Method for determining temperature model of induction heating element and aerosol generating device for executing method

Abstract

A method performed by an aerosol-generating device for determining a temperature model of an induction heating element, comprising the steps of: applying a first signal having a first frequency to a coil of a heater to generate an alternating magnetic field; determining a first value of an electrical characteristic of the induction heating body represented based on the first signal; applying a second signal having a second frequency to a coil of the heater to generate an alternating magnetic field; determining a second value of an electrical characteristic of the induction heating body represented based on the second signal; and determining a first temperature model of the induction heat-generating body based on the first value and the second value, the first temperature model being a model for determining a temperature of the induction heat-generating body based on an electrical characteristic of the induction heat-generating body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The following embodiments relate to a technique for controlling an aerosol generating device, and more particularly, to a technique for estimating the temperature of an induction heating element in an induction heating aerosol generating device. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, the demand for e-cigarette devices has been gradually increasing. Along with this increasing demand, the related functions of e-cigarette devices have also been continuously developed. In particular, functions based on the types and characteristics of e-cigarette devices are constantly evolving.

[0003] Typically, to heat cigarettes using induction heating, electronic cigarette devices use coils to generate an alternating magnetic field, inducing eddy currents in the induction heating element near the cigarette. These eddy currents cause the induction heating element's temperature to rise. To control the temperature of the induction heating element based on the user's smoking habits, a temperature model is needed to estimate its temperature. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The problem the invention aims to solve One embodiment provides an aerosol generating apparatus capable of estimating the temperature of an induction heating element based on its electrical characteristics.

[0005] One embodiment provides an aerosol generating apparatus capable of sensing whether to replace the induction heating element based on the electrical characteristics of the induction heating element.

[0006] However, the problem to be solved by this invention is not limited to the problems mentioned above, and other technical problems may also exist.

[0007] Technical means to solve the problem According to one embodiment, a method for determining a temperature model of an inductively heated element, performed by an aerosol generating apparatus, is provided, comprising the steps of: applying a first signal having a first frequency to a coil of a heater to generate an alternating magnetic field; determining a first value of an electrical characteristic of the inductively heated element based on the first signal; applying a second signal having a second frequency to the coil of the heater to generate an alternating magnetic field; determining a second value of an electrical characteristic of the inductively heated element based on the second signal; and determining a first temperature model of the inductively heated element based on the first value and the second value, wherein the first temperature model is a model for determining the temperature of the inductively heated element based on its electrical characteristics.

[0008] According to one embodiment, an aerosol generating apparatus is provided, comprising: an induction coil that generates an alternating magnetic field; and a control unit that controls the aerosol generating apparatus, the control unit being configured to: apply a first signal having a first frequency to a coil of a heater to generate the alternating magnetic field; determine a first value of an electrical characteristic of an induction heating element based on the first signal; apply a second signal having a second frequency to the coil of the heater to generate the alternating magnetic field; determine a second value of the electrical characteristic of the induction heating element based on the second signal; and determine a first temperature model of the induction heating element based on the first value and the second value, the first temperature model being a model for determining the temperature of the induction heating element based on the electrical characteristic of the induction heating element.

[0009] Invention Effects According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating apparatus can be provided that can determine a temperature model for estimating the temperature of an inductively heated element based on the magnitude of the eddy current of the inductively heated element as represented by a signal of a specific frequency.

[0010] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device that determines a temperature model of an induction heating element upon receiving an input for installing the induction heating element, and senses an aerosol generating device with a replaced induction heating element when the determined temperature model differs from a previous temperature model. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0012] Figure 2 An aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment is shown.

[0013] Figure 3 An aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment is shown.

[0014] Figure 4 An aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment is shown.

[0015] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of a method for determining the temperature model of an inductive heating element according to one embodiment.

[0016] Figure 6 This is based on an embodiment of the eddy current trajectory of an induction heating element exhibited by a signal frequency.

[0017] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of a method for determining the electrical characteristics of an inductive heating element according to one embodiment.

[0018] Figure 8This is a flowchart of a method for determining the temperature model of an inductive heating element based on sensor temperature, according to one embodiment.

[0019] Figure 9 A temperature model of an induction heating element based on the magnitude of the current is shown according to one embodiment.

[0020] Figure 10 This is a flowchart of a method for calculating the temperature of an induction heating element based on an induction heating element temperature model according to an embodiment.

[0021] Figure 11 This is a flowchart of a method for updating the temperature model of an inductive heating element according to one embodiment.

[0022] Figure 12 This is a flowchart of a method for determining a second temperature model of an inductive heating element according to one embodiment.

[0023] Figure 13 This is a flowchart of a method for receiving input to update the temperature model of an inductive heating element according to one embodiment.

[0024] Figure 14 This is a flowchart of a method for discarding a second temperature model or updating a first temperature model to a second temperature model according to one embodiment.

[0025] Figure 15 This is a flowchart of a method for detecting the replacement of an induction heating element according to one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Hereinafter, the embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Regardless of the reference numerals, the same or similar components will be assigned the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions will be omitted. Similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components in the description of the drawings.

[0027] The suffixes “module” and “unit” used in the following description for the purpose of drafting the specification are used interchangeably or for convenience only, and do not inherently have different meanings or functions. Furthermore, the suffixes “module” or “unit” can include units implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and can be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A “module” or “unit” can be a component that is integrally formed or the smallest unit or part of said component that performs one or more functions. For example, a “module” or “unit” can be implemented as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0028] Furthermore, when describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, detailed descriptions of relevant well-known technologies will be omitted if it is determined that such detailed descriptions may obscure the spirit of the embodiments disclosed in this specification. Additionally, the accompanying drawings are only for easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification; the technical concepts disclosed in this specification are not limited by the drawings and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and even substitutions included within the scope of the concepts and techniques of this disclosure.

[0029] Terms including ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" can be used to describe multiple constituent elements, but the constituent elements are not limited by the terms. The above terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one constituent element from other constituent elements.

[0030] When it is mentioned that a component is "connected" or "coupled" to another component, it should be understood that it can be directly connected or directly coupled to the other component, but there may also be other components in between. Conversely, when it is mentioned that a component is "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0031] Unless the context clearly indicates that they have different meanings, the singular form of a statement covers the plural form of a statement.

[0032] Embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented in software that includes one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., memory 17) readable by a machine (e.g., aerosol generating apparatus 1). For example, a processor (e.g., control unit 12) of the machine (e.g., aerosol generating apparatus 1) can invoke at least one of the more than one stored instructions from the storage medium and execute that instruction. This enables the machine to operate in a manner that performs at least one function according to the invoked at least one instruction. The more than one instruction may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The storage medium readable by the machine can be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. The term "non-transitory" simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and this term does not distinguish between semi-permanent and temporary storage of data in the storage medium.

[0033] In this disclosure, the orientation of the aerosol generating device 1 can be defined using a Cartesian coordinate system as a reference. The x-axis direction in the Cartesian coordinate system can be defined as the left-right direction of the aerosol generating device 1. The y-axis direction can be defined as the front-back direction of the aerosol generating device 1. The z-axis direction can be defined as the up-down direction of the aerosol generating device 1.

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

[0035] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating apparatus 1 may include a power supply 11, a control unit 12, a sensor unit 13, an output unit 14, an input unit 15, a communication unit 16, a memory 17, and / or heaters 18 and 24. However, those skilled in the art will understand that, according to the design of the aerosol generating apparatus 1, certain components may be omitted. Figure 1 The shown components may include some of the constituent elements, or new constituent elements may be added.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the sensor unit 13 can sense the state of the aerosol generating device 1 or the state around the aerosol generating device 1, and transmit the sensed information to the control unit 12. For example, the sensor unit 13 may include a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, an insertion sensor, a reuse sensor, an overly moist sensor, a cigarette identification sensor, a cartridge sensor, a cap sensor, and / or a motion sensor. In addition, the sensor unit 13 may also include various sensors such as a liquid level sensor for sensing the remaining liquid in the cartridge and a water immersion sensor for sensing water immersion in the aerosol generating device 1.

[0037] According to one embodiment, a temperature sensor can sense the temperature at which heaters 18 and 24 are heated. The aerosol generating apparatus 1 may include a separate temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of heaters 18 and 24, or the heaters 18 and 24 themselves may function as temperature sensors. As an example, the temperature sensor can be used to measure the impedance of heater 18. The impedance of heater 18 may be correlated with the temperature of heater 18. The temperature sensor can measure the current and / or voltage applied to heater 18 (or induction coil). Based on the measured current and / or voltage, the impedance of heater 18 can be calculated. The control unit 12 can estimate the temperature of heater 18 based on the calculated impedance.

[0038] As an example, the temperature sensor may include a resistive element (e.g., a thermistor) whose resistance value changes in response to temperature changes in the heaters 18 and 24. The temperature sensor may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistive element, and the control unit 12 may detect the temperature and / or temperature changes of the heaters 18 and 24 based on the aforementioned signal corresponding to the resistance value.

[0039] As another example, the temperature sensor may include a sensor that detects the resistance value of heaters 18 and 24. The temperature sensor may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of heaters 18 and 24, and the control unit 12 may detect the temperature and / or temperature change of heaters 18 and 24 based on the aforementioned signal corresponding to the resistance value.

[0040] According to one embodiment, a temperature sensor can sense the temperature of the power supply 11. The temperature sensor can be arranged adjacent to the power supply 11. For example, the temperature sensor can be attached to a surface of the power supply 11 (e.g., a battery) and / or mounted on a surface of a printed circuit board. As an example, the aerosol generating apparatus 1 may include a power protection circuit (PCM), and the temperature sensor can be arranged adjacent to the power supply 11 together with the power protection circuit.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the temperature sensor may also be arranged inside the housing (not shown) of the aerosol generating device 1 to sense the temperature inside the housing (not shown).

[0042] According to one embodiment, the suction sensor can sense the user's suction.

[0043] As an example, the suction sensor may include a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor can output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device 1, and the control unit 12 can detect the user's suction based on the aforementioned signal corresponding to the internal pressure. The internal pressure of the aerosol generating device 1 may correspond to the pressure of the gas flow channel. The suction sensor may be arranged in the aerosol generating device 1 corresponding to the gas flow channel.

[0044] As another example, the suction sensor may include a temperature sensor. When a user performs suction, a temporary temperature drop may occur in the airflow channel, the space where the aerosol-generating article is inserted (hereinafter referred to as the insertion space), heaters 18, 24, etc. The control unit 12 can detect the user's suction based on a signal output from the temperature sensor corresponding to the temperature of the airflow channel, etc.

[0045] As another example, the suction sensor may include both a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor. In this case, the temperature sensor can measure the temperature used to correct the internal pressure measured by the pressure sensor. As an example, the suction sensor can correct the signal corresponding to the internal pressure based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and output the corrected signal. As another example, the suction sensor can output both a signal corresponding to the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and a signal corresponding to the internal pressure measured by the suction sensor. In this case, the control unit 12 can receive the signals and correct the signal corresponding to the internal pressure based on the signal corresponding to the temperature.

[0046] As another example, the suction sensor may include a capacitive sensor. In this disclosure, a capacitive sensor may also be referred to as a cap sensor or capacitive sensor. When a user performs suction, temperature changes and / or aerosol flow may occur within the insertion space of the aerosol-generating article, thereby potentially changing the dielectric constant inside the insertion space. The control unit 12 can detect the user's suction based on a signal output from the capacitive sensor corresponding to the dielectric constant, etc., inside the insertion space.

[0047] The suction sensor is not limited to the examples above and can be implemented by a variety of sensors used to sense a user's suction.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the insertion sensing sensor is capable of sensing the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article. The insertion sensing sensor may be disposed around the periphery of the insertion space. Furthermore, the insertion sensing sensor may also include any combination of the examples described above.

[0049] As an example, the insertion sensing sensor may include a capacitive sensor. The capacitive sensor may include at least one conductor, and the at least one conductor may be arranged adjacent to the insertion space. When an aerosol-generating article is inserted into or removed from the insertion space, the dielectric constant around the conductor may change. The control unit 12 may detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article based on a signal output from the capacitive sensor corresponding to the dielectric constant, etc., inside the insertion space.

[0050] As another example, the insertion sensing sensor may include an inductive sensor. The inductive sensor may include at least one coil, and the at least one coil may be arranged adjacent to the insertion space. When the aerosol generating article (e.g., a wrapper of the aerosol generating article) includes a conductor, a change in the magnetic field may be generated around the coil through which the current flows when the aerosol generating article is inserted into or removed from the insertion space. The control unit 12 may sense the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article including the conductor based on the characteristics of the current output from or sensed by the inductive sensor (e.g., the frequency, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc. of the alternating current). Alternatively, an inductive heating element (SUS) may also be included in the aerosol generating article (e.g., the dielectric portion of the aerosol generating article). Even in this case, the magnetic field around the coil may change based on the insertion or removal of the heating element or the like in the insertion space, and the control unit 12 can sense the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article based on the current characteristics of the inductive sensor.

[0051] The insertion sensing sensor is not limited to the examples described above, and can be implemented by various sensors (e.g., proximity sensors) used to sense the insertion and / or removal of aerosol-generating articles. Furthermore, the insertion sensing sensor can also include any combination of the examples described above. According to one embodiment, the insertion sensing sensor may also include a switch, etc., for sensing pressure generated by the aerosol-generating article.

[0052] According to one embodiment, a reuse sensing sensor can detect whether an aerosol-generating article has been reused. As an example, the reuse sensing sensor can be a color sensor for sensing the color of the aerosol-generating article. If a user uses the aerosol-generating article, the color of a portion of the outer casing of the aerosol-generating article may change due to the generated aerosol or heating. The color sensor can output a signal corresponding to the optical characteristics (e.g., wavelength of light) of the color of the outer casing based on the light reflected from it. If a color change is detected in a portion of the outer casing, the control unit 12 can determine that the aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space has been used.

[0053] According to one embodiment, an over-humidity sensing sensor can sense whether an aerosol-generating article is in an over-humid state. For example, the over-humidity sensing sensor may include a capacitive sensor. The capacitive sensor may include at least one conductor arranged adjacent to the insertion space. The control unit 12 can detect whether the aerosol-generating article is in an over-humid state based on the level of a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant, etc., output from the capacitive sensor. As an example, the control unit 12 can confirm the level range that the signal level falls into according to a lookup table, and determine the moisture content of the aerosol-generating article based on the confirmed level range.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the cigarette identification sensor can sense whether the aerosol-generating article is genuine and / or the type of aerosol-generating article.

[0055] As an example, a cigarette identification sensor may include a light sensor for sensing an identification substance (or identification mark) located on the outer surface (e.g., packaging component) of an aerosol-generating article. The light sensor may illuminate the identification substance (or identification mark) of the aerosol-generating article and sense whether the aerosol-generating article is genuine and / or its type based on the reflected light. For example, the identification substance may include a substance that emits light of a specific wavelength based on the illuminated light. The control unit 12 may detect whether the aerosol-generating article is genuine and / or its type based on the range of said wavelengths.

[0056] As another example, the cigarette identification sensor may include a capacitive sensor. Depending on the type of aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space, the dielectric constant inside the insertion space may vary. The control unit 12 can detect whether the aerosol-generating article is genuine and / or its type based on a signal output from the capacitive sensor corresponding to the dielectric constant, etc., inside the insertion space.

[0057] As another example, a cigarette identification sensor may include an inductive sensor. When the packaging and / or interior (e.g., the dielectric portion) of the aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space includes a conductor, the characteristics of the current sensed by the inductive sensor (e.g., frequency, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc.) may vary depending on the type of aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space. The control unit 12 can detect whether the inserted aerosol-generating article is genuine and / or its type based on the characteristics of the current output from or sensed by the inductive sensor.

[0058] Cigarette identification sensors are not limited to the examples described above and can be implemented using various sensors for sensing whether an aerosol-generating article is genuine and / or for sensing the type of aerosol-generating article. Furthermore, cigarette identification sensors can also include any combination of the examples described above.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the cartridge sensing sensor can sense the installation and / or removal of the cartridge. For example, the cartridge sensing sensor may include an inductive sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, a Hall effect sensor (Hall IC), and / or an optical sensor.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the cap sensing sensor can sense the installation and / or removal of the cap. For example, the cap sensing sensor may include an inductive sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, a contact sensor, a Hall effect sensor (HAL IC), and / or an optical sensor. The cap may include a structure that covers at least a portion of a cartridge mounted or inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, or covers at least a portion of the housing of the aerosol generating device 1. If the cap is installed in or removed from the housing, the cap sensing sensor can output a signal corresponding to the installation or removal, and the control unit 12 can sense the installation or removal of the cap based on the signal corresponding to the installation or removal.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the motion sensing sensor is capable of sensing the motion of the aerosol generating device 1. The motion sensing sensor can be implemented by at least one of an accelerometer and a gyroscope.

[0062] According to one embodiment, in addition to the sensors described above, the sensor unit 13 may also include at least one of a humidity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a position sensor (Global Positioning System (GPS)), or a proximity sensor. Since a person skilled in the art can intuitively infer the function of each sensor from its name, detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the output unit 14 can output information about the status of the aerosol generating device 1. The output unit 14 may include, but is not limited to, a display, a haptic unit, and / or an audio output unit. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device 1 may include the charging / discharging status of the power supply 11, the preheating status of the heaters 18 and 24, the insertion / removal status of the aerosol generating article and / or cartridge, the installation and / or removal status of the cover, or a status where the use of the aerosol generating device 1 is restricted (e.g., abnormal object detected). The display can visually provide the user with information about the status of the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the display may include a light-emitting diode (LED), a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), etc. If the display includes a touchpad, the display can also be used as an input unit 15. The haptic unit can tactilely provide the user with information about the status of the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the tactile part may include a vibrating motor, a piezoelectric element, an electrical stimulation device, etc. The sound output part can provide the user with information about the aerosol generating device 1 in an auditory manner. For example, the sound output part can convert an electrical signal into a sound signal and output the sound signal to the outside.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the power source 11 can supply power for the operation of the aerosol generating apparatus 1. The power source 11 may include one or more batteries. The power source 11 can supply power to heat the heaters 18 and 24. Furthermore, the power source 11 can supply power required for the operation of other components included in the aerosol generating apparatus 1, such as the control unit 12, sensor unit 13, output unit 14, input unit 15, communication unit 16, and memory 17. The power source 11 can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the power source 11 can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto. The power source 11 can be a replaceable (detachable) battery (hereinafter, a removable battery). The removable battery can be installed in a battery housing provided within the aerosol generating apparatus 1, or it can be removed from the battery housing. The removable battery can be charged via wired and / or wireless means.

[0065] According to one embodiment, heaters 18 and 24 receive power from power source 11, thereby enabling them to heat the aerosol generating article and / or the medium and / or aerosol generating substance within the cartridge. The aerosol generating apparatus 1 may include heater 18 for heating the aerosol generating article and / or cartridge heater 24 for heating the cartridge (i.e., the solid and / or liquid medium).

[0066] According to one embodiment, heaters 18 and 24 can be resistance heaters. For example, resistance heaters can include resistive materials such as metals or metal alloys like titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, and nichrome. Resistance heaters can be implemented using metal heating wires, metal heating plates with conductive tracks, or ceramic heating elements.

[0067] According to one embodiment, heaters 18 and 24 can be induction heating heaters. For example, an induction heating heater may include an induction heating element (susceptor) that heats up by a magnetic field. An alternating current flowing through an induction coil can generate a magnetic field in the induction coil. The generated magnetic field can pass through the heater and can generate eddy currents in the induction heating element. Based on the generation of eddy currents, the induction heating element can be heated. According to one embodiment, the induction heating element may also be included inside an aerosol generating article (e.g., a medium section). In this case, the induction heating element included inside the aerosol generating article can also be heated by an induction coil.

[0068] Heaters 18 and 24 are not limited to the examples above, and may include various heating methods, structures, components, etc. for heating aerosol generating articles and / or smoke cartridges, or may be used in place of them.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the input unit 15 can receive information input by a user. For example, the input unit 15 may include a touch panel, a button, a keyboard, a dome switch, a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the memory 17 is hardware used to store various data processed within the aerosol generating device 1, and can store data processed in the control unit 12 and data to be processed. For example, the memory 17 may include at least one type of storage medium selected from flash memory, hard disk, multimedia card microtype, card-type memory (e.g., SD (Secure Digital) or XD (Extreme Digital) memory), random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), magnetic storage, magnetic disk, and optical disk. For example, the memory 17 may store data such as the operating time of the aerosol generating device 1, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and data regarding the user's smoking pattern.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the communication unit 16 may include at least one component for communicating with other electronic devices (e.g., portable electronic devices). For example, the communication unit 16 may include a Bluetooth communication unit, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an Infrared Data Association (IrDA) communication unit, a Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) communication unit, an Ultra Wideband (UWB) communication unit, an Ant+ (Adaptive Network Topology) communication unit, a Cellular Network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a Computer Network (e.g., a Local Area Network (LAN) or a Wide Area Network (WAN)) communication unit, etc.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the entire operation of the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the control unit 12 may include at least one processor. The control unit 12 may be implemented by an array of multiple logic gates, or by a combination of a general-purpose microcontroller (MCU) (or microprocessor) and a memory storing a program that can be executed in the MCU. Furthermore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art to which this embodiment pertains that the control unit may also be implemented by other forms of hardware.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the temperature of heaters 18 and 24 by controlling the power supply 11 to supply power to heaters 18 and 24. The control unit 12 can control the temperature of heaters 18 and 24 and / or the power supplied to heaters 18 and 24 based on the temperature of heaters 18 and 24 sensed by a temperature sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13). The control unit 12 can also control the temperature of heaters 18 and 24 and / or the power supplied to heaters 18 and 24 based on temperature curves and / or power curves stored in the memory 17.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the power (e.g., voltage and / or current) supplied to the heaters 18 and 24 by controlling a power conversion circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the heaters 18 and 24 and the power supply 11. For example, the power conversion circuit may include a DC / DC converter (e.g., a buck converter, buck-boost converter, boost converter, Zener diode, etc.) for converting the power supplied to the heaters 18 and 24, and a DC / AC converter (e.g., an inverter) for converting the power supplied to the induction coil (not shown). The DC / AC converter can be implemented using a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit including multiple switching elements. For example, the power conversion circuit may include at least one switching element such as a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), a field-effect transistor (FET), etc.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can regulate the current and / or voltage supplied to the heaters 18 and 24 by adjusting the frequency and / or duty ratio of the current pulses input to at least one switching element of the power conversion circuit (not shown). The duty ratio of the on / off operation of the switching element can correspond to the ratio of the output voltage of the power conversion circuit to the output voltage of the power supply 11.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the power supplied to the heaters 18 and 24 using at least one of pulse width modulation (PWM) and proportional-integral-differential (PID) methods. For example, the control unit 12 can use PWM to supply current pulses with a predetermined frequency and duty cycle to the heaters 18 and 24. The control unit 12 can control the power supplied to the heaters 18 and 24 by adjusting the frequency and duty cycle of the current pulses. For example, the control unit 12 can determine the target temperature as the control objective based on a temperature curve. The control unit 12 can use PID to control the power supplied to the heaters 18 and 24, which is a feedback control method based on the difference between the temperature of the heaters 18 and 24 and the target temperature, the integral value of the difference over time, and the derivative value of the difference over time.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can determine the target power as a control objective based on the power curve. Over time, the control unit 12 can control the power supplied to the heaters 18 and 24 to correspond to the preset target power.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can detect user suction by sensing the power supplied to the heaters 18 and 24. More specifically, the control unit 12 can use a PID control method to control the power supplied to the heaters 18 and 24. When a user performs suction, a temporary temperature drop may occur in the space where the aerosol-generating article is inserted (hereinafter referred to as the insertion space), the heaters 18 and 24, etc. Therefore, during the PID power control, the power (or current) supplied to the heaters 18 and 24 may change. The control unit 12 can detect user suction based on the controlled power change.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can prevent the heaters 18 and 24 from overheating. For example, the control unit 12 can control the operation of the power conversion circuit based on the temperature of the heaters 18 and 24 exceeding a preset limit temperature, so as to reduce the power supplied to the heaters 18 and 24 or interrupt the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the charging / discharging of the power supply 11. For example, the control unit 12 can use a temperature sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13) to determine the temperature of the power supply 11. When the temperature of the power supply 11 exceeds a first limit temperature, the control unit 12 can cut off the charging of the power supply 11. When the temperature of the power supply 11 exceeds a second limit temperature, the control unit 12 can interrupt the use of the power stored in the power supply 11 (e.g., discharging). The control unit 12 can calculate the remaining capacity of the power stored in the power supply 11. For example, the control unit 12 can calculate the remaining capacity of the power supply 11 based on the voltage and / or current detection values ​​of the power supply 11.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 based on the results sensed by the sensor unit 13.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 based on the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article relative to the insertion space. For example, if the insertion sensing sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13) determines that the aerosol-generating article has been inserted into the insertion space, the control unit 12 can control the supply of power to the heaters 18 and 24. If the insertion sensing sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13) determines that the aerosol-generating article has been removed from the insertion space, the control unit 12 can cut off the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24. If the temperature of the heaters 18 and 24 is above a limit temperature or the temperature change slope of the heaters 18 and 24 is above a set slope, the control unit 12 can determine that the aerosol-generating article has been removed from the insertion space.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the power supply time and / or power supply amount to the heaters 18 and 24 based on the state of the aerosol generating article. For example, if the aerosol generating article is determined to be in an over-humidity state by using an over-humidity sensing sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13), the control unit 12 can increase the power supply time (e.g., preheating time) to the heaters 18 and 24.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 based on whether the aerosol-generating article has been reused. For example, if the control unit 12 determines that the aerosol-generating article has been used, it can cut off the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 based on whether the cartridge is attached and / or removed. For example, if the cartridge sensing sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13) determines that the cartridge is in a separated state, the control unit 12 can control the interruption of the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 or prevent the supply of power to the heaters 18 and 24.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 based on whether the aerosol-generating material of the cartridge has been depleted. For example, if the control unit 12 determines that the temperature of the heaters 18 and 24 exceeds a limit temperature during the preheating period (i.e., the preheating interval), it can determine that the aerosol-generating material of the cartridge has been depleted. In the case that the aerosol-generating material of the cartridge has been depleted, the control unit 12 can cut off the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 based on whether the e-cigarette cartridge is available. For example, if the control unit 12 determines, based on data stored in the memory 17, that the current number of puffs exceeds the maximum number of puffs set for the e-cigarette cartridge, it can determine that the e-cigarette cartridge cannot be used. Alternatively, the control unit 12 can determine that the e-cigarette cartridge cannot be used if the total heating time of the heaters 18 and 24 exceeds a preset maximum time or if the total electrical power supplied to the heaters 18 and 24 exceeds a preset maximum electrical power. In this case, the control unit 12 can control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 to be interrupted or not to be supplied with power.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 based on the user's suction. For example, the control unit 12 can use a suction sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13) to determine whether suction has occurred and / or the intensity of suction. If the number of suctions has reached a preset maximum number of suctions and / or no suction is detected for a preset time, the control unit 12 can cut off the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24. When suction is sensed, the control unit 12 can control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 based on whether the aerosol-generating article (or cartridge) is genuine and / or its type. For example, the control unit 12 can use a cigarette identification sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13) to detect whether the aerosol-generating article is genuine and / or its type. As an example, if the aerosol-generating article (or cartridge) is detected to be counterfeit, the control unit 12 can cut off the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24. If the aerosol-generating article (or cartridge) is detected to be genuine, the control unit 12 can control (e.g., start) the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24. As another example, the control unit 12 can control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 in different ways depending on the type of aerosol-generating article (or cartridge). More specifically, if the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is detected as a first aerosol generating article (or first cartridge), the control unit 12 can control the temperature and / or power of the heaters 18 and 24 based on a first temperature curve (or first power curve). If the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is detected as a second aerosol generating article (or second cartridge), the control unit 12 can control the temperature and / or power of the heaters 18 and 24 based on a second temperature curve (or second power curve).

[0090] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the output unit 14 based on the results sensed by the sensor unit 13. For example, if the number of suctions counted by the suction sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13) reaches a preset number, the control unit 12 can control the output unit 14 to provide information that the aerosol generating device 1 is about to end its operation in a visual, tactile, and / or audible manner. For example, the control unit 12 can control the output unit 14 to provide information about the temperature of the heaters 18 and 24 in a visual, tactile, and / or audible manner.

[0091] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can store and update the history of events that have occurred in the memory 17 based on the occurrence of predetermined events. For example, events may include operations performed in the aerosol generating apparatus 1 such as sensing the insertion of an aerosol generating article, starting heating of the aerosol generating article, sensing suction, ending suction, sensing overheating of heaters 18 and 24, sensing overvoltage applied to heaters 18 and 24, ending heating of the aerosol generating article, turning the power supply of the aerosol generating apparatus 1 on / off, starting charging of the power supply 11, sensing overcharging of the power supply 11, and ending charging of the power supply 11. For example, the event history may include the date and time of the event, log data corresponding to the event, etc. For example, if the predetermined event is sensing the insertion of an aerosol generating article, the log data corresponding to the event may include data such as the sensing value of the insertion sensing sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13). For example, if the predetermined event is the sensing of overheating of heaters 18 and 24, the log data corresponding to the event may include data about the temperature of heaters 18 and 24, the voltage applied to heaters 18 and 24, the current flowing in heaters 18 and 24, etc.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the communication unit 16 to form a communication link with an external device such as a user's mobile terminal.

[0093] According to one embodiment, if authentication data is received from an external device via a communication link, the control unit 12 can remove usage restrictions on at least one function of the aerosol generating device 1 (e.g., heating function). For example, the authentication data may include the user's birthday, a unique phone number representing the user, and whether the user has completed authentication.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can send data about the status of the aerosol generating device 1 (e.g., remaining capacity of the power supply 11, operating mode, etc.) to an external device via a communication link. The sent data can be output through a display or the like on the external device.

[0095] According to one embodiment, if a location search request for the aerosol generating device 1 is received from an external device via a communication link, the control unit 12 can control the output unit 14 to perform an operation corresponding to the location search. For example, the control unit 12 can control the tactile unit to vibrate, or control the display to output objects corresponding to the location search and the end of the search.

[0096] According to one embodiment, if firmware data is received from an external device via a communication link, the control unit 12 can perform a firmware update.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can send data about the detection values ​​of at least one sensor unit 13 to an external server (not shown) via a communication link, and can receive and store a learning model generated by learning the detection values ​​through machine learning such as deep learning from the server. The control unit 12 can use the learning model received from the server to perform operations such as determining the user's inhalation pattern and generating a temperature curve.

[0098] Although Figure 1 Although not shown, the aerosol generating device 1 may also include a power protection circuit. The power protection circuit may include at least one switching element and may disconnect the power supply 11 in response to overcharging and / or over-discharging. The aerosol generating device 1 may also include a connection interface such as a universal serial bus (USB) interface, and may be connected to other external devices via the connection interface to send and receive information or charge the power supply 11.

[0099] The aerosol generating article mentioned in this disclosure may include at least one aerosol generating rod (e.g., a medium section) and at least one filter rod. The heater 18 may be arranged corresponding to at least one aerosol generating rod and may be designed differently depending on the arrangement and / or position of the aerosol generating rod and the filter rod. The aerosol generating rod may contain at least one of nicotine, an aerosol generating substance, and additives. For example, the aerosol generating substance may contain glycerin (e.g., vegetable glycerin (VG)) and / or propylene glycol (PG), or may contain a variety of other substances. For example, the additive may contain flavoring agents and / or organic acids, or may contain a variety of other substances. For example, the aerosol generating rod may contain an aerosol generating substrate (e.g., a sheet) impregnated with a liquid non-tobacco substance (e.g., the aerosol generating substance and / or nicotine), and / or may contain solid tobacco substances (e.g., tobacco leaves, reconstituted tobacco, etc.). The tobacco substance may be contained in the aerosol generating rod in various forms such as shredded, granular, or powdered forms. According to one embodiment, the additives in the aerosol generating rod may contain an alkaline substance. Based on the alkaline substance, the nicotine of the tobacco substance contained in the aerosol generating rod may have an alkaline pH value (e.g., pH 7.0 or higher). In this case, the aerosol generating rod can release free base nicotine even at lower temperatures. According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating rod may comprise two or more aerosol generating rods, and the two or more aerosol generating rods may each contain tobacco substance and / or non-tobacco substance. Additionally, although not shown, at least one aerosol generating rod and at least one filter rod may each be wrapped by at least one wrapper, and / or wrapped together by at least one wrapper. In this disclosure, the aerosol generating article may also be referred to as a stick.

[0100] The cartridge mentioned in this disclosure may contain an aerosol-generating substance in any of the following states: liquid, solid, gaseous, or gel. The aerosol-generating substance may comprise a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing substances found in tobacco (including volatile tobacco flavor components) or a liquid containing non-tobacco substances. Additionally, the cartridge may include a storage section for containing the aerosol-generating substance and / or a liquid delivery member for impregnating (containing) the aerosol-generating substance. For example, the liquid delivery member may include a core material such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic. The cartridge heater 24 may be included in the cartridge in the form of a coil surrounding (or winding) the liquid delivery member or in a structure contacting one side of the liquid delivery member. Alternatively, the cartridge heater 24 may also be included in an aerosol-generating device 1 that can be separated from the cartridge.

[0101] Figure 2 An aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to one embodiment is shown. Figure 3 An aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to one embodiment is shown.

[0102] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 1 may include a housing 10, a power supply 11, a control unit 12, a sensor unit 13, and / or heaters 182, 183 (e.g., Figure 1 (The heater 18). However, those skilled in the art will understand that the components of the aerosol generating apparatus 1 are not limited to those described in this embodiment. Figure 2 or Figure 3 The constituent elements shown can be omitted or new constituent elements can be added. Figure 2 The aerosol generating device 1 shown can be referred to as an "internal heating type" aerosol generating device that heats the inside of the aerosol generating article 2. Figure 3 The aerosol generating device 1 shown can be referred to as an "externally heated" aerosol generating device that heats the outside of the aerosol generating article 2. In the following figures, details related to... Figure 1 Repeated explanation.

[0103] According to one embodiment, the housing 10 may provide an upwardly opening space for insertion of the aerosol generating article 2. In this disclosure, the upwardly opening space may be referred to as an insertion space. The insertion space may be recessed into the interior of the housing 10 to a predetermined depth to allow insertion of at least a portion of the aerosol generating article 2. The depth of the insertion space may be greater than the length of the region of the aerosol generating article 2 containing the aerosol generating substance and / or medium. The lower end of the aerosol generating article 2 may be inserted into the interior of the housing 10, and the upper end of the aerosol generating article 2 may protrude outward from the housing 10. A user may hold the exposed upper end of the aerosol generating article 2 in their mouth and inhale the aerosol.

[0104] According to one embodiment, heaters 182 and 183 can heat the aerosol-generated article 2.

[0105] Reference Figure 2 Heater 182 can be an internal heating type heater.

[0106] According to one embodiment, the internally heated heater can extend relatively far upward within the space (i.e., the insertion space) into which the aerosol-generating article 2 is inserted. For example, as shown, the internally heated heater can include rod-shaped or needle-shaped heating elements, but can also include various heating elements such as tubular or plate-shaped heating elements. The internally heated heater can be inserted through the lower part of the aerosol-generating article 2.

[0107] According to one embodiment, an internally heated heater may include a resistance heater and / or an induction heater.

[0108] For example, the resistance heater may include a resistive material on its inner side (e.g., an internal hollow or inner surface) or outer side (e.g., an outer surface), and can be heated as an electric current flows through the resistive material. In this case, the resistance heater may be electrically connected to the power supply 11 and can be heated directly by receiving current from the power supply 11. Furthermore, the induction coil 181 may be omitted.

[0109] For example, for an induction heating heater, the aerosol generating device 1 may include an induction coil 181 surrounding at least a portion of an internal heating type heater (e.g., arranged externally in a manner corresponding to at least a portion of the heater's length). In this case, to improve the efficiency of induction heating, a magnetic flux concentrator or similar device may also be included outside the induction coil 181. The induction heating heater may include an induction heating element (susceptor) and may generate heat based on a magnetic field generated from the induction coil 181. According to one embodiment, the induction heating heater (e.g., an induction heating element) (or a heater module including it) may be arranged to be detachable from the housing 10.

[0110] According to one embodiment, heater 182 can also be a multiple heater. The multiple heaters may include a first heater and a second heater, and can be inserted into the aerosol generating article 2. The first and second heaters can be arranged side-by-side along the length direction. The first and second heaters can operate as resistance heaters and / or induction heaters, and can be heated sequentially or simultaneously. In this case, the first and second heaters can be arranged respectively at positions corresponding to the length directions of two or more aerosol generating rods. Alternatively, the first and second heaters can also be arranged respectively at positions corresponding to the length directions of a first and second part of an aerosol generating rod. Furthermore, when heater 182 is an induction heater, the aerosol generating device 1 may include a first induction coil and a second induction coil, which can also be arranged respectively at positions corresponding to the length directions of the first and second heaters. Alternatively, the first and second heaters can also be arranged respectively at positions corresponding to the length directions of a first and second part of a heater 182. In addition, heaters and / or induction coils may include three or more.

[0111] According to one embodiment, the induction heating element is arranged (or contained) inside the aerosol generating article 2 (e.g., the medium section), and can be implemented to heat the induction heating element contained inside the aerosol generating article 2 based on the magnetic field generated from the induction coil 181.

[0112] Reference Figure 3 Heater 183 can be an external heating type heater.

[0113] According to one embodiment, the externally heated heater can extend upwardly and relatively long around the space where the aerosol generating article 2 is inserted (i.e., the insertion space). For example, the externally heated heater can be arranged to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. As an example, the externally heated heater can include a tubular shape (e.g., cylindrical) with a hollow interior. The externally heated heater can also include a shape with a hollow interior that surrounds the hollow space. In this case, the externally heated heater can be supported by a polyimide film. A heater supported by such a film can be referred to as a film heater. The externally heated heater can be arranged to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. The externally heated heater is capable of heating the outside of the aerosol generating article 2 inserted into the hollow space.

[0114] According to one embodiment, the external heating type heater may include a resistance heater and / or an induction heater, and the terms related to... will be omitted. Figure 2 To reiterate. Furthermore, for induction heating heaters, the aerosol generating apparatus 1 may include an external heating type heater formed by a tubular induction heating element, and may include an induction coil 181 surrounding at least a portion of the external heating type heater (e.g., arranged externally in a manner corresponding to at least a portion of the heater's length). Additionally, the induction coil 181 may also include a fan coil. Furthermore, if the external heating type heater is a resistance heater, since heating can be achieved by current flowing through the tubular resistance heater (e.g., a thin-film heater), a separate induction coil 181 can be omitted. Additionally, insulating material may be arranged externally to the external heating type heater. This reduces the heat dissipated from the heater 183 in the radially outward direction and applied to the outside of the housing 10.

[0115] According to one embodiment, heater 183 can be multiple heaters, with the first and second heaters arranged side-by-side along the length direction and each surrounding at least a portion of the insertion space. The first and second heaters can operate as resistance heaters and / or induction heaters, and can be heated sequentially or simultaneously. Alternatively, when heater 183 is an induction heater, the aerosol generating device 1 can include a first induction coil and a second induction coil, which can be arranged respectively at positions corresponding to the length directions of the first and second heaters. Alternatively, the first and second heaters can also be arranged respectively at positions corresponding to the length directions of a first and a second portion of heater 183.

[0116] and Figure 2 or Figure 3 The situation shown is different, Figure 2 heater 182 and Figure 3 The heater 183 can be included in the aerosol generating apparatus 1. In this case, the heater 182 can heat the inside of the aerosol generating article 2, and the heater 183 can heat the outside of the aerosol generating article 2.

[0117] According to one embodiment, an airflow channel for air circulation can be provided in the aerosol generating apparatus 1. For example, the housing 10 may include a structure (e.g., a hole) that allows air to flow from the outside into the interior of the housing 10. The air flowing into the interior of the housing 10 can enter the aerosol generating article 2 through its lower end (i.e., upstream side). The aerosol generated by heating the aerosol generating article 2 can be inhaled into the user's mouth along with the inflowing air through its upper end (i.e., downstream side).

[0118] Figure 4 An aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to one embodiment is shown.

[0119] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating apparatus 1 may further include a temperature sensor 131. The temperature sensor 131 may be disposed inside the main body (e.g., housing 10) of the aerosol generating apparatus 1 to measure temperature. For example, as shown, the temperature sensor 131 may be disposed below the heater 182, and may be disposed below the rod-shaped or needle-shaped heating element included in the heater 182. For example, the control unit 12 may obtain information about the increase or decrease in the internal temperature of the main body and the temperature of the heater 182 based on the external environment or the operation of the aerosol generating apparatus 1 through the temperature sensor 131.

[0120] For example, temperature sensor 131 can be a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) temperature sensor. Control unit 12 can determine the temperature model of heater 182 based on the temperature sensed by temperature sensor 131.

[0121] According to one embodiment, the heater 182 may be an induction heater, and the induction heater 182 (e.g., an induction heating element) (or a heating module including an induction heating element) may be arranged to be detachable from the housing 10. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may be arranged to measure the temperature around the heater 182. Even if the heater 182 is detached from the housing 10, the temperature sensor 131 may remain attached to the housing 10.

[0122] and Figure 4 In contrast to the scenario shown, heater 182 can be an externally heated type heater capable of heating the outside of the hollow aerosol generating article 2, and heater 182 can be arranged to be detachable from housing 10. For example, temperature sensor 131 can be arranged to measure the temperature around heater 182.

[0123] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of a method for determining a temperature model of an inductive heating element according to one embodiment.

[0124] Steps 510 to 550 below can be performed by an aerosol generating device (e.g.: Figures 1 to 4 The aerosol generating device 1) performs the operation. The aerosol generating device may include: an induction heating element (e.g., a heating element). Figure 1 heater 18, Figure 2 and Figure 4 heater 182 or Figure 3 heater 183), sensor unit (e.g.: Figures 1 to 4 The sensor unit 13) and the control unit (e.g.: Figures 1 to 4 Control unit 12).

[0125] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating apparatus can determine a temperature model of an inductively heated element based on the electrical characteristics of the element exhibited by the inductively heated element corresponding to alternating magnetic fields with a first frequency and an alternating magnetic field with a second frequency, respectively, in a temperature model determination mode. For example, the temperature model determination mode can be a mode that determines a temperature model corresponding to the inductively heated element. For example, the aerosol generating apparatus can calculate the temperature of the inductively heated element based on its electrical characteristics and temperature model, and control the operation of the aerosol generating apparatus based on the calculated temperature of the inductively heated element. For example, the control unit can control the signal applied to the coil of the heater based on the calculated temperature of the inductively heated element, so that the temperature of the inductively heated element corresponds to a preset temperature curve (e.g., a first temperature curve), thereby heating the aerosol generating article to achieve the best smoking effect.

[0126] In step 510, the aerosol generating device can apply a first signal having a first frequency to the coil of the heater to generate an alternating magnetic field. The first signal may have preset current, voltage, and duty ratio. The first frequency may be the signal frequency applied to the coil of the heater by the aerosol generating device in the mode of measuring the temperature of the inductive heating element. For example, the first frequency may be 290 kHz.

[0127] According to one embodiment, the induction heating element of the aerosol generating device is arranged in a separable manner, and the aerosol generating device can perform step 510 when it is determined that the arranged induction heating element has been replaced. For example, when a user input corresponding to the replacement of the induction heating element is received, the aerosol generating device can perform step 510. For example, when an input indicating that a new induction heating element has been installed is received, the aerosol generating device can perform step 510.

[0128] According to one embodiment, the step of applying a first signal to the coil can last for a very short time (e.g., a few milliseconds) to prevent the temperature of the induction heating element from rising due to eddy currents induced in the induction heating element by the first signal.

[0129] According to one embodiment, the voltage of the first signal can be below a preset voltage to prevent the temperature of the induction heating element from rising due to eddy currents induced in the induction heating element by the first signal.

[0130] According to one embodiment, the inductive heating element may not be electrically connected to the aerosol generating device. Although no current flows from the aerosol generating device to the inductive heating element, the alternating magnetic field generated by the aerosol generating device and its coil can induce electromagnetic induction in the inductive heating element, causing eddy currents to flow within it.

[0131] According to one embodiment, when an aerosol generating article is inserted into an aerosol generating device, an inductive heating element can be arranged inside the aerosol generating article. For example, the inductive heating element can be a tubular heating element, a plate heating element, a needle heating element, or a rod heating element.

[0132] According to one embodiment, an inductive heating element may be included in an aerosol generating article inserted into an aerosol generating apparatus. For example, the inductive heating element may be included in the filter forming paper of the aerosol generating article. For example, the inductive heating element may be included in the stem of the aerosol generating article.

[0133] In step 520, the aerosol generating device can determine a first value of the electrical characteristics of the inductively heated element based on the first signal. (Refer to the following...) Figure 7 Explain in detail the operation to determine the first value.

[0134] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating apparatus may further include a detection circuit for determining a first value of the electrical characteristics of the inductively heated element as exhibited at the output of the coil of the heater based on a first signal. The detection circuit may not be electrically connected to the inductively heated element.

[0135] In step 530, the aerosol generating device may apply a second signal with a second frequency to the coil of the heater to generate an alternating magnetic field. The second signal may have preset current, voltage, and duty cycle. For example, the second frequency may be 303 kHz.

[0136] According to one embodiment, the electrical characteristics exhibited by the induction heating element based on the second signal when the induction heating element is at a first reference temperature (e.g., 25°C) can correspond to the electrical characteristics exhibited by the induction heating element based on the first signal when the induction heating element is at a second reference temperature. For example, when the second signal is applied to the coil of the heater, the magnitude of the eddy current generated when the induction heating element is at 25°C can be equal to the magnitude of the eddy current generated when the induction heating element is at 300°C when the first signal is applied to the coil of the heater.

[0137] According to one embodiment, the step of applying a second signal to the coil can last for a very short time (e.g., a few milliseconds) to prevent the temperature of the induction heating element from rising due to eddy currents induced in the induction heating element by the second signal.

[0138] According to one embodiment, the voltage of the second signal can be below a preset voltage to prevent the temperature of the induction heating element from rising due to eddy currents induced in the induction heating element by the second signal.

[0139] In step 540, the aerosol generating device can determine a second value based on the electrical characteristics of the inductively heated element as expressed by the second signal. The description of step 520 can be appropriately modified for application to step 540.

[0140] In step 550, the aerosol generating device can determine a first temperature model of the inductive heating element based on the first and second values. The following will combine... Figures 6 to 9 Provide a detailed explanation of the method for determining the temperature model of the induction heating element.

[0141] Figure 6 This is based on an embodiment of the eddy current trajectory of an induction heating element exhibited by a signal frequency.

[0142] According to one embodiment, due to the induction heating element (e.g.: Figure 1 heater 18, Figure 2 and Figure 4 heater 182 or Figure 3 The heater 183 in the middle has a first natural frequency 614 at a first reference temperature (e.g., 25°C) and a second natural frequency 612 of the induction heating element at a second reference temperature (e.g., 300°C). Therefore, the first eddy current trajectory 604 and the second eddy current trajectory 602 of the induction heating element at the first reference temperature, based on the frequency of the provided signal, are also different. For example, as the temperature of the induction heating element increases, its natural frequency and electrical characteristics such as impedance change. If the aerosol generating device (e.g.: Figures 1 to 4 The aerosol generating device 1) can perform frequency sweep across the entire frequency band, and can generate a first eddy current trajectory 604 of the induction heating element at a first reference temperature and a second eddy current trajectory 602 of the induction heating element at a second reference temperature.

[0143] According to one embodiment, the inductive heating element can exhibit different electrical characteristics for the same signal at different temperatures. For example, when a first signal with a first frequency of 620 is applied to the inductive heating element, the inductive heating element at a first reference temperature can generate eddy currents of a first value a, while the inductive heating element at a second reference temperature can generate eddy currents of a second value b.

[0144] According to one embodiment, the magnitude of the eddy current exhibited in the induction heating element at the first reference temperature based on a second signal having a second frequency 630 can correspond to the magnitude of the eddy current exhibited in the induction heating element at the second reference temperature based on a first signal having a first frequency 620. For example, the first frequency 620 can be 290 kHz, and the second frequency 630 can be 303 kHz. For example, when the second signal is applied to the coil of the heater, the magnitude of the eddy current generated in the induction heating element at the first reference temperature can be a second value b, which can be equal to the magnitude of the eddy current generated in the induction heating element at the second reference temperature when the first signal is applied to the coil of the heater.

[0145] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating apparatus can estimate the temperature of the inductive heating element based on the magnitude of the eddy current exhibited in the inductive heating element by the first signal. For example, within the interval between a first reference temperature and a second reference temperature, the magnitude of the eddy current generated in the inductive heating element by the first signal can have a linear relationship with the temperature of the inductive heating element. For example, the aerosol generating apparatus can determine a temperature model of the inductive heating element based on the aforementioned linear relationship. Referring below... Figure 8 and Figure 9 Detailed instructions on determining the temperature model of the induction heating element.

[0146] According to one embodiment, the magnitude of the eddy current in the induction heating element, based on the signal frequency, can be indirectly obtained through a detection circuit connected to the coil output of the heater. The eddy current in the induction heating element is generated by the induction heating element absorbing at least a portion of the electrical energy of the signal applied to the coil of the heater. Therefore, the detection circuit can indirectly obtain the magnitude of the eddy current in the induction heating element by comparing the current, voltage, or power of the applied signal to the coil of the heater with the current, voltage, or power of the output signal. When the eddy current of the induction heating element is indirectly obtained through the detection circuit, it is easier to replace the induction heating element in the aerosol generating device because the induction heating element is not electrically connected to other components of the aerosol generating device.

[0147] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of a method for determining the electrical characteristics of an inductive heating element according to one embodiment.

[0148] Step 710 can be performed by an aerosol generating device (e.g.: Figures 1 to 4 The aerosol generating device 1) performs the operation. The aerosol generating device may include an induction heating element (e.g., a heating element). Figure 1 heater 18, Figure 2 and Figure 4 heater 182 or Figure 3 heater 183), sensor unit (e.g.: Figures 1 to 4The sensor unit 13) and the control unit (e.g.: Figures 1 to 4 Control unit 12). For example, refer to Figure 5 The above-described step 520 may include step 710.

[0149] In step 710, the aerosol generating apparatus may determine a first value based on one or more of the current, voltage, or electrical current of a first output signal exhibited at the output terminal of the heater coil. For example, the aerosol generating apparatus may further include a detection circuit that determines a first value based on the electrical characteristics of the inductively heated element exhibited at the output terminal of the heater coil according to the first signal. The detection circuit may not be electrically connected to the inductively heated element.

[0150] For example, the electrical characteristic can be one or more of the current, voltage, or power of the first output signal exhibited at the output terminal of the heater's coil. For example, the electrical characteristic can be a characteristic determined based on one or more of the current, voltage, or power of the first output signal exhibited at the output terminal of the heater's coil. For example, the electrical characteristic can be eddy currents generated in the induction heating element. For example, the electrical characteristic can be the impedance of the induction heating element. As the alternating magnetic field generated in the heater's coil induces eddy currents in the induction heating element, a portion of the electrical energy of the first signal is transferred to the induction heating element, and the current, voltage, or power of the first signal can differ from the current, voltage, or power of the first output signal.

[0151] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating apparatus can determine the reference value using the same method as determining the first value in step 710. Figure 5 The second value in step 540 of the description.

[0152] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of a method for determining a temperature model of an inductive heating element based on sensor temperature, according to one embodiment. Figure 9 It is based on an embodiment of a temperature model of an induction heating element based on the magnitude of the current.

[0153] Steps 810 to 830 can be performed by an aerosol generating device (e.g., Figures 1 to 4 The aerosol generating device 1) performs the operation. The aerosol generating device may include: an induction heating element (e.g., a heating element). Figure 1 heater 18, Figure 2 and Figure 4 heater 182 or Figure 3 heater 183), sensor unit (e.g.: Figures 1 to 4 The sensor unit 13) and the control unit (e.g.: Figures 1 to 4 Control unit 12). For example, refer to Figure 5 The above-mentioned step 550 may include steps 810 to 830.

[0154] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating apparatus includes a first temperature sensor (e.g., disposed around the inductive heating element to measure temperature). Figure 4 The temperature sensor 131 can be used to determine the temperature model of the inductive heating element based on the temperature sensed by the first temperature sensor. For example, the first temperature sensor can be arranged around the inductive heating element to obtain information on whether the temperature of the inductive heating element increases or decreases. For example, the first temperature sensor can be an NTC temperature sensor.

[0155] In step 810, the aerosol generating apparatus may acquire a first sensor temperature using a first temperature sensor disposed within the main body of the aerosol generating apparatus. For example, the first sensor temperature may be measured at the moment the first value 920 is acquired.

[0156] In step 820, the aerosol generating device can calibrate a first value 920 based on the temperature of the first sensor, so that the first value 920 corresponds to the electrical characteristics of the induction heating element when the temperature of the induction heating element is a first reference temperature 922. Since the magnitude of the eddy current exhibited by the first signal with a first frequency changes in response to the temperature of the induction heating element, calibrating the first value 920 with the temperature of the first sensor can calibrate the changes in the magnitude of the eddy current caused by external factors (e.g., external temperature, residual heat of the induction heating element, etc.).

[0157] For example, the electrical characteristic of the inductive heating element can be the magnitude of the eddy current, and the first reference temperature can be 25°C. As the temperature of the inductive heating element increases, the magnitude of the eddy current exhibited based on the first signal having a first frequency decreases. Therefore, when the first sensor temperature is 45°C and the magnitude of the eddy current exhibited based on the first signal is 900, the magnitude of the eddy current can be calibrated to 950 based on 25°C. When the first sensor temperature is 35°C and the magnitude of the eddy current exhibited based on the first signal is 930, the magnitude of the eddy current can be calibrated to 950 based on 25°C. When the first sensor temperature is 0°C and the magnitude of the eddy current exhibited based on the first signal is 1000, the measured magnitude of the eddy current can be calibrated to 950 based on 25°C. The magnitude values ​​of the eddy current described above are arbitrary variations of the described examples, and the values ​​are not limited thereto.

[0158] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating apparatus can calibrate a second value 910 based on the temperature of a first sensor, so that the second value 910 corresponds to the electrical characteristics of the inductively heated element when its temperature is a first reference temperature 922. Since the magnitude of the eddy current exhibited by the second signal having a second frequency varies corresponding to the temperature of the inductively heated element, the second value 910 can be calibrated based on the temperature of the first sensor. The degree to which the second value 910 is calibrated based on the temperature of the first sensor can differ from the degree to which the first value 920 is calibrated based on the temperature of the first sensor.

[0159] In step 830, the aerosol generating device can determine the first temperature model by taking the first value 920 as the electrical characteristics of the induction heating element when the temperature of the induction heating element is the first reference temperature 922, and taking the second value 910 as the electrical characteristics of the induction heating element when the temperature of the induction heating element is the second reference temperature 912, thereby determining the first temperature model.

[0160] According to one embodiment, based on the electrical characteristics exhibited by the first signal in the inductive heating element and the temperature of the inductive heating element, the temperature can be set at a first value of 920 (e.g., 920). Figure 1 The first value a) and the second value 910 (e.g.: Figure 1 The second value (b) shows a linear relationship within the interval between these values. (Refer to...) Figure 9 The first temperature model defined between the first value 920 and the second value 910 can be represented by the following [Formula 1].

[0161] [Formula 1]

[0162] T represents the temperature of the induction heating element; x represents the electrical characteristics of the induction heating element; a and b are the coefficient of the first-order term and the constant term corresponding to the temperature model of the induction heating element, respectively. For example, if the first value 920 is considered as the electrical characteristics of the induction heating element when the temperature of the induction heating element is the first reference temperature 922, and the second value 910 is considered as the electrical characteristics of the induction heating element when the temperature of the induction heating element is the second reference temperature 912, then the temperature model of the induction heating element can be determined by determining a and b in the temperature model.

[0163] Figure 10 This is a flowchart of a method for calculating the temperature of an induction heating element based on a temperature model of the induction heating element according to an embodiment.

[0164] Steps 1010 to 1030 can be performed by an aerosol generating device (e.g., Figures 1 to 4 The aerosol generating device 1) performs the operation. The aerosol generating device may include: an induction heating element (e.g., a heating element). Figure 1 heater 18, Figure 2 and Figure 4heater 182 or Figure 3 heater 183), sensor unit (e.g.: Figures 1 to 4 The sensor unit 13) and the control unit (e.g.: Figures 1 to 4 (Control unit 12). For example, it can be executed in reference... Figure 5 After step 550, proceed to steps 1010 through 1030.

[0165] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating apparatus can use a first temperature model to determine the temperature of the inductively heated element. For example, the aerosol generating apparatus may include a temperature sensing interval at regular intervals within a preheating or heating interval, and may perform the operation of determining the temperature of the inductively heated element within the temperature sensing interval.

[0166] In step 1010, the aerosol generating device may apply a third signal having a first frequency to the coil of the heater to generate an alternating magnetic field. The third signal may be a signal used to sense the temperature of the inductively heated element, and may have preset current, voltage, and duty cycle. For example, the first frequency may be 290 kHz.

[0167] According to one embodiment, the step of applying a first signal to the coil can last for a very short time (e.g., a few milliseconds) to prevent the temperature of the induction heating element from rising due to eddy currents induced in the induction heating element by the third signal.

[0168] According to one embodiment, the voltage of the first signal can be below a preset voltage to prevent the temperature of the induction heating element from rising due to eddy currents induced in the induction heating element by the third signal.

[0169] In step 1020, the aerosol generating device can determine a third value of the electrical characteristics of the inductively heated element based on the third signal. A reference can be used... Figure 5 and Figure 7 The above-described step 520, after appropriate modification, applies to step 1020.

[0170] In step 1030, the aerosol generating device can calculate the temperature of the first induction heating element based on the first temperature model and the third value. For example, the temperature of the induction heating element can be calculated by substituting the third value corresponding to the electrical characteristics of the induction heating element into the formula corresponding to the first temperature model (e.g., [Formula 1]).

[0171] For example, an aerosol generating device can apply a signal to the coil of a heater based on a calculated temperature of the induction heating element, so that the temperature of the induction heating element corresponds to a preset temperature curve (e.g., a first temperature curve), thereby heating the aerosol generating article to achieve the best smoking effect.

[0172] Figure 11This is a flowchart of a method for updating the temperature model of an inductive heating element according to one embodiment.

[0173] Steps 1110 to 1140 can be performed by an aerosol generating device (e.g., Figures 1 to 4 The aerosol generating device 1) performs the operation. The aerosol generating device may include an induction heating element (e.g., a heating element). Figure 1 heater 18, Figure 2 and Figure 4 heater 182 or Figure 3 heater 183), sensor unit (e.g.: Figures 1 to 4 The sensor unit 13) and the control unit (e.g.: Figures 1 to 4 (Control unit 12). For example, it can be executed in reference... Figure 5 After step 550, proceed to steps 1110 through 1140.

[0174] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device can perform a temperature model calibration operation. For example, the aerosol generating device can perform electrical PID control on the induction heating element based on an electrical curve, thereby calibrating the temperature model. When the induction heating element is inductively heated according to a specific electrical curve, the aerosol generating device can accurately calibrate the temperature model of the induction heating element based on the characteristic that the temperature of the induction heating element converges to a specific target temperature.

[0175] In step 1110, the aerosol generating device can apply a fourth signal to the coil of the heater to perform power PID control based on the first power curve. For example, the aerosol generating device can perform inductive heating of the inductive heating element with a first power based on the first power curve. For example, the first power can be 6W. For example, when the inductive heating element is inductively heated based on the first power curve for a certain period of time, the temperature of the inductive heating element will converge to the first target temperature.

[0176] In step 1120, the aerosol generating device can determine a fourth value of the electrical characteristics of the inductively heated element based on the fourth signal. A reference signal can be used. Figure 5 and Figure 7 The above-described step 520, after appropriate modification, applies to step 1120.

[0177] In step 1130, the aerosol generating device can calculate the temperature of the second inductive heating element according to the fourth value and the first temperature model. For example, the temperature of the inductive heating element can be calculated by substituting the fourth value corresponding to the electrical characteristics of the inductive heating element into the formula corresponding to the first temperature model (e.g., [Formula 1]).

[0178] In step 1140, the aerosol generating device can calibrate the first temperature model based on the temperature of the second inductive heating element. For example, for the first temperature model expressed by a linear function (e.g., [Formula 1]), the constant term (e.g., b in [Formula 1]) can be adjusted to make the temperature of the second inductive heating element consistent with the second target temperature.

[0179] Figure 12 This is a flowchart of a method for determining a second temperature model of an inductive heating element according to one embodiment.

[0180] Steps 1210 to 1260 can be performed by an aerosol generating device (e.g., Figures 1 to 4 The aerosol generating device 1) performs the operation. The aerosol generating device may include an induction heating element (e.g., a heating element). Figure 1 heater 18, Figure 2 and Figure 4 heater 182 or Figure 3 heater 183), sensor unit (e.g.: Figures 1 to 4 The sensor unit 13) and the control unit (e.g.: Figures 1 to 4 Control unit 12). For example, when executing the reference Figure 5 After step 550 above, steps 1210 to 1260 can be executed.

[0181] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating apparatus can determine a new temperature model (e.g., a second temperature model) in response to input for updating the temperature model. For example, when the previously determined first temperature model can no longer be used due to reasons such as replacing the induction heating element, the method for determining the temperature model can be executed again to determine a second temperature model.

[0182] In step 1210, the aerosol generating apparatus may receive input for updating the temperature model of the induction heating element. For example, the aerosol generating apparatus may receive input from the user who installed the induction heating element as input for updating the temperature model of the induction heating element. For example, the aerosol generating apparatus may receive user input for performing apparatus calibration as input for updating the temperature model of the induction heating element. The following will refer to... Figure 13 This section details the method for receiving and updating the temperature of the induction heating element.

[0183] In step 1220, the aerosol generating device may apply a fifth signal with a first frequency to the coil of the heater to generate an alternating magnetic field.

[0184] In step 1230, the aerosol generating device can determine a fifth value of the electrical characteristics of the inductive heating element based on the fifth signal.

[0185] In step 1240, the aerosol generating device may apply a sixth signal with a second frequency to the coil of the heater to generate an alternating magnetic field.

[0186] In step 1250, the aerosol generating device can determine a sixth value of the electrical properties of the inductive heating element based on the sixth signal.

[0187] In step 1260, the aerosol generating device can determine a second temperature model of the inductive heating element based on the fifth and sixth values.

[0188] For each of steps 1220 to 1260, the reference can be... Figure 5 and Figure 9 The above steps 510 to 550 are applicable after appropriate modifications.

[0189] Figure 13 This is a flowchart of a method for receiving input to update the temperature model of an inductive heating element according to one embodiment.

[0190] Steps 1310 to 1330 can be performed by an aerosol generating device (e.g., Figures 1 to 4 The aerosol generating device 1) performs the operation. The aerosol generating device may include an induction heating element (e.g., a heating element). Figure 1 heater 18, Figure 2 and Figure 4 heater 182 or Figure 3 heater 183), sensor unit (e.g.: Figures 1 to 4 The sensor unit 13) and the control unit (e.g.: Figures 1 to 4 Control unit 12). For example, refer to Figure 12 The above-described step 1210 may include steps 1310 to 1330.

[0191] In step 1310, the aerosol generating apparatus can receive an input corresponding to the installation of the induction heating element of the aerosol generating apparatus as an input to update the temperature model of the induction heating element. For example, in the case of reinstalling the same induction heating element after it has been removed from the aerosol generating apparatus, or in the case of installing a new induction heating element after removing an existing induction heating element from the aerosol generating apparatus, an input corresponding to the installation of the induction heating element can be generated.

[0192] In step 1320, the aerosol generating apparatus can acquire the temperature of the second sensor using a first temperature sensor disposed within the main body of the aerosol generating apparatus. For example, the temperature of the second sensor can be measured at the moment input for updating the temperature model of the inductive heating element is received. For example, the first temperature sensor can be disposed around the inductive heating element to acquire information about whether the temperature of the inductive heating element has increased or decreased. For example, the first temperature sensor can be an NTC temperature sensor.

[0193] In step 1330, when the temperature of the second sensor exceeds a preset reference range, the aerosol generating device can invalidate the input for updating the temperature model of the inductive heating element. For example, the preset reference range for the temperature of the second sensor can be a range above 0°C and below 50°C. For example, when the temperature of the inductive heating element exceeds the preset reference range, the second temperature model determined by the aerosol generating device may be incorrect, thus invalidating the input for updating the temperature model.

[0194] For example, when the temperature of the second sensor exceeds the preset reference range, the aerosol generating device will determine that the heating is due to the aerosol generating device and will reinstall the induction heating element after separation. When reinstalling the same induction heating element after separation, the temperature of the induction heating element can be directly determined using the first temperature model, thus rendering the input for updating the temperature model of the induction heating element invalid.

[0195] Figure 14 This is a flowchart of a method for discarding a second temperature model or updating a first temperature model to a second temperature model according to one embodiment.

[0196] Steps 1410 to 1470 can be performed by an aerosol generating device (e.g., Figures 1 to 4 The aerosol generating device 1) performs the operation. The aerosol generating device may include an induction heating element (e.g., a heating element). Figure 1 heater 18, Figure 2 and Figure 4 heater 182 or Figure 3 heater 183), sensor unit (e.g.: Figures 1 to 4 The sensor unit 13) and the control unit (e.g.: Figures 1 to 4 (Control unit 12). For example, it can be executed in reference... Figure 12 Steps 1410 to 1470 are executed after step 1260 described above.

[0197] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating apparatus can perform an operation to verify a newly determined second temperature model. When the second temperature model is determined to be accurate, the aerosol generating apparatus can update the first temperature model to the second temperature model; when the second temperature model is determined to be inaccurate, it will discard the second temperature model and use the first temperature model.

[0198] In step 1410, the aerosol generating device may apply a seventh signal having a first frequency to the coil of the heater after a first time elapses from the moment the fifth signal is applied to the coil of the heater, thereby generating an alternating magnetic field. A reference can be used... Figure 5 The above-described step 510, after appropriate modification, applies to step 1410.

[0199] In step 1420, the aerosol generating apparatus can determine a seventh value of the electrical characteristics of the inductively heated element based on the seventh signal. A reference can be used... Figure 5 and Figure 7 The above-described step 520, after appropriate modification, applies to step 1420.

[0200] In step 1430, the aerosol generating device can calculate the temperature of the third induction heating element according to the fifth value and the second temperature model. For example, the fifth value corresponding to the electrical characteristics of the induction heating element can be substituted into the formula corresponding to the second temperature model to calculate the temperature of the third induction heating element.

[0201] In step 1440, the aerosol generating device can calculate the temperature of the fourth induction heating element according to the seventh value and the second temperature model. For example, the seventh value corresponding to the electrical characteristics of the induction heating element can be substituted into the formula corresponding to the second temperature model to calculate the temperature of the fourth induction heating element.

[0202] In step 1450, the aerosol generating device can determine whether the temperature difference between the third and fourth inductive heating elements exceeds a preset threshold. For example, if the temperature difference exceeds the preset threshold, the aerosol generating device will determine that the determined second temperature model is inaccurate, or that the heated inductive heating elements have been separated, reinstalled, and cooled for a short period. Conversely, if the temperature difference does not exceed the preset threshold, the aerosol generating device can determine that the second temperature model was determined under stable inductive heating element temperatures.

[0203] In step 1460, when the temperature difference between the third and fourth inductive heating elements exceeds a preset threshold, the aerosol generating device can discard the second temperature model. If the determined second temperature model is inaccurate, or if the heated inductive heating element is separated, reinstalled, and cooled for a first time, the aerosol generating device can discard the second temperature model and use the existing first temperature model to determine the temperature of the inductive heating element within the temperature sensing range.

[0204] In step 1470, when the temperature difference between the third and fourth inductive heating elements does not exceed a preset threshold, the aerosol generating device can update the first temperature model to the second temperature model. If the second temperature model is determined when the temperature of the inductive heating elements is stable, the aerosol generating device can update the first temperature model to the second temperature model and use the second temperature model to determine the temperature of the inductive heating elements within the temperature sensing range.

[0205] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating apparatus can perform a reference operation on an updated second temperature model. Figure 11 The temperature model is calibrated using steps 1110 to 1140 described above. For example, the calibration of the second temperature model can be performed after the second temperature model has been determined and the aerosol generating device has been restarted.

[0206] Figure 15 This is a flowchart of a method for detecting the replacement of an induction heating element according to one embodiment.

[0207] Step 1510 can be performed by an aerosol generating device (e.g.: Figures 1 to 4 The aerosol generating device 1) performs the operation. The aerosol generating device may include: an induction heating element (e.g., a heating element). Figure 1 heater 18, Figure 2 and Figure 4 heater 182 or Figure 3 heater 183), sensor unit (e.g.: Figures 1 to 4 The sensor unit 13) and the control unit (e.g.: Figures 1 to 4 (Control unit 12). For example, it can be executed in reference... Figure 14 Step 1510 is executed after step 1470 described above.

[0208] In step 1510, when the second temperature model differs from the first temperature model, the aerosol generating device can determine that the induction heating element has been replaced. When the difference between the temperatures of the third and fourth induction heating elements is less than or equal to a preset threshold, since the second temperature model is determined when the temperature of the induction heating element is stable, the temperature model used to determine the temperature of the induction heating element can be updated to the second temperature model. Since the temperature model of the induction heating element is determined corresponding to the induction heating element, when the updated second temperature model differs from the existing first temperature model, the aerosol generating device can determine that the induction heating element has been replaced. For example, if both the first and second temperature models are represented by linear functions (e.g., [Formula 1]), and the coefficients of the first-order terms (e.g., a in [Formula 1]) and the coefficients of the constant terms (e.g., b in [Formula 1]) of the first temperature model are different from those of the coefficients of the first-order terms and the coefficients of the constant terms of the second temperature model, then the aerosol generating device can determine that the induction heating element has been replaced.

[0209] The embodiments of this disclosure described above, or other embodiments, are not mutually exclusive or distinct from each other. The constituent elements or functions of the embodiments of this disclosure described above, or other embodiments, can be used together or combined with each other.

[0210] For example, this means that component A illustrated in a particular embodiment and / or drawing can be combined with component B illustrated in other embodiments and / or drawings. That is, this means that even if the combination between components is not directly described, they can be combined except where it is stated that combination is impossible.

[0211] The detailed description above should be considered exemplary in all respects and not construed as restrictive. The scope of the invention should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the invention are included within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A method for determining the temperature model of an inductively heated element, performed by an aerosol generating device, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: A first signal with a first frequency is applied to the coil of the heater to generate an alternating magnetic field; Determine a first value for the electrical characteristics of the inductive heating element based on the first signal; A second signal having a second frequency is applied to the coil of the heater to generate an alternating magnetic field; Determine a second value for the electrical characteristics of the inductive heating element based on the second signal; and A first temperature model for the inductive heating element is determined based on the first value and the second value. The first temperature model is a model used to determine the temperature of the induction heating element based on its electrical characteristics.

2. The method for determining the temperature model according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes the following steps: A third signal having the first frequency is applied to the coil of the heater to generate an alternating magnetic field; Determine a third value for the electrical characteristics of the inductive heating element as expressed by the third signal; as well as The first induction heating element temperature is calculated based on the first temperature model and the third value.

3. The method for determining the temperature model according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first temperature model is represented by the following [Equation 1]: [Formula 1] ； in: T is the temperature of the induction heating element, and x is the electrical characteristic of the induction heating element.

4. The method for determining the temperature model according to claim 3, characterized in that, The step of determining the first temperature model of the inductive heating element includes the following steps: The first value is considered as the electrical characteristic of the induction heating element when the temperature of the induction heating element is a first reference temperature, and the second value is considered as the electrical characteristic of the induction heating element when the temperature of the induction heating element is a second reference temperature, thereby determining a and b in [Formula 1].

5. The method for determining the temperature model according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of determining the first value of the electrical characteristic of the inductive heating element includes the following steps: The first value is determined based on one or more of the current, voltage, or electrical power of the first output signal exhibited by the output terminal of the coil of the heater.

6. The method for determining the temperature model according to claim 5, characterized in that, The electrical characteristic of the induction heating element is eddy current.

7. The method for determining the temperature model according to claim 4, characterized in that, The step of determining the first temperature model of the inductive heating element includes the following steps: The temperature of the first sensor is obtained using a first temperature sensor disposed within the main body of the aerosol generating device; and The first value is calibrated based on the temperature of the first sensor so that the first value corresponds to the electrical characteristics of the inductive heating element when the temperature of the inductive heating element is a first reference temperature.

8. The method for determining the temperature model according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes the following steps: A fourth signal is applied to the coil of the heater to perform proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control based on the first power curve; Determine a fourth value for the electrical characteristics of the inductive heating element as expressed by the fourth signal; The temperature of the second induction heating element is calculated based on the fourth value and the first temperature model. as well as The first temperature model is calibrated based on the temperature of the second inductive heating element.

9. The method for determining the temperature model according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes the following steps: Receive input to update the temperature model of the inductive heating element; A fifth signal having the first frequency is applied to the coil of the heater to generate an alternating magnetic field; Determine a fifth value for the electrical characteristics of the inductive heating element as exhibited by the fifth signal; A sixth signal having the second frequency is applied to the coil of the heater to generate an alternating magnetic field; Determine a sixth value for the electrical characteristics of the inductive heating element as exhibited by the sixth signal; as well as The second temperature model of the inductive heating element is determined based on the fifth and sixth values.

10. The method for determining the temperature model according to claim 9, characterized in that, Receiving input to update the temperature model of the inductive heating element includes the following steps: The input corresponding to the installation of the inductive heating element in the aerosol generating device is received as the input for updating the temperature model of the inductive heating element.

11. The method for determining the temperature model according to claim 10, characterized in that, Receiving input to update the temperature model of the inductive heating element includes the following steps: The temperature of the second sensor is obtained using a first temperature sensor disposed within the main body of the aerosol generating device; and When the temperature of the second sensor exceeds the preset reference range, the input for updating the temperature model of the inductive heating element is invalidated.

12. The method for determining the temperature model according to claim 9, characterized in that, It also includes the following steps: As a first time elapses from the moment the fifth signal is applied to the coil of the heater, a seventh signal having the first frequency is applied to the coil of the heater to generate an alternating magnetic field; Determine a seventh value for the electrical characteristics of the inductive heating element as expressed by the seventh signal; The temperature of the third induction heating element is calculated corresponding to the fifth value and the second temperature model; The temperature of the fourth induction heating element is calculated based on the seventh value and the second temperature model; When the temperature difference between the third and fourth inductive heating elements exceeds a preset threshold, the second temperature model is discarded; and When the temperature difference between the third and fourth inductive heating elements is less than or equal to the preset threshold, the first temperature model is updated to the second temperature model.

13. The method for determining the temperature model according to claim 12, characterized in that, It also includes the following steps: When the temperature difference between the third and fourth inductive heating elements is less than or equal to the preset threshold, and the second temperature model is different from the first temperature model, it is determined that the inductive heating element has been replaced.

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

15. An aerosol generating device, characterized in that, include: An induction coil generates an alternating magnetic field; and The control unit is used to control the aerosol generating device. The control unit is configured to: A first signal with a first frequency is applied to the coil of the heater to generate an alternating magnetic field; Determine a first value for the electrical characteristics of the inductive heating element based on the first signal; A second signal having a second frequency is applied to the coil of the heater to generate an alternating magnetic field; Determine a second value for the electrical characteristics of the inductive heating element based on the second signal; and A first temperature model for the inductive heating element is determined based on the first value and the second value. The first temperature model is a model used to determine the temperature of the induction heating element based on its electrical characteristics.

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