Aerosol-generating device

Abstract

The aerosol-generating device comprises: a heater structure comprising an insulating substrate comprising at least one layer and a plurality of heating elements arranged in the layer; a battery that supplies power to the plurality of heating elements; and a control unit that independently controls the power supplied to the plurality of heating elements.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device, and more particularly, to an aerosol generating device capable of independently controlling a plurality of heating elements according to the medium length of an aerosol generating substrate while improving flavor persistence. Background Art

[0002] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for alternative methods to overcome the shortcomings of conventional cigarettes. For example, there is an increasing demand for methods that generate aerosol by heating an aerosol-generating substance within a cigarette or a liquid reservoir (e.g., a cigarette cartridge) rather than burning the cigarette.

[0003] Furthermore, conventional aerosol-generating devices include only a single heating element. In contrast, aerosol-generating substrates can have varying lengths depending on their type. Even with varying lengths, heating the aerosol-generating substrate with only a single heating element does not provide an optimal mouthfeel. Furthermore, some conventional aerosol-generating devices include multiple heating elements, but insufficient consideration has been given to the temperature profile that ensures flavor persists into the latter half of heating. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Technical issues In order to solve the above problems, the technical problem of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device capable of independently controlling multiple heating elements.

[0005] The technical problem of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned contents, and another technical problem can be inferred from the following examples.

[0006] Technical Solution An aerosol generating device according to one aspect includes: a heater structure including an insulating substrate including at least one layer and a plurality of heating elements arranged in the layer; a battery that supplies power to the plurality of heating elements; and a control unit that independently controls the power supplied to the plurality of heating elements.

[0007] Effects of the Invention Since the aerosol generating device of the present disclosure independently controls multiple heating elements according to the length of the medium, the release amount of the aerosol generating substrate is increased, thereby providing an optimal mouthfeel.

[0008] Furthermore, in order to maintain the mouthfeel until the latter half of heating, the aerosol generating device independently controls the temperature profiles of the plurality of heating elements.

[0009] Furthermore, when multiple heating elements are arranged in a single layer, they may be arranged close together to increase heating efficiency. In this case, interference (e.g., short circuits) between the multiple heating elements may cause device failure. To address this issue, the aerosol generating device of the present disclosure may arrange some of the multiple heating elements in a portion of an insulating substrate comprising multiple layers, so that the multiple heating elements do not electrically contact each other.

[0010] Furthermore, since at least a portion of the heating element of the aerosol generating device can be configured as a planar heating element, the medium can be heated uniformly over the entire surface.

[0011] Furthermore, the aerosol generating device uses a graphene element as a planar heating element, and the graphene element heats the medium with low resistance and high current, so the heating efficiency is excellent and power consumption can be significantly reduced.

[0012] The effects of the invention are not limited to the above exemplary embodiments, and more diverse effects are included in this specification. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 2 It is a front perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 3 It is a rear perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 4 It is a rear perspective view of the internal structure of an aerosol generating device including a heat insulator and a printed circuit board according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 5 It is a rear perspective view of the internal structure of an aerosol generating device including a battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 6 It is a rear exploded perspective view of the internal structure involved in one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 7 1 is a diagram illustrating a heater structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating a heater structure according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 9FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a heater structure according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 10 FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a heater structure according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 11 FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a heater structure according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 12 FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a heater structure according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 13 is a graph showing a temperature curve of a heater structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 14 is a graph showing a temperature profile of a heater structure according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 15 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Preferred embodiments An aerosol generating device according to one aspect includes: a heater structure including an insulating substrate including at least one layer and a plurality of heating elements arranged in the layer; a battery that supplies power to the plurality of heating elements; and a control unit that independently controls the power supplied to the plurality of heating elements.

[0029] Furthermore, the insulating matrix includes a first layer, and the plurality of heating elements include a first heating element arranged in a first region of the first layer and a second heating element arranged in a second region of the first layer different from the first region.

[0030] Furthermore, the first heating element is a conductive track, and the second heating element includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a graphene element arranged between the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0031] Furthermore, the first heating element includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a first graphene element arranged between the first electrode and the second electrode; the second heating element includes a third electrode, a fourth electrode, and a second graphene element arranged between the third electrode and the fourth electrode.

[0032] Furthermore, the first electrode, the second electrode, and the first graphene element are arranged on a first surface of the first layer, and the third electrode, the fourth electrode, and the second graphene element are arranged on a second surface opposite to the first surface.

[0033] Furthermore, the insulating matrix includes a first layer and a second layer, the plurality of heating elements include a first conductive track and a second conductive track, the first conductive track is arranged on the first layer, a portion of the second conductive track is arranged on the first layer, and another portion of the second conductive track is arranged on the second layer.

[0034] Furthermore, the plurality of heating elements further include a first electrode, a second electrode, and a graphene element arranged between the first electrode and the second electrode, the first conductive trace and the second conductive trace are arranged in a first region of the insulating matrix, and the first electrode, the second electrode, and the graphene element are arranged in a second region of the insulating matrix that is different from the first region.

[0035] Furthermore, the multiple heating elements include a first heating element and a second heating element that is not in electrical contact with the first heating element, wherein the control unit starts supplying power to the second heating element after a preset time when starting to supply power to the first heating element, and supplies power to the second heating element based on a second target temperature that is the same as the first target temperature of the first heating element when starting to supply power to the second heating element.

[0036] Furthermore, the multiple heating elements include a first heating element and a second heating element that is not in electrical contact with the first heating element, wherein the control unit starts supplying power to the first heating element and the second heating element at the same time point, and when the power supply is started, sets a first temperature curve of the first heating element and a second temperature curve of the second heating element to be different from each other.

[0037] Furthermore, the aerosol generating device further includes a substrate detecting unit for identifying the type of the aerosol generating substrate accommodated in the cavity. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] The terms used in the embodiments are selected from currently widely used general terms, taking into account their functions in the present invention. However, these terms may be changed based on the intentions of those skilled in the art, precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. In addition, in certain cases, there are terms arbitrarily selected by the applicant. In such cases, their meanings will be described in detail in the description of the corresponding invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention should be defined based on the meanings of the terms and the overall content of the present invention, rather than based on the names of the terms.

[0039] Throughout this specification, when a portion is referred to as "including" a certain component, unless otherwise stated, it implies that other components may also be included, not that other components are excluded. Furthermore, terms such as "unit" and "module" used in this specification represent a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be implemented using hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0040] Furthermore, when describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if a detailed description of a related known technology is judged to obscure the main purpose of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, such detailed description will be omitted. Furthermore, the accompanying drawings are provided solely to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification. The technical concepts disclosed in this specification are not limited by the accompanying drawings and should be understood to encompass all variations, equivalents, and even substitutes within the scope of the concepts and technologies disclosed herein.

[0041] Terms including ordinal numbers such as "first," "second," etc. may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms. The terms are only used to distinguish one component from another.

[0042] When a component is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” to another component, it should be understood that it can be directly connected or directly coupled to the other component, but other components may also be present between them. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being “directly connected” or “directly coupled” to another component, it should be understood that no other components are present between them.

[0043] An expression in the singular includes an expression in the plural unless it is clear that it means differently from the context.

[0044] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that a person skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. However, the present invention can be implemented in various forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0045] Regardless of the drawing numbers, the same or similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated description thereof is omitted.

[0046] Figure 1 1 is a diagram illustrating an aerosol generating system including an aerosol generating device 1 and an aerosol generating article S according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] Reference Figure 1The aerosol-generating device 1 may include at least one of a power supply 11, a control unit 12, a sensor 13, and a heater 18. At least one of the power supply 11, the control unit 12, the sensor 13, and the heater 18 may be disposed within the main body 10 of the aerosol-generating device 1. The main body 10 may provide a space open upward for inserting an aerosol-generating article S. The aerosol-generating article S may be, but is not limited to, a stick, a cigarette, etc. The aerosol-generating article S may include an aerosol-generating substance and may generate an aerosol by the aerosol-generating device 1. The aerosol-generating system may include, but is not limited to, the aerosol-generating device 1 and the aerosol-generating article S.

[0048] The open space of the aerosol-generating device 1 can be referred to as an insertion space. The insertion space can be recessed to a predetermined depth toward the interior of the main body 10 to allow at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article S to be inserted therein. The depth of the insertion space can correspond to the length of the region of the aerosol-generating article S that includes the aerosol-generating substance and / or medium. The lower end of the aerosol-generating article S can be inserted into the interior of the main body 10, while the upper end of the aerosol-generating article S can protrude toward the exterior of the main body 10. The user can hold the exposed upper end of the aerosol-generating article S in their mouth and inhale air.

[0049] The heater 18 can heat the aerosol-generating article S. If the aerosol-generating article S is heated, an aerosol can be generated. That is, the heater 18 can generate an aerosol by heating the aerosol-generating article S. The heater 18 can extend longer along the upper side around the periphery of the space in which the aerosol-generating article S is inserted. For example, the heater 18 can be in the form of a tube with a hollow interior. The heater 18 can be arranged around the periphery of the insertion space. The heater 18 can be arranged to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. The heater 18 can heat the insertion space or the aerosol-generating article S inserted into the insertion space. The heater 18 can include a resistance heater and / or an induction heater.

[0050] For example, refer to Figure 1 The heater 18 may be a resistive heater. For example, the heater 18 may include a conductive track, and the heater 18 may be heated as current flows through the conductive track. The heater 18 may be electrically connected to the power source 11. The power source 11 may supply power to the heater 18. The heater 18 may directly generate heat by receiving current from the power source 11. The heater 18 may be a hollow heater, arranged to surround at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article S inserted into the insertion space, thereby heating the exterior of the aerosol-generating article S. Alternatively, the heater may be a needle-shaped, rod-shaped, tubular-shaped heater, etc., and inserted into the interior of the aerosol-generating article S inserted into the insertion space, thereby heating the interior.

[0051] For example, the heater 18 may be a plurality of heaters. The heater 18 may include a first heater and a second heater. The first heater and the second heater may be arranged side by side along the length direction. The first heater and the second heater may be heated sequentially or simultaneously.

[0052] The power source 11 can supply power to operate the components of the aerosol generating device 1. The power source 11 can be a battery. The power source 11 can supply power to at least one of the control unit 12, the sensor 13, and the heater 18. If the heater 18 includes a conductive track, the power source 11 can supply power to the conductive track.

[0053] The control unit 12 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1. The control unit 12 can be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The control unit 12 can control the operation of at least one of the power supply 11 and the sensor 13. The control unit 12 can also control the operation of the heater 18. The control unit 12 can also control the operation of the display, motor, and other components provided in the aerosol generating device 1. The control unit 12 can determine whether the aerosol generating device 1 is in an operable state by confirming the status of each component of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0054] The control unit 12 can analyze the results detected by the sensor 13 and control the subsequent processing to be performed. For example, the control unit 12 can control the power supplied to the heater 18 based on the results detected by the sensor 13 so that the operation of the heater 18 starts or ends. For example, the control unit 12 can control the amount of power supplied to the heater 18 and the time of power supply based on the results detected by the sensor 13 so that the heater 18 can be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature.

[0055] The sensor 13 may include at least one of a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, and an insertion detection sensor. For example, the sensor 13 may sense at least one of the temperature of the heater 18, the temperature of the power source 11, and the temperature inside or outside the main body 10. For example, the sensor 13 may sense a user's puff. For example, the sensor 13 may sense whether the aerosol-generating article S is inserted into the insertion space.

[0056] Figure 2 is a front perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 It is a rear perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] Reference Figure 2The aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one of a power supply 11, a control unit 12, and a sensor 13. At least one of the power supply 11, the control unit 12, and the sensor 13 may be disposed inside the main body 10 of the aerosol generating device 1. The features of the power supply 11, the control unit 12, and the sensor 13 may be applied to the aforementioned Figure 1 、 Figure 2 The contents of the power supply 11, control unit 12 and sensor 13 described in .

[0058] The main body 10 may form the overall appearance of the aerosol generating device 1 and may include an internal space in which the components of the aerosol generating device 1 may be arranged. The accompanying drawings illustrate only an embodiment in which the cross-section of the main body 10 is formed in an overall semicircular shape, but the shape of the main body 10 is not limited thereto. For example, the main body 10 may be formed in an overall cylindrical shape, or may be formed in a polygonal prism shape.

[0059] The body 10 may include a first body surface 10A (e.g., a front surface of the body), a second body surface 10B opposite to the first body surface 10A (e.g., a rear surface of the body), and at least one third body surface 10C between the first body surface 10A and the second body surface 10B (e.g., a side surface of the body).

[0060] Reference Figure 3 An insertion space 102 may be formed within the main body 10. The insertion space 102 may be formed in the upper portion of the main body 10. The insertion space 102 may be open upward. The insertion space 102 may have a cylindrical shape extending vertically, but is not limited thereto. At least a portion of the aerosol-generating article S may be inserted into the main body 10 through the opening 101 at the upper side of the insertion space 102. The depth of the insertion space 102 may correspond to the length of the region of the aerosol-generating article S containing the aerosol-generating substance or medium.

[0061] The heater 240 may surround at least a portion of the outer side of the insertion space 102. The heater 240 may extend longer up and down along the insertion space 102. For example, the heater 240 may be a cylindrical resistance heater surrounding at least a portion of the insertion space 102. The heater 240 may heat the outside of the aerosol-generating article S accommodated in the insertion space 102. At least one area of ​​the aerosol-generating article S accommodated in the insertion space 102 may be heated by the heater 240, and vaporized particles generated by the heating of the aerosol-generating article S may mix with the air flowing into the internal space of the main body 10 through the opening 101 to generate an aerosol. The heater 240 may be Figure 1 The heater 18 has a corresponding structure.

[0062] A display 141 may be disposed at one side of the main body 10 . At least a portion of the display 141 may be exposed to the outside of the main body 10 .

[0063] The display 141 can provide a variety of visual information to the user. The display 141 can include a display panel and / or a touch panel. The display 141 can include a cover glass.

[0064] The cover glass may form the appearance of the aerosol generating device 1 together with the main body 10. The cover glass may come into contact with a part of the user's body. The cover glass may protect the display panel and / or the touch panel from external impact.

[0065] The display panel may be arranged in a direction from the cover glass toward the inner side of the body 10. The display panel may be arranged in parallel with the cover glass.

[0066] The touch panel can detect a touch corresponding to contact with an object. For example, the touch panel can detect a touch corresponding to contact with a part of the user's body. The touch panel can receive input from the user.

[0067] The cover 104 may be provided on the upper side of the body 10. The cover 104 may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the opening 101 of the body 10. For example, the opening 101 of the body 10 may be circular, and the cover 104 may be circular with a larger diameter than the opening 101.

[0068] The cover 104 may be movably connected to a guide 103 formed on the main body 10. The cover 104 may be movable along the guide 103. For example, the guide 103 may be a groove formed on one surface of the main body 10, and the cover 104 may include a protrusion that slides while being inserted into the groove of the main body 10. For example, the guide 103 may be a protrusion protruding from one surface of the main body 10, and the cover 104 may be provided with a groove inserted into the protrusion and be able to slide along the protrusion.

[0069] The cover 104 can open and close the opening 101 of the main body 10 by moving along the guide 103. For example, the cover 104 can close the opening 101 in a first position and open the opening 101 in a second position. The position of the cover 104 can be manually moved by a user. Alternatively, if the aerosol generating device 1 is equipped with a drive device, the position of the cover 104 can be moved by the drive device.

[0070] The main body 10 may include a connection terminal (not shown). The connection terminal may include a connector that enables the aerosol generating device 1 to be physically connected to an external electronic device. For example, the connection terminal may include at least one of an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, and an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector), or a combination thereof.

[0071] Figure 4 It is a rear perspective view of the internal structure of an aerosol generating device including a heat insulator and a printed circuit board according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0072] Reference Figure 4 The aerosol generating device 1 may include an insulator 220. The insulator 220 may be configured to thermally insulate the heater 240. The insulator 220 may include the heater 240 inside the insulator 220. The insulator 220 may include an antenna (not shown) (eg, an LCD antenna) inside the insulator 220.

[0073] The heat insulator 220 is arranged to surround and seal the heater 240 , thereby preventing droplets generated by the heater 240 during aerosol generation from escaping to the outside. This prevents malfunction or damage to components of the aerosol generating device 1 due to the droplets.

[0074] The insulator 220 prevents the heat generated by the heater 240 from being transferred to the outer peripheral surface of the main body 10 by sealing the heater 240, thereby preventing the high-temperature heat from being transferred to the body (e.g., palm) of the user holding the main body 10 even when the temperature of the heater 240 is maintained at a high temperature.

[0075] The aerosol generating device 1 may include a printed circuit board 230. For example, the printed circuit board 230 may include a control unit 12, a sensor 13, a memory 17 ( Figure 15 ) and Communications Department 16 ( Figure 15 ) or at least one of them or a combination thereof.

[0076] The aerosol generating device 1 may include a plurality of electric wires E1, E2, E3, and E4. For example, the first electric wire E1 may be configured to connect the heater 240 and the temperature sensor 131 ( Figure 15 The second electric wire E2 may be configured to connect the heater 240 and the printed circuit board 230. The at least one third electric wire E3 may be configured to connect at least one sensor and the printed circuit board 230. The fourth electric wire E4 may be configured to connect the heater housing of the heater 240 and the printed circuit board 230. The fourth electric wire E4 may include a flexible printed circuit board.

[0077] Figure 5 is a rear perspective view of the internal structure of an aerosol generating device including a battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 It is a rear exploded perspective view of the internal structure involved in one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0078] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6The body 10 of the aerosol generating device 1 may include a first portion A1. The first portion A1 may include a portion adjacent to the first main face 10A of the body 10. The body 10 may include a second portion A2. The second portion A2 may be at least partially different from the first portion A1. The second portion A2 may include a portion adjacent to the second main face 10B of the body.

[0079] The main body 10 may include a wall. The wall may separate the first portion A1 from the second portion A2. The wall may extend from the inner surface 10D of the main body 10 in a direction perpendicular to the inner surface 10D. The wall A3 may extend across the inner surface 10D in a direction (e.g., the width direction of the main body 10) that intersects the perpendicular direction of the inner surface 10D of the main body 10 (e.g., the thickness direction of the main body 10). This direction may intersect the direction from the first main surface 10A to the second main surface 10B of the main body 10 (e.g., the length direction of the main body 10).

[0080] The power supply 250 may be disposed at the second portion A2 of the body 10. The power supply 250 may be Figure 1 The power supply 250 may include a pouch-type battery. The power supply 250 may be arranged adjacent to the printed circuit board 230. For example, the power supply 250 may be arranged on one side of the interior surface 10D of the main body 10, and the printed circuit board 230 may be arranged on the other side of the power supply 250 opposite the side of the interior surface 10D. However, the arrangement of the printed circuit board 230 and the power supply 250 is not limited to this.

[0081] The heater 240 may be disposed at the first portion A1 of the body 10 .

[0082] The insulator 220 may insulate the heater 240. The insulator 220 may be disposed at the first portion A1 of the body 10. The insulator 220 may surround the heater 240.

[0083] The aerosol generating device 1 may include a buffer structure (not shown). The buffer structure may be configured to buffer the power source 250. The buffer structure may be disposed on at least a portion of the inner surface 10D of the second portion A2 of the main body 10. When an external impact is applied to the aerosol generating device 1, the buffer structure may reduce or prevent the impact from being applied to the power source 250.

[0084] Figure 7 1 is a diagram illustrating a heater structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0085] Reference Figure 7 The heater structure 700 of the present disclosure includes an insulating matrix 710 including at least one layer and a plurality of heating elements 720 arranged in the at least one layer. The heater structure 700 may be a Figures 1 to 6The heater 18 has a corresponding structure.

[0086] The insulating substrate 710 can perform an electrical insulating function and may include a flexible material. The insulating substrate 710 may be a green sheet made of a ceramic composite. The ceramic may include, but is not limited to, compounds of aluminum, zirconium, and the like. Alternatively, the insulating substrate 710 may be made of paper, glass, ceramic, anodized metal, coated metal, or polyimide.

[0087] The plurality of heating elements 720 may include a first heating element 721 and a second heating element 722. However, the number of the plurality of heating elements 720 is not limited thereto, and according to embodiments, additional heating elements may be further included.

[0088] The first heating element 721 and the second heating element 722 may be disposed on the insulating substrate 710. Depending on the embodiment, the first heating element 721 and the second heating element 722 may be embedded in the insulating substrate 710 or stacked on the insulating substrate 710. Furthermore, the first heating element 721 and the second heating element 722 may also be patterned on the insulating substrate 710.

[0089] According to an embodiment, at least one coating layer is additionally formed to protect the first heating element 721 and the second heating element 722. The coating layer may surround the first heating element 721 and the second heating element 722. The coating layer may include a heat-resistant composition. For example, the coating layer may be formed using a glass film coating, a Teflon coating, and a Teflon coating, but is not limited thereto. Furthermore, the coating layer may include a composition for preventing contamination. For example, the coating layer may additionally include an antifouling coating layer. The antifouling coating layer may be located at the outermost portion of the heater structure 700 to protect the heater structure 700 from contaminants. The thickness of the antifouling coating layer may be less than that of the heat-resistant coating layer.

[0090] The plurality of heating elements 720 may be disposed on one surface of the insulating matrix 710 , or may be disposed on both surfaces of the insulating matrix 710 , respectively. Figure 7 An example is shown in which the plurality of heating elements 720 are arranged on one surface of the insulating matrix 710 . However, according to embodiments, the first heating element 721 may be arranged on the first side of the insulating matrix 710 , and the second heating element 722 may also be arranged on the second side of the insulating matrix 710 .

[0091] In such Figure 7In an embodiment shown in FIG. 7 , multiple heating elements 720 are arranged on a surface of an insulating substrate 710. A first heating element 721 may be arranged in a first region 711 of the insulating substrate 710, and a second heating element 722 may be arranged in a second region 712 different from the first region 711. The first region 711 and the second region 712 may not overlap. The first region 711 may refer to a region in a direction along one side relative to the longitudinal centerline of the insulating substrate 710. The second region 712 may refer to a region in a direction along the other side relative to the longitudinal centerline of the insulating substrate 710. In some embodiments, the first and second heating elements 721, 722 may be arranged in the same region, and a portion of the second heating element 722 may be arranged in the n+1 layer (n is a positive integer) so as not to electrically contact the first heating element 721.

[0092] The plurality of heating elements 720 may be formed using resistive heaters, for example, the resistive heaters may be at least one of conductive traces and graphene heaters. Figure 7 Although the example in which all the plurality of heating elements 720 are formed using conductive traces is shown, according to embodiments, the first heating element 721 may be formed using a graphene heater, and the second heating element 722 may be formed using conductive traces. Furthermore, both the first heating element 721 and the second heating element 722 may be formed using graphene heaters.

[0093] The conductive traces include a resistive material. For example, the conductive traces can be made of a metal. As another example, the conductive traces can be made of a conductive ceramic, carbon, a metal alloy, or a composite of a ceramic and a metal. If both the first heating element 721 and the second heating element 722 are made of conductive traces, each of the first heating element 721 and the second heating element 722 can be selectively made of the same material group (e.g., tungsten, gold, platinum, silver, copper, nickel, palladium, or a combination thereof). In this case, even if the first heating element 721 and the second heating element 722 are made of the same material, the resistance values ​​of the first heating element 721 and the second heating element 722 may differ due to differences in the length, width, or pattern of the conductive traces.

[0094] The conductive track can be formed using a variety of patterns such as a tube shape and a grid shape. For example, at least a portion of the first conductive track may include a first pattern area whose extending direction changes regularly. Similarly, at least a portion of the second conductive track may include a second pattern area whose extending direction changes regularly. The patterns or shapes of the first conductive track and the second conductive track can be variously realized in a curved form or an irregular form, rather than in an angular form. For example, the first conductive track and the second conductive track can also be realized in the shape of a "U" or a hairpin. Figure 7 As shown, in an embodiment where the first conductive trace and the second conductive trace are spaced apart from each other, the spacing between the patterns of each conductive trace can be at least 0.5 mm. Furthermore, the spacing between the first conductive trace and the second conductive trace can be at least 2.5 mm. However, these are merely exemplary values, and the above values ​​may vary depending on parameters such as the width and thickness of each conductive trace.

[0095] Each of the first conductive trace and the second conductive trace may be formed on the insulating substrate 710 in the same pattern of paths with the same ratio of dimensions. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and each of the first conductive trace and the second conductive trace may be formed on the insulating substrate 710 in different patterns of paths with different ratios of dimensions.

[0096] The first and second conductive traces may be conductive elements having the same thermal coefficient of resistance (TCR) and / or the same resistance value. For example, the first and second conductive traces may have a thermal coefficient of resistance between 1200 ppm / °C and 1800 ppm / °C. Alternatively, the first and second conductive traces may have a thermal coefficient of resistance between 3500 ppm / °C and 41000 ppm / °C. Furthermore, the first and second conductive traces may have a resistance value between 0.7Ω and 0.85Ω at a normal temperature of 25°C. Alternatively, the first and second conductive traces may have a resistance value between 12Ω and 14Ω at a normal temperature of 25°C. Depending on the embodiment, the first and second conductive traces may be conductive elements having different thermal coefficients of resistance (TCR) and / or different resistance values.

[0097] The graphene heating element may include multiple electrodes and graphene elements disposed between the electrodes. The graphene elements may be a polymer carbon allotrope in which carbon atoms are interconnected in a hexagonal honeycomb pattern to form a two-dimensional planar structure. The graphene elements may have excellent electrical conductivity in a form such as a thin film. Furthermore, the graphene elements can provide surface heating of the aerosol generating substrate.

[0098] The electrodes can be made of a conductive material. For example, they can be made of stainless steel, tungsten, gold, platinum, silver, copper, nickel, chromium, palladium, or a combination thereof. When electricity is applied between the electrodes, heat can be generated in the atomic layers of the graphene element.

[0099] The first heating element 721 and the second heating element 722 are connected to a battery to receive power. Figures 1 to 6 power source 11. According to an embodiment, a power conversion unit for supplying AC power may be further arranged between the battery and the plurality of heating elements 720. In one embodiment, the first heating element 721 and the second heating element 722 may receive power from the same battery. For example, the first heating element 721 and the second heating element 722 may be connected in parallel with the battery and receive power from the battery. To this end, the aerosol generating device 1 of the present disclosure may include at least one switching element between the battery and the plurality of heating elements 720. In another embodiment, the first heating element 721 and the second heating element 722 may receive power from different batteries. For example, the first heating element 721 may receive power from a first battery connected to the first heating element 721, and the second heating element 722 may receive power from a second battery connected to the second heating element 722.

[0100] The power supplied to the plurality of heating elements 720 may be controlled by a microprocessor. The microprocessor may be Figures 1 to 6 The control unit 12 can independently control the power supplied to the plurality of heating elements 720 by controlling the battery. The control unit 12 can identify the type of aerosol generating substrate and can supply power to the plurality of heating elements 720 according to the temperature curve corresponding to the identified aerosol generating substrate. The aerosol generating substrate can be Figures 1 to 6The control unit 120 can supply power to the plurality of heating elements 720 based on the length of the medium of the aerosol-generating substrate. The first temperature profile for controlling the first heating element 721 and the second temperature profile for controlling the second heating element 722 can be stored in the memory 17. Information regarding a target temperature based on time can be stored in each of the first and second temperature profiles. The aerosol-generating device 1 of the present disclosure can be equipped with a separate temperature sensor 131, and the temperature of each of the plurality of heating elements 720 can be measured using the temperature sensor 131. The control unit 12 can heat the first heating element 721 based on the first temperature profile and heat the second heating element 722 based on the second temperature profile.

[0101] In one embodiment, the control unit 12 may set different times for the start of power supply to the first heating element 721 and the start of power supply to the second heating element 722. For example, the control unit 12 may start power supply to the first heating element 721 and then, after a predetermined time, start power supply to the second heating element 722. When power supply to the second heating element 722 is started, power may be supplied to the second heating element 722 based on a second target temperature that is the same as the first target temperature of the first heating element 721.

[0102] In another embodiment, the control unit 12 may set the start time of power supply to the first heating element 721 and the start time of power supply to the second heating element 722 to be the same. For example, the control unit 12 may start supplying power to the first heating element 721 and the second heating element 722 at the same time, and when the power supply is started, the first temperature curve of the first heating element 721 and the second temperature curve of the second heating element 722 may be set to be different from each other.

[0103] The above descriptions of the first heating element 721, the second heating element 722, the insulating matrix 710, and the temperature curve are also applicable to the following descriptions.

[0104] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating a heater structure according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0105] Reference Figure 8 The heater structure 800 includes an insulating matrix 810 and a plurality of heating elements 821, 822. The heater structure 800 may be a Figures 1 to 6 The heater 18 has a corresponding structure.

[0106] The insulating matrix 810 may include one layer (a first layer) and may perform an electrical insulating function. According to an embodiment, the insulating matrix 810 may also simultaneously perform a thermal conductive function of transferring heat released from the plurality of heating elements 821 , 822 .

[0107] The plurality of heating elements 821 and 822 may include a first heating element 821 and a second heating element 822. The first heating element 821 may be arranged in a first region 811 of the first layer, and the second heating element 822 may be arranged in a second region 812 different from the first region 811.

[0108] The first region 811 may refer to a region in one direction based on the longitudinal center line of the first layer, and the second region 812 may refer to a region in the other direction based on the longitudinal center line of the first layer.

[0109] The first heating element 821 may be a graphene heater, and the second heating element 822 may be a conductive track.

[0110] The graphene heater may include a first electrode 821a, a second electrode 821b, and a graphene element 821c between the first and second electrodes 821a, 821b. The first and second electrodes 821a, 821b may be made of a conductive material, and each of the first and second electrodes 821a, 821b may be connected to a battery. When power is supplied to the first and second electrodes 821a, 821b, the graphene element 821c may generate heat, thereby heating the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0111] The conductive track may include a resistive material, and both ends of the conductive track may be electrically connected to the battery. The conductive track may heat the aerosol generating substrate by generating heat using electricity supplied from the battery.

[0112] The heater structure 800 can be rolled so that the two ends of the conductive track and the two electrodes of the graphene heater are close to each other. The rolled heater structure 800 can surround the aerosol-generating substrate. The aerosol-generating substrate can be inserted in a direction from the conductive track toward the graphene, and the control unit can independently control the conductive track and the graphene heater.

[0113] In addition, the length of tobacco medium can be different according to the kind of aerosol generating substrate. According to the length of tobacco medium, tobacco medium can be arranged across conductive track, or can be arranged in conductive track inside. On the contrary, because the graphene heating body that is arranged in the first area 711 is arranged in the region that joins with the bottom of aerosol generating substrate, therefore less relevant with medium length. In other words, the tobacco medium that joins with the graphene heating body should be heated continuously regardless of the length of tobacco medium, because the present disclosure arranges the graphene heating body at the bottom of aerosol generating substrate, therefore play the effect that increases heating efficiency and reduces power consumption by planar heating.

[0114] Figure 9 FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a heater structure according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0115] Reference Figure 9 The heater structure 900 includes an insulating matrix 910 and a plurality of heating elements 921, 922. The heater structure 900 may be a Figures 1 to 6 The heater 18 corresponds to the structure. Figure 8 The difference is that the multiple heating elements 921 and 922 are all composed of graphene heating bodies.

[0116] The insulating matrix 910 may include one layer (a first layer) and may perform an electrical insulating function. According to an embodiment, the insulating matrix 910 may also simultaneously perform a thermal conductive function of transferring heat released from the plurality of heating elements 921 , 922 .

[0117] The plurality of heating elements 921, 922 may include a first heating element 921 and a second heating element 922. The first heating element 921 may be arranged in a first region 911 of the first layer, and the second heating element 922 may be arranged in a second region 912 different from the first region 911.

[0118] The first region 911 may refer to a region on one side relative to the longitudinal center line of the first layer, and the second region 912 may refer to a region on the other side relative to the longitudinal center line of the first layer.

[0119] The first heating element 921 and the second heating element 922 may be a first graphene heater and a second graphene heater, respectively.

[0120] The first graphene heater may include a first electrode 921a, a second electrode 921b, and a first graphene element 921c between the first and second electrodes 921a, 921b. The first and second electrodes 921a, 921b may be formed of a conductive material, and each of the first and second electrodes 921a, 921b may be connected to a battery. When power is supplied to the first and second electrodes 921a, 921b, the first graphene element 921c may generate heat and heat the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0121] The second graphene heater may include a third electrode 922a, a fourth electrode 922b, and a second graphene element 922c between the third and fourth electrodes 922a, 922b. The third and fourth electrodes 922a, 922b may be formed of a conductive material, and each of the third and fourth electrodes 922a, 922b may be connected to a battery. When power is supplied to the third and fourth electrodes 922a, 922b, the second graphene element 922c may generate heat, thereby heating the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0122] The heater structure 900 can be rolled so that the two electrodes included in the first and second graphene heaters are close to each other. The rolled heater structure 900 can surround the aerosol-generating substrate. The aerosol-generating substrate can be inserted from the second graphene heater toward the first graphene heater, and the control unit can independently control the first and second graphene heaters.

[0123] In the aerosol generating device 1 of the present disclosure, all of the plurality of heating elements 921 and 922 are formed of graphene heaters, thereby achieving the effect of increasing the amount of aerosol released by heating the aerosol generating substrate with low power and planar heating.

[0124] Figure 10 FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a heater structure according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0125] Reference Figure 10 The heater structure 1000 includes an insulating matrix 1010 and a plurality of heating elements 1021, 1022. The heater structure 1000 may be a Figures 1 to 6 The heater 18 corresponds to the structure. Figure 9 Similarly, the plurality of heating elements 1021 and 1022 are all made of graphene heating elements. Figure 9 The difference is that the graphene heaters are arranged on two surfaces of the insulating substrate 1010 respectively.

[0126] The insulating matrix 1010 may include one layer (a first layer) and may perform an electrical insulating function. According to an embodiment, the insulating matrix 1010 may also simultaneously perform a thermal conductive function of transferring heat released from the plurality of heating elements 921 , 922 .

[0127] The plurality of heating elements 1021 and 1022 may include a first heating element 1021 and a second heating element 1022. The first heating element 1021 and the second heating element 1022 may be a first graphene heating element and a second graphene heating element, respectively. Each of the first graphene heating element and the second graphene heating element may include a plurality of electrodes and graphene elements between the plurality of electrodes.

[0128] The first heating element 1021 can be arranged on a first surface of the first layer, and the second heating element 1022 can be arranged on a second surface opposite the first surface. The first heating element 1021 and the second heating element 1022 can be arranged so as not to overlap with each other. In other words, the first area 1011 heated by the first heating element 1021 and the second area 1012 heated by the second heating element 1022 can not overlap with each other.

[0129] The heater structure 1000 can be rolled so that the two electrodes included in the first and second graphene heaters are close to each other. The rolled heater structure 1000 can be inserted into the aerosol-generating substrate or can surround the aerosol-generating substrate. The aerosol-generating substrate can be inserted in a direction from the second graphene heater toward the first graphene heater, and the control unit can independently control the first and second graphene heaters.

[0130] Furthermore, in the aerosol generating device 1 of the present disclosure, all of the plurality of heating elements 1021 and 1022 are formed of graphene heaters, thereby achieving the effect of heating the aerosol generating substrate with low power and increasing the amount of aerosol released by planar heating.

[0131] Figure 11 FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a heater structure according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0132] Reference Figure 11 The heater structure 1100 includes an insulating matrix 1110 including a plurality of layers 1111, 1112 and a plurality of heating elements 1121, 1122. The heater structure 1100 may be a Figures 1 to 6 The heater 18 corresponds to the structure. Figures 7 to 10 The difference is that the insulating matrix 1110 includes a plurality of layers, and in order to prevent the plurality of heating elements 1121 and 1122 from overlapping each other, a portion of the heating elements are arranged with layers changed.

[0133] The insulating matrix 1110 may include a first layer 1111 and a second layer 1112 and may perform an electrical insulation function. According to an embodiment, the insulating matrix 1110 may also simultaneously perform a thermal conductivity function of transferring heat released from the plurality of heating elements 1121 and 1122 .

[0134] The plurality of heating elements 1121 and 1122 may include a first heating element 1121 and a second heating element 1122. Both the first heating element 1121 and the second heating element 1122 may be conductive tracks. In one embodiment, the first heating element 1121 may be a first conductive track, and the second heating element 1122 may be a second conductive track. The first conductive track and the second conductive track each include a resistive material, and both ends thereof may be electrically connected to a battery. Each of the first conductive track and the second conductive track may generate heat using electricity supplied from the battery, thereby heating the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0135] The first heating element 1121 may be arranged on the first layer 1111. The second heating element 1122 may be arranged on the first layer 1111, and a portion of the second heating element 1122 may be arranged on the second layer 1112, such that the second heating element 1122 is not in electrical contact with the first heating element 1121. More specifically, most of the second heating element 1122 may be arranged on the first layer 1111, and a portion of the second heating element 1122 may pass through the second layer 1112 and be arranged on the second layer 1112. To this end, the second layer 1112 may include a via hole through which the second heating element 1122 passes.

[0136] Most of the second heating element 1122 may be disposed on the first layer 1111 and may be referred to as a first portion. Also, the second heating element 1122 may include a second portion penetrating the second layer 1112 and a third portion disposed on the second layer 1112.

[0137] The first portion of the second heating element 1122 may be arranged at a predetermined distance from the first heating element 1121. For example, the first portion of the second heating element 1122 may be arranged parallel to the first heating element 1121. The second portion of the second heating element 1122 may penetrate the second layer 1112. According to an embodiment, the second portion of the second heating element 1122 may be embedded in the second layer 1112. The third portion of the second heating element 1122 may be arranged in the second layer 1112 and, when viewed from the upper surface of the insulating substrate 1110, may intersect with the first heating element 1121.

[0138] The heater structure 1100 can be rolled so that the two ends of each conductive trace are close to each other. The rolled heater structure 1100 can surround the aerosol-generating substrate. The aerosol-generating substrate can be inserted in a direction from the second heating element 1122 toward the first heating element 1121, and the control unit can independently control the first heating element 1121 and the second heating element 1122.

[0139] Furthermore, if both the first heating element 1121 and the second heating element 1122 are constructed entirely of conductive traces, arranging all of the conductive traces in only one layer would prevent dense arrangement of the conductive traces due to interference between the two conductive traces (e.g., short circuits). In contrast, in the heater structure 1100 of the present disclosure, some conductive traces are arranged in alternate layers to prevent electrical contact. This prevents interference between the conductive traces and increases heating density.

[0140] Figure 12 FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a heater structure according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0141] Reference Figure 12 The heater structure 1200 includes an insulating matrix 1210 including a plurality of layers 1211, 1212 and a plurality of heating elements 1221, 1230. The heater structure 1200 may be a Figures 1 to 6 The heater 18 corresponds to the structure. Figures 7 to 10 The difference is that the insulating matrix 1210 includes a plurality of layers, and in order to prevent a portion of the heating elements 1231, 1232 (eg, conductive tracks) from overlapping each other, a portion of the layers are changed and arranged. Figure 11 The difference is that a portion of the heating elements 1221 are formed using a graphene heating body.

[0142] The insulating matrix 1210 may include a first layer 1211 and a second layer 1212 and may perform an electrical insulation function. According to an embodiment, the insulating matrix 1210 may also simultaneously perform a thermal conductivity function of transferring heat released from the plurality of heating elements 1221 and 1230 .

[0143] The plurality of heating elements 1221 and 1230 may include a first heating element 1221 and a second heating element 1230. The first heating element 1221 may be formed using a graphene heater, and the second heating element 1230 may be formed using a conductive trace. The first heating element 1221 may be arranged in a first region 1213 of the first layer, and the second heating element 1230 may be arranged in a second region 1214 different from the first region 1214. When viewing the insulating substrate 1210 from the top surface, the first region 1213 may refer to a region on one side relative to the longitudinal centerline. The second region 1214 may refer to a region on the other side relative to the longitudinal centerline.

[0144] The first heating element 1221 may include a first electrode 1221a, a second electrode 1221b, and a graphene element 1221c between the first and second electrodes 1221a, 1221b. The first and second electrodes 1221a, 1221b may be formed of a conductive material, and each of the first and second electrodes 1221a, 1221b may be connected to a battery. When power is supplied to the first and second electrodes 1221a, 1221b, the graphene element 1221c may generate heat, thereby heating the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0145] The second heating element 1230 includes a first conductive track 1231 and a second conductive track 1232. Each of the first conductive track 1231 and the second conductive track 1232 may include a resistive material, and both ends thereof may be electrically connected to a battery. Each of the first conductive track 1231 and the second conductive track 1232 may generate heat using the power supplied from the battery and heat the aerosol generating substrate. The arrangement of the first conductive track 1231 and the second conductive track 1232 included in the second heating element 1230 is similar to that of the first conductive track 1231 and the second conductive track 1232. Figure 11 In other words, the first conductive trace 1231 is arranged on the first layer 1211, and a portion of the second conductive trace 1232 can be arranged on the second layer 1212, so that the second conductive trace 1232 is not in electrical contact with the first conductive trace 1231. Figure 11 .

[0146] The heater structure 1200 can be rolled so that the two ends of the conductive track and the two electrodes of the graphene heater are close to each other. The rolled heater structure 1200 can surround the aerosol-generating substrate. The aerosol-generating substrate can be inserted in a direction from the conductive track toward the graphene heater, and the control unit can independently control the conductive track and the graphene heater.

[0147] in addition, Figure 12The heater structure 1200 has Figure 8 and Figure 11 In other words, because heater structure 1200 places the graphene heater below the aerosol-generating substrate, it achieves the effect of increasing heating efficiency and reducing power consumption through planar heating. Furthermore, heater structure 1200 prevents interference between conductive traces 1231 and 1232 while allowing for dense arrangement of conductive traces 1231 and 1232.

[0148] Figure 13 is a graph showing a temperature curve of a heater structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0149] Reference Figure 13 , the microprocessor can control the power supplied to the multiple heating elements. The microprocessor can be Figures 1 to 6 The control unit 12. Also, the plurality of heating elements may be Figures 7 to 12 The control portion controls power supplied to the plurality of heating elements that are not in electrical contact with each other based on a preset temperature curve.

[0150] The control unit 12 controls the power supplied to the first heating elements 721, 821, 921, 1021, 1121, and 1221 (hereinafter, referred to as 721 unless otherwise specified) based on the first temperature curve 1310. Furthermore, the control unit 12 controls the power supplied to the second heating elements 722, 822, 922, 1022, 1122, and 1230 (hereinafter, referred to as 721 unless otherwise specified) based on the second temperature curve 1320.

[0151] The control unit 12 may start supplying power to the second heating element 722 after a predetermined time has elapsed after power has been supplied to the first heating element 721. When power is supplied to the second heating element 722, power is supplied to the second heating element 722 at the same target temperature as the first heating element 721. The predetermined time may be the same as the preheating completion time of the first heating element 721. For example, the predetermined time may be 40 seconds, but is not limited thereto.

[0152] The control unit may control the power supplied to the first heating element 721 based on the first target temperature Te1 during the first time T1. The temperature of the first heating element 721 may reach the first target temperature Te1 within the first time T1. For example, the first time T1 may be 40 seconds, and the first target temperature may be any temperature selected from 270 to 290 degrees Celsius.

[0153] The control unit may control the power supplied to the first heating element 721 during a second time T2 after the first time T1 according to a second target temperature Te2 lower than the first target temperature Te1. For example, the second time T2 may be 3 minutes, and the second target temperature Te2 may be any one temperature selected from 240 to 260 degrees.

[0154] The control unit may control the power supplied to the first heating element 721 during a third time T3 after the second time T2 according to a third target temperature Te3 lower than the second target temperature Te2. For example, the third time T3 may be 40 seconds, and the third target temperature Te3 may be any one selected from 235 to 240 degrees.

[0155] The control unit may control the power supplied to the first heating element 721 according to a fourth target temperature Te4 lower than the third target temperature Te3 during a fourth time T4 after the third time T3, and after the fourth time T4, may cut off the power supplied to the first heating element 721. For example, the fourth time T4 may be 40 seconds, and the fourth target temperature Te4 may be any one selected from 220 to 235 degrees.

[0156] The control portion may start supplying power to the second heating element 722 after the first time T1, and after starting to supply power to the second heating element 722, may control the power supplied to the second heating element 722 according to the same target temperature as the target temperature of the first heating element 721. In other words, the control portion may control the power supplied to the second heating element 722 according to the second target temperature Te2 during the second time T2, may control the power supplied to the second heating element 722 according to the third target temperature Te3 during the third time T3, and may control the power supplied to the second heating element 722 according to the fourth target temperature Te4 during the fourth time T4.

[0157] In addition, the substrate detection unit can identify the type of aerosol-generating substrate contained in the cavity, and the control unit 12 can change the heating time, target temperature, and the start time of power supply to the second heating element 722 according to the identified aerosol-generating substrate. Figure 15The insertion detection sensor 133 is used for the control. Because the aerosol generating device 1 of the present disclosure independently controls multiple heating elements according to the type of aerosol-generating substrate, the amount of aerosol-generating substrate released is increased, thereby providing an optimal mouthfeel. Furthermore, the aerosol generating device 1 preheats the aerosol-generating substrate using only one heating element during the initial heating phase. After preheating, all multiple heating elements are used to heat the aerosol-generating substrate. Therefore, the amount of aerosol-generating substrate released continues until the latter half of the heating phase. This provides the advantage of maintaining the mouthfeel until the latter half of the heating phase.

[0158] Figure 14 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a temperature curve of a heater structure according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 13 The difference is that power is supplied to the first heating element and the second heating element at the same time point.

[0159] Reference Figure 14 , the microprocessor can control the power supplied to the multiple heating elements. The microprocessor can be Figures 1 to 6 The control unit 12. Also, the plurality of heating elements may be Figures 7 to 12 The control portion 12 controls power supplied to the plurality of heating elements that are not in electrical contact with each other based on a preset temperature curve.

[0160] The control unit 12 controls the power supplied to the first heating element 721 based on the first temperature curve 1410. Furthermore, the control unit 12 controls the power supplied to the second heating element 722 based on the second temperature curve 1420. The first temperature curve 1410 and the second temperature curve 1420 may be different from each other. In one embodiment, the first temperature curve 1410 may gradually increase over time, while the second temperature curve 1420 may gradually decrease over time.

[0161] The first temperature curve 1410 can decrease from the first target temperature Te1 to the second target temperature Te2. The second temperature curve 1420 can increase from the third target temperature Te3 to the fourth target temperature Te4. The first temperature curve 1410 and the second temperature curve 1420 can be symmetrical with each other with respect to the x-axis. In other words, the second temperature curve 1420 can compensate for the temperature decrease of the first temperature curve 1410.

[0162] Furthermore, the aerosol-generating device 1 of the present disclosure has the advantage of continuously releasing the aerosol-generating substrate into the latter half of the heating process as the second temperature profile 1420 of the second heating element 722 gradually increases. Furthermore, because the temperature profiles of the multiple heating elements complement each other, the aerosol-generating device 1 of the present disclosure can provide a uniform mouthfeel throughout the entire heating range.

[0163] Figure 15 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0164] The aerosol generating device 1 may include a power supply 11, a control unit 12, a sensor 13, an output unit 14, an input unit 15, a communication unit 16, a memory 17, and at least one heater 18, 24. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1 is not limited to Figure 15 That is, as long as a person with ordinary knowledge in the technical field related to this embodiment can understand that according to the design of the aerosol generating device 1, the internal structure can be omitted. Figure 15 A part of the shown configuration may be modified or a new configuration may be added.

[0165] The sensor 13 can detect the state of the aerosol generating device 1 or the state of the surrounding area of ​​the aerosol generating device 1, and can transmit the detected information to the control unit 12. The control unit 12 can control the aerosol generating device 1 to perform various functions based on the detected information, such as controlling the operation of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, restricting smoking, determining whether the aerosol generating article S and / or the cartridge 19 is inserted, displaying notifications, etc.

[0166] The sensor 13 may include at least one of a temperature sensor 131 , a puff sensor 132 , an insertion detection sensor 133 , a reuse detection sensor 134 , a cartridge detection sensor 135 , a cover detection sensor 136 , and a motion detection sensor 137 .

[0167] The temperature sensor 131 can detect the temperature at which the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 is heated. The aerosol generating device 1 can include a separate temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, or the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 itself can perform the role of a temperature sensor.

[0168] The temperature sensor 131 can output a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may include a resistance element whose resistance value changes corresponding to the temperature change of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. This can be achieved by a thermistor or the like, which is an element that utilizes the property that resistance changes according to temperature. At this time, the temperature sensor 131 can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistance element as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. For example, the temperature sensor 131 can be composed of a sensor that detects the resistance value of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. At this time, the temperature sensor 131 can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

[0169] The temperature sensor 131 may be arranged around the power source 11 to monitor the temperature of the power source 11. The temperature sensor 131 may be arranged adjacent to the power source 11. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may be attached to a surface of a battery serving as the power source 11. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may be mounted on a surface of a printed circuit board.

[0170] The temperature sensor 131 may be disposed inside the main body 10 to sense the internal temperature of the main body 10 .

[0171] The puff sensor 132 can detect the user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow path. The puff sensor 132 can output a signal corresponding to the puff. For example, the puff sensor 132 can be a pressure sensor. The puff sensor 132 can output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device 1. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device 1 can correspond to the pressure of the airflow path through which the gas flows. The puff sensor 132 can be arranged corresponding to the airflow path through which the gas flows in the aerosol generating device 1.

[0172] The insertion detection sensor 133 can detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article S. The insertion detection sensor 133 can detect a signal change corresponding to the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article S. The insertion detection sensor 133 can be disposed around the insertion space. The insertion detection sensor 133 can detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article S based on a change in the dielectric constant within the insertion space. For example, the insertion detection sensor 133 can be an inductive sensor and / or a capacitive sensor.

[0173] The inductive sensor may include at least one coil. The coil of the inductive sensor may be arranged adjacent to the insertion space. For example, when the magnetic field around the coil through which current flows changes, the characteristics of the current flowing in the coil may change according to Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction. The characteristics of the current flowing in the coil may include the frequency, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc. of the AC current.

[0174] The inductance sensor may output a signal corresponding to the characteristics of the current flowing in the coil. For example, the inductance sensor may output a signal corresponding to the inductance value of the coil.

[0175] The capacitive sensor may include a conductor. The conductor of the capacitive sensor may be arranged adjacent to the insertion space. The capacitive sensor may output a signal corresponding to the electromagnetic properties of the surrounding area (e.g., the capacitance of the conductor's surrounding area). For example, when an aerosol-generating article S in a package containing a metallic material is inserted into the insertion space, the electromagnetic properties of the conductor's surrounding area may be altered by the packaging of the aerosol-generating article S.

[0176] The reuse detection sensor 134 can detect whether the aerosol-generating article S has been reused. The reuse detection sensor 134 can be a color sensor. The color sensor can detect the color of the aerosol-generating article S. The color sensor can detect the color of a portion of the exterior packaging of the aerosol-generating article S. The color sensor can detect a value of an optical property corresponding to the color of the object based on light reflected from the object. For example, the optical property can be the wavelength of light. The color sensor can be implemented as a single component together with the proximity sensor, or it can be implemented as a separate component from the proximity sensor.

[0177] The color of at least a portion of the package comprising the aerosol-generating article S can change due to the aerosol. The reuse detection sensor 134 can be positioned corresponding to the location where the at least portion of the package changes color due to the aerosol when the aerosol-generating article S is inserted into the insertion space. For example, before a user uses the aerosol-generating article S, the color of at least a portion of the package can be a first color. In this case, as the aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating device 1 passes through the aerosol-generating article S, the color of at least a portion of the package can change to a second color as the aerosol becomes wetted by the aerosol. Furthermore, after the color of at least a portion of the package changes from the first color to the second color, the second color can be maintained.

[0178] The cartridge detection sensor 135 can detect the installation and / or removal of the cartridge 19. The cartridge detection sensor 135 can be implemented by an inductance-based sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, a Hall sensor (Hall IC) using the Hall effect, and the like.

[0179] The lid detection sensor 136 can detect the installation and / or removal of the lid. When the lid is detached from the main body 10, the cigarette cartridge 19 and a portion of the main body 10 covered by the lid may be exposed to the outside. The lid detection sensor 136 can be implemented as a contact sensor, a Hall sensor (Hall IC), an optical sensor, etc.

[0180] The motion detection sensor 137 may detect the motion of the aerosol generating device 1. The motion detection sensor 137 may be implemented by at least one of an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor.

[0181] In addition to the aforementioned sensors 131 to 137, the sensor 13 may further include at least one of a humidity sensor, an air pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a position sensor (GPS), and a proximity sensor. Since a person skilled in the art can intuitively infer the functions of each sensor from its name, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0182] The output unit 14 can output information about the status of the aerosol generating device 1 and provide it to the user. The output unit 14 may include at least one of a display 141, a haptic unit 142, and a sound output unit 143, but is not limited thereto. When the display 141 and a touch panel form a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display 141 can also function as an input device in addition to being an output device.

[0183] The display 141 can visually provide the user with information about the aerosol-generating device 1. For example, the information about the aerosol-generating device 1 can include various information, such as the charging / discharging status of the power source 11 of the aerosol-generating device 1, the preheating status of the heater 18, the insertion / removal status of the aerosol-generating article S and / or the cigarette cartridge 19, the installation / removal status of the cap, or a status where the use of the aerosol-generating device 1 is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal object). The display 141 can output this information externally. For example, the display 141 can be in the form of an LED light-emitting element. For example, the display 141 can be a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), or the like.

[0184] The haptic portion 142 can provide the user with information about the aerosol generating device 1 in a tactile manner by converting electrical signals into mechanical or electrical stimulation. For example, when initial power is supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 for a set period of time, the haptic portion 142 can generate vibrations corresponding to the completion of the initial preheating. The haptic portion 142 can include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0185] The sound output unit 143 may provide the user with information about the aerosol generating device 1 in an auditory manner. For example, the sound output unit 143 may convert an electrical signal into a sound signal and output the sound signal to the outside.

[0186] The power supply 11 can supply electricity for operating the aerosol generating device 1 . The power supply 11 can supply electricity to heat the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 . Furthermore, the power supply 11 can supply electricity required for operating other components of the aerosol generating device 1 , such as the sensor 13 , the output unit 14 , the input unit 15 , the communication unit 16 , and the memory 17 . The power supply 11 can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the power supply 11 can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0187] Although not in Figure 15 Although not shown in FIG, the aerosol generating device 1 may further include a power protection circuit. The power protection circuit may be electrically connected to the power source 11 and may include a switching element.

[0188] The power supply protection circuit can cut off the electrical path to the power supply 11 according to a predetermined condition. For example, the power supply protection circuit can cut off the electrical path to the power supply 11 when the voltage level of the power supply 11 is greater than or equal to a first voltage corresponding to overcharge. For example, the power supply protection circuit can cut off the electrical path to the power supply 11 when the voltage level of the power supply 11 is less than a second voltage corresponding to overdischarge.

[0189] The heater 18 may receive power from the power source 11 to heat the medium or aerosol-generating substance within the aerosol-generating article S. Figure 15 Although shown in FIG, the aerosol generating device 1 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power of the power source 11 and supplies it to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. Furthermore, if the aerosol generating device 1 generates aerosol using induction heating, the aerosol generating device 1 may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power of the power source 11 into AC power.

[0190] The control unit 12, the sensor 13, the output unit 14, the input unit 15, the communication unit 16, and the memory 17 can perform their functions by receiving power from the power supply 11. Figure 15Although not shown in the figure, the power supply 11 may also include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a low dropout (LDO) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit) that converts the power from the power supply 11 and supplies it to the various components. Furthermore, although not shown in the figure, a noise filter may be provided between the power supply 11 and the heater 18. The noise filter may be a low-pass filter. The low-pass filter may include at least one inductor and a capacitor. The cutoff frequency of the low-pass filter may correspond to the frequency of the high-frequency switching current applied from the power supply 11 to the heater 18. The low-pass filter can prevent high-frequency noise components from being applied to sensors 13, such as the insertion detection sensor 133.

[0191] In one embodiment, the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 can be formed using any suitable resistive material. For example, suitable resistive materials can include metals or metal alloys including, but not limited to, titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nickel-chromium, etc. Furthermore, the heater 18 can be implemented using, but not limited to, a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate with a track 242 , or a ceramic heating element.

[0192] The input unit 15 can receive information input from a user or output information to the user. For example, the input unit 15 can be a touch panel. The touch panel can include at least one touch sensor for detecting touch. For example, the touch sensor can include a capacitive touch sensor, a resistive touch sensor, an ultrasonic touch sensor (surface acoustic wave touch sensor), an infrared touch sensor, etc., but is not limited to these.

[0193] The display 141 and the touch panel may be implemented as a single panel. For example, the touch panel may be embedded (on-cell type or in-cell type) in the display 141. For example, the touch panel may be attached to the display panel (add-on type).

[0194] In addition, the input unit 15 may include a button, a keyboard, a dome switch, a wheel, a roller switch, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0195] The memory 17 is hardware for storing various data processed within the aerosol generating device 1. It can store data processed by the control unit 12 and data to be processed. The memory 17 can include at least one type of storage medium selected from the group consisting of flash memory, a hard disk, a multimedia card micro, card-type memory (e.g., secure digital (SD) or extreme digital (XD) memory), random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), magnetic storage, magnetic disks, and optical disks. The memory 17 can store data such as the operating time of the aerosol generating device 1, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and the user's smoking pattern.

[0196] The communication unit 16 may include at least one component for communicating with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 16 may include at least one of a short-range communication unit and a wireless communication unit.

[0197] The short-range wireless communication unit may include a Bluetooth communication unit, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication unit, a near field communication unit, a wireless local area network (WLAN) (wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi)) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared (IrDA: infrared Data Association) communication unit, a Wi-Fi Direct (WFD: Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, an ultra wideband (UWB: ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0198] The wireless communication unit may include a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (eg, a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN)) communication unit, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0199] Although not in Figure 15 , the aerosol generating device 1 may further include a connection interface such as a universal serial bus (USB) interface, and may be connected to other external devices via the connection interface such as the USB interface to transmit and receive information or charge the power supply 11 .

[0200] The control unit 12 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1. In one embodiment, the control unit 12 may include at least one processor. The processor can be implemented using an array of multiple logic gates, or a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor. Furthermore, as anyone with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which this embodiment relates will appreciate, other hardware implementations are also possible.

[0201] The control unit 12 can control the temperature of the heater 18 by controlling the power supply 11 to supply power to the heater 18. The control unit 12 can control the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 sensed by the temperature sensor 131. The control unit 12 can adjust the power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. For example, the control unit 12 can determine a target temperature for the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 based on a temperature curve stored in the memory 17.

[0202] The aerosol generating device 1 may include a power supply circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the power supply 11 between the power supply 11 and the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. The power supply circuit may be electrically connected to the cartridge heater 24 or the heater 18. The power supply circuit may include at least one switching element. The switching element may be implemented using a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), a field effect transistor (FET), or the like. The control unit 12 may control the power supply circuit.

[0203] The control unit 12 can control the power supply by controlling the switching elements of the power supply circuit. The power supply circuit may be an inverter that converts the DC power output from the power source 11 into AC power. For example, the inverter may be configured as a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit including a plurality of switching elements.

[0204] The control unit 12 can turn on the switching element to supply power from the power supply 11 to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. The control unit 12 can turn off the switching element to cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. The control unit 12 can adjust the current supplied from the power supply 11 by adjusting the frequency and / or duty cycle of the current pulses input to the switching element.

[0205] The control unit 12 can control the voltage output from the power supply 11 by controlling the switching elements of the power supply circuit. The power conversion circuit can convert the voltage output from the power supply 11. For example, the power conversion circuit may include a buck converter that steps down the voltage output from the power supply 11. For example, the power conversion circuit can be implemented using a buck-boost converter, a Zener diode, or the like.

[0206] The control unit 12 can adjust the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit by controlling the on / off operation of the switching element included in the power conversion circuit. When the switching element is continuously in the on state, the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit can be equivalent to the level of the voltage output from the power supply 11. The duty cycle of the on / off operation of the switching element can correspond to the ratio of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit to the voltage output from the power supply 11. As the duty cycle of the on / off operation of the switching element decreases, the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit can decrease. The heater 18 can be heated based on the voltage output from the power conversion circuit.

[0207] The control unit 12 may control the power supply to the heater 18 by using at least one of a pulse width modulation (PWM) method and a proportional-integral-differential (PID) method.

[0208] For example, the control unit 12 may use pulse width modulation (PWM) to control the current pulses having a predetermined frequency and duty cycle to be supplied to the heater 18. The control unit 12 may control the power supplied to the heater 18 by adjusting the frequency and duty cycle of the current pulses.

[0209] For example, the control unit 12 may determine a target temperature as a control target based on the temperature curve. The control unit 12 may control the power supplied to the heater 18 using a PID method, which is a feedback control method based on the difference between the temperature of the heater 18 and the target temperature, a value obtained by integrating the difference over time, and a value obtained by differentiating the difference over time.

[0210] The control unit 12 can prevent the cigarette cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 from overheating. For example, the control unit 12 can control the operation of the power conversion circuit to interrupt the power supply to the cigarette cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 based on the situation that the temperature of the cigarette cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 exceeds the set limit temperature. For example, the control unit 12 can reduce the amount of power supplied to the cigarette cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 by a predetermined proportion based on the situation that the temperature of the cigarette cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 exceeds the set limit temperature. For example, the control unit 12 can determine that the aerosol generating substance contained in the cigarette cartridge 19 is exhausted based on the situation that the temperature of the cigarette cartridge heater 24 exceeds the limit temperature, and can cut off the power supply to the cigarette cartridge heater 24.

[0211] The control unit 12 may control the charge / discharge of the power source 11. The control unit 12 may confirm the temperature of the power source 11 based on the output signal of the temperature sensor 131.

[0212] When the power line is connected to the battery terminal of the aerosol generating device 1, the control unit 12 can confirm whether the temperature of the power source 11 is above a first limit temperature, which serves as a criterion for cutting off charging of the power source 11. If the temperature of the power source 11 is lower than the first limit temperature, the control unit 12 can control charging of the power source 11 based on a set charging current. If the temperature of the power source 11 is above the first limit temperature, the control unit 12 can cut off charging of the power source 11.

[0213] When the aerosol generating device 1 is powered on, the control unit 12 can confirm whether the temperature of the power source 11 is above a second limit temperature, which serves as a criterion for shutting off discharge to the power source 11. If the temperature of the power source 11 is below the second limit temperature, the control unit 12 can control the use of the power stored in the power source 11. If the temperature of the power source 11 is above the second limit temperature, the control unit 12 can interrupt the use of the power stored in the power source 11.

[0214] The control portion 12 may calculate the remaining capacity of the power stored in the power source 11. For example, the control portion 12 may calculate the remaining capacity of the power source 11 based on sensed values ​​of the voltage and / or current of the power source 11.

[0215] The control unit 12 can use the insertion detection sensor 133 to determine whether an aerosol-generating article S has been inserted into the insertion space. The control unit 12 can determine that the aerosol-generating article S has been inserted based on the output signal of the insertion detection sensor 133. If it is determined that the aerosol-generating article S has been inserted into the insertion space, the control unit 12 can control the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. For example, the control unit 12 can supply power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 based on a temperature profile stored in the memory 17.

[0216] The control unit 12 can determine whether the aerosol-generating article S has been removed from the insertion space. For example, the control unit 12 can determine whether the aerosol-generating article S has been removed from the insertion space using the insertion detection sensor 133. For example, the control unit 12 can determine that the aerosol-generating article S has been removed from the insertion space if the temperature of the heater 18 is above a limit temperature or if the temperature change slope of the heater 18 is above a set slope. If it is determined that the aerosol-generating article S has been removed from the insertion space, the control unit 12 can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18.

[0217] The control unit 12 can control the duration and / or amount of power supplied to the heater 18 based on the state of the aerosol-generating article S detected by the sensor 13. The control unit 12 can identify a level range including the level of the capacitance sensor signal based on a lookup table. The control unit 12 can determine the moisture content of the aerosol-generating article S based on the identified level range.

[0218] When the aerosol-generating article S is in an over-humidified state, the control unit 12 may control the power supply time to the heater 18 , thereby increasing the preheating time of the aerosol-generating article S compared to a normal state.

[0219] The control unit 12 can use the reuse detection sensor 134 to determine whether the aerosol-generating article S inserted into the insertion space has been reused. For example, the control unit 12 compares the sensed value of the reuse detection sensor signal with a first reference range that includes a first color. If the sensed value falls within the first reference range, the control unit 12 can determine that the aerosol-generating article S has not been used. For example, the control unit 12 compares the sensed value of the reuse detection sensor signal with a second reference range that includes a second color. If the sensed value falls within the second reference range, the control unit 12 can determine that the aerosol-generating article S has been used. If it is determined that the aerosol-generating article S has been used, the control unit 12 can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

[0220] The control unit 12 can determine whether the cigarette cartridge 19 is attached and / or removed through the cigarette cartridge detection sensor 135. For example, the control unit 12 can determine whether the cigarette cartridge 19 is attached and / or removed based on the sensed value of the signal of the cigarette cartridge detection sensor.

[0221] The control unit 12 can determine whether the aerosol-generating substance in the cigarette cartridge 19 is depleted. For example, the control unit 12 applies power to preheat the cigarette cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. During the preheating period, the control unit 12 determines whether the temperature of the cigarette cartridge heater 24 exceeds a limit temperature. If the temperature of the cigarette cartridge heater 24 exceeds the limit temperature, the control unit 12 can determine that the aerosol-generating substance in the cigarette cartridge 19 is depleted. If the aerosol-generating substance in the cigarette cartridge 19 is determined to be depleted, the control unit 12 can cut off the power supply to the cigarette cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

[0222] The control unit 12 can determine whether the cigarette cartridge 19 is usable. For example, if the current number of puffs exceeds the maximum number of puffs set for the cigarette cartridge 19 based on data stored in the memory 17, the control unit 12 can determine that the cigarette cartridge 19 is unusable. For example, the control unit 12 can determine that the cigarette cartridge 19 is unusable if the total heating time of the heater 24 exceeds the set maximum time or the total amount of power supplied to the heater 24 exceeds the set maximum power.

[0223] The control unit 12 can determine the user's inhalation using the puff sensor 132. For example, the control unit 12 can determine whether a puff has occurred based on the signal sensed by the puff sensor 132. For example, the control unit 12 can determine the intensity of the puff based on the signal sensed by the puff sensor 132. If the number of puffs reaches a set maximum number or if no puff is detected for a set period of time, the control unit 12 can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

[0224] The control unit 12 may determine whether the cover is attached and / or removed through the cover detection sensor 136. For example, the control unit 12 may determine whether the cover is attached and / or removed based on a sensed value of a signal from the cover detection sensor.

[0225] The control unit 12 can control the output unit 14 based on the results detected by the sensor 13. For example, if the number of puffs counted by the puff sensor 132 reaches a set number, the control unit 12 can notify the user of the impending end of the aerosol generating device 1 through at least one of the display 141, the tactile unit 142, and the audio output unit 143. For example, the control unit 12 can notify the user through the output unit 14 based on a determination that the aerosol-generating article S is not present in the insertion space. For example, the control unit 12 can notify the user through the output unit 14 based on a determination that the cigarette cartridge 19 and / or the lid are not installed. For example, the control unit 12 can transmit information about the temperature of the cigarette cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 to the user through the output unit 14.

[0226] The control unit 12 can store and update a history of events occurring in the memory 17 based on the occurrence of predetermined events. Events may include, for example, detection of insertion of an aerosol-generating article S, initiation of heating of the aerosol-generating article S, detection of a puff, termination of a puff, detection of overheating of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, detection of overvoltage applied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, termination of heating of the aerosol-generating article S, power-on / off operations of the aerosol-generating device 1, initiation of charging of the power source 11, detection of overcharging of the power source 11, termination of charging of the power source 11, and the like. The history of events may include the date and time of the event occurrence, log data corresponding to the event, and the like. For example, if the predetermined event is detection of insertion of an aerosol-generating article S, the log data corresponding to the event may include data regarding, for example, the sensed value of the insertion detection sensor 133. For example, in the case where the predetermined event is detection of overheating of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, the log data corresponding to the event may include data about the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, the voltage applied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, the current flowing in the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, etc.

[0227] The control unit 12 can be controlled to form a communication link with an external device, such as a user's mobile terminal. Upon receiving authentication data from the external device via the communication link, the control unit 12 can remove usage restrictions on at least one function of the aerosol generating device 1. The authentication data can include data indicating completion of user authentication for the user corresponding to the external device. The user can perform user authentication via the external device. The external device can determine whether the user data is valid based on the user's birthday, a unique number representing the user, or the like, and can receive data regarding user rights to use the aerosol generating device 1 from an external server. Based on the usage rights data, the external device can transmit data indicating completion of user authentication to the aerosol generating device 1. Upon completion of user authentication, the control unit 12 can remove usage restrictions on at least one function of the aerosol generating device 1. For example, upon completion of user authentication, the control unit 12 can remove usage restrictions on the heating function for supplying power to the heater 18.

[0228] The control unit 12 may transmit data regarding the status of the aerosol generating device 1 to the external device via a communication link formed with the external device. Based on the received status data, the external device may output information such as the remaining capacity of the power source 11 of the aerosol generating device 1 and the operating mode through a display of the external device.

[0229] The external device may transmit a location search request to the aerosol generating device 1 based on an input for initiating a location search of the aerosol generating device 1. Upon receiving the location search request from the external device, the control unit 12 may control at least one of the output devices to perform an operation corresponding to the location search based on the received location search request. For example, the haptic unit 142 may vibrate in response to the location search request. For example, the display 141 may output an object corresponding to the location search and the completion of the search in response to the location search request.

[0230] If firmware data is received from an external device, the control unit 12 may control the device to execute a firmware update. The external device may confirm the current version of the firmware of the aerosol generating device 1 and determine whether a new version of the firmware exists. Upon receiving an input requesting a firmware download, the external device may receive the new version of the firmware data and transmit the new version of the firmware data to the aerosol generating device 1. The control unit 12 may control the device to execute a firmware update of the aerosol generating device 1 upon receiving the new version of the firmware data.

[0231] The control unit 12 can transmit data regarding the sensed values ​​of at least one sensor 13 to an external server (not shown) via the communication unit 16, and can receive and store a learning model generated by learning the sensed values ​​from the server through machine learning, such as deep learning. The control unit 12 can use the learning model received from the server to perform operations such as determining a user's inhalation pattern and generating a temperature profile. The control unit 12 can store the sensed value data of at least one sensor 13 and data used for learning an artificial neural network (ANN) in the memory 17. For example, the memory 17 can store a database of various components of the aerosol generating device 1 used for learning the artificial neural network (ANN), as well as weights and biases that constitute the ANN structure. The control unit 12 can learn the data regarding the sensed values ​​of at least one sensor 13, the user's inhalation pattern, the temperature profile, and the like stored in the memory 17, thereby generating at least one of the learning models used for determining the user's inhalation pattern and generating the temperature profile.

[0232] The above-described embodiments of the present disclosure or other embodiments are not mutually exclusive or distinguishable. The above-described embodiments of the present disclosure or other embodiments may be used in combination or their respective configurations or functions may be combined.

[0233] For example, this means that a configuration A described in a specific embodiment and / or drawing can be combined with a configuration B described in another embodiment and / or drawing. In other words, this means that even if there is no direct description of the combination between the configurations, the combination is possible unless it is described as impossible.

[0234] The above detailed description should be interpreted as illustrative rather than restrictive in all aspects. The scope of the present invention should be determined by reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all changes within the equivalent scope of the present invention are included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device comprising: a heater structure comprising an insulating matrix comprising at least one layer and a plurality of heating elements arranged in the layer; a battery to supply power to the plurality of heating elements; as well as The control unit independently controls power supplied to the plurality of heating elements.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein The insulating matrix comprises a first layer, The plurality of heating elements include a first heating element disposed in a first region of the first layer and a second heating element disposed in a second region of the first layer that is different from the first region.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2, wherein: The first heating element is a conductive track, The second heating element includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a graphene element disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode.

4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2, wherein: The first heating element includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a first graphene element arranged between the first electrode and the second electrode, The second heating element includes a third electrode, a fourth electrode, and a second graphene element arranged between the third electrode and the fourth electrode.

5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 4, wherein: The first electrode, the second electrode and the first graphene element are arranged on the first surface of the first layer, The third electrode, the fourth electrode, and the second graphene element are arranged on a second surface that is an opposite surface to the first surface.

6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein: The insulating matrix includes a first layer and a second layer, The plurality of heating elements include a first conductive track and a second conductive track, The first conductive track is arranged on the first layer, A portion of the second conductive trace is arranged on the first layer, and another portion of the second conductive trace is arranged on the second layer.

7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 6, wherein: The plurality of heating elements further include a first electrode, a second electrode, and a graphene element disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. The first conductive track and the second conductive track are arranged in a first region of the insulating matrix, The first electrode, the second electrode, and the graphene element are arranged in a second region of the insulating matrix that is different from the first region.

8. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of heating elements includes a first heating element and a second heating element not in electrical contact with the first heating element, The control unit starts supplying power to the second heating element after a preset time in a state where power is started to be supplied to the first heating element, and supplies power to the second heating element based on a second target temperature that is the same as the first target temperature of the first heating element when power is started to be supplied to the second heating element.

9. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of heating elements includes a first heating element and a second heating element not in electrical contact with the first heating element, The control unit starts supplying power to the first heating element and the second heating element at the same time, and sets a first temperature profile of the first heating element and a second temperature profile of the second heating element to be different from each other when the power supply is started.

10. The aerosol generating device of claim 1 , further comprising: The substrate detection unit identifies the type of the aerosol-generating substrate accommodated in the cavity.

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