Aerosol-generating device, method of operation and aerosol-generating system

Abstract

An aerosol generating device can include a housing forming an exterior of the aerosol generating device, a heater configured to heat an aerosol generating article inserted through a first surface of the housing, a battery electrically connected to the heater, a weather information sensor exposed through a second surface of the housing and configured to measure weather information around the housing, and a controller configured to regulate power supplied from the battery to the heater, wherein the controller is further configured to control an amount of power supplied from the battery to the heater such that the heater is heated according to at least one of a determined target temperature of a preheating section and a target temperature of a smoking section. In addition, an operating method of the aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating system are provided.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Embodiments of the disclosure relate to an aerosol generating device and an operating method for the aerosol generating device. BACKGROUND

[0002] Recently, the demand for alternative methods for overcoming the disadvantages of conventional cigarettes has increased. For example, there is an increasing demand for a method of generating an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating material in a cigarette rather than by burning the cigarette. Accordingly, research into a heating-type cigarette or a heating-type aerosol generating device is actively being conducted.

[0003] The weather environment, including the surrounding weather in which the smoking behavior is performed, is a factor that affects the amount of smoke generated and the degree of carbonization of the cigarette. Accordingly, when smoking by using a cigarette in the related art, the smoking sensation provided by smoking can vary according to the surrounding weather environment. SUMMARY

[0004] TECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0005] When smoking by using a cigarette in the related art, there is a need to improve the smoking sensation that can vary according to the surrounding weather environment.

[0006] TECHNICAL SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM

[0007] To this end, the aerosol generating device of the embodiments of the disclosure can be provided, and the aerosol generating device of the embodiments of the disclosure can sense surrounding weather information and apply different heating profiles according to the sensed surrounding weather information.

[0008] The technical problems to be solved by the embodiments of the disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and those of ordinary skill in the art will clearly understand the problems not mentioned from the disclosure and the accompanying drawings.

[0009] According to an embodiment, an aerosol generating device can be provided, which includes a housing forming an exterior of the aerosol generating device, a heater configured to heat an aerosol generating article inserted through a first surface of the housing, a battery electrically connected to the heater, a weather information sensor exposed through a second surface of the housing and configured to measure weather information related to weather around the housing, and a controller configured to adjust power supplied from the battery to the heater, wherein the controller can be further configured to determine at least one of a target temperature of a preheating section in which a temperature of the heater is increased and a target temperature of a smoking section following the preheating section based on the weather information, and control an amount of power supplied from the battery to the heater so that the heater is heated according to the determined target temperature of the preheating section and the target temperature of the smoking section.

[0010] Advantages of the Invention

[0011] Even when a surrounding weather environment in which a smoking behavior is performed is changed, an amount of smoke and a degree of carbonization provided by the aerosol generating device can be maintained according to a preset curve. Accordingly, a user can be provided with a desired level of a smoking sensation.

[0012] Effects of the embodiments of the disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned effects and a person of ordinary skill in the art will clearly understand other unmentioned effects from the disclosure and the attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 is a structural diagram of an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating article according to an embodiment;

[0014] Figure 2 is a structural diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment;

[0015] Figure 3 is a flowchart of an operating method of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment;

[0016] Figure 4 is a first graph of a heating curve of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment; and

[0017] Figure 5 is a second graph of a heating curve of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] According to one or more embodiments, there is provided an aerosol generating device including a housing forming an exterior of the aerosol generating device, a heater configured to heat an aerosol generating article inserted through a first surface of the housing, a battery electrically connected to the heater, a weather information sensor exposed through a second surface of the housing and configured to measure weather information around the housing, and a controller configured to adjust power supplied from the battery to the heater, wherein the controller is further configured to determine at least one of a target temperature of a preheating section in which a temperature of the heater is increased and a target temperature of a smoking section following the preheating section based on the weather information, and to control an amount of power supplied from the battery to the heater so that the heater is heated according to the determined target temperature of the preheating section and the target temperature of the smoking section.

[0020] According to an embodiment, the weather information sensor includes a temperature sensor configured to measure an ambient temperature, and the controller is further configured to determine the target temperature of the preheating section based on the ambient temperature.

[0021] According to an embodiment, the controller is further configured to decrease the target temperature of the preheating section based on an increase in the ambient temperature.

[0022] According to an embodiment, the aerosol generating device further includes a memory storing a plurality of profiles in the preheating section in which a target temperature of the preheating section is set differently, wherein the controller is further configured to select one profile from among the plurality of profiles in the preheating section based on the ambient temperature.

[0023] According to an embodiment, the weather information sensor includes a humidity sensor configured to measure an ambient humidity, and the controller is further configured to determine the target temperature of the smoking section based on the ambient humidity.

[0024] According to an embodiment, the controller is further configured to decrease the target temperature of the smoking section based on an increase in the ambient humidity.

[0025] According to an embodiment, the aerosol generating device further includes a memory storing a plurality of curves in the smoking section in which a target temperature of the smoking section is differently set, wherein the controller is further configured to select one curve from among the plurality of curves in the smoking section based on the ambient humidity.

[0026] According to an embodiment, a recessed space is formed on the second surface of the housing, and the recessed space accommodates the weather information sensor, and an opening of the recessed space is covered by a gas-permeable mesh.

[0027] According to an embodiment, the first surface of the housing is located at a proximal end of the aerosol generating device configured to face a user when the user uses the aerosol generating device to generate an aerosol, and the second surface of the housing is located at a distal end of the aerosol generating device configured to face away from the user when the user uses the aerosol generating device to generate the aerosol.

[0028] According to an embodiment, the aerosol generating device further includes a heating chamber configured to receive the aerosol generating article, and a temperature sensor disposed on a side of the controller facing the heating chamber, and the temperature sensor is configured to measure a temperature of the controller.

[0029] According to an embodiment, the aerosol generating device further includes a temperature sensor disposed adjacent to the battery, and the temperature sensor is configured to measure a temperature of the battery.

[0030] According to an embodiment, the aerosol generating device further includes a location sensor configured to acquire location information about a current location, and a communicator configured to receive weather information of the current location from an external server, wherein the controller is further configured to determine a heating curve based on the weather information of the current location received through the communicator.

[0031] According to one or more embodiments, an operating method of an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating article using a heater is provided. The operating method is performed by the aerosol generating device, and includes measuring, by a weather information sensor, weather information related to weather around the aerosol generating device, determining at least one of a target temperature of a preheating section of a heating profile and a target temperature of a puffing section following the preheating section based on the weather information, and heating the heater according to the heating profile.

[0032] According to one or more embodiments, an aerosol generating system is provided. The aerosol generating system includes a cigarette-type aerosol generating article, and an aerosol generating device including a heater, a battery, a weather information sensor configured to measure weather information, and a controller configured to determine at least one of a target temperature of a preheating section of a heating profile and a target temperature of a puffing section following the preheating section based on the weather information, and heat the aerosol generating article according to the heating profile.

[0033] Aspects of the present disclosure

[0034] With respect to the terms used in describing various embodiments, common terms that are currently widely used are selected considering the functions of structural elements in the various embodiments of the present disclosure. However, meanings of the terms can vary according to the intentions of the applicant, the judicial precedents, the emergence of new technologies, and the like. Also, in some cases, terms that are not commonly used can be selected. In such a case, the meanings of the terms will be described in detail at the corresponding portions in the description of the present disclosure. Therefore, the terms used in describing the various embodiments of the present disclosure should be defined based on the meanings of the terms and the descriptions provided herein.

[0035] As used herein, expressions such as "at least one of...," when preceding a list of elements, modify the entire list of elements and do not modify the individual elements of the list. For example, the expression "at least one of a, b, and c" should be understood as including only a, only b, only c, both a and b, both a and c, both b and c, or all of a, b, and c.

[0036] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "on" or "connected to" or "coupled to" another element, it can be directly on, connected, or coupled to the other element or intervening elements can be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" or "directly connected to" or "directly coupled to" another element, there are no intervening elements present. It will be understood that, although the terms "first", "second", etc. can be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms since such elements are commonly known with other elements and thus can be termed in another way.

[0037] In addition, unless explicitly described to the contrary, the word "comprise" and variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" will be understood to imply the inclusion of stated elements but not the exclusion of any other elements. In addition, the terms "-er", "-or", and "module" described in the specification mean units for processing at least one function and operation and can be implemented by hardware components or software components and combinations thereof.

[0038] Throughout the disclosure, an aerosol generating device can be a device that generates an aerosol using an aerosol generating material, which can be directly inhaled into a user's lungs through the user's mouth. For example, the aerosol generating device can be a holder.

[0039] Throughout the disclosure, the term "puff" can refer to a user's inhalation, and inhalation can refer to a case in which an aerosol is introduced into a user's mouth, nose, or lungs through the user's mouth or nose.

[0040] Hereinafter, the disclosure will be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, such that one of ordinary skill in the art can easily practice the disclosure. The embodiments of the disclosure may, however, be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the example embodiments set forth herein.

[0041] Figure 1 is a structural diagram of an aerosol generating device 100 and an aerosol generating article 200 according to an embodiment.

[0042] Referring to Figure 1 , an aerosol generating system can include an aerosol generating device 100 and an aerosol generating article 200. In Figure 1 the aerosol generating system shown in FIG. 1, only some components of the present embodiment are shown. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art related to the present embodiment will understand that other general components can be included in the aerosol generating system in addition to the components shown in Figure 1 ​

[0043] The aerosol-generating device 100 can vaporize an aerosol-generating substance included in the aerosol-generating article 200 and generate an aerosol by heating the aerosol-generating article 200. The generated aerosol is delivered to a user by inhalation of the user. The aerosol-generating device 100 can include a heating chamber 110, a heater 120, a battery 130, a weather information sensor 140, a controller 160, a storage 170, a communicator 180, and the like.

[0044] The heating chamber 110 can be a space into which the aerosol-generating article 200 is inserted, and the inserted aerosol-generating article 200 is heated by the heater 120. The heating chamber 110 can be an empty space formed in a housing that forms the outside of the aerosol-generating device 100. The aerosol-generating substance can be inserted into or removed from the heating chamber 110 through an opening formed in a side of the housing.

[0045] The heating chamber 110 can be manufactured in a shape corresponding to the shape of the aerosol-generating article 200. For example, when the aerosol-generating article 200 has an elongated shape extending in one direction, the heating chamber 110 can have a cylindrical shape in which an empty space extending in one direction is formed.

[0046] According to an embodiment, the heating chamber 110 can include an insulating material to prevent heat transferred from the heating chamber 110 from being discharged to the outside.

[0047] The heater 120 can heat the aerosol-generating article 200 inserted into the heating chamber 110. The heater 120 can be heated by power supplied from the battery 130, and thus, the heater 120 can heat and vaporize the aerosol-generating substance.

[0048] According to an embodiment, when the aerosol-generating article 200 is a cigarette type, at least a portion of a cigarette including an aerosol-generating substance can be inserted into the aerosol-generating device 100. The heater 120 can be located inside or outside the cigarette to heat the aerosol-generating substance.

[0049] According to an embodiment, when the aerosol-generating article 200 is a cartridge type, an aerosol-generating substance can be stored in a storage unit (not shown) of a cartridge (not shown). The storage unit can transfer the stored aerosol-generating substance along a wick to an atomizer (not shown) by using surface tension. The heater 120 can be disposed in the atomizer to heat the aerosol-generating substance.

[0050] The heater 120 can include all heaters that can be heated to a desired temperature for vaporizing an aerosol. The desired temperature can be pre-set in the aerosol-generating device 100, or can be set to a desired temperature by a user.

[0051] According to an embodiment, the heater 120 can include an electric resistance heater. For example, the heater 120 can include an electrically conductive track, and when an electric current flows through the electrically conductive track, the heater 120 can be heated.

[0052] According to an embodiment, the heater 120 can be an inductive heating type heater. Specifically, the heater 120 can include an electrically conductive coil that heats an aerosol-generating material in an inductive heating method, and a cigarette or a liquid cartridge can include a susceptor that can be heated by the heater 120, i.e., the inductive heater.

[0053] Figure 1 It is shown that the heater 120 is disposed outside the aerosol-generating article 200, but is not limited thereto. For example, the heater 120 can include a tube-type heating element, a plate-type heating element, a needle-type heating element, or a rod-type heating element, and can heat the inside or outside of the aerosol-generating article 200 according to the shape of the heating element.

[0054] In addition, the aerosol-generating device 100 can include a plurality of heaters 120. At this time, the plurality of heaters 120 can be disposed to be inserted into the aerosol-generating article 200, or can be disposed outside the aerosol-generating article 200. In addition, some of the plurality of heaters 120 can be disposed to be inserted into the aerosol-generating article 200, and other heaters of the plurality of heaters 120 can be disposed outside the aerosol-generating article 200. Furthermore, the shape of the heater 120 is not limited to Figure 1 the shape shown, and can be manufactured in various shapes.

[0055] The weather information sensor 140 can measure information related to the weather condition around the aerosol-generating device 100. The weather information sensor 140 can include a sensor that measures various weather information such as temperature, humidity, wind speed, wind volume, etc. For example, the weather information sensor 140 can include a temperature sensor 142 and a humidity sensor 144.

[0056] The temperature sensor 142 can measure the ambient temperature of the aerosol-generating device 100. The ambient temperature can be the temperature outside the aerosol-generating device 100. The ambient temperature is the temperature of the atmosphere in which the aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating article 200 in the aerosol-generating device 100 is discharged. The temperature sensor 142 can be disposed outside the housing to measure the ambient temperature, or can be located on a path through which external air is introduced.

[0057] The surrounding air is a factor that affects the amount of aerosol generation and the degree of carbonization of tobacco material. When the surrounding temperature is high, the properties of the tobacco material can be changed by heat to increase the degree of carbonization, and thus, the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating device 100 can have an excessively burnt taste or a burnt flavor. When the surrounding temperature is low, the tobacco material can be difficult to sufficiently vaporize, and thus, the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating device 100 can fail to provide a rich smoking sensation.

[0058] The temperature sensor 142 can transmit a measurement value of the surrounding temperature to the controller 160, and the controller 160 can determine a heating profile for heating the aerosol generating article 200 based on the surrounding temperature.

[0059] For example, the temperature sensor 142 can be a thermistor that utilizes the property of a material in which the resistance changes according to temperature. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 142 can measure temperature by using thermal expansion of a liquid material according to temperature. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 142 can measure temperature by using electromagnetic waves emitted according to surface temperature.

[0060] The humidity sensor 144 can measure the surrounding humidity of the aerosol generating device 100. The surrounding humidity is the humidity of the atmosphere in which the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating article 200 in the aerosol generating device 100 is discharged. The humidity sensor 144 can be disposed outside the housing to measure the surrounding humidity, or can be located on a path through which external air is introduced.

[0061] The surrounding humidity is a factor that affects the amount of aerosol generation and the degree of carbonization of tobacco material. When the surrounding humidity is high, the aerosol vaporized from the aerosol generating material can converge with the water vapor in the atmosphere, thereby increasing the amount of smoke. When the surrounding humidity is low, the amount of smoke can be reduced since the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere is small when the aerosol generating material is vaporized.

[0062] The humidity sensor 144 can transmit a measurement value of the surrounding humidity to the controller 160, and the controller can determine a heating profile for heating the aerosol generating article 200 based on the surrounding humidity.

[0063] For example, the humidity sensor 144 can measure the surrounding humidity by using numerical changes in weight, volume, length, etc., which are exhibited when organic materials such as hair, leather, wood, etc., or a chemical desiccant absorb water vapor in the atmosphere. The humidity sensor 144 can also be a psychrometer.

[0064] The controller 160 generally controls the operation of the aerosol generating device 100. Specifically, the controller 160 can control not only the operation of the battery 130, the heater 120, and the weather information sensor 140, but also the operation of other components included in the aerosol generating device 100. In addition, the controller 160 can also check the state of each of the components of the aerosol generating device 100 to determine whether the aerosol generating device 100 can operate.

[0065] The controller 160 can determine a heating curve based on the surrounding weather information obtained from the weather information sensor 140. The controller 160 can adjust the heating intensity of the aerosol generating material by adjusting the power supplied from the battery 130 to the heater 120 according to the heating curve.

[0066] The heating curve is a data set recording the amount of change in a specific value controlled over time when the aerosol generating article 200 is heated. For example, the heating curve can be a data set of the amount of power supplied from the battery 130 to the heater 120. Alternatively, for example, the heating curve can be a data set of the temperature value of the heater 120 that varies according to the power supplied to the heater 120. The heating curve can include a plurality of sections. For example, the heating curve can include a preheating section, a puffing section, a cooling section, or a combination thereof.

[0067] The controller 160 can select at least one most suitable heating curve from among a plurality of heating curves based on the surrounding temperature and the surrounding humidity from the memory 170. In other words, the controller 160 can adjust some values of the heating curve based on the surrounding temperature and the surrounding humidity.

[0068] Accordingly, the aerosol generating device 100 can provide the user with the optimal smoking sensation determined by considering the influence of the surrounding temperature and the surrounding humidity on the amount of aerosol generated and the degree of carbonization of the tobacco material. A specific embodiment in which the controller 160 determines the heating curve based on the surrounding temperature and the surrounding humidity will be described later with reference to FIG. 2. Figure 3 and Figure 4 A specific embodiment in which the controller 160 determines the heating curve based on the surrounding temperature and the surrounding humidity will be described later with reference to FIG. 2.

[0069] The controller 160 includes at least one processor. The processor can be implemented as an array of a plurality of logic gates, or can be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and the memory 170 in which a program executable in the microprocessor is stored. It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the processor can be implemented in other forms of hardware.

[0070] The battery 130 supplies power for operating the aerosol-generating device 100. For example, the battery 130 can supply power so that the heater 120 can be heated, and can supply power required for the controller 160 to operate. The battery 130 can supply power to the weather information sensor 140. In addition, the battery 130 can supply power for the operation of a display, a sensor, a motor, etc. installed in the aerosol-generating device 100.

[0071] According to an embodiment, the battery 130 can be electrically connected to an adapter, and the adapter can convert direct current output from the battery 130 into alternating current and output the alternating current.

[0072] The memory 170 can receive and record information from components of the aerosol-generating device 100, including the controller 160, the weather information sensor 140, the communicator 180, etc. The memory 170 can provide information to components of the aerosol-generating device 100, including the controller 160, upon request.

[0073] The memory 170 can store programs, software, etc. for driving the aerosol-generating device 100 in the form of code instructions, etc. For example, the memory 170 can store at least one heating curve.

[0074] The memory 170 can include at least one type of storage medium from among a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type memory (e.g., a secure digital (SD) or extreme digital (XD) memory, etc.), a random access memory (RAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk.

[0075] According to an embodiment, the aerosol-generating system (e.g., the aerosol-generating device 100) can include a location sensor. The location sensor can obtain location information about a current location of the aerosol-generating device 100 through a global navigation satellite system (GNSS). The location sensor can include a system such as a global positioning system (GPS). The location sensor can receive location information from a satellite and process the location information to transmit the location information to the controller 160.

[0076] The communicator 180 can transmit and receive information through communication with external servers and devices. The aerosol-generating device 100 can access the Internet or perform short-range communication through the communicator 180. The aerosol-generating device 100 can receive update information about a heating curve and update information about a driver program of the aerosol-generating device 100 through the communicator 180. According to an embodiment, the communicator 180 can be a transmitter and / or a receiver, which can include any one of or a combination of a digital modem, a radio frequency (RF) modem, a WiFi chip, and related software and / or firmware.

[0077] For example, the external server can include a server that provides weather information for a specific location. In addition to temperature and humidity information, the external server can provide various weather information including a probability of rainfall, an amount of rainfall, and an ultraviolet index, an uncomfortable index, a heat index, a felt temperature, an atmospheric diffusion index, etc. The aerosol-generating device 100 can provide location information about a current location to the external server through the communicator 180 and can receive weather information including ambient temperature and ambient humidity of the current location from the external server.

[0078] The controller 160 can determine a heating curve based on weather information. The controller 160 can determine a heating curve by considering ambient temperature and ambient humidity values measured by the temperature sensor 142 and the humidity sensor 144 and weather information obtained through the external server. For example, the controller 160 can correct ambient temperature and ambient humidity values measured by the temperature sensor 142 and the humidity sensor 144 using weather information obtained through the external server. For example, when the operation of the temperature sensor 142 and the humidity sensor 144 is not accurate, the controller 160 can determine a heating curve by considering only weather information obtained through the external server.

[0079] In addition to the battery 130, the heater 120, the temperature sensor 142, and the humidity sensor 144, the aerosol-generating device 100 can include general components. For example, the aerosol-generating device 100 can include a display capable of outputting visual information and / or a motor configured to output haptic information, a charging terminal configured to charge the battery 130, etc. For example, the motor can notify completion of heating of the heater 120 by vibration. For example, the aerosol-generating device 100 can include a light-emitting diode (LED) and can display an operation state of the heater 120 through the LED.

[0080] In addition, the aerosol generating device 100 can include at least one sensor (a puff detection sensor, a cigarette insertion detection sensor, etc.). The controller 160 can check the presence or absence of a user's puff and the strength of the puff through the puff detection sensor, and can count the number of puffs.

[0081] In addition, the aerosol generating device 100 can include an input unit (not shown). When a user input is received through the input unit, the operation of the aerosol generating device 100 can be controlled.

[0082] According to an embodiment, the aerosol generating article 200 can be of a cigarette type extending in one direction. The aerosol generating article 200 can include a tobacco rod including an aerosol generating material, a cooling rod cooling an aerosol, and a filter rod filtering impurities, and the tobacco rod and the filter rod can be wrapped by at least one wrapper.

[0083] The tobacco rod can include an aerosol generating material. For example, the aerosol generating material can include at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the aerosol generating material can include other additives such as a flavoring agent, a wetting agent, and / or an organic acid. In addition, a flavoring liquid such as menthol or a moisturizing agent can be added to the aerosol generating material.

[0084] The tobacco rod can be manufactured in various forms. For example, the tobacco rod can be formed into a sheet or a filament. In addition, the tobacco rod can be formed into a tobacco leaf formed of small pieces cut from a tobacco sheet. In addition, the tobacco rod can be surrounded by a heat conduction material. For example, the heat conduction material can be, but is not limited to, a metal foil such as an aluminum foil. For example, the heat conduction material surrounding the tobacco rod can uniformly distribute heat to the tobacco rod, and thus, can increase the heat conductivity applied to the tobacco rod, and thus, can improve the taste of the tobacco. In addition, the heat conduction material surrounding the tobacco rod can serve as a susceptor heated by the induction heating type heater 120. Here, although not shown in the drawings, the tobacco rod can include an additional susceptor in addition to the heat conduction material surrounding the outside of the tobacco rod.

[0085] The filter rod can include a cellulose acetate filter. The shape of the filter rod is not limited. For example, the filter rod can include a column type rod or a tube type rod having a hollow inside. In addition, the filter rod can include a recessed type rod. When the filter rod includes a plurality of segments, at least one segment of the plurality of segments can have a different shape.

[0086] According to another embodiment, the aerosol generating article 200 can be of a cartridge type including a liquid aerosol generating material. The aerosol generating article 200 can include a storage space in which the liquid aerosol generating material is accommodated, a wick that transfers the aerosol generating material from the storage space, a heater 120 that surrounds the wick and heats the aerosol generating material absorbed in the wick, and a contact terminal or the like that connects the heater 120 and the battery 130.

[0087] Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a structural view of an aerosol generating device 100 according to an embodiment.

[0088] Referring to Figure 2 The aerosol generating device 100 can include a case that forms the exterior. Components of the aerosol generating device 100, such as the heater 120, the controller 160, the battery 130, etc., can be accommodated in the case. According to an embodiment, the case can be integrally manufactured or can be formed of a plurality of parts and assembled. The case can extend in one direction and can be easily gripped with one hand.

[0089] The heating chamber 110 can be disposed on one side or one surface 100a of the case. The aerosol generating article 200 can be inserted into the heating chamber 110. When the aerosol generating device 100 is used, one surface 100a of the case is a proximal end portion close to the user.

[0090] The temperature sensor 142 and the humidity sensor 144 can be disposed on the other side or the other surface 100b of the case opposite to the one side or the one surface 100a of the case. The other side or the other surface 100b of the case is a distal end portion spaced apart from the user. The temperature sensor 142 and the humidity sensor 144 can be disposed on the other side 100b of the case to measure the ambient temperature and the ambient humidity by minimizing the influence on heating of the heating chamber 110. According to an embodiment, only one of the temperature sensor 142 and the humidity sensor 144 can be disposed on the other side 100b of the case.

[0091] A recessed space 190, which is an empty space inside the case, can be formed on the other side 100b of the case. The sensors including the temperature sensor 142 and the humidity sensor 144 can be accommodated in the recessed space 190. According to an embodiment, only one of the temperature sensor 142 and the humidity sensor 144 can be accommodated in the recessed space 190.

[0092] The recessed space 190 can protect the temperature sensor 142 and the humidity sensor 144 accommodated therein. External air can be introduced into the recessed space 190 through an opening of the recessed space 190, and the temperature sensor 142 and the humidity sensor 144 can measure the ambient temperature and the ambient humidity.

[0093] According to an embodiment, the opening of the recessed space 190 can be covered by a gas-permeable mesh 192. External air can pass through the mesh 192 and be introduced into the recessed space 190. The mesh 192 can block foreign matter from intruding into the recessed space 190.

[0094] The temperature sensor 142 and the humidity sensor 144 disposed in the recessed space 190 can be connected to the same sensor controller to be provided in a single sensor assembly. The sensor controller of the sensor assembly can be commonly connected to the temperature sensor 142 and the humidity sensor 144, and the sensor controller can receive both the ambient temperature value and the ambient humidity value. The sensor controller can transmit the ambient temperature value and the ambient humidity value to the controller 160. Accordingly, simple and compact packaging can be achieved, and power consumption can be saved.

[0095] According to an embodiment, the aerosol-generating device 100 can include a temperature sensor 152 that measures the temperature in the heating chamber 110. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 152 can measure the temperature of the heater 120 based on a change in the resistance value.

[0096] The aerosol-generating device 100 can monitor whether the heating chamber 110 or the heater 120 is heated to the target temperature according to the heating profile by measuring the temperature in the heating chamber 110 by the temperature sensor 152.

[0097] The temperature of the heating chamber 110 or the heater 120 measured by the temperature sensor 152 is transmitted to the controller 160. The controller 160 can adjust the amount of power so that the temperature value of the heating chamber 110 or the heater 120 matches the target temperature value of the heating profile. When the temperature value of the heating chamber 110 or the heater 120 and the target temperature value of the heating profile are outside a predetermined range, the controller 160 can determine that the heating chamber 110 or the heater 120 is overheated and stop the heating profile or operate an emergency heating profile that reduces the heating intensity.

[0098] According to an embodiment, the aerosol-generating device 100 can include a temperature sensor 154 that measures the temperature of the controller 160 or the surroundings of the controller 160. When the aerosol-generating material is heated in the heating chamber 110, heat in the heating chamber 110 can be transferred to the controller 160. The temperature sensor 154 can measure and monitor the temperature of the controller 160 by taking into account the characteristics of electronic devices that are susceptible to heat.

[0099] The temperature of the controller 160 measured by the temperature sensor 154 can be transmitted to the controller 160, and when the temperature value of the controller 160 is outside a predetermined range, the controller 160 can determine that the controller 160 is overheated and stop the heating profile or operate an emergency heating profile that reduces the heating intensity.

[0100] The temperature sensor 154 can be disposed between the heating chamber 110 and the controller 160. The temperature sensor 154 can be disposed on a side of the controller 160 facing the heating chamber 110.

[0101] According to an embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 can include a temperature sensor 156 disposed close to the battery 130, which measures the temperature of the battery 130 or around the battery 130. When the aerosol generating material is heated in the heating chamber 110, heat in the heating chamber 110 can be transferred to the battery 130. The temperature sensor 156 can measure and monitor the temperature of the battery 130 to prevent explosion of the battery 130 that can occur when the battery 130 is overheated.

[0102] The temperature of the battery 130 measured by the temperature sensor 156 can be transmitted to the controller 160, and when the temperature value of the battery 130 is outside a predetermined range, the controller 160 can determine that the battery 130 is overheated and stop the heating profile or operate an emergency heating profile that reduces the heating intensity.

[0103] Figure 3 is a flowchart of an operation method of the aerosol generating device 100 according to an embodiment, and Figure 4 and Figure 5 is a graph of an example heating profile of the aerosol generating device 100 according to an embodiment.

[0104] The operation method of the aerosol generating device 100 includes an operation method in which the aerosol generating device 100 selects and directly uses at least one heating profile among a plurality of heating profiles stored in the memory 170, an operation method of autonomously modifying a part of the heating profile stored in the memory 170, and an operation method of generating a heating profile to be stored in the memory 170.

[0105] Referring to Figure 3 , the aerosol generating device 100 can obtain surrounding weather information from the weather information sensor 140 (S1100). As Figure 1 and Figure 2 the contents of the weather information sensor 140 described above can be applied to operation S1100, but are not limited thereto.

[0106] The weather information sensor 140 includes a temperature sensor 142 that measures the surrounding temperature and a humidity sensor 144 that measures the surrounding humidity.

[0107] Then, the aerosol generating device 100 can determine at least one of a temperature of a preheating section of the heating curve and a target temperature of a puffing section according to the surrounding weather information (S1200). This will be described with reference to Figure 4 and Figure 5 .

[0108] Referring to Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the heating curve can include a plurality of sections. For example, the heating curve can be formed of a preheating section A1, a puffing section A2, a cooling section (not shown), or a combination thereof.

[0109] The heating curve can include a preheating section A1 in which the temperature of the heater 120 is increased. In the preheating section A, the temperature of the heater 120 can be increased from room temperature to a target temperature (e.g., Ta1, Ta2, or Ta3) that is a temperature at which the aerosol generating material is easily vaporized. According to embodiments, in the preheating section A1, the temperature of the heater 120 can be decreased by a predetermined range after reaching the target temperature (e.g., Ta1, Ta2, or Ta3).

[0110] The heating curve can include a puffing section A2 after the preheating section A1. In the puffing section A2, an aerosol generating material can be vaporized in an amount sufficient to provide a user with a rich puffing sensation.

[0111] In the puffing section A2, the temperature of the heater 120 can generally decrease. For example, the puffing section A2 can include a maintenance section in which the temperature of the heater 120 is maintained for a predetermined time and a decrease section in which the temperature of the heater 120 is decreased by a predetermined range. In the puffing section A2, the temperature of the heater 120 can gradually or stepwise decrease according to a combination of the maintenance section and the decrease section.

[0112] Although not shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the heating curve can include a cooling section after the puffing section A2 in which the temperature of the heater 120 is decreased. In the cooling section, as the generation of the aerosol is completed, the temperature of the heater 120 can be cooled to room temperature or a specific temperature.

[0113] Referring to Figure 4, the aerosol-generating device 100 can determine a target temperature in the preheating section A1 (e.g., one of the target temperatures Ta1, Ta2, or Ta3) based on the ambient temperature. The ambient temperature is a factor that affects the amount of aerosol generation and the degree of carbonization of the tobacco material. When the ambient temperature is high, the properties of the tobacco material can be changed by heat to increase the degree of carbonization, and thus, the aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating device 100 can have a taste or a flavor of over-burning. When the ambient temperature is low, the tobacco material can be difficult to sufficiently vaporize, and thus, the aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating device 100 can not be able to provide a rich smoking sensation.

[0114] The preheating section A1 is a section in which the temperature at which the aerosol-generating material is heated is determined by increasing the temperature of the heater 120, and the target temperature of the preheating section A1 is a factor that affects the degree of carbonization of the tobacco material. When the target temperature of the preheating section A1 is higher than a predetermined range, the tobacco material can be carbonized and have a taste or a flavor of burning. When the target temperature is less than the predetermined range, the tobacco material can be difficult to provide a rich smoking sensation.

[0115] Thus, the aerosol-generating device 100 can adjust the degree of carbonization of the tobacco material within an optimal range by adjusting the target temperature of the preheating section A1 based on the ambient temperature. For example, the aerosol-generating device 100 can decrease the target temperature of the preheating section A1 as the ambient temperature increases. Also, the aerosol-generating device 100 can increase the target temperature of the preheating section A1 as the ambient temperature decreases.

[0116] The memory 170 can store a plurality of curves Pa1, Pa2, and Pa3 in which the target temperatures Ta1, Ta2, and Ta3 of the preheating section A1 are differently set. The controller 160 can select at least one curve from among the plurality of curves Pa1, Pa2, and Pa3 based on the ambient temperature. When the ambient temperature is equal to or greater than a predetermined temperature value, the controller 160 can select the curve Pa3 having a low target temperature Ta3 of the preheating section A1 from among the plurality of curves Pa1, Pa2, and Pa3. When the ambient temperature is less than the predetermined temperature value, the controller 160 can select the curve Pa1 having a high target temperature Ta1 of the preheating section A1 from among the plurality of curves Pa1, Pa2, and Pa3.

[0117] Referring to Figure 5 , the aerosol-generating device 100 can determine a target temperature of the smoking section A2 (e.g., one of the target temperatures Tb1, Tb2, Tb3) based on the ambient humidity. The controller 160 can decrease the target temperature of the smoking section A2 as the ambient humidity increases. Also, the controller 160 can increase the target temperature of the smoking section A2 as the ambient humidity decreases.

[0118] Ambient humidity is a factor that affects the amount of aerosol generation and the degree of carbonization of tobacco material. When the ambient humidity is high, the aerosol that is vaporized from the aerosol generating material can converge with the water vapor in the atmosphere, thereby increasing the amount of smoke. When the ambient humidity is low, the amount of smoke can be reduced because the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere is small when the aerosol generating material is vaporized.

[0119] The smoking section A2 is a section for generating an aerosol, and the target temperature (e.g., one of the target temperatures Tb1, Tb2, Tb3) of the smoking section A2 is a factor that affects the amount of aerosol generation. When the target temperature of the smoking section A2 is equal to or greater than a predetermined range, the amount or heat energy supplied increases, and thus, the amount of aerosol generation and the amount of smoke can increase. When the target temperature of the smoking section A2 is less than the predetermined range, the amount of heat energy supplied decreases, and thus, the amount of aerosol generation and the amount of smoke can decrease.

[0120] Accordingly, the aerosol generating device 100 can adjust the target temperature of the smoking section A2 based on the ambient humidity, while adjusting the amount of aerosol generation within an optimal range. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 can lower the target temperature of the smoking section A2 as the ambient humidity increases. Also, the aerosol generating device 100 can raise the target temperature of the smoking section A2 as the ambient humidity decreases.

[0121] The memory 170 can store a plurality of curves Pb1, Pb2, and Pb3 in which the target temperatures Tb1, Tb2, and Tb3 of the smoking section A2 are differently set. The controller 160 can select at least one curve from among the plurality of curves Pb1, Pb2, and Pb3 based on the ambient humidity. When the ambient humidity is equal to or higher than a predetermined humidity, the controller 160 can select the curve Pb3 having a low target temperature Tb3 of the smoking section A2 from among the plurality of curves Pb1, Pb2, and Pb3. When the ambient humidity is lower than the predetermined humidity of the controller 160, the controller 160 can select the curve Pb1 having a high target temperature Tb1 of the smoking section A2 from among the plurality of curves Pb1, Pb2, and Pb3.

[0122] Accordingly, the aerosol generating device 100 can determine the characteristics of the heating curve, e.g., the target temperature (e.g., one of the target temperatures Ta1, Ta2, Ta3) of the preheating section A1 and the target temperature (e.g., one of the target temperatures Tb1, Tb2, Tb3) of the smoking section A2, based on the ambient weather information including the ambient temperature and the ambient humidity. Accordingly, the aerosol generating device 100 can provide an optimal smoking sensation even in the case where the ambient weather information changes.

[0123] While example implementations of the disclosure have been shown and described with specific details, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications in form and detail can be made without departing from the scope of the inventive concept.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device comprising: a housing forming an exterior of the aerosol generating device; a heater configured to heat an aerosol generating article inserted through a first surface of the housing; a battery electrically connected to the heater; a weather information sensor exposed through a second surface of the housing and configured to measure weather information around the housing; and a controller configured to adjust power supplied from the battery to the heater, wherein the controller is further configured to determine a target temperature of a preheating section in which a temperature of the heater is increased based on a surrounding temperature in the weather information, and determine a target temperature of a smoking section following the preheating section based on a surrounding humidity in the weather information, and control an amount of the power supplied from the battery to the heater so that the heater is heated according to at least one of the determined target temperature of the preheating section and the target temperature of the smoking section. The weather information sensor includes a temperature sensor configured to measure the surrounding temperature.

2. The aerosol-generating device of claim 1, wherein, The controller is further configured to decrease the target temperature of the preheating section based on an increase in the surrounding temperature.

3. The aerosol-generating device of claim 1, wherein, 4.The aerosol generating device of claim 1, further comprising a memory storing a plurality of profiles in the preheating section in which a target temperature of the preheating section is set differently, The controller is further configured to select one profile from the plurality of profiles in the preheating section based on the surrounding temperature. wherein The weather information sensor includes a humidity sensor configured to measure the surrounding humidity. 5.The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein, The controller is further configured to decrease the target temperature of the smoking section based on an increase in the surrounding humidity.

6. The aerosol-generating device of claim 1, wherein, 7.The aerosol generating device of claim 1, further comprising a memory storing a plurality of profiles in the smoking section in which a target temperature of the smoking section is set differently; The controller is further configured to select one profile from the plurality of profiles in the smoking section based on the surrounding humidity. wherein A recessed space is formed on the second surface of the housing, and the recessed space accommodates the weather information sensor, and 8.The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein, An opening of the recessed space is covered by a gauze that is breathable. The first surface of the housing is located at a proximal end of the aerosol generating device configured to face a user when the user uses the aerosol generating device to generate an aerosol, and 9.The aerosol-generating device of claim 1, wherein, The second surface of the housing is located at a distal end of the aerosol generating device configured to face away from the user when the user uses the aerosol generating device to generate the aerosol. ​ 10.The aerosol generating device of claim 1, further comprising: a heating chamber configured to receive the aerosol generating article; and a temperature sensor disposed on a side of the controller facing the heating chamber, and configured to measure a temperature of the controller. 11.The aerosol generating device of claim 1, further comprising a temperature sensor disposed adjacent to the battery, and configured to measure a temperature of the battery. 12.The aerosol generating device of claim 1, further comprising: a location sensor configured to acquire location information about a current location; and a communicator configured to receive weather information of the current location from an external server, wherein the controller is further configured to determine a heating profile based on the weather information of the current location received through the communicator.

13. A method of operating an aerosol-generating device, wherein, The aerosol generating device generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating article using a heater, and the operating method is performed by the aerosol generating device, and includes: measuring, by a weather information sensor, weather information about weather surrounding the aerosol generating device; determining, based on a surrounding temperature in the weather information, a target temperature of a preheating section of a heating profile, and determining, based on a surrounding humidity in the weather information, a target temperature of a smoking section of the heating profile following the preheating section; and heating the heater according to the heating profile.

14. An aerosol-generating system, wherein, The aerosol generating system includes: a cigarette type aerosol generating article; and an aerosol generating device including: a heater, a battery, a weather information sensor configured to measure weather information, and a controller configured to determine, based on a surrounding temperature in the weather information, a target temperature of a preheating section of a heating profile, and determine, based on a surrounding humidity in the weather information, a target temperature of a smoking section of the heating profile following the preheating section, and heat the aerosol generating article according to the heating profile.

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