Method for determining change in susceptor and aerosol-generating device for performing method thereof

Abstract

A method of determining whether a susceptor has changed according to an embodiment may include the following operations: applying a first signal to a coil of a heater to generate an alternating magnetic field having a first frequency; determining a first value of an electrical characteristic of the susceptor indicated by the first signal; applying a second signal to a coil of the heater to generate an alternating magnetic field having a second frequency; determining a second value of an electrical characteristic of the susceptor indicated by the second signal; and determining whether the susceptor is a changed susceptor based on the first value and the second value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The following embodiments relate to a technique for controlling an aerosol generating apparatus, and more specifically, to a technique for controlling an aerosol generating apparatus that uses induction heating to heat an aerosol generating article. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, the demand for e-cigarette devices has been steadily increasing. Furthermore, this growing demand has accelerated the continuous development of related functions. In particular, functions specific to the types and characteristics of e-cigarette devices are being developed continuously.

[0003] Typically, in order to heat cigarettes using induction heating, electronic cigarettes use a coil to generate an alternating magnetic field, which in turn generates eddy currents in a sensor near the cigarette. The eddy currents generated in the sensor can raise the temperature of the sensor. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Technical problems to be solved One embodiment may provide an aerosol generating apparatus that determines whether a receptor located within the aerosol generating apparatus is different from a previous receptor.

[0005] One embodiment may provide an aerosol generating apparatus in which a signal applied to a coil of a heater is controlled by obtaining the control characteristics of a sensor located within the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0006] However, technical problems are not limited to those mentioned above; other technical problems may also exist.

[0007] Technical methods for solving problems A method for determining a change in a receptor according to one embodiment may include the following operations: applying a first signal to a coil of a heater to generate an alternating magnetic field having a first frequency; determining a first value of an electrical characteristic of a receptor indicated by the first signal; applying a second signal to the coil of the heater to generate an alternating magnetic field having a second frequency; determining a second value of an electrical characteristic of a receptor indicated by the second signal; and determining whether the receptor is a changed receptor based on the first value and the second value.

[0008] An aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment includes: a coil configured to generate an alternating magnetic field; and a control unit configured to control the aerosol generating apparatus, wherein the control unit is configured to perform the following operations: applying a first signal to the coil to generate an alternating magnetic field having a first frequency; determining a first value of an electrical characteristic of a sensor indicated by the first signal; applying a second signal to the coil to generate an alternating magnetic field having a second frequency; determining a second value of an electrical characteristic of the sensor indicated by the second signal; and determining whether the sensor is a modified sensor based on the first value and the second value.

[0009] Invention Effects According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating apparatus may be provided that acquires the electrical characteristics of a sensor coupled to the aerosol generating apparatus to determine whether the sensor has been altered.

[0010] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating apparatus may be provided, wherein when the sensor coupled to the aerosol generating apparatus is different from a previous sensor, the apparatus controls the signal applied to the coil of the heater based on the control characteristics of the new sensor. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 4 This is a front perspective view showing an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view showing the upper housing and main body of an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, after disassembly.

[0016] Figure 6 This is an exploded cross-sectional view showing the upper housing, main body, and heater support of an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view showing the coupling of the upper housing, main body, and heater support of an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 8This is a cross-sectional view showing the heater support of an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 9 This is a block diagram illustrating an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for determining whether a receptor is a modified receptor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 11 The diagram illustrates the eddy current trajectory in a receptor, expressed as a signal frequency, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for acquiring control characteristics of a sensor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for determining whether a target time point in a first temperature curve represents a modified receptor, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 14 A first temperature profile and a target time point are shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 15 The signal is shown as applied to the coil of the heater based on a first temperature profile according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 16 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a signal applied to the coil of a heater according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 17 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a signal applied to a coil of a heater according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 18 The diagram shows the power consumed by the coil of a heater according to an embodiment of the present disclosure and the threshold power.

[0029] Figure 19 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for acquiring control characteristics of a receptor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 20 The temperature change of the sensor is shown when a calibration signal is applied according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Identical or similar constituent elements will be given the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0032] The suffixes “module” and “section” used for constituent elements in the following description are given or used interchangeably for the convenience of describing the instruction manual, and do not have different meanings or functions in themselves.

[0033] Furthermore, in describing the embodiments, detailed descriptions of relevant well-known technologies are omitted when it is determined that such detailed descriptions would unnecessarily obscure the embodiments. Additionally, the accompanying drawings are only for facilitating understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification; the technical ideas disclosed in this specification are not limited thereto, but should be understood to include all variations, equivalents, or substitutions within the scope of the ideas and techniques of this disclosure.

[0034] Terms such as "first" or "second," which include ordinal numbers, can be used to describe multiple constituent elements; however, the constituent elements are not limited by the terms used. These terms are used only to distinguish one constituent element from others.

[0035] When it is stated that a component is "connected" or "coupled" to another component, it can be understood as the component being directly connected to or attached to the other component; however, it can also be understood as the presence of other components between them. Conversely, when it is stated that a component is "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another component, it can be understood as the absence of other components between them.

[0036] Unless otherwise specified in the text, singular expressions include plural meanings.

[0037] Figures 1 to 3 An aerosol generating apparatus according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0038] Reference Figure 1According to an embodiment of this 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, control unit 12, sensor 13, and heater 18 may be arranged inside the body 10 of the aerosol generating apparatus 1. The body 10 may provide an upwardly opening space for insertion of a cigarette stick S, which serves as an aerosol generating article. This upwardly opening space may be referred to as the internal space. The internal space may be recessed to a certain depth toward the interior of the body 10 to allow at least a portion of the cigarette stick S to be inserted. The depth of the insertion space may correspond to the length of the region in the cigarette stick S that includes the aerosol generating substance and / or medium. The lower end of the cigarette stick S may be inserted into the body 10, while the upper end of the cigarette stick S may protrude to the outside of the body 10. The user may hold the exposed upper end of the cigarette stick S in their mouth and inhale air.

[0039] Heater 18 can heat the tobacco stick S. Heater 18 can extend relatively long upwards in the space where the tobacco stick S is inserted. As an 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.

[0040] For example, refer to Figure 1 Heater 18 may be a resistance heater. For example, heater 18 may include an electrical conduction track, and heater 18 may be heated when current flows through the electrical conduction track. Heater 18 may be electrically connected to power supply 11. Heater 18 may receive current from power supply 11 and generate heat directly.

[0041] For example, heater 18 can be multiple heaters. Heater 18 may include a first heater 18A and a second heater 18B. The first heater 18A and the second heater 18B may be arranged side by side along the length direction. The first heater 18A and the second heater 18B may be heated sequentially or simultaneously.

[0042] For example, refer to Figure 2 The aerosol generating apparatus 1 may include an induction coil 181 surrounding a heater 18. The induction coil 181 can cause the heater 18 to heat up. The heater 18, acting as a susceptor, can heat up based on the magnetic field generated by the alternating current passing through the induction coil 181. The magnetic field can penetrate the heater 18 and generate eddy currents within the heater 18. The current can cause the heater 18 to heat up.

[0043] For example, refer to Figure 3The cigarette stick S may include a sensor SS, which generates heat through a magnetic field produced by an alternating current flowing through the induction coil 181. The sensor SS may be disposed inside the cigarette stick S and is not electrically connected to the aerosol generating device 1. The sensor SS may be inserted into the insertion space along with the cigarette stick S, or may be removed from the insertion space along with the cigarette stick S. The cigarette stick S may be heated by the sensor SS disposed inside the cigarette stick S. In this case, the aerosol generating device 1 may not have a heater 18.

[0044] Power source 11 supplies the electrical power required for the operation of the components of aerosol generating device 1. Power source 11 may be referred to as a battery. Power source 11 can supply power to at least one of control unit 12, sensor 13, and heater 18. Power source 11 can supply power to induction coil 181.

[0045] The control unit 12 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1. The control unit 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, and heater 18. 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 in the aerosol generating device 1. The control unit 12 can check the status of each component of the aerosol generating device 1 to determine whether the aerosol generating device 1 is in an operational state.

[0046] The control unit 12 can analyze the detection results of the sensor 13 and control subsequent processes. For example, the control unit 12 can control the power supplied to the heater 18 based on the detection results of the sensor 13, thereby starting and stopping the heater 18. For example, the control unit 12 can control the amount of power supplied to the heater 18 and the power supply time based on the detection results of the sensor 13, so that the heater 18 heats to a predetermined temperature or maintains a suitable temperature.

[0047] Sensor 13 may include at least one of a temperature sensor, a suction sensor, an insertion detection sensor, and an acceleration sensor. For example, sensor 13 may detect at least one of the temperature of heater 18, the temperature of power supply 11, and the internal and external temperatures of body 10. For example, sensor 13 may sense the user's puff. For example, sensor 13 may sense whether the cigarette stick S is inserted into the insertion space. For example, sensor 13 may sense the movement of aerosol generating device 1.

[0048] Figure 4 This is a front perspective view showing an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] Reference Figure 4 Aerosol generating devices (e.g., Figures 1 to 3The upper housing 40 of the aerosol generating device 1) can be detachably coupled to the main body 10. The upper housing 40 can be connected to the upper side of the main body 10. The upper housing 40 can cover the upper periphery of the main body 10. The upper housing 40 may include an insertion hole 44. The cigarette stick S can be inserted into the insertion hole 44. The upper housing 40 may include a cover 45 for opening and closing the insertion hole 44. The cover 45 can slide laterally to open and close the insertion hole 44.

[0050] The upper housing 40 may include upper housing wings 42. The upper housing wings 42 may extend downward from both sides of the upper housing. The upper housing wings 42 may be referred to as upper housing grips 42.

[0051] The main body 10 may include main body wings 16. Main body wings 16 may extend upward from the upper edge of the main body 10. The main body wings 16 may be formed as a pair facing each other with the upper part of the main body 10 as the center. The main body wings 16 may be formed at a position offset from the upper shell wing 42.

[0052] When the upper housing 40 is coupled to the main body 10, the upper housing 40 can form the upper appearance of the aerosol generating device. When the upper housing 40 is coupled to the main body 10, the main body wing 16 can cover the side portion of the upper housing 40 exposed between the upper housing wings 42. When the upper housing 40 is coupled to the main body 10, the upper housing wings 42 can cover the outer side wall of the main body 10.

[0053] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view showing the upper housing and main body of an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, after disassembly.

[0054] Reference Figure 5 An aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one of a battery A101, a control unit A102, and a sensor A103. At least one of the battery A101, control unit A102, and sensor A103 may be disposed inside the main body A10 of the aerosol generating apparatus. The features of the battery A101, control unit A102, and sensor A103 may be as described above. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The battery 101, control unit 102 and sensor 103 are applied in the same manner.

[0055] The main body A10 may have tubes A11 and A12 forming a first insertion space A14. The first insertion space A14 may be formed on the upper part of the main body A10. The first insertion space A14 may open upward. The first insertion space A14 may be a vertically extending cylinder. The first sidewall A11 of tubes A11 and A12 may surround the side of the first insertion space A14. The first flange A12 of tubes A11 and A12 may cover the lower part of the first insertion space A14.

[0056] The extractor A20 may have a second insertion space A24 inside it. The second insertion space A24 may open towards the upper side of the extractor A20. The second insertion space A24 may be a vertically extending cylinder. The second sidewall A21 of the extractor A20 may surround the side of the second insertion space A24. The second flange A22 of the extractor A20 may cover the lower part of the second insertion space A24. A through hole A23 may be formed through an opening at the center of the second flange A22.

[0057] Figure 6 This is an exploded cross-sectional view showing the upper housing C40 (e.g., upper housing 40), the main body C10 (e.g., main body 10), and the heater support C20 of an aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view showing the coupling of the upper housing C40, the main body C10 and the heater support C20 of an aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view showing the heater support C20 of an aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0058] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 The main body C10 may have a vertically extending shape. A first insertion space C14 may be provided inside the main body C10. The first insertion space C14 may open upwards. The first insertion space C14 may be a vertically extending cylinder. The first insertion space C14 may be defined by a main tube C11 formed inside the main body C10. The main tube C11 may include a lateral wall C111 surrounding the first insertion space C14 and a bottom wall C112 covering the bottom of the first insertion space C14.

[0059] The heater holder C20 and extractor C30 are detachably inserted into the first insertion space C14. The tube C20' may include a vertically extending sidewall C21 and a bottom wall C22 formed at the lower end of the sidewall C21. The bottom wall C22 of the tube C20' may be referred to as the bottom or base. The bottom wall C22 of the tube C20' may form the bottom of the heater holder C20. The heater C50 (e.g., heater 18) may be coupled or secured to the heater holder C20.

[0060] The sidewall C21 of the heater bracket C20 and the sidewall C31 of the extractor C30 can together define a second insertion space C24 that opens upwards. The sidewall C21 of the heater bracket C20 and the sidewall C31 of the extractor C30 can each cover at least one side of the second insertion space C24. The sidewall C21 of the heater bracket C20 and the sidewall C31 of the extractor C30 can together form the periphery of the second insertion space C24.

[0061] The sidewall C31 of the extractor C30 can extend vertically. The sidewalls C21 of the heater bracket C20 and C31 of the extractor C30 can each be based on a radial distance equal to the center-to-center distance of the second insertion space C24. Both the sidewalls C21 of the heater bracket C20 and C31 of the extractor C30 can be located on the same circumferential extension line of the second insertion space C24. Both the sidewalls C21 of the heater bracket C20 and C31 of the extractor C30 can be bent and extended along the circumference of the second insertion space C24.

[0062] Multiple sidewalls C21 of the heater support C20 can be arranged around the circumference of the bottom wall C22 of the heater support C20. A vertically extending first slit C214 can be formed between the multiple sidewalls C21 of the heater support C20. The multiple sidewalls C21 and the multiple first slits C214 of the heater support C20 can be arranged alternately along the circumference of the second insertion space C24.

[0063] Multiple sidewalls C31 of the extractor C30 can be arranged along the circumference of the bottom wall C32 of the extractor C30. Vertically extending second slits C314 can be formed between the multiple sidewalls C31 of the extractor C30. The multiple sidewalls C31 and the multiple second slits C314 of the extractor C30 can be alternately arranged along the circumference of the second insertion space C24.

[0064] Extractor C30 can be inserted into heater bracket C20. When extractor C30 is inserted into heater bracket C20, sidewall C21 of heater bracket C20 can be located in second slit C314, and sidewall C31 of extractor C30 can be located in first slit C214.

[0065] Thus, the sidewall C21 of the heater support C20 and the sidewall C31 of the extractor C30 can form a second insertion space C24. Furthermore, by reducing the wall thickness between the induction coil C15 (e.g., induction coil 181) and the heater C50, the heating efficiency of the heater C50 can be improved.

[0066] The lower end of the cigarette rod S can be inserted into the second insertion space C24, and its upper end can protrude outside the aerosol generating device 1. The heater C50 can heat the first insertion space C14 and the second insertion space C24. The heater C50 can heat the cigarette rod S inserted into the second insertion space C24.

[0067] The lower end of heater C50 can be fixed to the bottom wall C22 of tube C20'. Heater C50 can extend toward the opening of the second insertion space C24. For example, heater C50 can be formed as a cylinder with its upper end protruding upward. In another example, heater C50 can have a circumferentially extending shape and can be connected to the side wall C21 of heater support C20. However, this is just an example, and the shape of heater C50 is not limited to the shape described above or illustrated, and can be any shape capable of heating the cigarette rod S inserted into the second insertion space C24 by coupling with heater support C20. Heater support C20 can be formed in heater C50 by embedding injection molding.

[0068] A through hole C35 can be formed by opening an opening in the bottom wall C32 of the extractor C30. The through hole C35 can be vertically oriented. When the extractor C30 is inserted into the heater bracket C20, the heater C50 can pass through the through hole C35 and protrude into the second insertion space C24. When the tobacco stick S is inserted into the second insertion space C24, the heater C50 can be inserted into the lower part of the tobacco stick S.

[0069] An induction coil C15 may surround the first insertion space C14. The induction coil C15 may be wound around the side wall C111 of the main tube C11. For example, the induction coil C15 can cause the heater C50 to heat up. In another example, the heater C50 may be directly electrically connected to a power source via terminals formed in the heater support C20 and may be powered to generate heat.

[0070] Therefore, the heater C50 can be easily replaced. The size of the insertion spaces C14, C24 and the heater C50 located in the insertion spaces C14, C24 may be very small and difficult to replace, but the user can easily replace the heater C50 by separating the heater bracket C20 from the aerosol generating device 1 and inserting the new heater bracket C20 into the aerosol generating device 1.

[0071] Furthermore, the tobacco stick S can be easily separated from the heater C50. The user can easily separate the tobacco stick S from the heater C50 by separating the extractor C30 and the heater holder C20 from each other. The tobacco stick S, inserted inside the extractor C30, can be more easily separated from the extractor C30 by separating it from the heater C50. Even if the extractor C30 and the heater holder C20 are not separated from each other, the tobacco stick S can still be separated.

[0072] Furthermore, foreign matter generated by the tobacco stick S can be extracted by the extractor C30 without remaining around the heater C50 and heater support C20. Therefore, cleaning of the aerosol generating device 1 around the heater C50 becomes easier and management convenience is improved. In addition, factors that might degrade the performance of the heater C50 are reduced, increasing its durability and extending its replacement cycle. Furthermore, factors that might alter the taste of the tobacco stick S are also reduced.

[0073] The heater support C20 can be positioned between the main body C10 and the extractor C30. The side wall C111 of the main body tube C11 can surround the side wall C21 of the heater support C20 and the side wall C31 of the extractor C30. The bottom wall C112 of the main body tube C11 can face the bottom wall C22 of the heater support C20. The bottom wall C22 of the heater support C20 can face the bottom wall C32 of the extractor C30.

[0074] The bottom wall C32 of the extractor C30 can be spaced upward from the bottom wall C22 of the heater bracket C20. Air can flow between the extractor C30 and the heater bracket C20 and, after passing through the through hole C35, be delivered to the cigarette stick S inserted into the second insertion space C24.

[0075] The top wall C12 of the main body C10 can extend horizontally outward from the upper end of the main tube C11. The outer lateral wall C13 of the main body C10 can extend downward from the outer end of the top wall C12 of the main body C10. The induction coil C15 can be disposed between the main tube C11 and the outer lateral wall C13 of the main body C10.

[0076] The upper housing C40 is detachably connected to the main body C10. The upper housing C40 can be coupled to the upper side of the main body C10. The upper housing C40 can cover the periphery of the first insertion space C14 and the upper periphery of the main body C10. The upper housing C40 may be provided with an insertion hole C44 (e.g., insertion hole 44). A cigarette stick S can be inserted into the insertion hole C44. The upper housing C40 may include a cover C45 (e.g., cover 45) for opening and closing the insertion hole C44. The cover C45 can slide laterally to open and close the insertion hole C44. A heater bracket C20 can be disposed between the main body C10 and the upper housing C40.

[0077] Extractor C30 can be connected to upper housing C40. The upper end of extractor C30 can be connected to upper housing C40, and its lower end can protrude downwards from the upper housing C40. Extractor C30 can be connected to a position corresponding to insertion hole C44. Insertion hole C44 can be located above the second insertion space C24. Insertion hole C44 allows the second insertion space C24 to communicate with the outside of aerosol generating device 1.

[0078] When the upper housing C40 is connected to the main body C10, the upper housing C40 can form the upper appearance of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0079] Therefore, the user can more easily separate the extractor C30 from the main body C10. The user can separate the extractor C30 by holding the outside of the upper housing C40 and separating the upper housing C40 from the main body C10, without having to forcefully grasp the extractor C30 inserted into the second insertion space C24.

[0080] The heater bracket C20 may include an extension C23. The extension C23 may be formed at the upper end of the heater bracket C20. The extension C23 may extend outward in a horizontal direction from the upper end of the tube C20'. The extension C23 may be referred to as a heater bracket extension.

[0081] The heater bracket C20 may include heater bracket wings C26. The heater bracket wings C26 may extend downward from both ends of the extension C23.

[0082] The extension C23 may have a shape corresponding to the top wall C12 of the main body C10. The shape of the heater support wing C26 may correspond to the outer wall C13 of the main body C10. When the tube C20' is inserted into the first insertion space C14, the extension C23 may be supported or fixed on the top wall C12 of the main body C10, and the heater support wing C26 may face or contact the outer wall C13 of the main body C10.

[0083] The top wall C12 of the main body C10 can support the extension C23, and the extension C23 can support the tube C20'. The tube C20' can be suspended from the extension C23 and spaced upward from the bottom wall C112 of the main body tube C11 to form an air gap. The side wall C21 of the tube C20' and the side wall C31 of the extractor C30 can be spaced inward from the side wall C111 of the main body tube C11 to form an air gap.

[0084] The extension C23 may have a shape corresponding to the bottom surface of the upper housing C40. When the upper housing C40 is attached to the main body C10 and the extractor C30 is inserted into the tube C20', the extension C23 may contact the bottom surface of the upper housing C40.

[0085] Coupling members may be provided in the upper housing C40, the extension C23, and the main body C10. Each coupling member may be disposed within the upper housing C40, the extension C23, and the main body C10, such that the upper housing C40, the extension C23, and the main body C10 are adjacent to each other while being coupled. The heater support C20 may be detachably coupled to the upper housing C40 and / or the extractor C30 via each coupling member. For example, each coupling member may include at least one of a protrusion and a corresponding groove. However, each coupling member is not limited to this, and any structure that allows the heater support C20 to be detachably coupled to the upper housing C40 and / or the extractor C30 is feasible.

[0086] Therefore, the user can selectively couple the heater bracket C20 to either the body C10 or the extractor C30 side while separating the upper housing C40 and / or the extractor C30 from the body C10. Furthermore, the upper housing C40 and / or the extractor C30 can be coupled to the body C10 more easily and stably.

[0087] The sidewall C21 of tube C20' and the sidewall C31 of extractor C30 can be spaced inward from the sidewall C111 of main tube C11 to form an air gap. Heater C50 can be surrounded by extractor C30 and tube C20'.

[0088] Therefore, the heat generated by the heater C50 and transferred to the main tube C11 through the tube C20' and extractor C30 can be reduced, thereby reducing the overheating of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0089] The upper housing C40 can be separated from the main body C10. The heater bracket C20 can be detachably connected to the upper housing C40. The heater bracket C20 can be detachably connected to the upper housing C40 by magnetic connection, screw connection, snap-fit ​​connection, etc.

[0090] When the upper housing C40 is separated from the main body C10, the heater bracket C20 can be separated from the main body C10 together with the upper housing C40 while still being coupled to the upper housing C40. When the upper housing C40 with the heater bracket C20 connected to it is separated from the main body C10, the heater bracket C20 can also be separated from the upper housing C40.

[0091] As another example, the heater bracket C20 can be detachably connected to the extractor C30. When the extractor C30 is separated from the body C10, the heater bracket C20 can be detached from the body C10 together with the extractor C30 while still coupled to it. When the extractor C30 with the heater bracket C20 attached is separated from the body C10, the heater bracket C20 can also be detached from the extractor C30.

[0092] The heater bracket C20, coupled to the upper housing C40, protrudes downwards from the upper housing C40. Therefore, the heater bracket C20 can be easily separated from the upper housing C40 while maintaining a secure connection. Furthermore, the replacement of the heater C50 is also very convenient.

[0093] The heater bracket C20 can be detachably connected to the main body C10. With the heater bracket C20 connected to the main body C10, the upper housing C40 and / or the extractor C30 can be separated from the main body C10 and the heater bracket C20. With the upper housing C40 and / or the extractor C30 separated from the main body C10 and the heater bracket C20, the heater bracket C20 can also be separated from the main body C10. The heater bracket C20 can be detachably connected to the main body C10 via magnetic connection, screw connection, snap-fit ​​connection, or other methods.

[0094] The extension C23, coupled to the main body C10, protrudes upward from the main body C10. The heater support wing C26, coupled to the main body C10, protrudes laterally from the main body C10. Therefore, the user can easily grasp the heater support C20.

[0095] Therefore, the heater bracket C20 can be securely coupled to the main body C10 while easily separating from the main body C10. Furthermore, the user can easily replace the heater C50.

[0096] Furthermore, the user can easily detach the tobacco stick S from the heater C50. The user can easily detach the tobacco stick S from the heater C50 by separating the extractor C30 and the heater holder C20 from each other. The tobacco stick S, inserted inside the extractor C30, can be separated from the heater C50, making it easier to detach from the extractor C30. (See reference...) Figure 8 A guide portion C25 can be formed on the inner circumferential surface of the upper end of the tube C20'. The guide portion C25 can be disposed between the tube C20' and the extension C23. The guide portion C25 can extend downward at an angle.

[0097] Therefore, the guide part C25 can contact the lower part of the extractor C30 to guide the extractor C30 to be easily inserted into the heater bracket C20.

[0098] The lower end of the heater C50 can be inserted and secured into the base (bottom wall C22). The heater C50 may include a heating rod C51. The heating rod C51 may extend vertically. The heating rod C51 may be cylindrical. The heating rod C51 may include a hollow C52 with an opening to the lower side. The hollow C52 may extend vertically. The hollow C52 inside the heating rod C51 may be formed in a cylindrical shape. The upper end of the heating rod C51 may be formed with a sharp point facing upwards.

[0099] The heating rod C51 can be made of resistance metal.

[0100] The heater C50 may include a support body C53. The support body C53 may be disposed below the heating rod C51. The support body C53 may be fixed to the heating rod C51. The support body C53 may support the lower part of the heating rod C51. The support body C53 may fill the lower part of the hollow C52. The sides of the support body C53 may be supported by a base (bottom wall C22). The support body C53 may have high heat resistance and will not undergo thermal deformation due to the heat generated by the heating rod C51.

[0101] The lower end of the heating rod C51 can be inserted into the support body C53. The support body C53 may be provided with a mounting groove C531 that opens upward. The mounting groove C531 extends circumferentially and is annular. The lower end of the heating rod C51 can be inserted into and installed in the mounting groove C531.

[0102] Heating rod C51 can be coupled to support C53. Protrusion C511 can protrude outward from the outer periphery of the lower end of heating rod C51. Multiple protrusions C511 can be arranged at intervals along the outer periphery of the lower end of heating rod C51. A raised groove can be provided on the outer periphery of mounting slot C531. Protrusion C511 can be inserted into the raised groove.

[0103] A flange C532 may be formed on the side of the support C53. The flange C532 extends outward circumferentially from the side of the support C53. The flange C532 can be inserted into the base (bottom wall C22). The base (bottom wall C22) can be integrally connected with the flange C532 by embedding the heater bracket C20 into the heater C50 through injection molding.

[0104] The inner circumferential surface of the base (bottom wall C22) can have a shape corresponding to the outer circumferential surface of the flange C532. The inner circumferential surface of the base (bottom wall C22) and the outer circumferential surface of the flange C532 can engage with each other in the circumferential direction. Therefore, when the cigarette rod S is separated from or inserted into the heater C50, the heater C50 will not separate from the heater support C20.

[0105] Although not shown in the figures, the aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to another embodiment of this disclosure may not include a heater support C20. The heater C50 can be fixed to the main body C10. The heater C50 can be fixed to the bottom wall C112 of the main body tube C11 and can protrude upward from the first insertion space C14. The upper part of the heater C50 can pass through the through hole C35 and protrude into the second insertion space C24. The interior of the heater C50 can be hollow. A conductive rail and / or a temperature sensor (e.g., sensor 13) can be installed in the hollow of the heater C50. The conductive rail can be powered by the power supply 11 and generate heat, and the heater C50 can be heated by the heat generated in the conductive rail.

[0106] As another example, the heater C50 can be fixed to the extractor C30. The heater C50 can be fixed to the bottom wall C32 of the extractor C30 and protrude upward from the second insertion space C24. The extractor C30 is detachably inserted into the first insertion space C14. When the extractor C30 is separated from the body C10, the heater C50 can be separated from the body C10 together with the extractor C30.

[0107] Figure 9 This is a block diagram illustrating an aerosol generating apparatus 900 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0108] The aerosol generating device 900 may include a power supply 910, a control unit 920, a sensor 930, an output unit 940, an input unit 950, a communication unit 960, a memory 970, and at least one heater 980 or 924. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 900 is not limited to this. Figure 9 As shown. It will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the aerosol generating device 900 can be omitted depending on its design. Figure 9 The components shown may be partial or additional components may be added.

[0109] Sensor 930 can detect the status of aerosol generating device 900 or the surrounding environment of aerosol generating device 900, and transmit the detected information to control unit 920. Control unit 920 can control aerosol generating device 900 to perform other functions based on the detected information, such as controlling the operation of cartridge heater 924 and / or heater 980, restricting smoking, determining whether cigarette stick S and / or cartridge 19 is inserted, displaying notifications, etc.

[0110] Sensor 930 may include at least one of temperature sensor 931, suction sensor 932, insertion detection sensor 933, reuse detection sensor 934, cartridge detection sensor 935, cap detection sensor 936, and motion detection sensor 937.

[0111] Temperature sensor 931 can detect the heating temperature of cartridge heater 924 and / or heater 980. Aerosol generating device 900 may include separate temperature sensors to detect the temperature of cartridge heater 924 and / or heater 980, or cartridge heater 924 and / or heater 980 itself may be used as temperature sensors.

[0112] Temperature sensor 931 can output a signal corresponding to the temperature of cartridge heater 924 and / or heater 980. For example, temperature sensor 931 may include a resistive element whose resistance value changes in response to temperature changes in cartridge heater 924 and / or heater 980. Temperature sensor 931 can be implemented using a thermistor, which is an element that utilizes the characteristic that resistance changes with temperature. In this case, temperature sensor 931 can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistive element as a signal corresponding to the temperature of cartridge heater 924 and / or heater 980. For example, temperature sensor 931 can be configured as a sensor for detecting the resistance value of cartridge heater 924 and / or heater 980. In this case, temperature sensor 931 can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of cartridge heater 924 and / or heater 980 as a signal corresponding to the temperature of cartridge heater 924 and / or heater 980.

[0113] Temperature sensor 931 can be arranged around power supply 910 to monitor the temperature of power supply 910. Temperature sensor 931 can be located near power supply 910. For example, temperature sensor 931 can be attached to one side of the battery that serves as power supply 910. For example, temperature sensor 931 can be mounted on one side of a printed circuit board (PCB).

[0114] Temperature sensor 931 can be disposed inside the body 10 to sense the internal temperature of the body 10.

[0115] The suction sensor 932 can detect user suction based on various physical changes in the airflow path. The suction sensor 932 can output a signal corresponding to suction. For example, the suction sensor 932 can be a pressure sensor. The suction sensor 932 can output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device 900. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device 900 can correspond to the pressure in the airflow path through which the gas flows. The suction sensor 932 can be configured to correspond to the airflow path through which the gas flows in the aerosol generating device 900.

[0116] The insertion detection sensor 933 can detect the insertion and / or removal of the cigarette rod S. The insertion detection sensor 933 can sense signal changes based on the insertion and / or removal of the cigarette rod S. The insertion detection sensor 933 can be installed near the insertion space. The insertion detection sensor 933 can detect the insertion and / or removal of the cigarette rod S based on changes in the dielectric constant within the insertion space. For example, the insertion detection sensor 933 can be an inductive sensor and / or a capacitive sensor.

[0117] An inductive sensor may include at least one coil. The coil of an inductive sensor may be arranged near the insertion space. For example, when the magnetic field around the coil through which current flows changes, the properties of the current flowing through the coil may change according to Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction. Here, the properties of the current flowing through the coil may include the frequency of the alternating current, the current value, the voltage value, the inductance value, the impedance value, etc.

[0118] Inductive sensors can output a signal corresponding to the nature of the current flowing through a coil. For example, an inductive sensor can output a signal corresponding to the inductance value of the coil.

[0119] Capacitive sensors may include conductors. The conductors of a capacitive sensor may be positioned near the insertion space. A capacitive sensor may output a signal corresponding to the electromagnetic properties of the surrounding environment (e.g., the capacitance around the conductor). For example, when a cigarette stick S, including a metal package, is inserted into the insertion space, the electromagnetic properties around the conductor may change due to the package of the cigarette stick S.

[0120] The detection sensor 934 can be used to detect whether the cigarette stick S has been reused. The reuse detection sensor 934 can be a color sensor. The color sensor can detect the color of the cigarette stick S. The color sensor can also detect the partial color of the packaging surrounding the cigarette stick S. The color sensor can detect the value of an optical property corresponding to the color of an object based on light reflected from it. For example, the optical property could be the wavelength of light. The color sensor can be implemented as a single component together with a proximity sensor, or it can be implemented as a separate component from the proximity sensor.

[0121] At least a portion of the packaging of the cigarette stick S may change color due to aerosol. A detection sensor 934 can be positioned corresponding to the location of at least a portion of the packaging that has changed color due to aerosol when the cigarette stick S is inserted into the insertion space. For example, before the user uses the cigarette stick S, the color of at least a portion of the packaging may be a first color. At this time, when the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating device 900 passes through the cigarette stick S, at least a portion of the packaging is moistened by the aerosol, and the color of at least a portion of the packaging may change to a second color. Furthermore, after changing from the first color to the second color, the color of at least a portion of the packaging may remain the second color.

[0122] The cartridge detection sensor 935 can detect the insertion and / or removal of the cartridge 19. The cartridge detection sensor 935 can be implemented by an inductive sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, or a Hall sensor (hall IC) utilizing the Hall effect.

[0123] The cap detection sensor 936 can detect the installation and / or removal of the cap. When the cap is removed from the body 10, the cartridge 19 covered by the cap and a portion of the body 10 are exposed. The cap detection sensor 936 can be implemented by a contact sensor, a Hall sensor (hall IC), an optical sensor, etc.

[0124] The motion detection sensor 937 can detect the motion of the aerosol generating device. The motion detection sensor 937 can be implemented by at least one of an accelerometer and a gyroscope sensor.

[0125] In addition to the sensors (131 to 137) described above, sensor 930 may also include at least one of a humidity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS), and a proximity sensor. Since those skilled in the art can intuitively infer the function of each sensor from its name, detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0126] The output unit 940 can output status information about the aerosol generating device 900 to the user. The output unit 940 may include at least one of the display 941, the tactile unit 942, and the sound output unit 943, but is not limited thereto. When the display 941 and the touchpad are stacked to form a touch screen, the display 941 can be used as both an output device and an input device.

[0127] Display 941 can visually provide information about the aerosol generating device 900 to the user. For example, information about the aerosol generating device 900 may include various information such as the charging / discharging status of the power supply 910, the preheating status of the heater 980, the insertion / removal status of the stick S and / or cartridge 19, the installation / removal status of the cap, or the usage limitation status of the aerosol generating device 900 (e.g., an anomaly detected), and display 941 can output this information externally. For example, display 941 may be an LED light-emitting element. For example, display 941 may be a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light-emitting display (OLED), etc.

[0128] The tactile unit 942 can convert electrical signals into mechanical or electrical stimulation to provide the user with tactile information about the aerosol generating device 900. For example, when initial power is supplied to the cartridge heater 924 and / or heater 980 for a set time, the tactile unit 942 can generate vibrations corresponding to the completion of initial preheating. For example, the tactile unit 942 may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0129] The sound output unit 943 can provide information about the aerosol generating device 900 to the user via sound. For example, the sound output unit 943 can convert an electrical signal into a sound signal and output it to the outside.

[0130] Power supply 910 provides the electrical power required for the operation of aerosol generating device 900. Power supply 910 supplies power to heat cartridge heater 924 and / or heater 980. Furthermore, power supply 910 can provide the necessary electrical power to other components in aerosol generating device 900 (e.g., sensor 930, output unit 940, input unit 950, communication unit 960, and memory 970). Power supply 910 can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, power supply 910 can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited to this.

[0131] although Figure 9 As not shown, the aerosol generating apparatus 900 may also include a power protection circuit. The power protection circuit may be electrically connected to the power supply 910 and may include switching elements.

[0132] The power supply protection circuit can disconnect the power supply 910 under predetermined conditions. For example, when the voltage level of the power supply 910 is greater than or equal to a first voltage corresponding to overcharging, the power supply protection circuit can disconnect the power supply 910. For example, when the voltage level of the power supply 910 is less than a second voltage corresponding to over-discharging, the power supply protection circuit can disconnect the power supply 910.

[0133] Heater 980 can receive power from power source 910 to heat the medium or aerosol-generating substance in smoke rod S. Although Figure 10 Although not shown, the aerosol generating apparatus 900 may also include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power from the power supply 910 to supply power to the cartridge heater 924 and / or heater 980. Additionally, when the aerosol generating apparatus 900 generates aerosol using induction heating, the aerosol generating apparatus 900 may also include a DC / AC converter to convert the direct current of the power supply 11 to alternating current.

[0134] The control unit 920, sensor 930, output unit 940, input unit 950, communication unit 960, and memory 970 can receive power from the power supply 910 to perform their functions. Although Figure 1 Not shown, it may also include power conversion circuitry for converting the power of power supply 910 and supplying it to the various components, such as a low dropout (LDO) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit. Additionally, although... Figure 9 Although not shown, a noise filter may be provided between the power supply 910 and the heater 980. The noise filter may be a low-pass filter. The low-pass filter may include at least one inductor and at least one capacitor. The cutoff frequency of the low-pass filter may correspond to the frequency of the high-frequency switching current applied from the power supply 910 to the heater 980. The low-pass filter can prevent high-frequency noise components from being applied to the sensor 930, for example, when a detection sensor 933 is inserted.

[0135] In one embodiment, the cartridge heater 924 and / or heater 980 can be made of any suitable resistive material. For example, suitable resistive materials may be metals or metal alloys including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nickel-chromium, etc., but are not limited thereto. Furthermore, heater 980 can be implemented as a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate with conductive tracks, a ceramic heating element, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0136] In another embodiment, heater 980 may be an induction heating heater. For example, heater 980 may include a susceptor that generates heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil, thereby heating the aerosol-generating material.

[0137] The input unit 950 can receive information input by the user and can also output information to the user. For example, the input unit 950 can be a touch panel. The touch panel can include at least one touch sensor for sensing touch. For example, the touch sensor can include a capacitive touch sensor, a resistive touch sensor, a surface acoustic wave touch sensor, an infrared touch sensor, etc., but is not limited to these.

[0138] The display 941 and the touch panel can be implemented as a single panel. For example, the touch panel can be inserted into the display 941 (e.g., on-cell type or in-cell type). For example, the touch panel can be added to the display 941 (e.g., add-on type).

[0139] In addition, the input unit 950 may include buttons, a keyboard, a dome switch, a scroll wheel, a scroll wheel switch, etc., but is not limited to these.

[0140] The memory 970 is hardware that stores various data processed by the aerosol generating device 900. It can store data processed by the control unit 920 and data to be processed. The memory 970 can be at least one of the following storage media: flash memory, hard disk memory, multimedia card micro memory, card-type memory (such as SD or XD memory), random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), magnetic storage, magnetic disk, and optical disk. The memory 970 can store the operating time of the aerosol generating device 900, the maximum number of pumps, the current number of pumps, at least one temperature profile, and user smoking pattern data.

[0141] The communication unit 960 may include at least one component for communicating with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 960 may include at least one of a short-range communication unit and a wireless communication unit.

[0142] A short-range wireless communication unit can include Bluetooth communication units, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication units, Near Field Communication units, WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication units, Zigbee communication units, Infrared Data Association (IrDA) communication units, Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) communication units, Ultra Wideband (UWB) communication units, Ant+ communication units, etc., but is not limited to these.

[0143] The wireless communications division may include, but is not limited to, cellular network communications division, internet communications division, computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN) communications division, etc.

[0144] although Figure 9 As not shown, the aerosol generating device 900 also includes a connection interface such as a universal serial bus (USB) interface, which can be used to connect with other external devices to send and receive information or to charge the power supply 910.

[0145] The control unit 920 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 900. In one embodiment, the control unit 920 may include at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as a plurality of logic gate arrays, or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor. It will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the at least one processor may be other forms of hardware.

[0146] The control unit 920 can control the temperature of the heater 980 by controlling the power supply from the power source 910 to the heater 980. The control unit 920 can also control the temperature of the cartridge heater 924 and / or the heater 980 based on the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 931. The control unit 920 can adjust the power supplied to the cartridge heater 924 and / or the heater 980 based on the temperature. For example, the control unit 920 can determine the target temperature of the cartridge heater 924 and / or the heater 980 based on the temperature profile stored in the memory 970.

[0147] The aerosol generating apparatus 900 may include a power supply circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the power supply 910, located between the power supply 910 and the cartridge heater 924 and / or heater 980. The power supply circuit may be electrically connected to the cartridge heater 924, heater 980, or induction coil 181. The power supply circuit may include at least one switching element. The switching element may be implemented using a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), a field-effect transistor (FET), or the like. A control unit 920 may control the power supply circuit.

[0148] The control unit 920 can control the power supply by controlling the switching of the switching elements in the power supply circuit. The power supply circuit can be an inverter, which converts the DC power output from the power supply 910 into AC power. For example, the inverter can be configured as a half-bridge circuit or a full-bridge circuit that includes multiple switching elements.

[0149] The control unit 920 can activate a switching element to supply power from the power source 910 to the cartridge heater 924 and / or the heater 980. The control unit 920 can deactivate the switching element to cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 924 and / or the heater 980. The control unit 920 can regulate the current supplied from the power source 910 by adjusting the frequency and / or duty cycle of the current pulses input to the switching element.

[0150] The control unit 920 can control the voltage output from the power supply 910 by controlling the switching of the switching elements in the power supply circuit. A power conversion circuit can convert the voltage output from the power supply 910. For example, the power conversion circuit may include a buck converter for reducing the voltage output from the power supply 910. For example, the power conversion circuit can be implemented using a buck-boost converter, a Zener diode, etc.

[0151] The control unit 920 can adjust the voltage level output by the power conversion circuit by controlling the on / off operation of the switching elements included in the power conversion circuit. During the on state of the switching elements, the voltage level output by the power conversion circuit can correspond to the voltage level output by the power supply 910. The duty cycle of the on / off operation of the switching elements can correspond to the ratio of the voltage output by the power conversion circuit to the voltage output by the power supply 910. As the duty cycle of the on / off operation of the switching elements decreases, the voltage level output by the power conversion circuit decreases. The heater 980 can heat based on the voltage output by the power conversion circuit.

[0152] The control unit 920 can control the supply of power to the heater 980 using at least one of the pulse width modulation (PWM) scheme and the proportional-integral-differential (PID) scheme.

[0153] For example, the control unit 920 can control the supply of current pulses with a predetermined frequency and duty cycle to the heater 980 using a PWM scheme. The control unit 920 can control the power supplied to the heater 980 by adjusting the frequency and duty cycle of the current pulses.

[0154] For example, the control unit 920 can determine the target temperature, i.e., the control objective, based on a temperature curve. The control unit 920 can use a PID scheme to control the power supplied to the heater 980, wherein the PID scheme is a feedback control scheme based on the difference between the temperature of the heater 980 and the target temperature, the value obtained by integrating the difference over time, and the value obtained by differentiating the difference over time.

[0155] The control unit 920 can prevent the cartridge heater 924 and / or heater 980 from overheating. For example, the control unit 920 can control the operation of the power conversion circuit to stop supplying power to the cartridge heater 924 and / or heater 980 based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 924 and / or heater 980 exceeding a preset limit temperature. For example, the control unit 920 can reduce the power supplied to the cartridge heater 924 and / or heater 980 by a predetermined ratio based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 924 and / or heater 980 exceeding a preset limit temperature. For example, the control unit 920 can determine that the aerosol generating material contained in the cartridge 19 has been depleted based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 924 exceeding the limit temperature, and cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 924.

[0156] The control unit 920 can control the charging and discharging of the power supply 910. The control unit 920 can confirm the temperature of the power supply 910 based on the output signal of the temperature sensor 931.

[0157] When the power cord is connected to the battery terminal of the aerosol generating device 900, the control unit 920 can confirm whether the temperature of the power supply 910 is greater than or equal to a first temperature limit, which is the standard for cutting off the charging of the power supply 910. When the temperature of the power supply 910 is less than the first temperature limit, the control unit 920 can control the charging of the power supply 910 according to a preset charging current. When the temperature of the power supply 910 is greater than or equal to the first temperature limit, the control unit 920 can cut off the charging of the power supply 910.

[0158] With the aerosol generating device 900 powered on, the control unit 920 can confirm whether the temperature of the power supply 910 is greater than or equal to a second temperature limit, which is the standard for cutting off the discharge of the power supply 910. When the temperature of the power supply 910 is less than the second temperature limit, the control unit 920 can control the use of the power stored in the power supply 910. When the temperature of the power supply 910 is greater than or equal to the second temperature limit, the control unit 920 can stop using the power stored in the power supply 910.

[0159] The control unit 920 can calculate the remaining capacity of the power stored in the power supply 910. For example, the control unit 920 can calculate the remaining capacity of the power supply 910 based on the voltage of the power supply 910 and / or the sensed current value.

[0160] The control unit 920 can determine whether the tobacco stick S is inserted into the insertion space by using the insertion detection sensor 933. The control unit 920 can determine whether the tobacco stick S is inserted based on the output signal of the insertion detection sensor 933. When it is determined that the tobacco stick S has been inserted into the insertion space, the control unit 920 can control the supply of power to the cartridge heater 924 and / or the heater 980. For example, the control unit 920 can supply power to the cartridge heater 924 and / or the heater 980 based on the temperature profile stored in the memory 970.

[0161] The control unit 920 can determine whether the cigarette stick S has been removed from the insertion space. For example, the control unit 920 can determine whether the cigarette stick S has been removed from the insertion space by using the insertion detection sensor 933. For example, when the temperature of the heater 980 is greater than or equal to the temperature limit, or when the temperature change gradient of the heater 980 is greater than or equal to the set gradient, the control unit 920 can determine that the cigarette stick S has been removed from the insertion space. When it is determined that the cigarette stick S has been removed from the insertion space, the control unit 920 can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 924 and / or the heater 980.

[0162] The control unit 920 can control the power supply time and / or power supply amount to the heater 980 based on the state of the tobacco stick S detected by the sensor 930. The control unit 920 can confirm the level range, including the signal level of the capacitive sensor, based on a lookup table. The control unit 920 can determine the moisture content in the tobacco stick based on the confirmed level range.

[0163] When the cigarette stick S is in an overly wet state, the control unit 920 can increase the preheating time of the cigarette stick S relative to the normal state by controlling the power supply time of the heater 980.

[0164] The control unit 920 can determine whether the cigarette stick S inserted into the insertion space has been reused by using the reuse detection sensor 934. For example, the control unit 920 can compare the sensed value of the signal from the reuse detection sensor 934 with a first reference range including a first color, and determine that the cigarette stick S has not been used when the sensed value falls within the first reference range. For example, the control unit 920 can compare the sensed value of the signal from the reuse detection sensor 934 with a second reference range including a second color, and determine that the cigarette stick S has been used when the sensed value falls within the second reference range. When it is determined that the cigarette stick S has been used, the control unit 920 can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 924 and / or the heater 980.

[0165] The control unit 920 can determine whether the cartridge 19 is installed and / or removed by the cartridge detection sensor 935. For example, the control unit 920 can determine whether the cartridge 19 is installed and / or removed based on the sensed value of the signal from the cartridge detection sensor.

[0166] The control unit 920 can determine whether the aerosol-generating substance in the cartridge 19 is depleted. For example, the control unit 920 can preheat the cartridge heater 924 and / or heater 980 by applying electricity, and determine whether the temperature of the cartridge heater 924 exceeds a limit temperature during preheating, and determine that the aerosol-generating substance in the cartridge 19 is depleted when the temperature of the cartridge heater 924 exceeds the limit temperature. When it is determined that the aerosol-generating substance in the cartridge 19 is depleted, the control unit 920 can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 924 and / or heater 980.

[0167] The control unit 920 can determine whether the cartridge 19 is usable. For example, when the current number of puffs is greater than or equal to the maximum number of puffs of the cartridge 19 set based on the data stored in the memory 970, the control unit 920 can determine that the cartridge 19 is unusable. For example, when the total heating time of the heater 924 is greater than or equal to the preset maximum time, or when the total power supplied to the heater 924 is greater than or equal to the preset maximum power, the control unit 920 can determine that the cartridge 19 is unusable.

[0168] The control unit 920 can determine the user's inhalation based on the inhalation sensor 932. For example, the control unit 920 can determine whether an inhalation has occurred based on the sensed value of the signal from the inhalation sensor 932. For example, the control unit 920 can determine the inhalation intensity based on the sensed value of the signal from the inhalation sensor 932. When the number of inhalations reaches a preset maximum number of inhalations or when no inhalation is detected for a preset time, the control unit 920 can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 924 and / or the heater 980.

[0169] The control unit 920 can determine whether the lid is engaged and / or removed by the lid detection sensor 936. For example, the control unit 920 can determine whether the lid is engaged and / or removed based on the sensed value of the signal from the lid detection sensor.

[0170] The control unit 920 can control the output unit 940 based on the sensing results of the sensor 930. For example, when the number of puffs counted by the puff sensor 932 reaches a preset number, the control unit 920 can notify the user that the aerosol generating device 900 is about to end through at least one of the display 941, the tactile unit 942, and the sound output unit 943. For example, the control unit 920 can notify the user through the output unit 940 based on the determination that the tobacco stick S is not in the insertion space. For example, the control unit 920 can notify the user through the output unit 940 based on the determination that the tobacco cartridge 19 and / or the cap are not installed. For example, the control unit 920 can provide the user with information about the temperature of the tobacco cartridge heater 924 and / or the heater 980 through the output unit 940.

[0171] Based on the occurrence of a predetermined event, the control unit 920 can store and update the historical record of the events in the memory 970. Events may include detecting the insertion of a cigarette stick S, starting heating of the cigarette stick S, detecting inhalation, ending inhalation, detecting overheating of the cartridge heater 924 and / or heater 980, detecting overvoltage applied to the cartridge heater 924 and / or heater 980, ending heating of the cigarette stick S, turning the power supply of the aerosol generating device 900 on / off, starting charging of the power supply 910, detecting overcharging of the power supply 910, ending charging of the power supply 910, etc., and these operations are performed by the aerosol generating device 900. The historical record 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 the detection of the insertion of a cigarette stick S, the log data corresponding to this event may include data on the sensing value of the insertion detection sensor 933. For example, if the predetermined event is the detection of overheating of cartridge heater 924 and / or heater 980, the log data corresponding to the event may include data such as the temperature of cartridge heater 924 and / or heater 980, the voltage applied to cartridge heater 924 and / or heater 980, and the current flowing in cartridge heater 924 and / or heater 980.

[0172] The control unit 920 can control the establishment of a communication link with an external device (e.g., a user's mobile terminal). When authentication data is received from the external device via the communication link, the control unit 920 can remove restrictions on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generating device 900. Here, the authentication data may include data indicating that user authentication corresponding to the external device has been completed. The user can perform user authentication through the external device. The external device can determine whether the user data is valid based on the user's date of birth, a unique identifier for the user, etc., and receive permission data for using the aerosol generating device 900 from an external server. The external device can send data indicating that user authentication has been completed to the aerosol generating device 900 based on the permission data. In response to the completion of user authentication, the control unit 920 can remove restrictions on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generating device 900. For example, in response to the completion of user authentication, the control unit 920 can remove restrictions on the use of the heating function that supplies power to the heater 980.

[0173] The control unit 920 can transmit the status data of the aerosol generator 900 to an external device via a communication link. Based on the received status data, the external device can output information such as the remaining capacity of the power supply 910 and the operating mode of the aerosol generator 900 through its display.

[0174] An external device can transmit a position search request to the aerosol generating device 900 based on an input indicating that a position search for the aerosol generating device 900 has been initiated. When a position search request is received from the external device, the control unit 920 can control at least one output device to perform an operation corresponding to the position search based on the received request. For example, in response to the position search request, the haptic unit 942 can generate vibration. For example, in response to the position search request, the display 941 can output an object corresponding to the position search and the end of the search.

[0175] When firmware data is received from an external device, the control unit 920 can control the execution of a firmware update. The external device can check the current version of the firmware of the aerosol generating device 900 and determine whether a new firmware version exists. When a firmware download request is received, the external device can receive the new firmware data and transmit the new firmware data to the aerosol generating device 900. When the new firmware data is received, the control unit 920 can control the update of the firmware of the aerosol generating device 900.

[0176] The control unit 920 can transmit the sensing value data of at least one sensor 930 to an external server (not shown) via the communication unit 960, receive a learning model generated by learning the sensing values ​​through machine learning (e.g., deep learning) from the external server, and store the learning model. The control unit 920 can use the learning model received from the external server to perform operations such as determining the user's inhalation pattern and generating a temperature profile. The control unit 920 can store the sensing value data of at least one sensor 930 and data for training an artificial neural network (ANN) in a memory 970. For example, the memory 970 can store a database of each component provided in the aerosol generating device 900, the weights forming the ANN structure, and the bias. The control unit 920 can generate at least one learning model that learns the sensing values ​​of at least one sensor 930, the user's inhalation pattern, temperature profile, etc., stored in the memory 970, and uses this model to determine the user's inhalation pattern and generate a temperature profile.

[0177] An aerosol generating device can generate an alternating magnetic field by applying a signal to the coil of a heater. This alternating magnetic field induces eddy currents in a sensor, and the heat generated by these eddy currents and the sensor's resistance can cause the sensor's temperature to rise, potentially leading to induction heating. The aerosol generating device can then heat the aerosol-generating article using the heat from the sensor to produce aerosols. The device can control the signal applied to the coil of the heater to heat the aerosol-generating article, ensuring the sensor's temperature corresponds to a preset temperature curve, thereby achieving optimal smoke generation. When a reference sensor is coupled to the aerosol generating device, the device can apply a reference signal to the coil of the heater, causing the reference sensor to follow the temperature curve. When a sensor with electrical characteristics different from the reference sensor is coupled to the aerosol generating device, the device can determine the signal applied to the coil of the heater by changing the frequency, magnitude, and duty cycle of the reference signal, based on control characteristics determined in response to the sensor's electrical characteristics. Here, the control characteristics can be parameters that compensate for the reference signal, causing the sensor to follow the temperature curve of the sensor with different electrical characteristics than the reference sensor.

[0178] The sensor is a component that comes into direct contact with the aerosol-generating article and transfers heat within the aerosol-generating device. Therefore, with repeated use, foreign matter may accumulate, and cleaning can be difficult. Consequently, the sensor can be configured to be variable. When the sensor in the aerosol-generating device is changed, the control characteristics of the changed sensor can be determined, and different controls can be applied to the coil of the heater. Therefore, in order for an aerosol-generating device coupled with a variable sensor to effectively execute the aerosol-generating method, a method for determining the changed sensor may be required.

[0179] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for determining whether a receptor is a modified receptor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0180] The following operations 1010 to 1050 can be performed by an aerosol generating device (e.g., Figures 1 to 3 aerosol generating device 1 or Figure 9 The aerosol generating apparatus 900 performs this action. The aerosol generating apparatus may include a heater (e.g., Figures 1 to 3 heater 18, Figure 5 heater A33, Figures 6 to 8 heater C50 or Figure 9 heaters 980, 924) and control unit (e.g., Figures 1 to 3 Control Unit 12 Figure 5 Control unit A102 or Figure 9 The control unit 920). For example, the heater may include a coil for induction heating (e.g., Figure 2 and Figure 3 Induction coil 181, Figure 5 Induction coil A13 or Figure 6 and Figure 7 (Induction coil C15).

[0181] In operation 1010, the control unit of the aerosol generating apparatus can apply a first signal to the coil of the heater to generate an alternating magnetic field with a first frequency. The first signal may include preset current, voltage, and duty cycle as a first test signal.

[0182] According to one embodiment, when an aerosol generating article is inserted into an aerosol generating apparatus, the aerosol generating apparatus can control a signal applied to the coil of a heater based on a first temperature profile, and when it is determined that the current time point corresponds to a first time point of the first temperature profile, operation 1010 can be performed. The first temperature profile may be a temperature profile that controls the temperature of a sensor to heat the aerosol generating article to an optimal temperature during smoking. A first signal may be applied to the coil of the heater at the first time point of the first temperature profile to detect changes in the sensor during the heating of the aerosol generating article. Reference will be made below. Figure 13 and Figure 14 A method for determining whether the sensor changes when controlling an aerosol generating device based on a first temperature curve is described in detail.

[0183] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating apparatus may include a DC / AC inverter and an amplifier to generate a first signal. For example, the amplifier may include a Class D amplifier or a Class E amplifier.

[0184] According to one embodiment, the first frequency can be a frequency greater than the inherent frequency range (or matched frequency) of the sensors disposed within the aerosol generating apparatus. For example, multiple sensors can have different inherent frequencies, but these different inherent frequencies can be within a certain range. The inherent frequency of a sensor can be the frequency of the signal that can induce the maximum eddy current in that sensor. For example, when the inherent frequency range is 230 kHz to 250 kHz, the first frequency can be 270 kHz.

[0185] According to one embodiment, the operation of applying a first signal to a coil can be performed in a short time (e.g., a few milliseconds) such that the temperature of the sensor does not rise due to the eddy currents induced in the sensor by the first signal.

[0186] According to one embodiment, the voltage of the first signal can be lower than a preset voltage so that the temperature of the sensor does not rise due to the eddy currents induced in the sensor by the first signal. (Refer to the following...) Figure 15 Describe in detail the first signal voltage, which is lower than the preset voltage.

[0187] According to one embodiment, the sensor may not be electrically connected to the aerosol generating device. Current may not flow from the aerosol generating device to the sensor, but the alternating magnetic field generated by the aerosol generating device and its coils can induce electromagnetic induction in the sensor, thereby causing eddy currents to flow within it.

[0188] According to one embodiment, when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the aerosol generating apparatus, the sensor can be disposed inside the aerosol generating article. For example, the sensor can be a tubular heating element, a plate heating element, a needle heating element, or a rod heating element.

[0189] According to one embodiment, the receptor may be included in an aerosol generating article inserted into an aerosol generating apparatus, such as... Figure 3 The receptor SS. For example, the receptor may be included in the filter paper of an aerosol-generating article. For example, the receptor may be included in the tobacco stem of an aerosol-generating article.

[0190] In operation 1020, the control unit of the aerosol generating apparatus can determine a first value of the electrical characteristics of the sensor indicated by the first signal. For example, the electrical characteristic may be at least one of the current, voltage, or electrical current of a first output signal appearing at the output terminal of the heater coil. The operation of determining the first value of the sensor's electrical characteristics may include: determining the first value of the sensor's electrical characteristics based on at least one of the current, voltage, or electrical current of the first output signal appearing at the output terminal of the heater coil. Because the alternating magnetic field generated by the heater coil induces eddy currents in the sensor, a portion of the electrical energy of the first signal may be transferred to the sensor, and the current, voltage, or electrical current of the first signal may differ from the current, voltage, or electrical current of the first output signal.

[0191] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating apparatus may further include a detection circuit for determining a first value of the electrical characteristics of a sensor, indicated by a first signal, at the output of the heater's coil. The detection circuit may not be electrically connected to the sensor.

[0192] In operation 1030, the control unit of the aerosol generating apparatus can apply a second signal to the coil of the heater, thereby generating an alternating magnetic field with a second frequency. The second signal may include preset current, voltage, and duty cycle as a second test signal.

[0193] According to one embodiment, when an aerosol generating article is inserted into an aerosol generating apparatus, the aerosol generating apparatus can control the signal applied to the coil of the heater based on a first temperature profile, and when it is determined that the current time point corresponds to a first time point of the first temperature profile, operation 1030 can be executed. Operation 1030 can be executed sequentially after operation 1010, or after a preset delay.

[0194] According to one embodiment, the second frequency can be greater than the inherent frequency range of the sensor disposed within the aerosol generating device. For example, when the inherent frequency range is 230 kHz to 250 kHz, the second frequency can be 280 kHz.

[0195] According to one embodiment, an operation can be performed to apply a second signal to a coil such that the temperature of the sensor does not rise due to the eddy current induced in the sensor by the second signal, and the operation can be performed in a short time (e.g., a few milliseconds).

[0196] According to one embodiment, the voltage of the second signal can be lower than a preset voltage, so that the temperature of the sensor will not rise due to the eddy current induced in the sensor by the second signal.

[0197] In operation 1040, the control unit of the aerosol generating apparatus can determine a second value of the electrical characteristic of the sensor indicated by the second signal. For example, the electrical characteristic may be at least one of the current, voltage, or electrical current of a second output signal appearing at the output terminal of the heater coil. The operation of determining the second value of the electrical characteristic of the sensor may include: determining the second value of the electrical characteristic of the sensor based on at least one of the current, voltage, or electrical current of the second output signal appearing at the output terminal of the heater coil.

[0198] In operation 1050, the control unit of the aerosol generating apparatus can determine whether the sensor is a modified sensor based on a first value and a second value of the electrical characteristics of the sensor. For example, when at least one of the first value and the second value is different from a previous first value and second value measured for a previous sensor, the control unit of the aerosol generating apparatus can determine that the sensor is a modified sensor. For example, when the first value and the second value of the sensor are equal to the previous first value and the second value measured for a previous sensor, the control unit of the aerosol generating apparatus can determine that the sensor is an unchanged sensor. For example, when the difference between the first value of the sensor and the previous first value of the previous sensor is less than a preset difference, the first value of the sensor can be considered equal to the previous first value of the previous sensor.

[0199] According to one embodiment, when it is determined that the sensor has changed, the control characteristics of the changed sensor can be obtained based on a first value and a second value. The signal applied to the coil of the heater can then be controlled based on the control characteristics of the changed sensor. The following will refer to... Figure 12 A method for controlling the signal applied to the coil of a heater based on control characteristics is described in detail.

[0200] According to one embodiment, when it is determined that the sensor of the aerosol generating device is a modified sensor, the aerosol generating device can determine whether the current state is a target state that meets preset conditions. For example, the target state may be a state where the aerosol generating article is not inserted into the aerosol generating device. For example, the target state may be a state where the main body temperature of the aerosol generating device is within a target temperature range. For example, the target state may be a state where the user is performing a user calibration operation. When the current state is determined to be the target state, a calibration signal can be applied to the coil of the heater, and the control characteristics of the modified sensor can be obtained based on at least one of the current, voltage, or electrical power of the calibration output signal appearing at the output terminal of the heater coil. For example, the calibration signal may be a power distribution signal that controls the electrical power applied to the coil of the heater to obtain the control characteristics of the aerosol generating device on the sensor. The signal applied to the coil of the heater can be controlled according to the control characteristics of the modified sensor.

[0201] According to one embodiment, if it is determined that the sensor has not changed, the control unit of the aerosol generating device can maintain the preset control characteristics of the sensor.

[0202] Figure 11 The diagram illustrates the eddy current trajectory in a receptor, expressed as a signal frequency, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0203] According to one embodiment, the first sensor and the second sensor may exhibit different electrical characteristics to the same signal. For example, since the first natural frequency 1112 of the first sensor and the second natural frequency 1114 of the second sensor are different from each other, the first eddy current trajectory 1102 of the first sensor and the second eddy current trajectory 1104 of the second sensor, indicated by the frequency of the provided signal, may be different. For example, even using the same manufacturing process and the same materials, the first natural frequency 1112 of the first sensor and the second natural frequency 1114 of the second sensor may be different from each other due to tolerances that occur during the sensor manufacturing process. For example, each sensor may be manufactured to have different electrical characteristics.

[0204] When aerosol generating device (e.g., Figures 1 to 3 aerosol generating device 1 or Figure 9 When the aerosol generating device 900 performs a frequency sweep across the entire frequency band, it can generate a first eddy current trajectory 1102 for a first sensor and a second eddy current trajectory 1104 for a second sensor. When the first eddy current trajectory 1102 and the second eddy current trajectory 1104 of the first sensor are different, the aerosol generating device can determine that the first sensor and the second sensor are not the same. However, performing a frequency sweep across the entire frequency band for the aerosol generating device may require a significant amount of computation and processing time.

[0205] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating apparatus can use a first signal having a first frequency 1120 and a second signal having a second frequency 1130 to determine a first value c and a second value d of the eddies appearing in a first sensor, thereby reducing the required computation and processing time. The aerosol generating apparatus can also pre-store a first value a and a second value b of the eddies appearing in a second sensor using the first signal having a first frequency 1120 and the second signal having a second frequency 1130. For example, the first sensor may be a modified sensor, while the second sensor may be the original sensor.

[0206] The aerosol generating device can determine whether the first value c and the second value d of the first receptor are the same as the first value a and the second value b of the second receptor. For example, when the first value c and the second value d of the first receptor are the same as the first value a and the second value b of the second receptor, the aerosol generating device can determine that the first receptor and the second receptor are the same receptor. For example, when at least one of the first value c and the second value d of the first receptor is not equal to the first value a and the second value b of the second receptor, the aerosol generating device can determine that the first receptor and the second receptor are not the same receptor.

[0207] According to one embodiment, the magnitude of the eddy current in the sensor, indicated by the signal frequency, can be indirectly obtained through a detection circuit connected to the output of the heater's coil. Since at least a portion of the electrical energy of the signal applied to the heater's coil may be absorbed by the sensor and generate eddy currents, the detection circuit can indirectly obtain the magnitude of the eddy current in the sensor by comparing the current, voltage, or power of the signal applied to the heater's coil with the current, voltage, or power of the output signal. When the eddy current in the sensor is obtained indirectly through the detection circuit, the sensor of the aerosol generating device can be easily replaced because it is not electrically connected to other components of the aerosol generating device.

[0208] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for acquiring control characteristics of a sensor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0209] According to one embodiment, the following operations 1210 and 1220 can be performed by an aerosol generating device (e.g., Figures 1 to 3 Aerosol generating device 1 Figures 4 to 8 aerosol generating device 9 or Figure 9 The aerosol generating apparatus 900 is used for execution. For example, operations 1210 and 1220 can be performed in accordance with the reference. Figure 10 The described operation 1050 is executed afterward. The aerosol generating apparatus may include a control unit (which includes at least one processor) and a memory storing instructions executable by the control unit.

[0210] In operation 1210, when the sensor is a modified sensor, the aerosol generating device can acquire the control characteristics of the modified sensor based on the first and second values. When a reference sensor is connected to the aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device can apply a reference signal to the coil of the heater, causing the reference sensor to follow a temperature curve (e.g., a first temperature curve). For example, the reference sensor can be a sensor used to acquire data in an experimental environment, and the reference signal can be a signal applied to the coil of the heater, causing the temperature of the reference sensor to follow the first temperature curve. Here, the control characteristics of the sensor can be parameters used to correct the reference signal, so that a sensor with electrical characteristics different from the reference sensor follows the first temperature curve.

[0211] In operation 1220, the aerosol generating device can control the signal applied to the coil of the heater based on the control characteristics of the modified sensor and the temperature profile (e.g., a first temperature profile). The modified sensor can be controlled to follow the temperature profile by changing the frequency, magnitude, duty cycle, etc., of the reference signal based on the control characteristics (determined in response to the electrical characteristics of the modified sensor).

[0212] Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for determining whether a target time point in a first temperature curve represents a modified receptor, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 14 A first temperature profile and a target time point are shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0213] According to one embodiment, the following operations 1310 and 1320 can be performed by an aerosol generating device (e.g., Figures 1 to 3 Aerosol generating device 1 Figures 4 to 8 aerosol generating device 9 or Figure 9 The aerosol generating apparatus 900 is used for execution. For example, operations 1310 and 1320 can be performed in accordance with the above-mentioned reference. Figure 10 The described operation 1010 is performed prior to this. The aerosol generating apparatus may include a control unit (which includes at least one processor) and a memory storing instructions executable by the control unit.

[0214] In operation 1310, when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the aerosol generating apparatus, the aerosol generating apparatus can control the signal applied to the coil of the heater based on a first temperature profile. The first temperature profile can be a temperature profile that controls the temperature of the sensor so that the aerosol generating article is heated to an optimal temperature during smoking. For example, the first temperature profile can be as follows (refer to...) Figure 14 The temperature curve described is 1410.

[0215] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating apparatus can determine whether the current time point corresponds to a target time point of a first temperature curve, and when the current time point corresponds to the target time point, it can perform the above-described procedure. Figure 10 Operation 1010 is described. For example, when it is determined that the current time point corresponds to a first time point of a first temperature curve, a first signal can be applied to the coil of the heater to generate an alternating magnetic field with a first frequency; alternatively, a second signal can be applied to the coil of the heater to generate an alternating magnetic field with a second frequency. When the method for determining sensor changes is executed at a target time point of the first temperature curve, overheating or inaccurate control of the aerosol generating device due to sensor changes can be prevented by detecting changes in the sensor during the heating process of the aerosol generating article.

[0216] In operation 1320, the aerosol generating device can change the target time point. According to one embodiment, while controlling the aerosol generating device based on a first temperature profile, the above-mentioned reference can be executed multiple times at multiple time points. Figure 10 Operations 1010 to 1050 are described. For example, after applying a first signal and a second signal to the coil of a heater at a first time point of a first temperature curve, when the aerosol generating apparatus determines that the current time point corresponds to a second time point of the first temperature curve, the aerosol generating apparatus may apply a third signal to the coil of the heater to generate an alternating magnetic field with a first frequency, determine a third value of the electrical characteristics of the sensor indicated by the third signal; and apply a fourth signal to the coil of the heater to generate an alternating magnetic field with a second frequency, determine a fourth value of the electrical characteristics of the sensor indicated by the fourth signal. According to one embodiment, the first signal and the third signal may be the same signal, and the second signal and the fourth signal may be the same signal. The aerosol generating apparatus may determine whether the sensor is a modified sensor based on the third value and the fourth value.

[0217] According to one embodiment, it is possible to Figure 14 At each of the multiple time points 1401 to 1405 of the first temperature curve 1410, the above reference was performed. Figure 10 Operations 1010 to 1050 are described. For example, multiple time points 1401 to 1405 may include: any time point 1401 during the preheating period of the sensor, time point 1402 when the sensor temperature reaches the preheating target temperature, time point 1403 when the sensor temperature is maintained at the target temperature, any time point 1404 during the period when the sensor temperature is maintained at a second temperature, and any time point 1405 during the period when the sensor temperature is maintained at a third temperature. The above description of multiple time points 1401 to 1405 is an example of multiple time points determined as target time points, but the selected period and number of each time point may vary depending on the embodiment. While generating aerosol according to the first temperature curve 1410, the aerosol generating device can continuously check whether the sensor changes, thereby precisely controlling the temperature of the sensor.

[0218] According to one embodiment, when it is determined that the receptor has changed, the aerosol generating device can obtain the control characteristics of the changed receptor (as described above). Figure 12 The signal applied to the coil of the heater is controlled based on the new control characteristics and temperature curve, without stopping the heating operation of the aerosol-generated product.

[0219] According to one embodiment, when it is determined that the sensor has changed, the aerosol generating apparatus can stop heating the aerosol generating article by ceasing the output of a signal applied to the coil of the heater. Reference will be made below. Figure 16Describe in detail a method for stopping the output of a signal applied to the coil of a heater.

[0220] In reference Figure 13 and Figure 14 In the above embodiments, when an aerosol generating article is inserted, the above-mentioned reference is executed at a target time point of the first temperature curve 1410 used for heating the aerosol generating article. Figure 10 Operations 1010 to 1050 are used to determine whether the sensor is the altered sensor. In another embodiment, when the aerosol generating article is not inserted, the aerosol generating device can control the signal applied to the coil of the heater based on a second temperature profile in a separate operating mode executed in the target state, and execute the above-mentioned reference at the target time point of the second temperature profile. Figure 10 Operations 1010 to 1050 determine whether the receptor is a modified receptor. For example, the target state could be a state where receptor separation is detected in the aerosol generating apparatus, followed by a detection of receptor reattachment. For example, the target state could be a state where the above-mentioned reference is performed in the aerosol generating apparatus. Figure 10 The state after a specific time has elapsed since operations 1010 to 1050. The second temperature profile can be a temperature profile used to determine whether the sensor is the modified sensor when the aerosol generating article is not inserted, by controlling the temperature of the sensor. For example, the second temperature profile can be a temperature profile for heating the sensor to maintain a target temperature, and the target temperature can be a temperature that causes differences in the electrical characteristics of each sensor while minimizing battery consumption of the aerosol generating device used to heat the sensor. For example, the target time point can be the time point in the second temperature profile at which the temperature of the sensor is maintained at the target temperature.

[0221] According to one embodiment, when, according to the above embodiment, at the target time point of the second temperature curve, by performing the above-mentioned reference... Figure 10 When operations 1010 to 1050 determine that the sensor is a modified sensor, the aerosol generating device can obtain the control characteristics of the modified sensor through separate continuous operations (e.g., user calibration). The signal applied to the coil of the heater can be controlled based on the control characteristics of the modified sensor. See below for further details. Figure 19 and Figure 20 Describe in detail a method for obtaining the control characteristics of a modified receptor through individual operation.

[0222] Figure 15 The signal is shown as applied to the coil of the heater based on a first temperature profile according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0223] To detect changes in the receptors or to detect the temperature of the receptors, you can refer to the above text. Figure 10The signal is applied to the coil of the heater. The larger the signal voltage applied to the heater coil, the greater the eddy current induced in the sensor, and the sensor temperature may rise further due to the induced eddy currents. If the operation of detecting changes in the sensor or detecting the sensor temperature causes an unexpected increase in the sensor temperature, it may lead to inaccurate temperature control of the sensor. Therefore, the signal voltage applied to the heater coil can be controlled below a preset voltage to prevent the sensor temperature from rising due to operations that detect changes in the sensor or detect the sensor temperature.

[0224] According to one embodiment, the operation of applying a signal to the coil so that the temperature of the sensor does not rise due to the operation of detecting changes in the sensor or the operation of detecting the temperature of the sensor can be performed in a short time (e.g., a few milliseconds).

[0225] Reference Figure 15 The diagram illustrates the signal applied to the coil of the heater during each unit period (e.g., a first period, a second period, and a third period) of a first temperature curve. The aerosol generating apparatus can perform operations to detect changes in the sensor or to detect the sensor temperature during each detection period of each unit period of the first temperature curve. For example, the length of each unit period of the first temperature curve can be 0.1 seconds. Each unit period may include a heating period (e.g., a first heating period, a second heating period, and a third heating period) and a detection period. During the heating period, the signal applied to the coil of the heater can be controlled so that the sensor temperature follows the temperature of the first temperature curve. For example, during the first period when the sensor temperature rises, a signal with a first voltage 1503 can be applied to the coil; during the second period when the sensor temperature is maintained, a signal with a second voltage 1502 can be applied to the coil; and during the third period when the sensor temperature decreases, a signal with a third voltage 1501 can be applied. During the detection period, a signal with a second voltage 1502 lower than a preset voltage can be applied for a short period.

[0226] In operations that detect changes in the sensor or detect the sensor temperature, when a signal with a voltage lower than a preset voltage is applied to the coil of the heater for a short period of time, the temperature of the sensor can be continuously monitored to see if it tracks the temperature curve, and the temperature of the sensor can be precisely controlled by preventing the detection operation from causing the sensor temperature to rise further.

[0227] Figure 16 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a signal applied to the coil of a heater according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0228] According to one embodiment, the following operation 1610 can be performed by an aerosol generating device (e.g., Figures 1 to 3 Aerosol generating device 1 Figures 4 to 8aerosol generating device 9 or Figure 9 The aerosol generating apparatus 900 described above can be used for this purpose. For example, it can be used in the apparatus described above. Figure 10 Operation 1610 is executed after the described operation 1050. The aerosol generating apparatus may include a control unit (which includes at least one processor) and a memory storing instructions executable by the control unit.

[0229] In operation 1610, when the sensor is the altered sensor, the aerosol generating device can stop the output of the signal applied to the heater coil. When a change in the sensor is detected during user smoking, the aerosol generating device can stop the output of the signal applied to the heater coil before acquiring the control characteristics of the altered sensor through a separate operation to prevent inaccurate temperature control. In the following text, the separate operation of acquiring the control characteristics of the altered sensor may be referred to as user calibration.

[0230] According to one embodiment, when it is determined that the receptor is a modified receptor, the aerosol generating device can provide an error notification to the user and output a message requesting the removal of the aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating device can perform a separate operation (e.g., user calibration) to obtain the control characteristics of the modified receptor after the aerosol generating article is removed.

[0231] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device can determine whether the current state meets a target state that satisfies preset conditions after performing operation 1610. For example, the target state can be at least one of the following states: the aerosol generating article is not inserted into the aerosol generating device, the main body temperature of the aerosol generating device is within a target temperature range, or the user has performed a user calibration operation. For example, the target temperature range can be a temperature range corresponding to room temperature. The target temperature range can be set differently depending on the typical operating environment of the aerosol generating device. For example, the target temperature range can be set differently depending on the region (e.g., country) and time (e.g., season) where the aerosol generating device is used.

[0232] When the current state is the target state, the aerosol generating device can acquire the modified sensor control characteristics through individual operation (e.g., user calibration). The signal applied to the heater coil can be controlled according to the modified sensor control characteristics. See below for further details. Figure 19 and Figure 20 Describe in detail a method for obtaining the control characteristics of a modified receptor through individual operation.

[0233] Figure 17 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a signal applied to a coil of a heater according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 18The diagram shows the power consumed by the coil of a heater according to an embodiment of the present disclosure and the threshold power.

[0234] According to one embodiment, the following operations 1710 and 1720 can be performed by an aerosol generating device (e.g., Figures 1 to 3 Aerosol generating device 1 Figures 4 to 8 aerosol generating device 9 or Figure 9 The aerosol generating apparatus 900 is used for execution. For example, operations 1710 and 1720 can be performed independently or in conjunction with the above-mentioned apparatus. Figure 13 The operation 1310 is performed in parallel. The aerosol generating apparatus may include a control unit (which includes at least one processor) and a memory storing instructions executable by the control unit.

[0235] In operation 1710, the aerosol generating device can acquire the power consumed by the heater coil. Since the power consumed by the heater coil includes the power transmitted to the sensor to generate inductive heating, the aerosol generating device can indirectly monitor the intensity of inductive heating generated in the sensor by the power consumed by the heater coil.

[0236] In operation 1720, when the power consumed by the heater coil exceeds a threshold power, the aerosol generating device can stop the output of the signal applied to the heater coil. When the power consumed by the heater coil is abnormally high, it can be determined that the sensor is overheating. When it is determined that the sensor is overheating, the aerosol generating device can protect itself by stopping the heating operation of the sensor.

[0237] According to one embodiment, when the power consumed by the heater coil exceeds the upper limit power 1820 or falls below the lower limit power 1810, the aerosol generating device can determine that the aerosol generating device is malfunctioning and stop the output of the signal applied to the heater coil. For example, when the reference sensor is coupled to the aerosol generating device, the upper limit power 1820 can be determined by multiplying the power consumed by the heater coil 1800 when the temperature of the reference sensor follows a first temperature curve by a first multiple (e.g., 120%); and the lower limit power 1810 can be determined by multiplying the power consumed by the heater coil 1800 when the temperature of the reference sensor follows a first temperature curve by a second multiple (e.g., 80%).

[0238] According to one embodiment, when the aerosol generating apparatus detects a change in the sensor during the operation of heating the aerosol-generated article, operations 1710 and 1720 can be executed, and the signal applied to the coil of the heater can be controlled based on the new control characteristics. If an error occurs in the process of detecting the change in the sensor and acquiring the changed control characteristics of the sensor, resulting in inaccurate temperature control of the sensor, the power consumed by the coil of the heater can be monitored to prevent inaccurate temperature control of the sensor.

[0239] Figure 19 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for acquiring control characteristics of a receptor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 20 The temperature change of the sensor is shown when a calibration signal is applied according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0240] According to one embodiment, operations 1910 to 1940 can be performed by an aerosol generating device (e.g., Figures 1 to 3 Aerosol generating device 1 Figures 4 to 8 aerosol generating device 9 or Figure 9 The aerosol generating apparatus 900 is used for execution. For example, operations 1910 to 1940 can be performed while executing the above-mentioned reference. Figure 10 The described operation 1050 is executed afterward. The aerosol generating apparatus may include a control unit (which includes at least one processor) and a memory storing instructions executable by the control unit.

[0241] In operation 1910, when it is determined that the sensor of the aerosol generating device is the modified sensor, the aerosol generating device can determine whether its current state meets a target state that satisfies preset conditions. For example, the target state could be a state where the aerosol generating article is not inserted into the aerosol generating device. For example, the target state could be a state where the main body temperature of the aerosol generating device is within a target temperature range. For example, the target state could be a state where the user has performed a user calibration operation. For example, the target state could be as referenced... Figure 16 The state described is that a change in the sensor was detected during the heating operation of the aerosol-generating article, causing the heating operation of the aerosol-generating article to stop, and the user has removed the aerosol-generating article from the aerosol-generating device in response to a notification from the aerosol-generating device.

[0242] In operation 1920, when the current state is the target state, the aerosol generating device can apply a calibration signal to the coil of the heater. The calibration signal can be a power curve signal, which controls the power applied to the coil of the heater to obtain the control characteristics of the aerosol generating device on the sensor. For example, when a calibration signal for obtaining the control characteristics of the sensor is applied to the coil of the heater, the sensor of the aerosol generating device can be controlled to heat to a peak temperature (e.g., ...). Figure 20The temperature change trajectory is shown in 2000, and then maintained at a first temperature 2010 below the peak temperature. For example, the first temperature 2010 can be a temperature in the range of 310°C to 370°C. Preferably, the first temperature 2010 can be 335°C or 355°C.

[0243] Even if the natural frequencies of the sensors are different, when the natural frequencies are within a preset frequency range, the convergence temperature of the sensors indicated by the calibration signal can each correspond to the first temperature 2010. However, even if the convergence temperatures of the sensors each correspond to the first temperature 2010, the amplitude of the calibration output signal appearing at the output terminal of the heater coil may differ from one another. The control characteristics of the altered sensors can be determined based on the amplitude of the calibration output signal.

[0244] According to one embodiment, an aerosol generating device may include a temperature sensor configured to acquire the body temperature of the aerosol generating device. When the body temperature of the aerosol generating device is outside a target temperature range, the aerosol generating device may not apply a calibration signal to the heater coil to acquire the control characteristics of the sensor. For example, the target temperature range may be 20°C to 25°C. For example, when the body temperature of the aerosol generating device rises or falls excessively due to external environmental factors, the aerosol generating device may not apply a calibration signal to the heater coil and may send an error notification to the user. In the above embodiment, when the body temperature of the aerosol generating device rises or falls excessively, the control characteristics of the sensor may not be accurately acquired. Therefore, the operation of the aerosol generating device can be controlled after the body temperature returns to the normal range to acquire the altered control characteristics of the sensor.

[0245] In operation 1930, the aerosol generating apparatus can acquire the modified control characteristics of the sensor based on at least one of the current, voltage, or electrical current of the calibration output signal appearing at the output terminal of the heater coil. For example, the modified control characteristics of the sensor can be acquired based on at least one of the current, voltage, or electrical current of the calibration output signal after a time point T in which the temperature of the sensor is maintained at the first temperature 2010 in the sensor temperature change trajectory 2000.

[0246] The aerosol generating apparatus can control the signal applied to the heater coil based on the modified control characteristics of the sensor. By changing the frequency, magnitude, duty cycle, etc., of the reference signal based on the modified sensor's control characteristics, the modified sensor can be controlled to follow a preset temperature profile. Therefore, the aerosol generating apparatus can accurately heat the subsequently inserted aerosol-generating article according to the obtained sensor's control characteristics.

[0247] The method according to the embodiments is embodied in the form of program instructions executable by various computer means and recorded in a computer read / write medium. The computer read / write medium may include program instructions, data files, data structures, etc., individually or in combination. The program instructions recorded on the medium may be instructions specifically designed and configured to implement the embodiments, or instructions that can be used by a person skilled in the art of computer software based on commonly known instructions. The computer read / write recording medium may include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes; optical media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs; magneto-optical media such as floppy disks; and hardware devices specifically configured to store and execute program instructions, such as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), and flash memory. Examples of program instructions include not only machine language code generated by a compiler, but also high-level language code executable by a computer using an interpreter or similar means. The aforementioned hardware devices may be configured to act as one or more software modules to perform the operations of the above embodiments, and vice versa.

[0248] Software can include computer programs, code, instructions, or a combination of more than one of these, enabling a processing device to operate in a desired manner, or to command the processing device individually or collectively. To interpret or provide commands or data to the processing device, the software and / or data can be permanently or temporarily embodied in any type of device, component, physical device, virtual equipment, computer storage medium or device, or transmitted signal wave. Software is distributed across a network-connected computer system and can be stored or executed in a distributed manner. Software and data can be stored on more than one computer read / write storage medium.

[0249] In summary, the embodiments have been described with reference to the limited accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations based on the description. For example, appropriate results can be obtained by performing the described techniques in a different order than the described methods, and / or by combining or integrating the described systems, structures, devices, circuits, and other constituent elements in a different manner than the described methods, or by replacing or substituting them with other constituent elements or equivalents.

[0250] Therefore, other embodiments, other implementations, and equivalents within the scope of the claims are all within the scope of the claims of this invention.

Claims

1. A method for determining receptor changes, said method being performed by an aerosol generating device, characterized in that, Includes the following operations: A first signal is applied to the coil of the heater to generate an alternating magnetic field with a first frequency; Determine a first value of the electrical characteristics of the sensor indicated by the first signal; A second signal is applied to the coil of the heater to generate an alternating magnetic field with a second frequency; Determine a second value of the electrical characteristics of the sensor indicated by the second signal; as well as The first value and the second value are used to determine whether the receptor is a modified receptor.

2. The method for determining receptor changes according to claim 1, characterized in that, in, The operation of determining the first value of the electrical characteristics of the sensor includes the following operations: The first value is determined based on at least one of the current, voltage, or electrical power of the first output signal appearing at the output terminal of the coil of the heater. The operation of determining the second value of the electrical characteristics of the sensor includes the following operations: The second value is determined based on at least one of the current, voltage, or power of the second output signal appearing at the output terminal of the coil of the heater.

3. The method for determining receptor changes according to claim 1, characterized in that, This also includes the following operations: When the receptor is determined to be a modified receptor, the control characteristics of the modified receptor are obtained based on the first value and the second value. The signal applied to the coil of the heater is controlled based on the control characteristics.

4. The method for determining receptor changes according to claim 1, characterized in that, This also includes the following operations: When the aerosol generating article is inserted into the aerosol generating device, the signal applied to the coil of the heater is controlled based on a first temperature profile. Wherein, when it is determined that the current time point corresponds to the first time point of the first temperature curve: The first signal is applied to the coil of the heater to generate an alternating magnetic field having the first frequency; The second signal is applied to the coil of the heater to generate an alternating magnetic field having the second frequency.

5. The method for determining receptor changes according to claim 4, characterized in that, This also includes the following operations: When it is determined that the current time point corresponds to the second time point of the first temperature curve: A third signal is applied to the coil of the heater to generate an alternating magnetic field having the first frequency; Determine a third value for the electrical characteristics of the receptor indicated by the third signal; A fourth signal is applied to the coil of the heater to generate an alternating magnetic field having the second frequency; Determine a fourth value for the electrical characteristics of the sensor indicated by the fourth signal; as well as The third and fourth values ​​are used to determine whether the receptor is a modified receptor.

6. The method for determining receptor changes according to claim 4, characterized in that, The voltage of the first signal and the voltage of the second signal are both less than or equal to a preset voltage.

7. The method for determining receptor changes according to claim 4, characterized in that, This also includes the following operations: When it is determined that the sensor is a modified sensor, the output of the signal applied to the coil of the heater is stopped based on the first temperature curve.

8. The method for determining receptor changes according to claim 4, characterized in that, This also includes the following operations: When it is determined that the receptor is a modified receptor, the control characteristics of the modified receptor are obtained based on the first value and the second value; as well as The signal applied to the coil of the heater is controlled based on the control characteristics and the first temperature curve.

9. The method for determining receptor changes according to claim 4, characterized in that, This also includes the following operations: Obtain the power consumed by the coil of the heater; and When the power consumption exceeds a threshold power, the output of the signal applied to the coil of the heater is stopped.

10. The method for determining receptor changes according to claim 1, characterized in that, This also includes the following operations: When it is determined that the receptor is a modified receptor, it is determined whether the current state of the aerosol generating device is a target state that meets the preset conditions; When the current state is the target state, a calibration signal is applied to the coil of the heater; as well as The control characteristics of the altered sensor are obtained based on at least one of the current, voltage, or electrical current of the calibration output signal appearing at the output terminal of the coil of the heater. The signal applied to the coil of the heater is controlled based on the control characteristics.

11. A computer-readable recording medium storing a program for performing the method of claim 1.

12. An aerosol generating device, characterized in that, include: A coil configured to generate an alternating magnetic field; and A control unit, configured to control the aerosol generating device, The control unit is configured to perform the following operations: A first signal is applied to the coil to generate an alternating magnetic field with a first frequency; Determine a first value of the electrical characteristics of the sensor indicated by the first signal; A second signal is applied to the coil to generate an alternating magnetic field with a second frequency; Determine a second value of the electrical characteristics of the sensor indicated by the second signal; and The first value and the second value are used to determine whether the receptor is a modified receptor.

13. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that, Also includes: An electrical sensor that acquires at least one of current, voltage, or electrical force at the output terminal of the coil. The operation of determining the first value of the electrical characteristics of the sensor includes the following operations: The first value is determined based on at least one of the current, voltage, or electrical power of the first output signal appearing at the output terminal of the coil of the heater. The operation of determining the second value of the electrical characteristics of the sensor includes the following operations: The second value is determined based on at least one of the current, voltage, or power of the second output signal appearing at the output terminal of the coil of the heater.

14. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that, The control unit is also configured to perform the following operations: When the aerosol generating article is inserted into the aerosol generating device, the signal applied to the coil of the heater is controlled based on a first temperature profile. Wherein, when it is determined that the current time point corresponds to the first time point of the first temperature curve: The first signal is applied to the coil of the heater to generate an alternating magnetic field having the first frequency; The second signal is applied to the coil of the heater to generate an alternating magnetic field having the second frequency.

15. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that, The control unit is also configured to perform the following operations: When it is determined that the receptor is a modified receptor, it is determined whether the current state of the aerosol generating device is a target state that meets the preset conditions; When the current state is the target state, a calibration signal is applied to the coil of the heater; The control characteristics of the altered sensor are obtained based on at least one of the current, voltage, or power of the calibration output signal appearing at the output terminal of the coil of the heater. as well as The signal applied to the coil of the heater is controlled based on the control characteristics and the temperature curve.

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