Patent Description:
Recently, the demand for alternative methods of overcoming the shortcomings of general cigarettes has increased. For example, there is an increasing demand for a method of generating aerosols by heating an aerosol generating material, rather than by burning cigarettes.

A puff detection sensor of an aerosol generating device senses a pressure change, and a controller controls a heater based on the pressure change. An atmospheric pressure around an aerosol generating device may vary depending on an environment in which a user uses the aerosol generating device. Because a sensing value detected by a pressure detection sensor of an aerosol generating device may be affected by an atmospheric pressure around the aerosol generating device, a controller may misjudge whether a puff has occurred when the atmospheric pressure around the aerosol generating device changes. <CIT> discloses an aerosol generating device using an ambient pressure sensor and an airpath pressure sensor to increase the accuracy of the determination whether a puff has occurred.

The technical problems are not limited to the above description of background art, and other technical problems may be understood and solved by the embodiments to be described hereinafter.

The problem is solved by the features of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims and the description.

A time at which a user actually wants to use an aerosol generating device may be checked by using a user input detection sensor of the aerosol generating device. In embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to accurately determine whether a puff has occurred without being affected by an atmospheric pressure around an aerosol generating device by determining whether a puff has occurred by considering the atmospheric pressure around the aerosol generating device at the time at which the user actually wants to use the aerosol generating device.

In embodiments of the present disclosure, a rapid change in pressure outside an aerosol generating device being misjudged as the occurrence of a puff may be prevented by using a user input detection sensor and a position change detection sensor to determine whether to change a mode of the aerosol generating device.

The aerosol generating device includes: a heater configured to heat an aerosol generating material; a battery configured to supply power to the heater; a user input detection sensor configured to receive an input of a user; a pressure detection sensor configured to sense pressure; and a controller, wherein the controller is configured to: in response to the input of the user being sensed by using the user input detection sensor, obtain an initial pressure sensing value by using the pressure detection sensor; and determine whether a puff of the aerosol generating device has occurred based on the initial pressure sensing value, wherein the controller is further configured to determine a reference pressure value based on the initial pressure sensing value, determine a threshold value based on the reference pressure value, and determine whether the puff has occurred based on a sensing value of the pressure detection sensor and the threshold value.

According to an embodiment, the pressure detection sensor is further configured to sense a pressure change outside and inside the aerosol generating device.

According to an embodiment, the aerosol generating device further includes: a main body including the heater, the user input detection sensor, the pressure detection sensor, and the controller; and a slider movable along the main body, wherein the user input detection sensor is further configured to sense movement of the slider.

According to an embodiment, the controller is further configured to, in response to the movement of the slider being sensed by the user input detection sensor, switch a mode of the aerosol generating device from a sleep mode or an idle mode to a pre-heating mode or a heating mode.

According to an embodiment, the aerosol generating device further includes: a main body including the heater, the user input detection sensor, the pressure detection sensor, and the controller; and a slider movable along the main body, wherein the main body further includes a position change detection sensor configured to sense movement of the slider, and wherein the controller is further configured to, in response to the movement of the slider being sensed by the position change detection sensor, switch a mode of the aerosol generating device from a sleep mode or an idle mode to a pre-heating mode or a heating mode.

According to an embodiment, at least a portion of an outer surface of the aerosol generating device includes a metallic material, and the user input detection sensor is further configured to sense a change in capacitance according to the input of the user with respect to the metallic material.

According to an embodiment, the user input detection sensor includes a capacitive sensor.

According to an embodiment, the pressure detection sensor includes an absolute pressure sensor.

A method of controlling an aerosol generating device includes: sensing an input of a user by using a user input detection sensor; in response to the sensing of the input of the user, obtaining, by a controller of the aerosol generating device, an initial pressure sensing value by using a pressure detection sensor; and determining, by the controller, whether a puff of the aerosol generating device has occurred based on the initial pressure sensing value, wherein the determining of whether the puff has occurred includes: determining a reference pressure value based on the initial pressure sensing value and determining a threshold value based on the reference pressure value; and determining whether the puff has occurred based on a sensing value of the pressure detection sensor and the threshold value.

According to an embodiment, at least a portion of an outer surface of the aerosol generating device includes a metallic material, and the sensing of the input of the user includes sensing a change in capacitance according to the input of the user with respect to the metallic material, by using the user input detection sensor.

A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer code is provided. The computer code is configured to, when executed by the controller, cause the controller to execute the method.

Hereinafter, example embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, such that one of ordinary skill in the art may easily work the present disclosure. Embodiments of the present disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the example embodiments set forth herein.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating a coupling relationship between a replaceable cartridge containing an aerosol generating material and an aerosol generating device including the same, according to an embodiment.

An aerosol generating device <NUM> according to the embodiment illustrated in <FIG> includes a cartridge <NUM> containing the aerosol generating material and a main body <NUM> supporting the cartridge <NUM>.

The cartridge <NUM> may be coupled to the main body <NUM> in a state in which the aerosol generating material is accommodated therein. A portion of the cartridge <NUM> is inserted into an accommodation space <NUM> of the main body <NUM> so that the cartridge <NUM> may be mounted on the main body <NUM>.

The cartridge <NUM> may contain an aerosol generating material in any one of, for example, a liquid state, a solid state, a gaseous state, or a gel state. The aerosol generating material may include a liquid composition.

For example, the liquid composition may include one component of water, solvents, ethanol, plant extracts, spices, flavorings, and vitamin mixtures, or a mixture of these components. The spices may include menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and various fruitflavored ingredients, but are not limited thereto. In addition, the liquid composition may include an aerosol forming agent such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

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

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

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

For example, the cartridge <NUM> may convert the phase of the aerosol generating material by receiving the electrical signal from the main body <NUM> and heating the aerosol generating material, or by using an ultrasonic vibration method, or by using an induction heating method. As another example, when the cartridge <NUM> includes its own power source, the cartridge <NUM> may generate aerosols by being operated by an electric control signal or a wireless signal transmitted from the main body <NUM> to the cartridge <NUM>.

The cartridge <NUM> may include a liquid storage <NUM> accommodating the aerosol generating material therein, and an atomizer performing a function of converting the aerosol generating material of the liquid storage <NUM> to aerosol.

When the liquid storage <NUM> "accommodates the aerosol generating material" therein, it means that the liquid storage <NUM> functions as a container simply holding an aerosol generating material and that the liquid storage <NUM> includes therein an element impregnated with (containing) an aerosol generating material, such as a sponge, cotton, fabric, or porous ceramic structure.

The atomizer may include, for example, a liquid delivery element (wick) for absorbing the aerosol generating material and maintaining the same in an optimal state for conversion to aerosol, and a heater heating the liquid delivery element to generate aerosol.

The liquid delivery element may include at least one of, for example, a cotton fiber, a ceramic fiber, a glass fiber, and porous ceramic.

The heater may include a metallic material such as copper, nickel, tungsten, or the like to heat the aerosol generating material delivered to the liquid delivery element by generating heat using electrical resistance. The heater may be implemented by, for example, a metal wire, a metal plate, a ceramic heating element, or the like, and may be implemented by a conductive filament, wound on the liquid delivery element, or arranged adjacent to the liquid delivery element, by using a material such as a nichrome wire.

In addition, the atomizer may be implemented by a heating element in the form of a mesh or plate, which performs both the functions of absorbing the aerosol generating material and maintaining the same in an optimal state for conversion to aerosol without using a separate liquid delivery element and the function of generating aerosol by heating the aerosol generating material.

At least a portion of the liquid storage <NUM> of the cartridge <NUM> may include a transparent material so that the aerosol generating material accommodated in the cartridge <NUM> may be visually identified from the outside. The liquid storage <NUM> includes a protruding window 21a protruding from the liquid storage <NUM>, so that the protruding window 21a may be inserted into a groove <NUM> of the main body <NUM> when the liquid storage <NUM> is coupled to the main body <NUM>. A mouthpiece <NUM> and the liquid storage <NUM> may be entirely formed of transparent plastic or glass, or only the protruding window 21a corresponding to a portion of the liquid storage <NUM> may be formed of a transparent material.

The main body <NUM> includes a connection terminal 10t arranged inside the accommodation space <NUM>. When the liquid storage <NUM> of the cartridge <NUM> is inserted into the accommodation space <NUM> of the main body <NUM>, the main body <NUM> may provide power to the cartridge <NUM> through the connection terminal 10t or supply a signal related to an operation of the cartridge <NUM> to the cartridge <NUM>.

The mouthpiece <NUM> is coupled to one end of the liquid storage <NUM> of the cartridge <NUM>. The mouthpiece <NUM> is a portion of the aerosol generating device <NUM>, which is to be inserted into a user's mouth. The mouthpiece <NUM> includes a discharge hole 22a for discharging aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material inside the liquid storage <NUM> to the outside.

The slider <NUM> is coupled to the main body <NUM> to move with respect to the main body <NUM>. The slider <NUM> covers at least a portion of the mouthpiece <NUM> of the cartridge <NUM> coupled to the main body <NUM> or exposes at least a portion of the mouthpiece <NUM> to the outside by moving with respect to the main body <NUM>. The slider <NUM> includes an elongated hole 7a exposing at least a portion of the protruding window 21a of the cartridge <NUM> to the outside.

The slider <NUM> has a container shape with a hollow space therein and both ends opened. The structure of the slider <NUM> is not limited to the container shape as shown in <FIG>, and the slider <NUM> may have a bent plate structure having a clip-shaped cross-section, which is movable with respect to the main body <NUM> while being coupled to an edge of the main body <NUM>, or a structure having a curved semi-cylindrical shape and a curved arc-shaped cross section.

The slider <NUM> includes a magnetic body for maintaining the position of the slider <NUM> with respect to the main body <NUM> and the cartridge <NUM>. The magnetic body may include a permanent magnet or a material such as iron, nickel, cobalt, or an alloy thereof.

The magnetic body includes two first magnetic bodies 8a facing each other with an inner space of the slider <NUM> therebetween, and two second magnetic bodies 8b facing each other with the inner space of the slider <NUM> therebetween. The first magnetic bodies 8a and the second magnetic bodies 8b are arranged to be spaced apart from each other along a longitudinal direction of the main body <NUM>, which is a moving direction of the slider <NUM>, that is, the direction in which the main body <NUM> extends.

The main body <NUM> includes at least one fixed magnetic body <NUM> arranged on a path along which the first magnetic bodies 8a and the second magnetic bodies 8b of the slider <NUM> move while the slider <NUM> moves with respect to the main body <NUM>. For example, two fixed magnetic bodies <NUM> of the main body <NUM> may be mounted to face each other with the accommodation space <NUM> therebetween.

Depending on the position of the slider <NUM>, the slider <NUM> may be stably maintained in a position where an end of the mouthpiece <NUM> is covered or exposed by a magnetic force acting between at least one of the fixed magnetic bodies <NUM> and at least one of the first magnetic bodies 8a or between at least one of the fixed magnetic bodies <NUM> and at least one of the second magnetic bodies 8b.

The main body <NUM> includes a position change detection sensor <NUM> arranged on the path along which one of the first magnetic bodies 8a and one of the second magnetic bodies 8b of the slider <NUM> move while the slider <NUM> moves with respect to the main body <NUM>. The position change detection sensor <NUM> may include, for example, a Hall IC using the Hall effect that detects a change in a magnetic field and generates a signal.

In the aerosol generating device <NUM> according to the above-described embodiments, the main body <NUM>, the cartridge <NUM>, and the slider <NUM> have approximately rectangular cross-sectional shapes in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction, but in the embodiments, the shape of the aerosol generating device <NUM> is not limited. The aerosol generating device <NUM> may have, for example, a cross-sectional shape of a circle, an ellipse, a square, or various polygonal shapes. In addition, the aerosol generating device <NUM> is not necessarily limited to a structure that extends linearly when extending in the longitudinal direction, and may extend a long way while being curved in a streamlined shape or bent at a preset angle in a specific area to be easily held by the user.

<FIG> is a perspective view of an example operating state of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>.

In <FIG>, the operating state is shown in which the slider <NUM> is moved to a position where the end of the mouthpiece <NUM> of the cartridge <NUM> coupled to the main body <NUM> is covered. In a state where the slider <NUM> is moved to the position where the end of the mouthpiece <NUM> is covered, the mouthpiece <NUM> may be safely protected from external impurities and kept clean.

The user may check the remaining amount of aerosol generating material contained in the cartridge <NUM> by visually checking the protruding window 21a of the cartridge <NUM> through the elongated hole 7a of the slider <NUM>. The user may move the slider <NUM> in the longitudinal direction of the main body <NUM> to use the aerosol generating device <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of another example operating state of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>.

In <FIG>, the operating state is shown in which the slider <NUM> is moved to a position where the end of the mouthpiece <NUM> of the cartridge <NUM> coupled to the main body <NUM> is exposed to the outside. In a state where the slider <NUM> is moved to the position where the end of the mouthpiece <NUM> is exposed to the outside, the user may insert the mouthpiece <NUM> into his or her mouth and inhale aerosol discharged through the discharge hole 22a of the mouthpiece <NUM>.

Even when the slider <NUM> is moved to the position where the end of the mouthpiece <NUM> is exposed to the outside, the protruding window 21a of the cartridge <NUM> is exposed to the outside through the elongated hole 7a of the slider <NUM>, and thus, the user may visually check the remaining amount of aerosol generating material contained in the cartridge <NUM>.

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating hardware components of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. The aerosol generating device <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> may correspond to the aerosol generating device <NUM> described above with reference to <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, an aerosol generating device <NUM> may include a battery <NUM>, a heater <NUM>, a sensor <NUM>, a user interface <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, and a controller <NUM>. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device <NUM> is not limited to those illustrated in <FIG>. According to the design of the aerosol generating device <NUM>, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that some of the hardware components shown in <FIG> may be omitted or new components may be added.

In an embodiment, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may consist of only a main body, in which case hardware components included in the aerosol generating device <NUM> are located in the main body. In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may consist of a main body and a cartridge, in which case hardware components included in the aerosol generating device <NUM> are located separately in the main body and the cartridge. Alternatively, at least some of hardware components included in the aerosol generating device <NUM> may be located in the main body and the cartridge, respectively.

Hereinafter, an operation of each of the components will be described without being limited to a particular location in the aerosol generating device <NUM>.

The battery <NUM> supplies electric power used for the aerosol generating device <NUM> to operate. In other words, the battery <NUM> may supply power such that the heater <NUM> may be heated. In addition, the battery <NUM> may supply power required for operation of other hardware components included in the aerosol generating device <NUM>, that is, the sensor <NUM>, the user interface <NUM>, the memory <NUM>, and the controller <NUM>. The battery <NUM> may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery <NUM> may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

The heater <NUM> receives power from the battery <NUM> under the control of the controller <NUM>. The heater <NUM> may receive power from the battery <NUM> and heat a cigarette inserted into the aerosol generating device <NUM>, or heat the cartridge mounted on the aerosol generating device <NUM>.

The heater <NUM> may be located in the main body of the aerosol generating device <NUM>. Alternatively, when the aerosol generating device <NUM> consists of the main body and the cartridge, the heater <NUM> may be located in the cartridge. When the heater <NUM> is located in the cartridge, the heater <NUM> may receive power from the battery <NUM> located in at least one of the main body and the cartridge.

The heater <NUM> may be formed of any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, the suitable electrically resistive material may be a metal or a metal alloy including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, or nichrome, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the heater <NUM> may be implemented by a metal wire, a metal plate on which an electrically conductive track is arranged, or a ceramic heating element, but is not limited thereto.

In an embodiment, the heater <NUM> may be a component included in the cartridge. The cartridge may include the heater <NUM>, a liquid delivery element, and a liquid storage. The aerosol generating material accommodated in the liquid storage may be moved to the liquid delivery element, and the heater <NUM> may heat the aerosol generating material absorbed by the liquid delivery element, thereby generating aerosol. For example, the heater <NUM> may include a material such as nickel chromium and may be wound around or arranged adjacent to the liquid delivery element.

In another embodiment, the heater <NUM> may heat the cigarette inserted into an accommodation space of the aerosol generating device <NUM>. As the cigarette is accommodated in the accommodation space of the aerosol generating device <NUM>, the heater <NUM> may be located inside and/or outside the cigarette. Accordingly, the heater <NUM> may generate aerosol by heating the aerosol generating material in the cigarette.

The heater <NUM> may include an induction heater. The heater <NUM> may include an electrically conductive coil for heating a cigarette or the cartridge in an induction heating method, and the cigarette or the cartridge may include a susceptor which may be heated by the induction heater.

The aerosol generating device <NUM> may include at least one sensor <NUM>. A result sensed by the at least one sensor <NUM> is transmitted to the controller <NUM>, and the controller <NUM> may, according to the sensed result, control the aerosol generating device <NUM> to perform various functions such as controlling the operation of the heater <NUM>, restricting smoking, determining whether a cigarette (or a cartridge) is inserted, and displaying a notification.

For example, the at least one sensor <NUM> may include a puff detection sensor. The puff detection sensor may sense a user's puff based on any one of a temperature change, a flow change, a voltage change, and a pressure change.

In addition, the at least one sensor <NUM> may include a temperature detection sensor. The temperature detection sensor may sense a temperature at which the heater <NUM> (or an aerosol generating material) is heated. The aerosol generating device <NUM> may include a separate temperature detection sensor for sensing a temperature of the heater <NUM>, or the heater <NUM> itself may serve as a temperature detection sensor instead of including a separate temperature detection sensor. Alternatively, a separate temperature detection sensor may be further included in the aerosol generating device <NUM> while the heater <NUM> serves as a temperature detection sensor.

In addition, the at least one sensor <NUM> may include a position change detection sensor. The position change detection sensor may sense a change in a position of the slider coupled to the main body to move with respect to the main body.

The user interface <NUM> may provide the user with information about the state of the aerosol generating device <NUM>. The user interface <NUM> may include various interfacing elements, such as a display or a lamp for outputting visual information, a motor for outputting haptic information, a speaker for outputting sound information, input/output (I/O) interfacing elements (for example, a button or a touch screen) for receiving information input from the user or outputting information to the user, terminals for performing data communication or receiving charging power, and communication interfacing modules for performing wireless communication (for example, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi direct, Bluetooth, near-field communication (NFC), etc.) with external devices.

However, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may be implemented by selecting only some of the above-described various interfacing elements.

The memory <NUM> may be a hardware component configured to store various pieces of data processed in the aerosol generating device <NUM>, and the memory <NUM> may store data processed or to be processed by the controller <NUM>. The memory <NUM> may include various types of memories, such as random access memory (RAM) (e.g. dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), etc.), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), etc..

The memory <NUM> may store an operation time of the aerosol generating device <NUM>, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, at least one power profile, data on a user's smoking pattern, etc..

The controller <NUM> is a hardware component configured to control general operations of the aerosol generating device <NUM>. The controller <NUM> includes at least one processor. A processor may be implemented as an array of a plurality of logic gates or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executable in the microprocessor is stored. It will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the processor may be implemented in other forms of hardware.

The controller <NUM> analyzes a result of the sensing by at least one sensor <NUM>, and controls processes that are to be performed subsequently.

The controller <NUM> may control power supplied to the heater <NUM> so that the operation of the heater <NUM> is started or terminated, based on the result of the sensing by the at least one sensor <NUM>. In addition, based on the result of the sensing by the at least one sensor <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may control the amount of power supplied to the heater <NUM> and the time at which the power is supplied, so that the heater <NUM> is heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature.

In an embodiment, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may have a plurality of modes. For example, modes of the aerosol generating device <NUM> may include a pre-heating mode, an operation mode, an idle mode, and a sleep mode. However, the modes of the aerosol generating device <NUM> are not limited thereto.

When the aerosol generating device <NUM> is not used, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may maintain the sleep mode, and the controller <NUM> may control an output power of the battery <NUM> such that the power is not supplied to the heater <NUM> in the sleep mode. For example, before the use of the aerosol generating device <NUM> or after the termination of the use of the aerosol generating device <NUM>, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may operate in the sleep mode.

The controller <NUM> may, after receiving a user's input with respect to the aerosol generating device <NUM>, set the mode of the aerosol generating device <NUM> to the pre-heating mode (or switching from the sleep mode to the pre-heating mode) to start the operation of the heater <NUM>.

In addition, the controller <NUM> may switch the mode of the aerosol generating device <NUM> from the pre-heating mode to the heating mode after sensing a user's puff by using the puff detection sensor.

In addition, when the time at which the aerosol generating device <NUM> operates in the heating mode exceeds a preset time, the controller <NUM> may switch the mode of the aerosol generating device <NUM> from the heating mode to the idle mode.

Also, the controller <NUM> may stop supplying power to the heater <NUM> when the number of puffs reaches the maximum number of puffs after counting the number of puffs by using the puff detection sensor.

A temperature profile corresponding to each of the pre-heating mode, the heating mode, and the idle mode may be set. The controller <NUM> may control the power supplied to the heater <NUM> based on a power profile for each mode such that the aerosol generating material is heated according to the temperature profile for each mode.

The controller <NUM> may control the user interface <NUM> based on the result of the sensing by the at least one sensor <NUM>. For example, when the number of puffs reaches a preset number after counting the number of puffs by using the puff detection sensor, the controller <NUM> may notify the user by using at least one of a lamp, a motor, or a speaker that the aerosol generating device <NUM> will soon be terminated.

Although not illustrated in <FIG>, an aerosol generating system may be configured by the aerosol generating device <NUM> and a separate cradle. For example, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may be supplied with power from a battery of the cradle to charge the battery <NUM> of the aerosol generating device <NUM> while being accommodated in an accommodation space of the cradle.

<FIG> is a diagram explaining an example of an operation of a user input detection sensor included in a main body of an aerosol generating device, according to an embodiment. The aerosol generating device may correspond to the aerosol generating device <NUM> and/or the aerosol generating device <NUM> described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, a main body <NUM> of the aerosol generating device may include a user input detection sensor <NUM>. The user input detection sensor <NUM> may be located on a printed circuit board (PCB) <NUM>.

The user input detection sensor <NUM> may receive a user's input with respect to the main body <NUM>. The user input detection sensor <NUM> may be a capacitive sensor.

In an embodiment, a portion of an outer surface <NUM> of the main body <NUM> may be formed as a metallic material portion <NUM>. In this case, the remaining portions of the outer surface <NUM> of the main body <NUM>,the remaining portion excluding the metallic material portion <NUM>, may be formed of a non-metallic material. The user input detection sensor <NUM> and the metallic material portion <NUM> may be electrically connected through a clip <NUM>, but the method in which the user input detection sensor <NUM> and the metallic material portion <NUM> are connected is not limited thereto.

The user input detection sensor <NUM> may sense a user's input with respect to the metallic material portion <NUM>. For example, when the user touches the metallic material portion <NUM>, a change in capacitance occurs, and the user input detection sensor <NUM> may sense the user's input by sensing the change in capacitance. A controller (e.g. controller <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>) may determine whether the user's input has occurred by comparing values before and after the change in capacitance received from the user input detection sensor <NUM>. When a value obtained by comparing the values before and after the change in capacitance exceeds a preset threshold value, the controller may determine that the user's input has occurred.

When the user touches the non-metallic portion other than the metallic material portion <NUM> of the outer surface <NUM> of the main body <NUM>, a change in capacitance may not occur. The controller may, by comparing the values before and after the change in capacitance received from the user input detection sensor <NUM>, determine the user's input has not occurred when the value obtained by comparing the values before and after the change in capacitance is less than or equal to the preset threshold value.

A user's input method to the metallic material portion <NUM> may be changed according to a position where the metallic material portion <NUM> is formed on the outer surface <NUM> of the main body <NUM>. For example, when the metallic material portion <NUM> corresponds to the size of one finger joint, the user may touch the metallic material portion <NUM> with a finger. Alternatively, when the metallic material portion <NUM> surrounds the outer surface <NUM> of the main body <NUM>, the user may touch the metallic material portion <NUM> by grasping the main body <NUM>.

The metallic material portion <NUM> may be formed as a dummy pattern <NUM>. The shape of the dummy pattern <NUM> may be variously modified depending on the position where the metallic material portion <NUM> is formed. The dummy pattern <NUM> of the metallic material portion <NUM> may be determined by considering the position where the metallic material portion <NUM> is formed and the user's input method to the metallic material portion <NUM>, such that the user input detection sensor <NUM> may effectively detect a change in capacitance.

In another embodiment, the entire outer surface <NUM> of the main body <NUM> may be formed as the metallic material portion <NUM>. In this case, regardless of which portion of the outer surface <NUM> of the main body <NUM> is touched by the user, the user input detection sensor <NUM> may sense the user's input.

<FIG> is a diagram explaining an example of determining whether a puff has occurred without considering an atmospheric pressure around an aerosol generating device, according to an embodiment. The aerosol generating device may correspond to the aerosol generating device <NUM>, the aerosol generating device <NUM>, and/or the aerosol generating device described with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>.

The aerosol generating device includes a heater (e.g. heater <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>) heating an aerosol generating material, a battery (e.g. battery <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>) supplying power to the heater, and a controller (e.g. controller <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>) controlling an overall operation of the aerosol generating device.

In addition, the aerosol generating device may further include a user input detection sensor receiving a user's input and a pressure detection sensor sensing pressure (e.g. as a part of the at least one sensor <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>). The pressure detection sensor may sense the pressure inside and outside the aerosol generating device. The pressure detection sensor may be an absolute pressure sensor. For example, the pressure detection sensor may be a microelectromechanical system (MEMS).

The pressure outside the aerosol generating device may correspond to an atmospheric pressure around the aerosol generating device. The pressure around the aerosol generating device may vary depending on temperature, altitude, or the like. For example, when a user uses the aerosol generating device at a high altitude, a pressure sensing value outside the aerosol generating device is relatively small, and when the user uses the aerosol generating device at a low altitude, the pressure sensing value outside the aerosol generating device is relatively large.

The pressure inside the aerosol generating device may vary depending on a user's puff strength. For example, when the user puffs strongly, a pressure sensing value inside the aerosol generating device is relatively small, and when the user puffs weakly, the pressure sensing value inside the aerosol generating device is relatively large.

The user input detection sensor may receive a user's input with respect to the aerosol generating device. For example, the user input detection sensor may be a capacitive sensor. The user input detection sensor may correspond to the user input detection sensor <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, both of a first graph <NUM> and a second graph <NUM> represent changes in sensing values measured by the pressure detection sensor according to the user's puffs. In <FIG>, although a first initial pressure sensing value <NUM> of the first graph <NUM> and a second initial pressure sensing value <NUM> are different, reference pressure values <NUM> with respect to the first graph <NUM> and the second graph <NUM> are equally set.

Referring to the first graph <NUM>, the user input detection sensor may receive a user's input at t0, and the controller may determine that the user's input is sensed. In response to the user's input being sensed, an operation of the pressure detection sensor is started. The pressure detection sensor may not sense pressure before t0, and may obtain the first initial pressure sensing value <NUM> at t0. The first initial pressure sensing value <NUM> may be determined according to the atmospheric pressure around the aerosol generating device.

The reference pressure value <NUM> may be set as a sensing value of the pressure detection sensor at a particular temperature and a particular pressure. For example, a sensing value of the pressure detection sensor at <NUM> and <NUM> atmospheric pressure may be set as the reference pressure value <NUM>. The preset reference pressure value <NUM> may be stored in a memory (e.g. memory <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>) of the aerosol generating device.

The user's puff may occur at t1 after a certain time has passed from t0. The sensing value of the pressure detection sensor may be maintained as the first initial pressure sensing value <NUM> during t0 to t1, and a sensing value of the pressure detection sensor from t1 may decrease below the first initial pressure sensing value <NUM>.

In addition, as the puff progresses, the sensing value of the pressure detection sensor at t1 to t2 has a value between the first initial pressure sensing value <NUM> and a threshold value <NUM>. The threshold value <NUM> may be determined based on the reference pressure value <NUM>. For example, the threshold value <NUM> may be determined to be a value between <NUM> % and <NUM> % of the reference pressure value <NUM>, but the criterion determining the threshold value <NUM> is not limited thereto.

When the sensing value of the pressure detection sensor is maintained below the threshold value <NUM> for a certain time, the controller may determine that a puff has occurred. The certain time may be between <NUM> seconds and <NUM> seconds, but is not limited thereto.

Referring to the first graph <NUM>, as the sensing value of the pressure detection sensor is maintained below the threshold value <NUM> for a certain time (t2 to t3), the controller may determine that a puff has occurred at t3. The controller may, after determining that the puff has occurred at t3, switch the mode of the aerosol generating device from the sleep mode or the idle mode to the pre-heating mode or the heating mode.

For example, when it is determined that the puff has occurred while the aerosol generating device is in the sleep mode, the controller may switch the mode of the aerosol generating device from the sleep mode to the pre-heating mode.

Alternatively, when it is determined that the puff has occurred while the aerosol generating device is in the idle mode, the controller may switch the mode of the aerosol generating device from the idle mode to the heating mode.

The sleep mode is a mode in which the aerosol generating device does not operate, and power may not be supplied to the heater in the sleep mode. The heating mode refers to a mode in which aerosols are generated by heating an aerosol generating material by supplying power to the heater. The preheating mode refers to a mode in which the temperature of the heater is raised to a certain temperature before switching from the sleep mode to the heating mode such that sufficient atomization occurs immediately in the heating mode. The idle mode is a mode in which the puff is stopped while power is being supplied to the heater. In the idle mode, power supply to the heater may be stopped or an amount of power supplied may be reduced compared to the heating mode.

Referring to the second graph <NUM>, the user input detection sensor may receive the user's input at t0, and the controller may determine that the user's input is sensed. In response to the user's input being sensed, an operation of the pressure detection sensor is started. The pressure detection sensor may not sense pressure before t0, and may obtain the second initial pressure sensing value <NUM> at t0. The second initial pressure sensing value <NUM> may be determined according to the atmospheric pressure around the aerosol generating device.

Comparing the first graph <NUM> and the second graph <NUM>, the first initial pressure sensing value <NUM> of the first graph <NUM> and the second initial pressure sensing value <NUM> of the second graph <NUM> are different. For example, the first graph <NUM> may be a case of which the aerosol generating device operates at <NUM> atmospheric pressure, and the second graph <NUM> may be a case of which the aerosol generating device operates at <NUM> atmospheric pressure.

In <FIG>, the reference pressure values <NUM> with respect to the first graph <NUM> and the second graph <NUM> are equally set. In addition, because the threshold value <NUM> is determined based on the reference pressure value <NUM>, the threshold value <NUM> with respect to the first graph <NUM> and the threshold value <NUM> with respect to the second graph <NUM> are also determined equally.

The first graph <NUM> and the second graph <NUM> are graphs showing changes in sensing values measured by the pressure detection sensor for the same puff pattern. Although the controller should have determined that a puff has occurred at t3 of the second graph <NUM>, as determined that the puff has occurred at t3 of the first graph <NUM>, the controller determines that no puff has occurred in the second graph <NUM> as the second initial pressure sensing value <NUM> of the second graph <NUM> is greater than the first initial pressure sensing value <NUM> of the first graph <NUM>. In the second graph <NUM>, as it is determined that no puff has occurred, the controller maintains the mode of the aerosol generating device in the sleep mode or the idle mode.

<FIG> is a diagram explaining an example of determining whether a puff has occurred by considering an atmospheric pressure around an aerosol generating device, according to an embodiment.

Hereinafter, descriptions overlapping with <FIG> will be omitted for convenience.

Referring to <FIG>, both of a first graph <NUM> and a second graph <NUM> represent changes in sensing values measured by the pressure detection sensor according to the user's puffs. In <FIG>, a first initial pressure sensing value <NUM> of the first graph <NUM> and a second initial pressure sensing value <NUM> of the second graph <NUM> are different.

Referring to the first graph <NUM>, the user input detection sensor may receive the user's input at t0, and the controller may determine that the user's input is sensed. In response to the user's input being sensed, an operation of the pressure detection sensor is started. The pressure detection sensor may not sense pressure before t0, and may obtain the first initial pressure sensing value <NUM> at t0. The first initial pressure sensing value <NUM> may be determined according to the atmospheric pressure around the aerosol generating device.

The controller may determine a first reference pressure value <NUM> based on the first initial pressure sensing value <NUM> of the pressure detection sensor. In <FIG>, the first initial pressure sensing value <NUM> is determined as the first reference pressure value <NUM>.

In addition, as the puff progresses, the sensing value of the pressure detection sensor at t1 to t2 has a value between the first initial pressure sensing value <NUM> and a first threshold value <NUM>. The first threshold value <NUM> may be determined based on the first reference pressure value <NUM>. For example, the first threshold value <NUM> may be determined to be a value between <NUM> % and <NUM> % of the first reference pressure value <NUM>, but the criterion determining the first threshold value <NUM> is not limited thereto.

When the sensing value of the pressure detection sensor is maintained below the first threshold value <NUM> for a certain time, the controller may determine that a puff has occurred. Referring to the first graph <NUM>, as the sensing value of the pressure detection sensor is maintained below the first threshold value <NUM> for a certain time (t2 to t3), the controller may determine that a puff has occurred at t3. The controller may, after determining that the puff has occurred at t3, switch the mode of the aerosol generating device from the sleep mode or the idle mode to the pre-heating mode or the heating mode.

The controller may set a second reference pressure value <NUM> based on the second initial pressure sensing value <NUM> of the pressure detection sensor. In <FIG>, the second initial pressure sensing value <NUM> is determined as the second reference pressure value <NUM>.

The user's puff may occur at t1 after a certain time has passed from t0. The sensing value of the pressure detection sensor may be maintained as the second initial pressure sensing value <NUM> during t0 to t1, and a sensing value of the pressure detection sensor from t1 may decrease below the second initial pressure sensing value <NUM>.

In addition, as the puff progresses, the sensing value of the pressure detection sensor at t1 to t2 has a value between the second initial pressure sensing value <NUM> and a second threshold value <NUM>. The second threshold value <NUM> may be determined based on the second reference pressure value <NUM>. For example, the second threshold value <NUM> may be determined to be a value between <NUM> % and <NUM> % of the second reference pressure value <NUM>, but the criterion determining the second threshold value <NUM> is not limited thereto.

When the sensing value of the pressure detection sensor is maintained below the second threshold value <NUM> for a certain time, the controller may determine that a puff has occurred. Referring to the second graph <NUM>, as the sensing value of the pressure detection sensor is maintained below the second threshold value <NUM> for a certain time (t2 to t3), the controller may determine that a puff has occurred at t3. The controller may, after determining that the puff has occurred at t3, switch the mode of the aerosol generating device from the sleep mode or the idle mode to the pre-heating mode or the heating mode.

The controller may determine a reference pressure value based on an initial pressure sensing value. As compared with <FIG>, because the first initial pressure sensing value <NUM> of the first graph <NUM> and the second initial pressure sensing value <NUM> of the second graph <NUM> are different in <FIG>, the first reference pressure value <NUM> with respect to the first graph <NUM> and the second reference pressure value <NUM> with respect to the second graph <NUM> are also different.

In addition, the controller may determine a threshold value based on the reference pressure value. As compared with <FIG>, in <FIG>, the first threshold value <NUM> with respect to the first graph <NUM> and the second threshold value <NUM> with respect to the second graph <NUM> are also different.

The first graph <NUM> and the second graph <NUM> are graphs showing changes in sensing values measured by the pressure detection sensor for the same puff pattern. Even when the atmospheric pressure around the aerosol generating device at the time when the user's input is sensed is different, as in the first initial pressure sensing value <NUM> and the second initial pressure sensing value <NUM>, the controller may determine that the puff has occurred at t3 in both of the first graph <NUM> and the second graph <NUM>.

In embodiments of the present disclosure, a time at which the user actually wants to use the aerosol generating device may be checked by using the user input detection sensor of the aerosol generating device. In addition, in embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to determine whether the puff has occurred by considering the atmospheric pressure around the aerosol generating device at the time at which the user actually wants to use the aerosol generating device. Accordingly, in embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to accurately determine whether a puff has occurred without being affected by the atmospheric pressure around the aerosol generating device.

<FIG> are diagrams explaining operations a user input detection sensor and a position change detection sensor, according to an embodiment.

An aerosol generating device may include a main body <NUM> and a slider <NUM>. The slider <NUM> may be movable along the main body <NUM>. In addition, a position change detection sensor <NUM> may be included in the main body <NUM> of the aerosol generating device. According to embodiments, the aerosol generating device may correspond to the aerosol generating device <NUM>, the aerosol generating device <NUM>, and/or the aerosol generating device described with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>.

The position change detection sensor <NUM> may sense the movement of the slider <NUM> which is movable along the main body <NUM>. The position change detection sensor <NUM> may be a proximity sensor. For example, the position change detection sensor <NUM> may include a magnetic sensor, a capacitive sensor, or the like, but is not limited thereto. Hereinafter, it is assumed that the position change detection sensor <NUM> is a magnetic sensor.

<FIG> shows that the slider <NUM> is located in a first position of the main body <NUM>, and <FIG> shows that the slider <NUM> is located in a second position of the main body <NUM>.

When the slider <NUM> is located in the first position, a magnet <NUM> is arranged away from the position change detection sensor <NUM>, and when the slider <NUM> is located in the second position, the magnet <NUM> is arranged adjacent to the position change detection sensor <NUM>.

As the slider <NUM> moves between the first position and the second position, the position change detection sensor <NUM> may sense a change in a magnetic field due to the magnet <NUM> inside the slider <NUM>. For example, the position change detection sensor <NUM> may sense a voltage generated by the magnetic field of the magnet <NUM>. The position change detection sensor <NUM> may sense the movement of the slider <NUM> by sensing the change in the magnetic field.

When the slider <NUM> is located in the second position, second magnetic coupling members <NUM> and <NUM>' may be arranged adjacent to first magnetic coupling members <NUM> and <NUM>'. At this time, the second magnetic coupling members <NUM> and <NUM>' and the first magnetic coupling members <NUM> and <NUM>' may be magnetically coupled. To this end, at least one of the first magnetic coupling members and the second magnetic coupling members may have magnetic properties. For example, the first magnetic coupling members <NUM> and <NUM>' may be magnets, and the second magnetic coupling members <NUM> and <NUM>' may be iron plates. As the second magnetic coupling members <NUM> and <NUM>' and the first magnetic coupling members <NUM> and <NUM>' are magnetically coupled, the second magnetic coupling members <NUM> and <NUM>' may be fixed to the second position.

When the slider <NUM> is located in the first position, magnets <NUM> and <NUM>' may be arranged adjacent to the first magnetic coupling members <NUM> and <NUM>'. At this time, the magnets <NUM> and <NUM>' may be magnetically coupled to the first magnetic coupling members <NUM> and <NUM>'. As the magnets <NUM> and <NUM>' and the first magnetic coupling members <NUM> and <NUM>' are magnetically coupled, the slider <NUM> may be fixed to the first position.

In an embodiment, a user input detection sensor <NUM> may receive a user's input. For example, the user input detection sensor <NUM> may be a capacitive sensor. The user input detection sensor <NUM> may receive the user's input, and the controller may determine that the user's input is sensed. In response to the user's input being sensed, an operation of a pressure detection sensor is started.

The controller may receive an initial pressure sensing value from the pressure detection sensor, determine a reference pressure value based on the initial pressure sensing value, and determine whether a puff has occurred based on the reference pressure value. The controller may, after determining that the puff has occurred, switch a mode of the aerosol generating device from a sleep mode or an idle mode to a pre-heating mode or a heating mode.

The position change detection sensor <NUM> may sense the movement of the slider <NUM>. The controller may, in response to the position change detection sensor <NUM> sensing the movement (for example, the movement from the first position to the second position) of the slider <NUM>, switch the mode of the aerosol generating device from the sleep mode or the idle mode to the pre-heating mode or the heating mode.

For example, even when the controller determines that the puff has occurred, when the position change detection sensor <NUM> does not sense the movement of the slider <NUM>, the controller may not switch the mode of the aerosol generating device from the sleep mode or the idle mode to the pre-heating mode or the heating mode.

In embodiments of the present disclosure, a rapid change in the pressure outside the aerosol generating device being misjudged as the occurrence of a puff may be prevented by using the user input detection sensor <NUM> and the position change detection sensor <NUM> to determine whether to change the mode of the aerosol generating device.

In another embodiment, when the user input detection sensor <NUM> and the position change detection sensor <NUM> are capacitive sensors, the user input detection sensor <NUM> and the position change detection sensor <NUM> may be implemented as a single sensor. The single sensor may serve as both of the user input detection sensor <NUM> and the position change detection sensor <NUM> described above.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, in operation <NUM>, a controller may sense a user's input by using a user input detection sensor.

In an embodiment, the controller may, when a sensing value equal to or greater than a present threshold value is received from the user input detection sensor, determine that the user's input has occurred.

The user input detection sensor may receive the user's input with respect to the aerosol generating device. The user input detection sensor may be a capacitive sensor.

At least a portion of the aerosol generating device may include a metallic material. The user input detection sensor may sense a change in capacitance according to a user's input with respect to the metallic material.

A metallic material portion of the aerosol generating device may be formed in a dummy pattern. The shape of the dummy pattern may be variously modified depending on the position of which the metallic material portion is formed. The dummy pattern of the metallic material portion may be determined by considering the position of which the metallic material portion is formed and a user input method with respect to the metallic material portion.

In operation <NUM>, the controller may, in response to sensing the user's input, receive an initial pressure sensing value by using a pressure detection sensor.

The pressure detection sensor may sense the pressure inside and outside the aerosol generating device. The pressure detection sensor may be an absolute pressure sensor. For example, the pressure detection sensor may be a MEMS.

The pressure detection sensor may obtain the initial pressure sensing value based on the atmospheric pressure around the aerosol generating device.

In operation <NUM>, the controller may determine whether a puff has occurred based on the initial pressure sensing value.

The controller may determine a reference pressure value based on the initial pressure sensing value. The reference pressure value may be determined as the initial pressure sensing value. Alternatively, the reference pressure value may be determined as a value obtained by correcting the initial pressure sensing value.

The controller may determine a threshold value based on the reference pressure value. For example, the threshold value may be determined as a value between <NUM> % and <NUM> % of the reference pressure value, but the criterion determining the threshold value is not limited thereto.

The controller may determine whether a puff has occurred based on the sensing value of the pressure detection sensor and the threshold value. For example, when the sensing value of the pressure detection sensor is maintained below the threshold value for a certain time, the controller may determine that a puff has occurred. The certain time may be between <NUM> seconds and <NUM> seconds, but is not limited thereto.

The controller may, after determining that the puff has occurred, switch a mode of the aerosol generating device from a sleep mode or an idle mode to a pre-heating mode or a heating mode.

Claim 1:
An aerosol generating device (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprising:
a heater (<NUM>) configured to heat an aerosol generating material;
a battery (<NUM>) configured to supply power to the heater (<NUM>);
a user input detection sensor (<NUM>) configured to receive an input of a user;
a pressure detection sensor configured to sense pressure; and
a controller (<NUM>),
characterised in that the controller (<NUM>) is configured to:
in response to the input of the user being sensed by using the user input detection sensor (<NUM>), obtain an initial pressure sensing value by using the pressure detection sensor; and
determine whether a puff of the aerosol generating device (<NUM>, <NUM>) has occurred based on the initial pressure sensing value,
wherein the controller (<NUM>) is further configured to determine a reference pressure value based on the initial pressure sensing value, determine a threshold value based on the reference pressure value, and determine whether the puff has occurred based on a sensing value of the pressure detection sensor and the threshold value.