Aerosol-generating device and method for controlling aerosol-generating device

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device of one embodiment includes: a heater that heats at least a portion of an aerosol-generating article including an aerosol-generating substance; a storage unit that stores a temperature curve of the heater and an operation time of the aerosol-generating device; an output unit that outputs a notification corresponding to the operating state of the aerosol-generating device; a suction sensor that senses a user's suction during an operation time; and a control unit that controls the output of the notification on the basis of at least one of the operation time and the predetermined number of suctions, and that controls the supply of power to the heater in accordance with the temperature curve. The control unit determines the number of additional suctions to be additionally provided on the basis of the predetermined number of suctions on the basis of the time required until the predetermined number of suctions is performed within the predetermined number of suctions, and causes the output unit to output a notification corresponding to the determined number of additional suctions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various embodiments of this disclosure relate to aerosol generating apparatus and a method for controlling the aerosol generating apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, there has been a growing demand for alternative methods to overcome the shortcomings of conventional cigarettes. For example, there is a growing need for systems that generate aerosols not by burning cigarettes, but by heating cigarettes or aerosol-generating substances using an aerosol-generating device.

[0003] Methods for controlling the operation of aerosol generating devices can be broadly categorized into control methods based on the number of times the user inhales and control methods based on the operation time.

[0004] In a control method based on the number of puffs, heating is stopped when the accumulated number of puffs reaches a predetermined number, which may result in a shorter smoking time than the user desires. On the other hand, in a control method based on operating time, heating stops after a predetermined time has elapsed even if no user puffs, once heating begins. This may result in cigarettes needing to be discarded even if the aerosol-generating substances in the cigarette have not been fully burned off due to the termination of heating. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Technical issues

[0006] If the heater heats the aerosol generating matrix for only a predetermined time, even if the user can continue smoking by utilizing the residual amount of the aerosol generating matrix, the user may not be able to continue smoking.

[0007] Furthermore, when a method is provided for additional inhalation or to control the heating time of the heater based on the amount of vaporization and residue of the aerosol-generating matrix, the amount of transfer of the effective components of the aerosol-generating article is not taken into account, resulting in a decrease in the user's sense of smoke during additional inhalation.

[0008] Furthermore, when additional suction is provided based on the user's suction strength or inhalation strength, not only is there a deviation in the provision of additional suction depending on each user, but it is also difficult for the user to confirm the additional suction provided.

[0009] One embodiment of this disclosure provides an aerosol generating apparatus and its control method as follows: taking into account the amount of transfer of effective components included in the aerosol generating article, the additional inhalation will not cause a decrease in smoke flavor, and additional inhalation will be provided consistently based on the time required to reach a predetermined number of inhalations, thereby increasing user confidence.

[0010] The problems to be solved by the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand, through this specification and the accompanying drawings, problems not mentioned herein.

[0011] means of solving technical problems

[0012] An embodiment of an aerosol generating apparatus includes: a heater that heats at least a portion of an aerosol generating article comprising an aerosol generating substance; a storage unit that stores a temperature profile of the heater and an operating time of the aerosol generating apparatus; an output unit that outputs a notification corresponding to the operating state of the aerosol generating apparatus; a suction sensor that senses a user's suction during the operating time; and a control unit that controls the output of the notification based on at least one of the operating time and a predetermined number of suctions, and controls the power supply to the heater in accordance with the temperature profile.

[0013] The control unit controls the additional number of suctions provided on top of the predetermined number of suctions, based on the time required to perform a predetermined number of suctions within a predetermined number of suctions, and causes the output unit to output a notification corresponding to the determined additional number of suctions.

[0014] If the time required to complete the predetermined number of suctions within the aforementioned predetermined number of suctions is faster than the first critical time, the control unit determines the additional number of suctions.

[0015] The control unit calculates the average suction time based on the time required to perform the specified number of suctions, and determines the additional suction times based on the remaining operating time obtained by subtracting the required time from the operating time, the predetermined number of suctions, and the average suction time.

[0016] The above average inhalation time is a cumulative average that includes the user's inhalation time and the inhalation interval.

[0017] The aforementioned storage unit stores the average suction time calculated in advance based on the cumulative use of the aforementioned aerosol generating device.

[0018] The control unit determines the number of additional suctions based on the average suction time stored in the storage unit.

[0019] There are multiple temperature curves, and the control unit determines the number of additional suctions to be different for each temperature curve.

[0020] The aforementioned multiple temperature curves include: a first mode, which controls the power supply to the heater based on a first temperature curve having a first average temperature; and a second mode, which controls the power supply to the heater based on a second temperature curve having a second average temperature higher than the first average temperature.

[0021] Given the number of additional suctions, the control unit prioritizes assigning a weighted value to the first mode over the second mode.

[0022] The control unit controls the output unit to output the remaining number of suctions, which varies according to the predetermined number of suctions.

[0023] The control unit controls the output unit to output the determined number of additional suctions when the number of additional suctions is determined.

[0024] The control unit controls the output unit to output the final remaining number of suctions, which is obtained by adding the remaining suction count and the determined additional suction count.

[0025] The control unit determines the number of additional suctions during the operation period based on the minimum amount of aerosol-generating substances that change according to the user's suction.

[0026] The control unit determines the number of additional suctions based on the intensity of the user's suction during the aforementioned operation time.

[0027] If the time required to complete the predetermined number of suctions within the aforementioned predetermined number of suctions is slower than the first critical time, the control unit will determine the additional number of suctions to be the minimum.

[0028] Another embodiment of the control method for an aerosol generating apparatus includes the following steps: determining the time required to perform a predetermined number of suctions within a predetermined number of suctions; determining, based on the required time, an additional number of suctions to be provided on top of the predetermined number of suctions; and controlling the output of a notification corresponding to the determined additional number of suctions.

[0029] Including another embodiment, a recording medium that records a program for causing a computer to execute a control method for an aerosol generating apparatus.

[0030] Invention Effects

[0031] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, by taking into account the amount of transfer of the active ingredient included in the aerosol-generating article, the smoke flavor will not decrease when additional puffs are performed, and additional puffs are provided consistently based on the time required to reach a predetermined number of puffs, thereby increasing user confidence.

[0032] In addition, it makes it easy for users to confirm the additional suction provided, thereby improving the user experience and convenience.

[0033] However, the effects of the embodiments are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art can clearly understand the effects not mentioned herein through this specification and the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0035] Figures 2a to 2h This is a diagram illustrating an aerosol generating apparatus according to various embodiments.

[0036] Figure 3 This is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0037] Figure 4 This is a graph illustrating the amount of nicotine transferred as a function of the number of puffs, according to another embodiment.

[0038] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating a control method for an aerosol generating apparatus according to yet another embodiment.

[0039] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of providing additional suction in yet another embodiment.

[0040] Figure 7 This is an example diagram illustrating the output of yet another embodiment regarding providing a user notification for additional suction.

[0041] Figure 8 This is an example diagram illustrating the output of yet another embodiment regarding providing a user notification for additional suction. Detailed Implementation

[0042] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Regardless of the reference numerals, the same or similar components will be assigned the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions will be omitted. Similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components in the description of the drawings.

[0043] The suffixes “module” and “unit” used in the following description for the purpose of drafting the specification are used interchangeably or for convenience only, and do not inherently have different meanings or functions. Furthermore, the suffixes “module” or “unit” can include units implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and can be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A “module” or “unit” can be a component that is integrally formed or the smallest unit or part of said component that performs one or more functions. For example, a “module” or “unit” can be implemented as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0044] Furthermore, when describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, detailed descriptions of relevant well-known technologies will be omitted if it is determined that such detailed descriptions may obscure the spirit of the embodiments disclosed in this specification. Additionally, the accompanying drawings are only for easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification; the technical concepts disclosed in this specification are not limited by the drawings and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and even substitutions included within the scope of the concepts and techniques of this disclosure.

[0045] Terms including ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" can be used to describe multiple constituent elements, but the constituent elements are not limited by the terms. The above terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one constituent element from other constituent elements.

[0046] When it is mentioned that a component is "connected" or "coupled" to another component, it should be understood that it can be directly connected or directly coupled to the other component, but there may also be other components in between. Conversely, when it is mentioned that a component is "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0047] Unless the context clearly indicates that they have different meanings, the singular form of a statement covers the plural form of a statement.

[0048] Embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented in software that includes one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., memory 17) readable by a machine (e.g., aerosol generating apparatus 1). For example, a processor (e.g., control unit 12) of the machine (e.g., aerosol generating apparatus 1) can invoke at least one of the more than one stored instructions from the storage medium and execute that instruction. This enables the machine to operate in a manner that performs 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 storage medium readable by the machine can be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. The term "non-transitory" simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and this term does not distinguish between semi-permanent and temporary storage of data in the storage medium.

[0049] In this disclosure, the orientation of the aerosol generating device 1 can be defined using a Cartesian coordinate system as a reference. The x-axis direction in the Cartesian coordinate system 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.

[0050] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to one embodiment.

[0051] 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, those skilled in the art will understand that, according to the design of the aerosol generating apparatus 1, certain components may be omitted. Figure 1 The shown components may include some of the constituent elements, or new constituent elements may be added.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the sensor unit 13 can sense the state of the aerosol generating device 1 or the state around the aerosol generating device 1, and transmit the sensed information to the control unit 12. For example, the sensor unit 13 may include a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, an insertion sensor, a reuse sensor, an overly moist sensor, a cigarette identification sensor, a cartridge sensor, a cap sensor, and / or a motion sensor. In addition, the sensor unit 13 may also include various sensors such as a liquid level sensor for sensing the remaining liquid in the cartridge and a water immersion sensor for sensing water immersion in the aerosol generating device 1.

[0053] According to one embodiment, a temperature sensor can sense the temperature at which heaters 18 and 24 are heated. The aerosol generating apparatus 1 may include a separate temperature sensor for sensing 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.

[0054] As an example, the temperature sensor may include a resistive element (e.g., a thermistor) whose resistance value changes in response to temperature changes in 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 changes of the heaters 18 and 24 based on the aforementioned signal corresponding to the resistance value.

[0055] As another example, the temperature sensor may include a sensor that detects 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 aforementioned signal corresponding to the resistance value.

[0056] According to one embodiment, a temperature sensor can sense the temperature of the power supply 11. The temperature sensor can be arranged 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 apparatus 1 may include a power protection circuit (PCM), and the temperature sensor can be arranged adjacent to the power supply 11 together with the power protection circuit.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the temperature sensor may also be arranged inside the housing (not shown) of the aerosol generating device 1 to sense the temperature inside the housing (not shown).

[0058] According to one embodiment, the suction sensor can sense the user's suction.

[0059] 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 aforementioned signal corresponding to the internal pressure. The internal pressure of the aerosol generating device 1 may correspond to the pressure of the gas flow channel. The suction sensor may be arranged in the aerosol generating device 1 corresponding to the gas flow channel.

[0060] As another example, the suction sensor may include a temperature sensor. When a user performs suction, a temporary temperature drop may occur in the airflow channel, the space where the aerosol-generating article 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 output from the temperature sensor corresponding to the temperature of the airflow channel, etc.

[0061] As another example, the suction sensor may include both a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor. In this case, the temperature sensor can measure the temperature used to correct the internal pressure measured by the pressure sensor. As an 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 both 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 can receive the signals and correct the signal corresponding to the internal pressure based on the signal corresponding to the temperature.

[0062] As another example, the suction sensor may include a capacitive sensor. In this disclosure, a capacitive sensor may also be referred to as a cap sensor or capacitive sensor. When a user performs suction, 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's suction based on a signal output from the capacitive sensor corresponding to the dielectric constant, etc., inside the insertion space.

[0063] The suction sensor is not limited to the examples above and can be implemented by a variety of sensors used to sense a user's suction.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the insertion sensing sensor is capable of sensing the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article. The insertion sensing sensor may be disposed around the periphery of the insertion space. Furthermore, the insertion sensing sensor may also include any combination of the examples described above.

[0065] As an example, the insertion sensing sensor may include a capacitive sensor. The capacitive sensor may include at least one conductor, and the at least one conductor may be arranged adjacent to the insertion space. When an 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 output from the capacitive sensor corresponding to the dielectric constant, etc., inside the insertion space.

[0066] As another example, the insertion sensing sensor may include an inductive sensor. The inductive sensor may include at least one coil, and the at least one coil may be arranged adjacent to the insertion space. When the aerosol generating article (e.g., a wrapper of the aerosol generating article) includes a conductor, a change in the magnetic field may be generated around the coil through which the current flows when the aerosol generating article is inserted into or removed from the insertion space. The control unit 12 may sense the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article including the conductor based on the characteristics of the current output from or sensed by the inductive sensor (e.g., the frequency, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc. of the alternating current). Alternatively, an inductive heating element (SUS) may also be included in the aerosol generating article (e.g., the dielectric portion of the aerosol generating article). Even in this case, the magnetic field around the coil may change based on the insertion or removal of the heating element or the like in the insertion space, and the control unit 12 can sense the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article based on the current characteristics of the inductive sensor.

[0067] The insertion sensing sensor is not limited to the examples described above, and can be implemented by various sensors (e.g., proximity sensors) used to sense the insertion and / or removal of aerosol-generating articles. Furthermore, the insertion sensing sensor can also include any combination of the examples described above. According to one embodiment, the insertion sensing sensor may also include a switch, etc., for sensing pressure generated by the aerosol-generating article.

[0068] According to one embodiment, a reuse sensing sensor can detect whether an aerosol-generating article has been reused. As an example, the reuse sensing sensor can be a color sensor for sensing the color of the aerosol-generating article. If a user uses the aerosol-generating article, the color of a portion of the outer casing of the aerosol-generating 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 outer casing based on the light reflected from it. If a color change is detected in a portion of the outer casing, the control unit 12 can determine that the aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space has been used.

[0069] According to one embodiment, an over-humidity sensing sensor can sense whether an aerosol-generating article is in an over-humid state. For example, the over-humidity sensing sensor may include a capacitive sensor. The capacitive sensor may include at least one conductor arranged adjacent to the insertion space. The control unit 12 can detect whether the aerosol-generating article is in an over-humid 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 can confirm the level range that the signal level falls into according to a lookup table, and determine the moisture content of the aerosol-generating article based on the confirmed level range.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the cigarette identification sensor can sense whether the aerosol-generating article is genuine and / or the type of aerosol-generating article.

[0071] As an example, a cigarette identification sensor may include a light sensor for sensing an identification substance (or identification mark) located on the outer surface (e.g., packaging component) of an aerosol-generating article. The light sensor may illuminate the identification substance (or identification mark) of the aerosol-generating article and sense whether the aerosol-generating article is genuine and / or its type 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 whether the aerosol-generating article is genuine and / or its type based on the range of said wavelengths.

[0072] 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 vary. The control unit 12 can detect whether the aerosol-generating article is genuine and / or its type based on a signal output from the capacitive sensor corresponding to the dielectric constant, etc., inside the insertion space.

[0073] As another example, a cigarette identification sensor may include an inductive sensor. When the packaging and / or interior (e.g., the dielectric portion) of the aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space includes a conductor, the characteristics of the current sensed by the inductive sensor (e.g., frequency, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc.) may vary depending on the type of aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space. The control unit 12 can detect whether the inserted aerosol-generating article is genuine and / or its type based on the characteristics of the current output from or sensed by the inductive sensor.

[0074] Cigarette identification sensors are not limited to the examples described above and can be implemented using various sensors for sensing whether an aerosol-generating article is genuine and / or for sensing the type of aerosol-generating article. Furthermore, cigarette identification sensors can also include any combination of the examples described above.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the cartridge sensing sensor can sense the installation and / or removal of the cartridge. For example, the cartridge sensing sensor may include an inductive sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, a Hall effect sensor (Hall IC), and / or an optical sensor.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the cap sensing sensor can sense the installation and / or removal of the cap. For example, the cap sensing 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 that covers at least a portion of a cartridge mounted or inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, or covers at least a portion of the housing of the aerosol generating device 1. If the cap is installed in or removed from the housing, the cap sensing sensor can output a signal corresponding to the installation or removal, and the control unit 12 can sense the installation or removal of the cap based on the signal corresponding to the installation or removal.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the motion sensing sensor is capable of sensing the motion of the aerosol generating device 1. The motion sensing sensor can be implemented by at least one of an accelerometer and a gyroscope.

[0078] According to one embodiment, in addition to the sensors described above, the sensor unit 13 may also include 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. Since a person skilled in the art can intuitively infer the function of each sensor from its name, detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the output unit 14 can output information about the status of the aerosol generating device 1. The output unit 14 may include, but is not limited to, a display, a haptic unit, and / or an audio output unit. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device 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 article and / or cartridge, the installation and / or removal status of the cover, or a status where the use of the aerosol generating device 1 is restricted (e.g., abnormal object detected). The display can visually provide the user with information about the status of the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the display may include a light-emitting diode (LED), a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), etc. If the display includes a touchpad, the display can also be used as an input unit 15. The haptic unit can tactilely provide the user with information about the status of the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the tactile part may include a vibrating motor, a piezoelectric element, an electrical stimulation device, etc. The sound output part can provide the user with information about the aerosol generating device 1 in an auditory manner. For example, the sound output part can convert an electrical signal into a sound signal and output the sound signal to the outside.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the power source 11 can supply power for the operation of the aerosol generating apparatus 1. The power source 11 may include one or more batteries. The power source 11 can supply power to heat the heaters 18 and 24. Furthermore, the power source 11 can supply 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 can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the power source 11 can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto. The power source 11 can be a replaceable (detachable) battery (hereinafter, a removable battery). The removable battery can be installed in a battery housing provided within the aerosol generating apparatus 1, or it can be removed from the battery housing. The removable battery can be charged via wired and / or wireless means.

[0081] According to one embodiment, heaters 18 and 24 receive power from power source 11, thereby enabling them 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).

[0082] According to one embodiment, heaters 18 and 24 can be resistance heaters. For example, resistance heaters can include resistive materials such as metals or metal alloys like 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 wires, metal heating plates with conductive tracks, or ceramic heating elements.

[0083] According to one embodiment, heaters 18 and 24 can be induction heating heaters. For example, an induction heating heater may include an induction heating element (susceptor) that heats up by a magnetic field. An alternating current flowing through an induction coil can generate a magnetic field in the induction coil. The generated magnetic field can pass through the heater and can generate eddy currents in the induction heating element. Based on the generation of eddy currents, the induction heating element can be heated. According to one embodiment, the induction heating element may also be included inside an aerosol generating article (e.g., a medium section). In this case, the induction heating element included inside the aerosol generating article can also be heated by an induction coil.

[0084] Heaters 18 and 24 are not limited to the examples above, and may include various heating methods, structures, components, etc. for heating aerosol generating articles and / or smoke cartridges, or may be used in place of them.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the input unit 15 can receive information input by a user. For example, the input unit 15 may include a touch panel, a button, a keyboard, a dome switch, a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the memory 17 is hardware used to store various data processed within the aerosol generating device 1, and can store data processed in 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 (Secure Digital) or XD (Extreme Digital) 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 such as the operating time of the aerosol generating device 1, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and data regarding the user's smoking pattern.

[0087] 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 Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) communication unit, an Ultra Wideband (UWB) communication unit, an Ant+ (Adaptive Network Topology) communication unit, a Cellular Network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a Computer Network (e.g., a Local Area Network (LAN) or a Wide Area Network (WAN)) communication unit, etc.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the entire 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 an array of multiple logic gates, or by a combination of a general-purpose microcontroller (MCU) (or microprocessor) and a memory storing a program that can be executed in the MCU. Furthermore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art to which this embodiment pertains that the control unit may also be implemented by other forms of hardware.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the temperature of heaters 18 and 24 by controlling the power supply 11 to supply power to heaters 18 and 24. 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 sensed 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 the memory 17.

[0090] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the power (e.g., voltage and / or current) supplied to the heaters 18 and 24 by controlling a power conversion circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the heaters 18 and 24 and the power supply 11. 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 and 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 can be implemented using 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), a field-effect transistor (FET), etc.

[0091] 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 duty ratio of the on / off operation of the switching element can correspond to the ratio of the output voltage of the power conversion circuit to the output voltage of the power supply 11.

[0092] 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 to control the power supplied to the heaters 18 and 24, which is a feedback control method based on the difference between the temperature of the heaters 18 and 24 and the target temperature, the integral value of the difference over time, and the derivative value of the difference over time.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can determine the target power as a control objective based on the power curve. Over time, the control unit 12 can control the power supplied to the heaters 18 and 24 to correspond to the preset target power.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can detect user suction by sensing the power supplied to the heaters 18 and 24. 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 performs suction, 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 PID power control, the power (or current) supplied to the heaters 18 and 24 may change. The control unit 12 can detect user suction based on the controlled power change.

[0095] 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 interrupt the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the charging / discharging of the power supply 11. For example, the control unit 12 can use a temperature sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13) to determine the temperature of the power supply 11. When the temperature of the power supply 11 exceeds a first limit temperature, the control unit 12 can cut off the charging of the power supply 11. When the temperature of the power supply 11 exceeds a second limit temperature, the control unit 12 can interrupt the use of the power stored in the power supply 11 (e.g., discharging). 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 detection values ​​of the power supply 11.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 based on the results sensed by the sensor unit 13.

[0098] 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 relative to the insertion space. For example, if the insertion sensing sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13) determines that the aerosol-generating article has been inserted into the insertion space, the control unit 12 can control the supply of power to the heaters 18 and 24. If the insertion sensing sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13) determines that the aerosol-generating article has been removed from the insertion space, the control unit 12 can cut off the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24. If the temperature of the heaters 18 and 24 is above a limit temperature or the temperature change slope of the heaters 18 and 24 is above a set slope, the control unit 12 can determine that the aerosol-generating article has been removed from the insertion space.

[0099] 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, if the aerosol generating article is determined to be in an over-humidity state by using an over-humidity sensing sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13), the control unit 12 can increase the power supply time (e.g., preheating time) to the heaters 18 and 24.

[0100] 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 article has been reused. For example, if the control unit 12 determines that the aerosol-generating article has been used, it can cut off the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24.

[0101] 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, if the cartridge sensing sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13) determines that the cartridge is in a separated state, the control unit 12 can control the interruption of the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 or prevent the supply of power to the heaters 18 and 24.

[0102] 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 limit temperature during the preheating period (i.e., the preheating interval), it can determine 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.

[0103] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 based on whether the e-cigarette cartridge is available. For example, if the control unit 12 determines, based on data stored in the memory 17, that the current number of puffs exceeds the maximum number of puffs set for the e-cigarette cartridge, it can determine that the e-cigarette cartridge cannot be used. Alternatively, the control unit 12 can determine that the e-cigarette cartridge cannot be used if the total heating time of the heaters 18 and 24 exceeds a preset maximum time or if 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 control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 to be interrupted or not to be supplied with power.

[0104] 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. If the number of suctions has reached a preset maximum number of suctions and / or no suction is detected for a preset time, the control unit 12 can cut off the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24. When suction is sensed, the control unit 12 can control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24.

[0105] 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 article (or cartridge) is genuine and / or its type. For example, the control unit 12 can use a cigarette identification sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13) to detect whether the aerosol-generating article is genuine and / or its type. As an example, if the aerosol-generating article (or cartridge) is detected to be counterfeit, the control unit 12 can cut off the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24. If the aerosol-generating article (or cartridge) is detected to be genuine, the control unit 12 can control (e.g., start) the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24. 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 article (or cartridge). More specifically, if the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is detected as a first aerosol generating article (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). If the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is detected as a second aerosol generating article (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).

[0106] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the output unit 14 based on the results sensed by the sensor unit 13. For example, if the number of suctions counted by 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 end its operation in a visual, tactile, and / or audible manner. For example, the control unit 12 can control the output unit 14 to provide information about the temperature of the heaters 18 and 24 in a visual, tactile, and / or audible manner.

[0107] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can store and update the history 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 sensing the insertion of an aerosol generating article, starting heating of the aerosol generating article, sensing suction, ending suction, sensing overheating of heaters 18 and 24, sensing overvoltage applied to heaters 18 and 24, ending heating of the aerosol generating article, turning the power supply of the aerosol generating apparatus 1 on / off, starting charging of the power supply 11, sensing overcharging of the power supply 11, and ending charging of the power supply 11. For example, the history of events may include the date and time of the event, log data corresponding to the event, etc. For example, if the predetermined event is sensing the insertion of an aerosol generating article, the log data corresponding to the event may include data such as the sensing value of the insertion sensing sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13). For example, if the predetermined event is the sensing of overheating of heaters 18 and 24, the log data corresponding to the event may include data about the temperature of heaters 18 and 24, the voltage applied to heaters 18 and 24, the current flowing in heaters 18 and 24, etc.

[0108] 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.

[0109] According to one embodiment, if authentication data is received from an external device via a communication link, the control unit 12 can remove usage restrictions on at least one function of the aerosol generating device 1 (e.g., heating function). For example, the authentication data may include the user's birthday, a unique phone number representing the user, and whether the user has completed authentication.

[0110] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can send data about the status of the aerosol generating device 1 (e.g., 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.

[0111] According to one embodiment, if a location search request for the aerosol generating device 1 is received from an external device via a communication link, the control unit 12 can control the output unit 14 to perform an operation corresponding to the location search. For example, the control unit 12 can control the tactile unit to vibrate, or control the display to output objects corresponding to the location search and the end of the search.

[0112] According to one embodiment, if firmware data is received from an external device via a communication link, the control unit 12 can perform a firmware update.

[0113] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can send data about the detection values ​​of at least one sensor unit 13 to an external server (not shown) via a communication link, and can receive and store a learning model generated by learning the detection values ​​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.

[0114] Although Figure 1 Although not shown, the aerosol generating device 1 may also include a power protection circuit. The power protection circuit may include at least one switching element and may disconnect the power supply 11 in response to overcharging and / or over-discharging. The aerosol generating device 1 may also include a connection interface such as a universal serial bus (USB) interface, and may be connected to other external devices via the connection interface to send and receive information or charge the power supply 11.

[0115] The aerosol generating article mentioned in this disclosure may include at least one aerosol generating rod (e.g., a medium section) and at least one filter rod. The heater 18 may be arranged corresponding to at least one aerosol generating rod and may be designed differently depending on the arrangement and / or position of the aerosol generating rod and the filter rod. The aerosol generating rod may contain at least one of nicotine, an aerosol generating substance, and additives. For example, the aerosol generating substance may contain glycerin (e.g., vegetable glycerin (VG)) and / or propylene glycol (PG), or may contain a variety of other substances. For example, the additive may contain flavoring agents and / or organic acids, or may contain a variety of other substances. For example, the aerosol generating rod may contain an aerosol generating substrate (e.g., a sheet) impregnated with a liquid non-tobacco substance (e.g., the aerosol generating substance and / or nicotine), and / or may contain solid tobacco substances (e.g., tobacco leaves, reconstituted tobacco, etc.). Tobacco substances can be contained in the aerosol generating rod in various forms such as shreds, granules, and powder. According to one embodiment, the additives in the aerosol generating rod may contain an alkaline substance. Based on the alkaline substance, the nicotine in the tobacco substances contained in the aerosol generating rod can have an alkaline pH value (e.g., pH 7.0 or higher). In this case, the aerosol generating rod can release free base nicotine even at lower temperatures. According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating rod may comprise two or more aerosol generating rods, and the two or more aerosol generating rods may each contain tobacco substances and / or non-tobacco substances. Additionally, although not shown, at least one aerosol generating rod and at least one filter rod may each be wrapped by at least one wrapper, and / or wrapped together by at least one wrapper. In this disclosure, the aerosol generating article may also be referred to as a stick.

[0116] 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 substances found in tobacco (including volatile tobacco flavor components) or a liquid containing non-tobacco substances. Additionally, the cartridge may include a storage section for containing the aerosol-generating substance and / or a liquid delivery member for impregnating (containing) the aerosol-generating substance. For example, the liquid delivery member may include a core material 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 member or in a structure contacting one side of the liquid delivery member. Alternatively, the cartridge heater 24 may also be included in an aerosol-generating device 1 that can be separated from the cartridge.

[0117] Figures 2a to 2h This is a diagram illustrating an aerosol generating apparatus according to various embodiments.

[0118] Reference Figure 2a According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating apparatus 1 may include at least one of a power supply 11, a control unit 12, a sensor 13, and a heater 18. At least one of the power supply 11, the control unit 12, the sensor 13, and the heater 18 may be disposed inside the body 10 of the aerosol generating apparatus 1.

[0119] The main body 10 may have an upwardly opening space for inserting a stick S (an aerosol-generating article or cigarette). This upwardly opening space may be referred to as an insertion space. The insertion space may be formed to be recessed into the interior of the main body 10 to a predetermined depth, allowing at least a portion of the stick S to be inserted. The depth of the insertion space may correspond to the length of the region in the stick S that includes the aerosol-generating substance and / or medium.

[0120] The lower end of the cigarette stick S can be inserted into the interior of the main body 10, and the upper end of the cigarette stick S can protrude outward from the main body 10. The user can put the exposed upper end of the cigarette stick S in their mouth and inhale the aerosol from the cigarette stick S.

[0121] Heater 18 can heat the tobacco stick S. Heater 18 can extend relatively long upwards into the space where the tobacco stick S is inserted. For example, heater 18 may include a tubular heating element, a plate heating element, a needle heating element, or a rod heating element. Heater 18 can be inserted into the lower part of the tobacco stick S. Heater 18 may include a resistance heater and / or an induction heater.

[0122] For example, refer to Figure 2aHeater 18 can be a resistance heater. For example, heater 18 includes a conductive track through which current flows, allowing heater 18 to be heated. Heater 18 can be electrically connected to power supply 11. Heater 18 can receive current from power supply 11 for direct heating.

[0123] For example, heater 18 can be multiple heaters. Heater 18 may include a first heater and a second heater. The first heater and the second heater may be arranged side by side along the length direction. The first heater and the second heater may be heated sequentially or simultaneously.

[0124] For example, refer to Figure 2b The aerosol generating apparatus 1 may include an induction coil 181 surrounding a heater 18. The induction coil 181 heats the heater 18. The heater 18, acting as a susceptor, is heated by the magnetic field generated by the alternating current (AC) flowing in the induction coil. The magnetic field penetrates the heater 18, thereby generating eddy currents within it. The current generates heat within the heater 18.

[0125] For example, refer to Figure 2c The cigarette stick S may include a sensor SS, which is heated by a magnetic field generated by an AC current flowing through the induction coil 181. The sensor SS, located inside the cigarette stick S, may not be electrically connected to the aerosol generating device 1. The sensor SS can be inserted into the insertion space along with the cigarette stick S and detached from the insertion space along with the cigarette stick S. The cigarette stick S can be heated by the sensor SS inside the cigarette stick S. In this case, an additional heater 18 may not be required in the aerosol generating device 1.

[0126] The power supply 11 can provide power to enable the components of the aerosol generating apparatus 1 to operate. The power supply 11 may be referred to as a battery. The power supply 11 can supply power to at least one of the control unit 12, sensor 13, and heater 18. When the aerosol generating apparatus 1 includes an induction coil 181, the power supply 11 can supply power to the induction coil 181.

[0127] The control unit 12 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1. The control unit 12 can be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The control unit 12 can control the operation of at least one of the power supply 11, sensor 13, heater 18, and cartridge 19. The control unit 12 can control the operation of the induction coil 181. The control unit 12 can control the operation of the display, motor, etc., installed on the aerosol generating device 1. The control unit 12 can determine whether the aerosol generating device 1 is in a working state by checking the state of each component of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0128] The control unit 12 can analyze the results sensed by the sensor 13 and control the subsequent processing. For example, the control unit 12 can control the current supplied to the heater 18 based on the results sensed by the sensor 13 to start or stop the operation of the heater 18. For example, the control unit 12 can control the amount of electricity supplied to the heater 18 and the power supply time based on the results sensed by the sensor 13, so that the heater 18 can be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature.

[0129] Sensor 13 may include at least one of a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, an insertion sensing sensor, a cigarette type identification sensor, and an acceleration sensor. For example, sensor 13 may sense at least one of the temperature of heater 18, the temperature of power supply 11, and the internal and external temperatures of the main body 10. For example, sensor 13 may sense the user's puff. For example, sensor 13 may use an insertion detection sensor implemented with a capacitive or inductive sensor to sense whether the cigarette stick S has been inserted into the insertion space. For example, sensor 13 may use a cigarette type identification sensor implemented with a capacitive or inductive sensor to identify the type of cigarette stick S. For example, sensor 13 may sense the movement of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0130] Reference Figure 2d The heater 18 can extend relatively far upward around the periphery of the space where the cigarette stick S is inserted. For example, the heater 18 can be a thin-film heater in the form of a tube with an internal cavity. The heater 18 can be disposed around the periphery of the insertion space. The heater 18 can be configured to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. The heater 18 is made of a resistance heater and can heat the exterior of the cigarette stick S inserted into the insertion space. However, the heater 18 is not limited to this and can also be implemented as an induction heater instead of a resistance heater.

[0131] Reference Figure 2e The aerosol generating apparatus 1 may include an induction coil 181 surrounding the heater 18. As described above, the description of the induction coil 181 will be omitted.

[0132] Reference Figure 2fThe aerosol generating device 1 may further include a cartridge 19. The cartridge 19 may contain an aerosol generating substance in any of the following states: liquid, solid, gaseous, or gel. The aerosol generating substance may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing tobacco substances containing volatile tobacco flavor components, or it may be a liquid containing non-tobacco substances. For example, the liquid composition may include water, solvents, ethanol, plant extracts, flavorings, fragrances, or vitamin mixtures. Flavorings may include, but are not limited to, menthol, peppermint oil, various fruit flavorings, etc. Fragrances may include ingredients capable of providing the user with multiple flavors or aromas. Vitamin mixtures may be, but are not limited to, a mixture of at least one of vitamins A, B, C, and E. Additionally, the liquid composition may include aerosol forming agents such as glycerin or propylene glycol.

[0133] The cartridge 19 can be integrally formed with the body 10 or detachably attached to the body 10. For example, the cartridge 19 can be installed on the body 10 by inserting it into the body 10. However, it is not limited to this and can also be fixed in a way that the user cannot remove.

[0134] The cartridge can be installed on the main body while containing aerosol-generating substances. Alternatively, aerosol-generating substances can be injected into the cartridge while it is attached to the main body.

[0135] Reference Figure 2g The smoke cartridge 19 is integrally formed with the main body 10 and can be connected to the insertion space through the airflow channel CN.

[0136] Reference Figure 2g A space is formed on one side of the main body 10, and at least a portion of the cartridge 19 is inserted into the space formed on the side of the main body 10 so that the cartridge 19 can be mounted on the main body 10. An airflow channel CN ​​may be defined by a portion of the cartridge 19 and / or a portion of the main body 10, and the cartridge 19 may communicate with the insertion space through the airflow channel CN.

[0137] In addition, such as Figure 2f The aerosol generating device 1 shown is illustrated with its components arranged in a row. Figure 2g The aerosol generating device 1 shown is illustrated with the cartridge 19 and heater 18 arranged side by side. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1 is not limited to that shown in the figure. In other words, the arrangement of the power supply 11, control unit 12, sensor 13, heater 18, and cartridge 19 can be changed depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0138] The main body 10 can be configured such that external gas can flow into the interior of the main body 10 when the cartridge 19 is inserted. At this time, the external gas flowing into the interior of the main body 10 can pass through the cartridge 19 and flow into the user's mouth.

[0139] The cartridge 19 may include: a storage section C0 containing aerosol-generating material; and / or a heater CH for heating the aerosol-generating material in the storage section C0. A liquid delivery device impregnated with (containing) the aerosol-generating material may be disposed inside the storage section C0. The liquid delivery device may include a core material such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic. The conductive track of the heater CH may be formed as a coil wound around the liquid delivery device or in contact with one side of the liquid delivery device. The heater CH may be referred to as the cartridge heater CH.

[0140] The cartridge 19 operates by receiving electrical or wireless signals from the main body 10, thereby enabling it to generate aerosols by converting the phase of the aerosol-generating substance inside the cartridge into a gaseous phase. Here, aerosol can refer to the vaporized particles generated by the aerosol-generating substance and the gaseous state resulting from the mixture of vaporized particles and air.

[0141] When the liquid delivery device and the liquid composition absorbed by it are heated by the cartridge heater CH, an aerosol can be generated. Alternatively, the aerosol can be generated by heating the tobacco stick S via heater 18. During the passage of the aerosol generated by the cartridge heater CH and heater 18 through the tobacco stick S, the aerosol may contain tobacco substances, which can be inhaled into the user's mouth through one end of the tobacco stick S.

[0142] The aerosol generating device 1 may only have a cartridge heater CH, and the main body 10 may not have a heater 18. In this case, the aerosol generated by the cartridge heater CH can carry tobacco substances and be inhaled into the user's mouth while passing through the tobacco stick S.

[0143] The aerosol generating device 1 may include a cover (not shown). The cover may be detachably coupled to the body 10 to cover at least a portion of the cartridge 19 coupled to the body 10. The stick S may pass through the cover and be inserted into the body 10.

[0144] The power supply 11 can supply power not only to the aforementioned components but also to the cartridge heater CH. The control unit 12 can control not only the aforementioned components but also the operation of the cartridge 19. The control unit 12 can control the power supply to the cartridge heater CH based on the results sensed by the sensor 13, thereby starting or stopping the operation of the cartridge heater CH and / or the heater 18. For example, the control unit 12 can control the amount and duration of power supplied to the cartridge heater CH based on the results sensed by the sensor 13, so that the cartridge heater CH is heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature.

[0145] In addition to the above-described components, sensor 13 also includes at least one of a color sensor, a cartridge sensing sensor, and a cap sensing sensor. For example, sensor 13 can sense the temperature of the cartridge heater CH. For example, sensor 13 can sense a portion of the color of the packaging paper surrounding the tobacco stick S. For example, sensor 13 can sense whether the cartridge 19 is installed. For example, sensor 13 can sense whether the cap is installed.

[0146] Reference Figure 2h A space is formed on one side of the main body 10, and at least a portion of the tobacco cartridge 19 is inserted into the space formed on one side of the main body 10 so that the tobacco cartridge 19 can be installed on the main body 10. In this case, only the tobacco cartridge heater CH may be provided, and no heater may be provided inside the main body 10 (e.g.: Figure 2f The heater 18 in the device (i.e., the aerosol generating device 1 has a cigarette stick S inserted into it, but the heater 18 does not directly heat the cigarette stick S (this refers to non-heating). However, when the hot aerosol generated in the cigarette cartridge heater CH passes through the cigarette stick, vapor may also be generated in the cigarette stick.

[0147] The aerosol (primary aerosol) generated by the cartridge heater CH may mix with tobacco substances as it passes through the tobacco stick S, and the high temperature of the aerosol may generate secondary aerosol within the tobacco stick S. This mixture of primary and secondary aerosols, containing tobacco substances, can pass through one end of the tobacco stick S and be inhaled into the user's mouth. Furthermore, the embodiment is not limited to omitting the heater 18. In other embodiments, the heater 18 can generate the aerosol by heating the tobacco stick S at a lower temperature (this refers to low-temperature heating).

[0148] The cartridge 19 can provide an upward-opening space (insertion space) for the insertion of the tobacco stick S. That is, in this embodiment, the insertion space can be provided by the cartridge 19 instead of the main body 10, and the tobacco stick S can be inserted into the interior of the cartridge 19. As described above, the details regarding the insertion space will be omitted.

[0149] The cartridge 19 can be configured such that external gas can flow into the interior of the cartridge 19 when it is inserted into the main body 10. After moving along the interior of the cartridge 19, the external gas can pass through the inserted tobacco stick S and flow towards the user's mouth. At this time, the airflow channel CN ​​can be defined by the cartridge, and the cartridge 19 can communicate with the insertion space through the airflow channel CN.

[0150] Although not shown, the aerosol generating device 1 can be combined with a separately provided bracket to form a system. For example, the bracket can be used to charge the power supply 11 of the aerosol generating device 1. In addition, when the bracket is combined with the aerosol generating device 1, the heater 18 can also be heated.

[0151] The cigarette stick S can be similar to a regular cigarette. For example, the cigarette stick S can be divided into a first part S1 containing aerosol-generating substances and a second part S2 including a filter, etc.

[0152] The first part S1 can be made of sheet material, strand material, or tobacco leaves obtained by cutting tobacco sheets into thin pieces. Additionally, the first part S1 can be surrounded by a heat-conducting material. For example, the heat-conducting material can be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but it is not limited to this. In the following text, the first part S1 may be referred to as the "medium section" or the "tobacco stem".

[0153] The second part S2 may be a cellulose acetate filter. The second part S2 may consist of at least one segment. For example, the second part S2 may include: a first segment for cooling the aerosol; and a second segment for filtering predetermined components contained within the aerosol. Hereinafter, the second part S2 may be referred to as a "filter".

[0154] According to an embodiment, the second part S2 of the cigarette stick S may also contain an aerosol-generating substance. For example, an aerosol-generating substance made in the form of granules or capsules may also be inserted into the second part S2.

[0155] The entire first part S1 can be inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, while the second part S2 can protrude to the outside. Alternatively, only a portion of the first part S1 can be inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, or both the entire first part S1 and a portion of the second part S2 can be inserted. The user can inhale the aerosol while holding the second part S2 in their mouth. In this case, the aerosol is generated by the passage of external air through the first part S1, and the generated aerosol is delivered to the user's mouth through the second part S2.

[0156] Figure 3 This is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0157] Reference Figure 3 The aerosol generating device includes a control unit 120, an output unit 140, a suction sensor 131, a memory 170, and a heater 180. (For comparison with reference...) Figure 1 The repeated parts illustrated in Figure 2 are omitted, and only the parts related to the additional suction function in the embodiment are described. Figure 3 The heater 180 shown can be adopted as a reference. Figure 1 The structure of heater 18 illustrated in Figure 2 may be modified in other ways.

[0158] Heater 180 heats at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article, which includes aerosol-generating substances.

[0159] Temperature profile of storage heater 180 in memory 170, and operating time of aerosol generation device.

[0160] The output unit 140 outputs a notification corresponding to the operating status of the aerosol generating device.

[0161] The suction sensor 131 senses the user's suction during the operation of the aerosol generating device.

[0162] The control unit 120 controls the output of notifications based on at least one of the operating time of the aerosol generating device and the predetermined number of suction cycles. Additionally, the control unit 120 controls the power supply to the heater 180.

[0163] In this embodiment, the control unit 120 determines the number of additional puffs to be provided beyond the predetermined number of puffs based on the time required to perform a predetermined number of puffs within a predetermined number of puffs. In this case, the control unit 120 controls the output unit 140 to output a notification corresponding to the determined number of additional puffs. For example, if the operation time of one smoking operation or one smoking series is 4 minutes and the predetermined number of puffs is 14, if the time required to perform 11 puffs is within 2 minutes and 30 seconds, additional puffs can be provided. That is, if 11 puffs are performed within 2 minutes and 30 seconds, the time required for each puff is approximately 15 seconds, and 5 puffs can be performed within the remaining operation time of 1 minute and 30 seconds (ending when the operation time is 4 minutes), so the number of additional puffs can be determined to be 2 puffs. Here, the case of calculating based on 11 puffs and calculating the average puff time before is described as an example, but it is not limited to this and various modifications can be made.

[0164] In an embodiment, if the time required to perform a predetermined number of suctions within a predetermined number of suctions is faster than a first critical time, the control unit 120 may determine the number of additional suctions. For example, if the time taken to perform 11 suctions is less than 2 minutes and 30 seconds, the number of additional suctions is determined; however, if it exceeds 2 minutes and 30 seconds, no additional suctions are provided, or only the minimum number of additional suctions, such as one suction, is provided.

[0165] In this embodiment, the control unit 120 calculates the average inhalation time based on the time required to complete a predetermined number of inhalations. Here, the average inhalation time refers to the cumulative average of the time taken to complete the user's inhalation and the time between inhalations (i.e., the time required until the next inhalation). For example, if the user inhales for 2 seconds and then begins inhaling again after 10 seconds, the inhalation time is 12 seconds. The average inhalation time is the time taken to average the inhalation time before 11 inhalations. The control unit 120 determines, based on the average inhalation time, the number of additional inhalations that can be performed during the remaining operating time (obtained by subtracting the required time from the operating time). For example, if the operating time is 4 minutes and the time required to complete 11 inhalations is 2 minutes and 12 seconds, the remaining operating time is 1 minute and 48 seconds. Therefore, with an average inhalation time of 12 seconds, approximately 8 inhalations can be performed. Thus, 5 additional inhalations are determined as the additional inhalation count, based on the predetermined number of inhalations (14 inhalations).

[0166] In this embodiment, the average aspiration time can be pre-calculated based on the cumulative use of the aerosol generating device. The pre-calculated average aspiration time is stored in the memory 170. In this embodiment, the control unit 120 can also determine the number of additional aspirations based on the average aspiration time stored in the memory 170.

[0167] In this embodiment, the aerosol generating device has multiple temperature profiles and operates in different modes based on each temperature profile. For example, the first mode supplies power to the heater 180 based on a temperature profile with a lower average temperature, while the second mode supplies power to the heater 180 based on a temperature profile with a higher average temperature. Furthermore, the different modes not only differ in average temperature but also in operating time. For example, the second mode may have a shorter operating time than the first mode.

[0168] In this embodiment, the control unit 120 determines different numbers of additional suctions based on each mode or each temperature profile. For example, if two additional suctions are provided in the first mode, one additional suction can be provided in the second mode. Furthermore, when determining the number of additional suctions, the control unit 120 can assign different weighting values ​​to each mode or assign weighting values ​​when a lower temperature profile is available.

[0169] In this embodiment, the control unit 120 controls the output unit 140 to output the remaining number of puffs, which varies according to a predetermined number of puffs. Furthermore, the control unit 120 controls the output unit 140 to output the number of additional puffs when an additional number of puffs is determined. Additionally, the control unit 120 controls the output unit 140 to output the final remaining number of puffs obtained by adding the remaining number of puffs and the additional number of puffs. For example, if the predetermined number of puffs is 14 puffs, the remaining number of puffs, such as 3 puffs, is output as the user puffs during one smoking operation or one smoking series. Then, if the additional number of puffs is determined to be 2 puffs, 2 additional puffs are output. Alternatively, 5 puffs, obtained by adding 2 additional puffs to 3 puffs, can also be output as the remaining number of puffs. Therefore, the aerosol generating device of the embodiment not only does not deviate from the specifications for each user, but also allows users to easily confirm information about additional suction times and remaining suction times, thereby increasing user confidence in the device.

[0170] In this embodiment, the control unit 120 determines the number of additional suctions during the operation of the aerosol generating device based on the minimum amount of aerosol-generating material transferred according to the user's suction.

[0171] In general, when considering nicotine, the main component of tobacco flavor that affects smoking satisfaction, it tends to decrease in proportion to the user's inhalation amount, rather than the amount produced by the inhalation, in relation to the heater's operating time, i.e., the heating time. Figure 4 The study showed that the amount of nicotine transferred varied with the number of inhalations, increasing and then gradually decreasing with each inhalation. Here, with an inhalation time of 2 seconds and an interval of 16 seconds per inhalation, approximately 3 minutes and 55 seconds were required to complete 14 inhalations. That is, within the operating time of the aerosol generating device (4 minutes), the minimum amount of nicotine transferred up to 14 inhalations could be achieved, for example, 0.04 mg.

[0172] In the embodiments, this can be manifested as follows: Based on the above experimental results, compared to the inhalation intensity or inhalation volume, the determination of whether to provide additional inhalation and the number of additional inhalations is based primarily on the heating time of the heater, i.e., the operating time of the aerosol generating device, so that even if additional inhalation is provided, the minimum amount of nicotine transferred can be met. For example, as Figure 4As shown, the device can be designed such that even if 1 to 3 additional puffs are provided on top of the 14 puffs within a 4-minute operating time, the number of additional puffs can be determined based on the time required to complete a predetermined number of puffs, such as 11 puffs, or the remaining operating time, to ensure that the minimum nicotine transfer is met within the heating time of the heater or the operating time of the aerosol generator. Therefore, the aerosol generator of the embodiment, even when providing additional puffs on top of the predetermined number of puffs, does not interfere with the user's perception of the smoke, providing the user with a sufficient number of puffs. Furthermore, the aerosol generator of the embodiment does not increase the operating time, thus providing the user with a satisfactory number of additional puff opportunities without additional battery consumption, thereby increasing the user's confidence in the device.

[0173] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating a control method for an aerosol generating apparatus according to yet another embodiment.

[0174] Reference Figure 5 In step 500, the operation of the aerosol generating device is started, and one smoking operation or one smoking series is performed. Here, the operation of the aerosol generating device can be started when the user inserts the aerosol generating article into the aerosol generating device and presses the start or power button, or inserts the aerosol generating article.

[0175] In step 502, the time required to complete a predetermined number of puffs within a predetermined number of puffs is determined. The aerosol generating device sets the operation time and predetermined number of puffs for a single smoking operation or a single smoking series. For example, the operation time can be limited to 4 minutes and the number of puffs to 14, but it is not limited to these. The predetermined number of puffs can be set arbitrarily, but the determination can be based on the number of puffs in the middle or the latter half of the predetermined number of puffs. For example, the determination can be based on the time required to reach 11 puffs out of all 14 puffs or the remaining time. In addition, the aerosol generating device can inform the user of the remaining number of puffs or the imminent termination before terminating the number of puffs in a single smoking series. The determination of additional puffs can also be based on this time point or the puffing time point. Here, a predetermined number of puffs has been used as an example, but it is not limited to this, and various modifications can be implemented.

[0176] In step 504, the aerosol generating device determines the number of additional pumping operations based on the required time. That is, the number of additional pumping operations that can be provided during the remaining time can be calculated based on the average pumping time up to that point.

[0177] In step 506, the aerosol generating device outputs a notification corresponding to the determined number of additional suctions. Here, in step 504, the calculated number of additional suctions is output, and in step 502, the remaining number of suctions, reflecting the number of suctions obtained by subtracting the number of suctions performed from the predetermined number of suctions, and the final remaining number of suctions for the additional suctions, is output.

[0178] In step 508, the aerosol generating device operates based on the additional number of suction cycles as a new operation termination condition. Furthermore, when the new operation condition is met—either the additional suction cycles have been completed or the operation time has elapsed—the operation of the aerosol generating device terminates.

[0179] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of providing additional suction in yet another embodiment.

[0180] Reference Figure 6 In step 600, the operation of the aerosol generating device is started.

[0181] In step 601, the aerosol generating device determines whether the operation termination condition is met. Here, the operation termination condition includes at least one of a predetermined number of aspirations and a predetermined operation time.

[0182] In step 602, the aerosol generating device determines whether the predetermined number of suctions has been reached during the operation. If the predetermined number of suctions has been reached in step 602, in step 604, it is determined whether additional suction can be provided during the remaining time period, based on the time it took to reach the predetermined number of suctions.

[0183] In step 604, if additional suction cannot be provided, the aerosol generating apparatus returns to step 600. Alternatively, if selective additional suction cannot be provided, the apparatus returns to step 600 after a minimum additional suction, such as one suction.

[0184] In step 604, if additional suction is available, the aerosol generating device calculates the number of additional suctions in step 606. The number of additional suctions is determined by calculating how many suctions can be performed within the remaining operating time, based on the previous average suction time. Alternatively, the previous average suction time can be used as the time to accumulate and store the user's cumulative average suction time for the entire usage time of the aerosol generating device. Furthermore, adjustments can be made by adding data reflecting the user's suction characteristics to the user's average suction time. For example, suction intensity or suction volume can be used as a weighting value to reflect the average suction time.

[0185] In step 608, the aerosol generating device changes the operation termination condition, which includes the remaining number of suctions. That is, the operation termination condition in step 601, which is the predetermined number of suctions, is changed to reflect the additional suctions calculated in step 606.

[0186] In step 610, the aerosol generating device outputs a notification corresponding to the additional number of suctions and / or the remaining number of suctions. Figure 7 and Figure 8 This is an example diagram illustrating the output of another embodiment regarding the provision of additional suction-based user notifications. As an example of an output unit, a display screen is illustrated, but of course, it could also be a visual unit, an auditory unit, a tactile unit, or other user notifications, and various forms of notifications can be provided.

[0187] Reference Figure 7 The display screen (710 to 740) in the first mode is shown. First, the remaining number of suctions (3) is output to the display screen 710. When there are 3 suctions remaining (i.e., when 11 suctions are reached), the aerosol generating device can perform the additional suction count calculation process in steps 602 to 606. The aerosol generating device outputs the additional suction count (+2) to the display screen 720. Then, the aerosol generating device outputs the final remaining suction count (5) obtained by adding the additional suction count (+2) to the display screen 730. Next, the user's suction is performed, and the remaining suction count (3) is output to the display screen 740 to inform the user that there are 3 suctions remaining until the aerosol generating device terminates the operation.

[0188] Reference Figure 8 The illustration shows the reference. Figure 7 The display screens (810 to 840) in the second mode, which differs from the first mode, are as follows: First, the remaining number of suctions (3) is output to the display screen 810. When there are 3 suctions remaining (i.e., when 11 suctions have been reached), the aerosol generating device performs the additional suction count calculation process in steps 602 to 606. The aerosol generating device outputs an additional suction count (+1) to the display screen 820. Here, in the aerosol generating device, the user calculates different additional suction counts according to each predetermined mode. Furthermore, the aerosol generating device outputs the final remaining suction count 4, obtained by adding the additional suction count (+1), to the display screen 830. Next, the user performs suction, and the remaining suction count 3 is output to the display screen 840, informing the user that there are 3 suctions remaining before the aerosol generating device terminates operation.

[0189] As per step 610 and Figure 7 and Figure 8As explained, the aerosol generating device in the embodiment does not provide additional suction based on the user's suction intensity or inhalation intensity. Instead, it determines the additional suction to be provided based on the time required to reach a predetermined number of suctions, and then outputs the number of additional suctions and the final number of remaining suctions. This not only reduces the deviation in providing additional suction based on each user, but also allows the user to easily confirm the additional suction to be provided.

[0190] Returning to step 600, the remaining operation of the aerosol generating device is performed. In step 601, the aerosol generating device terminates its operation if the changed operation termination condition is met, i.e., all suction times, including additional suction times, have been performed.

[0191] The embodiments of this disclosure described above, or other embodiments, are not mutually exclusive or distinct from each other. The constituent elements or functions of the embodiments of this disclosure described above, or other embodiments, can be used together or combined with each other.

[0192] For example, this means that component A illustrated in a particular embodiment and / or drawing can be combined with component B illustrated in other embodiments and / or drawings. That is, this means that even if the combination between components is not directly described, they can be combined except where it is stated that combination is impossible.

[0193] The detailed description above should be considered exemplary in all respects and not construed as restrictive. The scope of the invention should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the invention are included within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating apparatus, comprising: A heater that heats at least a portion of an aerosol-generating article comprising aerosol-generating material; The storage unit stores the temperature profile of the aforementioned heater and the operating time of the aforementioned aerosol generating device. The output unit outputs notifications corresponding to the operating status of the aforementioned aerosol generating device. A suction sensor that senses the user's suction during the aforementioned operation time; and The control unit controls the output of the notification based on at least one of the aforementioned operating time and the predetermined number of suction cycles, and controls the power supply to the heater in accordance with the aforementioned temperature curve. The control unit controls the additional number of suctions provided on top of the predetermined number of suctions, based on the time required to perform a predetermined number of suctions within the predetermined number of suctions, and causes the output unit to output a notification corresponding to the determined additional number of suctions.

2. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, If the time required to complete the predetermined number of suctions within the aforementioned predetermined number of suctions is faster than the first critical time, the control unit determines the additional number of suctions.

3. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The control unit calculates the average suction time based on the time required to perform the specified number of suctions, and determines the additional suction times based on the remaining operating time obtained by subtracting the required time from the operating time, the predetermined number of suctions, and the average suction time.

4. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, The above average inhalation time is a cumulative average that includes the user's inhalation time and the inhalation interval.

5. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, The aforementioned storage unit stores the average suction time calculated in advance based on the cumulative use of the aforementioned aerosol generating device. The control unit determines the number of additional suctions based on the average suction time stored in the storage unit.

6. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, There are multiple temperature curves mentioned above. The control unit determines the number of additional suction cycles to be different based on each temperature curve.

7. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 6, wherein, The above temperature curves include: A first mode controls the power supply to the heater based on a first temperature curve having a first average temperature; and The second mode controls the power supply to the heater based on a second temperature curve that has a second average temperature higher than the first average temperature. Given the number of additional suctions, the control unit prioritizes assigning a weighted value to the first mode over the second mode.

8. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit controls the output unit to output the remaining number of suctions, which varies according to the predetermined number of suctions.

9. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 8, wherein, The control unit controls the output unit to output the determined number of additional suctions when the number of additional suctions is determined.

10. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 9, wherein, The control unit controls the output unit to output the final remaining number of suctions, which is obtained by adding the remaining suction count and the determined additional suction count.

11. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit determines the number of additional suctions during the operation period based on the minimum amount of aerosol-generating substances that change according to the user's suction.

12. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit determines the number of additional suctions based on the intensity of the user's suction during the aforementioned operation time.

13. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, If the time required to complete the predetermined number of suctions within the aforementioned predetermined number of suctions is slower than the first critical time, the control unit will determine the additional number of suctions to be the minimum.

14. A method for controlling an aerosol generating device, comprising the following steps: Determine the time required to complete the prescribed number of suctions within the predetermined number of suctions; The additional number of suctions provided, based on the aforementioned required time, is determined in addition to the predetermined number of suctions; and The control outputs a notification corresponding to the number of additional suctions determined above.

15. A recording medium that records a program for causing a computer to execute a control method for an aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 14.

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