etc.), non-volatile memory (e.g., flash memory, hard disk drive (HDD), solid state drive (Solid- It may include at least one of state drive (SSD), etc.).

The sensor module 150 may include at least one sensor.

For example, the sensor module 150 may include a sensor that detects a puff (hereinafter referred to as a puff sensor). At this time, the puff sensor may be implemented by a proximity sensor such as an IR sensor, a pressure sensor, a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, a magnetic field sensor, etc.

For example, the sensor module 150 may include a sensor (hereinafter referred to as a temperature sensor) that detects the temperature of the heater included in the aerosol generating module 130, the temperature of the aerosol generating material, etc. At this time, the heater included in the aerosol generation module 130 may serve as a temperature sensor. For example. The electrically resistive material of the heater may be a material having a temperature coefficient of resistance, and the sensor module 150 may sense the temperature of the heater by measuring the resistance of the heater that varies depending on temperature.

For example, when a stick can be inserted into the main body of the aerosol generating device 100, the sensor module 150 may include a sensor that detects insertion of the stick (hereinafter, a stick detection sensor).

For example, when the aerosol generating device 100 includes a cartridge, the sensor module 150 may include a sensor (hereinafter referred to as a cartridge detection sensor) that detects the attachment/detachment and position of the cartridge to the main body. there is.

At this time, the stick detection sensor and/or the cartridge detection sensor may be implemented by an inductance-based sensor, a capacitance-type sensor, a resistance sensor, a Hall sensor (Hall IC) using the Hall effect, etc.

For example, when the aerosol generating device 100 includes a cartridge, the sensor module 150 may include a sensor (hereinafter referred to as a type detection sensor) that detects the type of the cartridge. At this time, it can be implemented by a push button switch, a force sensor that detects the amount of force applied in a predetermined direction, etc.

For example, the sensor module 150 may include a voltage sensor that detects voltage applied to a component (e.g., battery 160) provided in the aerosol generating device 100 and/or a current sensor that detects current. You can.

The battery 160 may supply power used to operate the aerosol generating device 100 under the control of the control unit 170. The battery 160 may be connected to other components provided in the aerosol generating device 100, such as a communication module included in the communication interface 110, an output device included in the input/output interface 120, and an aerosol generating module 130. Power can be supplied to the heater included in the .

The battery 160 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 160 may be comprised of a lithium-ion battery, a lithium-polymer battery, or a lithium-ion phosphate battery, but is not limited thereto. For example, the battery 160 may be composed of a lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) battery, a lithium titanate battery, or the like.

The aerosol generating device 100 may further include a battery protection module (Protection Circuit Module, PCM), which is a circuit for protecting the battery 160. The battery protection module (PCM) may be placed adjacent to the top of the battery 160. For example, the battery protection module (PCM) prevents overcharging and overdischarging of the battery 160 when a short circuit occurs in a circuit connected to the battery 160 or when overvoltage is applied to the battery 160. , in cases where overcurrent flows in the battery 160, the electric path to the battery 160 can be blocked.

The aerosol generating device 100 may further include a charging terminal through which power supplied from the outside is input. For example, a charging terminal may be formed on one side of the main body of the aerosol generating device 100, and the aerosol generating device 100 may charge the battery 160 using power supplied through the charging terminal. . At this time, the charging terminal may be composed of a wired terminal for USB communication, a pogo pin, etc.

The aerosol generating device 100 may wirelessly receive power supplied from the outside through the communication interface 110. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 can receive power wirelessly using an antenna included in a communication module for wireless communication, and can charge the battery 160 using the power supplied wirelessly. there is.

The control unit 170 may control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 100. The control unit 170 may be connected to each component provided in the aerosol generating device 100 and may control the overall operation of each component by transmitting and/or receiving signals between each component and each other.

The control unit 170 may include at least one processor, and may control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 100 using the processor included therein. Here, the processor may be a general processor such as a central processing unit (CPU). Of course, the processor may be a dedicated device such as an ASIC or another hardware-based processor.

The control unit 170 may perform one of a plurality of functions of the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the control unit 170 may perform a plurality of functions ( For example: preheating function, heating function, charging function, cleaning function, etc.) can be performed.

The control unit 170 may control the operation of each component provided in the aerosol generating device 100 based on data stored in the memory 140. For example, the control unit 170 supplies predetermined power from the battery 160 to the aerosol generation module 130 for a predetermined time based on data about the temperature profile, user's inhalation pattern, etc. stored in the memory 140. You can control it.

The control unit 170 can determine whether there is a puff through the puff sensor included in the sensor module 150. For example, the control unit 170 can check the temperature change, flow change, pressure change, voltage change, etc. within the aerosol generating device 100 based on the sensing value of the puff sensor, and according to the confirmed results, puff You can judge whether or not.

The control unit 170 may control the operation of each component provided in the aerosol generating device 100 depending on whether there is a puff and/or the number of puffs. For example, the controller 170 may control the temperature of the heater to be changed or maintained based on the temperature profile stored in the memory 140.

The control unit 170 may control the power supply to the heater to be cut off according to predetermined conditions. For example, when the stick is removed, when the cartridge is separated, when the number of puffs reaches the preset maximum number of puffs, or when no puffs are detected for more than a preset time, the remaining capacity of the battery 160 is reduced to a predetermined value. In cases where the power is less than 100%, the control unit 170 may control the power supply to the heater to be cut off.

The control unit 170 may calculate the remaining capacity for power stored in the battery 160. For example, the control unit 170 may calculate the remaining capacity of the battery 160 based on the sensing value of the voltage sensor and/or current sensor included in the sensor module 150.

The control unit 170 controls power to be supplied to the heater using at least one of the pulse width modulation (PWM) method and the proportional-integral-differential (PID) method. You can.

For example, the control unit 170 may use the PWM method to control current pulses having a certain frequency and duty ratio to be supplied to the heater. At this time, the control unit 170 can control the power supplied to the heater by adjusting the frequency and duty ratio of the current pulse.

For example, the control unit 170 may determine the target temperature that is the target of control based on the temperature profile. At this time, the control unit 170 uses the PID method, which is a feedback control method through the difference between the temperature of the heater and the target temperature, the integration of the difference over time, and the differentiation of the difference over time. Using this, the power supplied to the heater can be controlled.

Meanwhile, the PWM method and the PID method have been described as examples of control methods for supplying power to the heater, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the present invention is not limited to the Proportional-Integral (PI) method and the Proportional-Differential (Proportional-Integral) method. Various control methods such as Differential (PD) method can be used.

Meanwhile, the control unit 170 may control power to be supplied to the heater according to preset conditions. For example, when a cleaning function that cleans the space where the stick is inserted is selected according to a command input from the user through the input/output interface 120, the control unit 170 can control the heater to be supplied with a certain amount of power.

Figures 2 to 4. This is a drawing referenced in the description of the aerosol generating device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

According to various embodiments of the present invention, the aerosol generating device 100 may include a main body 210 and/or a cartridge 220.

Referring to FIG. 2, the aerosol generating device 100 according to one embodiment may include a main body 210 supporting the cartridge 220 and a cartridge 220 holding an aerosol generating material.

The cartridge 220 may be configured to be detachable from the main body 210, according to one embodiment. For example, at least a portion of the cartridge 220 may be inserted into the internal space formed by the housing 215 of the main body 210, so that the cartridge 220 may be mounted on the main body 210.

The main body 210 may be formed in a structure that allows external air to flow into the main body 210 when the cartridge 220 is inserted. At this time, external air introduced into the main body 210 may pass through the cartridge 220 and flow into the user's mouth.

The control unit 170 can determine whether the cartridge 220 is installed through the cartridge detection sensor included in the sensor module 150. Cartridge detection sensor, for example, the control unit 170 transmits a pulse current through a first terminal where the main body 210 and the cartridge 220 are in contact, and determines whether the pulse current is received through the second terminal. It is possible to detect whether the cartridge 220 is connected. At this time, the first terminal and the second terminal may be implemented by a pogo pin or the like.

The cartridge 220 may include a storage portion 221 that holds the aerosol-generating material and/or a heater 223 that heats the aerosol-generating material in the storage portion 221. For example, a liquid delivery means impregnated with an aerosol-generating material may be disposed inside the reservoir 221, and the electrically conductive track of the heater 223 may be formed in a structure that winds around the liquid delivery means. . At this time, as the liquid delivery means is heated by the heater 223, an aerosol may be generated. Here, the liquid delivery means may include a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic.

Cartridge 220 may include a mouthpiece 225. Here, the mouthpiece 225 may be a part that is inserted into the user's oral cavity, and may include a discharge hole through which aerosol is discharged to the outside when puffed.

Referring to FIG. 3, the stick 300 may include a cartridge 220 configured to be inserted into the internal space 230. For example, the cartridge 220 may include an internal space formed by an inner wall (not shown) extending in the circumferential direction along the direction in which the stick 300 is inserted. At this time, the internal space may be formed by opening the inside of the inner wall up and down, and the stick 330 may be inserted into the internal space formed by the inner wall.

The internal space into which the stick 300 is inserted may be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of a portion of the stick 300 inserted into the internal space. For example, when the stick 300 is formed in a cylindrical shape, the internal space may be formed in a cylindrical shape.

When the stick 300 is inserted into the internal space, the outer peripheral surface of the stick 300 is surrounded by an inner wall and may be in contact with the inner wall.

The stick 300 may be similar to a typical combustion-type cigarette. For example, the stick 300 may be divided into a first part containing an aerosol-generating material and a second part containing a filter, etc. Alternatively, the second portion of the stick 300 may also contain an aerosol-generating material. For example, flavor substances in the form of granules or capsules may be inserted into the second part.

The entire first part may be inserted into the internal space 230 of the cartridge 220, and the second part may be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only part of the first part may be inserted into the internal space 230 of the cartridge 220, or parts of the first part and the second part may be inserted.

The user may inhale the aerosol while holding the second portion with his or her mouth. The aerosol generated by the heater 223 may pass through the first and second parts of the stick 300 and be delivered to the user's mouth. At this time, while the aerosol passes through the stick 300, the substance contained in the stick 300 may be added to the aerosol, and the aerosol with the substance added may be inhaled into the user's oral cavity through one end of the stick 300. there is.

Referring to FIG. 4, the aerosol generating device 100 according to one embodiment includes a main body 210 configured to support a cartridge 220 and allow a stick 300 to be inserted into the internal space 400, and an aerosol generating device. It may include a cartridge 220 that holds the substance.

The aerosol generating device 100 may include a first heater that heats the aerosol generating material stored in the cartridge 220. For example, when a user inhales one end of the stick 300 with the mouth, the aerosol generated by the first heater may pass through the stick 300. At this time, while the aerosol passes through the stick 300, tobacco substances may be added to the aerosol, and the aerosol containing tobacco substances may be inhaled into the user's oral cavity through one end of the stick 300.

Meanwhile, according to another embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 includes a first heater that heats the aerosol generating material stored in the cartridge 220 and a second heater that heats the stick 300 inserted into the main body 210. may also include each. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may generate an aerosol by heating the aerosol generating material stored in the cartridge 220 and the stick 300 through the first heater and the second heater, respectively.

Figure 5 is a flowchart showing a method of operating an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. 6 to 15 are drawings referenced in the description of the aerosol generating device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 5, the aerosol generating device 100 may detect the installation of the cartridge 220 on the main body 210 through the cartridge detection sensor included in the sensor module 150 in operation S510. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may monitor whether the cartridge 220 is installed by transmitting a predetermined current through the first terminal of the main body 210 that is in contact with the cartridge 220. At this time, when a current corresponding to a predetermined current is received through the second terminal of the main body 210 in contact with the cartridge 220, the aerosol generating device 100 may determine that the cartridge 220 is mounted. .

Here, the first terminal and the second terminal may include a power supply terminal through which power is transmitted from the main body 210 to the cartridge. For example, power supplied from the battery 160 included in the main body 210 may be transmitted to the cartridge 220 through the first terminal and the second terminal, and the heater 223 included in the cartridge 220 Can be heated by power transmitted through the first terminal and the second terminal.

The aerosol generating device 100 may determine the type of the cartridge 220 mounted on the main body 210 through the type detection sensor included in the sensor module 150 in operation S520. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may determine the type of cartridge 220 mounted on the main body 210 among a plurality of preset types based on the sensing value of the type detection sensor.

Here, the type of cartridge 220 varies depending on the type, content, and state of the material contained in the storage portion 221 of the cartridge 220, whether the stick 300 can be inserted, the type of stick 300 that can be inserted, etc. It can be preset.

The aerosol generating device 100 may determine a mode corresponding to the type of cartridge 220 in operation S530. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may determine one of a plurality of preset modes as the mode corresponding to the type of cartridge 220.

Meanwhile, the aerosol generating device 100 can output information about the type of cartridge 220 mounted on the main body 210 through an output device included in the input/output interface 120. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may output an image corresponding to the type of cartridge 220 mounted on the main body 210 through a display.

The aerosol generating device 100 may perform an operation according to the determined mode in operation S540.

The aerosol generating device 100 can generate aerosol by controlling each configuration according to the determined mode. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may determine one of the plurality of temperature profiles stored in the memory 140 as the temperature profile corresponding to the mode, and based on the temperature profile corresponding to the mode, the heater 223 ) temperature can be adjusted.

Meanwhile, when the aerosol generating device 100 is equipped with a plurality of heaters, it can supply power to the plurality of heaters according to the determined mode. For example, in the case where the aerosol generating device 100 is provided with a first heater for heating the aerosol generating material stored in the cartridge 220 and a second heater for heating the stick 300, the aerosol generating device 100 ) can supply power only to the first heater when the determined mode is the first mode, and can supply power to both the first heater and the second heater when the determined mode is the second mode.

Regarding the determination of the type of cartridge 220, it will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 15. Hereinafter, the direction of the aerosol generating device 100 is defined based on the orthogonal coordinate system shown in FIGS. 6 to 15. In the Cartesian coordinate system, the x-axis direction can be defined as the horizontal direction of the aerosol generating device 100. At this time, the direction toward +x relative to the origin may refer to the right direction, and the direction toward -x may refer to the left direction. And, the y-axis direction can be defined as the vertical direction of the aerosol generating device. At this time, with respect to the origin, the direction toward +y may refer to the upward direction, and the direction toward -y may refer to the downward direction.

Referring to FIG. 6, the main body 210 may include a housing 215 having an inner wall portion defining an insertion space 600 into which the cartridge 220 is inserted.

The inner wall portion may be composed of a plurality of inner surfaces in contact with the cartridge 220 inserted into the insertion space 600. For example, the inner wall portion may be composed of a bottom surface 601 supporting the lower end of the cartridge 220 and an inner wall surface 603 supporting the side surface of the cartridge 220.

The type detection sensor 610 may be placed adjacent to the insertion space 600.

The type detection sensor 610 may be placed in one area of the floor surface 601. For example, the type detection sensor 610 may be arranged to protrude from one area of the bottom surface 601 toward the insertion space 600 at a preset height h1.

The type detection sensor 610 has a contact part 611 in contact with the cartridge 220 inserted into the insertion space 600, a signal generating part 613 that generates a signal, and/or elastically elastically moves the contact part 611 in the vertical direction. It may include a supporting elastic member 615.

The type detection sensor 610 may include a force sensor that outputs a signal corresponding to the magnitude of force applied in a predetermined direction. For example, by force applied in the downward direction, at least a portion of the contact portion 611 may move to the internal space 605 where the type detection sensor 610 is disposed, and the signal generating portion 613 may move to the contact portion 611. ) can generate a signal according to the size of the force corresponding to the degree to which it has moved. At this time, the signal generated by the signal generator 613 may be output as a signal corresponding to the type of cartridge 220.

Below, the type detection sensor 610 is described as an example of a force sensor, but the present invention is not limited thereto and may be implemented as a push button switch or the like.

When the direction in which the cartridge 220 is detached is vertical, the inner wall surface 603 may be formed to extend in the vertical direction so that the upper part of the insertion space 600 is open. When the cartridge 220 is inserted through the open upper part of the insertion space 600, the cartridge 220 may be surrounded by the bottom surface 601 and the inner wall surface 603. The cartridge 220 may be in close contact with the inner wall surface 603.

The shape of the horizontal cross-section of the insertion space 600 surrounded by the inner wall surface 603 may correspond to the shape of the horizontal cross-section of the cartridge 220. For example, when the horizontal cross-section of the cartridge 220 is square, the horizontal cross-section of the insertion space 600 may also be square.

Referring to FIG. 7, the cartridge 220 may include a plurality of external surfaces. For example, the cartridge 220 has a bottom surface 711 in contact with the bottom surface 601 of the inner wall portion of the housing 215, a side surface 713 in contact with the inner wall surface 603 of the inner wall portion, and/or a side surface 713. It may include a top surface 714 that covers the top of the space surrounded by .

A feature 720 having a shape corresponding to the type of cartridge 220 may be formed on one of a plurality of external surfaces included in the cartridge 220.

When the cartridge 220 is inserted downward into the insertion space 600, a feature 720 may be formed on the lower surface 711, which is the outer surface facing downward.

The feature portion 720 may be formed by a region 712 of the bottom surface 711 being depressed into the inside of the cartridge 220. The depth at which a region 712 of the bottom surface 711 is depressed into the inside of the cartridge 220 may correspond to the type of the cartridge 220.

Referring to reference numerals 701, 702, and 703, the depth at which one area 712 of the bottom surface 711 is depressed into the inside of the cartridge 220 is when the type of the cartridge 220 is the first type 220a. It may be h1, h2 in the case of the second type 220b, and h3 in the case of the third type 220c.

The shape of the horizontal cross-section of the feature 720 may correspond to the shape of the horizontal cross-section of a portion of the type detection sensor 610 that is in contact with the cartridge 220. For example, if the contact space 725 formed by the area 712 of the lower surface 711 is depressed inward is cylindrical, the horizontal direction of the part of the type detection sensor 610 that is in contact with the cartridge 220 The cross-sectional shape of the furnace may be circular.

Referring to FIG. 8, when the cartridge 220 is inserted into the insertion space 600, the bottom surface 601 of the inner wall portion and the bottom surface 711 of the cartridge 220 can be in contact, and the type detection sensor 610 May be in contact with the feature 720 formed on the bottom surface 711 of the cartridge 220.

When the cartridge 220 is inserted into the insertion space 600, the contact portion 611 of the type detection sensor 610 may be inserted into the contact space 725 of the feature portion 720. At this time, the top of the contact portion 611 may be in contact with an area 712 of the bottom surface 711.

The size of the force applied in the downward direction to the contact portion 611 corresponds to the depth at which one area 712 of the bottom surface 711 is sunk into the inside of the cartridge 220, that is, the height of the contact space 725. You can.

Referring to reference numeral 801, when the height of the contact portion 611 is h1 and the cartridge 220 of the first type 220a is mounted on the main body 210, the height of the contact space 725 is h1. Therefore, the magnitude of the force applied in the downward direction to the contact portion 611 may be 0.

On the other hand, referring to reference numerals 802 and 803, when the second type (220b) or third type (220c) cartridge 220 is mounted on the main body 210, the height of the contact space 725 is less than h1. Therefore, the magnitude of the force applied in the downward direction to the contact portion 611 may be greater than 0.

At this time, when the cartridge 220 of the third type (220c) is mounted on the main body 210, the contact portion 611 moves downward compared to the case where the cartridge 220 of the second type (220b) is mounted. The degree to which this occurs is large, and the magnitude of the force applied in the downward direction to the contact portion 611 may be large. That is, the larger the difference between the height of the contact portion 611 and the height of the contact space 725, the greater the magnitude of the force applied in the downward direction to the contact portion 611.

As described above, when the height of the contact space 725 is different depending on the type of cartridge 220, the magnitude of force applied in the downward direction to the type detection sensor 610 may be different. In addition, since the signal output from the time detection sensor 610 varies depending on the magnitude of the force sensed by the time detection sensor 610, the control unit 170 of the aerosol generating device 100 controls the time detection sensor 610. Based on the signal output from , the type of cartridge 220 mounted on the main body 210 can be determined.

Meanwhile, although not shown in the drawing, the cartridge 220 may include at least one guide slit (not shown) formed along the direction in which the cartridge 220 is attached and detached on at least one of the plurality of external surfaces.

Additionally, the housing 215 may include at least one inner peripheral protrusion (not shown) formed along the direction in which the cartridge 220 is detached from at least one of the plurality of inner surfaces constituting the inner wall portion.

At this time, the inner peripheral protrusion of the housing 215 may be inserted into the guide slit of the cartridge 220 when the cartridge 220 is inserted into the insertion space 600. Through this, the user can check the direction in which the cartridge 220 is normally attached and detached.

Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 9 and 10 , a plurality of type detection sensors 610a and 610b disposed adjacent to the insertion space 600 may be included in the main body 210.

A plurality of type detection sensors 610a and 610b may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in one area of the floor surface 601. For example, the plurality of type detection sensors 610a and 610b may be arranged to protrude from one area of the bottom surface 601 toward the insertion space 600 at a preset height h1. At this time, the height at which the plurality of type detection sensors 610a and 610b protrude may be different from each other.

A plurality of type detection sensors (610a, 610b) vertically vertically align the contact portions (611a, 611b) that contact the cartridge 220, the signal generating portions (613a, 613b) that generate signals, and/or the contact portions (611a, 611b), respectively. It may include elastic members 615a and 615b that provide elastic support in one direction.

When the type of cartridge 220 is the first type 220a shown at 1001, one feature 720 may be formed on the bottom surface 711 of the cartridge 220. When the type of cartridge 220 is the fourth type 220d shown at 1002, a plurality of features 720a and 720b may be formed on the bottom surface 711 of the cartridge 220.

When the type of cartridge 220 is the fourth type 220d, a plurality of areas 712a and 712b of the lower surface 711 are each depressed to a predetermined depth h1 inside the cartridge 220, forming a plurality of regions 712a and 712b. Features 720a and 720b may be formed.

When the cartridge 220 of the first type 220a is mounted on the main body 210 including a plurality of type detection sensors 610a and 610b, the first type 220 is detected by the bottom surface 711 of the cartridge 220. Force may be applied in a downward direction to the first contact portion 611a of the detection sensor 610a. On the other hand, since the second contact part 611b of the second type detection sensor 610b is inserted into the contact space 725 of the feature part 720 corresponding to the height, the size of the force applied to the second contact part 611b is It can be 0.

Meanwhile, when the cartridge 220 of the fourth type (220d) is mounted on the main body 210 including a plurality of type detection sensors 610a and 610b, the first contact portion 611a and the second contact portion 611b Since they are inserted into the first contact space 725a and the second contact space 725b, respectively, the magnitude of the force applied to the first contact part 611a and the second contact part 611b may both be 0.

As described above, when the aerosol generating device 100 includes a plurality of type detection sensors 610a and 610b, the control unit 170 of the aerosol generating device 100 detects a plurality of type detection sensors 610a and 610b. Based on each signal output, the type of cartridge 220 mounted on the main body 210 can be determined.

Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, when the direction in which the cartridge 220 is inserted is vertical, the type detection sensor 610 detects the sensor 610 at a predetermined depth in one area of the bottom surface 601 of the housing 215. It may be placed in a space recessed inside the housing 215.

Additionally, the cartridge 220 may include a feature 720 in which a region 712 of the bottom surface 711 protrudes by a predetermined height in the direction in which the cartridge 220 is inserted. The height at which the region 712 of the lower surface 711 protrudes may correspond to the type of cartridge 220.

Referring to reference numerals 1201 and 1202, the height of one area 712 of the bottom surface 711 in the direction in which the cartridge 220 is inserted is h4 when the type of cartridge 220 is the fifth type 220e. , In the case of the sixth type 220b, it may be h5.

Referring to FIG. 13, when the cartridge 220 is inserted into the insertion space 600, the top of the contact portion 611 of the type detection sensor 610 may contact an area 712 of the bottom surface 711. .

The magnitude of the force applied in the downward direction to the contact portion 611 may correspond to the height at which a region 712 of the bottom surface 711 protrudes in the direction in which the cartridge 220 is inserted.

When the cartridge 220 is inserted into the insertion space 600, the contact portion 611 of the type detection sensor 610 is lowered by the height at which one area 712 of the bottom surface 711 of the cartridge 220 protrudes. You can move in any direction.

At this time, when the cartridge 220 of the fifth type (220e) is mounted on the main body 210, the contact portion 611 moves downward compared to the case where the cartridge 220 of the sixth type (220f) is mounted. The degree of damage may be small, and the magnitude of the force applied in the downward direction to the contact portion 611 may be small. That is, the greater the protruding height of the region 712 of the bottom surface 711 of the cartridge 220, the greater the force applied in the downward direction to the contact portion 611 may be.

Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 14, when the direction in which the cartridge 220 is detached is horizontal, a portion of the inner wall surface 603 of the housing 215 is formed to be cut off, so that one side of the insertion space 1410 is exposed to the outside. can be open to. At this time, when the cartridge 220 is inserted through one open side of the insertion space 1410, the cartridge 220 is surrounded by the bottom surface 601 and the remaining portion of the inner wall surface 603 excluding the disconnected portion. It can be.

The type detection sensor 610 may be placed in one area of the inner wall surface 603. For example, the type detection sensor 610 may be arranged to protrude from one area of the inner wall surface 603 toward the insertion space 600 at a preset height w1.

When the cartridge 220 inserted into the insertion space 1410 is inserted, at least a portion of the contact portion 611 moves to the internal space 605 where the type detection sensor 610 is placed due to a force applied in the right direction. The signal generator 613 can generate a signal according to the magnitude of force corresponding to the degree to which the contact portion 611 has moved to the right. At this time, the signal generated by the signal generator 613 may be output as a signal corresponding to the type of cartridge 220.

Referring to FIG. 15 , when the cartridge 220 is inserted into the insertion space 1410 in the right direction, a feature 720 may be formed in an area of the side 713 facing the right direction.

The feature portion 720 may be formed by a region 715 of the side surface 713 being depressed into the inside of the cartridge 220 . The depth at which the area 715 of the side 713 is sunken into the inside of the cartridge 220 may correspond to the type of the cartridge 220.

Referring to reference numerals 1501 and 1502, the depth at which one area 715 of the side 713 is depressed into the inside of the cartridge 220 is w1, 1st when the type of cartridge 220 is the 5th type 220e. In case of type 6 (220f), it may be w2.

The shape of the vertical cross-section of the feature 720 may correspond to the vertical cross-section of a portion of the type detection sensor 610 that is in contact with the cartridge 220. For example, if the contact space 725 formed by the area 715 of the side 713 is depressed inward is cylindrical, the part of the type detection sensor 610 that is in contact with the cartridge 220 is in the vertical direction. The cross-sectional shape of may be circular.

As described above, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a feature 720 formed on the outer surface of the cartridge 220 coupled to the main body 210 and a sensor 610 that detects the type of the cartridge 220 Since the type of cartridge 220 is determined based on physical contact between the two, unlike the electrical method using capacitance or the optical method using light, the type of cartridge 220 can be accurately determined regardless of environmental factors. .

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the mode can be changed and set in various ways according to the type of the cartridge 220, so the user can use various cartridges 220 even if equipped with one main body 210. You can use it.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the mode of the aerosol generating device 100 can be automatically changed and set depending on the type of cartridge 220, thereby improving user convenience.

1 to 15, an aerosol generating device 100 according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a cartridge 220 containing an aerosol generating material; a housing 215 including an inner wall portion defining an insertion space into which the cartridge 220 is inserted; and at least one type detection sensor 610 that outputs a signal corresponding to the type of the cartridge 220, wherein the cartridge 220 has the type on any one of a plurality of external surfaces in contact with the inner wall. It includes at least one feature 720 formed in a shape corresponding to, and the type detection sensor 610 is adjacent to the insertion space so as to contact the feature 720 when the cartridge 220 is inserted It can be placed like this.

Additionally, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the feature portion 720 may be formed on an outer surface facing the direction in which the cartridge 220 is inserted, among the plurality of external surfaces.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the feature portion 720 is formed by recessing at least one region of any one of the plurality of outer surfaces inward to a depth corresponding to the type, and The type detection sensor 610 protrudes toward the insertion space at a preset height in a region of the inner surface corresponding to the outer surface on which the feature 720 is formed, among the plurality of inner surfaces constituting the inner wall portion. can be placed.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the shape of the cross section of the feature 720 in a predetermined direction corresponds to the shape of the cross section of the type detection sensor 610 in the predetermined direction, and At least a portion of the type detection sensor 610 may be inserted into the recessed portion of the feature 720 and come into contact with the feature 720 .

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the feature portion 720 is formed so that at least one region of any one of the plurality of outer surfaces protrudes by a height corresponding to the type, and detects the type. The sensor 610 may be disposed in a space sunken inward by a predetermined depth in a region of the inner surface corresponding to the outer surface on which the feature 720 is formed, among the plurality of inner surfaces constituting the inner wall portion.

Additionally, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the type detection sensor 610 may be a force sensor that outputs a signal corresponding to the magnitude of force applied in a predetermined direction.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the type detection sensor 610 includes a contact portion 611 that contacts the feature portion 720; an elastic member 615 that elastically supports the contact portion 611 in the predetermined direction; And it may include a signal generator 613 that generates a signal corresponding to the type of the cartridge 220 according to the magnitude of force corresponding to the degree to which the contact portion 611 moves in the predetermined direction.

Additionally, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, a heater 223 that heats the aerosol-producing material; and a control unit 170, wherein the control unit 170 determines the type of the cartridge 220 based on a signal received from the type detection sensor 610, and selects the determined mode among a plurality of modes. Accordingly, the heater 223 can be controlled.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, it further includes a memory 140 that stores a plurality of temperature profiles, and the control unit 170 controls a temperature corresponding to the determined mode among the plurality of temperature profiles. A profile may be determined, and the temperature of the heater 223 may be adjusted based on the determined temperature profile.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, it further includes a cartridge detection sensor that detects installation of the cartridge 220, and the control unit 170 detects the cartridge 220 through the cartridge detection sensor. When mounting is detected, the type of the cartridge 220 can be determined.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the cartridge 220 includes at least one guide slit formed along a direction in which the cartridge 220 is inserted on at least one of the plurality of outer surfaces, and , the housing 215 includes at least one inner peripheral protrusion formed along a direction in which the cartridge 220 is inserted, on at least one of the plurality of inner surfaces constituting the inner wall portion, and the inner peripheral protrusion is, the cartridge When inserting 220, it may be inserted into the guide slit.

Any or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not exclusive or distinct from each other. In certain embodiments or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above, each configuration or function may be used in combination or combined.

For example, this means that configuration A described in a particular embodiment and/or drawing may be combined with configuration B described in other embodiments and/or drawings. In other words, even if the combination between components is not directly explained, it means that combination is possible, except in cases where it is explained that combination is impossible.

The above detailed description should not be construed as restrictive in any respect and should be considered illustrative. The scope of the present invention should be determined by reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all changes within the equivalent scope of the present invention are included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims (11)

a cartridge containing an aerosol product;
A housing including an inner wall portion constituting an insertion space into which the cartridge is inserted; and
A force sensor that outputs a signal corresponding to the magnitude of force applied in a predetermined direction; and
Based on the signal received from the force sensor, it includes a control unit that determines the type of the cartridge,
The cartridge has a first feature formed on one of a plurality of external surfaces in contact with the inner wall portion by being recessed inward by a depth corresponding to the type, and a first feature formed by protruding outward by a height corresponding to the type. 2 comprising any one of the features,
The force sensor is disposed adjacent to the insertion space so as to contact the feature when inserting the cartridge. According to paragraph 1,
The aerosol generating device is characterized in that the feature is formed on an outer surface facing the direction in which the cartridge is inserted, among the plurality of external surfaces. According to paragraph 1,
When the cartridge includes the first feature, the force sensor is arranged to protrude at a preset height toward the insertion space in one area of the inner wall portion. According to paragraph 3,
The shape of the cross-section in one direction of the feature corresponds to the shape of the cross-section in one direction of the force sensor,
An aerosol generating device, wherein at least a portion of the force sensor is inserted into the recessed portion of the feature and comes into contact with the feature. According to paragraph 1,
When the cartridge includes the second feature, the force sensor is disposed in a space recessed inward by a predetermined depth in a region of the inner wall portion. delete According to paragraph 1,
The force sensor is,
a contact portion in contact with the feature;
an elastic member elastically supporting the contact portion in the predetermined direction; and
An aerosol generating device comprising a signal generator that generates a signal corresponding to the type of the cartridge according to the magnitude of force corresponding to the degree to which the contact portion moves in the predetermined direction. According to paragraph 1,
a heater that heats the aerosol-generating material; and
Further comprising a control unit,
The control unit,
An aerosol generating device, characterized in that the heater is controlled according to a mode corresponding to the determined type among a plurality of modes. According to clause 8,
Further comprising a memory for storing a plurality of temperature profiles,
The control unit,
Among the plurality of temperature profiles, determine a temperature profile corresponding to the determined type,
An aerosol generating device, characterized in that controlling the temperature of the heater based on the determined temperature profile. According to paragraph 1,
A cartridge detection sensor that detects installation of the cartridge; and
Further comprising a control unit,
The control unit,
An aerosol generating device that determines the type of the cartridge when installation of the cartridge is detected through the cartridge detection sensor. According to paragraph 1,
The cartridge includes at least one guide slit formed on at least one of the plurality of outer surfaces along a direction in which the cartridge is inserted,
The housing includes at least one inner peripheral protrusion formed along a direction in which the cartridge is inserted, on at least one of a plurality of inner surfaces constituting the inner wall portion,
The inner peripheral protrusion is an aerosol generating device, characterized in that it is inserted into the guide slit when the cartridge is inserted.

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