Aerosol Generator
The aerosol generation device addresses battery overheating and heat delays by using a temperature sensor, voltage conversion circuit, and control unit to manage current flow, ensuring safe and efficient operation.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2024543056
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-01-24
- Filing Date
- 2023-01-18
- Publication Date
- 2025-01-30
- Estimated Expiration
- 2043-01-18
AI Technical Summary
Existing aerosol generation devices do not adequately address the issue of battery overheating and current flow adjustments based on temperature, leading to potential safety risks and inefficiencies.
Incorporating a temperature sensor to monitor battery temperature, a voltage conversion circuit to adjust voltage output, and a control unit to manage current flow to the heater, ensuring safe and efficient operation by adapting power delivery based on battery temperature.
Prevents battery overheating and heat delays by adjusting current flow, enhancing safety and performance of the aerosol generation device.
Smart Images

Figure 2025503028000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical field]
[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device. [Background technology]
[0002] The aerosol generating device is for extracting a predetermined component from a medium or substance via an aerosol. The medium may contain a substance having a variety of components. The substance contained in the medium may be a flavoring substance having a variety of components. For example, the substance contained in the medium may contain a nicotine component, a herb component, and / or a coffee component. In recent years, much research has been conducted on such aerosol generating devices. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0003] The present disclosure is directed to solving the above-referenced problems and other problems.
[0004] Another object of the present disclosure may be to provide an aerosol generating device that can prevent a current exceeding an acceptable level from flowing to a battery, taking into account the temperature of the battery.
[0005] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol generating device capable of providing a user with information regarding the heating delay of the heater by adjusting the level of current flowing to the battery. [Means for solving the problem]
[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generating device that includes a battery, a temperature sensor that outputs a signal corresponding to a temperature of the battery, a voltage conversion circuit that converts a first voltage output from the battery, a heater that heats an aerosol generating material based on a second voltage output from the voltage conversion circuit, and a controller that determines a temperature of the battery via the temperature sensor. The controller can adjust a level of the second voltage based on the temperature of the battery. Effect of the Invention
[0007] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent a current that exceeds an acceptable range from flowing through the battery by taking into account the temperature of the battery.
[0008] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a user with information regarding the heating delay of the heater by adjusting the level of the current flowing to the battery.
[0009] Further scope of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, such as preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, are given by way of example only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
[0010] The above and other objects, features and other characteristics of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]
[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 illustrates an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 illustrates an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 illustrates an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 illustrates a stick according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 illustrates a stick according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the operation of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0012] Hereinafter, the embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals are given to the same or similar components even if they are illustrated in different drawings, and redundant description thereof will be omitted.
[0013] The suffixes "module" and "section" for components used in the following description are used only for ease of description of the specification. "Module" and "section" do not have different meanings or roles from each other.
[0014] In addition, in the following description of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if a specific description of related known technologies may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, the detailed description will be omitted. In addition, the attached drawings are provided to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical ideas disclosed in this specification are not limited by the attached drawings. Therefore, the attached drawings should be interpreted as including all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives included in the idea and scope of the present disclosure.
[0015] Terms including ordinal numbers such as first, second, etc. may be used to describe various components, but it should be understood that the components are not limited by the terms. The terms are used only to distinguish one component from another.
[0016] When an element is said to be "connected" to another element, it will be understood that there can be other elements in between, whereas when an element is said to be "directly connected" to another element, it will be understood that there are no other elements in between.
[0017] The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
[0018] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0019] Referring to FIG. 1, the aerosol generation device 10 may include a communication interface 11, an input / output interface 12, an aerosol generation module 13, a memory 14, a sensor module 15, a battery 16, and / or a control unit 17.
[0020] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 10 may be composed of only a main body. In this case, the components included in the aerosol generating device 10 may be located in the main body. In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device 10 may be composed of a cartridge that stores an aerosol generating material and a main body. In this case, the components included in the aerosol generating device 10 may be located in at least one of the main body and the cartridge.
[0021] The communication interface 11 may include at least one communication module for communication with an external device and / or a network. For example, the communication interface 11 may include a communication module for wired communication such as a universal serial bus (USB). For example, the communication interface 11 may include a communication module for wireless communication such as wireless fidelity (WiFi), Bluetooth (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark) low power (BLE), Zigbee (registered trademark), near field communication (NFC), etc.
[0022] The input / output interface 12 may include an input device that receives commands from a user and / or an output device that outputs information to a user. For example, the input device may include a touch panel, a physical button, a microphone, etc. For example, the output device may include a display device that outputs visual information such as a display, a light emitting diode (LED), an audio device that outputs auditory information such as a speaker or a buzzer, a motor that outputs tactile information such as a haptic effect, etc.
[0023] The input / output interface 12 can transmit data corresponding to commands input by a user via the input device to other components (and the like) of the aerosol generating device 10. The input / output interface 12 can output information corresponding to data received from other components (and the like) of the aerosol generating device 10 via the output device.
[0024] The aerosol generating module 13 can generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material. Here, the aerosol generating material can be any one of a variety of materials capable of generating an aerosol, such as a liquid material, a solid material, a gel material, or a combination of two or more materials.
[0025] The liquid aerosol generating material may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing material, including volatile tobacco flavor components, according to one embodiment. The liquid aerosol generating material may be a liquid containing a non-tobacco material, according to another embodiment. For example, the liquid aerosol generating material may include water, solvent, nicotine, botanical extracts, flavors, flavorings, vitamin mixtures, and the like.
[0026] The solid-state aerosol-generating material may include solid materials based on tobacco raw materials such as reconstituted tobacco sheets, shredded tobacco, and granulated tobacco. The solid-state aerosol-generating material may also include solid materials containing taste modifiers, seasonings, and the like. For example, taste modifiers may include calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, calcium oxide, and the like. For example, seasonings may include natural materials such as herb granules, silica containing fragrance ingredients, zeolite, dextrin, and the like.
[0027] Additionally, the aerosol generating material may further include an aerosol forming agent such as glycerin or propylene glycol.
[0028] The aerosol generation module 13 can include at least one heater.
[0029] The aerosol generation module 13 can include an electrical resistive heater. For example, the electrical resistive heater can include at least one electrically conductive track and can be heated by passing an electric current through the electrically conductive track. Here, the aerosol generating material can be heated by the heated electrical resistive heater.
[0030] The electrically conductive track may comprise an electrically resistive material. As an example, the electrically conductive track may be made of a metallic material. As another example, the electrically conductive track may be made of a ceramic material, carbon, a metal alloy, or a composite of a ceramic material and a metal.
[0031] The electrical resistive heater may include an electrically conductive track formed in a variety of shapes, for example, the electrically conductive track may be formed in any one of a tube, a plate, a needle, a rod, and a coil.
[0032] The aerosol generating module 13 may include a heater using an induction heating method. For example, an induction heater may include an electric conductive coil, and an alternating magnetic field whose direction changes periodically may be generated by adjusting a current flowing through the electric conductive coil. Here, when an alternating magnetic field is applied to a magnetic material, energy loss due to eddy current loss and hysteresis loss may occur in the magnetic material, and the lost energy may be released as thermal energy to heat the aerosol generating material adjacent to the magnetic material. Here, the object that generates heat due to the magnetic field may be called a susceptor.
[0033] On the other hand, the aerosol generation module 13 can also generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating substance by generating ultrasonic vibrations.
[0034] The aerosol generating module 13 may be referred to as a cartomizer, an atomizer, a vaporizer, or the like.
[0035] The memory 14 can store programs for each signal processing and control within the control unit 17, and can store data processed by the control unit 17 and data to be processed.
[0036] For example, memory 14 may store application programs designed to perform various tasks that can be processed by control unit 17, and may selectively provide some of the stored application programs upon request of control unit 17.
[0037] For example, the memory 14 may store the operating time of the aerosol generating device 10, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, the number of times the battery 16 has been charged, the number of times the battery 16 has been discharged, at least one temperature profile, data on the user's inhalation pattern, data on charging and discharging, etc. Here, "puff" may refer to the user's inhalation, and inhalation may be a situation in which the user inhales through the mouth or nose into the user's oral cavity, nasal cavity, or lungs.
[0038] The memory 14 may include at least one of a volatile memory (e.g., DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, etc.) and a non-volatile memory (e.g., a flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid-state drive (SSD), etc.).
[0039] The sensor module 15 may include at least one sensor.
[0040] For example, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor for detecting a puff (hereinafter, referred to as a "puff sensor"). Here, the puff sensor may be implemented by a proximity sensor such as an IR sensor, a pressure sensor, a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, a magnetic field sensor, or the like.
[0041] For example, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor for detecting a puff (hereinafter, referred to as a "puff sensor"), where the puff sensor may be implemented by a pressure sensor, a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, a magnetic field sensor, or the like.
[0042] For example, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor (hereinafter, referred to as a "temperature sensor") for detecting the temperature of a heater included in the aerosol generation module 13, the temperature of an aerosol generating material, etc. Here, the heater included in the aerosol generation module 13 may also function as a temperature sensor. For example, the electrically resistive material of the heater may be a material having a temperature coefficient of resistance. The sensor module 15 may sense the temperature of the heater by measuring the resistance of the heater, which changes depending on the temperature.
[0043] For example, if a stick can be inserted into the main body of the aerosol generation device 10, the sensor module 15 can include a sensor that detects the insertion of the stick (hereinafter referred to as a "stick detection sensor").
[0044] For example, in the case where the aerosol generating device 10 includes a cartridge, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor (hereinafter referred to as a "cartridge detection sensor") that detects the attachment / detachment, position, etc. of the cartridge relative to the main body.
[0045] Here, the stick detection sensor and / or the cartridge detection sensor may be implemented using an inductance-based sensor, a capacitance-type sensor, a resistance sensor, a hall sensor (hall IC) using the hall effect, or the like.
[0046] For example, the sensor module 15 may include a voltage sensor that detects the voltage applied to a component (e.g., battery 16) provided in the aerosol generating device 10 and / or a current sensor that detects the current.
[0047] The battery 16 can supply power used for the operation of the aerosol generation device 10 under the control of the control unit 17. The battery 16 can supply power to other components provided in the aerosol generation device 10. For example, the battery 16 can supply power to a communication module included in the communication interface 11, an output device included in the input / output interface 12, a heater included in the aerosol generation module 13, etc.
[0048] The battery 16 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 16 may be, but is not limited to, a lithium ion battery or a lithium polymer battery. For example, if the battery 16 is rechargeable, the charge rate (C-rate) of the battery 16 may be, but is not limited to, 10C and the discharge rate (C-rate) of the battery 16 may be, but is not limited to, 10C to 20C. For stable use, the battery 16 may be manufactured to ensure 80% or more of its total capacity even after 2000 charge / discharge cycles.
[0049] The aerosol generating device 10 may further include a protection circuit module (PCM), which is a circuit for protecting the battery 16. The protection circuit module (PCM) may be disposed adjacent to an upper surface of the battery 16. For example, in order to prevent overcharging and overdischarging of the battery 16, the protection circuit module (PCM) may cut off an electric path to the battery 16 when a short circuit occurs in a circuit connected to the battery 16, when an overvoltage is applied to the battery 16, when an overcurrent flows through the battery 16, etc.
[0050] The aerosol generating device 10 may further include a charging terminal to which power supplied from an external source is input. For example, a charging terminal is formed on one side of the body of the aerosol generating device 10, and the aerosol generating device 10 may charge the battery 16 using power supplied through the charging terminal. Here, the charging terminal may be a wired terminal for USB communication, a pogo pin, or the like.
[0051] The aerosol generating device 10 may further include a power terminal (not shown) to which power supplied from an external source is input. For example, a power line may be connected to a power terminal disposed on one side of the body of the aerosol generating device 100. The aerosol generating device 10 may charge a battery using power supplied through the power line connected to the power terminal. Here, the power terminal may be a wired terminal for USB communication.
[0052] The aerosol generation device 10 can also wirelessly receive power supplied from an external source via the communication interface 11. For example, the aerosol generation device 10 can receive power wirelessly using an antenna included in a communication module for wireless communication, and can charge the battery 16 using the wirelessly supplied power.
[0053] The control unit 17 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generation device 10. The control unit 17 is connected to each component provided in the aerosol generation device 10, and can transmit and / or receive signals between each component to control the overall operation of each component.
[0054] The control unit 17 may include at least one processor and may use the processor to control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 10. Here, the processor may be a general processor such as a central processing unit (CPU). Of course, the processor may be a dedicated device such as an ASIC or a processor based on other hardware.
[0055] The control unit 17 can perform any one of a plurality of functions of the aerosol generation device 10. For example, the control unit 17 can execute any one of a plurality of functions of the aerosol generation device 10 (e.g., a preheating function, a heating function, a charging function, a cleaning function, etc.) according to the state of each component included in the aerosol generation device 10, a user's command received via the input / output interface 12, etc.
[0056] The control unit 17 can control the operation of each component included in the aerosol generation device 10 based on the data stored in the memory 14. For example, the control unit 17 can control the battery 16 to supply a predetermined amount of power to the aerosol generation module 13 for a predetermined period of time based on data about a temperature profile, a user's inhalation pattern, and the like stored in the memory 14.
[0057] The control unit 17 can determine the occurrence of a puff through a puff sensor included in the sensor module 15. For example, the control unit 17 can check a temperature change, a flow change, a pressure change, a voltage change, etc. in the aerosol generating device 10 based on a sensing value of the puff sensor, and can determine the occurrence of a puff according to the confirmed result based on the sensing value of the puff sensor.
[0058] The control unit 17 can control the operation of each component included in the aerosol generating device 10 depending on the presence or absence of a puff and / or the number of puffs. For example, the control unit 17 can control the heater temperature to be changed or maintained based on the temperature profile stored in the memory 14.
[0059] The control unit 17 can control to cut off the power supply to the heater under a predetermined condition, for example, when the stick is removed and the cartridge is separated, when the number of puffs reaches a preset maximum number of puffs, when no puffs are detected for a preset time or more, when the remaining amount of the battery 16 is less than a preset value, etc.
[0060] The control unit 17 may calculate the remaining amount of power (hereinafter, referred to as the remaining amount) stored in the battery 16. For example, the control unit 17 may calculate the remaining amount of the battery 16 based on the sensing values of a voltage sensor and / or a current sensor included in the sensor module 15.
[0061] The control unit 17 may control the supply of power to the heater using at least one of a pulse width modulation (PWM) method and a proportional-integral-differential (PID) method.
[0062] For example, the control unit 17 may use a PWM method to control a current pulse having a predetermined frequency and duty ratio to be supplied to the heater. Here, the control unit 17 may control the power supplied to the heater by adjusting the frequency and duty ratio of the current pulse.
[0063] For example, the control unit 17 can determine a target temperature to be a control target based on the temperature profile. Here, the control unit 17 can control the power supplied to the heater using a PID method, which is a feedback control method based on a difference between the heater temperature and the target temperature, a value obtained by integrating the difference over time, and a value obtained by differentiating the difference over time.
[0064] Meanwhile, although the PWM method and the PID method have been described as examples of control methods for supplying power to the heater, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various control methods such as a Proportional-Integral (PI) method and a Proportional-Differential (PD) method can be used.
[0065] Meanwhile, the control unit 17 may control the heater to supply power under preset conditions. For example, when a cleaning function for cleaning a space into which the stick is inserted is selected according to a command input by the user via the input / output interface 12, the control unit 17 may control the heater to supply a predetermined amount of power.
[0066] 2 to 4 are diagrams illustrating an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0067] According to various embodiments of the present invention, the aerosol generating device 10 can include a body 100 and / or a cartridge 200 .
[0068] Referring to FIG. 2, an aerosol generating device 10 according to one embodiment may include a main body 100 configured to allow the stick 20 to be inserted into a space formed by a housing 101.
[0069] The stick 20 may be similar to a typical combustible cigarette. For example, the stick 20 may be divided into a first portion including an aerosol-generating substance and a second portion including a filter or the like. Alternatively, the second portion of the stick 20 may also include an aerosol-generating substance. For example, the aerosol-generating substance formed in the form of granules or capsules may be inserted into the second portion.
[0070] The entire first part may be inserted into the aerosol generation device 10, and the second part may be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a part of the first part may be inserted into the aerosol generation device 10, or both the first part and the second part may be inserted. A user can inhale the aerosol while holding the second part in their mouth. Here, the aerosol is generated by external air passing through the first part, and the generated aerosol may be delivered to the user's mouth by passing through the second part.
[0071] The main body 100 may be formed to have a structure that allows external air to flow into the main body 100 when the stick 20 is inserted. Here, the external air that has flowed into the main body 100 may pass through the stick 20 and flow to the user's mouth.
[0072] The heater may be located at a position within the body 100 that corresponds to the position of the stick 20 when the stick 20 is inserted into the body 100. In this drawing, the heater is shown as an electrically conductive heater 110 that includes needle-like electrically conductive tracks, although the invention is not so limited.
[0073] The heater can heat the inside and / or outside of the stick 20 using power supplied from the battery 16. An aerosol can be generated in the heated stick 20. A user can inhale the aerosol with added tobacco flavor by inhaling through one end of the stick 20 with their mouth.
[0074] Meanwhile, the control unit 17 may control the heater to supply power under preset conditions even when the stick 20 is not inserted. For example, when a cleaning function for cleaning the space into which the stick 20 is inserted is selected according to a command input by the user via the input / output interface 12, the control unit 17 may control the heater to supply a predetermined power.
[0075] The control unit 17 can monitor the number of puffs based on the sensing value of the puff sensor from the point when the stick 20 is inserted.
[0076] The control unit 17 can initialize the current number of puffs stored in the memory 14 when the inserted stick 20 is removed.
[0077] Referring to FIG. 3, an aerosol generating device 100 according to one embodiment may include a body 100 supporting a cartridge 200, and the cartridge 200 storing an aerosol generating substance.
[0078] According to one embodiment, the cartridge 200 may be configured to be detachably attached to the main body 100. According to another embodiment, the cartridge 200 may be configured integrally with the main body 100. For example, the cartridge 200 may be attached to the main body 100 by inserting at least a portion of the cartridge 200 into an internal space formed by the housing 101 of the main body 100.
[0079] The main body 100 may be formed in a structure that allows external air to flow into the main body 100 when the cartridge 200 is inserted. Here, the external air that has flowed into the main body 100 may flow to the user's mouth through the cartridge 200.
[0080] The control unit 17 can determine whether the cartridge 200 is attached / detached by a cartridge detection sensor included in the sensor module 15. For example, the cartridge detection sensor can transmit a pulse current through one terminal connected to the cartridge 200. Here, the cartridge detection sensor can detect whether the cartridge 200 is connected based on whether the cartridge detection sensor receives a pulse current through another terminal.
[0081] The cartridge 200 may include a heater 210 for heating an aerosol generating substance and / or a storage unit 220 for storing the aerosol generating substance. For example, a liquid transmission means impregnated (containing) the aerosol generating substance may be disposed inside the storage unit 220. The electrically conductive track of the heater 210 may be formed in a structure that wraps around the liquid transmission means. Here, an aerosol may be generated by heating the liquid transmission means by the heater 210. Here, the liquid transmission means may include a wick made of cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic.
[0082] The cartridge 200 may include an insertion space 230 into which the stick 20 can be inserted. For example, the cartridge 200 may include an insertion space formed by an inner wall (not shown) extending in a circumferential direction along the direction in which the stick 20 is inserted. Here, the insertion space may be formed by opening the inside of the inner wall upward and downward. The stick 20 may be inserted into the insertion space 230 formed by the inner wall.
[0083] The insertion space into which the stick 20 is inserted may be formed to have a shape corresponding to the shape of a portion of the stick 20 to be inserted into the insertion space. For example, if the stick 20 is formed to have a cylindrical shape, the insertion space may be formed to have a cylindrical shape.
[0084] When the stick 20 is inserted into the insertion space, the outer circumferential surface of the stick 20 is surrounded by the inner wall and may come into contact with the inner wall.
[0085] A part of the stick 20 is inserted into the insertion space 230 of the cartridge 200, and the remaining part can be exposed to the outside.
[0086] A user can inhale the aerosol while holding one end of the stick 20 in the mouth. The aerosol generated by the heater 210 can be delivered to the user's mouth through the stick 20. Here, as the aerosol passes through the stick 20, a substance contained in the stick 20 is added to the aerosol, and the aerosol with the added substance can be inhaled into the user's mouth through one end of the stick 20.
[0087] 4, an aerosol generating device 100 according to an embodiment may include a main body 100 supporting a cartridge 200 and a cartridge 200 storing an aerosol generating substance. The main body 100 may be configured so that the stick 20 can be inserted into the insertion space 130.
[0088] The aerosol generating device 100 may include a first heater that heats the aerosol generating material stored in the cartridge 200. For example, when a user inhales into the mouth through one end of the stick 20, the aerosol generated by the first heater may pass through the stick 20. Here, a flavor may be added to the aerosol as it passes through the stick 20. The flavored aerosol may be inhaled into the mouth of the user through one end of the stick 20.
[0089] Meanwhile, according to another embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 may include a first heater for heating the aerosol generating material stored in the cartridge 200 and a second heater for heating the stick 20 inserted into the body 100. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may generate an aerosol by heating the aerosol generating material stored in the cartridge 200 and the stick 20 by the first heater and the second heater, respectively.
[0090] 5 and 6 are diagrams illustrating a stick according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0091] 5, a stick 20 according to one embodiment can include a tobacco rod 21 and a filter rod 22. The first part described above with reference to FIG. 2 can include the tobacco rod 21. The second part described above with reference to FIG. 2 can include the filter rod 22.
[0092] Although the filter rod 22 is shown as a single segment in FIG. 5, this is not limiting. In other words, the filter rod 22 may be composed of multiple segments. For example, the filter rod 22 may include a first segment that cools the aerosol and a second segment that filters a predetermined component contained in the aerosol. In addition, the filter rod 22 may further include at least one segment that performs another function, if necessary.
[0093] The stick 20 may have a diameter in the range of 5 mm to 9 mm and a length of about 48 mm, but is not limited thereto. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may have a length of about 12 mm, the first segment of the filter rod 22 may have a length of about 10 mm, the second segment of the filter rod 22 may have a length of about 14 mm, and the third segment of the filter rod 22 may have a length of about 12 mm, but is not limited thereto.
[0094] The stick 20 may be wrapped by at least one wrapper 24. The wrapper 24 may have at least one hole through which external air can flow in or internal gas can flow out. As an example, the stick 20 may be wrapped by one wrapper 24. As another example, the stick 20 may be wrapped by two or more wrappers 24 stacked on top of each other. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be wrapped by a first wrapper 241. For example, the filter rod 22 may be wrapped by wrappers 242, 243, and 244. The tobacco rod 21 and the filter rod 22 wrapped by individual wrappers may be combined, and the entire stick 20 may be further wrapped by a third wrapper. When each filter rod 22 is composed of a plurality of segments, each segment may be wrapped by an individual wrapper 242, 243, and 244. The entire stick 20, in which the segments wrapped by the individual wrappers are combined, may be further wrapped by another wrapper.
[0095] The first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be made of a general filter wrapper. For example, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be a porous wrapper or a non-porous wrapper. Also, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be made of oil-resistant paper and / or aluminum laminate wrapper.
[0096] The third wrapper 243 may be made of hard wrapper paper. For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper 243 is 88 g / m 2 ~96g / m 2 For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper 243 may be in the range of 90 g / m 2 ~94g / m 2 The thickness of the third wrapper 243 may be in the range of 120 μm to 130 μm. For example, the thickness of the third wrapper 243 may be 125 μm.
[0097] The fourth wrapper 244 may be made from a grease-resistant hard wrapper paper. For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 244 is 88 g / m 2 ~96g / m 2For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 244 may be in the range of 90 g / m 2 ~94g / m 2 The thickness of the fourth wrapper 244 may be in the range of 120 μm to 130 μm. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 244 may be 125 μm.
[0098] The fifth wrapper 245 may be made of a sterilized paper (MFW). Here, the sterilized paper (MFW) may be a paper that is specially manufactured to have improved tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc., compared to general paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 245 is 57 g / m 2 ~63g / m 2 For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 245 may be in the range of 60 g / m 2 The thickness of the fifth wrapper 245 may be in the range of 64 μm to 70 μm. For example, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 245 may be 67 μm.
[0099] The fifth wrapper 245 may include a predetermined material. Here, an example of the predetermined material may be, but is not limited to, silicon. For example, silicon may have properties such as heat resistance, which is less susceptible to change with temperature, oxidation resistance, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency, and electrical insulation. However, any material other than silicon that has the above-mentioned properties may be applied or coated onto the fifth wrapper 245 without any restrictions.
[0100] The fifth wrapper 245 can prevent the stick 20 from burning. For example, when the tobacco rod 21 is heated by the heater 210, the stick 20 may burn. Specifically, when the temperature rises above the flash point of any one of the materials contained in the tobacco rod 21, the stick 20 may burn. Even in such a case, the fifth wrapper 245 contains a non-flammable material, and therefore can prevent the stick 20 from burning.
[0101] In addition, the fifth wrapper 245 can prevent the main body 100 from being contaminated by a substance produced in the stick 20. A liquid substance can be produced in the stick 20 by the user's puff. For example, a liquid substance (e.g., moisture) can be produced as the aerosol produced in the stick 20 is cooled by the outside air. The fifth wrapper 245 wraps the stick 20, thereby preventing the liquid substance produced in the stick 20 from leaking out of the stick 20.
[0102] The tobacco rod 21 may include an aerosol-generating substance. For example, the aerosol-generating substance may include, but is not limited to, at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol. The tobacco rod 21 may also include other additives, such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids. A flavoring liquid, such as menthol or a humectant, may be added to the tobacco rod 21 by being sprayed onto the tobacco rod 21.
[0103] The tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured from a sheet. For example, the tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured from a strand. For example, the tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured from a small piece obtained by cutting a tobacco sheet into small pieces. For example, the tobacco rod 21 can be surrounded by a thermally conductive material. For example, the thermally conductive material can be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited thereto. For example, the thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can uniformly distribute the heat transferred to the tobacco rod 21 and improve the thermal conductivity to the tobacco rod. Therefore, the tobacco taste can be improved. The thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can function as a susceptor heated by an induction heater. Although not shown in the drawings, the tobacco rod 21 can further include an additional susceptor in addition to the thermally conductive material surrounding the outside.
[0104] The filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. Meanwhile, the shape of the filter rod 22 is not limited. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a cylindrical type rod. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a tube type rod having a hollow inside. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a recess type rod. When the filter rod 22 is composed of a plurality of segments, at least one of the plurality of segments may be manufactured into another shape.
[0105] The first segment of the filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the first segment may be a tube-shaped structure having a hollow inside. When the heater 110 is inserted, the first segment can prevent the inner material of the tobacco rod 21 from being pushed backward, and can also provide a cooling effect for the aerosol. The diameter of the hollow included in the first segment may be an appropriate diameter within the range of 2 mm to 4.5 mm, but is not limited thereto.
[0106] The length of the first segment may be an appropriate length within the range of 4 mm to 30 mm, but is not limited thereto. For example, the length of the first segment may be 10 mm, but is not limited thereto.
[0107] The second segment of the filter rod 22 cools the aerosol generated by the heater 110 heating the tobacco rod 21. Thus, the user can inhale the aerosol that has been cooled to an appropriate temperature.
[0108] The length or diameter of the second segment may be determined in various ways depending on the shape of the stick 20. For example, the length of the second segment may be appropriately adopted within the range of 7 mm to 20 mm. Preferably, the length of the second segment may be about 14 mm, but is not limited thereto.
[0109] The second segment can be made by weaving polymeric fibers, in which case the flavor liquid can be applied to the fibers made from the polymer, or the second segment can be made by weaving together the fibers made from the polymer with separate fibers that have been coated with the flavor liquid, or the second segment can be formed from a crimped polymer sheet.
[0110] For example, the polymer may be made from a material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PLA), cellulose acetate (CA), and aluminum foil.
[0111] The second segment may be formed from woven polymer fibers or a crimped polymer sheet, such that the second segment may include one or more longitudinally extending channels, where the channels may be passageways through which a gas (e.g., air or aerosol) may pass.
[0112] For example, the second segment of crimped polymer sheet may be formed from a material having a thickness between about 5 μm and about 300 μm, such as between about 10 μm and about 250 μm, and the total surface area of the second segment may be less than about 300 mm 2 / mm and about 1000mm 2 / mm. Also, the aerosol cooling element may have a specific surface area of about 10 mm 2 / mg and about 100mm 2 / mg of material.
[0113] Meanwhile, the second segment can include a thread containing a volatile flavor component, which can be, but is not limited to, menthol. For example, the thread can be loaded with a sufficient amount of menthol to provide 1.5 mg or more of menthol to the second segment.
[0114] The third segment of the filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. The length of the third segment may be appropriately selected within a range of 4 mm to 20 mm. For example, the length of the third segment may be about 12 mm, but is not limited thereto.
[0115] The filter rod 22 may be manufactured to generate a flavor. For example, a flavoring liquid may be sprayed onto the filter rod 22. For example, a separate fiber coated with a flavoring liquid may be inserted into the filter rod 22.
[0116] The filter rod 22 may also include at least one capsule 23. Here, the capsule 23 may function to generate flavor. The capsule 23 may also function to generate aerosol. For example, the capsule 23 may have a structure in which a liquid containing a flavoring agent is enveloped in a coating. The capsule 23 may have, but is not limited to, a spherical or cylindrical shape.
[0117] 6, the stick 30 according to an embodiment may further include a front end plug 33. The front end plug 33 is located on one side of the tobacco rod 31 facing the filter rod 32. The front end plug 33 can prevent the tobacco rod 31 from falling out. The front end plug 33 can prevent aerosol liquefied from the tobacco rod 31 during smoking from flowing into the aerosol generation device 100.
[0118] Filter rod 32 can include a first segment 321 and a second segment 322. First segment 321 can correspond to the first segment of filter rod 22 of FIG. 5. Second segment 322 can correspond to the third segment of filter rod 22 of FIG. 5.
[0119] The diameter and overall length of the stick 30 may correspond to the diameter and overall length of the stick 20 of Figure 5. For example, but not limited to, the length of the front end plug 33 may be about 7mm, the length of the tobacco rod 31 may be about 15mm, the length of the first segment 321 may be about 12mm, and the length of the second segment 322 may be about 14mm.
[0120] The stick 30 may be wrapped by at least one wrapper 35. The wrapper 35 may have at least one hole formed therein through which external air can flow in or internal gas can flow out. For example, the front end plug 33 may be wrapped by a first wrapper 351, the tobacco rod 31 may be wrapped by a second wrapper 352, the first segment 321 may be wrapped by a third wrapper 353, and the second segment 322 may be wrapped by a fourth wrapper 354. Then, the entire stick 30 may be rewrapped by a fifth wrapper 355.
[0121] Also, at least one perforation 36 may be formed in the fifth wrapper 355. For example, but not limited to, the perforation 36 may be formed in a region surrounding the tobacco rod 31. For example, the perforation 36 may play a role in transferring heat generated by the heater 210 shown in FIG. 3 to the inside of the tobacco rod 31.
[0122] The second segment 322 may also include at least one capsule 34. Here, the capsule 34 may function to generate a flavor. The capsule 34 may also function to generate an aerosol. For example, the capsule 34 may have a structure in which a liquid containing a flavoring is enveloped by a coating. The capsule 34 may have, but is not limited to, a spherical or cylindrical shape.
[0123] The first wrapper 351 may be formed by bonding a metal foil, such as aluminum foil, to a general filter wrapper. For example, the total thickness of the first wrapper 351 may be in the range of 45 μm to 55 μm. For example, the total thickness of the first wrapper 351 may be 50.3 μm. The thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper 351 may be in the range of 6 μm to 7 μm. For example, the thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper 351 may be 6.3 μm. The basis weight of the first wrapper 351 may be 50 g / m 2 ~55g / m 2 For example, the basis weight of the first wrapper 351 may be in the range of 53 g / m 2 It could be.
[0124] The second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 may be made from a conventional filter wrapper. For example, the second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 may be a porous wrapper or a non-porous wrapper.
[0125] For example, the porosity of the second wrapper 352 may be, but is not limited to, 35000 CU. The thickness of the second wrapper 352 may be in the range of 70 μm to 80 μm. For example, the thickness of the second wrapper 352 may be 78 μm. The basis weight of the second wrapper 352 may be 20 g / m 2 ~25g / m 2 For example, the basis weight of the second wrapper 352 may be in the range of 23.5 g / m 2 It could be.
[0126] For example, the porosity of the third wrapper 353 may be, but is not limited to, 24000 CU. The thickness of the third wrapper 353 may be in the range of 60 μm to 70 μm. For example, the thickness of the third wrapper 353 may be 68 μm. The basis weight of the third wrapper 353 may be 20 g / m 2 ~25g / m 2 For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper 353 may be in the range of 21 g / m 2 It could be.
[0127] The fourth wrapper 354 may be made of PLA laminated paper. Here, the PLA laminated paper may be a triple layer paper including a paper layer, a PLA layer, and a paper layer. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 354 may be in the range of 100 μm to 120 μm. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 354 may be 110 μm. In addition, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 354 may be 80 g / m 2 ~100g / m 2 For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 354 may be in the range of 88 g / m 2 It could be.
[0128] The fifth wrapper 355 may be made of a sterilized paper (MFW). Here, the sterilized paper (MFW) may be a paper that is specially manufactured to have improved tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc., compared to general paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 355 is 57 g / m 2 ~63g / m 2 For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 355 may be in the range of 60 g / m 2 The thickness of the fifth wrapper 355 may be in the range of 64 μm to 70 μm. For example, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 355 may be 67 μm.
[0129] The fifth wrapper 355 may include a predetermined material. Here, an example of the predetermined material may be, but is not limited to, silicon. For example, silicon has properties such as heat resistance, which is less susceptible to change with temperature, oxidation resistance, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency, and electrical insulation. However, other materials than silicon may be applied (or coated) to the fifth wrapper 355 without any restrictions as long as they have the above-mentioned properties.
[0130] The front end plug 33 may be made of cellulose acetate. For example, the front end plug 33 may be made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to the cellulose acetate toe. The mono denier of the filaments constituting the cellulose acetate toe may be in the range of 1.0 to 10.0. For example, the mono denier of the filaments constituting the cellulose acetate toe may be in the range of 4.0 to 6.0. For example, the mono denier of the filaments of the front end plug 33 may be 5.0. Also, the cross section of the filaments constituting the front end plug 33 may be Y-shaped. The total denier of the front end plug 33 may be in the range of 20,000 to 30,000. For example, the total denier of the front end plug 33 may be in the range of 25,000 to 30,000. For example, the total denier of the front end plug 33 may be 28,000.
[0131] Optionally, the front end plug 33 may also include at least one channel, the cross-section of which may be fabricated in a variety of shapes.
[0132] The tobacco rod 31 may correspond to the tobacco rod 21 described above with reference to Figure 5. Therefore, in the following, a detailed description of the tobacco rod 31 will be omitted.
[0133] The first segment 321 may be made from cellulose acetate. For example, the first segment may be a tube-shaped structure with a hollow interior. The first segment 321 may be made from cellulose acetate to which a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) is added. For example, the mono and total denier of the first segment 321 may be the same as the mono and total denier of the front end plug 33.
[0134] The second segment 322 may be made of cellulose acetate. The mono denier of the filaments constituting the second segment 322 may be in the range of 1.0 to 10.0. For example, the mono denier of the filaments of the second segment 322 may be in the range of 8.0 to 10.0. For example, the mono denier of the filaments of the second segment 322 may be 9.0. Also, the cross section of the filaments of the second segment 322 may be Y-shaped. The total denier of the second segment 322 may be in the range of 20,000 to 30,000. For example, the total denier of the second segment 322 may be 25,000.
[0135] 7 and 8 are diagrams illustrating the configuration of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0136] 7 and 8, the aerosol generating device 10 may include a battery 16, a control unit 17, a temperature sensor 710, a voltage conversion circuit 720, a heater 730, and / or a light emitting device 740.
[0137] The temperature sensor 710 may sense the temperature of the battery 16. The temperature sensor 710 may output a signal corresponding to the temperature of the battery 16.
[0138] The temperature sensor 710 may be disposed adjacent to the battery 16. For example, the temperature sensor 710 may be attached to one side of the battery 16. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 710 may be mounted on one side of a printed circuit board (PCB) disposed adjacent to the battery 16.
[0139] The temperature sensor 710 may be implemented using a thermistor, which is an element that changes resistance depending on temperature, etc. For example, the temperature sensor 155 may include a negative temperature coefficient thermistor (NTC thermistor) that has a property that the resistance decreases as the temperature increases.
[0140] The voltage conversion circuit 720 may be electrically connected to the battery 16. The voltage conversion circuit 720 may convert a voltage output from the battery 16. For example, the voltage conversion circuit 720 may include a buck converter that reduces the voltage output from the battery 16. In the present disclosure, a buck converter is described as an example of a configuration for converting a voltage, but is not limited thereto. For example, the voltage conversion circuit 720 may be embodied by a buck-boost converter, a Zener diode, etc.
[0141] 8, the controller 17 may control an on / off operation of a switching element SW included in the buck converter 810. The level of the voltage V2 output from the voltage conversion circuit 720 may be adjusted according to the on / off operation of the switching element SW.
[0142] The switch SW may be a transistor element. For example, the switching element 713 may be implemented by a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), a field effect transistor (FET), etc. Meanwhile, in the present disclosure, a transistor element will be described as an example of the switch SW, but is not limited thereto.
[0143] When the on state of the switching element SW is sustained, the level of the voltage V2 output from the voltage conversion circuit 720 can correspond to the level of the voltage V1 output from the battery 16.
[0144] The duty ratio for the on / off operation of the switching element SW may correspond to the ratio of the voltage V2 output from the voltage conversion circuit 720 to the voltage V1 output from the battery 16. As the duty ratio for the on / off operation of the switching element SW decreases, the level of the voltage V2 output from the voltage conversion circuit 720 may decrease.
[0145] The heater 730 may include an electric resistance heater and / or an inductive heater. The heater 730 may be heated by the voltage output from the voltage conversion circuit 720.
[0146] The control unit 17 may control the light emitting device 740 to emit light corresponding to the state of the aerosol generating device 10. For example, the light emitting device 740 may be embodied by a display, a light emitting diode (LED), etc. In the present disclosure, the light emitting device 740 is described as an example of an output device, but is not limited thereto.
[0147] FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating a method of operating an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0148] 9, in operation S910, the aerosol generating device 10 can monitor the temperature of the battery 16. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 can check the temperature of the battery 16 via a temperature sensor 710 disposed adjacent to the battery 16.
[0149] The aerosol generating device 10 may check whether the temperature of the battery 16 is below a predetermined reference temperature in operation S920. Here, the reference temperature may correspond to a minimum temperature that ensures the performance of the battery 16. For example, the reference temperature may be set to 0°C.
[0150] If the temperature of the battery 16 is below the minimum temperature that guarantees the performance of the battery 16, problems such as a significant decrease in the mobility of lithium ions, a decrease in charging capacity due to lithium plating, and a short circuit in the internal circuit due to the growth of dendrites may occur.
[0151] The level of current permitted to flow through battery 16 may vary depending on the temperature of battery 16 based on the performance, lifespan, safety, etc. of battery 16. For example, when the temperature of battery 16 corresponds to room temperature, a high level of current may be permitted to flow through battery 16 so that battery 16 can perform at its maximum. In contrast, when the temperature of battery 16 is low, below 0° C., if a high level of current corresponding to room temperature flows through battery 16, this may adversely affect the safety, lifespan, etc. of battery 16. Therefore, it is necessary to adjust the level of current flowing through battery 16 based on the temperature of battery 16.
[0152] In the operation of S930, when the temperature of the battery 16 is lower than a predetermined reference temperature, the aerosol generating device 10 may step down the voltage output from the battery 16 via the voltage conversion circuit 720. Here, the heater 730 may be heated based on the voltage output from the voltage conversion circuit 720. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may step down the voltage output from the battery 16 by an on / off operation of a switching element SW included in the buck converter 810.
[0153] When the voltage output from the battery 16 drops, the level of the current flowing through the heater 730 may be reduced. For example, when the resistance of the heater 730 is 1Ω and a voltage of 5V output from the battery 16 is applied to the heater 730 as is, a current of 5A may flow through the heater 730. On the other hand, when the resistance of the heater 730 is 1Ω and the voltage of 5V output from the battery 16 drops to 2.5V, a current of 2.5A may flow through the heater 730. Here, as the level of the current flowing through the heater 730 decreases, the level of the current flowing through the battery 16 may be reduced.
[0154] According to an embodiment, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine the degree to which the voltage output from the battery 16 is to be reduced based on the difference between a predetermined reference temperature and the temperature of the battery 16. For example, when the difference between the predetermined reference temperature and the temperature of the battery 16 is a first difference, the aerosol generating device 10 may reduce the voltage of the first level output from the battery 16 to a voltage of a second level. On the other hand, when the difference between the predetermined reference temperature and the temperature of the battery 16 is a second difference that is larger than the first difference, the aerosol generating device 10 may reduce the voltage of the first level output from the battery 16 to a voltage of a third level that is lower than the second level.
[0155] The aerosol generating device 10 can check whether the temperature of the battery 16 is equal to or higher than a predetermined reference temperature by the operation of S940. The aerosol generating device 10 can step down the voltage output from the battery 16 via the voltage conversion circuit 720 while the temperature of the battery 16 is lower than the predetermined temperature.
[0156] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 10 can emit light through the light emitting device 740 corresponding to a heating delay of the heater 730 when the temperature of the battery 16 is below a predetermined temperature.
[0157] 10, when a voltage output from the battery 16 is supplied to the heater 730, a relatively high level of current may flow through the heater 730. Here, the temperature of the heater 730 may reach a predetermined temperature T0 after a relatively short time t1 has elapsed.
[0158] On the other hand, when the voltage output from the battery 16 drops, a relatively low level of current may flow through the heater 730. Here, the temperature of the heater 730 may reach a predetermined temperature T0 after a relatively long time t2 has elapsed.
[0159] In this way, depending on whether the voltage output from the battery 16 drops or not, the aerosol generating device 10 can emit light corresponding to the heating delay of the heater 730 through the light-emitting device 740 based on the level of current flowing to the heater 730.
[0160] Meanwhile, according to an embodiment, the aerosol generating apparatus 10 may adjust the power supplied to the heater 730 based on a temperature profile corresponding to the level of the voltage output from the voltage converter 720. For example, when the level of the voltage output from the voltage converter 720 is a first level, the aerosol generating apparatus 10 may preheat the heater 730 for a first time based on a first temperature profile corresponding to the first level. For example, when the level of the voltage output from the voltage converter 720 is a second level lower than the first level, the aerosol generating apparatus 10 may preheat the heater 730 for a second time longer than the first time based on a second temperature profile corresponding to the second level.
[0161] In the operation of S950, when the temperature of the battery 16 is equal to or higher than a predetermined reference temperature, the aerosol generating device 10 may supply a voltage output from the battery 16 to the heater 730. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may maintain an on state of a switching element SW included in the buck converter 810 so that the voltage output from the battery 16 is applied to the heater 730.
[0162] As described above, at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure can prevent an unacceptable level of current from flowing through the battery based on the temperature of the battery.
[0163] In addition, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a user with information regarding the heating delay of the heater by adjusting the level of the current flowing to the battery.
[0164] 1 to 10, an aerosol generating device 10 according to one aspect of the present disclosure may include a battery 16, a temperature sensor 710 that outputs a signal corresponding to the temperature of the battery 16, a voltage conversion circuit 720 that converts a first voltage output from the battery 16, a heater 730 that heats an aerosol generating material based on a second voltage output from the voltage conversion circuit 720, and a control unit 17 that determines the temperature of the battery 16 via the temperature sensor 710. The control unit 17 may adjust the level of the second voltage based on the temperature of the battery 16.
[0165] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit 17 can adjust the level of the second voltage to a first level when the temperature of the battery 16 is equal to or higher than a predetermined reference temperature, and can adjust the level of the second voltage to a second level lower than the first level when the temperature of the battery 16 is lower than the reference temperature.
[0166] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first level may correspond to a level of the first voltage.
[0167] In addition, when the temperature of the battery 16 is lower than a predetermined reference temperature, the control unit 17 may adjust the level of the second voltage to be lower as the temperature of the battery 16 becomes lower.
[0168] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device may further include a light emitting device 740 that emits light. The control unit 17 may control the light emitting device 740 to emit light corresponding to a heating delay of the heater 730 when the temperature of the battery 16 is lower than a predetermined reference temperature.
[0169] In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the voltage conversion circuit 720 may include a buck converter 810 .
[0170] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the device may further include a memory 14 storing a plurality of temperature profiles. The controller 17 may adjust the power supplied to the heater 730 based on a temperature profile corresponding to the second voltage level among the plurality of temperature profiles.
[0171] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit 17 can preheat the heater 730 for a first time based on a first temperature profile corresponding to a first level, and preheat the heater 730 for a second time longer than the first time based on a second temperature profile corresponding to a second level lower than the first level.
[0172] The specific embodiments or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct, and the structure or function of any or all of the elements of the embodiments of the present disclosure described above can be combined with other elements or combined with each other.
[0173] For example, configuration A described in one embodiment of this disclosure and the drawings and configuration B described in another embodiment of this disclosure and the drawings can be combined with each other. That is, even if a combination between configurations is not directly described, the combination is possible unless it is described that the combination is not possible.
[0174] Although the embodiments have been described above according to a number of exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that many other variations and embodiments are possible for those skilled in the art that fall within the scope of the principles of the present disclosure. More specifically, various modifications and variations are possible in the components and / or arrangements of the subject combinations within the scope of the present disclosure, the drawings, and the appended claims. In addition to the modifications and variations of the components and / or arrangements, other applications will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
Claims
1. Battery and a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of the battery; a voltage conversion circuit that converts a first voltage output from the battery; a heater that heats an aerosol generating material based on the second voltage output from the voltage conversion circuit; and a control unit that adjusts the level of the second voltage based on a temperature of the battery.
2. The control unit further includes: If the temperature of the battery is equal to or higher than a predetermined reference temperature, the level of the second voltage is adjusted to a first level; The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein, when the temperature of the battery is lower than the reference temperature, the level of the second voltage is adjusted to a second level lower than the first level.
3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2 , wherein the first level corresponds to a level of the first voltage.
4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein, when the temperature of the battery is lower than a predetermined reference temperature, the control unit further reduces the level of the second voltage as the temperature of the battery is lower.
5. further comprising a light emitting device that emits light; The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit further controls the light emitting device to emit light indicating a heating delay of the heater.
6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the voltage conversion circuit includes a buck converter.
7. further comprising a memory for storing a plurality of temperature profiles; The aerosol generating device of claim 1, further characterized in that the control unit adjusts the power supplied to the heater based on one of the stored plurality of temperature profiles corresponding to the level of the second voltage output from the voltage conversion circuit.
8. The control unit further includes: preheating the heater for a first time when a first temperature profile corresponding to the second voltage output from the voltage conversion circuit is at a first level; preheating the heater for a second time when a second temperature profile corresponding to the second voltage output from the voltage conversion circuit is at a second level; the second time period is greater than the first time period; 8. The aerosol generating device according to claim 7, wherein the second level is lower than the first level.
Citation Information
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