Aerosol-generating device

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device is disclosed. An aerosol-generating device of the present disclosure may comprise: a main body; a cartridge separably coupled to the main body and including a heater for heating an aerosol-generating substance; a power source that supplies power to the heater; and a control section that controls the power supply so as to supply set power to the heater, determines a temperature of the heater in a state in which the set power is supplied to the heater, and controls the power supply so as to supply the set power to the heater based on the temperature reached by the heater. A target temperature for controlling power supplied to the heater is determined.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating device. BACKGROUND

[0002] An aerosol-generating device is used to extract a specific component from a medium or a substance through an aerosol. The medium can include a substance of a plurality of components. The substance included in the medium can be a flavor substance of a plurality of components. For example, the substance included in the medium can include a nicotine component, a vanilla component, and / or a coffee component, etc. In recent years, a great deal of research has been conducted on such an aerosol-generating device.

[0003] In an aerosol-generating device of a replaceable cartridge, since the heater resistance value, etc. of each cartridge are different from each other, there can be a deviation between different cartridges. The existing aerosol-generating device has a problem in that the power supplied to the heater of the cartridge is controlled without considering the deviation that the cartridge has, and thus the temperature of the heater cannot be accurately controlled to a desired temperature. SUMMARY

[0004] Problems to be Solved by the Invention The disclosure aims to solve the above and other problems.

[0005] Another object of the disclosure can be to provide an aerosol-generating device that supplies a set power to a heater of a cartridge and determines a target temperature of the heater based on a temperature reached by the heater.

[0006] Another object of the disclosure can be to provide an aerosol-generating device that determines a target temperature of a heater based on a first puff occurrence or a case where a cartridge is recombined after being separated.

[0007] Another object of the disclosure can be to provide an aerosol-generating device that determines a temperature of a heater that reaches saturation during a set time as a target temperature.

[0008] Another object of the disclosure can be to provide an aerosol-generating device that makes a cartridge unusable in a case where a temperature of a heater that reaches saturation exceeds a reference temperature range.

[0009] Another object of the disclosure can be to provide an aerosol-generating device that determines a reference temperature range of a heater based on an initial temperature of the heater.

[0010] Another object of the disclosure can be to provide an aerosol-generating device that controls power supplied to a heater in a PID manner based on a determined target temperature.

[0011] Another object of the present disclosure can be to provide an aerosol generating device that determines a target temperature of a heater in a case where an initial temperature change of the heater is less than a reference temperature deviation.

[0012] Means for solving the problem To achieve the above object, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generating device including a main body, a cartridge detachably coupled to the main body, including a heater that heats an aerosol generating material, a power supply that supplies power to the heater, and a control portion that controls the power supply to supply a set power to the heater, determines a temperature of the heater in a state where the set power is supplied to the heater, and determines a target temperature for controlling the power supplied to the heater based on the temperature reached by the heater.

[0013] Effects of the Invention According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, by supplying a set power to a heater of a cartridge and determining a target temperature of the heater based on a temperature reached by the heater, it is possible to accurately set a target temperature for heating the heater according to different cartridges.

[0014] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, by determining a target temperature of a heater based on a case where a first puff occurs or a cartridge is coupled again after being decoupled, it is possible to accurately determine that a new cartridge is mounted to a main body and set a heating target temperature of the newly mounted cartridge.

[0015] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, by determining a temperature of a heater that reaches saturation during a set time as a target temperature, it is possible to accurately reflect a deviation of a cartridge to the target temperature.

[0016] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, by making a cartridge unusable in a case where a temperature of a heater that reaches saturation exceeds a reference temperature range, it is possible to prevent use of an unauthorized cartridge and prevent an operation of an aerosol generating device from becoming unstable.

[0017] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, by determining a reference temperature range of a heater based on an initial temperature of the heater, it is possible to prevent a cartridge from being erroneously determined as usable or unusable due to a surrounding environment of an aerosol generating device.

[0018] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, by controlling power supplied to a heater in a PID manner based on a determined target temperature, it is possible to accurately control a temperature of the heater.

[0019] According to at least one embodiment of the disclosure, by determining the target temperature of the heater in a case where an initial temperature change of the heater is less than a reference temperature deviation, it is possible to prevent the target temperature of the heater from being inaccurately determined.

[0020] Further scope of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description given herein. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the disclosure, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the scope of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0021] Figures 1 to 5 FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0022] Figure 6 FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a process in which the aerosol generating device determines a target temperature of a heater according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0023] Figure 7 FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram for measuring a resistance of a heater of the aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0024] Figures 8 to 10 FIG. 4 is a graph illustrating a change in an initial temperature of the heater as a set power is applied in the aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0025] Figure 11 FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a process in which the aerosol generating device determines a target temperature of a heater according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0026] Figure 12 and Figure 13 FIG. 6 is a graph illustrating a change in an initial temperature of a heater in the aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0027] Figure 14 FIG. 7 illustrates a PID-based heater power control loop of the aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0028] Figure 15 FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in the present specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same or similar components will be designated by the same or similar reference numerals, and a repeated description of the same or similar components will be omitted.

[0030] The suffixes "module" and "part" of the components used in the following description can be assigned or mixed only for convenience of writing the specification. The "module" and "part" themselves do not have meanings or roles that are distinguished from each other.

[0031] In addition, when explaining the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, detailed descriptions of related known technologies are omitted when it is determined that the detailed descriptions would make the gist of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification unclear. Also, the accompanying drawings are provided only for convenience of understanding the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, and the technical idea disclosed in the present specification is not limited by the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the accompanying drawings include all modifications, equivalents, and even alternatives falling within the scope of the idea and technical range of the present disclosure.

[0032] Terms such as first, second, etc. including ordinal numbers can be used to explain various components. However, the components are not limited by the above terms. The terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0033] When referring to a certain component "connected" or "coupled" to another component, the certain component can be directly connected or coupled to the other component. However, it should be understood that there can be other components therebetween. In contrast, when referring to a certain component "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components therebetween.

[0034] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular expression includes the plural expression.

[0035] Throughout the entirety of the present specification, the direction of the aerosol generating device 1 can be defined based on a rectangular coordinate system. In the rectangular coordinate system, the x-axis direction can be defined as the left-right direction of the aerosol generating device 1. The y-axis direction can be defined as the front-rear direction of the aerosol generating device 1. The z-axis direction can be defined as the up-down direction of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0036] Throughout the entirety of the present specification, "upstream" and "downstream" can be determined based on the direction of the airflow in which the generated aerosol is drawn into the user's mouth or lungs when the user inhales. For example, in Figures 1 to 3 In the above, since the generated aerosol flows from the portion of the stick S inserted into the aerosol generating device to the portion of the stick S not inserted into the aerosol generating device, the portion of the stick S inserted into the aerosol generating device is located upstream of the portion of the stick S not inserted into the aerosol generating device. The "upstream" and "downstream" can be determined relative to each other between components.

[0037] Figures 1 to 5 An aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0038] Referring toFigure 1 The aerosol generating device 1 can include at least one of a power supply 11, a control portion 12, a sensor 13, and a cartridge 19. At least one of the power supply 11, the control portion 12, and the sensor 13 can be disposed inside the main body 10 of the aerosol generating device 1. The main body 10 can provide a space into which the cartridge 19 is insertable.

[0039] The cartridge 19 can contain an aerosol generating material having any one of a liquid state, a solid state, a gas state, or a gel state, etc. inside thereof. The aerosol generating material can include a liquid phase composition. For example, the liquid phase composition can be a liquid including a tobacco-containing material containing a volatile tobacco flavor component, or a liquid including a non-tobacco material.

[0040] The cartridge 19 can be detachably coupled to one side of the main body 10. The cartridge 19 can provide an insertion space 43 that is open upward, into which a smoking stick S as an aerosol generating article is insertable. The insertion space 43 can be recessed into the inside of the cartridge 19 by a prescribed depth, so that at least a portion of the smoking stick S is insertable therein. The depth of the insertion space 43 can correspond to the length of a region of the smoking stick S in which an aerosol generating material and / or a medium is contained. A lower end of the smoking stick S can be inserted into the inside of the cartridge 19, and an upper end of the smoking stick S can protrude outside the cartridge 19. A user can hold the upper end of the smoking stick S exposed to the outside in the mouth and inhale air.

[0041] At least a portion of the cartridge 19 can be inserted into a space formed in one side of the main body 10 to be mounted to the main body 10. An air flow passage CN can be defined by a portion of the cartridge and / or a portion of the main body 10, and the air flow passage CN can communicate with the insertion space 43.

[0042] The main body 10 can be formed in a structure that enables external air to flow into the inside of the main body 10 in a state in which the cartridge 19 is inserted. At this time, the external air flowing into the main body 10 can flow toward the user's oral cavity via the cartridge 19.

[0043] The cartridge 19 can include a chamber C0 containing an aerosol generating material, and a heater 24 to heat the aerosol generating material of the chamber C0. The heater 24 can be referred to as a cartridge heater. A liquid delivery unit containing the aerosol generating material can be disposed inside the chamber C0. The liquid delivery unit can include, for example, a wick such as a cotton fiber, a ceramic fiber, a glass fiber, a porous ceramic, or the like. The conductive track of the heater 24 can be formed in a structure in which a coil is wound around the liquid delivery unit or a structure in which one side of the liquid delivery unit is in contact. The heater 24 can be an electric resistance heater. As current flows in the conductive track of the heater 24, the heater 24 can be heated. The heater 24 can be electrically connected to the power supply 11. The heater 24 can receive current from the power supply 11 and directly generate heat.

[0044] The cartridge 19 can generate an aerosol. As the liquid delivery unit is heated by the heater 24, the aerosol can be generated. In a process in which the aerosol generated by the heater 24 passes through the tobacco rod S, the tobacco material can be added to the aerosol, and the aerosol to which the tobacco material is added can be inhaled into the user's mouth through one end of the tobacco rod S.

[0045] The heater 24 can be disposed adjacent to a lower end of the insertion space 43. The heater 24 is disposed adjacent to one end of the tobacco rod S accommodated in the insertion space 43, and thus the heat conduction efficiency of the aerosol can be increased.

[0046] The aerosol generating device 1 can include a cap. The cap can be detachably coupled to the main body 10 to cover at least a portion of the cartridge 19 coupled to the main body 10. The tobacco rod S can pass through the cap and be inserted into the main body 10.

[0047] The power supply 11 can supply power to the constituent elements of the aerosol generating device 1 to make them operate. The power supply 11 can be referred to as a battery. The power supply 11 can supply power to at least one of the control portion 12, the sensor 13, and the heater 24. In the case in which the aerosol generating device 1 includes an induction coil, the power supply 11 can supply power to the induction coil.

[0048] The control portion 12 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1. The control portion can be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The control portion 12 can control the operation of at least one of the power supply 11, the sensor 13, and the cartridge 19. The control portion 12 can control the operation of a display, a motor, or the like provided on the aerosol generating device 1. The control portion 12 can determine whether the aerosol generating device 1 is in an operable state by confirming the state of each of the configurations of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0049] The control portion 12 can analyze the result detected by the sensor 13 and control a process to be performed subsequently. For example, the control portion 12 can control the power supplied to the heater 24 based on the result detected by the sensor 13 to cause the heater 24 to start or end an operation. For example, the control portion 12 can control the amount of power supplied to the heater 24 and the power supply time based on the result detected by the sensor 13, so that the heater 24 can be heated to a prescribed temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature.

[0050] The sensor 13 can include at least one of a temperature sensor, a puffing sensor, an insertion detection sensor, a color sensor, a cartridge detection sensor, and a cap detection sensor. For example, the sensor 13 can sense at least one of the temperature of the heater 24, the temperature of the power supply 11, the temperature of the inside and outside of the main body 10. For example, the sensor 13 can sense a user's puffing action. For example, the sensor 13 can sense whether the cigar S is inserted into the insertion space. For example, the sensor 13 can sense whether the cartridge has been mounted. For example, the sensor 13 can sense whether the cap has been mounted.

[0051] Referring to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the aerosol generating device 1 can include at least one of the power supply 11, the control portion 12, the sensor 13, the heater 18, and the cartridge 19. At least one of the power supply 11, the control portion 12, the sensor 13, and the heater 18 can be disposed inside the main body 10 of the aerosol generating device. The main body 10 can provide an insertion space 43 that is open to the upward side so that the cigar S is inserted thereinto. The insertion space 43 can be formed to be recessed by a prescribed depth toward the inside of the main body 10 so that at least a portion of the cigar S can be inserted thereinto. The lower end of the cigar S can be inserted into the inside of the main body 10, and the upper end of the cigar S can protrude to the outside of the main body 10.

[0052] The heater 18 can heat the cigar S. The heater 18 can extend longer to the upward side around the space into which the cigar S is inserted. For example, the heater 18 can have a tube shape including a hollow inside. The heater 18 can be disposed around the insertion space 43. The heater 18 can be disposed to surround at least a portion of the insertion space 43. The heater 18 can heat the insertion space 43 or the cigar S inserted into the insertion space 43. The heater 18 can include a resistance heater and / or an induction heating type heater.

[0053] For example, the heater 18 can be a resistance heater. For example, the heater 18 includes an electrically conductive track, and the heater 18 can be heated when an electric current flows in the electrically conductive track. The heater 18 can be electrically connected with the power supply 11. The heater 18 can directly generate heat by receiving an electric current from the power supply 11.

[0054] For example, the aerosol generating device 1 can include an induction coil surrounding the heater 18. The induction coil can heat the heater 18. The heater 18, as a susceptor, can be heated by a magnetic field generated by an alternating current flowing through the induction coil. The magnetic field can penetrate the heater 18 and generate an eddy current within the heater 18. The current can generate heat in the heater 18.

[0055] On the other hand, a susceptor can be included inside the cigarette rod S, and the susceptor inside the cigarette rod S can be heated by a magnetic field generated by an alternating current flowing through the induction coil.

[0056] The cartridge 19 can be formed integrally with the main body 10 or detachably coupled to the main body 10.

[0057] For example, referring to Figure 2 , the cartridge 19 can be formed integrally with the main body 10 and communicate with the insertion space 43 through the airflow passage CN.

[0058] For example, referring to Figure 3 A space can be formed at one side of the main body 10, and at least a portion of the cartridge 19 can be inserted into the space formed at one side of the main body 10, so that the cartridge 19 can be mounted to the main body 10. The airflow passage CN can be defined by a portion of the cartridge and / or a portion of the main body 10, and the cartridge 19 can communicate with the insertion space 43 through the airflow passage CN.

[0059] The cartridge 19 can generate an aerosol. The aerosol can be generated as the liquid delivery unit is heated by the cartridge heater 24. The aerosol can be generated by heating the cigarette rod S by the heater 18. The aerosol generated by the cartridge heater 24 and the heater 18 can pass through the cigarette rod S, and tobacco material can be added to the aerosol, and the aerosol to which the tobacco material is added can be inhaled into the user's mouth through one end of the cigarette rod S.

[0060] The control portion 12 can analyze the result detected by the sensor 13 and control a process to be performed subsequently. For example, the control portion 12 can control the power supplied to the cartridge heater 18, 24 to start or end the operation of the heater 18, 24 based on the result detected by the sensor 13. For example, the control portion 12 can control the amount of power supplied to the heater 18, 24 and the power supply time, so that the heater 18, 24 can be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature, based on the result detected by the sensor 13.

[0061] For example, referring to Figure 4 and Figure 5The aerosol generating device 1 can include a main body 10 and a cartridge 19. The aerosol generating device 1 can include at least one of a power supply 11, a control portion 12, and a sensor 13. At least one of the power supply 11, the control portion 12, and the sensor 13 can be disposed inside the main body 10. The cartridge 19, which is an aerosol generating article, can be mounted to the main body 10. A user can hold a filter equipped at one end of the cartridge 19 in his mouth and inhale an aerosol.

[0062] The cartridge 19 can be detachably coupled to the main body 10. The cartridge 19 can be mounted to the main body 10 by being inserted into the main body 10.

[0063] The main body 10 can be formed in a structure in which external air can flow into the inside of the main body 10 in a state in which the cartridge 19 is inserted. At this time, the external air flowing into the main body 10 can pass through the cartridge 19 and flow to the user's mouth through the airflow passage CN.

[0064] The cartridge 19 can include a chamber C0 containing an aerosol generating material and / or a heater 24 to heat the aerosol generating material of the chamber C0. A liquid transfer unit 25 containing the aerosol generating material can be disposed inside the chamber C0. The conductive track of the heater 24 can be formed in a structure in which a coil shape of the liquid transfer unit 25 is wound, or a structure in which one side of the liquid transfer unit 25 is in contact. The heater 24 can be referred to as a cartridge heater.

[0065] The airflow passage CN can be provided in the cartridge 19. The airflow passage CN can communicate the chamber in which the heater 24 of the cartridge 19 is disposed with the outside of the cartridge. One end of the airflow passage CN can be open to the chamber in which the heater 24 is disposed, and the other end can communicate with a filter (not shown). For example, referring to Figure 4 The airflow passage CN can extend longer in the length direction of the cartridge 19 at one side of the chamber C0 of the cartridge 19. For example, referring to Figure 5 The airflow passage CN can extend longer in the length direction of the cartridge 19 at one side of the chamber C0 of the cartridge 19. For example, referring to

[0066] The control portion 12 can analyze a result detected by the sensor 13 and control a process to be performed subsequently. For example, the control portion 12 can control the power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 based on the result detected by the sensor 13 to start or end the operation of the heater 24. For example, the control portion 12 can control the amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and the power supply time based on the result detected by the sensor 13, so that the cartridge heater 24 can be heated to a prescribed temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature.

[0067] Figure 6is a flowchart showing determination of a target temperature of a heater by an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the disclosure, Figure 7 is a circuit diagram for measuring a resistance of a heater of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the disclosure, Figures 8 to 10 is a graph showing a change in a temperature of a heater as a set power is applied in an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0068] In a cartridge-replaceable aerosol generating device, since the resistance value of the heater of each cartridge is different, there can be a deviation between different cartridges. In the aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure, in the case of replacing the cartridge 19, the target temperature of the heater 24 can be determined so as to accurately reflect the deviation of the cartridge 19 in the temperature control or the power control of the heater 24.

[0069] Referring to Figure 6 , the control portion 12 can determine a target temperature for controlling the heater 24. The control portion 12 can supply the set power Ps to the heater 24 by controlling the power supply 11. The control portion 12 can determine the temperature of the heater 24 in a state in which the set power Ps is supplied to the heater 24. The control portion 12 can determine the target temperature for controlling the power supplied to the heater 24 based on the temperature reached by the heater 24.

[0070] The control portion 12 can detect the occurrence of a puff before supplying the set power Ps to the heater 24 (step S610). The control portion 12 can receive a signal from the puff sensor 132 (refer to Figure 15 ). The control portion 12 can repeatedly detect the occurrence of a puff based on the signal output from the puff sensor 132. The control portion 12 can determine whether the first puff and the second puff, which are consecutive to each other, have occurred.

[0071] If it is determined that the first puff has occurred, the control portion 12 can determine the elapsed time between the second puff, which has just occurred before the first puff, and the first puff. The control portion 12 can determine whether the elapsed time between the first puff and the second puff is greater than or equal to a preset reference time difference (step S620).

[0072] In the case of replacing the cartridge 19 from the main body 10, a prescribed time difference can occur between the last puff before the cartridge 19 is replaced and the first puff after the cartridge 19 is replaced. The memory 17 (refer to Figure 15The control unit 12 can store reference time difference information for determining the first puff after replacing the cartridge 19. The control unit 12 determines the elapsed time between consecutive puffs and compares the determined elapsed time with the reference time difference stored in the memory 17. Based on the comparison result between the elapsed time and the reference time difference, the control unit 12 can supply a set power Ps to the heater 24 or not supply the set power Ps.

[0073] If the first suction has occurred and the elapsed time is greater than the reference time difference (in the case of "Yes" in step S620), the control unit 12 can control the power supply 11 to supply a set power Ps to the heater 24. The control unit 12 can control the power supply 11 to continuously supply the set power Ps to the heater 24 during the set first time period. The control unit 12 can repeatedly determine the temperature of the heater 24 during the first time period (step S630).

[0074] Although not shown in the figure, the control unit 12 can determine whether the cartridge 19 is engaged or not before supplying the set power Ps to the heater 24. The control unit 12 can detect this from the cartridge detection sensor 135 (see reference). Figure 15 The control unit 12 can determine whether the cartridge 19 is separated from or attached to the main body 10 based on the signal output from the cartridge detection sensor 135.

[0075] Normally, once the user attaches the cartridge 19 to the main body 10, it will not be removed from the main body 10 until the cartridge 19 is replaced. The control unit 12 can supply a set power Ps to the heater 24 or not supply a set power Ps based on whether the cartridge 19 is attached to the main body 10.

[0076] The control unit 12 can control the power supply 11 to supply a set power Ps to the heater 24 based on the condition that the smoke cartridge 19 is combined with the main body 10. The control unit 12 can determine the temperature of the heater 24 when the set power Ps is supplied to the heater 24.

[0077] On the other hand, although not shown in the figure, before supplying the set power Ps to the heater 24, the control unit 12 can perform all of the following processes: detecting the occurrence of the first puff, determining whether the elapsed time is greater than or equal to the reference time difference (steps S610, S620), and determining whether the cartridge 19 is engaged or not. This allows for a more accurate determination of when the cartridge 19 has been replaced from the main body 10.

[0078] and Figure 6 Refer to together Figure 7 The control unit 12 can determine the resistance value of the heater 24 and determine the temperature of the heater 24 based on the determined resistance value.

[0079] The resistance measurement sensor 131 can be configured as a sensor for detecting the resistance value Rh of the heater 24. The resistance measurement sensor 131 can be referred to as a temperature sensor. The resistance measurement sensor 131 can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value Rh of the heater 24.

[0080] The resistance measurement sensor 131 can be electrically connected with the heater 24. The heater driving circuit 200 can supply power to the heater 24 using the power stored in the power supply 11. The heater driving circuit can be referred to as a circuit board. The power supplied to the heater 24 by the heater driving circuit 200 can be adjusted according to the control of the control portion 12.

[0081] The control portion 12 can determine the temperature of the heater 24 based on the resistance value Rh of the heater 24, and control the power supplied to the heater 24 based on the determined temperature of the heater 24.

[0082] The circuit board 200 can transmit an electrical signal to control the actions of various configurations. A circuit pattern for transmitting an electrical signal can be formed on the circuit board 200. The circuit board 200 can be electrically connected with the power supply 11 and the control portion 12. The control portion 12 can be mounted on the circuit board 200.

[0083] The same level of current can flow in the heater 24 and the resistance measurement sensor 131. The resistance value Rs of a shunt resistor provided in the resistance measurement sensor 131 can be a value that does not vary with temperature.

[0084] The control portion 12 can judge the voltage Vc applied to the heater 24 and the resistance measurement sensor 131 based on the power supplied to the heater 24 from the power supply 11 through the heater driving circuit 200, the current flowing in the heater 24 and the resistance measurement sensor 131, etc. The control portion 12 can calculate the voltage Vd applied to the shunt resistor of the resistance measurement sensor 131 based on the current flowing in the shunt resistor and the resistance value Rs of the shunt resistor. The control portion 12 can calculate the voltage applied to the heater 24 as the difference (Vc-Vd) between the voltage Vc applied to the heater 24 and the resistance measurement sensor 131 and the voltage Vd applied to the shunt resistor. The control portion 12 can calculate the resistance value Rh of the heater 24 based on the voltage applied to the heater 24 and the current flowing in the heater 24.

[0085] The resistance of the heater 24 can be a substance having a temperature coefficient of resistance. The resistance value Rh of the heater 24 can change with the temperature of the resistance. The control portion 12 can calculate the temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) of the heater 24, the resistance value Rh of the heater 24, and the temperature of the heater 24 corresponding to the resistance value of the heater 24 at the reference temperature, based on a calculation formula for calculating the temperature of the heater 24. The calculation formula for calculating the temperature of the heater 24 can correspond to the following mathematical formula 1.

[0086] Mathematical formula 1

[0087] In the mathematical formula 1, the TCR can represent the temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) of the heater 24, T1 can represent the temperature of the heater 24, R1 can represent the resistance value of the heater 24, T0 can represent the reference temperature, and R0 can represent the resistance value of the heater 24 at the reference temperature. The T0 can be 25 degrees Celsius, and the R0 can be the resistance value of the heater 24 at 25 degrees Celsius.

[0088] The resistance value of the heater 24 of each aerosol generating device 1 at the reference temperature can be different from each other. In view of this, the memory 17 (refer to Figure 15 ) of the aerosol generating device 1 can store data related to the resistance value of the heater 24, etc. The control portion 12 can determine the resistance value R0 of the heater 24 at the reference temperature T0 used in the calculation formula for calculating the temperature of the heater 24, based on the data stored in the memory 17.

[0089] Although the resistance measurement sensor 131 in series with the heater 24 is illustrated as an example, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the resistance measurement sensor 131 can also be implemented as a voltage sensor for detecting the voltage applied to the heater 24.

[0090] With reference to Figure 6 together, Figure 8 In a state in which the set power Ps is continuously supplied to the heater 24 during the first time, the control portion 12 can determine the temperature of the heater 24 that rises or reaches as the target temperature.

[0091] The set power Ps and the first time can be pre-set and stored in the memory 17. The set power Ps can be 5 W to 9 W. The set power Ps can be preferably about 7 W. The first time can be 1 second to 2 seconds. The first time can be preferably about 1.5 seconds.

[0092] The characteristics of each cartridge 19 that is detachably coupled to the main body 10 can differ from one another. For example, there can be a variation in the resistance value of the heater 24 in each cartridge 19. Even if the heaters 24 included in the cartridges 19 are produced in the same specifications and / or the same material, the resistance values of the heaters 24 can differ from one another due to various reasons including the production process. For example, the resistance value of the heater 24 can also vary slightly due to errors in the shape dimensions such as the length and thickness of the heater 24 that can occur during the manufacturing process. For example, the resistance value of the heater 24 can also vary due to errors in the ratio of the constituent elements of the alloy that constitutes the heater 24 that can occur during the manufacturing process. The above are merely examples, and the factors that affect the resistance value of the heater 24 are not limited to the above.

[0093] For example, there can be a variation in the amount of liquid delivered in each cartridge 19. Even if the wick 25 (e.g., liquid delivery unit 25) included in the cartridge 19 is produced in the same specifications and / or the same material, the volume thereof can differ from one another, or the distribution and size of the air holes within the wick 25 can differ from one another. As a result, the amount of liquid aerosol generating substance delivered to the heater 24 through the wick 25 can vary slightly.

[0094] For example, there can be a variation in the inflow of air in each cartridge 19. Even if the cartridges 19 are produced in the same specifications and / or the same material, the size of the inlet or gap through which external air can flow into the cartridge 19 can differ from one another. As a result, the degree to which external air flows into the wick 25 and / or the heater 24 of the cartridge 19 can vary slightly.

[0095] As described above, due to the variations in the cartridges 19, even if the set power Ps is applied, the temperature to which the heater 24 is heated and rises can differ from one another. For example, during the first time (tb-ta), the temperature of the heater 24 can rise from the initial temperature To to a first temperature T11 (801). In contrast, during the first time (tb-ta), the temperature of the heater 24 can rise to a second temperature T12 (802) that is lower than the first temperature T11, or can rise to a third temperature T13 (803) that is higher than the first temperature T11.

[0096] The controller 12 can set the temperature to which the heater 24 rises or reaches during the first time (tb-ta) as the target temperature. For example, in the case where the heater 24 of the cartridge 19 rises to the first temperature T11 (801), the controller 12 can set the first temperature T11 as the target temperature. In the case where the heater 24 of the cartridge 19 rises to the second temperature T12 (802), the controller 12 can set the second temperature T12 as the target temperature. In the case where the heater 24 of the cartridge 19 rises to the third temperature T13 (803), the controller 12 can set the third temperature T13 as the target temperature. Figure 8the heater 24 of the cartridge 19 rises to the second temperature T12 (802), the control unit 12 can determine the second temperature T12 as the target temperature for controlling the power supplied to the heater 24. For example, in a case where the heater 24 of the cartridge 19 rises to the third temperature T13 (803), the control unit 12 can determine the third temperature T13 as the target temperature for controlling the power supplied to the heater 24.

[0097] Thereby, the target temperature for heating the heater can be accurately set according to different cartridges.

[0098] With Figure 6 Referring to Figure 9 , the control unit 12 can determine the temperature at which the temperature of the heater 24 reaches saturation as the target temperature (step S660). The control unit 12 can determine whether the temperature of the heater 24 rises and reaches saturation during the first time (tb-ta) (step S640). In a case where the temperature of the heater 24 rises and reaches saturation at the first temperature T11 during the first time (tb-ta) (901), the control unit 12 can determine the first temperature T11 at which saturation is reached as the target temperature. In a case where the temperature of the heater 24 does not reach saturation during the first time (tb-ta) (902), even if the temperature of the heater 24 reaches the fourth temperature T14, the control unit 12 can not determine the reached fourth temperature T14 as the target temperature. Figure 9 , the control unit 12 can determine the first temperature T11 at which saturation is reached as the target temperature. In a case where the temperature of the heater 24 does not reach saturation during the first time (tb-ta) (902), even if the temperature of the heater 24 reaches the fourth temperature T14, the control unit 12 can not determine the reached fourth temperature T14 as the target temperature.

[0099] In the process of setting the target temperature of the heater 24, in a case where the temperature of the heater 24 does not reach saturation, the temperature can not accurately reflect the deviation that the cartridge 19 has. Therefore, in the aerosol generating device 1 of an embodiment of the disclosure, by determining the temperature of the heater that reaches saturation during the setting time as the target temperature, it is possible to accurately reflect the deviation that the cartridge has into the target temperature.

[0100] With Figure 6 Referring to Figure 10 , the control unit 12 can compare the temperature reached by the heater 24 with the reference temperature range (Ts1~Ts2) (step S650). In a case where the temperature reached by the heater 24 exists within the reference temperature range (Ts1~Ts2) (903), the control unit 12 can determine the reference temperature range (Ts1~Ts2) as the target temperature. In a case where the temperature reached by the heater 24 does not exist within the reference temperature range (Ts1~Ts2) (904), the control unit 12 can not determine the temperature reached by the heater 24 as the target temperature. Figure 10The control section 12 can determine the temperature reached by the heater 24 as the target temperature. In a case where the temperature reached by the heater 24 is lower than the reference temperature range (Ts1 to Ts2) (1002) or higher than the reference temperature range (1003), the control section 12 can not determine the temperature reached by the heater 24 as the target temperature. In a case where the temperature reached by the heater 24 exceeds the reference temperature range (Ts1 to Ts2), the control section 12 can cut off the power supplied to the heater 24 and output, through the output section 14, information related to the non-use of the cartridge 19.

[0101] Even if there is a deviation in the different cartridges 19, the temperature reached by the heater 24 can be distributed within a certain range in a case where the set power is continuously applied during the first time period. The reference temperature range (Ts1 to Ts2) can be set in advance by the manufacturer of the cartridge 19 or the like and stored in the storage 17.

[0102] Thus, in a case where the temperature of the saturated heater exceeds the reference temperature range, by making the cartridge non-useful, it is possible to prevent the use of an unpermitted cartridge and prevent the action of the aerosol generating device from becoming unstable.

[0103] The reference temperature range (Ts1 to Ts2) can change depending on the initial temperature of the heater 24. The initial temperature of the heater 24 can be defined as the temperature that the heater 24 has in a state where the heater 24 is not heated. The initial temperature of the heater 24 can be the temperature before the set power Ps is applied to the heater 24. The initial temperature of the heater 24 can be affected by the temperature of the surrounding environment in which the cartridge 19 is located. For example, in a high-temperature environment, the initial temperature of the heater 24 can be a temperature higher than the normal temperature (for example, 25 degrees Celsius). For example, in a low-temperature environment, the initial temperature of the heater 24 can be a temperature lower than the normal temperature.

[0104] The control section 12 can determine the initial temperature of the heater 24. The initial temperature of the heater 24 can be determined before the set power Ps is applied to the heater 24. The initial temperature of the heater 24 can be determined based on the resistance value of the heater. The control section 12 can determine the reference temperature range (Ts1 to Ts2) based on the initial temperature of the heater 24. A plurality of initial temperatures of the heater 24 and the reference temperature ranges (Ts1 to Ts2) corresponding thereto can be stored in the storage 17 in a matched manner. The control section 12 can determine the reference temperature range (Ts1 to Ts2) corresponding to the initial temperature of the heater 24 based on the matching information stored in the storage 17.

[0105] Thus, by determining the reference temperature range of the heater based on the initial temperature of the heater, it is possible to prevent the determination of the usability of the cartridge from being erroneously made due to the surrounding environment of the aerosol generating device.

[0106] Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating an aerosol-generating device determining a target temperature of a heater according to an embodiment of the disclosure, Figure 12 and Figure 13 is a graph illustrating a change in an initial temperature of a heater in an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0107] In conjunction with Figure 11 , Figure 12 and Figure 13 , before the heater 24 is supplied with the set power Ps, the control portion 12 can determine the amount of change in the initial temperature of the heater 24. The control portion 12 can re-set the target temperature of the heater 24 based on the amount of change in the initial temperature of the heater 24 or set the previous target temperature as the target temperature of the heater 24.

[0108] Before the heater 24 is supplied with the set power Ps, the control portion 12 can continuously determine the amount of change in the initial temperature of the heater 24 (T0b-T0a) during the set second time (ta-tc) (step S1110). The control portion 12 can repeatedly determine the initial temperature of the heater 24 during the second time (ta-tc) and determine the amount of change in the initial temperature (T0b-T0a) from the determined initial temperature values of the heater 24.

[0109] The control portion 12 can compare the amount of change in the initial temperature (T0b-T0a) with the reference temperature deviation (step S1120). In the case where the amount of change in the initial temperature (T0b-T0a) is less than the reference temperature deviation (T0b-T0a < Td) (1301 of FIG. 13), Figure 12 , the control portion 12 can supply the heater 24 with the set power Ps. The control portion 12 can control the power supply 11 to continuously supply the heater 24 with the set power Ps during the set first time. The control portion 12 can repeatedly determine the temperature of the heater 24 during the first time (step S1130). The control portion 12 determines the temperature of the heater 24, determines whether the temperature of the heater 24 is saturated and / or exists within the reference temperature range, and determines the temperature of the heater 24 as a series of processes (steps S1140 to S1160) for determining the target temperature, which can be the same as the series of processes (steps S630 to S660) illustrated in the previous Figure 6 .

[0110] In the case where the amount of change in the initial temperature (T0b-T0a) is the reference temperature deviation or more (T0b-T0a ≥ Td) (1301 of FIG. 13), Figure 13 , the control portion 12 can determine the previous target temperature previously stored in the storage 17 as the target temperature for controlling the power supplied to the heater 24 (step S1170).

[0111] When the cartridge 19 is combined with the main body 10, there can be a case where the initial temperature of the heater 24 is not constantly maintained and continuously decreases. In this case, the cartridge 19 can not be a newly replaced cartridge, but a cartridge that has been used before, disassembled, and combined again. In the case of the previously used cartridge, there is no need to reset the target temperature. In the case of the previously used cartridge, the control portion 12 can control the temperature of the heater 24 or the supplied power based on the target temperature stored in advance in the memory 17.

[0112] Thus, in the case where the initial temperature of the heater changes less than the reference temperature deviation, the target temperature of the heater is re-determined, thereby preventing the heater target temperature from being unnecessarily set, and it is possible to prevent the target temperature of the heater from being inaccurately determined.

[0113] Figure 14 A PID-based heater power control loop of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated.

[0114] Referring to Figure 14 The control portion 12 can control the power supplied to the heater 24 in a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) manner based on the determined target temperature. The control portion 12 can include a PID controller. The PID controller 12 can compare the heater temperature, which is a measured variable, with the target temperature, which is a set point. The PID controller 12 can calculate the difference between the heater temperature and the target temperature as an error. The heater temperature measurement circuit 131, 200 can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the heater 24 in a state where power is supplied to the heater 24. For example, the heater temperature measurement circuit 131, 200 can include a resistance measurement sensor 131 and a heater driving circuit 200. The PID controller 12 can determine the temperature of the heater 24 based on the signal output from the heater temperature measurement circuit 131, 200.

[0115] The PID controller 12 can control the power supplied to the heater 24 so that the temperature of the heater 24 follows the target temperature. The PID controller 12 can determine the power supplied to the heater 24 based on the difference between the temperature of the heater 24 and the target temperature. Specifically, the PID controller 12 can control the power supplied to the heater 24 according to a feedback control method based on the difference between the temperature of the heater 24 and the target temperature, a value obtained by integrating the difference with respect to the passage of time, and a value obtained by differentiating the difference with respect to the passage of time. The coefficients of the PID control can include a proportional control gain value, an integral control gain value, and a differential control gain value. The coefficients of the PID control can be set in advance through experiments, so that the temperature of the heater 24 can be controlled in an optimal manner. The control unit 12 can control the temperature of the heater 24 according to the set coefficients of the PID control so that the temperature of the heater 24 reaches the target temperature.

[0116] In the case of controlling the power supplied to the heater 24 in the PID manner, it is difficult to accurately control the temperature of the heater 24 due to the deviation of the cartridge 19. According to at least one embodiment of the disclosure, by supplying the set power to the heater of the cartridge and determining the target temperature of the heater based on the temperature reached by the heater, it is possible to accurately set the target temperature for heating the heater according to different cartridges, and it is possible to accurately control the temperature of the heater.

[0117] Figure 15 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0118] The aerosol generating device 1 can 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 storage 17, and at least one heater 18, 24. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1 is not limited to Figure 15 the illustrated configuration. That is, a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the present embodiment pertains can understand that some of the configurations illustrated in the aerosol generating device 1 can be omitted, or new configurations can be further added, according to the design of the aerosol generating device 1. Figure 15

[0119] The sensor 13 can detect the state of the aerosol generating device 1 or the state of the surroundings of the aerosol generating device 1 and deliver the detected information to the control unit 12. The control unit 12 can control the aerosol generating device 1 to perform various functions, such as action control of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18, restriction of smoking, determination of whether the cigarette stick S and / or the cartridge 19 is inserted, notification display, etc., based on the detected information.

[0120] ​The sensor 13 can 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 cap detection sensor 136, and a movement detection sensor 137.

[0121] The temperature sensor 131 can detect a heating temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. The aerosol generating device 1 can include a separate temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18, or the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 itself can function as a temperature sensor.

[0122] The temperature sensor 131 can output a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. For example, the temperature sensor 131 can include a resistance element whose resistance value changes in correspondence with a change in the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. This can be implemented by using an element whose resistance changes with temperature, such as a thermistor or the like. 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 the heater 18. For example, the temperature sensor 131 can be configured as a sensor for detecting the resistance value of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the 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 the heater 18, as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18.

[0123] The temperature sensor 131 can be disposed around the power supply 11 so as to monitor the temperature of the power supply 11. The temperature sensor 131 can be disposed adjacent to the power supply 11. For example, the temperature sensor 131 can be attached to one side of a battery that is the power supply 11. For example, the temperature sensor 131 can be mounted on one side of a printed circuit board.

[0124] The temperature sensor 131 can be disposed inside the main body 10 so as to detect the internal temperature of the main body 10.

[0125] The puff sensor 132 can detect a puffing action of a user based on various physical changes in the airflow path. The puff sensor 132 can output a signal corresponding to a 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. 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 disposed at a position in the aerosol generating device 1 corresponding to the airflow path through which the gas flows.

[0126] The insertion detection sensor 133 can detect insertion and / or removal of the cigarette rod S. The insertion detection sensor 133 can detect a signal change corresponding to insertion and / or removal of the cigarette rod S. The insertion detection sensor 133 can be disposed at a periphery of the insertion space. The insertion detection sensor 133 can detect insertion and / or removal of the cigarette rod S according to a change in a dielectricity inside the insertion space. For example, the insertion detection sensor 133 can be an inductive sensor and / or a capacitance sensor.

[0127] The inductive sensor can include at least one coil. The coil of the inductive sensor can be disposed adjacent to the insertion space. For example, in a case where a periphery magnetic field of the coil in which a current flows is changed, a characteristic of the current flowing in the coil can be changed according to Faraday's law. The characteristic of the current flowing in the coil can include a frequency of an alternating current, a current value, a voltage value, an inductance value, an impedance value, etc.

[0128] The inductive sensor can output a signal corresponding to the characteristic of the current flowing in the coil. For example, the inductive sensor can output a signal corresponding to an inductance value of the coil.

[0129] The capacitance sensor can include a conductor. The conductor of the capacitance sensor can be disposed adjacent to the insertion space. The capacitance sensor can output a signal corresponding to a periphery electromagnetic characteristic (for example, a capacitance of a periphery of the conductor). For example, in a case where the cigarette rod S including a wrapping paper of a metal material is inserted into the insertion space, the electromagnetic characteristic of the periphery of the conductor can be changed by the wrapping paper of the cigarette rod S.

[0130] The reuse detection sensor 134 can detect whether the cigarette rod S is reused. The reuse detection sensor 134 can be a color sensor. The color sensor can detect a color of the cigarette rod S. The color sensor can detect a color of a portion of the wrapping paper wrapping an outside of the cigarette rod S. The color sensor can detect a value related to an optical characteristic corresponding to a color of an object based on light reflected from the object. For example, the optical characteristic can be a wavelength of light. The color sensor can be implemented as one configuration with the proximity sensor, or can be implemented as a separate configuration distinguished from the proximity sensor.

[0131] At least a portion of the wrapper constituting the tobacco rod S can change in color due to the aerosol. The reuse detection sensor 134 can be configured to be disposed at a position corresponding to a position at which at least a portion of the wrapper that changes in color due to the aerosol is disposed, in a case in which the tobacco rod S is inserted into the insertion space. For example, at least a portion of the wrapper can be a first color before the user uses the tobacco rod S. At this time, in a process in which the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating device 1 passes through the tobacco rod S, as at least a portion of the wrapper is soaked in the aerosol, at least a portion of the wrapper can change in color to a second color. On the other hand, the color of at least a portion of the wrapper can be maintained as the second color after changing from the first color to the second color.

[0132] The cartridge detection sensor 135 can detect 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 resistance sensor, a hall sensor (hall IC) utilizing a hall effect, or the like.

[0133] The cap detection sensor 136 can detect installation and / or removal of the cap. In a case in which the cap is detached from the main body 10, a portion of the cartridge 19 and the main body 10 covered by the cap can be exposed to the outside. The cap detection sensor 136 can be implemented by a contact sensor, a hall sensor (hall IC), an optical sensor, or the like.

[0134] The movement detection sensor 137 can detect movement of the aerosol generating device. The movement detection sensor 137 can be implemented by at least one of an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor.

[0135] In addition to the aforementioned sensors (131 to 137), the sensor 13 can further include at least one of a humidity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a position sensor (GPS), a proximity sensor. A person of ordinary skill can intuitively infer the function of each sensor from its name, and thus detailed descriptions can be omitted.

[0136] The output 14 can output information related to the state of the aerosol generating device 1 and provide the same to the user. The output 14 can include at least one of a display 141, a haptic 142, and an audio output 143, but is not limited thereto. When the display 141 and the touch panel constitute a touch screen in a layered structure, the display 141 can function as an input device in addition to functioning as an output device.

[0137] The display 141 can visually provide information related to the aerosol generating device 1 to the user. For example, the information related to the aerosol generating device 1 can be information indicating a charging and discharging state of the power supply 11 of the aerosol generating device 1, a preheating state of the heater 18, an insertion / removal state of the cartomizer S and / or the cartridge 19, a mounting / removal state of the cap, or a state in which use of the aerosol generating device 1 is restricted (e.g., an abnormal article is detected), etc., and the display 141 can output the same to the outside. For example, the display 141 can be in the form of an LED light emitting element. For example, the display 141 can be an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Display), etc.

[0138] The haptic portion 142 can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical or electrical stimulus, thereby providing information related to the aerosol generating device 1 to the user in a tactile manner. For example, in the case of supplying initial power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 for a set time, the haptic portion 142 can generate a vibration corresponding to the completion of initial preheating. The haptic portion 142 can include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0139] The audio output portion 143 can provide information related to the aerosol generating device 1 to the user in an audible manner. For example, the audio output portion 143 can convert an electrical signal into an audio signal and output the same to the outside.

[0140] The power supply 11 can supply power required for the operation of the aerosol generating device 1. The power supply 11 can supply power so as to heat the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. In addition, the power supply 11 can supply power required for the operation of other configurations provided in the aerosol generating device 1, i.e., the sensor 13, the output portion 14, the input portion 15, the communication portion 16, and the memory 17. The power supply 11 can be a rechargeable battery or a primary battery. For example, the power supply 11 can be a LiPoly battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0141] Although not shown in FIG. 1, Figure 15 The aerosol generating device 1 can further include a power supply protection circuit. The power supply protection circuit is electrically connected to the power supply 11 and can include a switching element.

[0142] The power supply protection circuit can cut off a circuit connected to the power supply 11 according to a prescribed condition. For example, when the voltage level of the power supply 11 is equal to or greater than a first voltage corresponding to overcharging, the power supply protection circuit can cut off the circuit connected to the power supply 11. For example, when the voltage level of the power supply 11 is less than a second voltage corresponding to overdischarging, the power supply protection circuit can cut off the circuit connected to the power supply 11.

[0143] Heater 18 can receive power from power source 11 to heat the medium or aerosol-generating substance within the smoke rod S. Although not in Figure 10 As shown, the aerosol generating device 1 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) for converting the power from the power source 11 and supplying it to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. Furthermore, when the aerosol generating device 1 generates aerosol using induction heating, the aerosol generating device 1 may also include a DC / AC converter for converting the DC power from the power source 11 into AC power.

[0144] The control unit 12, sensor 13, output unit 14, input unit 15, communication unit 16, and memory 17 can receive power from the power supply 11 to perform their functions. Although not explicitly stated... Figure 15 As shown, it may also include: a power conversion circuit (e.g., a low dropout regulator (LDO) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit), which is used to convert the power of power supply 11 and supply it to the various components. Furthermore, although not shown in... Figure 15 As shown, a noise filter can be provided between the power supply 11 and the heater 18. The noise filter can be a low-pass filter. The low-pass filter can include at least one inductor and a capacitor. The cutoff frequency of the low-pass filter can correspond to the frequency of the high-frequency switching current applied from the power supply 11 to the heater 18. The low-pass filter prevents high-frequency noise components from being applied to sensors 13, such as the insertion detection sensor 133.

[0145] In one embodiment, the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 can be formed of any suitable resistive material. For example, suitable resistive materials may be 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 alloys, etc. Furthermore, heater 18 can be implemented as a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate with conductive tracks disposed thereon, a ceramic heating element, etc., but is not limited to these.

[0146] In another embodiment, heater 18 may be an induction heating heater. For example, heater 18 may include a sensor that generates heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil to heat the aerosol-generating substance.

[0147] The input unit 15 can receive information input by 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 a touch. For example, the touch sensor can include a capacitive touch sensor, a resistive touch sensor, a surface acoustic wave touch sensor, an infrared touch sensor, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0148] The display 141 and the touch panel can be implemented as one panel. For example, the touch panel can be inserted into the display 141 in an on-cell type or an in-cell type. For example, the touch panel can be disposed on the display 141 panel in an add-on type.

[0149] On the other hand, the input unit 15 can include a button, a keypad, a dome switch, a knob, a jog switch, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0150] The memory 17, as hardware for storing various data processed in the aerosol generating device 1, can store data processed in the control unit 12 and data to be processed. The memory 17 can include at least one type of storage medium of a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (e.g., an SD or XD memory, etc.), a random access memory (RAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. The memory 17 can be used to store data related to an action time, a maximum number of puffs, a current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and a user's smoking pattern of the aerosol generating device 1, etc.

[0151] 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 near-field communication unit and a wireless communication unit.

[0152] The short-range wireless communication unit can include, but is not limited to, Bluetooth communication units, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication units, Near Field Communication units (NFC), Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN, i.e., Wi-Fi) communication units, Zigbee communication units, Infrared Data Association (IrDA) communication units, Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) communication units, Ultra Wideband (UWB) communication units, Ant+ communication units, etc.

[0153] The wireless communications unit may include, but is not limited to, cellular network communications, internet communications, computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN) communications, etc.

[0154] Although not in Figure 15 As shown, the aerosol generating device 1 may also include a connection interface such as a universal serial bus (USB) interface, and can be connected to other external devices through a connection interface such as a USB interface, so as to send and receive information or charge the power supply 11.

[0155] 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 may also be implemented by an array of multiple logic gates, or by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable in the microprocessor. Furthermore, as will be understood by those skilled in the art to which this embodiment pertains, it may also be implemented by other forms of hardware.

[0156] The control section 12 can control the temperature of the heater 18 by controlling the supply of power from the power supply 11 to the heater 18. The control section 12 can control the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 based on the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 131 of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. The control section 12 can adjust the power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. For example, the control section 12 can determine a target temperature associated with the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 based on a temperature profile stored in the memory 17.

[0157] The aerosol generating device 1 can include a power supply circuit (not shown) electrically connected between the power supply 11 and the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. The power supply circuit can be electrically connected to the cartridge heater 24, the heater 18, or the induction coil 181. The power supply circuit can include at least one switching element. The switching element can be implemented by a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), a field effective transistor (FET), or the like. The control section 12 can control the power supply circuit.

[0158] The control section 12 can control the power supply by controlling the switching of the switching element of the power supply circuit. The power supply circuit can be an inverter for converting the direct current power output from the power supply 11 into alternating current power. For example, the inverter can be configured as a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit including a plurality of switching elements.

[0159] The control section 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 section 12 can turn off the switching element to cut off the power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. The control section 12 can adjust the current supplied from the power supply 11 by adjusting the frequency and / or duty ratio of the current pulse input to the switching element.

[0160] The control section 12 can control the voltage output from the power supply 11 by controlling the switching of the switching element 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 can include a buck-converter that steps down the voltage output from the power supply 11. For example, the power conversion circuit can be implemented by a buck-boost converter, a Zener diode, or the like.

[0161] The control section 12 can adjust the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit by controlling the on / off action 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 correspond to the level of the voltage output from the power supply 11. The duty ratio related to the on / off action 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. The smaller the duty ratio of the on / off action of the switching element, the lower the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit can be. The heater 18 can be heated based on the voltage output from the power conversion circuit.

[0162] The control section 12 can control the supply of power to the heater 18 using at least one of a pulse width modulation (PWM) method and a proportional-integral-differential (PID) method.

[0163] For example, the control section 12 can control the supply of a current pulse having a prescribed frequency and a duty ratio to the heater 18 using the PWM method. The control section 12 can control the supply of power to the heater 18 by adjusting the frequency and the duty ratio of the current pulse.

[0164] For example, the control section 12 can determine a target temperature that is a control target based on a temperature profile. The control section 12 can control the supply of power to the heater 18 using the 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 the passage of time, and a value obtained by differentiating the difference over the passage of time.

[0165] The control section 12 can prevent overheating in the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. For example, the control section 12 can control the action of the power conversion circuit to interrupt the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 exceeding a preset limit temperature. For example, the control section 12 can reduce the amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 by a predetermined ratio based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 exceeding a preset limit temperature. For example, the control section 12 can determine that the aerosol generating material accommodated in the cartridge 19 has been consumed based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeding a limit temperature, and cut off the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24.

[0166] The control portion 12 can control charging and discharging of the power supply 11. The control portion 12 can confirm the temperature of the power supply 11 based on the output signal of the temperature sensor 131.

[0167] When the power line is connected to the battery terminal of the aerosol generating device 1, the control portion 12 can confirm whether the temperature of the power supply 11 is above a first limit temperature that is a reference for cutting off charging of the power supply 11. When the temperature of the power supply 11 is below the first limit temperature, the control portion 12 can control the power supply 11 to be charged based on a preset charging current. When the temperature of the power supply 11 is above the first limit temperature, the control portion 12 can cut off charging of the power supply 11.

[0168] While the power supply of the aerosol generating device 1 is in an on state, the control portion 12 can confirm whether the temperature of the power supply 11 is above a second limit temperature that is a reference for cutting off discharging of the power supply 11. When the temperature of the power supply 11 is below the second limit temperature, the control portion 12 can control use of the power stored in the power supply 11. When the temperature of the power supply 11 is above the second limit temperature, the control portion 12 can interrupt use of the power stored in the power supply 11.

[0169] The control portion 12 can calculate a remaining capacity related to the power stored in the power supply 11. For example, the control portion 12 can calculate the remaining capacity of the power supply 11 based on a voltage and / or a current sensing value of the power supply 11.

[0170] The control portion 12 can determine whether the cigarette rod S is inserted into the insertion space through the insertion detection sensor 133. The control portion 12 can determine the insertion of the cigarette rod S based on an output signal of the insertion detection sensor 133. When it is determined that the cigarette rod S is inserted into the insertion space, the control portion 12 can control supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. For example, the control portion 12 can supply power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 based on a temperature profile stored in the memory 17.

[0171] The control portion 12 can determine whether the cigarette rod S is removed from the insertion space. For example, the control portion 12 can determine whether the cigarette rod S is removed from the insertion space through the insertion detection sensor 133. For example, when the temperature of the heater 18 is above a limit temperature or a temperature change slope of the heater 18 is above a set slope, the control portion 12 can determine that the cigarette rod S is removed from the insertion space. When it is determined that the cigarette rod S is removed from the insertion space, the control portion 12 can cut off supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18.

[0172] The control portion 12 can control the power supply time and / or the power supply amount to the heater 18 according to the state of the cigarette rod S detected by the sensor 13. The control portion 12 can confirm the level range in which the signal level of the capacitive sensor is present, based on a lookup table. The control portion 12 can determine the moisture content of the cigarette rod S according to the confirmed level range.

[0173] When the cigarette rod S is in an over-wet state, the control portion 12 can control the power supply time to the heater 18 so that the preheating time of the cigarette rod S is increased compared to when in a normal state.

[0174] The control portion 12 can determine whether the cigarette rod S inserted into the insertion space is reused or not, by the reuse detection sensor 134. For example, the control portion 12 can compare the sensed value of the reuse detection sensor signal with a first reference range including a first color, and determine that the cigarette rod S is not used when the sensed value falls within the first reference range. For example, the control portion 12 can compare the sensed value of the reuse detection sensor signal with a second reference range including a second color, and determine that the cigarette rod S is used when the sensed value falls within the second reference range. When it is determined that the cigarette rod S is used, the control portion 12 can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18.

[0175] The control portion 12 can determine whether the cartridge 19 is coupled and / or removed, by the cartridge detection sensor 135. For example, the control portion 12 can determine whether the cartridge 19 is coupled and / or removed, based on the sensed value of the cartridge detection sensor signal.

[0176] The control portion 12 can determine whether the aerosol generating material of the cartridge 19 is depleted. For example, the control portion 12 can apply power to preheat the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18, and determine whether the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeds a limit temperature within a preheating interval, and determine that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge 19 is depleted when the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeds the limit temperature. When it is determined that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge 19 is depleted, the control portion 12 can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18.

[0177] The control portion 12 can determine whether the cartridge 19 is usable. For example, the control portion 12 can determine that the cartridge 19 is not usable when the current number of puffs is greater than the maximum number of puffs set in the cartridge 19, based on the data stored in the memory 17. For example, the control portion 12 can determine that the cartridge 19 is not usable when the total heating time of the heater 24 is greater than a preset maximum time, or the total power amount supplied to the heater 24 is greater than a preset maximum power amount.

[0178] The control unit 12 can perform judgments related to the user's inhalation action via the inhalation sensor 132. For example, the control unit 12 can determine whether an inhalation has occurred based on the sensing value of the inhalation sensor signal. For example, the control unit 12 can determine the inhalation intensity based on the sensing value of the inhalation sensor signal 132. When the number of inhalations reaches the maximum preset number of inhalations, or when no inhalation is detected for more than a preset time, the control unit 12 can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18.

[0179] The control unit 12 can determine whether the cap is attached and / or removed by the cap detection sensor 136. For example, the control unit 12 can determine whether the cap is attached and / or removed based on the sensing value of the signal from the cap detection sensor.

[0180] The control unit 12 can control the output unit 14 based on the results detected by the sensor 13. For example, when the number of puffs counted by the puff sensor 132 reaches a preset number, the control unit 12 can notify the user that the aerosol generating device 1 is about to stop operating via at least one of the display 141, the tactile unit 142, and the audio output unit 143. For example, the control unit 12 can inform the user via the output unit 14 based on the determination that there is no tobacco stick S in the insertion space. For example, the control unit 12 can inform the user via the output unit 14 based on the determination that the tobacco cartridge 19 and / or the cap are not installed. For example, the control unit 12 can transmit information related to the temperature of the tobacco cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 to the user via the output unit 14.

[0181] The control unit 12 can store and update the history related to the occurrence of a specified event in the memory 17. The event may include the following operations performed in the aerosol generating device 1: insertion detection of the tobacco stick S, start of heating of the tobacco stick S, inhalation detection, end of inhalation, overheat detection of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, overvoltage connection detection of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, end of heating of the tobacco stick S, power-on / off operation of the aerosol generating device 1, start of charging of the power supply 11, overcharge detection of the power supply 11, end of charging of the power supply 11, etc. The history related to the event may include the date and time of the event, log data corresponding to the event, etc. For example, when the specified event is the insertion detection of the tobacco stick S, the log data corresponding to the event may include data related to the sensing value of the insertion detection sensor 133, etc. For example, when the specified event is overheat detection of cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, the log data corresponding to the event may include data related to the temperature of cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, the voltage supplied to cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, and the current flowing in cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

[0182] The control portion 12 can be controlled to form a communication link with an external device such as a user mobile terminal. When receiving data related to authentication from the external device through the communication link, the control portion 12 can release the use restriction on at least one function of the aerosol generating device 1. Among them, the data related to authentication can include data indicating that the user authentication for a user corresponding to the external device is completed. The user can perform the user authentication through the external device. The external device can determine whether the user data is valid based on the user's birthday, an inherent number indicating the user, etc., and receive data related to the use authority of the aerosol generating device 1 from an external server. The external device can transmit data indicating that the user authentication is completed to the aerosol generating device 1 based on the data related to the use authority. When the user authentication is completed, the control portion 12 can release the use restriction on at least one function of the aerosol generating device 1. For example, when the user authentication is completed, the control portion 12 can release the use restriction on the heating function of supplying power to the heater 18.

[0183] The control portion 12 can transmit data related to the state of the aerosol generating device 1 to the external device through the communication link formed with the external device. The external device can output the remaining capacity of the power supply 11, the operation mode, etc. of the aerosol generating device 1 through the display of the external device based on the received state data.

[0184] The external device can output a location search request to the aerosol generating device 1 based on an input for starting the location search of the aerosol generating device 1. When receiving the location search request from the external device, the control portion 12 can control at least one of the output devices to perform an action corresponding to the location search based on the received location search request. For example, the haptic portion 142 can generate vibration in response to the location search request. For example, the display 141 can output an object corresponding to the location search and the search end in response to the location search request.

[0185] When receiving the firmware data from the external device, the control portion 12 can control to perform the firmware update. The external device can confirm the current version of the firmware of the aerosol generating device 1 and determine whether a new version of the firmware exists. The external device can receive the firmware data of the new version when receiving an input for requesting the firmware download and transmit the firmware data of the new version to the aerosol generating device 1. The control portion 12 can control to perform the firmware update of the aerosol generating device 1 after receiving the firmware data of the new version.

[0186] The control portion 12 can transmit data related to the sensed value of the at least one sensor 13 to an external server (not illustrated) through the communication portion 16, and receive and store a learning model generated by learning the sensed value using a machine learning method such as deep learning from the server. The control portion 12 can use the learning model received from the server to perform an action of judging the inhalation pattern of the user, an action of generating a temperature profile, etc. The control portion 12 can store sensed value data of the at least one sensor 13, data for learning an artificial neural network (ANN), etc. in the memory 17. For example, the memory 17 can store a database related to each configuration of the aerosol generating device 1 for learning an artificial neural network (ANN), weights constituting an artificial neural network (ANN) structure, a bias. The control portion 12 can generate at least one learning model for judging the inhalation pattern of the user, generating a temperature profile, etc. by learning data related to the sensed value of the at least one sensor 13, the inhalation pattern of the user, a temperature profile, etc. stored in the memory 17.

[0187] As described above, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the target temperature for heating the heater can be accurately set for each cartridge by supplying the set power to the heater of the cartridge and determining the target temperature of the heater based on the temperature reached by the heater.

[0188] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, by determining the target temperature of the heater based on the occurrence of the first puff or the case where the cartridge is detached and then coupled again, it is possible to accurately determine that a new cartridge is mounted to the main body and set the heating target temperature of the newly mounted cartridge.

[0189] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, by determining the temperature of the heater that reaches saturation during the set time as the target temperature, it is possible to accurately reflect the deviation of the cartridge into the target temperature.

[0190] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, in the case where the temperature of the heater that reaches saturation exceeds the reference temperature range, by making the cartridge unusable, it is possible to prevent the use of an unauthorized cartridge and prevent the operation of the aerosol generating device from becoming unstable.

[0191] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, by determining the reference temperature range of the heater based on the initial temperature of the heater, it is possible to prevent the determination of the usability of the cartridge from being erroneously made due to the surrounding environment of the aerosol generating device.

[0192] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, by controlling the power supplied to the heater in a PID manner based on the determined target temperature, the temperature of the heater can be accurately controlled.

[0193] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, by determining the target temperature of the heater when the initial temperature change of the heater is less than the reference temperature deviation, it is possible to prevent the target temperature of the heater from being inaccurately determined.

[0194] Referring to Figures 1 to 15 , an aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can include a main body 10, a cartridge 19 detachably coupled to the main body 10, including a heater 24 that heats an aerosol generating material, a power supply 11 that supplies power to the heater 24, and a control portion 12 that controls the power supply 11 to supply a set power Ps to the heater 24, determines a temperature of the heater 24 in a state in which the set power Ps is supplied to the heater 24, and determines a target temperature for controlling the power supplied to the heater 24 based on the temperature reached by the heater 24.

[0195] Further, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the control portion 12 can further include a puff sensor 132 that determines whether a first puff has occurred based on a signal output from the puff sensor 132, determine an elapsed time between the first puff and a second puff that has just occurred before the first puff, and control the power supply 11 to supply the set power Ps to the heater 24 based on the first puff having occurred and the elapsed time being greater than or equal to a reference time difference.

[0196] Further, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the control portion 12 can further include a cartridge detection sensor 135 that detects whether the cartridge 19 is coupled, determine whether the cartridge 19 is decoupled or coupled with respect to the main body 10 based on a signal output from the cartridge detection sensor 135, and control the power supply 11 to supply the set power Ps to the heater 24 based on the cartridge 19 having been coupled with the main body 10.

[0197] Further, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the control portion 12 can control the power supply 11 to continuously supply the set power Ps to the heater 24 during a first time, and determine a temperature reached by the heater 24 during the first time as the target temperature.

[0198] Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control section 12 can determine a temperature at which the temperature of the heater 24 reaches saturation during the first time as the target temperature.

[0199] Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the set power can be 5 W to 9 W, and the first time can be 1 second to 2 seconds.

[0200] Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control section 12 can compare the temperature reached by the heater 24 during the first time with a reference temperature range, and based on the reached temperature having exceeded the reference temperature range, the control section 12 can cut off the supply of power to the heater 24 and output information related to the cartridge 19 being unusable through the output section 14.

[0201] Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control section 12 can determine an initial temperature of the heater 24, and the control section 12 can determine the reference temperature range based on the initial temperature of the heater 24.

[0202] Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control section 12 can control the power supplied to the heater 24 in a PID manner based on the determined target temperature.

[0203] Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control section 12 can control the power supplied to the heater 24 so that the temperature of the heater 24 follows the determined target temperature.

[0204] Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control section 12 can further include a sensor 131 that measures at least one of a voltage and a current of the heater 24, the control section 12 can determine a resistance value of the heater 24 based on a signal output from the sensor 131, and the control section 12 can determine the temperature of the heater 24 based on the determined resistance value.

[0205] Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control section 12 can continuously determine an amount of change in the initial temperature of the heater 24 during a second time before the supply of the set power Ps to the heater 24, and based on the amount of change in the initial temperature being less than a reference temperature deviation, the control section 12 can control the power supply 11 to supply the set power Ps to the heater 24.

[0206] Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit 12 can further include a memory 17 that stores the target temperature, and when the amount of change in the initial temperature is equal to or greater than the reference temperature deviation, the control unit 12 determines a previous target temperature that is previously stored in the memory 17 as the target temperature for controlling the power supplied to the heater 24.

[0207] The above-described certain embodiments or other embodiments of the present disclosure are not mutually exclusive or distinguished from each other. The above-described certain embodiments or other embodiments of the present disclosure, each configuration or function thereof, can be used in combination or in combination.

[0208] For example, this means that configuration A described in a certain embodiment and / or a drawing can be combined with configuration B described in another embodiment and / or a drawing. That is, even if the combination between configurations is not directly described, it means that the combination can be made, except for the case where it has been explicitly described that the combination is not possible.

[0209] The above detailed description should not be interpreted as limiting in any way, but rather, as an illustrative description of the application. The scope of the application should be determined by reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent range of the application should be included in the scope of the application.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, characterized in that, include: main body, The cartridge, detachably attached to the main body, includes a heater for heating the aerosol-generating substance. The power source supplies power to the heater, and Control Department; The control unit controls the power supply to supply a set amount of power to the heater. With the set power supply to the heater, the control unit determines the temperature of the heater. Based on the temperature reached by the heater, the control unit determines a target temperature for controlling the power supplied to the heater.

2. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: Suction sensor; The control unit determines whether the first suction occurs based on the signal output from the suction sensor. The control unit determines the elapsed time between the first suction and the second suction that occurred immediately before the first suction. Based on the fact that the first suction has occurred and the elapsed time is greater than or equal to a reference time difference, the control unit controls the power supply to supply the set power to the heater.

3. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A cartridge detection sensor detects whether the cartridge is in place; The control unit determines whether the cartridge is separated from or attached to the main body based on the signal output from the cartridge detection sensor. Since the cartridge has been attached to the main body, the control unit controls the power supply to supply the set power to the heater.

4. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit controls the power supply to continuously supply the set power to the heater during the first period. The control unit determines the temperature reached by the heater during the first time period as the target temperature.

5. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, The control unit determines the target temperature as the temperature at which the heater reaches saturation during the first time period.

6. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, The set power is 5W to 9W. The first time interval is 1 to 2 seconds.

7. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, Also includes: Output section; The control unit compares the temperature reached by the heater during the first time period with a reference temperature range. Since the temperature reached has exceeded the reference temperature range, the control unit cuts off the power supply to the heater and outputs information related to the unusability of the cartridge through the output unit.

8. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, The control unit determines the initial temperature of the heater. The control unit determines the reference temperature range based on the initial temperature of the heater.

9. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit controls the power supplied to the heater using a proportional-integral-derivative method based on the determined target temperature.

10. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that, The control unit controls the power supplied to the heater so that the temperature of the heater follows the determined target temperature.

11. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A sensor that measures at least one of the voltage and current of the heater; The control unit determines the resistance value of the heater based on the signal output from the sensor. The control unit determines the temperature of the heater based on the determined resistance value.

12. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, Before supplying the set power to the heater, the control unit continuously determines the amount of change in the initial temperature of the heater during a second time period. Based on the fact that the change in the initial temperature is less than the reference temperature deviation, the control unit controls the power supply to supply the set power to the heater.

13. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that, Also includes: The memory stores the target temperature; Based on the fact that the change in the initial temperature is above the reference temperature deviation, the control unit determines the previously stored target temperature in the memory as the target temperature for controlling the power supplied to the heater.

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