Aerosol-generating device and method of controlling an aerosol-generating device

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an aerosol-generating apparatus and a method of controlling the same. The aerosol-generating apparatus includes a heater configured to heat an aerosol-generating substrate, a puff sensor configured to measure an amount of a user's puff, and a controller configured to determine an amount of vaporization of the aerosol-generating substrate based on a puff sensing value representing the amount of the user's puff, and control a heating time of the heater based on the determined amount of vaporization.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an aerosol generating apparatus and a method for controlling the heating time of a heater. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, the demand for alternatives to traditional cigarettes has been increasing. For example, there is a growing need for aerosol generating equipment that generates aerosols by heating aerosol-generating substances in aerosol-generating products without burning them. Therefore, research on heated aerosol-generating products and equipment is actively underway.

[0003] In aerosol generation equipment, a heater is used to heat the aerosol generating matrix (i.e., the aerosol generating substance), and the heating time of the heater needs to be set differently depending on the vaporization degree of the aerosol generating matrix. Therefore, a technology is needed to control the heating time of the heater based on the available vaporization amount of the aerosol generating matrix. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Technical issues

[0005] Aerosol generation equipment can control the heating time of the heater, so that the heater operates only for a specific time preset for each aerosol-generated product.

[0006] However, when the heater heats the aerosol-generating matrix for only a predetermined time, the user may not be able to continue smoking after that time has elapsed, even if there is enough remaining aerosol-generating matrix to provide additional puffing.

[0007] As a solution to the aforementioned problems, various embodiments provide aerosol generating apparatus and a method for controlling the heating time of the heater. The technical objectives to be achieved by this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other technical objectives can be deduced from the following embodiments.

[0008] Solutions to the problem

[0009] One or more embodiments provide an aerosol generation apparatus capable of controlling the heating time of the heater based on the remaining amount of the aerosol generation matrix.

[0010] According to one aspect of this disclosure, an aerosol generating apparatus is provided, the aerosol generating apparatus comprising: a heater configured to heat an aerosol generating matrix; a suction sensor configured to determine a user's suction volume; and a controller configured to determine the amount of vaporization of the aerosol generating matrix based on a suction sensing value indicating the user's suction volume, and to control the heating time of the heater based on the determined amount of vaporization.

[0011] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, a method for controlling an aerosol generating apparatus is provided, the method comprising: heating an aerosol generating matrix; measuring the amount of suction by a user using a suction sensor; determining the amount of vaporization of the aerosol generating matrix based on a suction sensing value indicating the amount of suction by the user; and controlling the heating time of a heater based on the determined amount of vaporization.

[0012] Beneficial effects of the present invention

[0013] This disclosure provides an aerosol generating apparatus and a method for controlling the heating time of the heater.

[0014] In detail, the aerosol generating apparatus according to this disclosure can determine the amount of vaporization (i.e., consumption) of the aerosol generating matrix based on the value measured by the suction sensor, and can control the heating time of the heater based on the determined amount of vaporization.

[0015] Therefore, even after the predetermined time for inhaling an aerosol-generating product has elapsed, the heater can continue to heat the aerosol-generating matrix, allowing the user to continue smoking and increasing user convenience. Furthermore, it prevents waste of the aerosol-generating product.

[0016] The effects of this disclosure are not limited to what is disclosed herein, and various other effects may also be included in the application documents. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figures 1 to 3 This is a diagram showing an example of an aerosol-generating article being inserted into an aerosol-generating device.

[0018] Figure 4 An example of an aerosol-generated article is shown.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a view showing the configuration of an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of a method for operating an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0021] Figure 7 It is a graph showing the temperature of the heater as measured by the suction sensor according to an embodiment.

[0022] Figure 8 It is a graph showing the suction sensing value output by the suction sensor according to an embodiment.

[0023] Figure 9 This is a graph showing the vaporization amount of the aerosol-generating matrix according to the embodiment.

[0024] Figure 10 This is a flowchart of a method for controlling the heating time of a heater based on the vaporization amount by an aerosol generating device, according to an embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The solution of the present invention

[0026] Regarding the terminology used in 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. Additionally, in some cases, less commonly used terms 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.

[0027] Furthermore, unless explicitly stated otherwise, the term "comprising" and variations such as "including" and "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 processing at least one function and operation, and can be implemented by hardware components or software components and combinations thereof.

[0028] Furthermore, in the following embodiments, ordinal terms such as "first" or "second" may be used only to distinguish one component from another, and the individual components need not be limited by such terms.

[0029] The term "aerosol-generating article" can refer to a product designed for smoking by inhalation from an aerosol-generating article. Aerosol-generating articles can include aerosol-generating substances (i.e., aerosol-generating matrix) that generate aerosols without combustion. For example, one or more aerosol-generating articles can be loaded into an aerosol-generating device and generate aerosols when heated by the aerosol-generating 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, cigarettes and cartridges.

[0030] As used herein, expressions such as “at least one of…” modify the entire list of elements when placed after the list of elements, rather than the individual elements in the list. 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.

[0031] In the following description, the present disclosure will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated, enabling those skilled in the art to readily implement the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0032] In the following, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] Figures 1 to 3 This is a diagram showing an example of an aerosol-generating article being inserted into an aerosol-generating device.

[0034] Reference Figure 1 The aerosol generating device 100 may include a battery 110, a controller 120, and a heater 130. (See reference...) Figure 2 and Figure 3 The aerosol generating apparatus 100 may also include a vaporizer 140. Furthermore, the aerosol generating article 200 may be inserted into the internal space of the aerosol generating apparatus 100.

[0035] Figures 1 to 3 The components of the aerosol generating apparatus 100 relevant to this embodiment are shown. Therefore, those skilled in the art who are familiar with this embodiment will understand that the aerosol generating apparatus 100 includes, in addition to, components related to this embodiment. Figures 1 to 3 Other general-purpose components may be included in addition to the components shown.

[0036] also, Figure 2 and Figure 3The aerosol generating apparatus 100 shown includes a heater 130. However, the heater 130 can be omitted if needed.

[0037] Figure 1 The battery 110, controller 120, and heater 130 are shown to be arranged in series. Furthermore, Figure 2 The battery 110, controller 120, carburetor 140, and heater 130 are shown to be arranged in series. Furthermore, Figure 3 The vaporizer 140 and heater 130 are shown to be arranged in parallel. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 100 is not limited to... Figures 1 to 3 The structure shown is as described. In other words, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 100, the battery 110, controller 120, heater 130, and vaporizer 140 can be arranged in different ways.

[0038] When the aerosol generating article 200 is inserted into the aerosol generating apparatus 100, the aerosol generating apparatus 100 can operate the heater 130 and / or the vaporizer 140 to generate aerosols from the aerosol generating article 200 and / or the vaporizer 140. The aerosols generated by the heater 130 and / or the vaporizer 140 are then delivered to the user through the aerosol generating article 200.

[0039] As needed, the aerosol generating equipment 100 can heat the heater 130 even when the aerosol generating article 200 is not inserted into the aerosol generating equipment 100.

[0040] Battery 110 can supply power for operating the aerosol generating device 100. For example, battery 110 can supply power to heat heater 130 or vaporizer 140, and can supply power to operate controller 120. In addition, battery 110 can supply power for operating displays, sensors, motors, etc. installed in the aerosol generating device 100.

[0041] The controller 120 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 100. Specifically, the controller 120 can control not only the operation of the battery 110, heater 130, and vaporizer 140, but also the operation of other components included in the aerosol generating device 100. Furthermore, the controller 120 can check the status of each component of the aerosol generating device 100 to determine whether the aerosol generating device 100 is capable of operation.

[0042] The controller 120 may include at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and memory storing a program executable in the microprocessor. Those skilled in the art will understand that the processor may be implemented in other forms of hardware.

[0043] The heater 130 can be heated by electricity supplied from the battery 110. For example, when the aerosol generating article 200 is inserted into the aerosol generating apparatus 100, the heater 130 can be located outside the aerosol generating article 200. Therefore, the heated heater 130 can raise the temperature of the aerosol generating substance in the aerosol generating article 200.

[0044] Heater 130 may include a resistance heater. For example, heater 130 may include a conductive trace, and heater 130 may be heated when current flows through the conductive trace. However, heater 130 is not limited to the above example and may include all heaters that can be heated to a desired temperature. Here, the desired temperature may be preset in the aerosol generating apparatus 100 or may be set by the user.

[0045] For example, heater 130 may include tubular heating elements, plate heating elements, needle heating elements or rod heating elements, and heater 130 may heat the interior or exterior of aerosol generating article 200 depending on the shape of the heating element.

[0046] As another example, heater 130 may include an induction heater. Specifically, heater 130 may include a conductive coil for heating the aerosol-generating article using an induction heating method, and the aerosol-generating article may include a base that can be heated by the induction heater. The base may be tubular or cylindrical, and may be arranged around a receiving space for insertion of the aerosol-generating article 200 (e.g., a cigarette). When the aerosol-generating article 200 is inserted into the receiving space of the aerosol-generating apparatus 100, the base may surround the aerosol-generating article 200. Therefore, the temperature of the aerosol-generating matrix in the aerosol-generating article 200 can be increased by heat transferred from the external base. When power is supplied to the induction coil from battery 110, the induction coil can generate a variable magnetic field. The variable magnetic field generated by the induction coil can be applied to the base, causing the base to be heated. Controller 120 can control the power supplied to the induction coil so that the temperature of the base is maintained within an appropriate range.

[0047] Furthermore, the aerosol generating apparatus 100 may include a plurality of heaters 130. These heaters 130 may be inserted into the aerosol generating article 200 or may be arranged outside the aerosol generating article 200. Additionally, some of the heaters 130 may be inserted into the aerosol generating article 200, while others may be arranged outside the aerosol generating article 200. Furthermore, the shape of the heaters 130 is not limited to... Figures 1 to 3 The shapes shown are, and can include a variety of shapes.

[0048] The vaporizer 140 can generate an aerosol by heating the liquid composition, and the generated aerosol can be delivered to the user through the aerosol generating article 200. In other words, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 140 can move along the airflow channel of the aerosol generating device 100, and the airflow channel can be configured such that the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 140 can be delivered to the user through the aerosol generating article 200.

[0049] For example, vaporizer 140 may include a liquid storage unit, a liquid transfer element, and a heating element, but is not limited thereto. For example, the liquid storage unit, the liquid transfer element, and the heating element may be included as separate modules in aerosol generating equipment 100.

[0050] The liquid storage section can store the liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing tobacco substances having volatile tobacco flavor components, or a liquid containing non-tobacco substances. The liquid storage section may be detachable from the vaporizer 140, or it may be integrally formed with the vaporizer 140.

[0051] For example, the liquid composition may include water, solvent, ethanol, plant extracts, fragrances, flavorings, or vitamin mixtures. Fragrances may include, but are not limited to, menthol, peppermint oil, spearmint oil, and various fruity flavorings. Flavorings may include ingredients capable of providing the user with a variety of fragrances or flavors. Vitamin mixtures may be, but are not limited to, a mixture of at least one of vitamins A, B, C, and E. Furthermore, the liquid composition may include aerosol-forming substances such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0052] A liquid delivery element can deliver a liquid composition from a liquid storage section to a heating element. For example, the liquid delivery element can be a core, such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, and porous ceramic, but is not limited to these.

[0053] A heating element is a component used to heat a liquid composition conveyed by a liquid conveying element. For example, a heating element can be a metal heating wire, a metal hot plate, a ceramic heater, etc., but is not limited to these. Alternatively, the heating element may include a conductive wire such as a nickel-chromium alloy wire, and can be positioned to wind around the liquid conveying element. The heating element can be heated by an electric current supply, and can transfer heat to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element, thereby heating the liquid composition. Therefore, an aerosol can be generated.

[0054] For example, vaporizer 140 may be referred to as a vaporizer cartridge or vaporizer, but is not limited to this.

[0055] In addition to the battery 110, controller 120, heater 130, and vaporizer 104, the aerosol generating apparatus 100 may also include other general-purpose components. For example, the aerosol generating apparatus 100 may include a display capable of outputting visual information and / or a motor for outputting tactile information. Furthermore, the aerosol generating apparatus 100 may include at least one sensor (e.g., a suction sensor, a temperature sensor, an aerosol generating article insertion detection sensor, etc.). Moreover, the aerosol generating apparatus 100 may be configured to allow the introduction of external air or the exhaust of internal air even when the aerosol generating article 200 is inserted into the aerosol generating apparatus 100.

[0056] Despite Figures 1 to 3 Not shown, but the aerosol generating device 100 and the additional bracket can form a system together. For example, the bracket can be used to charge the battery 110 of the aerosol generating device 100. Alternatively, the heater 130 can be heated when the bracket and the aerosol generating device 100 are connected to each other.

[0057] The aerosol-generating article 200 can be similar to a regular combustible cigarette. For example, the aerosol-generating article 200 can be divided into a first part including an aerosol-generating substance and a second part including a filter, etc. Alternatively, the second part of the aerosol-generating article 200 can also include an aerosol-generating substance. For example, an aerosol-generating substance made in the form of granules or capsules can be inserted into the second part.

[0058] The entire first part can be inserted into the aerosol generating device 100, and the second part can be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a portion of the first part can be inserted into the aerosol generating device 100, or the entire first part and a portion of the second part can be inserted into the aerosol generating device 100. The user can inhale the aerosol while holding the second part in place with their mouth. In this case, the aerosol is generated by outside air passing through the first part, and the generated aerosol passes through the second part and is delivered to the user's mouth.

[0059] For example, outside air can flow into at least one air passage formed in the aerosol generating device 100. For example, a user can adjust the opening and closing of the air passage formed in the aerosol generating device 100 and / or the size of the air passage. Therefore, the user can adjust the amount and quality of the smoke. As another example, outside air can flow into the aerosol generating article 200 through at least one hole formed in the surface of the aerosol generating article 200.

[0060] In the following text, reference will be made to Figure 4 An example of aerosol-generated article 200 is described.

[0061] Figure 4 An example of an aerosol-generated article is shown.

[0062] Reference Figure 4 The aerosol-generating article 200 may include a tobacco stick 210 and a filter stick 220. (See above for reference.) Figures 1 to 3 The first part of the description may include a tobacco stick 210, and the second part may include a filter stick 220.

[0063] Figure 4 The filter rod 220 is shown to include a single segment. However, the filter rod 220 is not limited thereto. In other words, the filter rod 220 may include multiple segments. For example, the filter rod 220 may include a first segment configured to cool the aerosol and a second segment configured to filter specific components included in the aerosol. Furthermore, the filter rod 220 may also include at least one segment configured to perform other functions, as needed.

[0064] The aerosol-generating article 200 can be packaged using at least one package 240. The package 240 may have at least one opening through which external air can be introduced or internal air can be exhausted. For example, the aerosol-generating article 200 may be packaged by a single package 240. As another example, the aerosol-generating article 200 may be double-packaged using two or more packages 240. For example, the tobacco stick 21 may be packaged by a first package 241, and the filter stick 220 may be packaged by packages 242, 243, and 244. The aerosol-generating article 200 may then be repackaged entirely by a single package 245. When the filter stick 220 comprises multiple segments, the corresponding segments may be packaged by packages 242, 243, and 244.

[0065] 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. Furthermore, the tobacco stick 210 may include other additives, such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids. Additionally, the tobacco stick 210 may include flavoring liquids, such as menthol or humectants, infused into the tobacco stick 210.

[0066] The tobacco stick 210 can be manufactured in various forms. For example, the tobacco stick 210 can be formed as a sheet or shreds. Furthermore, the tobacco stick 210 can be formed as tobacco shreds, which are formed from small pieces cut from tobacco sheets. Additionally, the tobacco stick 210 can be surrounded by a heat-conducting material. For example, the heat-conducting material can be, but is not limited to, metal foil, such as aluminum foil. For example, the heat-conducting material surrounding the tobacco stick 210 can make the heat transferred to the tobacco stick 210 evenly distributed, and therefore, can increase the thermal conductivity applied to the tobacco stick and can improve the flavor of the tobacco. Furthermore, the heat-conducting material surrounding the tobacco stick 210 can serve as a base that is heated by an induction heater. Although not shown in the accompanying drawings, in addition to the heat-conducting material surrounding the tobacco stick 210, the tobacco stick 210 may also include an additional base.

[0067] The filter rod 220 may include a cellulose acetate filter. The shape of the filter rod 220 is not limited. For example, the filter rod 220 may include a cylindrical or tubular rod with a hollow interior. Furthermore, the filter rod 220 may include a recessed rod. When the filter rod 220 comprises multiple segments, at least one of the segments may have a different shape.

[0068] The filter rod 220 can be configured to generate fragrance. For example, a 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.

[0069] Furthermore, the filter rod 220 may include at least one capsule 230. Here, the capsule 230 may generate a fragrance or aerosol. For example, the capsule 230 may have a configuration that encapsulates a liquid containing a fragrance material with a membrane. For example, the capsule 230 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0070] When the filter rod 220 includes a 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, but the material used to form the cooling section is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the cooling section may comprise a cellulose acetate filter with multiple pores. However, the cooling section is not limited to the examples described above, and the cooling section is not limited as long as it cools the aerosol.

[0071] As another example, although not in Figure 4 As shown in the diagram, the aerosol generating article 200 according to an embodiment may further include a front filter. The front filter may be located on a side of the tobacco stick 210 opposite to the filter rod 220. The front filter prevents the tobacco stick 210 from being disassembled outwards and prevents liquefied aerosol from flowing from the tobacco stick 210 to the aerosol generating device during smoking. Figures 1 to 3 In the aerosol generation equipment 100).

[0072] Figure 5 This is a view showing the configuration of the aerosol generating apparatus 500 according to an embodiment.

[0073] Reference Figure 5 The aerosol generating device 500 may include a heater 510, a suction sensor 520, and a controller 530. Because... Figure 5 The aerosol generating device 500, heater 510, and controller 530 can respectively correspond to Figures 1 to 3 The aerosol generating device 100, heater 130 and controller 120 are included, so redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0074] The heater 510 can heat the aerosol generating article inserted into the aerosol generating apparatus 500, and the heater 510 can heat the aerosol generating matrix in the aerosol generating article, so that aerosol is generated from the aerosol generating matrix.

[0075] The suction sensor 520 can measure the amount of aerosol inhaled by the user. The amount of aerosol inhaled can refer to the density or intensity of aerosol inhalation on the aerosol-generating product, and can correspond to the amount of aerosol inhaled by the user through suction.

[0076] The suction sensor 520 can measure the user's suction volume based on changes in heater temperature, or it can measure the user's suction volume based on changes in the current flowing through the heater. However, this disclosure is not limited to these. According to an embodiment, the suction sensor 520 can measure the user's suction volume based on changes in airflow, changes in the power supplied to the heater, etc.

[0077] The controller 530 can control the heating time (i.e., operating time) of the heater 510. See below for further details. Figure 6 The method for controlling the heating time of heater 510 by controller 530 is described in detail.

[0078] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of a method for operating an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0079] In step 610, the aerosol generating apparatus can determine the vaporization amount of the aerosol generating matrix based on a value measured by a suction sensor. Where the suction sensor measures the user's suction amount based on changes in heater temperature, the measured value can be the heater temperature measured by the suction sensor, or a value obtained by converting (e.g., filtering) the heater temperature measured by the suction sensor. The vaporization amount can refer to the amount of the aerosol generating matrix of the aerosol generating article that is heated and vaporized. Hereinafter, the value measured and output by the suction sensor will be referred to as the "suction sensing value".

[0080] In the suction generation section, the temperature of the heater can be changed by the user's suction. A large change in the heater temperature can indicate a large amount of vaporization of the aerosol generating matrix. For example, when the temperature change in the second suction generation section is greater than the temperature change in the first suction generation section, the aerosol generating device can determine that the amount of vaporization of the aerosol generating matrix in the second suction generation section is greater than the amount of vaporization of the aerosol generating matrix in the first suction generation section.

[0081] In step 620, the aerosol generating apparatus can control the heating time of the heater based on the determined vaporization rate. For example, when the vaporization rate of the aerosol generating matrix is ​​determined to be relatively small, the aerosol generating apparatus can increase the heating time of the heater. In another example, when the vaporization rate of the aerosol generating matrix is ​​determined to be large, the aerosol generating apparatus may not increase the heating time of the heater. In this way, the aerosol generating apparatus can make full use of the remaining amount of the aerosol generating matrix. Therefore, waste of aerosol-generated products can be prevented, and user satisfaction can be increased.

[0082] Figure 7 It is a graph showing the temperature of the heater as measured by the suction sensor according to an embodiment.

[0083] Reference Figure 7 Curve A represents the heater temperature measured by the suction sensor based on the heater's heating time. Figure 7 In the diagram, the horizontal axis represents the heating time of the heater, where the unit time is 0.1 seconds. Figure 7 In the diagram, the vertical axis represents the temperature (°C) of the heater as measured by the suction sensor.

[0084] A suction sensor can measure the temperature of the heater. The heater temperature can change according to the suction volume. For example, the suction volume can be proportional to the degree of temperature reduction of the heater as measured by the suction sensor.

[0085] Figure 8This is a graph showing the suction sensing values ​​according to an embodiment.

[0086] Reference Figure 8 Curve B represents the suction sensing value based on the heating time of the heater. Figure 8 In the diagram, the horizontal axis represents the heating time of the heater, where the unit time is 0.1 seconds. Figure 8 In the diagram, the vertical axis can represent the amplitude of the suction sensing value.

[0087] The suction sensor in the aerosol generation equipment can measure the temperature of the heater and digitally filter the measured temperature to obtain the suction sensing value. By using digital filtering, the heater temperature measured by the suction sensor can be averaged.

[0088] In one implementation, the suction sensor can be digitally filtered using a bandpass digital filter. For example, the suction sensor can output the heater temperature using a bandpass digital filter in the range of 0.2 Hz to 2 Hz. In another example, the suction sensor can output the measured heater temperature using a bandpass digital filter in the range of 0.2 Hz to 0.8 Hz. However, this disclosure is not limited to the above examples.

[0089] Aerosol generation equipment can determine the vaporization rate of the aerosol generation matrix based on suction sensing values. In the suction generation section, as the suction sensing value increases, the suction volume increases, and the vaporization rate of the aerosol generation matrix can be substantial. For example, referring to… Figure 8 Since the change in the suction sensing value between 40 seconds and 42 seconds is greater than the change in the suction sensing value between 66 seconds and 68 seconds, the vaporization amount of the aerosol generating matrix in the 40-42 second segment may be greater than the vaporization amount of the aerosol generating matrix in the 66-68 second segment.

[0090] Figure 9 It is a graph showing the vaporization amount of the aerosol-generating matrix according to the embodiment.

[0091] Reference Figure 9 Curve A represents the heater temperature measured by the suction sensor based on the heater's heating time. Curve B represents the suction sensing value based on the heater's heating time. Figure 9 In the diagram, the horizontal axis represents the heating time of the heater, with a unit time of 0.1 seconds. The left vertical axis represents the heater temperature (°C) measured by the suction sensor. The right vertical axis represents the amplitude of the suction sensing value. The horizontal arrow (a) represents the suction generation segment, and the vertical arrow (b) represents the difference between the maximum suction sensing value and the reference threshold in each suction generation segment.

[0092] The aerosol generating device can define a suction occurrence period as the time during which the suction sensing value is maintained above a reference threshold. The reference threshold can be a preset value used to determine whether suction has occurred. For example, a reference... Figure 9 Between 8.0 and 8.5 seconds, the suction sensing value remained above the reference threshold, and therefore this segment (i.e., the time period) can be identified as the suction occurrence segment. Similarly, the segment from 41.5 to 42.5 seconds can be identified as the suction occurrence segment. On the other hand, between 50.0 and 51.0 seconds, the suction sensing value was below the reference threshold, and therefore this segment cannot be identified as the suction occurrence segment.

[0093] In one implementation, the aerosol generating device can measure the difference by subtracting a reference threshold from the maximum suction sensing value during the suction generation phase. For example, the maximum suction sensing value during the 8.0 to 8.5 second suction generation phase could be 0.28, and the reference threshold could be 0.17. In this case, the difference obtained by subtracting the reference threshold from the maximum suction sensing value could be 0.11.

[0094] The difference can vary depending on the amount of vaporization of the aerosol-generating matrix, and the amount of vaporization of the aerosol-generating matrix can increase as the difference increases.

[0095] In one implementation, the aerosol generating device can determine the vaporization amount of the aerosol generating matrix based on a difference. For example, in the 8.0 to 8.5 second segment, the difference may be less than the difference in the 23.0 to 23.5 second segment. In this case, it can be determined that the vaporization amount of the aerosol generating matrix in the 23.0 to 23.5 second segment is greater than the vaporization amount of the aerosol generating matrix in the 8.0 to 8.5 second segment. In another example, the difference in the heating time of the heater being 41.5 to 42.5 seconds may be greater than the difference in the 23.0 to 23.5 second segment. Therefore, it can be determined that the vaporization amount of the aerosol generating matrix in the 41.5 to 42.5 second segment is greater than the vaporization amount of the aerosol generating matrix in the 23.0 to 23.5 second segment.

[0096] Aerosol generation equipment can accumulate the difference in values ​​between each suction generation stage. (Refer to...) Figure 9 Between 0.1 seconds and 35 seconds, the aerosol generating device can identify three suction generation stages. When the differences between the three suction generation stages are 0.11, 0.31, and 0.3, respectively, the aerosol generating device can calculate that the cumulative sum of the differences is 0.72.

[0097] Aerosol generating equipment can determine the vaporization rate (i.e., consumption rate) of the aerosol generating matrix based on the cumulative sum of the total vaporization rate and the difference between them. The total vaporization rate can be a preset value representing the total amount of heatable and vaporizable aerosol generating matrix contained in an aerosol generating article. The total vaporization rate can be represented by the amplitude of a digitally filtered signal. For example, the total vaporization rate can be set as the average of the cumulative sums of many aerosol generating articles after a preset number of pump-throughs.

[0098] Aerosol generating equipment can determine the vaporization amount and remaining amount of the aerosol generating matrix based on the cumulative sum of the total vaporization amount and the difference. Specifically, the aerosol generating equipment can calculate the remaining amount of the aerosol generating matrix by subtracting the cumulative sum from the total vaporization amount. For example, when the total vaporization amount is 3.0 and the cumulative sum of the differences is 0.72 at a certain time point, the aerosol generating equipment can determine that the vaporization amount is 0.72 and the remaining amount is 2.28.

[0099] When the remaining amount of aerosol generating matrix is ​​equal to or greater than a preset reference amount, the aerosol generating device can increase the preset total number of pumping operations. The reference amount can correspond to the amount of aerosol generating matrix required for a user to pump more than once. The preset total number of pumping operations can refer to the total number of pumping operations provided by the aerosol generating matrix contained in an aerosol generating product.

[0100] The increase in the total number of pumping operations can vary depending on the remaining amount of aerosol generating matrix. When the remaining amount of aerosol generating matrix is ​​relatively large, the number of pumping operations can be increased significantly. When the remaining amount of aerosol generating matrix is ​​relatively small, the total number of pumping operations can be increased slightly. For example, suppose that in an aerosol-generated product with a preset total number of pumping operations of 14, the remaining amount of aerosol generating matrix is ​​0.1. In this case, if the preset reference amount is 0.07, the remaining amount of aerosol generating matrix is ​​greater than the reference amount. Therefore, the aerosol generating equipment can increase the preset total number of pumping operations from 14 to 15. If, in the above example, the remaining amount of aerosol generating matrix is ​​0.2, the aerosol generating equipment can increase the preset total number of pumping operations from 14 to 16.

[0101] When the remaining amount of aerosol generating matrix is ​​less than a preset reference amount, the aerosol generating device can maintain a preset total number of suctions. Therefore, if the remaining amount of aerosol generating matrix in the above example is 0.05, the aerosol generating device can maintain a preset total number of suctions, i.e., 14 times.

[0102] When the remaining amount of aerosol generating matrix exceeds a preset reference amount, the aerosol generating device can increase the heating time of the heater. In this embodiment, the aerosol generating device can increase the heating time of the heater to correspond to an increase in the total number of inhalations. Therefore, the user can inhale more aerosol generated from the remaining aerosol generating matrix.

[0103] Figure 10 This is a flowchart of a method for controlling the heating time of a heater based on the vaporization amount by an aerosol generating device, according to an embodiment. Figure 10 This method can be performed by an aerosol generating device. For example, Figure 10 The method can be achieved by a controller included in the aerosol generating device, such as... Figures 1 to 3 controller and Figure 5 The controller 530 is used to execute this.

[0104] In working step 1010, the aerosol generating device can determine whether there is a segment (i.e., time period) in which the suction sensing value is maintained at a value greater than a reference threshold.

[0105] When there is a period in which the suction sensing value remains above a reference threshold, the aerosol generating device can determine this period as a suction occurrence period in operating step 1020. Otherwise, the aerosol generating device can return to the start operating step.

[0106] In working step 1030, the aerosol generating device can calculate the difference between each suction generation section and add the differences together.

[0107] In step 1040, the aerosol generating device can count the number of suction-generating segments. For this purpose, the aerosol generating device may also include a counter for counting the number of suction-generating segments. For example, the counter may increment the count value by one each time a suction-generating segment is detected.

[0108] In step 1050, the aerosol generating device can determine whether the remaining number of suctions has reached a preset reference number greater than zero. The remaining number of suctions can be obtained by subtracting the count of the suction generation section from the preset total number of suctions. For example, when the preset total number of suctions is 14, the count of the suction generation section is 11, and the preset reference number is 3, the aerosol generating device can determine that the remaining number of suctions has reached the preset reference number.

[0109] The preset reference number represents the time used to check the remaining amount of aerosol generating matrix and adjust the preset total number of pumping operations. When the remaining pumping operations reach the preset reference number, the aerosol generating device can determine the remaining amount of aerosol generating matrix, allowing the preset total number of pumping operations to be increased before the heater stops heating. Therefore, the user can continuously pump using the remaining amount of aerosol generating matrix based on the increased preset total number of pumping operations.

[0110] When the remaining number of aspirations reaches the preset reference number, in working step 1060, the aerosol generating device can determine whether the remaining amount of the aerosol generating matrix is ​​greater than or equal to the preset reference amount. The remaining amount of the aerosol generating matrix can be obtained by subtracting the cumulative sum of the differences from the total vaporization amount of the aerosol generating matrix.

[0111] When the remaining amount of the aerosol generating matrix is ​​greater than or equal to a preset reference amount, in step 1070, the aerosol generating device may increase the preset total number of suctions and / or the heating time of the heater. Otherwise, in step 1080, the aerosol generating device may maintain the preset total number of suctions and the heating time of the heater.

[0112] Since the preset total number of suctions and the heating time of the heater are controlled based on whether the remaining amount of aerosol-generating matrix can provide additional suction, waste of aerosol-generating products can be prevented and user convenience can be increased.

[0113] One implementation may also be in the form of a recording medium, which includes computer-executable instructions, such as computer-executable program modules. A computer-readable recording medium can be any available medium accessible to a computer, including both volatile and non-volatile media, as well as both removable and non-removable media. Additionally, a computer-readable recording medium can include both computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media includes all volatile and non-volatile media, as well as removable and non-removable media, implemented by any method and technique for storing information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Communication media typically include computer-readable instructions, data structures, other data such as program modules in modulated data signals, or other transmission mechanisms, and communication media include any information transmission medium.

[0114] Those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail can be made to the embodiments without departing from the scope of the foregoing features. Therefore, the disclosed methods should be considered in a descriptive rather than restrictive manner. The scope of this disclosure is defined by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all differences within the scope of equivalents of the claims should be interpreted as included in this disclosure.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device comprising: A heater configured to heat the aerosol-generating matrix; A suction sensor configured to measure the amount of suction from the user; as well as The controller is configured to: The vaporization amount of the aerosol-generating matrix is ​​determined based on a suction sensing value indicating the user's suction volume, wherein determining the vaporization amount of the aerosol-generating matrix includes: calculating the difference by subtracting a reference threshold from the maximum value of the suction sensing value, and determining the cumulative sum of the differences; The remaining amount of the aerosol-generating matrix is ​​calculated by subtracting the cumulative sum of the differences from the preset total vaporization amount of the aerosol-generating matrix; and When the remaining amount of the aerosol generating matrix is ​​greater than or equal to a preset reference amount, the preset total number of aerosol generating matrix suctions is increased. When the remaining amount of the aerosol generating matrix is ​​less than a preset reference amount, the preset total number of aerosol generating matrix suctions is maintained.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein, The suction sensor is also configured to: The temperature of the heater is measured; and The suction sensing value is generated by digitally filtering the temperature of the heater.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2, wherein, The controller is further configured to determine the time period during which the suction sensing value is maintained above the reference threshold as the suction occurrence period.

4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 3, wherein, The controller is also configured to: The difference is calculated by subtracting the reference threshold from the maximum value of the suction sensing value in the suction generation section; The vaporization amount of the aerosol-generating matrix is ​​determined based on the difference.

5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein, The controller is also configured to: The cumulative sum of the differences among the multiple suction generation sections is calculated; and the vaporization amount of the aerosol generating matrix is ​​determined based on the preset total vaporization amount of the aerosol generating matrix and the cumulative sum of the differences.

6. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a counter configured to count the number of times the suction generation section is performed, and The controller is further configured to control the preset total number of suctions based on the determined vaporization amount when the remaining number of suctions, obtained by subtracting the number of suction occurrences from the preset total number of suctions, reaches a preset reference number.

7. A method for controlling an aerosol generating device, the method comprising: Heating the aerosol-generating matrix; The amount of suction used by the user is measured by using a suction sensor; The vaporization amount of the aerosol-generating matrix is ​​determined based on a suction sensing value indicating the user's suction volume; wherein, determining the vaporization amount of the aerosol-generating matrix includes: calculating the difference by subtracting a reference threshold from the maximum value of the suction sensing value, and determining the cumulative sum of the differences; The remaining amount of the aerosol-generating matrix is ​​calculated by subtracting the cumulative sum of the differences from the preset total vaporization amount of the aerosol-generating matrix; and When the remaining amount of the aerosol generating matrix is ​​greater than or equal to a preset reference amount, the preset total number of aerosol generating matrix suctions is increased. When the remaining amount of the aerosol generating matrix is ​​less than a preset reference amount, the preset total number of aerosol generating matrix suctions is maintained.

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