Aerosol-generating device

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device according to an aspect includes: a power source providing DC power; a power conversion unit that converts the DC power into AC power; a coil for generating an induced magnetic field by means of the AC power; an induction heating element which is heated by the induction magnetic field; a magnetic field sensing unit for sensing the intensity of the induced magnetic field; and a control unit that estimates the temperature of the induction heating element on the basis of the intensity of the induced magnetic field.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an aerosol generating apparatus, and more specifically, to an aerosol generating apparatus capable of accurately estimating the temperature of a heating element in a non-contact manner. Background Technology

[0002] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for alternative methods to overcome the drawbacks of conventional cigarettes. For example, there is a growing demand for systems that utilize an aerosol generating device to heat an aerosol generating matrix to generate aerosols (instead of methods that utilize the combustion of cigarettes to generate aerosols).

[0003] This aerosol generating device employs a heating method different from the conventional method of heating cigarettes by arranging heaters formed by resistive elements inside or outside the cigarette and supplying electricity to the heaters. As an example, research is actively underway on methods for heating cigarettes using induction heating.

[0004] Induction heating measures the temperature of an induction heating element by placing a temperature sensor in direct contact with the interior or exterior of the element. However, this contact-based temperature sensing method, where the temperature sensor is positioned in contact with the heating element, carries the risk of sensor damage due to the heating of the heating element.

[0005] To address this issue, a method for sensing the temperature of an inductive heating element in a non-contact manner has been proposed. However, existing non-contact temperature sensing methods rely solely on either the direct current output from the battery or the alternating current supplied to the coil to sense the temperature of the inductive heating element, which results in inaccuracies. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical issues The technical problem of this disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating apparatus that can accurately estimate the temperature of a heating element in a non-contact manner.

[0007] The technical issues addressed in this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other technical issues can be inferred from the following examples.

[0008] Technical solution According to one aspect of an aerosol generating apparatus, there are: a power source that provides direct current power; a power conversion unit that converts the direct current power into alternating current power; a coil that generates an induced magnetic field by means of the alternating current power; an induced heating element that is heated by the induced magnetic field; a magnetic field sensing unit that senses the intensity of the induced magnetic field; and a control unit that estimates the temperature of the induced heating element based on the intensity of the induced magnetic field.

[0009] Technical effect Compared with contact-based temperature sensing technology, the aerosol generation device disclosed herein has the effect of significantly reducing the possibility of temperature sensor damage.

[0010] Furthermore, the aerosol generating device does not use the electricity supplied to the coil as the primary means of estimating the temperature, but rather estimates the temperature of the induced heating element based on the actual magnetic field output from the coil, thus enabling accurate temperature estimation.

[0011] Furthermore, the aerosol generating device does not use the electricity supplied to the coil as the primary means of estimating temperature, but only as a condition for obtaining magnetic field strength, thus eliminating the need for a highly sensitive current sensor. Therefore, it is possible to accurately estimate the temperature of the induction heating element while reducing manufacturing costs.

[0012] Furthermore, when estimating the temperature of the induction heating element solely using the actual magnetic field output from the coil, there is a problem that the magnetic field strength in the initial phase of the preheating zone is inconsistent with the actual temperature of the induction heating element. The aerosol generating apparatus of this disclosure does not utilize the electrical conditions supplied to the coil to estimate the temperature in the initial phase of the preheating zone; instead, it estimates the temperature of the induction heating element in the later phase of the preheating zone, during a period when the temperature of the induction heating element is constant. Therefore, it can estimate the temperature of the induction heating element more accurately.

[0013] Furthermore, the aerosol generating device does not simultaneously supply maximum power to the coil in the initial zone of the preheating interval, but rather preheats gradually, thus preventing equipment damage caused by overheating of the induction heating element in the aforementioned temperature range where the temperature cannot be predicted.

[0014] The effects of the invention are not limited to those illustrated above; many more effects are included in this specification. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0016] Figure 2 An aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment is shown.

[0017] Figure 3 An aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment is shown.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of a heater assembly according to one embodiment.

[0019] Figure 5 A portion of the components of an aerosol generating apparatus for illustrating a temperature estimation method according to one embodiment are shown.

[0020] Figure 6Temperature profiles are shown for an aerosol generating apparatus used to illustrate a temperature estimation method according to one embodiment.

[0021] Figure 7 Shown for illustration Figure 6 The output of the current sensing unit in the temperature estimation method in the preheating zone.

[0022] Figure 8 Shown for illustration Figure 6 The output of the current sensing unit in the method for estimating the temperature in the smoking zone.

[0023] Figure 9 Temperature curves of an aerosol generating apparatus are shown to illustrate a method for estimating the temperature of a preheating zone according to another embodiment.

[0024] Figure 10 Shown for illustration Figure 9 The output of the current sensing unit in the temperature estimation method in the preheating zone.

[0025] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation method of an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0026] Best practice According to one aspect of an aerosol generating apparatus, there are: a power source that provides direct current power; a power conversion unit that converts the direct current power into alternating current power; a coil that generates an induced magnetic field by means of the alternating current power; an induced heating element that is heated by the induced magnetic field; a magnetic field sensing unit that senses the intensity of the induced magnetic field; and a control unit that estimates the temperature of the induced heating element based on the intensity of the induced magnetic field.

[0027] In addition, the aerosol generating device further includes: a current sensing unit for sensing the current flowing in the coil, wherein the control unit obtains information about the strength of the induced magnetic field from the magnetic field sensing unit based on the sensing result of the current sensing unit.

[0028] Furthermore, if the magnitude of the current flowing in the coil remains within a preset range, the control unit estimates the temperature of the induction heating element based on the strength of the induced magnetic field.

[0029] In addition, the aerosol generating device further includes a memory that stores the correspondence between the intensity of the induced magnetic field and the temperature of the induced heating element in the form of a lookup table, wherein the control unit determines the temperature of the induced heating element according to the lookup table.

[0030] In addition, the memory also stores information on the target temperature of each of the preheating zone and the smoking zone following the preheating zone.

[0031] Furthermore, the control unit controls the AC power supplied to the coil based on the target temperature of each of the preheating zone and the subsequent smoking zone.

[0032] Furthermore, the preheating interval includes: a first interval, in which the temperature of the inductive heating element is raised to a target preheating temperature; and a second interval, in which the target preheating temperature is maintained after the first interval, wherein the control unit estimates the temperature of the inductive heating element based on the intensity of the inductive magnetic field sensed in the second interval.

[0033] Furthermore, the smoking zone includes multiple sub-smoking zones, which gradually reduce the temperature of the induction heating element from the target preheating temperature. In each of the multiple sub-smoking zones, the control unit controls the AC power supplied to the coil based on a target smoking temperature that is lower than the target preheating temperature and different from each other.

[0034] Furthermore, each of the plurality of sub-smoking intervals includes: a third interval, which reduces the temperature of the inductive heating element to the target smoking temperature; and a fourth interval, which maintains the target smoking temperature after the third interval, wherein the control unit estimates the temperature of the inductive heating element based on the strength of the inductive magnetic field sensed in the fourth interval.

[0035] In addition, the aerosol generating device further includes a shielding component for blocking the release of the induced magnetic field generated in the coil to the outside, wherein the shielding component surrounds at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the coil. Detailed Implementation

[0036] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Regardless of the reference numerals, the same or similar components will be assigned the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions will be omitted. Similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components in the description of the drawings.

[0037] The suffixes “module” and “unit” used in the following description for the purpose of drafting the specification are assigned or used interchangeably only and do not inherently distinguish one from the other. 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 in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0038] 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 to the drawings and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and even substitutions encompassed by the concepts and scope of this disclosure.

[0039] 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.

[0040] When it is mentioned that a component is "connected" or "linked" 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 linked" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0041] Unless the context clearly indicates that they have different meanings, the singular form of a statement covers the plural form of a statement.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to one embodiment.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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).

[0052] According to one embodiment, the suction sensor can sense the user's suction.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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).

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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).

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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 detection 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.

[0102] 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.

[0103] 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.

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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.

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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.

[0109] The aerosol generating article mentioned in this disclosure may include at least one aerosol generating rod (e.g., a medium section) and at least one filter rod. The heater 18 may be arranged corresponding to at least one aerosol generating rod and may be designed differently depending on the arrangement and / or position of the aerosol generating rod and the filter rod. The aerosol generating rod may contain at least one of nicotine, an aerosol generating substance, and additives. For example, the aerosol generating substance may contain glycerin (e.g., vegetable glycerin (VG)) and / or propylene glycol (PG), or may contain a variety of other substances. For example, the additive may contain flavoring agents and / or organic acids, or may contain a variety of other substances. For example, the aerosol generating rod may contain an aerosol generating substrate (e.g., a sheet) impregnated with a liquid non-tobacco substance (e.g., the aerosol generating substance and / or nicotine), and / or may contain solid tobacco substances (e.g., tobacco leaves, reconstituted tobacco, etc.). Tobacco substances can be contained in the aerosol generating rod in various forms such as shreds, granules, and powder. According to one embodiment, the additives in the aerosol generating rod may contain an alkaline substance. Based on the alkaline substance, the nicotine in the tobacco substances contained in the aerosol generating rod can have an alkaline pH value (e.g., pH 7.0 or higher). In this case, the aerosol generating rod can release free base nicotine even at lower temperatures. According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating rod may comprise two or more aerosol generating rods, and the two or more aerosol generating rods may each contain tobacco substances and / or non-tobacco substances. Additionally, although not shown, at least one aerosol generating rod and at least one filter rod may each be wrapped by at least one wrapper, and / or wrapped together by at least one wrapper. In this disclosure, the aerosol generating article may also be referred to as a stick.

[0110] 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.

[0111] 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.

[0112] 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.

[0113] 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.

[0114] According to one embodiment, heaters 182 and 183 can heat the aerosol-generated article 2.

[0115] Reference Figure 2 Heater 182 can be an internal heating type heater.

[0116] 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.

[0117] According to one embodiment, an internally heated heater may include a resistance heater and / or an induction heater.

[0118] 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.

[0119] 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 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.

[0120] 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.

[0121] 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.

[0122] Reference Figure 3 Heater 183 can be an external heating type heater.

[0123] 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.

[0124] 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.

[0125] 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.

[0126] 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.

[0127] 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).

[0128] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of a heater assembly according to one embodiment.

[0129] exist Figure 4 The illustration shows an example of an externally heated type, where heater 18 is used to heat the exterior of the aerosol generating article 2. However, the heater 18 disclosed herein is not limited to this; it is applicable whenever the aerosol generating apparatus 1 is equipped with a cavity h1 that houses the aerosol generating article 2 and heats the aerosol generating article 2 by induction heating. Figure 4 For example, heater 18 can also be applied to... Figure 2 The internal heating method is explained in the text.

[0130] Reference Figure 4 Heater 18 may be arranged within housing 10. Heater 18 may be referred to as heater assembly. Heater 18 may be tubular or cylindrical with a hollow interior. Heater 18 may surround cavity h1. Cavity h1 may be referred to as insertion space and may be provided by heater 18. Cavity h1 or aerosol generating article 2 inserted into cavity h1 may be heated by heater 18.

[0131] The heater 18 may include a flange 180, an induction heating element 183, a coil 181, and a shielding component 184. Hereinafter, the coil 181 may refer to... Figures 2 to 3 The induction coil 181.

[0132] The flange 180 can be attached to the housing 10. The induction heating element 183 can be attached to or pressed into the flange 180. The flange 180 can support the induction heating element 183. The cavity h1 can be formed by the combination of the flange 180 and the induction heating element 183.

[0133] The induction heating element 183 can be corresponding to Figure 3The heater 183 comprises the following components: The induction heating element 183 may be located at the innermost side of the heater 18. The induction heating element 183 may be cylindrical. The induction heating element 183 may be attached to the flange 180 and extend along the vertical direction of the aerosol generating device 1. The induction heating element 183 may be arranged inside the coil 181 and may surround at least a portion of the cavity h1. At least a portion of the inner peripheral surface of the induction heating element 183 may contact the outer peripheral surface of the aerosol generating article 2 inserted into the cavity h1. The induction heating element 183 may include metal or carbon. The induction heating element 183 may include at least one of ferrite, ferromagnetic alloy, stainless steel, and aluminum (Al). In addition, the induction heating element 183 may also include at least one of the following: graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, niobium, nickel alloy, metal film, zirconia, transition metals such as nickel (Ni) or cobalt (Co), or quasi-metals such as boron (B) or phosphorus (P).

[0134] Coil 181 may be disposed outside the induction heating element 183. Coil 181 may surround at least a portion of the induction heating element 183. According to an embodiment, an insulator (not shown) may be disposed between the induction heating element 183 and coil 181. The insulator may be formed using a material that is flexible and heat-resistant. The insulator may include, but is not limited to, polyimide or polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and may include other materials that are elastic, heat-resistant, and electrically insulating. Coil 181 may receive power from power source 11 to generate an induced magnetic field. The induced magnetic field may also be referred to as an alternating magnetic field because its direction changes periodically.

[0135] When an induced magnetic field is applied to the induction heating element 183, energy loss may occur in the induction heating element 183 due to eddy current loss and hysteresis loss. This lost energy can be released from the induction heating element 183 as heat. The greater the amplitude or frequency of the induced magnetic field applied to the induction heating element 183, the more heat energy can be released from the induction heating element 183. Thus, by the heating of the induction heating element 183, the aerosol generating article 2 in contact with the induction heating element 183 can be heated.

[0136] Furthermore, the induction heating element 183 can be manufactured to converge to a predetermined saturation temperature under a pre-set induced magnetic field strength. For this purpose, the induction heating element 183 can be manufactured to have a pre-set charge per cubic millimeter (w / mm²). 3 When manufacturing the induction heating element 183, it can be achieved by performing a heat treatment step, a magnetic field supply step, and a gas (e.g., nitrogen and argon) supply step. In one embodiment, the temperature of the induction heating element 183 can converge to any temperature selected in the range of 270 to 280 degrees Celsius under any magnetic field strength selected in the range of 4T to 5T. Furthermore, the temperature of the induction heating element 183 can converge to any temperature selected in the range of 240 to 250 degrees Celsius under any magnetic field strength selected in the range of 3T to 4T. Furthermore, the temperature of the induction heating element 183 can converge to any temperature selected in the range of 230 to 240 degrees Celsius under any magnetic field strength selected in the range of 2T to 3T. Furthermore, the temperature of the induction heating element 183 can converge to any temperature selected in the range of 220 to 230 degrees Celsius under any magnetic field strength selected in the range of 1T to 2T. By achieving temperature saturation of the induction heating element 183 as described above, the temperature of the induction heating element 183 can be estimated based on the magnetic field strength.

[0137] Additionally, the flange 180 may include an opening h2. The opening h2 may be formed on one side of the flange 180 and may communicate with the cavity h1. The aerosol generating article 2 may be inserted into the cavity h1. External air flows in through the opening h2, thereby flowing into the interior of the heated aerosol generating article 2 via its end.

[0138] The shielding member 184 may surround at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the coil 181. The shielding member 184 is capable of preventing the induced magnetic field generated in the coil 181 from being released to the outside of the aerosol generating device 1. Preventing the induced magnetic field from being released to the outside of the aerosol generating device 1 may refer to a situation where the intensity of the induced magnetic field released to the outside of the aerosol generating device 1 is reduced. The shielding member 184 can increase the magnetic field density within the shielding member 184 to a higher level than the magnetic field density outside the shielding member 184 by reflecting, scattering, and distorting the induced magnetic field. For this purpose, the shielding member 184 may comprise a soft magnetic alloy based on copper (Cu) or iron (Fe). The shielding member 184 can reduce the extent to which the induced magnetic field propagates across the shielding member 184. Thus, the shielding member 184 also functions as a flux concentrator, thereby improving the heating efficiency of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0139] According to an embodiment, an insulator (not shown) may be disposed between the coil 181 and the shielding member 184. The insulator may be formed using a material that is flexible and heat-resistant. The insulator may include, but is not limited to, polyimide or polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and may include other materials that are elastic, heat-resistant, and electrically insulating.

[0140] The magnetic field sensing unit 131 may be arranged adjacent to the coil 181. The magnetic field sensing unit 131 may be arranged to contact a portion of the lower side of the coil 181. Because the magnetic field sensing unit 131 is arranged in the region furthest from the opening of the cavity h1, the induced magnetic field actually output from the coil 181 can be sensed more accurately. In one embodiment, the shielding member 184 may include a groove at a position corresponding to a portion of the lower side of the coil 181. The magnetic field sensing unit 131 may be placed in the groove of the shielding member 184, and a portion of it may be exposed towards the coil 181. In another embodiment, if the shielding member 184 has high ductility and malleability, the shielding member 184 may press the magnetic field sensing unit 131 arranged on the lower side of the coil 181 towards the coil 181. Because the shielding member 184 can prevent the induced magnetic field generated in the coil 181 from being released to the outside, the magnetic field sensing unit 131 can sense the induced magnetic field actually output from the coil 181 more accurately.

[0141] The control unit 12 can obtain information about the strength of the induced magnetic field actually output from the coil 181 from the magnetic field sensing unit 131. The control unit 12 can estimate the temperature of the induction heating element 183 based on the magnetic field strength. In this way, the aerosol generating device 1 can estimate the temperature of the induction heating element 183 in a non-contact manner. Furthermore, the aerosol generating device 1 estimates the temperature of the induction heating element 183 based on the strength of the induced magnetic field actually output from the coil 181, rather than based on indirect factors such as impedance of a resonant circuit, thus enabling a more accurate estimation of the temperature of the induction heating element 183. The method for estimating the temperature of the induction heating element 183 based on the strength of the induced magnetic field will be described in more detail below.

[0142] Figure 5 A portion of the components of an aerosol generating apparatus for illustrating a temperature estimation method according to one embodiment are shown.

[0143] exist Figure 5 Only the components related to the estimated temperature of the induction heating element 183 are shown. However, the aerosol generating apparatus 1 of this disclosure can obviously be equipped with other components besides... Figure 5 Other constituent elements besides the constituent elements.

[0144] Reference Figure 5 The aerosol generating device 1 may include a power supply 11, a power conversion unit 111, a coil 181, a magnetic field sensing unit 131, a current sensing unit 132, and a control unit 12.

[0145] Power source 11 can provide direct current (DC) power. Power source 11 can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery that provides DC power, but is not limited thereto. According to an embodiment, power source 11 can also be a removable battery.

[0146] The power conversion unit 111 can be electrically connected to the power supply 11. The power conversion unit 111 includes at least one switching element and can convert DC power into AC power. For this purpose, the power conversion unit 111 can be constructed using a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit.

[0147] The coil 181 can generate an induced magnetic field with a periodically changing direction using alternating current. The induction heating element 183 can be heated by the induced magnetic field.

[0148] The control unit 12 can control the power supply 11 or the power conversion unit 111 to control the temperature of the induction heating element 183 according to the temperature curve stored in the memory 17. The temperature curve may include information about the target temperature of each of the preheating zone and the subsequent smoking zone. The control unit 12 can control the power supplied to the coil 181 based on the target temperature of each of the preheating zone and the smoking zone. The meaning of the control unit 12 controlling the power supplied to the coil 181 can be the same as the meaning of the control unit 12 controlling the DC power output from the power supply 11 or controlling the AC power output from the power conversion unit 111. In one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the DC power output from the power supply 11 through a first signal Si1. Alternatively, the control unit 12 can control the AC power output from the power conversion unit 111 through a second signal Si2.

[0149] The magnetic field sensing unit 131 may be adjacent to the coil 181 to sense the intensity of the induced magnetic field output from the coil 181. For example, the magnetic field sensing unit 131 may include at least one Hall sensor. The magnetic field sensing unit 131 may transmit information Md about the intensity of the induced magnetic field to the control unit 12.

[0150] The memory 17 can store the correspondence between the strength of the induced magnetic field and the temperature of the inductive heating element 183. This correspondence can be stored in the form of a lookup table. In one embodiment, the greater the strength of the induced magnetic field, the higher the temperature of the inductive heating element 183 can be.

[0151] The control unit 12 can estimate the temperature of the induction heating element 183 based on a lookup table stored in the memory 17. In one embodiment, the greater the strength of the induced magnetic field, the higher the temperature of the induction heating element 183 can be determined by the control unit 12.

[0152] Furthermore, the temperature of the induction heating element 183 does not converge with the output of the induced magnetic field. In other words, given sufficient time under the condition of outputting a predetermined induced magnetic field, the temperature of the induction heating element 183 can converge to a predetermined temperature, but before converging to that predetermined temperature, the temperature of the induction heating element 183 may rise or fall. As described above, although the temperature of the induction heating element 183 has a temperature rise range or a temperature fall range, if the temperature of the induction heating element 183 is determined solely by the strength of the induced magnetic field, an inaccurate temperature of the induction heating element 183 may be obtained. To solve this problem, this disclosure uses the current sensing unit 132 to estimate the temperature convergence range.

[0153] More specifically, the induction heating element 183, as viewed from the power supply 11 or the power conversion unit 111, can be represented as an impedance component. Furthermore, the impedance of this induction heating element 183 can change in response to temperature variations. For example, the impedance of the induction heating element 183 can increase along with its temperature. This impedance change can cause a change in the current in the circuit viewed from the power supply 11 or the power conversion unit 111 towards the output side (e.g., the coil). In other words, the impedance change of the induction heating element 183 can alter the alternating current flowing in the coil 181. Conversely, when the temperature of the induction heating element 183 converges to a predetermined temperature, its impedance can be maintained within a predetermined range. Therefore, the alternating current flowing in the coil 181 can also be maintained within a predetermined range. Additionally, the change in the alternating current flowing in the coil 181 can be explained by the change in the resonant frequency based on the impedance change.

[0154] The current sensing unit 132 may be provided to sense the impedance change of the inductive heating element 183. The current sensing unit 132 may include at least one shunt resistor and can sense the alternating current flowing in the coil 181. The current sensing unit 132 may send information Id about the alternating current flowing in the coil 181 to the control unit 12.

[0155] The control unit 12 can further estimate the temperature of the induction heating element 183 based on information Id about the alternating current flowing in the coil 181. The control unit 12 can obtain information Md about the strength of the induced magnetic field from the magnetic field sensing unit 131 based on the sensing results of the current sensing unit 132. In one embodiment, when the alternating current flowing in the coil 181 remains within a preset range, the control unit 12 can request and obtain information Md about the strength of the induced magnetic field from the magnetic field sensing unit 131. Alternatively, when the alternating current flowing in the coil 181 remains within a preset range, the control unit 12 can use the obtained information Md about the strength of the induced magnetic field to estimate the temperature of the induction heating element 183.

[0156] When the magnitude of the alternating current flowing in coil 181 remains within a preset range, control unit 12 can estimate the temperature of induction heating element 183 based on the strength of the induced magnetic field. In one embodiment, the magnitude of the alternating current can refer to any one of the maximum value, average value, and effective value of the alternating current. Furthermore, the preset range can be appropriately set according to the inductance and temperature profile of coil 181. For example, when the inductance of coil 181 is 3.2 μH, the first range of the preheating zone can be selected from 70 mA to 90 mA, and the second range of the smoking zone can be selected from 90 mA to 120 mA. Alternatively, the preset range can also refer to the case where the measured alternating current remains within a deviation range selected from 0 mA to 20 mA.

[0157] The following will explain the specific method for estimating the temperature of the induction heating element 183 based on the temperature curve.

[0158] Figure 6 Temperature profiles are shown for an aerosol generating apparatus used to illustrate a temperature estimation method according to one embodiment. Figure 7 Shown for illustration Figure 6 The output of the current sensing unit in the temperature estimation method within the preheating zone. Figure 8 Shown for illustration Figure 6 The output of the current sensing unit in the method for estimating the temperature in the smoking zone.

[0159] Reference Figure 6 ,exist Figure 6 The diagram schematically illustrates the actual temperature of the induction heating element 183 according to the target temperature. The control unit 12 can control the temperature of the induction heating element 183 based on the temperature profile stored in the memory 17. The temperature profile may include information about the target temperature for each of the preheating zone and the smoke extraction zone.

[0160] The control unit 12 can control the power supplied to the coil 181 based on the target preheating temperature Tp until the first time t1 of the preheating interval. The coil 181 can generate an induced magnetic field according to the control of the control unit 12. For example, the coil 181 can output an induced magnetic field of strength of 4.5T during the preheating interval.

[0161] When heating begins, the induction heating element 183 can be heated by the induced magnetic field output from the coil 181. The temperature of the induction heating element 183 can increase up to the rise time ta. The interval from the heating start time to the rise time ta can be called the first interval S1. The temperature of the induction heating element 183 can reach the target preheating temperature Tp during the rise time ta. Furthermore, the temperature of the induction heating element 183 can maintain the target preheating temperature Tp until the first time t1. The interval between the rise time ta and the first time t1 can be called the second interval S2. Thus, in the preheating interval, the strength of the induced magnetic field output from the coil 181 can remain constant in both the first interval S1 and the second interval S2. Conversely, it can be seen that the temperature of the induction heating element 183 is not constant in the first interval S1, but gradually increases. Therefore, when the temperature of the induction heating element 183 is estimated solely by the strength of the induced magnetic field, the actual temperature of the induction heating element 183 may not match the estimated temperature of the induction heating element 183. To solve this problem, this disclosure utilizes the sensing results of the current sensing unit 132. The control unit 12 can set the sensing result of the current sensing unit 132 as a prerequisite for estimating the temperature of the induction heating element 183.

[0162] Reference Figure 7 ,exist Figure 7 The figure shows the curve of the alternating current of coil 181 changing according to the impedance change of induction heating element 183 in the preheating zone. Figure 7 The rise time ta in the middle can correspond to Figure 6 The rise time ta, and Figure 7 The first time t1 in can correspond to Figure 6 The first time t1. For example... Figure 7 As shown, the alternating current flowing in coil 181 can gradually decrease until the rise time ta. This is because the circuit impedance increases as the temperature of the induction heating element 183 increases. Furthermore, as... Figure 7 As shown, the alternating current flowing in coil 181 can be maintained from the rise time ta to the first time t1. This is because, as the temperature of the induction heating element 183 remains constant, the impedance of the circuit also remains constant.

[0163] The control unit 12 can estimate the temperature of the induction heating element 183 based on the strength of the magnetic field acquired between the rise time ta and the first time t1. In other words, when the alternating current flowing in the coil 181 remains within a second interval S2 within a preset range, the control unit 12 can estimate the temperature of the induction heating element 183 based on the strength of the induced magnetic field. For example, the preset range can be selected from 70mA to 90mA. Alternatively, the preset range can refer to the case where the measured alternating current remains within a deviation range selected from 0mA to 20mA.

[0164] Furthermore, the temperature of the induction heating element 183 can be saturated to a predetermined temperature by means of a pre-set induction magnetic field strength. Therefore, the control unit 12 can estimate the temperature of the induction heating element 183 based on the strength of the induction magnetic field. For example, if the coil 181 outputs an induction magnetic field of strength 4.5T in the preheating zone, the control unit 12 can determine that the temperature of the induction heating element 183 is 275 degrees Celsius.

[0165] Refer again Figure 6 The control unit 12 can control the temperature of the induction heating element 183 in the smoke extraction zone after the preheating zone. The smoke extraction zone may include multiple sub-smoke extraction zones that gradually reduce the temperature of the induction heating element 183 from the target preheating temperature Tp.

[0166] The control unit 12 can control the power supplied to the coil 181 based on target smoking temperatures Ts1, Ts2, Ts3 (hereinafter referred to as Ts when no distinction is needed) that are lower than the target preheating temperature Tp and different from each other after the first time t1.

[0167] More specifically, the control unit 12 can control the power supplied to the coil 181 based on a first target smoking temperature Ts1 from a first time t1 to a second time t2, which is the first sub-smoking zone. The coil 181 can generate an induced magnetic field according to the control of the control unit 12. For example, the coil 181 can output an induced magnetic field of 3.5T in the first sub-smoking zone. Furthermore, the control unit 12 can control the power supplied to the coil 181 based on a second target smoking temperature Ts2 from a second time t2 to a third time t3, which is the second sub-smoking zone. Thus, the coil 181 can output an induced magnetic field of 2.5T in the second sub-smoking zone. Furthermore, the control unit 12 can control the power supplied to the coil 181 based on a third target smoking temperature Ts3 from a third time t3, which is the third sub-smoking zone, to the heating end time (not shown). Accordingly, the coil 181 can output an induced magnetic field of 1.5T in the third sub-smoking zone.

[0168] The induction heating element 183 can be heated by an induction magnetic field in each sub-smoking zone. The temperature of the induction heating element 183 can be reduced from the target preheating temperature Tp to each target smoking temperature Ts. Unlike the preheating zone, the smoking zone is equipped with a third zone S3a, S3b, S3c (hereinafter referred to as S3 when no distinction is needed) for the temperature of the induction heating element 183 to decrease, and a fourth zone S4a, S4b, S4c (hereinafter referred to as S4 when no distinction is needed) for maintaining the temperature of the induction heating element 183. As an example, in Figure 6 In the first sub-smoking interval, the third interval S3a is the interval between the first time t1 and the first time tb when the temperature of the induction heating element 183 decreases from the target preheating temperature Tp to the first target smoking temperature Ts1. The fourth interval S4a is the interval between the first time tb and the second time t2 when the temperature of the induction heating element 183 remains at the first target smoking temperature Ts1. Furthermore, in the second sub-smoking interval, the third interval S3b is the interval between the second time t2 and the second time tc when the temperature of the induction heating element 183 decreases from the first target smoking temperature Ts1 to the second target smoking temperature Ts2. The fourth interval S4b is the interval between the second time tc and the third time t3 when the temperature of the induction heating element 183 remains at the second target smoking temperature Ts2. In addition, the third interval S3c in the third sub-smoking interval is the interval between the third time t3 when the temperature of the induction heating element 183 decreases from the second target smoking temperature Ts2 to the third target smoking temperature Ts3 and the third drop time td. The fourth interval S4c is the interval between the third drop time td when the temperature of the induction heating element 183 remains at the third target smoking temperature Ts3 and the heating end time.

[0169] As described above, even if the intensity of the induced magnetic field output by coil 181 remains constant in both the third interval S3 and the fourth interval S4 in each sub-smoking zone, there are still intervals where the temperature of the induction heating element 183 cannot be maintained within the predetermined temperature range. The difference from the preheating interval is that each sub-smoking zone is equipped with a third interval S3 where the temperature of the induction heating element 183 decreases. Therefore, even when the temperature of the induction heating element 183 is estimated solely based on the intensity of the induced magnetic field in the smoking zone, there is still a problem that the actual temperature of the induction heating element 183 is inconsistent with the estimated temperature. To solve this problem, this disclosure also utilizes the sensing results of the current sensing unit 132 in the smoking zone. The control unit 12 can set the sensing results of the current sensing unit 132 as a prerequisite for estimating the temperature of the induction heating element 183.

[0170] Despite Figure 8The diagram only shows the change curve of the alternating current of the coil 181 in the first sub-smoking zone according to the impedance change of the induction heating element 183, but the following description applies to all sub-smoking zones from the second to the third sub-smoking zone.

[0171] Reference Figure 8 , Figure 8 The first descent time tb in the equation can correspond to Figure 6 The first descent time tb, Figure 8 The second time t2 in the equation can correspond to Figure 6 The second time t2. For example... Figure 8 As shown, the alternating current flowing in coil 181 can gradually increase until the first falling time tb. This is because the circuit impedance decreases as the temperature of the induction heating element 183 decreases. Furthermore, as... Figure 8 As shown, the alternating current flowing in coil 181 can be maintained from the first falling time tb to the second time t2. This is because as the temperature of the induction heating element 183 remains constant, the impedance of the circuit also remains constant.

[0172] The control unit 12 can estimate the temperature of the induction heating element 183 based on the intensity of the induced magnetic field obtained between the first fall time tb and the second time t2. In other words, when the alternating current flowing in the coil 181 is maintained within a fourth interval S4 within a preset range, the control unit 12 can estimate the temperature of the induction heating element 183 based on the intensity of the induced magnetic field. For example, the preset range can be selected from 90mA to 120mA. Alternatively, the preset range can refer to the case where the measured alternating current is maintained within a deviation range selected from 0mA to 20mA.

[0173] Furthermore, the temperature of the induction heating element 183 can be saturated to a predetermined temperature by means of a pre-set induction magnetic field strength. Therefore, the control unit 12 can estimate the temperature of the induction heating element 183 based on the strength of the induction magnetic field. For example, if the coil 181 outputs an induction magnetic field of strength 3.5T in the first sub-smoking zone, the control unit 12 can determine that the temperature of the induction heating element 183 is 245 degrees Celsius.

[0174] Figure 9 Temperature profiles of an aerosol generating apparatus are shown to illustrate a method for estimating the temperature of a preheating zone according to another embodiment. Figure 10 Shown for illustration Figure 9 The output of the current sensing unit in the temperature estimation method in the preheating zone.

[0175] when Figure 9 Temperature curve and Figure 6 Compared to the temperature curves, only the target temperature in the preheating zone differs. Therefore, due to the... Figure 9 The description of smoking areas in China and Figure 6 It is repeated, so it is omitted.

[0176] Reference Figure 9 The control unit 12 can gradually preheat the induction heating element 183 within the preheating zone. In other words, the preheating zone can include multiple sub-preheating zones that gradually increase the temperature of the induction heating element 183 to the target preheating temperature Tp.

[0177] The control unit 12 can control the power supplied to the coil 181 based on intermediate target temperatures Tp1 and Tp2 (hereinafter referred to as Tp when no distinction is needed) that are lower than the target preheating temperature Tp after the start of preheating.

[0178] More specifically, the control unit 12 can control the power supplied to the coil 181 according to the first sub-preheating zone, the second sub-preheating zone, and the third sub-preheating zone. The coil 181 can generate an induced magnetic field according to the control of the control unit 12. For example, the coil 181 can output an induced magnetic field of 2.5T in the first sub-preheating zone. Furthermore, the coil 181 can output an induced magnetic field of 3.5T in the second sub-preheating zone. Furthermore, the coil 181 can output an induced magnetic field of 4.5T in the third sub-preheating zone.

[0179] The induction heating element 183 can be heated by an induction magnetic field in each sub-preheating zone. The sub-preheating zone is equipped with a first zone S1a, S1b, S1c (hereinafter referred to as S1 when no distinction is needed) to increase the temperature of the induction heating element 183 and a second zone S2a, S2b, S2c (hereinafter referred to as S2 when no distinction is needed) to maintain the temperature of the induction heating element 183.

[0180] As described above, even if the intensity of the induced magnetic field output by the coil 181 is constant in both the first interval S1 and the second interval S2 in each sub-preheating interval, there are still intervals in which the temperature of the induction heating element 183 cannot be maintained within the predetermined temperature range. The control unit 12 can set the sensing result of the current sensing unit 132 as a prerequisite for estimating the temperature of the induction heating element 183.

[0181] Reference Figure 10 , Figure 10 The first interval S1a, S1b, S1c and the second interval S2a, S2b, S2c correspond to Figure 9 The first interval S1a, S1b, S1c and the second interval S2a, S2b, S2c. For example... Figure 10 As shown, the alternating current flowing in coil 181 gradually decreases in the first intervals S1a, S1b, and S1c. This is because the circuit impedance increases as the temperature of the induction heating element 183 increases. Furthermore, in Figure 10In this circuit, the alternating current flowing in coil 181 can remain stable in the second intervals S2a, S2b, and S2c. This is because, as the temperature of the induction heating element 183 remains constant, the impedance of the circuit also remains constant.

[0182] The control unit 12 can estimate the temperature of the induction heating element 183 based on the intensity of the induced magnetic field obtained in each of the second intervals S2a, S2b, and S2c. In other words, the control unit 12 can estimate the temperature of the induction heating element 183 based on the intensity of the induced magnetic field in each of the second intervals S2a, S2b, and S2c, where the alternating current flowing in the coil 181 is maintained within a preset range.

[0183] In addition, such as Figures 6 to 8 As shown, the temperature of the induction heating element 183 can be saturated to a predetermined temperature by means of a pre-set induction magnetic field strength. Therefore, the control unit 12 can estimate the temperature of the induction heating element 183 based on the strength of the induction magnetic field.

[0184] During the temperature rise interval encompassed by the preheating interval, the temperature of the induction heating element 183 is estimated based on the strength of the induced magnetic field output by coil 181, similar to the method used in feedforward control. In other words, during the temperature rise interval, since the temperature of the induction heating element 183 cannot be estimated, there is a possibility of equipment damage due to overheating of the induction heating element 183. Therefore, this disclosure does not heat the induction heating element 183 with maximum power from the beginning of the preheating interval, but rather heats the induction heating element 183 gradually, thereby preventing equipment damage.

[0185] In addition, although Figures 6 to 10 An example is shown where the current in coil 181 decreases as the temperature of induction heating element 183 increases, but the opposite may also occur depending on the physical properties of induction heating element 183 or circuit design. In either case, the temperature of induction heating element 183 can be estimated as long as the alternating current flowing through coil 181 remains within a predetermined range.

[0186] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation method of an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0187] Reference Figure 11 In step (S1110), the current sensing unit 132 can sense the current flowing in the coil 181.

[0188] The control unit 12 can control at least one of the DC power output from the power supply 11 and the AC power output from the power conversion unit 111. The coil 181 can generate an induced magnetic field through the power control of the control unit 12.

[0189] The current sensing unit 132 may be a component included in the sensor unit 13. The current sensing unit 132 may include at least one shunt resistor and can sense the alternating current flowing in the coil 181. The current sensing unit 132 can transmit information about the alternating current flowing in the coil 181 to the control unit 12.

[0190] In step (S1120), the control unit 12 can determine whether the magnitude of the current flowing in the coil 181 is within a preset range.

[0191] In one embodiment, the magnitude of the alternating current can refer to any one of the maximum, average, and effective values ​​of the alternating current. Furthermore, the preset range can be appropriately set based on the inductance and temperature profile of the coil 181. For example, when the inductance of the coil 181 is 3.2 μH, the first range of the preheating zone can be selected from 70 mA to 90 mA, and the second range of the smoking zone can be selected from 90 mA to 120 mA. Alternatively, the preset range can also refer to the situation where the measured alternating current remains within a deviation range selected from 0 mA to 20 mA.

[0192] The induction heating element 183 can be heated by an induced magnetic field. The control unit 12 can adjust the temperature of the induction heating element 183 based on a target temperature according to a temperature curve. The temperature of the induction heating element 183 can be increased or decreased to reach the target temperature. In other words, the temperature of the induction heating element 183 can have an increasing range or a decreasing range to reach the target temperature.

[0193] Furthermore, if the temperature of the induction heating element 183 fails to remain at the predetermined temperature and gradually increases or decreases, the impedance of the induction heating element 183 observed from the input terminal may also change. Conversely, if the temperature of the induction heating element 183 remains at the predetermined temperature, the impedance of the induction heating element 183 observed from the input terminal can also be maintained. Step (S1120) can be set to sense the temperature change of the induction heating element 183 rather than its actual temperature.

[0194] If the magnitude of the current flowing in the coil 181 is not within the preset range, the control unit 12 can determine that the temperature of the induction heating element 183 cannot be maintained at the predetermined temperature and is rising or falling, thereby continuously acquiring the magnitude of the current flowing in the coil 181.

[0195] In step (S1130), the magnetic field sensing unit 131 can sense the intensity of the induced magnetic field output from the coil 181.

[0196] The magnetic field sensing unit 131 may be a component included in the sensor unit 13. The magnetic field sensing unit 131 may be arranged adjacent to the coil 181 and may include at least one Hall sensor. In order to prevent the induced magnetic field output from the coil 181 from being released to the outside of the aerosol generating device 1 while concentrating the induced magnetic field to the magnetic field sensing unit 131, the shielding member 184 may surround the coil 181 and the magnetic field sensing unit 131.

[0197] The magnetic field sensing unit 131 can send information about the strength of the sensed magnetic field to the control unit 12.

[0198] In step (S1140), the control unit 12 can estimate the temperature of the induction heating element 183 based on the strength of the induction magnetic field.

[0199] The temperature of the induction heating element 183 can be saturated to a predetermined temperature by means of a pre-set induction magnetic field strength. Therefore, the control unit 12 can estimate the temperature of the induction heating element 183 based on the strength of the induction magnetic field.

[0200] The memory 17 can store the correspondence between the strength of the induced magnetic field and the temperature of the induced heating element 183 in the form of a lookup table.

[0201] The control unit 12 can estimate the temperature of the induction heating element 183 based on a lookup table stored in the memory 17. In one embodiment, the stronger the induced magnetic field, the higher the temperature of the induction heating element 183 can be determined by the control unit 12.

[0202] In addition, the induction heating element 183 can be heated according to the temperature curve stored in the memory 17. Figure 11 Each step can be performed across the entire range of this temperature curve.

[0203] In one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control at least one of the power supply 11 and the power conversion unit 111 to supply a first power to the coil 181 in the preheating zone. According to another embodiment, the control unit 12 can control at least one of the power supply 11 and the power conversion unit 111 to supply gradually increasing power to the coil 181 in the preheating zone.

[0204] The induction heating element 183 can be heated by the induced magnetic field output from the coil 181. The induction heating element 183 can gradually increase its temperature in a first interval and maintain its temperature in a second interval after the first interval. The control unit 12 can estimate the temperature of the induction heating element 183 based on the intensity of the induced magnetic field sensed in the second interval.

[0205] The control unit 12 can control at least one of the power supply 11 and the power conversion unit 111 to gradually reduce the temperature of the induction heating element 183 in multiple smoke zones after the preheating zone.

[0206] The smoking area may include multiple sub-smoking areas. The control unit 12 can control at least one of the power supply 11 and the power conversion unit 111 to supply a second power less than the first power to the coil 181 in the first sub-smoking area. Furthermore, the control unit 12 can control at least one of the power supply 11 and the power conversion unit 111 to supply a third power less than the second power to the coil 181 in a second sub-smoking area following the first sub-smoking area. Additionally, the control unit 12 can control at least one of the power supply 11 and the power conversion unit 111 to supply a fourth power less than the third power to the coil 181 in a third sub-smoking area following the second sub-smoking area. As a result, the temperature of the induction heating element 183 can be gradually reduced.

[0207] Each of the sub-smoking zones can have a different target smoking temperature than the others. The temperature of the induction heating element 183 can track these target smoking temperatures in each of the sub-smoking zones. Thus, each of the sub-smoking zones can include a third zone where the temperature of the induction heating element 183 decreases and a fourth zone where the temperature of the induction heating element 183 is maintained after the third zone.

[0208] The control unit 12 can estimate the temperature of the induction heating element 183 based on the strength of the induced magnetic field sensed in the fourth interval. As described above, the aerosol generating device 1 can also estimate the temperature of the induction heating element 183 through the output of the coil 181. Furthermore, the aerosol generating device 1 can utilize a current sensor, but this is not used to estimate the actual temperature of the induction heating element 183, but rather to determine the starting conditions for the temperature of the induction heating element 183. Therefore, there is no need to use a high-sensitivity or high-resolution current sensor, and manufacturing costs are significantly reduced.

[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 in combination or in combination.

[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. An aerosol generating apparatus, comprising: Power supply, providing DC power; The power conversion unit converts the DC power into AC power. A coil generates an induced magnetic field using the alternating current; The induction heating element is heated by the induction magnetic field; A magnetic field sensing unit senses the intensity of the induced magnetic field; as well as The control unit estimates the temperature of the inductive heating element based on the strength of the induced magnetic field.

2. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1 further includes: A current sensing unit senses the current flowing in the coil. The control unit obtains information about the strength of the induced magnetic field from the magnetic field sensing unit based on the sensing result of the current sensing unit.

3. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, When the magnitude of the current flowing in the coil remains within a preset range, the control unit estimates the temperature of the induction heating element based on the strength of the induced magnetic field.

4. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 3 further includes: The memory stores the correspondence between the intensity of the induced magnetic field and the temperature of the induced heating element in the form of a lookup table. The control unit determines the temperature of the induction heating element based on the lookup table.

5. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, The memory also stores information on the target temperature of each of the preheating zone and the smoking zone following the preheating zone.

6. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit controls the AC power supplied to the coil based on the target temperature of each of the preheating zone and the subsequent smoking zone.

7. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 6, wherein, The preheating zone includes: In the first interval, the temperature of the inductive heating element is raised to the target preheating temperature; and The second interval maintains the target preheating temperature as described in the first interval. The control unit estimates the temperature of the inductive heating element based on the intensity of the inductive magnetic field sensed in the second interval.

8. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 7, wherein, The smoking area includes: Multiple sub-smoking zones allow the temperature of the inductive heating element to gradually decrease from the target preheating temperature. In each of the plurality of sub-smoking zones, the control unit controls the AC power supplied to the coil according to a target smoking temperature that is lower than the target preheating temperature and different from each other.

9. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 8, wherein, Each of the plurality of sub-smoking zones includes: The third interval allows the temperature of the inductive heating element to drop to the target smoking temperature; and The fourth interval maintains the target smoking temperature after the third interval. The control unit estimates the temperature of the inductive heating element based on the intensity of the induced magnetic field sensed in the fourth interval.

10. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: A shielding component is used to prevent the induced magnetic field generated in the coil from being released to the outside. The shielding component surrounds at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the coil.

Images