Aerosol-generating device and aerosol-generating system

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device and an aerosol-generating system are provided, the aerosol-generating device including: a susceptor configured to be inserted into an aerosol-generating substrate; a first coil configured to induce heat in the susceptor by induction heating; a second coil having a resonance frequency that changes according to a temperature change of the susceptor; and a controller configured to calculate the temperature of the susceptor based on a change in the resonance frequency of the second coil.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] One or more embodiments relate to aerosol generating apparatus and aerosol generating system, and more specifically, to an aerosol generating apparatus capable of accurately measuring the temperature of a heating unit using a non-contact method. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, there has been a growing demand for alternatives to overcome the drawbacks of traditional cigarettes. For example, there is a growing need for aerosol generating devices that generate aerosols by heating aerosol-generating substances in a cartridge or liquid storage compartment instead of burning cigarettes.

[0003] It is worth noting that new heating methods have been proposed, differing from conventional methods that heat cigarettes by placing a heater formed of a resistor inside or outside the cigarette housed in an aerosol generating device and supplying electricity to the heater. In particular, methods for heating cigarettes by induction heating have been actively studied.

[0004] In induction heating methods, the temperature of the base can be measured by directly attaching a temperature sensor to the inside or outside of the base. However, in this contact-type temperature detection method, the temperature sensor is arranged in contact with the base. Therefore, the temperature sensor may be damaged by heating of the base. Furthermore, the power efficiency of contact-type temperature detection methods is lower than that of non-contact methods.

[0005] To address these issues, a non-contact method can be used to detect the temperature of the base. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical issues

[0007] In existing non-contact detection methods using Curie temperature, the performance of the temperature sensor may vary depending on the physical characteristics of the substrate. Furthermore, existing methods that measure the ambient temperature of the substrate and infer the substrate temperature from it are inaccurate and slow in temperature detection.

[0008] The technical problems addressed in this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other technical problems can be inferred from the following examples.

[0009] Technical solutions to technical problems

[0010] According to one or more embodiments, an aerosol generating apparatus includes: a base configured to be inserted into an aerosol generating matrix; a first coil configured to induce heat in the base via induction heating; a second coil having a resonant frequency that changes according to a temperature change in the base; and a controller configured to calculate the temperature of the base based on the change in the resonant frequency of the second coil.

[0011] According to one or more embodiments, an aerosol generating apparatus includes: a base configured to be inserted into an aerosol generating matrix; a coil that induces heat in the base through induction heating, and the coil having a resonant frequency that changes according to a temperature change in the base; and a controller configured to calculate the temperature of the base based on a change in the resonant frequency of the coil.

[0012] According to one or more embodiments, an aerosol generation system includes: an aerosol generation matrix, the aerosol generation matrix including a base; and an aerosol generation apparatus including: an induction heating unit configured to heat the base by induction heating, and the induction heating unit having a resonant frequency that changes according to a temperature change of the base; and a controller configured to calculate the temperature of the base based on a change in the resonant frequency of the induction heating unit.

[0013] Beneficial effects

[0014] The aerosol generating apparatus according to one or more embodiments measures the temperature of the base using a non-contact method. Therefore, the risk of temperature sensor damage is significantly reduced compared to contact temperature detection methods.

[0015] Furthermore, the aerosol generating apparatus according to one or more embodiments measures the temperature of the base in a non-contact manner, thus significantly improving power efficiency compared to contact temperature detection methods.

[0016] Furthermore, the aerosol generating apparatus according to one or more embodiments measures the temperature of the base based on the change in the resonant frequency of the coil rather than the physical characteristics of the base, thus the temperature of the base can be accurately measured.

[0017] Furthermore, the aerosol generating apparatus according to one or more embodiments measures the temperature of the base based on the change in the resonant frequency of the coil rather than the ambient temperature of the base, thus the temperature of the base can be accurately measured.

[0018] The beneficial effects of this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art can clearly understand the effects not mentioned from the specification and drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 and Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an induction heating aerosol generating device.

[0020] Figure 3 and Figure 4 This is a view illustrating an example of a cigarette.

[0021] Figure 5 and Figure 6 This is a view showing an example of a cigarette inserted into an aerosol generating device.

[0022] Figure 7A , Figure 7B , Figure 7C This is a diagram illustrating the winding method of the coil.

[0023] Figure 8 This is an internal block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one or more embodiments.

[0024] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for operating an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0025] Figures 10 to 12 The frequency response characteristics of a coil according to an embodiment are shown.

[0026] Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for operating an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment.

[0027] Figure 14 A timing diagram for operating the induction heating unit according to an embodiment is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Best way to carry out the invention

[0029] According to one or more embodiments, an aerosol generating apparatus includes: a base configured to be inserted into an aerosol generating matrix; a first coil configured to induce heat in the base via induction heating; a second coil having a resonant frequency that changes according to a temperature change in the base; and a controller configured to calculate the temperature of the base based on the change in the resonant frequency of the second coil.

[0030] The controller can scan the driving frequency of the second coil within a preset frequency range and detect changes in the resonant frequency of the second coil based on the results of the driving frequency scan.

[0031] The controller can calculate the temperature of the base based on the difference between the first resonant frequency of the second coil detected at the first time point and the second resonant frequency detected at the second time point.

[0032] The first frequency range used to drive the first coil may be different from the second frequency range used to drive the second coil.

[0033] The lower limit of the first frequency range can be higher than the upper limit of the second frequency range.

[0034] The base can protrude from the bottom of the receiving space containing the aerosol generation matrix, and the first coil and the second coil can surround the receiving space.

[0035] The first and second coils can be wound alternately in the longitudinal direction of the accommodating space.

[0036] The first and second coils can surround different parts of the accommodating space.

[0037] According to one or more embodiments, an aerosol generating apparatus includes: a base configured to be inserted into an aerosol generating matrix; a coil that induces heat in the base through induction heating, and the coil having a resonant frequency that changes according to a temperature change in the base; and a controller configured to calculate the temperature of the base based on a change in the resonant frequency of the coil.

[0038] The controller can control the coil based on a preset control cycle, which includes a heating section and a detection section. The heating section is used to heat the base by controlling the coil within a first frequency range, and the detection section is used to detect changes in the resonant frequency of the coil by controlling the coil within a second frequency range different from the first frequency range.

[0039] The controller can scan the driving frequency of the coil within a preset frequency range and detect changes in the resonant frequency of the coil based on the results of the driving frequency scan.

[0040] The controller can calculate the temperature of the base based on the difference between the first resonant frequency of the coil detected at a first time point and the second resonant frequency detected at a second time point.

[0041] The first frequency range used to drive the coil in the heating section can be the same as the second frequency range used to drive the coil in the detection section.

[0042] The base can protrude from the bottom of the housing space containing the aerosol generation matrix, and the coil surrounds the outer surface of the housing space.

[0043] According to one or more embodiments, an aerosol generation system includes: an aerosol generation matrix, the aerosol generation matrix including a base; and an aerosol generation apparatus including: an induction heating unit configured to heat the base by induction heating, and the induction heating unit having a resonant frequency that changes according to a temperature change of the base; and a controller configured to calculate the temperature of the base based on a change in the resonant frequency of the induction heating unit.

[0044] The solution of the present invention

[0045] Regarding the terminology used in describing the various embodiments, generally used terms are selected in consideration of the function of the structural elements in the various embodiments of this disclosure. However, the meanings of these terms may change depending on intent, judicial precedent, the emergence of new technologies, etc. Furthermore, in some cases, terms that are not commonly used may be selected. In such cases, the meaning of the term will be described in detail in the corresponding section of the description of this disclosure. Therefore, the terminology used in the various embodiments of this disclosure should be defined based on the meaning of the term and the description provided herein.

[0046] Furthermore, unless explicitly stated otherwise, the term "comprising" and variations such as "including" or "including" will be understood to mean including the stated element but not excluding any other element. Additionally, the terms "device," "component," and "module" described in the application refer to a unit for performing at least one function and operation, and can be implemented by hardware components or software components and combinations thereof.

[0047] Various elements can be described using ordinal terms such as "first" and "second," but these elements are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another.

[0048] As used herein, expressions such as “at least one of…” modify the entire list of elements, not individual elements, when placed before the list of elements. For example, the expression “at least one of a, b, and c” should be understood as: including only a, including only b, including only c, including both a and b, including both a and c, including both b and c, or including all of a, b, and c.

[0049] It should be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "above," "on top of," "over," "connected to," or "attached to" another element or layer, the element or layer may be directly located above, on top of, connected to, or attached to the other element or layer, or there may be intermediate elements or layers. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly above," "directly over," "directly above," "directly connected to," or "directly attached to," there are no intermediate elements or layers. The same reference numerals always denote the same element.

[0050] The term "aerosol-generating article" can refer to any article designed for smoking by inhalation from an aerosol-generating article. Aerosol-generating articles can include aerosol-generating substances that generate aerosols when heated, even without combustion. For example, one or more aerosol-generating articles can be mounted in an aerosol-generating device and generate aerosols when heated by the device. The shape, size, material, and structure of aerosol-generating articles can vary depending on the implementation. Examples of aerosol-generating articles may include, but are not limited to, cigarette-shaped substrates and cartridges. In the following text, the term "cigarette" (i.e., when used alone without modifiers such as "general," "conventional," or "combustible") can refer to an aerosol-generating article having a shape and size similar to that of a conventional combustible cigarette.

[0051] In the following, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can readily implement the embodiments of the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure can be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0052] In the following description, one or more embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0053] Figure 1 and Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an induction heating aerosol generating device.

[0054] Reference Figure 1 The aerosol generating device 100 may include a base 110, a housing space 120, an induction heating unit 130, a battery 140, and a controller 150. According to one or more embodiments, the base 110 may be included in the cigarette 200 (see...). Figure 3 and Figure 4 Components in ). In this case, such as Figure 2 As shown, the aerosol generating device 100 may not include the base 110.

[0055] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The aerosol generating apparatus 100 shown includes components particularly relevant to this embodiment. Therefore, those skilled in the art will understand that, in addition to... Figure 1 and Figure 2 In addition to the components shown, the aerosol generating apparatus 100 may also include other components.

[0056] The aerosol generating device 100 generates aerosols by heating a cigarette 200 contained within it using an induction heating method. The induction heating method can refer to a method of generating heat from a magnetic material by applying an alternating magnetic field with periodically changing direction to the magnetic material, which generates heat through an external magnetic field.

[0057] When an alternating magnetic field is applied to a magnetic material, energy loss occurs due to eddy current losses and hysteresis losses, and this lost energy can be released from the magnetic material as heat. As the amplitude or frequency of the alternating magnetic field applied to the magnetic material increases, a greater amount of heat energy can be released from the magnetic material. The aerosol generating device 100 can release heat energy from the magnetic material by applying an alternating magnetic field, and the heat energy released from the magnetic material can be transferred to the cigarette 200.

[0058] The magnetic material that generates heat through an external magnetic field can be the base 110. The base 110 can have shapes such as block, sheet, or strip.

[0059] The base 110 may comprise a metal or carbon. The base 110 may comprise at least one of ferrite, ferromagnetic alloy, stainless steel, and aluminum (Al). Furthermore, the base 110 may comprise at least one of graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, niobium, nickel alloy, metal film, ceramics such as zirconium oxide, transition metals such as nickel (Ni) or cobalt (Co), and nonmetals such as boron (B) or phosphorus (P).

[0060] The aerosol generating device 100 may include a receiving space 120 for containing a cigarette 200. The receiving space 120 may have an opening through which the cigarette 200 is inserted from outside the aerosol generating device 100 into the receiving space 120.

[0061] like Figure 1 As shown, the base 110 can be disposed at the inner end of the receiving space 120. The base 110 can be attached to the bottom surface formed at the inner end of the receiving space 120. The cigarette 200 can be pressed against the bottom surface of the receiving space 120, such that the base 110 is inserted into the cigarette 200.

[0062] In one or more implementations, such as Figure 2As shown, the aerosol generating device 100 may not include the base 110. In this case, the base 110 may be included in the cigarette 200.

[0063] The aerosol generating apparatus 100 may include an induction heating unit 130 that applies an alternating magnetic field to a base 110 and has a resonant frequency that varies with the temperature change of the base 110 due to induction heating of the base 110. The induction heating unit 130 may include at least one coil.

[0064] The coil can be implemented as a solenoid. The coil can be a solenoid wound around one side of the accommodating space 120, and the cigarette 200 can be accommodated within the internal space of the solenoid. The material of the conductor constituting the solenoid can be copper (Cu). However, the material is not limited to this, and any or an alloy of any one of silver (Ag), gold (Au), aluminum (Al), tungsten (W), zinc (Zn), and nickel (Ni)—materials with low resistivity values ​​that thus allow large currents to flow through the coil—can be the material of the conductor constituting the solenoid.

[0065] The coil can be wound around the outer surface of the accommodating space 120 and can be arranged at a position corresponding to the base 110. (See below for further details.) Figures 7A to 7C Describe the arrangement of the coils.

[0066] The battery 140 can supply power to the induction heating unit 130. The battery 140 can be a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery, but is not limited to it. For example, the battery 140 can be a lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) battery, a lithium titanate battery, etc.

[0067] The controller 150 can control the power supplied to the induction heating unit 130. When the induction heating unit 130 includes multiple coils, the controller 150 can change the driving frequency of the coils to control the induction heating of the base 110. Furthermore, the controller 150 can detect the change in the resonant frequency of the coils due to the induction heating of the base 110, and calculate the temperature of the base 110 based on the detected resonant frequency. The induction heating method and temperature calculation method of the controller 150 will be referenced later. Figures 8 to 14 Describe it.

[0068] Figure 3 and Figure 4 This is a view showing an example of a cigarette.

[0069] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 Cigarette 200 may include tobacco stick 210 and filter stick 220. Figure 3 and Figure 4The filter rod 220 shown includes only a single segment. However, the filter rod 220 is not limited to this and may include multiple segments. For example, the filter rod 220 may include a first segment for cooling the aerosol and a second segment for filtering specific components included in the aerosol. Furthermore, the filter rod 220 may also include multiple segments for performing different functions.

[0070] Cigarette 200 may be packaged in at least one package 240. Package 240 may have at least one opening through which external air can be introduced or internal air can be expelled. For example, cigarette 200 may be packaged in one package 240. As another example, cigarette 200 may be double-packaged in at least two packages 240. Specifically, tobacco stick 210 may be packaged in a first package, while filter stick 220 may be packaged in a second package. The tobacco stick 210 and filter stick 220, each packaged separately, may be connected to each other, and the entire cigarette 200 may be packaged in a third package.

[0071] The tobacco stick 210 may include aerosol-generating substances. For example, the aerosol-generating substances may include, but are not limited to, at least one of glycerol, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol. The tobacco stick 210 may include other additives, such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids. The tobacco stick 210 may include flavored liquids, such as menthol or humectants, injected into the tobacco stick 210.

[0072] The tobacco stick 210 can be manufactured in various forms. For example, the tobacco stick 210 can be formed as a sheet or shreds. In one or more embodiments, the tobacco stick 210 can be made from tobacco shreds formed from small pieces cut from tobacco sheets.

[0073] According to one or more embodiments, the cigarette 200 may also include a base 110. In this case, as... Figure 4 As shown, the base 110 can be arranged in the tobacco stick 210. The base 110 can extend from one end of the tobacco stick 210 toward the filter stick 220.

[0074] The tobacco stick 210 may be surrounded by a thermally conductive material. For example, the thermally conductive material may be, but is not limited to, a metal foil such as aluminum foil. The thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco stick 210 can evenly distribute the heat transferred to the tobacco stick 210 to improve the thermal conductivity applied to the tobacco stick 210, thereby improving the flavor of the aerosol generated from the tobacco stick 210.

[0075] The filter rod 220 may include a cellulose acetate filter. The filter rod 220 may have various shapes. For example, the filter rod 220 may include a cylindrical rod or a tubular rod with a hollow interior. In one or more embodiments, the filter rod 220 may include a recessed rod with an internal cavity. When the filter rod 220 includes multiple segments, the multiple segments may have different shapes.

[0076] The filter rod 220 can be configured to generate fragrance from the filter rod. For example, fragrance liquid can be injected into the filter rod 220, or additional fibers coated with fragrance liquid can be inserted into the filter rod 220.

[0077] The filter rod 220 may include at least one capsule 230. The capsule 230 may generate a fragrance or aerosol. For example, the capsule 230 may have a configuration in which a liquid containing a fragrance material is encapsulated by a membrane. The capsule 230 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0078] When the filter rod 220 includes a cooling section configured to cool the aerosol, the cooling section may comprise a polymeric material or a biodegradable polymeric material. For example, the cooling section may comprise only pure polylactic acid. In some embodiments, the cooling section may comprise a cellulose acetate filter with multiple perforations. However, the cooling section is not limited to this and may include structures and materials for cooling the aerosol.

[0079] Figure 5 and Figure 6 This is a view showing an example of a cigarette inserted into an aerosol generating device.

[0080] In more detail, Figure 5 This is a view showing an example of inserting a cigarette 200 into the aerosol generating apparatus 100 when the base 110 is provided in the aerosol generating apparatus 100. Figure 6 This is a view showing an example of inserting the cigarette 200 into the aerosol generating device 100 with the base 110 provided in the cigarette 200.

[0081] Reference Figure 5 The cigarette 200 can be inserted into the receiving space along the longitudinal direction of the cigarette 200, such that the base 110 is inserted into the cigarette 200. When the base 110 is inserted into the cigarette 200, the tobacco stick 210 can contact the base 110. The base 110 may have a structure that extends in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device 100 to be inserted into the cigarette 200.

[0082] The base 110 can be located in the center of the receiving space 120 so that it can be inserted into the center of the cigarette 200. Figure 5A single base 110 is shown, but the base 110 is not limited thereto. In other words, the aerosol generating apparatus 100 of this disclosure may include a plurality of bases 110 extending along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating apparatus 100 to be inserted into a cigarette 200 and the plurality of bases 110 being arranged parallel to each other.

[0083] The induction heating unit 130 may include at least one coil, which may be wound around the receiving space 120 and extend in the longitudinal direction of the receiving space 120. The coil may extend in the longitudinal direction for a length corresponding to the base 110, such that the coil is positioned around the base 110.

[0084] Reference Figure 6 The cigarette 200 can be inserted into the receiving space 120 along the longitudinal direction of the cigarette 200. When the cigarette 200 is received in the receiving space 120, the base 110 can be surrounded by the induction heating unit 130.

[0085] The base 110 can be located in the center of the tobacco stick 210 to distribute heat evenly. Figure 6 A single base 110 is shown, but the base 110 is not limited thereto. In other words, the aerosol generating apparatus 100 of this disclosure may also include multiple bases 110 contained within the cigarette 200.

[0086] The induction heating unit 130 may include at least one coil, which may be wound around the receiving space 120 and extend in the longitudinal direction. The coil may extend in the longitudinal direction to a length corresponding to the base 110, and the coil may be arranged at a position corresponding to the base 110.

[0087] Figure 7A , Figure 7B , Figure 7C This is a view showing a method of winding a coil.

[0088] exist Figure 7A In this case, the induction heating unit 130 includes only a single coil. On the other hand, in... Figure 7B and Figure 7C In the induction heating unit 130, there are multiple coils.

[0089] like Figure 7A , Figure 7B and Figure 7C As shown, the inner surface of the accommodating space 120 refers to the area in contact with the region where the cigarette 200 is inserted, and the outer surface of the accommodating space 120 refers to the direction opposite to the inner surface. Furthermore, the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device 100 can refer to the direction perpendicular to the end surface of the accommodating space 120 where the cigarette 200 is inserted.

[0090] like Figure 7A As shown, the induction heating unit 130 may include a single coil 131. The coil 131 may be wound around the outer surface of the accommodating space 120 in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device 100. The length of the coil 131 in the longitudinal direction may correspond to the length of the base 110. Figure 7A As shown, the ease of manufacture can be increased when the aerosol generating apparatus 100 includes a single coil 131 for measuring the temperature of the base 110.

[0091] like Figure 7B As shown, the induction heating unit 130 may further include a second coil 132. The first coil 131 and the second coil 132 may be wound alternately around the outer surface of the accommodating space 120 in the longitudinal direction.

[0092] Alternatively, such as Figure 7C As shown, the first coil 131 can be wound around the first region 710 of the accommodating space 120, while the second coil 132 can be wound around the second region 720 of the accommodating space 120, which is different from the first region 710.

[0093] like Figure 7B and Figure 7C As shown, when the aerosol generating device 100 includes multiple coils (e.g., a first coil 131 and a second coil 132), the aerosol generating device 100 can continuously heat the base 110 via the first coil 131 and measure the temperature of the base 110 in real time via the second coil 132.

[0094] Figure 8 This is an internal block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one or more embodiments.

[0095] Reference Figure 8 The aerosol generating device 100 may include a battery 140, a power converter 160, an induction heating unit 130, a memory 170, and a controller 150. Figure 8 The induction heating unit 130, battery 140, and controller 150 can respectively correspond to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The induction heating unit 130, battery 140, and controller 150. Furthermore, although... Figure 8 It is not shown in the figure, but the base 110 may be included in the aerosol generating device 100.

[0096] Battery 140 can supply power to the internal components of aerosol generating device 100. Battery 140 can provide direct current (DC), and power converter 160 can convert the DC power provided by battery 140 into alternating current (AC) power and transmit the AC power to induction heating unit 130.

[0097] The induction heating unit 130 may include at least one coil. For example, such as Figure 7A As shown, the induction heating unit 130 may consist only of the first coil 131. In another example, as... Figure 7B and Figure 7C As shown, the induction heating unit 130 may include a first coil 131 and a second coil 132.

[0098] The induction heating unit 130 may further include a capacitor connected in series or parallel with the coil. In one embodiment, the induction heating unit 130 may include a first capacitor connected in series or parallel with the first coil 131. In another embodiment, the induction heating unit 130 may include a first capacitor connected in series or parallel with the first coil 131 and a second capacitor connected in series or parallel with the second coil 132. Hereinafter, the capacitor will be shown as connected in series with the coil, and the following description applies, but it also applies even when the capacitor is connected in parallel with the coil.

[0099] The controller 150 can control the driving frequency of the induction heating unit 130. In a series resonant circuit, the current flowing through the first coil 131 and / or the second coil 132 can be highest at the resonant frequency. The controller 150 can heat the base 110 or detect the temperature of the base 110 by controlling the driving frequency of the induction heating unit 130. For example, the controller 150 can heat the base 110 via the first coil 131 and detect the temperature of the base 110 via the second coil 132. In some embodiments, the controller 150 can heat the base 110 and detect the temperature of the base 110 only via the first coil 131.

[0100] The memory 170 can store matching data between the resonant frequency and the temperature of the base 110, or matching data between changes in the resonant frequency and the temperature of the base 110, in the form of a lookup table. The controller 150 can calculate the temperature of the base 110 based on the lookup table stored in the memory 170.

[0101] Please refer to later Figures 9 to 12 An example is described below showing how controller 150 controls the first coil 131 and the second coil 132. (See below for further details.) Figure 13 and Figure 14 Describe an example of controller 150 controlling the first coil 131 individually.

[0102] The internal structure of the aerosol generating device 100 is not limited to Figure 8 The internal structure is shown. Those skilled in the art will understand that, based on the design of the aerosol generating device 100, Figure 8Some of the hardware components shown may be omitted or new components may be included.

[0103] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for operating an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment. Figures 10 to 12 The frequency response characteristics of a coil according to an embodiment are shown.

[0104] Reference Figure 9 In working step S910, the controller 150 can drive the first coil 131 based on the first frequency range.

[0105] The current applied to the first coil 131 can be changed according to the first driving frequency used to drive the first coil 131.

[0106] In detail, Figure 10 The frequency response 1010 of the first coil 131 is shown. For example... Figure 10 As shown, the measurement gain of the first coil 131 is maximum at the first resonant frequency fo1. In other words, the current flowing in the first coil 131 is highest at the first resonant frequency fo1. The first resonant frequency fo1 can be determined by the first coil 131 and the first capacitor connected in series with the first coil 131.

[0107] Furthermore, the gain of the first coil 131 can gradually decrease as the frequency increases beyond the first resonant frequency fo1. For example, the gain h1 of the first coil 131 at a first frequency f1 greater than the first resonant frequency fo1 can be greater than the gain h2 of the first coil 131 at a second frequency f2 greater than the first frequency f1.

[0108] The controller 150 can control the current flowing in the first coil 131 by changing the first driving frequency within a preset first frequency range. When the current flowing in the first coil 131 changes, the temperature of the aerosol generating matrix or base 110 provided in the aerosol generating device 100 can also change. The aerosol generating matrix can be... Figure 3 and Figure 4Cigarette 200. For example, controller 150 can supply maximum power to first coil 131 by setting a first driving frequency to a first resonant frequency fo1, thereby heating base 110 to a maximum temperature. As another example, controller 150 can supply a first power less than the maximum power to first coil 131 by setting the first driving frequency to a first frequency f1 greater than the first resonant frequency fo1. Therefore, the temperature of base 110 can be changed to a first temperature lower than the maximum temperature. As another example, controller 150 can supply a second power less than the first power to first coil 131 by setting the first driving frequency to a second frequency f2 greater than the first frequency f1. Therefore, the temperature of base 110 can be changed to a second temperature lower than the first temperature.

[0109] exist Figure 9 In the working step S920, the controller 150 can detect the change in the resonant frequency of the second coil based on the second frequency range.

[0110] In detail, Figure 11 The frequency responses 1110, 1120, and 1130 of the second coil 132 to temperature variations in the base 110 are shown. Figure 11 As shown, when the base 110 is at the first temperature, the gain of the second coil 132 can be maximized at the second resonant frequency fo2. The second resonant frequency fo2 can be determined by the second coil 132 and the second capacitor connected in series with the second coil 132.

[0111] Furthermore, as the temperature of the base 110 increases, the second resonant frequency fo2 of the second coil 132 can increase to Fo2” or decrease to Fo2'. In other words, the frequency at which the highest output current is achieved can be changed according to the temperature of the base 110. The controller 150 can scan the second drive frequency of the second coil 132 within a second frequency range and detect the second resonant frequency fo2 of the second coil 132 based on the result of the frequency scan. For example, the controller 150 can determine the drive frequency at which the highest current flows in the second coil 132 as the second resonant frequency.

[0112] When the second frequency range overlaps with the first frequency range, the base 110 can also be heated by the second coil 132. This unintended heating of the second coil 132 may lead to inaccurate temperature control of the base 110. Therefore, the second resonant frequency fo2 can be set lower than the first resonant frequency fo1. Furthermore, the second frequency range can be set differently from the first frequency range. For example, the lower limit of the first frequency range can be set higher than the upper limit of the second frequency range. As another example, the base 110 can be heated to a first heating temperature at the lower limit of the first frequency range and can be heated to a second heating temperature lower than the first heating temperature at the upper limit of the second frequency range. The second heating temperature can be a temperature at which no aerosol is generated.

[0113] If the upper limit of the second frequency range affects the temperature change of the base 110, then the temperature of the base 110 can change even during the frequency scanning of the second coil 132. In this respect, the upper limit of the second frequency range can be set to a frequency that does not affect the temperature change of the base 110. For example, when the first frequency range is 2MHz to 4MHz, the second frequency range can be set to 0.1MHz to 0.3MHz, but is not limited thereto.

[0114] exist Figure 9 In the working step S930, the controller 150 can calculate the temperature of the base 110 based on the change in the resonant frequency of the second coil 132.

[0115] In detail, Figure 12 The frequency response of the second coil 132 (e.g., first frequency response 1210 and second frequency response 1220) is shown according to the temperature change of the base 110. As the temperature of the base 110 changes, the frequency response of the second coil 132 changes from the first frequency response 1210 to the second frequency response 1220.

[0116] like Figure 12 As shown, as the base 110 is heated, the resonant frequency of the second coil 132 can change from the third resonant frequency fo2a detected at the first time point to the fourth resonant frequency fo2b detected at the second time point. The controller 150 can calculate the temperature of the base 110 based on the resonant frequency difference fo2d between the third resonant frequency fo2a and the fourth resonant frequency fo2b.

[0117] For example, controller 150 can calculate the temperature of base 110 based on matching data between the resonant frequency difference fo2d and the temperature of base 110. The matching data between the resonant frequency difference fo2d and the temperature of base 110 can be pre-stored in memory 170 in the form of a lookup table.

[0118] Figure 13This is a flowchart illustrating a method for operating an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment. Figure 14 This is a timing diagram of the operation of the induction heating unit according to the implementation method.

[0119] In this embodiment, the reference above is used. Figures 9 to 12 In a different implementation, the aerosol generating apparatus 100 heats the base 110 with a single coil and calculates the temperature of the base 110. For ease of description, the first coil 131 will be referred to as coil 131 in the following text.

[0120] like Figure 14 As shown, the controller 150 can control the coil 131 according to a preset control cycle. Each control cycle may include a heating section and a detection section. The controller 150 can heat the aerosol generating matrix or base 110 disposed in the aerosol generating device 100 via the coil 131 in the heating section, and calculate the temperature of the base 110 via the coil 131 in the detection section.

[0121] In detail, Figure 13 In the working step S1310, the controller 150 can drive the coil 131 based on the first frequency range in the heating section.

[0122] The method for driving the coil 131 in the heating section can be similar to that described above. Figure 9 and Figure 10 The method for driving the first coil 131 is described. In other words, the controller 150 can control the current flowing in the coil 131 by changing the driving frequency within a preset first frequency range. When the current applied to the coil 131 changes, the temperature of the aerosol generating matrix or base 110 provided in the aerosol generating apparatus 100 may also change.

[0123] In operating step S1320, the controller 150 can detect changes in the resonant frequency of the coil 131 based on the second frequency range in the detection section.

[0124] The method for detecting changes in the resonant frequency of coil 131 in the detection section can be the same as the one described above. Figure 9 and Figure 11 The detection method described is similar. In other words, the controller 150 can scan the driving frequency of the coil 131 within a second frequency range and detect the resonant frequency of the coil 131 based on the result of the scanned driving frequency. For example, the controller 150 can scan the driving frequency of the coil 131 within a second frequency range and determine the driving frequency detected when the current flowing in the coil 131 is at its highest as the resonant frequency.

[0125] With reference Figures 9 to 12 The described aerosol generating device 100 is different; refer to [reference needed]. Figure 13 and Figure 14 The described aerosol generating apparatus 100 can heat the base 110 using a single coil and calculate the temperature of the base 110. Therefore, the first frequency range can be set to be the same as the second frequency range. For example, the first frequency range and the second frequency range can each be set to 2MHz to 4MHz, but are not limited thereto.

[0126] The heating section can be set to be longer than the detection section. Therefore, the temperature variation of the base 110 can be minimized, and the temperature of the base 110 can be accurately measured.

[0127] In operating step S1330, the controller 150 can calculate the temperature of the base 110 based on the change in the resonant frequency of the coil 131.

[0128] The method for calculating the temperature of the base 110 in the detection section can be compared with the reference. Figures 9 to 12 The calculation method described is similar. In other words, the controller 150 can calculate the temperature of the base 110 based on the resonant frequency difference between the fifth resonant frequency of the coil 131 detected at the first time point and the sixth resonant frequency detected at the second time point.

[0129] The controller 150 can calculate the temperature of the base 110 based on matching data between the resonant frequency difference and the temperature of the base 110. The matching data between the resonant frequency difference and the temperature of the base 110 can be stored in the memory 170 in the form of a lookup table.

[0130] According to the exemplary embodiment, at least one of the components, elements, modules, or units (collectively referred to as "components" in this paragraph) indicated by the boxes in the accompanying drawings, such as Figure 8The controller 150 can be implemented as various numbers of hardware, software, and / or firmware structures to perform the functions described above. For example, at least one of these components can use a direct circuit structure, such as memory, processor, logic circuitry, lookup table, etc., which can perform the corresponding function under the control of one or more microprocessors or other control devices. Furthermore, at least one of these components can be implemented as a part of a module, program, or code containing one or more executable instructions for performing a specific logical function, and these executable instructions are executed by one or more microprocessors or other control devices. Additionally, at least one of these components can include, or be implemented by, a processor, microprocessor, etc., such as a central processing unit (CPU) performing the corresponding function. Two or more of these components can be combined into a single component, which performs all the operations or functions of the combined two or more components. Moreover, at least a portion of the function of at least one of these components can be performed by another of these components. Furthermore, although a bus is not shown in the above block diagram, communication between components can be performed via a bus. The functional aspects of the above example implementations can be implemented as algorithms executed on one or more processors. Furthermore, the components represented by blocks or processing steps can employ any number of related technologies for electronic configuration, signal processing and / or control, data processing, etc.

[0131] Those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made to this embodiment without departing from the scope of the foregoing features. The disclosed methods should be considered descriptive only and not for limiting purposes. The scope of this disclosure should be defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description, and all differences within the equivalent scope of this disclosure will be construed as included within this disclosure.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, wherein, The aerosol generating device includes: A base, the base being configured to be inserted into an aerosol-generating matrix; A first coil, configured to generate heat in the base by induction heating; A second coil, the second coil having a resonant frequency that changes according to the temperature variation of the base, wherein a first frequency range for driving the first coil is different from a second frequency range for driving the second coil; and A controller configured to detect changes in the resonant frequency of the second coil based on a second frequency range and to calculate the temperature of the base based on the changes in the resonant frequency of the second coil.

2. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The controller scans the driving frequency of the second coil within the second frequency range and detects changes in the resonant frequency of the second coil based on the result of scanning the driving frequency.

3. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The controller calculates the temperature of the base based on the difference between the first resonant frequency of the second coil detected at a first time point and the second resonant frequency detected at a second time point.

4. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The lower limit of the first frequency range is higher than the upper limit of the second frequency range.

5. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The base protrudes from the bottom of the accommodating space that houses the aerosol generation matrix, and The first coil and the second coil surround the accommodating space.

6. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, The first coil and the second coil are wound alternately in the longitudinal direction of the accommodating space.

7. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, The first coil and the second coil surround different portions of the accommodating space.

8. An aerosol generating apparatus, wherein, The aerosol generating device includes: A base, the base being configured to be inserted into an aerosol-generating matrix; A coil, which induces heat in a base through induction heating, and which has a resonant frequency that changes according to temperature variations in the base; and A controller is configured to control the coil based on a preset control cycle, the preset control cycle including a heating section and a detection section. The heating section is used to heat the base by controlling the coil within a first frequency range. The detection section is used to detect changes in the resonant frequency of the coil by controlling the coil within a second frequency range different from the first frequency range, and to calculate the temperature of the base based on the changes in the resonant frequency of the coil.

9. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 8, wherein, The controller scans the driving frequency of the coil within a preset frequency range and detects changes in the resonant frequency of the coil based on the results of scanning the driving frequency.

10. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 8, wherein, The controller calculates the temperature of the base based on the difference between a first resonant frequency of the coil detected at a first time point and a second resonant frequency detected at a second time point.

11. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 8, wherein, The base protrudes from the bottom of the accommodating space that houses the aerosol generation matrix, and The coil surrounds the outer surface of the accommodating space.

12. An aerosol generation system, wherein, The aerosol generation system includes: Aerosol generating matrix, the aerosol generating matrix including a base; and Aerosol generating apparatus, the aerosol generating apparatus comprising: An induction heating unit configured to heat the base via induction heating, and the induction heating unit having a resonant frequency that changes according to temperature changes of the base; and A controller is configured to control the induction heating unit based on a preset control cycle, the preset control cycle including a heating part and a detection part. The heating part is used to heat the base by controlling the induction heating unit within a first frequency range. The detection part is used to detect changes in the resonant frequency of the induction heating unit by controlling the induction heating unit within a second frequency range different from the first frequency range, and to calculate the temperature of the base based on the changes in the resonant frequency of the induction heating unit.

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