Aerosol-generating device

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device is disclosed. An aerosol-generating device of the present disclosure may comprise: a heater for heating an aerosol-generating substance; a power supply for supplying power to the heater; and a power conversion unit that converts a voltage output from the power supply into a voltage to be supplied to the heater, the power conversion unit including an inductor connected to the power supply, the inductor having an inductance value of 0.8 [mu] H to 1.2 [mu] H.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an aerosol generating apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Aerosol generating devices are used to extract specific components from a medium or substance using aerosols. The medium can contain substances with multiple components. These substances can be flavor compounds with various components. For example, the substances contained in the medium may include nicotine, herbal ingredients, and / or coffee components. Research on such aerosol generating devices has been extensive in recent years.

[0003] In aerosol generation devices, a power conversion circuit is used to supply power to the heater. This circuit converts the voltage output from the battery into the heater's operating voltage. However, in conventional power conversion circuits, the inductor generates peak current during the conversion process, leading to increased operating temperatures of both the inductor and the power conversion circuit, thus reducing the circuit's operational stability. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve The purpose of this disclosure is to resolve the above-mentioned problems and other issues.

[0005] Another objective could be to provide an aerosol generating apparatus in which the inductance of the power conversion unit has an inductance value within a specific range.

[0006] Another objective could be to provide an aerosol generating apparatus for an inductor in a power conversion section having a DC resistance value within a specific range.

[0007] Another objective could be to provide an aerosol generating device that cuts off the power supply to the heater based on the current value flowing through it.

[0008] Means for solving technical problems According to one aspect of this disclosure for achieving the above-mentioned objectives, an aerosol generating apparatus is provided, comprising: a heater for heating an aerosol generating substance; a power source for supplying power to the heater; and a power conversion unit for converting a voltage output from the power source into a voltage supplied to the heater, wherein the power conversion unit includes an inductor connected to the power source, the inductor having an inductance value of 0.8 μH to 1.2 μH.

[0009] Invention Effects Based on at least one embodiment of this disclosure, the inductor of the power conversion unit has an inductance value within a specific range, thereby reducing the peak current flowing through the power conversion unit and improving the power conversion efficiency.

[0010] Based on at least one embodiment of this disclosure, the inductor of the power conversion section has a DC resistance value within a specific range, thereby reducing the peak current flowing through the power conversion section and reducing the operating temperature of the power conversion section, thereby improving the operating stability of the circuit.

[0011] Based on at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a circuit is configured to cut off the power supplied to the heater based on the current value flowing through the heater, thereby preventing malfunction of the heater and improving the operational stability of the circuit.

[0012] The applicable additional scope of this disclosure will become clear from the following detailed description. However, various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of this disclosure will be readily understood by those skilled in the art, and therefore the detailed description and specific embodiments, such as preferred embodiments of this disclosure, are given by way of example only. Attached Figure Description

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

[0014] Figure 2 and Figure 3 These are diagrams showing an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 4 This is a front perspective view of an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 5 This is a circuit diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 6 This is a circuit diagram of the power conversion section of an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 7 It is a graph comparing the peak current of the inductance value of the inductor in the power conversion section of an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 8 It is an image showing the temperature at which the power conversion unit of the aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is heated, displaying the inductance value of the inductor of the power conversion unit.

[0020] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the power cut-off control of the heater of an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 10 This is a circuit diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, regardless of the reference numerals used, the same or similar components will be given the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions thereof will be omitted. Regarding the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0023] The suffixes “module” and “unit” used in the following description of constituent elements are assigned or used interchangeably only for the convenience of writing the specification, and do not inherently have a distinguishing meaning or function. On the other hand, the suffixes “module” or “unit” can include units implemented by hardware, software, or firmware; for example, terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit are used interchangeably. A “module” or “unit” can be a monolithic component or the smallest unit or part of said component performing one or more functions. For example, a “module” or “unit” can be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0024] Furthermore, when describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, detailed descriptions of relevant well-known technologies will be omitted if they would obscure the main idea of ​​the embodiments disclosed in this specification. Also, the accompanying drawings are only for facilitating understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification. The technical concepts disclosed in this specification should not be limited by the drawings, but should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions within the scope of the ideas and technologies disclosed herein.

[0025] Terms including ordinal numbers such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various constituent elements, but the constituent elements are not limited to the terms. The terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one constituent element from other constituent elements.

[0026] When a constituent element is "connected" or "joined" to another constituent element, it should be understood that it can be directly connected or joined to the other constituent element, and there may be other constituent elements between them. Conversely, when a constituent element is "directly connected" or "directly joined" to another constituent element, it should be understood that there are no other constituent elements between them.

[0027] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the difference is explicitly stated in the context.

[0028] Various embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented by software including one or more instructions stored in a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., memory 17). For example, a processor (e.g., control unit 12) of the machine (e.g., aerosol generating apparatus 1) can invoke and execute at least one of the more than one stored instructions from the storage medium. This enables the machine to be run to perform at least one function according to the invoked at least one instruction. The more than one instruction may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Herein, "non-transitory" means only that the storage medium is a tangible device, excluding signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and this term does not distinguish between cases where data is semi-permanently stored in the storage medium and cases where data is temporarily stored.

[0029] In this disclosure, the orientation of the aerosol generating device 1 can be defined using a Cartesian coordinate system as a reference. In the Cartesian 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-back 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.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating apparatus 1 may include a power supply 11, a control unit 12, a sensor unit 13, an output unit 14, an input unit 15, a communication unit 16, a memory 17, and / or heaters 18 and 24. However, based on the design of the aerosol generating apparatus 1, those skilled in the art will understand that... Figure 1 Some of the constituent elements shown can be omitted, or new constituent elements can be added.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the sensor unit 13 can detect the state of the aerosol generating device 1 or the state around the aerosol generating device 1, and transmit the detected information to the control unit 12. For example, the sensor unit 13 may include a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, an insertion detection sensor, a reuse detection sensor, an overly moist detection sensor, a cigarette identification sensor, a cartridge detection sensor, a cap detection sensor, and / or a motion detection sensor. On the other hand, the sensor unit 13 may also include various sensors such as a liquid residue sensor for detecting the amount of liquid residue in the cartridge, and a water ingress sensor for detecting whether water has entered the aerosol generating device 1.

[0033] According to one embodiment, a temperature sensor can detect the heating temperature of heaters 18 and 24. The aerosol generating apparatus 1 may include an additional temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of heaters 18 and 24, or the heaters 18 and 24 themselves may function as temperature sensors. As an example, the temperature sensor can be used to measure the impedance of heater 18. The impedance of heater 18 may be correlated with the temperature of heater 18. The temperature sensor can measure the current and / or voltage applied to heater 18 (or induction coil). Based on the measured current and / or voltage, the impedance of heater 18 can be calculated. The control unit 12 can estimate the temperature of heater 18 based on the calculated impedance.

[0034] As an example, the temperature sensor may include a resistive element (e.g., a thermistor) whose resistance value changes with the temperature of the heaters 18 and 24. The temperature sensor may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistive element, and the control unit 12 may detect the temperature and / or temperature change of the heaters 18 and 24 based on the signal corresponding to the resistance value.

[0035] As another example, the temperature sensor may include a sensor for detecting the resistance value of heaters 18 and 24. The temperature sensor may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of heaters 18 and 24, and the control unit 12 may detect the temperature and / or temperature change of heaters 18 and 24 based on the signal corresponding to the resistance value.

[0036] According to one embodiment, a temperature sensor can detect the temperature of the power supply 11. The temperature sensor can be configured adjacent to the power supply 11. For example, the temperature sensor can be attached to a surface of the power supply 11 (e.g., a battery) and / or mounted on a surface of a printed circuit board. As an example, the aerosol generating device 1 may include a power protection circuit module (PCM), and the temperature sensor and the power protection circuit can be configured together adjacent to the power supply 11.

[0037] According to one embodiment, a temperature sensor may also be disposed inside the housing (not shown) of the aerosol generating device 1 to detect the temperature inside the housing (not shown).

[0038] According to one embodiment, the suction sensor can detect the user's suction.

[0039] As an example, the suction sensor may include a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor can output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device 1, and the control unit 12 can detect the user's suction based on the signal corresponding to the internal pressure. The internal pressure of the aerosol generating device 1 may correspond to the pressure of the gas flow path. The suction sensor can be configured in the aerosol generating device 1 corresponding to the gas flow path.

[0040] As another example, the suction sensor may include a temperature sensor. When a user suctions, a temporary temperature drop may occur in the airflow path, the space where the aerosol generating product is inserted (hereinafter referred to as the "insertion space"), heaters 18, 24, etc. The control unit 12 can detect the user's suction based on a signal corresponding to the temperature of the airflow path, etc., output from the temperature sensor.

[0041] As another example, the suction sensor may also include both a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor. In this case, the temperature sensor measures the temperature used to correct the internal pressure measured by the pressure sensor. For example, the suction sensor can correct the signal corresponding to the internal pressure based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and output the corrected signal. As another example, the suction sensor can output a signal corresponding to the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and a signal corresponding to the internal pressure measured by the suction sensor. In this case, the control unit 12 receives the signals and corrects the signal corresponding to the internal pressure based on the signal corresponding to the temperature.

[0042] As another example, the suction sensor may include a capacitance sensor. In this disclosure, the capacitance sensor may be referred to as a cap sensor or a capacitive sensor. When a user suctions, temperature changes and / or aerosol flow may occur within the insertion space of the aerosol-generating article, thereby potentially changing the dielectric constant inside the insertion space. The control unit 12 can detect the user suction based on a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant or other parameters inside the insertion space output from the capacitance sensor.

[0043] The suction sensor is not limited to the examples above and can be implemented by a variety of sensors used to detect the user's suction.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the insertion detection sensor can detect the insertion and / or removal of aerosol-generating articles. The insertion detection sensor can be disposed around the periphery of the insertion space. Furthermore, the insertion detection sensor can also include any combination of the examples described above.

[0045] As an example, the insertion detection sensor may include a capacitance sensor. The capacitance sensor may include at least one conductor configured to be adjacent to the insertion space. When the aerosol-generating article is inserted into or removed from the insertion space, the dielectric constant around the conductor may change. The control unit 12 may detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article based on a signal corresponding to a dielectric constant or similar value within the insertion space output from the capacitance sensor.

[0046] As another example, the insertion detection sensor may include an inductive sensor. The inductive sensor may include at least one coil, which may be configured adjacent to the insertion space. When the aerosol generating article (e.g., the wrapper of the aerosol generating article) includes a conductor, a change in the magnetic field may occur around the coil through which the current flows if the aerosol generating article is inserted into or removed from the insertion space. The control unit 12 may detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article including the conductor based on the characteristics of the current output from or detected by the inductive sensor (e.g., the frequency, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc. of the alternating current). Alternatively, the aerosol generating article (e.g., the dielectric portion of the aerosol generating article) may also include a susceptor (SuS). In this case, based on the insertion or removal of the susceptor or the like within the insertion space, a change in the magnetic field may occur around the coil, and the control unit 12 may also detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article based on the characteristics of the current from the inductive sensor.

[0047] The insertion detection sensor is not limited to the examples described above and can be implemented by various sensors (e.g., proximity sensors, etc.) used to detect the insertion and / or removal of aerosol-generating articles. Furthermore, the insertion detection sensor can include any combination of the examples described above. According to one embodiment, the insertion detection sensor may also include a switch, etc., for detecting a press caused by an aerosol-generating article.

[0048] According to one embodiment, a reuse detection sensor can detect whether an aerosol-generating article has been reused. As an example, the reuse detection sensor can be a color sensor for detecting the color of the aerosol-generating article. When a user uses the aerosol-generating article, the color of a portion of the packaging paper surrounding the article may change due to the generated aerosol or heating. The color sensor can output a signal corresponding to the optical characteristics (e.g., wavelength of light) of the color of the packaging paper based on the light reflected from it. When the control unit 12 detects a change in the color of a portion of the packaging paper, it can determine that the aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space has been used.

[0049] According to one embodiment, an over-humidity detection sensor can detect whether an aerosol-generating article is in an over-humidity state. For example, the over-humidity detection sensor may include a capacitive sensor. The capacitive sensor may include at least one conductor configured adjacent to the insertion space. The control unit 12 can detect whether the aerosol-generating article is in an over-humidity state based on the level of a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant, etc., output from the capacitive sensor. As an example, the control unit 12 may confirm the level range included by the signal level based on a lookup table, and determine the moisture content of the aerosol-generating article based on the confirmed level range.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the cigarette identification sensor can detect the authenticity of aerosol-generated products and / or detect the type of aerosol-generated products.

[0051] As an example, a cigarette identification sensor may include a light sensor for detecting an identification substance (or identification mark) located on the outer surface (e.g., packaging paper) of an aerosol-generating article. The light sensor may illuminate the identification substance (or identification mark) of the aerosol-generating article and detect the authenticity and / or type of the aerosol-generating article based on the reflected light. For example, the identification substance may include a substance that emits light of a specific wavelength based on the illuminated light. The control unit 12 may detect the authenticity and / or type of the aerosol-generating article based on the range of said wavelengths.

[0052] As another example, the cigarette identification sensor may include a capacitive sensor. Depending on the type of aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space, the dielectric constant inside the insertion space may differ. The control unit 12 can detect the authenticity and / or type of the aerosol-generating article based on a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant inside the insertion space output from the capacitive sensor.

[0053] As another example, the cigarette identification sensor may include an inductive sensor. When the packaging paper and / or interior (e.g., the dielectric portion) of the aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space contains a conductor, the characteristics of the current detected by the inductive sensor (e.g., frequency, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc. of the alternating current) may differ depending on the type of aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space. The control unit 12 can detect the authenticity and / or type of the inserted aerosol-generating article based on the characteristics of the current output from or detected by the inductive sensor.

[0054] Cigarette identification sensors are not limited to the examples described above, and can be implemented by various sensors used to detect the authenticity of aerosol-generating products and / or the type of aerosol-generating products. Furthermore, cigarette identification sensors can include any combination of the examples described above.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the cartridge detection sensor can detect the installation and / or removal of a cartridge. For example, the cartridge detection sensor may include an inductive sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, a Hall effect sensor (HAL IC), and / or an optical sensor.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the cap detection sensor can detect the installation and / or removal of the cap. For example, the cap detection sensor may include an inductive sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, a contact sensor, a Hall effect sensor (HAL IC), and / or an optical sensor. The cap may include a structure covering at least a portion of a cartridge installed or inserted in the aerosol generating device 1, or covering at least a portion of the housing of the aerosol generating device 1. When the cap is installed on or removed from the housing, the cap detection sensor can output a signal corresponding to the installation or removal, and the control unit 12 can detect the installation or removal of the cap based on the signal corresponding to the installation or removal.

[0057] According to one embodiment, a motion detection sensor can detect the motion of the aerosol generating device 1. The motion detection sensor can be implemented by at least one of an accelerometer or a gyroscope.

[0058] According to one embodiment, in addition to the sensors described above, the sensor unit 13 also includes at least one of a humidity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a position sensor (Global Positioning System, GPS), or a proximity sensor. The functions of each sensor can be intuitively inferred from their names by those skilled in the art, therefore detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the output unit 14 can output information about the status of the aerosol generating apparatus 1. The output unit 14 may include, but is not limited to, a display, a haptic unit, and / or a sound output unit. For example, the information about the aerosol generating apparatus 1 may include the charging / discharging status of the power supply 11, the preheating status of the heaters 18 and 24, the insertion / removal status of the aerosol generating product and / or cartridge, the installation and / or removal status of the cap, or the status of limited use of the aerosol generating apparatus 1 (e.g., abnormal product detection). The display can provide information about the status of the aerosol generating apparatus 1 to the user visually. For example, the display may include a light-emitting diode (LED) light-emitting element, a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), etc. The display may also function as an input unit 15 if a touchpad is included. The haptic unit can provide information about the status of the aerosol generating apparatus 1 to the user tactilely. For example, the tactile part may include a vibrating motor, a piezoelectric element, an electrical stimulation device, etc. The sound output part can provide information about the aerosol generating device 1 to the user in an auditory manner. For example, the sound output part can convert an electrical signal into a sound signal and output it to the outside.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the power source 11 supplies the power required for the aerosol generating apparatus 1 to operate. The power source 11 may include one or more batteries. The power source 11 supplies power to enable the heaters 18 and 24 to be heated. Furthermore, the power source 11 supplies the power required for the operation of other components included in the aerosol generating apparatus 1, such as the control unit 12, sensor unit 13, output unit 14, input unit 15, communication unit 16, and memory 17. The power source 11 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the power source 11 may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto. The power source 11 may also be a replaceable type (detachable type) battery (hereinafter referred to as a "removable battery"). The removable battery may be installed in a battery housing disposed within the aerosol generating apparatus 1, or may be removed from the battery housing. The removable battery can be charged via wired and / or wireless means.

[0061] According to one embodiment, heaters 18 and 24 may receive power from power source 11 to heat the aerosol generating article and / or the medium and / or aerosol generating substance within the cartridge. The aerosol generating apparatus 1 may include heater 18 for heating the aerosol generating article and / or cartridge heater 24 for heating the cartridge (i.e., the solid and / or liquid medium).

[0062] According to one embodiment, heaters 18 and 24 can be resistance heaters. For example, resistance heaters may include resistive materials such as metals or metal alloys including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, and nichrome. Resistance heaters can be implemented using metal heating plates or ceramic heating elements equipped with metal heating wires and conductive tracks.

[0063] According to one embodiment, heaters 18 and 24 can be induction heating heaters. For example, an induction heating heater may include a sensor that heats up due to a magnetic field. An alternating current flowing through an induction coil can cause the induction coil to generate a magnetic field. The generated magnetic field can pass through the heater and generate eddy currents in the sensor. Based on the generation of eddy currents, the sensor can be heated. According to one embodiment, the sensor may also be included inside the aerosol generating article (e.g., the medium portion). In this case, the sensor included inside the aerosol generating article can also be heated by the induction coil.

[0064] Heaters 18 and 24 are not limited to the examples above, and may include various heating methods, structures, components, etc., or alternatives thereof for heating aerosol-generating articles and / or cartridges.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the input unit 15 can receive information input by the user. For example, the input unit 15 may include a touch panel, a button, a key pad, a dome switch, a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the memory 17 serves as hardware for storing various data processed within the aerosol generating device 1, and may store data processed by the control unit 12 and data to be processed. For example, the memory 17 may include at least one type of storage medium selected from flash memory, hard disk, multimedia card microtype, card-type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), magnetic storage, magnetic disk, and optical disk. For example, the memory 17 may store data regarding the operating time of the aerosol generating device 1, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and the user's smoking pattern. According to one embodiment, the communication unit 16 may include at least one component for communicating with other electronic devices (e.g., portable electronic devices). For example, the communication unit 16 may include a Bluetooth communication unit, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an Infrared Data Association (IrDA) communication unit, a Wireless Fidelity Direct (WFD) communication unit, an Ultra Wideband (uWB) communication unit, an Adaptive Network Topology (Ant)+ communication unit, a Cellular Network Communication Unit, an Internet Communication Unit, a Computer Network (e.g., LAN or WAN) Communication Unit, etc. According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the control unit 12 may include at least one processor. The control unit 12 may be implemented by a plurality of logic gate arrays, or by a combination of a general-purpose microcontroller unit (MCu) (or microprocessor) and a memory storing a program that can be executed on such MCU. Furthermore, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, it may also be implemented by other forms of hardware.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the temperature of heaters 18 and 24 by controlling the power supplied to heaters 18 and 24 by power supply 11. The control unit 12 can control the temperature of heaters 18 and 24 and / or the power supplied to heaters 18 and 24 based on the temperature of heaters 18 and 24 detected by a temperature sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13). The control unit 12 can also control the temperature of heaters 18 and 24 and / or the power supplied to heaters 18 and 24 based on temperature curves and / or power curves stored in memory 17.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control a power conversion circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the heaters 18, 24 and the power supply 11, thereby controlling the power (e.g., voltage and / or current) supplied to the heaters 18, 24. For example, the power conversion circuit may include a DC / DC converter (e.g., a buck-converter, buck-boost converter, boost converter, Zener diode, etc.) for converting the power supplied to the heaters 18, 24, and a DC / AC converter (e.g., an inverter) for converting the power supplied to the induction coil (not shown). The DC / AC converter may be implemented by a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit including multiple switching elements. For example, the power conversion circuit may include at least one switching element such as a bipolar junction transistor (BJT) or a field-effect transistor (FET).

[0069] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can regulate the current and / or voltage supplied to the heaters 18 and 24 by adjusting the frequency and / or duty ratio of the current pulses input to at least one switching element of the power conversion circuit (not shown). The on / off duty ratio of the switching element corresponds to the ratio of the output voltage of the power conversion circuit to the output voltage of the power supply 11.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the power supplied to the heaters 18 and 24 using at least one of pulse width modulation (PWM) and proportional-integral-differential (PID) methods. For example, the control unit 12 can use PWM to supply current pulses with a predetermined frequency and duty cycle to the heaters 18 and 24. The control unit 12 can control the power supplied to the heaters 18 and 24 by adjusting the frequency and duty cycle of the current pulses. For example, the control unit 12 can determine the target temperature as the control objective based on a temperature curve. The control unit 12 can use PID, which is a feedback control method that uses the difference between the temperature of the heaters 18 and 24 and the target temperature, where the integral value of the difference over time and the derivative value of the difference over time are used to control the power supplied to the heaters 18 and 24.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can determine the target power as the control objective based on the power curve. The control unit 12 can control the power supplied to the heaters 18 and 24 to correspond to the preset target power over time.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can detect the power supplied to the heaters 18 and 24, thereby detecting the user's suction. More specifically, the control unit 12 can use a PID control method to control the power supplied to the heaters 18 and 24. When a user suction occurs, a temporary temperature drop may occur in the space where the aerosol generating article is inserted (hereinafter referred to as the "insertion space"), the heaters 18 and 24, etc. Therefore, during the power control using the PID method, the power (or current) supplied to the heaters 18 and 24 may change. The control unit 12 can detect the user's suction based on the change in controlled power.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can prevent the heaters 18 and 24 from overheating. For example, the control unit 12 can control the operation of the power conversion circuit based on the temperature of the heaters 18 and 24 exceeding a preset limit temperature, so as to reduce the power supplied to the heaters 18 and 24 or stop the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the charging and discharging of the power supply 11. For example, the control unit 12 can use a temperature sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13) to confirm the temperature of the power supply 11. The control unit 12 can cut off the charging of the power supply 11 when the temperature of the power supply 11 is above a first predetermined temperature. The control unit 12 can stop the use of the power stored in the power supply 11 (e.g., discharge) when the temperature of the power supply 11 is above a second predetermined temperature. The control unit 12 can calculate the remaining capacity of the power stored in the power supply 11. For example, the control unit 12 can calculate the remaining capacity of the power supply 11 based on the voltage and / or current sensing values ​​of the power supply 11.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the power supply of the heaters 18 and 24 based on the results detected by the sensor unit 13.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 based on the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article into the insertion space. For example, the control unit 12 can control the supply of power to the heaters 18 and 24 when it is determined by an insertion detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13) that the aerosol generating article has been inserted into the insertion space. The control unit 12 can also cut off the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 when it is determined by an insertion detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13) that the aerosol generating article has been removed from the insertion space. The control unit 12 can also determine that the aerosol generating article has been removed from the insertion space when the temperature of the heaters 18 and 24 is above a predetermined temperature or when the slope of the temperature change of the heaters 18 and 24 is above a set slope.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the power supply time and / or power supply amount to the heaters 18 and 24 based on the state of the aerosol generating article. For example, when the control unit 12 determines that the aerosol generating article is in an over-humid state using an over-humidity detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13), it can increase the power supply time (e.g., preheating time) to the heaters 18 and 24.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 based on whether the aerosol-generating product is reused. For example, the control unit 12 can cut off the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 when it is determined that the aerosol-generating product has been used.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 based on whether the cartridge is attached and / or removed. For example, when the control unit 12 determines that the cartridge is in a separated state using a cartridge detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13), it can stop the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 or control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 to be non-powered.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 based on whether the aerosol-generating material of the cartridge has been depleted. For example, if the control unit 12 determines that the temperature of the heaters 18 and 24 exceeds a predetermined temperature during the preheating period (i.e., in the preheating interval), it determines that the aerosol-generating material of the cartridge has been depleted. In the case that the aerosol-generating material of the cartridge has been depleted, the control unit 12 can cut off the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 based on whether the cartridge is usable. For example, the control unit 12 can determine that the cartridge is unusable if it determines, based on data stored in the memory 17, that the current number of puffs exceeds the maximum number of puffs set for the cartridge. Alternatively, the control unit 12 can determine that the cartridge is unusable if the total heating time of the heaters 18 and 24 exceeds a preset maximum time or the total electrical power supplied to the heaters 18 and 24 exceeds a preset maximum electrical power. In this case, the control unit 12 can stop the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 or control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 to be non-existent.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 based on the user's suction. For example, the control unit 12 can use a suction sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13) to determine whether suction has occurred and / or the intensity of suction. The control unit 12 can cut off the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 when the number of suctions reaches a preset maximum number of suctions and / or no suction is detected for a preset time. The control unit 12 can control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 when suction is detected.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 based on the authenticity and / or type of the aerosol-generating product (or cartridge). For example, the control unit 12 can use a cigarette identification sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13) to detect the authenticity and / or type of the aerosol-generating product. As an example, the control unit 12 can cut off the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 when it detects that the aerosol-generating product (or cartridge) is counterfeit. The control unit 12 can control (e.g., start) the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 when it detects that the aerosol-generating product (or cartridge) is genuine. As another example, the control unit 12 can control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 in different ways depending on the type of aerosol-generating product (or cartridge). More specifically, when the aerosol generating product (or cartridge) is detected to be a first aerosol generating product (or first cartridge), the control unit 12 can control the temperature and / or power of the heaters 18 and 24 based on a first temperature curve (or first power curve), and when the aerosol generating product (or cartridge) is detected to be a second aerosol generating product (or second cartridge), the control unit 12 can control the temperature and / or power of the heaters 18 and 24 based on a second temperature curve (or second power curve).

[0084] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the output unit 14 based on the results detected by the sensor unit 13. For example, when the number of suctions counted using the suction sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13) reaches a preset number, the control unit 12 can control the output unit 14 to provide information that the aerosol generating device 1 is about to terminate in a visual, tactile, and / or auditory manner. For example, the control unit 12 can also control the output unit 14 to provide information about the temperature of the heaters 18 and 24 in a visual, tactile, and / or auditory manner.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can store and update the historical record of events that have occurred in the memory 17 based on the occurrence of predetermined events. For example, events may include operations performed in the aerosol generating apparatus 1 such as insertion detection of the aerosol generating article, start of heating of the aerosol generating article, suction detection, end of suction, overheat detection of heaters 18 and 24, overpressure application detection of heaters 18 and 24, end of heating of the aerosol generating article, power-on / off operation of the aerosol generating apparatus 1, start of charging of the power supply 11, overcharge detection of the power supply 11, and end of charging of the power supply 11. For example, the historical record of events may include the date of the event and log data corresponding to the event. For example, if the predetermined event is insertion detection of the aerosol generating article, the log data corresponding to the event may include data such as the sensing value of the insertion detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13). For example, if the specified event is the overheat detection of heaters 18 and 24, the log data corresponding to the event may include data such as the temperature of heaters 18 and 24, the voltage applied to heaters 18 and 24, and the current flowing through heaters 18 and 24.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the communication unit 16 to form a communication link with an external device such as a user's mobile terminal.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can lift the restriction on the use of at least one function (e.g., heating function) of the aerosol generating device 1 when it receives authentication data from an external device via a communication link. For example, the authentication data may include the user's birthday, the user's unique identification number, and whether the user's authentication has been completed.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can send data about the status of the aerosol generating device 1 (e.g., the remaining capacity of the power supply 11, operating mode, etc.) to an external device via a communication link. The sent data can be output through a display or the like on the external device.

[0089] According to one embodiment, when the control unit 12 receives a location retrieval request from an external device via a communication link, it controls the output unit 14 to perform operations corresponding to the location retrieval. For example, the control unit 12 may control the tactile unit to vibrate, or control the display to output objects corresponding to the location retrieval and retrieval termination.

[0090] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can perform a firmware update when it receives firmware data from an external device via a communication link.

[0091] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can transmit sensing value data of at least one sensor unit 13 to an external server (not shown) via a communication link, and receive and store a learning model generated through machine learning such as deep learning from the server. The control unit 12 can use the learning model received from the server to perform operations such as determining the user's inhalation pattern and generating a temperature curve.

[0092] Although not in Figure 1 As shown, the aerosol generating device 1 may also include a power protection circuit. The power protection circuit includes at least one switching element and can disconnect the power supply 11 in response to overcharging and / or over-discharging. The aerosol generating device 1 also includes a connection interface such as a universal serial bus (USB) interface, and can be connected to other external devices to send and receive information or charge the power supply 11.

[0093] The aerosol generating articles mentioned in this disclosure may include at least one aerosol generating matrix (e.g., a medium) and at least one filter matrix. The heater 18 may be configured to correspond to at least one aerosol generating matrix and may be differentiated according to the arrangement order and / or position of the aerosol generating matrix and the filter matrix. The aerosol generating matrix may also include at least one of nicotine, aerosol generating substances, and additives. For example, aerosol generating substances may include glycerin (e.g., vegetable glycerin, VG) and / or propylene glycol (PG), and may also include a variety of other substances. For example, additives may include flavoring agents and / or organic acids, and may also include a variety of other substances. For example, the aerosol generating matrix may include an aerosol generating substrate (e.g., a sheet) impregnated with non-tobacco substances in a liquid state (e.g., aerosol generating substances and / or nicotine), and / or tobacco substances in a solid state (e.g., tobacco leaves, reconstituted tobacco, etc.). Tobacco substances may be included in the aerosol generating matrix in various forms such as filaments, granules, and powder. According to one embodiment, the additives to the aerosol generating matrix may contain an alkaline substance. Based on the alkaline substance, the nicotine of the tobacco material included in the aerosol generating matrix may have an alkaline pH (e.g., pH 7.0 or higher). In this case, free base nicotine can be released from the aerosol generating matrix even at lower temperatures. According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating matrix may include two or more aerosol generating matrices, which may each include tobacco material and / or non-tobacco material. On the other hand, although not shown, at least one aerosol generating matrix and at least one filter matrix may be individually and / or integrally wrapped by at least one wrapper. In this disclosure, the aerosol generating article may also be referred to as a cigarette stick.

[0094] The cartridge mentioned in this disclosure may contain an aerosol-generating substance in any of the following states: liquid, solid, gaseous, or gel. The aerosol-generating substance may comprise a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing tobacco-containing substances, including volatile tobacco aroma components, or a liquid containing non-tobacco substances. Alternatively, the cartridge may include a storage section containing the aerosol-generating substance and / or a liquid delivery means impregnated with the aerosol-generating substance. For example, the liquid delivery means may include a wick made of materials such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic. The cartridge heater 24 may be included in the cartridge in the form of a coil surrounding (or winding) the liquid delivery means or in contact with one side of the liquid delivery means. Alternatively, the cartridge heater 24 may also be included in an aerosol-generating device 1 that is detachable from the cartridge.

[0095] Figure 2 and Figure 3 These are figures showing an aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 1 may include a housing 10, a power supply 11, a control unit 12, a sensor unit 13, and / or heaters 182, 183 (e.g., Figure 1 (The heater 18). However, those skilled in the art related to this embodiment will understand that the components included in the aerosol generating apparatus 1 are not limited to those described above. Figure 2 or Figure 3 As shown, some of the constituent elements can be omitted or new elements can be added. Figure 2 The aerosol generating device 1 shown can be referred to as an 'internal heating type' aerosol generating device that heats the inside of the aerosol generating article 2. Figure 3 The aerosol generating apparatus 1 shown can be referred to as an 'externally heated' aerosol generating apparatus that heats the outside of the aerosol generating article 2. In the following figures, details related to... Figure 1 Repeated explanation.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the housing 10 may provide an upwardly opening space for insertion of the aerosol generating article 2. In this disclosure, the upwardly opening space may be referred to as an insertion space. The insertion space may be formed such that it is recessed into the interior of the housing 10 to a predetermined depth, allowing at least a portion of the aerosol generating article 2 to be inserted. The depth of the insertion space may be greater than the length of the region of the aerosol generating article 2 that includes the aerosol generating substance and / or medium. The lower end of the aerosol generating article 2 may be inserted into the interior of the housing 10, and the upper end of the aerosol generating article 2 may protrude outward from the housing 10. A user may inhale the aerosol by holding the protruding upper end of the aerosol generating article 2 in their mouth.

[0098] According to one embodiment, heaters 182 and 183 can heat the aerosol to generate article 2.

[0099] Reference Figure 2 Heater 182 can be an internal heating type heater.

[0100] According to one embodiment, the internally heated heater can extend elongated upward from the space into which the aerosol generating article 2 is inserted (i.e., the insertion space). For example, the internally heated heater can include rod-shaped or needle-shaped heating elements as shown, but can also include various heating elements such as tubular heating elements or plate-shaped heating elements. The internally heated heater can be inserted through the lower part of the aerosol generating article 2.

[0101] According to one embodiment, an internally heated heater may include a resistance heater and / or an induction heater.

[0102] For example, the resistance heater may include a resistive material on its inner side (e.g., hollow interior or inner surface) or outer side (e.g., outer surface) and be heated as an electric current flows through the resistive material. In this case, the resistance heater may be electrically connected to the power supply 11 and receive current from the power supply 11 to generate heat directly. Furthermore, the induction coil 181 may be omitted.

[0103] For example, in the case of an induction heating type heater, the aerosol generating device 1 may include an induction coil 181 surrounding at least a portion of an internal heating type heater (e.g., configured externally in a manner corresponding to the length of at least a portion of the heater). In this case, a magnetic flux concentrator or the like may also be included outside the induction coil 181 to improve the efficiency of induction heating. The induction heating type heater includes a sensor and can generate heat based on the magnetic field generated from the induction coil 181. According to one embodiment, the induction heating type heater (e.g., the sensor) (or the heater module including it) may be configured to be detachable from the housing 10.

[0104] According to one embodiment, heater 182 can also be a multiple heater. The multiple heaters may include a first heater and a second heater, and can be inserted into the aerosol generating article 2. The first and second heaters may be arranged side-by-side along the length direction. The first and second heaters may operate as resistance heaters and / or induction heaters, and may be heated sequentially or simultaneously. In this case, the first and second heaters may be respectively positioned at locations corresponding to the length directions of two or more aerosol generating matrices. Alternatively, the first and second heaters may be respectively positioned at locations corresponding to the length directions of a first and second portion of an aerosol generating matrix. On the other hand, when heater 182 is an induction heater, the aerosol generating apparatus 1 includes a first induction coil and a second induction coil, which may be respectively positioned at locations corresponding to the length directions of the first and second heaters. Alternatively, the first and second heaters may be respectively positioned at locations corresponding to the length directions of a first and second portion of a heater 182. Furthermore, the heaters and / or induction coils may include three or more.

[0105] According to one embodiment, the sensor may be configured (or included) inside the aerosol generating article 2 (e.g., the medium section) and implemented to heat the sensor included inside the aerosol generating article 2 based on the magnetic field generated by the induction coil 181.

[0106] Reference Figure 3 Heater 183 can be an external heating type heater.

[0107] According to one embodiment, an externally heated heater may extend elongated upward from the periphery of the space into which the aerosol generating article 2 is inserted (i.e., the insertion space). For example, the externally heated heater may be configured to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. As an example, the externally heated heater may include a tubular shape (e.g., a cylindrical shape) with a hollow interior. The externally heated heater may also include a shape with a hollow interior that encloses the hollow space. In this case, the externally heated heater may be made of a polyimide film. Such a heater supported by a film may be referred to as a film heater. The externally heated heater may be configured to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. The externally heated heater may heat the outside of the aerosol generating article 2 inserted into the hollow space.

[0108] According to one embodiment, the external heating type may include a heater using resistance heating and / or induction heating methods. Figure 2Repeated descriptions will be omitted. On the other hand, in the case of an induction heating heater, the aerosol generating apparatus 1 may include an external heating type heater with a sensor implemented in a tubular shape, and an induction coil 181 surrounding at least a portion of the external heating type heater (e.g., arranged externally in a manner corresponding to the length of at least a portion of the heater). Furthermore, the induction coil 181 may also include a fan coil. On the other hand, in the case of a resistance heater, heat can be generated by the flow of current through the tubular resistance heater (e.g., a thin-film heater), so the additional induction coil 181 can be omitted. Furthermore, a heat-insulating material may be disposed on the exterior of the external heating type heater. This reduces the heat radiating outwards from the heater 183 and applied to the exterior of the housing 10.

[0109] According to one embodiment, heater 183 may also be multiple heaters, arranged side-by-side along the length of the first and second heaters to respectively surround at least a portion of the insertion space. The first and second heaters may operate as resistance heaters and / or induction heaters, and may be heated sequentially or simultaneously. Alternatively, when heater 183 is an induction heater, the aerosol generating apparatus 1 includes a first induction coil and a second induction coil, which may be respectively positioned at locations corresponding to the length directions of the first and second heaters. Alternatively, the first and second heaters may be respectively positioned at locations corresponding to the length directions of a first and a second portion of a heater 183.

[0110] and Figure 2 or Figure 3 The difference is shown. Figure 2 heater 182 and Figure 3 The heater 183 may be included in the aerosol generating apparatus 1. In this case, the heater 182 can heat the inner side of the aerosol generating article 2, and the heater 183 can heat the outer side of the aerosol generating article 2.

[0111] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating apparatus 1 may provide an airflow channel for air movement. For example, the housing 10 may include a structure (e.g., a hole) that allows air to flow from the outside into the housing 10. The air flowing into the housing 10 may enter the aerosol generating article 2 through its lower end (i.e., upstream side). The aerosol generated by heating the aerosol generating article 2 may be inhaled into the user's mouth along with the inflowing air through its upper end (i.e., downstream side).

[0112] Figure 4 This is a front perspective view of an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0113] Reference Figure 4 , subject 10 (for example, Figure 2 , Figure 3 The housing 10 may include elongated sidewalls 101, 102, a cover 103 forming one end, a base 104 forming the other end, and a door 110 for opening and closing the insertion space 43. The body 10 may be a cylindrical shape that extends elongated in one direction. The body 10 may include sidewalls 101, 102 for forming the outer surface. The sidewalls 101, 102 may include curved surfaces extending in the circumferential direction of the body 10.

[0114] Sidewalls 101 and 102 may include a first sidewall 101. The first sidewall 101 may extend in the circumferential direction of the body 10. The first sidewall 101 may be curved in the circumferential direction of the body 10 and form a space therein. One side of the first sidewall 101 may be open. The cross-section of the first sidewall 101 may be a loop shape with one side open.

[0115] Sidewalls 101 and 102 may include a second sidewall 102. The second sidewall 102 may extend elongated along the length of the body 10. The second sidewall 102 may be coupled to the first sidewall 101. The second sidewall 102 may be located between the two ends of the first sidewall 101 in the circumferential direction and form a surface continuous with the first sidewall 101. The second sidewall 102 may cover one side of the first sidewall 101 with a lateral opening.

[0116] The main body 10 may include a cover 103 for forming one end in the longitudinal direction. The cover 103 may be coupled to one end in the longitudinal direction of the first sidewall 101 and one end in the longitudinal direction of the second sidewall 102.

[0117] The main body 10 may include a door 110. The door 110 may be combined with a cover 103. The door 110 can be slidably opened and closed into the insertion space 43 (see reference). Figure 2 , Figure 3 A rail 105 may be formed on the cover 103. The door 110 may slide along the rail 105.

[0118] The main body 10 may include a base 104 for forming the other end in the length direction. The base 104 may be coupled to the other end in the length direction of the first sidewall 101 and the other end in the length direction of the second sidewall 102.

[0119] The main body 10 may be equipped with a button 106 (e.g., Figure 1(Input section 15). Button 106 can be inserted into a hole formed on one side of the second sidewall 102.

[0120] A display 141 may be configured on the main body 10 (e.g., Figure 1 The output section 14). The display 141 may be disposed on the second sidewall 102. The display 14 may extend elongated along the length direction of the main body 10. The display 141 can provide information about the aerosol generating device 1 to the user in a visual manner. The display 141 may be an LED light-emitting element, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), etc.

[0121] Figure 5 This is a circuit diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0122] Reference Figure 5 The aerosol generating device 1 may include at least one of a power supply 11, a heater 18, and a power conversion unit 220.

[0123] Heater 18 may be configured in body 10. Heater 18 may receive power from power source 11, thereby enabling heating of the insertion space 43 configured in body 10 and / or of cigarettes 2 already inserted into insertion space 43 (e.g., Figure 2 , Figure 3 The aerosol-generating product 2) is heated. The heater 18 may include the aforementioned... Figures 1 to 3 Features of heater 18 as described in the text.

[0124] Power source 11 can supply power to heater 18. Power source 11 can supply power to heater 18 according to the control of control unit 12.

[0125] A power conversion unit 220 may be disposed between the heater 18 and the power supply 11. The power conversion unit 220 converts the voltage output from the power supply 11 or the charging circuit 210 (described later) into a voltage supplied to the heater 18. For example, the power conversion unit 220 may be implemented using a boost converter or a buck-boost converter, etc., for converting the voltage output from the power supply 11 or the charging circuit 210. The power conversion unit 220 may be referred to as a boost converter or a transformer. The power conversion unit 220 converts the voltage output from the power supply 11 or the charging circuit 210 and outputs the converted voltage. For example, the magnitude of the voltage output from the power conversion unit 220 may be the same as or greater than the magnitude of the voltage output from the power supply 11 or the charging circuit 210. The power conversion unit 220 may be configured with an LC resonant circuit to convert the voltage output from the power supply 11 or the charging circuit 210. At least one inductor 221 may be configured in the LC resonant circuit (see reference). Figure 6 ) and capacitor 222 (refer to Figure 6The inductor 221 of the power conversion unit 220 may have an inductance value within a specific range. The specific structure of the power conversion unit 220 will be described in reference to... Figure 6 This will be explained in detail below.

[0126] The aerosol generating device 1 may include at least one of a control unit 12, a charging circuit 210, a first switch 230, a second switch 240, and a voltage regulator 250.

[0127] The charging circuit 210 can be connected to the power source 11, the power conversion unit 220, and the control unit 12. The charging circuit 210 can transfer power supplied from the power source 11 to the power conversion unit 220 under the control of the control unit 12. The charging circuit 210 can be referred to as a charger.

[0128] The charging circuit 210 can be electrically connected to the power supply 11 and the power conversion unit 220. The power supply 11 can be connected to the input terminal 211 of the charging circuit 210, and the power conversion unit 220 can be connected to the output terminal 212 of the charging circuit 210. The charging circuit 210 can charge the power supply 11 or transfer power to the power conversion unit 220 based on the control of the control unit 12. For example, when an external power source (not shown) is electrically connected to the aerosol generating device 1, the charging circuit 210 can supply power from the external power source to the power supply 11 or the power conversion unit 220. The charging circuit 210 can convert the power supplied from the external power source into power suitable for charging the power supply 11. For example, when no external power source is electrically connected to the aerosol generating device 1, the power supplied from the power supply 11 by the charging circuit 210 can be transferred to the power conversion unit 220.

[0129] The charging circuit 210 may include a switching element therein. For example, a power switching element such as a field-effect transistor (FET) may be provided inside the charging circuit 210. When the switching element inside the charging circuit 210 is in the ON state, the power supplied from the power source 11 can be transferred to the element connected to the output terminal 212 through the input terminal 211 and the output terminal 212 of the charging circuit 210. A second switch 240 may be connected to the heater 18. One end of the second switch 240 may be connected to the heater 18, and the other end may be connected to the ground terminal (GND). The second switch 240 may electrically connect the heater 18 to the ground terminal according to the control of the control unit 12. Power output from the power conversion unit 220 may be supplied to the heater 18 through the second switch 240. The second switch 240 may be referred to as a PWM switch or a heating switch.

[0130] The control unit 12 can control the power supplied to the heater 18. The control unit 12 can control whether to supply power to the heater 18 or stop supplying power by controlling the switching of the second switch 240. The heater 18 can heat up when power is supplied and can stop heating up when power is stopped.

[0131] The control unit 12 can control the supply of pulses with a specified frequency and / or duty cycle to the heater 18 by controlling the second switch 240. The control unit 12 can adjust the frequency and / or duty cycle of the pulses by the second switch 240, thereby controlling the power supplied to the heater 18.

[0132] The control unit 12 can output the temperature of the heater 18. The control unit 12 can determine the temperature of the heater 18 based on the signal output from a temperature sensor (not shown). The control unit 12 can determine the power supplied to the heater 18 based on the determined temperature of the heater 18. The control unit 12 can supply the determined power to the heater 18 by controlling at least one of the power supply 11, the charging circuit 210, the power conversion unit 220, and the second switch 240.

[0133] A first switch 230 may be disposed between the heater 18 and the power conversion unit 220. The first switch 230 connects the power conversion unit 220 and the heater 18. In the event of an abnormal current flowing through the heater 18, the first switch 230 may perform an OFF operation to cut off the power supply to the heater 18. The first switch 230 may be referred to as a load switch.

[0134] The control unit 12 can receive an output signal from a current sensor (not shown) connected to the heater 18, and determine an abnormal current flowing through the heater 18 based on the output signal. The control unit 12 can control at least one of the charging circuit 210, the power conversion unit 220, the first switch 230, and the second switch 240 to cut off the power supplied to the heater 18 based on the current flowing through the heater 18 being greater than a set threshold value.

[0135] This prevents the heater from malfunctioning and improves the stability of the circuit.

[0136] A voltage regulator 250 may also be configured between the control unit 12 and the charging circuit 210. The voltage regulator 250 connects the output terminal 212 of the charging circuit 210 to the control unit 12. The voltage regulator 250 converts the voltage (Vsys) output from the charging circuit 210. For example, the voltage regulator 250 can be implemented by a low dropout regulator or the like for converting the voltage (Vsys) output from the charging circuit 210.

[0137] This allows the voltage applied to the control unit 12 to be stabilized.

[0138] although Figure 5 Not shown in the diagram, the charging circuit 210 can be connected to the heater 18 and the control unit 12. According to an embodiment, at least one sensor (e.g., Figure 1 The sensor unit 13) and the vibration motor (e.g., Figure 1 Output section 14, etc. A voltage regulator (not shown) may be further configured between the charging circuit 210 and at least one sensor. A voltage regulator (not shown) may be further configured between the charging circuit 210 and the vibration motor. Each voltage regulator can convert the voltage output from the charging circuit 210.

[0139] Figure 6 This is a circuit diagram of the power conversion section of an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0140] Reference Figure 6 One end of the power conversion unit 220 can be connected to the power supply 11 via the charging circuit 210, and the other end can be connected to the heater 18 or the first switch 230. The power conversion unit 220 may be configured with a rectifier element 223 and a boost switch 224. The boost switch 224 may include at least one switching element. For example, the boost switch 224 may include at least one field-effect transistor (FET). The rectifier element 223 may include a diode.

[0141] The power conversion unit 220 may be equipped with an inductor 221 and a capacitor 222. One end of the inductor 221 can be connected to the input terminal of the power conversion unit 220, and the other end can be connected to the boost switch 224. One end of the capacitor 222 can be connected to the cathode of the rectifier element 223, and the other end can be connected to the ground terminal. The cathode of the rectifier element 223 can be connected to the capacitor 222, and the anode can be connected to the boost switch 224 and the inductor 221. One end of the boost switch 224 can be connected to the anode of the rectifier element 223 and the inductor 221, and the other end can be connected to the ground terminal. When the boost switch 224 is a FET, the drain of the boost switch 224 can be connected to the anode of the rectifier element 223 and the inductor 221, and the source can be connected to the ground terminal.

[0142] The power conversion unit 220 can convert power through the opening and closing operation of the boost switch 224. When the boost switch 224 is open, the inductor 221 can be charged, and when the boost switch 224 is closed, the energy charged in the inductor 221 can be charged to the capacitor 222. The voltage output from the power conversion unit 220 can be determined by the duty cycle (D) of the boost switch 224. The output voltage (Vout) of the power conversion unit 220 is proportional to the input voltage (Vin) and increases with the increase of the duty cycle (D). The output voltage (Vout) of the power conversion unit 220 can be expressed by the following formula: Vout = Vin * (1 / 1 - D) The control unit 12 can control the power conversion unit 220. The switching operation of the boost switch 224 of the power conversion unit 220 can be controlled. The power conversion unit 220 can boost the input voltage. For example, the power conversion unit 220 can boost the voltage output from the power supply 11 to a set heater voltage (e.g., 4.6V or 5V). Even if the voltage of the power supply 11 drops to about half of the set heater voltage (e.g., 2.5V), the power conversion unit 220 can stably deliver the set heater voltage to the heater 18.

[0143] This extends the lifespan of the power supply and allows for a stable, constant voltage supply to the heater.

[0144] The inductor 221 of the power conversion unit 220 may have an inductance value within a specific range. For example, the inductance value of inductor 221 may be from 0.8 μH to 1.2 μH. For example, the inductance value of inductor 221 may be from 0.9 μH to 1.1 μH. For example, the inductance value of inductor 221 may be about 1.0 μH.

[0145] Table 1 below shows the results of comparing the current of inductor 221 based on the inductance value of inductor 221. Table 1 shows the results when the output voltage of power conversion unit 220 is 4.6V.

[0146] [Table 1]

[0147] Referring to Table 1, when the inductance value of inductor 221 is 1.5 μH, the maximum measured current flowing through inductor 221 is 5.8 A. The current flowing through inductor 221 is generally higher in the preheating range of heater 18, and the maximum value was measured in this preheating range. Conversely, when the inductance value of inductor 221 is 1.0 μH, the maximum measured current flowing through inductor 221 is 5.56 A. Thus, when the inductance value of inductor 221 is 1.0 μH or within the specified range, it can be confirmed that the peak current value of inductor 221 is reduced by approximately 240 mA. The higher the peak current flowing through inductor 221, the more unstable the operation of power conversion unit 220 may become. According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the inductance value of inductor 221 has 1.0 μH or a value within the range specified therein, thereby reducing the peak current flowing through power conversion unit 220 and improving the power conversion efficiency of power conversion unit 220.

[0148] Figure 7 It is a graph comparing the peak current of the inductance value of the inductor in the power conversion section of an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 It is an image showing the temperature at which the power conversion unit of the aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is heated, displaying the inductance value of the inductor of the power conversion unit.

[0149] and Figure 6 Refer to together Figure 7 and Figure 8 The inductor 221 of the power conversion unit 220 may have a specific range of DC resistance values. The DC resistance value can refer to the resistance of the inductor 221 when a signal with a frequency close to 0Hz is applied to it. For example, the DC resistance of the inductor 221 may be less than 20 milliohms. For example, the DC resistance of the inductor 221 may be 5 to 10 milliohms. For example, the DC resistance of the inductor 221 may be approximately 7 milliohms.

[0150] Table 2 below shows the results of comparing the current of inductor 221 with the temperature of power conversion unit 220 based on the DC resistance value of inductor 221. Table 2 shows the results when the output voltage of power conversion unit 220 is 4.6V and the inductance value of inductor 221 is 1.0μH.

[0151] [Table 2]

[0152] Refer to Table 2 together Figure 7 When the DC resistance of inductor 221 is 20.0 milli ohms ( Figure 7 (710), the maximum current (I1) flowing through inductor 221 was measured to be 6.42 A. The current flowing through inductor 221 is generally higher during the preheating of heater 18, and the maximum value was measured at a certain time point t1 within this preheating range. Conversely, when the DC resistance of inductor 221 is 7.1 milli ohms ( Figure 7The maximum current I2 flowing through inductor 221 was measured to be 5.99A. Thus, given that the DC resistance of inductor 221 is 7.1 milli ohms or within the specified range, it can be confirmed that the peak current of inductor 221 is reduced by approximately 430mA.

[0153] The higher the peak current flowing through inductor 221, the more unstable the operation of power conversion unit 220 may become. According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the DC resistance of inductor 221 has a value of 7.1 milli ohms or within the range specified therein, thereby reducing the peak current flowing through power conversion unit 220 and improving the power conversion efficiency of power conversion unit 220.

[0154] Refer to Table 2 together Figure 8 When the DC resistance of inductor 221 is 20.0 milli ohms ( Figure 8 (a) The highest temperature of the power conversion unit 220 was measured to be 65.7 degrees Celsius. The temperature of the power conversion unit 220 was also generally higher in the range of the preheating heater 18, and the maximum value was measured in this preheating range. Conversely, when the DC resistance of the inductor 221 was 7.1 milli ohms ( Figure 8 (b) The maximum temperature of the power conversion unit 220 was measured to be 58.3 degrees.

[0155] Thus, with the DC resistance of inductor 221 having a value of 7.1 milli ohm or within the specified range, it was confirmed that the maximum temperature reduction of the power conversion unit 220 was approximately 7.4 degrees Celsius. The higher the peak current flowing through inductor 221, the more unstable the operation of power conversion unit 220 may become. According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the DC resistance of inductor 221 has a value of 7.1 milli ohms or within the range specified therein, thereby reducing the peak current flowing through power conversion unit 220 and reducing the operating temperature of power conversion unit 220, thereby improving the operating stability of the circuit.

[0156] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the power cut-off control of the heater of an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0157] and Figure 5 Refer to together Figure 9 The control unit 12 can control at least one of the power supply 11, charging circuit 210, power conversion unit 220, first switch 230 and second switch 240, thereby supplying power to the heater 18 (step S910). The heater 18 can receive power from the power supply 11 and generate heat. The control unit 12 can control whether to supply power to the heater 18 based on the current flowing through it. The control unit 12 can receive an output signal from a current sensor connected to the heater 18 and determine the current value flowing through the heater 18 based on the output signal. The control unit 12 can compare the current value flowing through the heater 18 with a first threshold value (step S920). The first threshold value may correspond to the maximum current value at which the heater 18 does not malfunction or deform during heating, as determined by experiments, or the maximum current value at which the components supplying power to the heater 18 can operate normally. The control unit 12 can control the power supply to the heater 18 to be cut off when the current value flowing through the charging circuit 210 to the heater 18 is greater than or equal to a first threshold value (Y in step S930) (step S940). For example, the control unit 12 can control the power supply to the heater 18 by controlling at least one of the charging circuit 210, the power conversion unit 220, the first switch 230, and the second switch 240. Preferably, the control unit 12 can cut off the power supply to the heater 18 by controlling the first switch 230. The first switch 230 can be closed by the control unit 12 to cut off the power supply to the heater 18.

[0158] On the other hand, the control unit 12 can control the heater 18 to maintain the power supply when the current value flowing through the heater 18 of the charging circuit 210 is less than the first threshold value (N in step S930), and can repeat the process of S910 and subsequent processes.

[0159] The impedance between the output and input terminals of the first switch 230 can have a specific range of resistance values. For example, the impedance between the output and input terminals of the first switch 230 can be 10 to 20 milli ohms. For example, the impedance between the output and input terminals of the first switch 230 can be 15 milli ohms.

[0160] When the impedance between the output and input terminals of the first switch 230 is 20 milli ohms or more, the power consumed by the first switch 230 may increase unnecessarily when power is supplied to the heater 18, resulting in reduced power efficiency. Furthermore, the voltage drop caused by the first switch 230 increases, potentially reducing the voltage applied to the heater 18. This prevents malfunctions of the heater and improves the operational stability of the circuit. Furthermore, even with a first switch to prevent heater malfunctions, the reduction in power efficiency caused by the first switch is minimized.

[0161] Figure 10This is a circuit diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. (Regarding the above...) Figure 5 The shown structure is a repetitive one, and detailed explanations will be omitted.

[0162] Reference Figure 10 The aerosol generating device 1 may include at least one of the following: a power supply 11, a heater 18, a power conversion unit 220, a charging circuit 210, a second switch 240, and a voltage regulator 250. A first resistor R1 may be configured between the heater 18 and the power conversion unit 220. The first resistor R1 connects the power conversion unit 220 and the heater 18. The first resistor R1 may be a resistor used to sense the current flowing through the heater 18. The first resistor R1 may be connected to a current sensor. The first resistor R1 may be referred to as a sensing resistor.

[0163] The control unit 12 can receive an output signal from the current sensor and determine whether an abnormal current flows through the heater 18 based on the output signal. The control unit 12 can control at least one of the charging circuit 210, the power conversion unit 220, and the second switch 240 based on the current flowing through the heater 18 being greater than a set threshold, thereby cutting off the power supplied to the heater 18.

[0164] This prevents the heater from malfunctioning and improves the stability of the circuit.

[0165] The first resistor R1 can have a specific range of resistance values. For example, the resistance value of the first resistor R1 can be from 1 to 3 milli ohms. For example, the resistance value of the first resistor R1 can be 2 milli ohms.

[0166] Therefore, malfunction of the heater can be prevented by at least one of the charging circuit 210, the power conversion unit 220, and the second switch 240. Furthermore, the resistance value of the first resistor R1 used to sense the current flowing through the heater 18 can be smaller than the impedance of the switching element (e.g., the first switch 230), thereby minimizing the reduction in power efficiency caused by the first resistor.

[0167] on the other hand, Figure 9 The power cut-off control of the heater shown can also be applied to... Figure 10 Examples include: For instance, in step S920, the control unit 12 can determine the current value flowing through the heater 18 based on the signal output by the current sensor connected to the first resistor R1, and compare it with a first threshold value. For instance, in step S940, the control unit 12 can cut off the power supplied to the heater 18 by controlling at least one of the charging circuit 210, the power conversion unit 220, and the second switch 240.

[0168] As described above, based on at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the inductor of the power conversion unit has an inductance value within a specific range, thereby reducing the peak current flowing through the power conversion unit and improving the power conversion efficiency.

[0169] Based on at least one embodiment of this disclosure, the inductor of the power conversion section has a DC resistance value within a specific range, thereby reducing the peak current flowing through the power conversion section and reducing the operating temperature of the power conversion section, thereby improving the operating stability of the circuit.

[0170] Based on at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a circuit is configured to cut off the power supplied to the heater based on the current value flowing through the heater, thereby preventing malfunction of the heater and improving the operational stability of the circuit.

[0171] Reference Figures 1 to 10 According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating apparatus 1 may include: a heater 18 for heating an aerosol generating substance; a power source 11 for supplying power to the heater 18; and a power conversion unit 220 for converting a voltage output from the power source 11 into a voltage supplied to the heater 18, wherein the power conversion unit 220 includes an inductor 221 connected to the power source 11, the inductance value of the inductor 221 being 0.8 μH to 1.2 μH. Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, the inductance value of the inductor 221 may be from 0.9 μH to 1.1 μH.

[0172] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, the power conversion unit 220 may include a boost converter that boosts the voltage output from the power source 11.

[0173] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, the DC resistance of the inductor 221 may be less than 20 mohm.

[0174] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, the DC resistance of the inductor 221 can be from 5 mohm to 10 mohm.

[0175] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, a load switch 230 may be included for connecting the power conversion unit 220 and the heater 18, and for transmitting power output from the power conversion unit 220 to the heater 18.

[0176] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, when the current flowing through the heater 18 is above a first threshold value, the load switch 230 can be turned off, thereby cutting off the power supply to the heater 18.

[0177] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, the impedance between the output and input terminals of the load switch 230 can be from 10 mohm to 20 mohm.

[0178] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, a first resistor R1 may be included for connecting the power conversion unit 220 and the heater 18.

[0179] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, the resistance value of the first resistor R1 can be from 1 mohm to 3 mohm.

[0180] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, when the current flowing through the heater 18 is above a second threshold value, the power conversion unit 220 can be disconnected (OFF), thereby cutting off the power supplied to the heater 18.

[0181] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, a control unit 12 may be included, which controls the power supplied to the heater 18 by controlling the operation of at least one of the heater 18 and the power conversion unit 220.

[0182] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, a heater switch 240 may be included, one end 241 of which is connected to the heater 18 and the other end 242 is grounded. The control unit 12 may control the heater switch 240 so that pulses with a predetermined frequency and / or duty cycle are supplied to the heater 18.

[0183] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, a charging circuit 210 may be included, which connects the power source 11 and the power conversion unit 220 and transmits power supplied from the power source 11 to the power conversion unit 220.

[0184] Any embodiments or other embodiments of this disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct from each other. Any embodiments or other embodiments of this disclosure described above may be used in combination or in combination of their respective configurations or functions.

[0185] For example, this means that configuration A illustrated in a particular embodiment and / or the accompanying drawings can be combined with configuration B illustrated in other embodiments and / or the accompanying drawings. In other words, even if the combination between configurations is not directly described, it means that they can be combined, unless a case of non-combination is described.

[0186] The detailed description above should not be construed as restrictive in all respects, but rather as exemplary. The scope of the invention should be determined based on a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the scope of the invention's equivalence should be included within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, characterized in that, include: Heater, used to heat aerosol-generating substances. A power source for supplying power to the heater, and The power conversion unit converts the voltage output from the power source into the voltage supplied to the heater; The power conversion unit includes an inductor connected to the power source. The inductance value of the inductor is from 0.8 μH to 1.2 μH.

2. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inductance value of the inductor is from 0.9 μH to 1.1 μH.

3. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power conversion unit includes a boost converter that boosts the voltage output from the power source.

4. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The DC resistance of the inductor is less than 20 mohm.

5. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, The DC resistance of the inductor is between 5 mohm and 10 mohm.

6. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aerosol generating device includes a load switch for connecting the power conversion unit and the heater, and for transmitting power output from the power conversion unit to the heater.

7. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, When the current flowing through the heater exceeds a first critical value, the load switch is disconnected to cut off the power supply to the heater.

8. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, The impedance between the output and input terminals of the load switch is 10 mohm to 20 mohm.

9. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aerosol generating device includes a first resistor for connecting the power conversion unit and the heater.

10. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that, The resistance value of the first resistor is between 1 mohm and 3 mohm.

11. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that, When the current flowing through the heater exceeds a second critical value, the power conversion unit disconnects to cut off the power supply to the heater.

12. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aerosol generating apparatus includes a control unit that controls the power supplied to the heater by controlling the operation of at least one of the heater and the power conversion unit.

13. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that, The aerosol generating device includes a heater switch, one end of which is connected to the heater, and the other end of which is grounded. The control unit controls the heater switch so that pulses with a specified frequency and / or duty cycle are supplied to the heater.

14. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that, The aerosol generating device includes a charging circuit that connects the power source and the power conversion unit, and transmits power supplied from the power source to the power conversion unit.

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