Aerosol generating device and its operating method

Abstract

An aerosol generation device and an operating method thereof are disclosed. The aerosol generation device of the present disclosure includes a coil, a battery, an inverter electrically connected to the battery, a sensor for sensing a current flowing through the coil, a control unit, and a power supply circuit that operates so that either one of the inverter and the control unit is electrically connected to the coil. The control unit alternately outputs a DC first power supply and an AC second power supply to the coil while being electrically connected to the coil via the power supply circuit, calculates a first resistance value corresponding to the coil based on a signal received from the sensor while outputting the first power supply, calculates a second resistance value corresponding to the coil and the susceptor based on a signal received from the sensor while outputting the second power supply, and determines the temperature of the susceptor based on the first resistance value and the second resistance value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device and an operating method thereof.

Background Art

[0002] An aerosol generating device is for extracting a predetermined component from a medium or a substance through an aerosol. The medium can contain substances with various components. The substances contained in the medium can be flavor substances with various components. For example, the substances contained in the medium can include a nicotine component, a herb component, and / or a coffee component, etc. In recent years, many studies have been conducted on such aerosol generating devices.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] The present disclosure aims to solve the above-mentioned problems and other problems.

[0004] Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device and an operating method thereof that can accurately calculate the temperature of a susceptor disposed separately and electrically.

[0005] Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device and an operating method thereof that can improve the accuracy of operations related to the generation of an aerosol by using the temperature of a susceptor disposed separately and electrically.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure for achieving the above object, an aerosol generating device includes a coil, a battery, an inverter electrically connected to the battery, a sensor for sensing a current flowing through the coil, a control unit, and a power supply circuit configured to operate such that either one of the inverter and the control unit is electrically connected to the coil. The control unit alternately outputs a DC first power source and an AC second power source to the coil while being electrically connected to the coil via the power supply circuit, calculates a first resistance value corresponding to the coil based on a signal received from the sensor while outputting the first power source, calculates a second resistance value corresponding to the coil and the susceptor based on a signal received from the sensor while outputting the second power source, and can determine the temperature of the susceptor based on the first resistance value and the second resistance value.

[0007] A method of operating an aerosol generating device according to one aspect of the present disclosure for achieving the above object includes an operation of electrically connecting, via a power supply circuit, either one of an inverter and a control unit electrically connected to a battery to a coil for heating a susceptor; an operation of the control unit alternately outputting a DC first power source and an AC second power source to the coil while being electrically connected to the coil; an operation of calculating a first resistance value corresponding to the coil based on a current flowing through the coil sensed via a sensor while the first power source is being output; an operation of calculating a second resistance value corresponding to the coil and the susceptor based on a current flowing through the coil sensed via the sensor while the second power source is being output; and an operation of determining the temperature of the susceptor based on the first resistance value and the second resistance value.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the temperature of a susceptor disposed in an electrically separated manner can be accurately calculated.

[0009] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the accuracy of operations related to aerosol generation can be improved by using the temperature of a susceptor that is electrically separated and arranged.

[0010] The applicable additional scope of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description. However, various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure will be clearly understandable to those skilled in the art, so the detailed description and specific examples such as the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure should be understood as being provided merely by way of illustration.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011] The above and other objects, features, and other features of the present disclosure will be clearly understandable from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0012]

Figure 1

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Figure 5

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Figure 10

Figure 11

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same or similar components are given the same reference numerals even if they are illustrated in different drawings, and redundant explanations thereof are omitted.

[0014] Suffixes “module” and “unit” for components used in the following description are used only for the ease of explanation in the specification. “Module” and “unit” do not have different meanings or roles from each other.

[0015] Also, in the following description of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, when a detailed description of related known technologies may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, the detailed description thereof is omitted. The accompanying drawings are for facilitating understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical idea disclosed in this specification is not limited by the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the accompanying drawings should be construed to include all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives included in the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0016] Terms including ordinal numbers such as first, second, etc. can 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 for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0017] When referring to a certain component being “connected” to another component, it can be understood that other components may exist in the middle. On the other hand, when referring to a certain component being “directly connected” to another component, it can be understood that no other components exist in the middle.

[0018] The singular forms include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Referring to FIG. 1, the aerosol generating 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.

[0021] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 10 may be composed of only the 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 for storing the aerosol generating substance and the 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.

[0022] 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 USB (universal serial bus). For example, the communication interface 11 may include a communication module for wireless communication such as WiFi (wireless fidelity), Bluetooth (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark) low energy (BLE), Zigbee (registered trademark), NFC (near field communication).

[0023] The input / output interface 12 can include an input device that receives commands from the user and / or an output device that outputs information to the user. For example, the input device can include a touch panel, physical buttons, a microphone, etc. For example, the output device can include a display, a display device that outputs visual information such as a Light Emitting Diode (LED), a speaker, an audio device that outputs auditory information such as a buzzer, a motor that outputs tactile information such as a tactile effect, etc.

[0024] The input / output interface 12 can transmit data corresponding to the commands input from the user via the input device to other components (etc.) of the aerosol generating device 10. The input / output interface 12 can output information corresponding to the data received from other components (etc.) of the aerosol generating device 10 via the output device.

[0025] The aerosol generation module 13 can generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating substance. Here, the aerosol generating substance can be any one substance or a combination of two or more substances in various states such as a liquid state, a solid state, or a gel state that can generate an aerosol.

[0026] The aerosol generating substance in the liquid state can be, according to one embodiment, a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance containing a volatile tobacco flavor component. The aerosol generating substance in the liquid state can be, according to other embodiments, a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance. For example, the aerosol generating substance in the liquid state can include water, a solvent, nicotine, a plant extract, a fragrance, a flavoring agent, a vitamin mixture, etc.

[0027] The aerosol product substance in solid state can include solid substances based on tobacco raw materials such as reconstituted tobacco sheets, shredded tobacco, and granular tobacco. Also, the aerosol product substance in solid state can include solid substances containing flavor modifiers, seasonings, etc. For example, the flavor modifier can include calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, calcium oxide, etc. For example, the seasonings can include natural substances such as herb granules, silica containing fragrance components, zeolite, dextrin, etc.

[0028] Also, the aerosol product substance can further include aerosol forming agents such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0029] The aerosol generation module 13 can include at least one heater.

[0030] The aerosol generation module 13 can include an electrical resistance heater. For example, the electrical resistance heater can include at least one electrically conductive track, and can be heated by the current flowing through the electrically conductive track. Here, the aerosol product substance can be heated by the heated electrical resistance heater.

[0031] The electrically conductive track can include an electrically resistive substance. As an example, the electrically conductive track can be formed from a metallic substance. As another example, the electrically conductive track can be formed from a ceramic substance, carbon, a metal alloy, or a composite substance of a ceramic substance and a metal.

[0032] The electrical resistance heater can include electrically conductive tracks formed in various shapes. For example, the electrically conductive track can be formed into any one of tubular, plate-like, needle-like, rod-like, and coil-like shapes.

[0033] The aerosol generation module 13 can include a heater using an induction heating method. For example, the induction heating type heater can include an electrically conductive coil, and by adjusting the current flowing through the electrically conductive coil, an alternating magnetic field whose direction periodically changes can be generated. Here, when the 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 is released as thermal energy, whereby the aerosol generating substance adjacent to the magnetic material can be heated. Here, the object that generates heat by the magnetic field can be said to be a susceptor.

[0034] On the other hand, the aerosol generation module 13 can also generate an aerosol from the aerosol generating substance by generating ultrasonic vibration.

[0035] The aerosol generation module 13 can be said to be a cartomizer, an atomizer, a vaporizer, etc.

[0036] The memory 14 can store programs for each signal processing and control in the control unit 17, and can store the data processed by the control unit 17 and the data to be processed.

[0037] For example, the memory 14 stores application programs designed for the purpose of executing various operations that can be processed by the control unit 17, and can selectively provide a part of the stored application programs when requested by the control unit 17.

[0038] For example, the memory 14 can store the operation time of the aerosol generating device 10, the maximum puff count, the current puff count, the charging count of the battery 16, the discharge count of the battery 16, at least one temperature profile, data about the user's inhalation pattern, data about charge and discharge, etc. Here, a puff can mean the user's inhalation, and inhalation can be a situation where the user draws in through the mouth or nose into the oral cavity, nasal cavity, or lungs of the user.

[0039] The memory 14 can include at least one of a volatile memory (e.g., DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, etc.) and a non-volatile memory (e.g., flash memory, hard disk drive (HDD), solid-state drive (SSD), etc.).

[0040] The sensor module 15 can include at least one sensor.

[0041] For example, the sensor module 15 can include a sensor that senses a puff (hereinafter referred to as a puff sensor). Here, the puff sensor can be implemented by a proximity sensor such as an IR sensor, a pressure sensor, a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, a magnetic field sensor, etc.

[0042] For example, the sensor module 15 can include a sensor that senses a puff (hereinafter referred to as a puff sensor). Here, the puff sensor can be implemented by a pressure sensor, a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, a magnetic field sensor, etc.

[0043] For example, the sensor module 15 can include a sensor (hereinafter referred to as a temperature sensor) that senses the temperature of the heater included in the aerosol generation module 13, the temperature of the aerosol generating substance, and the like. Here, the heater included in the aerosol generation module 13 can also serve as a temperature sensor. For example, the electrically resistive substance of the heater may be a substance having a temperature coefficient of resistance. The sensor module 15 can sense the temperature of the heater by measuring the resistance of the heater that changes with temperature.

[0044] For example, when a stick can be inserted into the main body of the aerosol generating device 10, the sensor module 15 can include a sensor (hereinafter referred to as a stick sensing sensor) that senses the insertion of the stick.

[0045] For example, when the aerosol generating device 10 includes a cartridge, the sensor module 15 can include a sensor (hereinafter referred to as a cartridge sensing sensor) that senses the attachment / detachment, position, etc. of the cartridge to the main body.

[0046] Here, the stick sensing sensor and / or the cartridge sensing sensor can be implemented by an inductor-based sensor, a capacitance-type sensor, a resistance sensor, a hall IC using the hall effect, and the like.

[0047] For example, the sensor module 15 can include a voltage sensor that senses the voltage applied to a component (e.g., the battery 16) provided in the aerosol generating device 10 and / or a current sensor that senses current.

[0048] The battery 16 can supply the power used for the operation of the aerosol generating device 10 under the control of the control unit 17. The battery 16 can supply power to other components provided in the aerosol generating device 10. For example, the battery 16 can supply power to the communication module included in the communication interface 11, the output device included in the input / output interface 12, the heater included in the aerosol generation module 13, and the like.

[0049] The battery 16 can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 16 can be, but is not limited to, a lithium-ion battery or a lithium polymer (Li-Polymer) battery. For example, when the battery 16 is rechargeable, the charge rate (C-rate) of the battery 16 can be 10C, and the discharge rate (C-rate) can be 10C to 20C, but is not limited thereto. Also, for stable use, the battery 16 can be manufactured so that it can secure 80% or more of the total capacity even when charging and discharging are performed 2000 times.

[0050] The aerosol generating device 10 can further include a protection circuit module (PCM), which is a circuit for protecting the battery 16. The protection circuit module (PCM) can be arranged adjacent to the upper surface of the battery 16. For example, the protection circuit module (PCM) can cut off the circuit for the battery 16 when a short circuit occurs in the circuit connected to the battery 16, when an overvoltage is applied to the battery 16, when an overcurrent flows through the battery 16, etc., in order to prevent overcharging and over-discharging of the battery 16.

[0051] The aerosol generating device 10 can further include a charging terminal to which power supplied from the outside is input. For example, a charging terminal is formed on one side of the main body of the aerosol generating device 10, and the aerosol generating device 10 can charge the battery 16 using the power supplied through the charging terminal. Here, the charging terminal can be composed of a wired terminal for USB communication, a pogo pin, or the like.

[0052] The aerosol generating device 10 can also wirelessly receive power supplied from the outside through the communication interface 11. For example, the aerosol generating 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 generating device 10. The control unit 17 is connected to each component provided in the aerosol generating device 10, and can transmit and / or receive signals to and from each component to control the overall operation of each component.

[0054] The control unit 17 can include at least one processor, and can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 10 using the processor. Here, the processor may be a general processor such as a CPU (central processing unit). Of course, the processor can be a dedicated device such as an ASIC or a processor on another hardware platform.

[0055] The control unit 17 can perform any one of a plurality of functions of the aerosol generating device 10. For example, the control unit 17 can execute any one of a plurality of functions (for example, a preheating function, a heating function, a charging function, a cleaning function, etc.) of the aerosol generating device 10 according to the state of each component provided in the aerosol generating device 10, a user command received through the input / output interface 12, and the like.

[0056] Based on the data stored in the memory 14, the control unit 17 can control the operations of each component provided in the aerosol generating device 10. For example, based on the temperature profile stored in the memory 14 and data such as the user's inhalation pattern, the control unit 17 can control to supply a predetermined amount of power from the battery 16 to the aerosol generation module 13 for a predetermined time.

[0057] The control unit 17 can determine the occurrence of a puff through the puff sensor included in the sensor module 15. For example, based on the sensing value of the puff sensor, the control unit 17 can check temperature changes, flow changes, pressure changes, voltage changes, etc. within the aerosol generating device 10, and based on the sensing value of the puff sensor, can determine the occurrence of a puff according to the checked results.

[0058] Based on the presence or absence of a puff and / or the number of puffs, the control unit 17 can control the operations of each component provided in the aerosol generating device 10. For example, based on the temperature profile stored in the memory 14, the control unit 17 can control the temperature of the heater to be changed or maintained.

[0059] Under predetermined conditions, the control unit 17 can control to cut off the power supply to the heater. For example, when the stick is removed and the cartridge is separated, when the number of puffs reaches the preset maximum number of puffs, when no puff is detected for a preset time or more, or when the remaining amount of the battery 16 is less than a predetermined value, etc., the control unit 17 can control to cut off the power supply to the heater.

[0060] The control unit 17 can calculate the remaining amount of power stored in the battery 16 (hereinafter referred to as the remaining amount). For example, based on the sensing values of the voltage sensor and / or current sensor included in the sensor module 15, the control unit 17 can calculate the remaining amount of the battery 16.

[0061] The control unit 17 can control to supply power to the heater by 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 can control using the PWM method so that a current pulse having a predetermined frequency and duty ratio is supplied to the heater. Here, the control unit 17 can 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 that is the target of control based on a temperature profile. Here, the control unit 17 uses a PID method, which is a feedback control method based on the difference value between the temperature of the heater and the target temperature, the value obtained by integrating the difference value over time, and the value obtained by differentiating the difference value over time, to control the power supplied to the heater.

[0064] On the other hand, as control methods for supplying power to the heater, the PWM method and the PID method have been described as examples, but 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] On the other hand, the control unit 17 can control to supply power to the heater under preset conditions. For example, when a cleaning function for cleaning the space where the stick is inserted is selected according to a command input from the user via the input / output interface 12, the control unit 17 can control to supply predetermined power to the heater.

[0066] FIGS. 2 to 4 are diagrams for explaining 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 may include a main body 100 and / or a cartridge 200.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 2, an aerosol generating device 10 according to an embodiment may include a main body 100 configured such that a stick 20 is inserted into a space formed by a housing 101.

[0069] The stick 20 may be similar to a general combustible cigarette. For example, the stick 20 may be divided into a first portion containing an aerosol generating substance and a second portion containing a filter or the like. Alternatively, the second portion of the stick 20 may also contain an aerosol generating substance. For example, an aerosol generating substance formed in the form of granules or capsules may be inserted into the second portion.

[0070] The entire first portion may be inserted inside the aerosol generating device 10, and the second portion may be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a part of the first portion may be inserted inside the aerosol generating device 10, or a part of the first portion and the second portion may be inserted. The user can inhale the aerosol with the second portion in the mouth. Here, the aerosol is generated when external air passes through the first portion, and the generated aerosol can pass through the second portion and be transmitted to the user's mouth.

[0071] The main body 100 may be formed in a structure that allows external air to flow into the inside of the main body 100 with the stick 20 inserted. Here, the external air flowing into the main body 100 can pass through the stick 20 and flow to the user's mouth.

[0072] The heater may be disposed at a position inside the main body 100 corresponding to the position where the stick 20 is inserted into the main body 100. In this figure, the heater is shown as an induction heating heater 115, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0073] The heater can heat the inside and / or outside of the stick 20 using the power supplied from the battery 16. Here, an aerosol can be generated by the heated stick 20. Here, the user can inhale one end of the stick 20 with the mouth to inhale the aerosol containing the tobacco flavor.

[0074] On the other hand, the control unit 17 can control to supply power to the heater even when the stick 20 is not inserted according to a predetermined condition. For example, when a cleaning function for cleaning the space where the stick 20 is inserted is selected according to an instruction input from the user via the input / output interface 12, the control unit 17 can control to supply predetermined power to the heater.

[0075] The control unit 17 can monitor the puff count based on the sensing value of the puff sensor from the time when the stick 20 is inserted.

[0076] When the inserted stick 20 is removed, the control unit 17 can initialize the current puff count stored in the memory 14.

[0077] Referring to FIG. 3, the aerosol generating device 10 according to an embodiment can include a main body 100 and a cartridge 200. The main body 100 supports the cartridge 200, and the cartridge 200 can hold the aerosol generating substance.

[0078] According to an embodiment, the cartridge 200 can be configured to be detachable from the main body 100. According to another embodiment, the cartridge 200 can be configured integrally with the main body 100. For example, at least a part of the cartridge 200 can be inserted into the internal space formed by the housing 101 of the main body 100, whereby the cartridge 200 can be attached to the main body 100.

[0079] The main body 100 can be formed in a structure that allows external air to flow into the main body 100 with the cartridge 200 inserted. Here, the external air flowing into the main body 100 can flow through the cartridge 200 to the user's mouth.

[0080] The control unit 17 can determine the attachment / detachment of the cartridge 200 by the 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 the connection of the cartridge 200 based on whether a pulse current is received through the other terminal.

[0081] The cartridge 200 can include a first heater 210 for heating the aerosol generating substance and / or a storage unit 220 for storing the aerosol generating substance. For example, a liquid transfer means impregnated (containing) with the aerosol generating substance can be disposed inside the storage unit 220. The electrical conductive track of the first heater 210 can be formed in a structure that winds around the liquid transfer means. Here, the aerosol can be generated by heating the liquid transfer means with the first heater 210. Here, the liquid transfer means can include a wick made of cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic. The storage unit 220 for storing the liquid can be referred to as the chamber 220.

[0082] The cartridge 200 can include an insertion space 230 configured to allow the stick 20 to be inserted. For example, the cartridge 200 can include an insertion space formed by an inner wall (not shown) extending in the circumferential direction along the direction in which the stick 20 is inserted. Here, the insertion space can be formed by the inner side of the inner wall being open vertically. The stick 20 can be inserted into the insertion space 230 formed by the inner wall.

[0083] The insertion space into which the stick 20 is inserted can be formed in a shape corresponding to a part of the shape of the stick 20 inserted into the insertion space. For example, when the stick 20 is formed in a cylindrical shape, the insertion space can be formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0084] When the stick 20 is inserted into the insertion space, the outer peripheral surface of the stick 20 can be surrounded by and in 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] The user can inhale the aerosol with one end of the stick 20 held in the mouth. The aerosol generated by the first heater 210 can pass through the stick 20 and be transmitted to the user's mouth. Here, while the aerosol passes through the stick 20, the substance contained in the stick 20 is added to the aerosol, and the aerosol with the substance added can be inhaled into the user's oral cavity through one end of the stick 20.

[0087] The cartridge 200 can include a second heater 215 for heating the stick 20. The second heater 215 can be disposed at a position within the cartridge 200 corresponding to the position of the stick 20 when the stick 20 is inserted into the insertion space 230. The second heater 215 can be composed of an electrically conductive heater and / or an induction heating type heater. The second heater 215 can heat the inside and / or outside of the stick 20 using the electric power supplied from the battery 16.

[0088] Referring to FIG. 4, the aerosol generating device 100 according to an embodiment can include a main body 100 that supports the cartridge 200 and a cartridge 200 that stores an aerosol generating substance. The main body 100 can be configured such that the stick 20 can be inserted into the insertion space 130.

[0089] The aerosol generating device 100 can include a first heater 210 that heats the aerosol generating substance stored in the cartridge 200 and a second heater 115 that heats the stick 20 inserted into the main body 100. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 can use the first heater 210 and the second heater 115 to heat the aerosol generating substance stored in the cartridge 200 and the stick 20 respectively to generate an aerosol.

[0090] Hereinafter, an example will be described in which the stick 20 is inserted into the insertion space 130 formed in the housing 101 of the main body 100.

[0091] FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 are diagrams for explaining a stick according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0092] Referring to FIG. 5, a cigarette 20 according to an embodiment can include a tobacco rod 21 and a filter rod 22. The first portion described above with reference to FIG. 4 can include the tobacco rod 21. The second portion described above based on FIG. 4 can include the filter rod 22.

[0093] Although the filter rod 22 is shown as a single segment in FIG. 5, it is not limited thereto. In other words, the filter rod 22 can be composed of a plurality of segments. For example, the filter rod 22 can include a first segment that cools the aerosol and a second segment that filters a predetermined component contained in the aerosol. Further, if necessary, the filter rod 22 can further include at least one segment that performs other functions.

[0094] The diameter of the stick 20 is in the range of 5 mm to 9 mm, and the length can be about 48 mm, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the length of the tobacco rod 21 can be about 12 mm, the length of the first segment of the filter rod 22 can be about 10 mm, the length of the second segment of the filter rod 22 can be about 14 mm, and the length of the third segment of the filter rod 22 can be about 12 mm, but it is not limited thereto.

[0095] The stick 20 can be wrapped by at least one wrapper 24. At least one hole can be formed in the wrapper 24 for external air to flow in or internal gas to flow out. As an example, the stick 20 can be wrapped by one wrapper 24. As another example, the stick 20 can be wrapped in a superimposed manner by two or more wrappers 24. For example, the tobacco rod 21 can be wrapped by the first wrapper 241. For example, the filter rod 22 can be wrapped by the wrappers 242, 243, 244. The tobacco rod 21 and the filter rod 22 wrapped by individual wrappers can be joined, and the entire stick 20 can be further wrapped by the third wrapper. If each of the filter rods 22 is composed of a plurality of segments, each segment can be wrapped by individual wrappers 242, 243, 244. The entire stick 20 formed by joining the segments wrapped by individual wrappers can be further wrapped by another wrapper.

[0096] The first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 can be made from common filter wrapper papers. For example, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 can be porous wrapper papers or non-porous wrapper papers. Also, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 can be made from oil-resistant papers and / or aluminum laminate packaging materials.

[0097] The third wrapper 243 can be made from hard wrapper paper. For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper 243 can be in the range of 88 g / m 2 ~96 g / m 2 and can be included in this range. For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper 243 can be in the range of 90 g / m 2 ~94 g / m 2 and can be included in this range. Also, the thickness of the third wrapper 243 can be in the range of 120 μm to 130 μm. For example, the thickness of the third wrapper 243 can be 125 μm.

[0098] The fourth wrapper 244 can be made of oil-resistant hard wrapping paper. For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 244 can be in the range of 88 g / m 2 ~96 g / m 2 . For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 244 can be in the range of 90 g / m 2 ~94 g / m 2 . Also, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 244 can be in the range of 120 μm to 130 μm. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 244 can be 125 μm.

[0099] The fifth wrapper 245 can be made of sterilized paper (MFW). Here, the sterilized paper (MFW) can be paper specially manufactured so that its tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. are improved compared to ordinary paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 245 can be in the range of 57 g / m 2 ~63 g / m 2 . For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 245 can be 60 g / m 2 . Also, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 245 can be in the range of 64 μm to 70 μm. For example, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 245 can be 67 μm.

[0100] The fifth wrapper 245 can contain a predetermined substance. Here, an example of the predetermined substance can be, but is not limited to, silicon. For example, silicon can have properties such as heat resistance with little change due to temperature, oxidation resistance without oxidation, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency to water, or electrical insulation. However, even if it is not silicon, as long as it is a substance having the above-described properties, it can be applied or coated on the fifth wrapper 245 without limitation.

[0101] The fifth wrapper 245 can prevent the phenomenon of the stick 20 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 ignition point of any one of the materials contained in the tobacco rod 21, the stick 20 may burn. Even in such a case, since the fifth wrapper 245 contains a non-combustible substance, the phenomenon of the stick 20 burning can be prevented.

[0102] Also, the fifth wrapper 245 can prevent the main body 100 from being contaminated by the substances generated by the stick 20. Depending on the user's puff, a liquid substance can be generated within the stick 20. For example, when the aerosol generated by the stick 20 is cooled by the external air, a liquid substance (such as moisture, etc.) can be generated. By wrapping the stick 20 with the fifth wrapper 245, it is possible to prevent the liquid substance generated within the stick 20 from leaking outside the stick 20.

[0103] The tobacco rod 21 can contain aerosol product substances. For example, the aerosol product substances can include, but are not limited to, at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol. Also, the tobacco rod 21 can contain other additive substances such as flavoring agents, wetting agents, and / or organic acids. Further, a flavoring liquid such as menthol or a humectant can be added to the tobacco rod 21 by spraying it onto the tobacco rod 21.

[0104] 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 fine fragments obtained by finely cutting a tobacco sheet. For example, the tobacco rod 21 can be surrounded by a heat-conductive material. For example, the heat-conductive material can be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited thereto. As an example, the heat-conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can uniformly disperse the heat transmitted to the tobacco rod 21, thereby improving the heat conductivity to the tobacco rod. Thus, the tobacco flavor can be improved. The heat-conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can function as a susceptor that is heated by an induction heater. Here, although not shown in the drawings, the tobacco rod 21 can further include an additional susceptor in addition to the heat-conductive material surrounding the outside.

[0105] The filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. On the other hand, there is no limitation on the shape of the filter rod 22. For example, the filter rod 22 can be a cylindrical rod. For example, the filter rod 22 can be a tube rod having a hollow inside. For example, the filter rod 22 can be a recessed rod. When the filter rod 22 is composed of a plurality of segments, at least one of the plurality of segments can be manufactured in another shape.

[0106] The first segment of the filter rod 22 can be a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the first segment can be a tubular structure having a hollow inside. When the heater 110 is inserted by the first segment, the phenomenon that the internal substance of the tobacco rod 21 is pushed backward can be prevented, and the cooling effect of the aerosol can also be provided. The diameter of the hollow included in the first segment can adopt an appropriate diameter within the range of 2 mm to 4.5 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0107] The length of the first segment can adopt 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 can be 10 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0108] 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 cooled to an appropriate temperature.

[0109] The length or diameter of the second segment can be determined variously according to the form of the stick 20. For example, the length of the second segment can be appropriately adopted within the range of 7 mm to 20 mm. Preferably, the length of the second segment can be about 14 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0110] The second segment can be manufactured by weaving polymer fibers. In this case, a flavor liquid can also be applied to the fibers made from the polymer. Alternatively, the second segment can also be manufactured by weaving together the separately provided fibers coated with the flavor liquid and the fibers made from the polymer. Alternatively, the second segment can be formed from a wrinkled polymer sheet.

[0111] For example, the polymer can 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.

[0112] By being formed by the woven polymer fibers or the wrinkled polymer sheet of the second segment, the second segment can include one or more channels extending in the longitudinal direction. Here, the channel can be a passage through which a gas (for example, air or aerosol) passes.

[0113] For example, the second segment made of a crumpled polymer sheet can 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. Also, the total surface area of the second segment can be between about 300 mm 2 / mm and about 1000 mm 2 / mm. Also, the aerosol cooling element can be formed from a material having a specific surface area between about 10 mm 2 / mg and about 100 mm 2 / mg.

[0114] On the other hand, the second segment can include a thread containing a volatile flavor component. Here, the volatile flavor component can be menthol, but is not limited thereto. For example, the thread can be filled with a sufficient amount of menthol to provide 1.5 mg or more of menthol to the second segment.

[0115] The third segment of the filter rod 22 can be a cellulose acetate filter. The length of the third segment can be appropriately adopted within the range of 4 mm to 20 mm. For example, the length of the third segment can be about 12 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0116] The filter rod 22 can be manufactured to generate a fragrance. As an example, a flavoring liquid can be sprayed onto the filter rod 22. As an example, a separate fiber coated with a flavoring liquid can be inserted inside the filter rod 22.

[0117] Also, the filter rod 22 can include at least one capsule 23. Here, the capsule 23 can perform a function of generating a fragrance. The capsule 23 can also perform a function of generating an aerosol. For example, the capsule 23 can have a structure in which a liquid containing a fragrance is encapsulated by a film. The capsule 23 can have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0118] Referring to FIG. 6, the stick 30 according to one embodiment may further include a front plug 33. The front plug 33 is located on one side of the tobacco rod 31 facing the filter rod 32. The front plug 33 can prevent the tobacco rod 31 from detaching externally. The front plug 33 can prevent the aerosol liquefied from the tobacco rod 31 during smoking from flowing into the aerosol generating device 10.

[0119] The filter rod 32 can include a first segment 321 and a second segment 322. The first segment 321 may correspond to the first segment of the filter rod 22 in FIG. 5. The second segment 322 may correspond to the third segment of the filter rod 22 in FIG. 5.

[0120] The diameter and the total length of the stick 30 may correspond to the diameter and the total length of the stick 20 in FIG. 5. For example, the length of the front plug 33 may be about 7 mm, the length of the tobacco rod 31 may be about 15 mm, the length of the first segment 321 may be about 12 mm, and the length of the second segment 322 may be about 14 mm, but it is not limited thereto.

[0121] The stick 30 can be wrapped by at least one wrapper 35. At least one hole for external air to flow in or internal gas to flow out can be formed in the wrapper 35. For example, the front plug 33 can be wrapped by the first wrapper 351, the tobacco rod 31 can be wrapped by the second wrapper 352, the first segment 321 can be wrapped by the third wrapper 353, and the second segment 322 can be wrapped by the fourth wrapper 354. Then, the whole stick 30 can be re-wrapped by the fifth wrapper 355.

[0122] Also, at least one perforation 36 can be formed in the fifth wrapper 355. For example, the perforation 36 can be formed in the region surrounding the tobacco rod 31, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the perforation 36 can serve to transfer the heat generated by the heater 210 shown in FIG. 3 to the inside of the tobacco rod 31.

[0123] Further, the second segment 322 can include at least one capsule 34. Here, the capsule 34 can also function to generate a fragrance. The capsule 34 can also function to generate an aerosol. For example, the capsule 34 can have a structure in which a liquid containing a fragrance is wrapped with a film. The capsule 34 can have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0124] The first wrapper 351 can be formed by bonding a metal foil such as aluminum foil to a general filter wrapping paper. For example, the total thickness of the first wrapper 351 can be included in the range of 45 μm to 55 μm. For example, the total thickness of the first wrapper 351 can be 50.3 μm. Also, the thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper 351 can be included in the range of 6 μm to 7 μm. For example, the thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper 351 can be 6.3 μm. Also, the basis weight of the first wrapper 351 is 50 g / m 2 ~55 g / m 2 and can be included in the range. For example, the basis weight of the first wrapper 351 can be 53 g / m 2 and can be.

[0125] The second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 can be made from a general filter wrapping paper. For example, the second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 can be a porous wrapping paper or a non-porous wrapping paper.

[0126] For example, the porosity of the second wrapper 352 can be 35000 CU, but is not limited thereto. Also, the thickness of the second wrapper 352 can be included in the range of 70 μm to 80 μm. For example, the thickness of the second wrapper 352 can be 78 μm. Also, the basis weight of the second wrapper 352 is 20 g / m 2 ~25 g / m 2 and can be included in the range. For example, the basis weight of the second wrapper 352 can be 23.5 g / m 2 and can be.

[0127] For example, the porosity of the third wrapper 353 can be 24000 CU, but is not limited thereto. Also, the thickness of the third wrapper 353 can be included in the range of 60 μm to 70 μm. For example, the thickness of the third wrapper 353 can be 68 μm. Also, the basis weight of the third wrapper 353 can be included in the range of 20 g / m2 to 25 g / m2. For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper 353 can be 21 g / m 2 can be.

[0128] The fourth wrapper 354 can be made of PLA laminated paper. Here, the PLA laminated paper can 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 can be included in the range of 100 μm to 120 μm. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 354 can be 110 μm. Also, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 354 can be 80 g / m 2 ~100 g / m 2 and can be included in the range. For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 354 can be 88 g / m 2 can be.

[0129] The fifth wrapper 355 can be made of sterilized paper (MFW). Here, the sterilized paper (MFW) can be a paper specially manufactured so that its tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. are improved compared to general paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 355 can be 57 g / m 2 ~63 g / m 2 and can be included in the range. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 355 can be 60 g / m 2 can be. Also, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 355 can be included in the range of 64 μm to 70 μm. For example, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 355 can be 67 μm.

[0130] The fifth wrapper 355 can contain a predetermined substance. Here, an example of the predetermined substance can be silicon, but is not limited thereto. For example, silicon has properties such as heat resistance with little change due to temperature, oxidation resistance that does not oxidize, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency to water, or electrical insulation. However, even if it is not silicon, any substance having the above-described properties can be applied (or coated) to the fifth wrapper 355 without limitation.

[0131] The front plug 33 can be made from cellulose acetate. As an example, the front plug 33 can be made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. The mono denier of the filaments constituting the cellulose acetate tow can be included in the range of 1.0 to 10.0. For example, the mono denier of the filaments constituting the cellulose acetate tow can be included in the range of 4.0 to 6.0. For example, the mono denier of the filaments of the front plug 33 can be 5.0. Also, the cross-section of the filaments constituting the front plug 33 can be Y-shaped. The total denier of the front plug 33 can be included in the range of 20,000 to 30,000. For example, the total denier of the front plug 33 can be included in the range of 25,000 to 30,000. For example, the total denier of the front plug 33 can be 28,000.

[0132] Also, if necessary, the front plug 33 can include at least one channel. The cross-section of the channel can be made in various shapes.

[0133] The tobacco rod 31 can correspond to the tobacco rod 21 described above with reference to FIG. 5. Therefore, the specific description of the tobacco rod 31 will be omitted below.

[0134] The first segment 321 can be made from cellulose acetate. For example, the first segment can be a tubular structure including a hollow inside. The first segment 321 can be made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. For example, the mono denier and total denier of the first segment 321 may be the same as the mono denier and total denier of the front plug 33.

[0135] The second segment 322 can be made from cellulose acetate. The mono denier of the filaments constituting the second segment 322 can be included in the range of 1.0 to 10.0. For example, the mono denier of the filaments of the second segment 322 can be included in the range of 8.0 to 10.0. For example, the mono denier of the filaments of the second segment 322 can be 9.0. Also, the cross-section of the filaments of the second segment 322 can be Y-shaped. The total denier of the second segment 322 can be included in the range of 20,000 to 30,000. For example, the total denier of the second segment 322 can be 25,000.

[0136] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0137] Referring to FIG. 7, the aerosol generating device 10 can include a battery 16, a control unit 17, a heater 115, an inverter 710, a power supply circuit 720, and / or a sensor 730.

[0138] The inverter 710 can be electrically connected to the battery 16. The inverter 710 can convert the DC power output from the battery 16 into AC power.

[0139] The inverter 710 can include at least one switching element. The switching element can be implemented by a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), a field effect transistor (FET), etc. For example, the inverter 710 can be configured with a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit including a plurality of switching elements. The inverter 710 can convert a DC power supply into an AC power supply by the operation of the switching elements included in the inverter 710. The switching elements included in the inverter 710 can operate under the control of the control unit 17.

[0140] The power supply circuit 720 can be electrically connected to the heater 115. The heater 115 can heat the susceptor with the power transmitted through the power supply circuit 720. The susceptor can be included in the aerosol product substance inserted into the insertion spaces 130, 230. The susceptor can be arranged separately and electrically separated from the aerosol generating device 10.

[0141] The power supply circuit 720 can operate such that either one of the inverter 710 and the control unit 17 is electrically connected to the heater 115. The power supply circuit 720 can include at least one switch. By the operation of the switch included in the power supply circuit 720, either one of the inverter 710 and the control unit 17 can be electrically connected to the heater 115. For example, the power supply circuit 720 can include a switch SW having one end connected to a first node a corresponding to the heater 115 and the other end connected to either one of a second node b corresponding to the inverter 710 and a third node c corresponding to the control unit 17. In the present disclosure, although the power supply circuit 720 is described as including one switch SW, it is not limited thereto. For example, the power supply circuit 720 can also include a first switch disposed between the inverter 710 and the heater 115 and a second switch disposed between the control unit 17 and the heater 115. Here, by the operation of the first switch and the second switch, either one of the inverter 710 and the control unit 17 can be electrically connected to the heater 115.

[0142] The sensor 730 can be electrically connected to the heater 115. The sensor 730 can output a signal corresponding to the current flowing through the heater 115. The sensor 730 can be a current sensor that senses the current flowing through the heater 115. In the present disclosure, although a current sensor connected to the heater 115 is described as an example, it is not limited thereto. For example, the sensor 730 can be implemented by a voltage sensor that senses the voltage applied to the heater 115 or the like.

[0143] The heater 115 can include at least one coil 740. For example, the coil 740 can generate an alternating magnetic field by an alternating current power transmitted from the power supply circuit 720. Here, the susceptor can be heated by the alternating magnetic field generated from the coil 740.

[0144] Coil 740 can be implemented by a solenoid. For example, coil 740 can be implemented by a solenoid wound along the side surface of the insertion space 130. Here, the stick 20 including the susceptor can be disposed in the space surrounded by the solenoid. The material of the wire constituting the solenoid can be copper (Cu), but is not limited thereto. For example, the material of the wire constituting the solenoid is a material having a low specific resistance value to allow a high current to flow, and can be any one of silver (Ag), gold (Au), aluminum (Al), tungsten (W), zinc (Zn), and nickel (Ni), or an alloy composed of a combination thereof.

[0145] Coil 740 can be composed of a substance having a temperature coefficient of resistance. The resistance of coil 740 can vary depending on the temperature of coil 740.

[0146] The aerosol generating device 10 can further include at least one capacitor. The capacitor can be electrically connected to coil 740. According to an embodiment, the capacitor can be connected to coil 740 in series or in parallel. The resonance frequency of the susceptor can be determined based on the inductance of coil 740 included in the heater 115 and the capacitance of the capacitor.

[0147] The control unit 17 can control the operation of the switching element included in the inverter 710. For example, the control unit 17 can output a PWM signal having a predetermined frequency and duty ratio for controlling the operation of the switching element of the inverter 710.

[0148] The control unit 17 can control the operation of the power supply circuit 720. The control unit 17 can output a signal for controlling the operation of the switch SW included in the power supply circuit 720. The control unit 17 can control the operation of the power supply circuit 720 according to the mode. For example, in the first mode of generating aerosol, the control unit 17 can control the operation of the power supply circuit 720 so that the inverter 710 and the coil 740 are electrically connected. For example, in the second mode of determining the temperature of the susceptor, the control unit 17 can control the operation of the power supply circuit 720 so that the control unit 17 and the coil 740 are electrically connected.

[0149] The control unit 17 can output power. For example, the control unit 17 can output at least one of a DC first power supply and an AC second power supply. Here, the power output from the control unit 17 may be smaller than the power output from the inverter 710. The power output from the control unit 17 may be power that does not heat the coil 730 and / or the susceptor.

[0150] According to one embodiment, the control unit 17 can include at least one switching element. The control unit 17 can output either the first power supply or the second power supply by the operation of the switching element of the control unit 17 according to a predetermined frequency and duty ratio. For example, the control unit 17 can set the duty ratio corresponding to the operation of the switching element of the control unit 17 to 100% which is the maximum value and output the DC first power supply. For example, the control unit 17 can output the AC second power supply by changing the duty ratio corresponding to the operation of the switching element of the control unit 17.

[0151] In the present disclosure, the control unit 17 is described as outputting the first power source and / or the second power source, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may include a separate configuration (hereinafter referred to as a sub-circuit) that outputs the first power source and / or the second power source. The power supply circuit 720 can operate such that either the inverter 710 or the sub-circuit is electrically connected to the heater 115. The control unit 17 can control the operation of the switching elements included in the inverter 710 and / or the sub-circuit.

[0152] Based on the signal received from the sensor 730, the control unit 17 can calculate the resistance value corresponding to the current flowing through the heater 115. The control unit 17 can calculate the resistance value based on the voltage value of either one of the first power source and the second power source and the current value corresponding to the signal received from the sensor 730. For example, based on the signal received from the sensor 730 while outputting the DC first power source, the control unit 17 can calculate the first resistance value corresponding to the coil 740. For example, based on the signal received from the sensor 730 while outputting the AC second power source, the control unit 17 can calculate the second resistance value corresponding to the coil 740 and the susceptor.

[0153] The control unit 17 can calculate the temperature of the susceptor. The control unit 17 can calculate the temperature of the susceptor based on the first resistance value corresponding to the coil 740 and / or the second resistance value corresponding to the coil 740 and the susceptor.

[0154] According to one embodiment, the memory 14 can store a lookup table for the temperature with respect to the temperature corresponding to the first resistance value and / or the second resistance value. The control unit 17 can determine, as the temperature of the susceptor, the temperature corresponding to the first resistance value and / or the second resistance value among the temperatures included in the lookup table stored in the memory 14.

[0155] According to one embodiment, the control unit 17 can calculate the temperature of the susceptor based on the difference between the first resistance value and the second resistance value. For example, the control unit 17 can determine, based on a look-up table, the temperature corresponding to the result of subtracting the first resistance value from the second resistance value as the temperature of the susceptor. For example, the control unit 17 can calculate the temperature of the susceptor by a predetermined calculation formula using the difference between the first resistance value and the second resistance value as a variable.

[0156] The control unit 17 can adjust the power supplied to the heater 115 based on the temperature of the susceptor. For example, when the temperature of the susceptor exceeds a predetermined limit temperature, the control unit 17 can control the operation of the inverter 710 to interrupt the power supply to the heater 115.

[0157] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation method of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0158] Referring to FIG. 8, the aerosol generating device 10 can determine whether to execute a determination on the temperature of the susceptor in operation S810. For example, the mode of the aerosol generating device 10 can be alternately set to a first mode for generating an aerosol while supplying power to the coil 740 and a second mode for determining the temperature of the susceptor. Here, when the mode of the aerosol generating device 10 is set to the second mode, the aerosol generating device 10 can determine to execute a determination on the temperature of the susceptor.

[0159] Referring to FIG. 9, when the mode of the aerosol generating device 10 is set to the first mode, the switch SW can be connected to a first node a corresponding to the heater 115 and a second node b corresponding to the inverter 710. Here, the inverter 710 can be electrically connected to the coil 740 via the power supply circuit 720.

[0160] On the one hand, referring to FIG. 10, when the mode of the aerosol generating device 10 is set to the second mode, the switch SW can be connected to the first node a corresponding to the heater 115 and the third node c corresponding to the control unit 17. Here, the control unit 17 can be electrically connected to the coil 740 via the power supply circuit 720.

[0161] In the S820 operation of the aerosol generating device 10, when the control unit 17 and the coil 740 are electrically connected, a direct current first power supply can be supplied from the control unit 17 to the coil 740.

[0162] In the S830 operation of the aerosol generating device 10, the first resistance value corresponding to the coil 740 can be calculated. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 can calculate the first resistance value corresponding to the coil 740 based on the current flowing through the coil 740 sensed via the sensor 730 while supplying the first power supply to the coil 740. Here, when an alternating magnetic field is not generated from the coil 740 due to a direct current flowing through the coil 740, the current value sensed via the sensor 730 can correspond to the coil 740.

[0163] In the S840 operation of the aerosol generating device 10, when the control unit 17 and the coil 740 are electrically connected, an alternating current second power supply can be supplied from the control unit 17 to the coil 740.

[0164] In the S850 operation of the aerosol generating device 10, the second resistance value corresponding to the coil 740 and the susceptor can be calculated. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 can calculate the second resistance value corresponding to the coil 740 and the susceptor based on the current flowing through the coil 740 sensed via the sensor 730 while supplying the second power supply to the coil 740. Here, when an alternating magnetic field is generated from the coil 740 due to an alternating current flowing through the coil 740, the current value sensed via the sensor 730 can correspond to the coil 740 and the susceptor.

[0165] The aerosol generating device 10 can determine the temperature of the susceptor in the S860 operation. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 can determine the temperature corresponding to the result of subtracting the first resistance value from the second resistance value as the temperature of the susceptor. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 can determine the temperature corresponding to the first resistance value and the second resistance value among the temperatures included in the look-up table stored in the memory 14 as the temperature of the susceptor.

[0166] Referring to FIG. 11, in the second mode of determining the temperature of the susceptor, the first resistance value 1110 corresponding to the coil 740 and the second resistance value 1120 corresponding to the coil 740 and the susceptor can be calculated.

[0167] Here, the difference between the first resistance value 1110 and the second resistance value 1120 can vary depending on the temperature of the susceptor. For example, the difference R1 between the first resistance value 1110 and the second resistance value 1120 calculated when the temperature of the susceptor is the first temperature T1 can be smaller than the difference R2 calculated when the temperature is the second temperature T2 higher than the first temperature T1.

[0168] The aerosol generating device 10 can determine the temperature of the susceptor based on the first resistance value 1110 and / or the second resistance value 1120 calculated to vary depending on the temperature of the susceptor.

[0169] As described above, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the temperature of the susceptor disposed electrically separated can be accurately calculated.

[0170] Also, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the accuracy of operations related to the generation of aerosol can be improved using the temperature of the susceptor disposed electrically separated.

[0171] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 11, an aerosol generating device 10 according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a coil, a battery, an inverter electrically connected to the battery, a sensor for sensing a current flowing through the coil, a control unit, and a power supply circuit configured to operate such that either one of the inverter and the control unit is electrically connected to the coil. The control unit alternately outputs a DC first power source and an AC second power source to the coil while being electrically connected to the coil via the power supply circuit, calculates a first resistance value corresponding to the coil based on a signal received from the sensor while outputting the first power source, calculates a second resistance value corresponding to the coil and the susceptor based on a signal received from the sensor while outputting the second power source, and can determine the temperature of the susceptor based on the first resistance value and the second resistance value.

[0172] Also, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, in a first mode of generating an aerosol, the control unit controls the operation of the power supply circuit such that the inverter and the coil are electrically connected, and in a second mode of determining the temperature of the susceptor, the control unit can control the operation of the power supply circuit such that the control unit and the coil are electrically connected.

[0173] Also, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the power supply circuit can include at least one switch configured to operate such that either one of the inverter and the control unit is electrically connected to the coil. The control unit can control the operation of the at least one switch.

[0174] Also, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device 10 can further include a memory for storing a lookup table for temperatures corresponding to the first resistance value and the second resistance value. The control unit can determine the temperature of the susceptor based on the lookup table.

[0175] Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit can determine, based on the look-up table, the temperature corresponding to the result of subtracting the first resistance value from the second resistance value as the temperature of the susceptor.

[0176] Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device 10 can further include a housing in which an insertion space is formed. The susceptor can be included in the aerosol generating material inserted into the insertion space.

[0177] Also, the susceptor can be disposed electrically separated from the aerosol generating device.

[0178] On the other hand, a method of operating the aerosol generating device 10 according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an operation of electrically connecting either one of an inverter and a control unit electrically connected to a battery via a power supply circuit to a coil for heating the susceptor, an operation of alternately outputting, by the control unit, a DC first power supply and an AC second power supply to the coil while the control unit is electrically connected to the coil, an operation of calculating a first resistance value corresponding to the coil based on the current flowing through the coil sensed via a sensor while the first power supply is output, an operation of calculating a second resistance value corresponding to the coil and the susceptor based on the current flowing through the coil sensed via the sensor while the second power supply is output, and an operation of determining the temperature of the susceptor based on the first resistance value and the second resistance value.

[0179] Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the operation of electrically connecting either one of the inverter and the control unit to the coil can include an operation of electrically connecting the inverter to the coil in a first mode of generating an aerosol and an operation of electrically connecting the control unit to the coil in a second mode of determining the temperature of the susceptor.

[0180] Also, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the operation of determining the temperature of the susceptor can include an operation of determining the temperature of the susceptor based on a lookup table for the temperature corresponding to the first resistance value and the second resistance value stored in the memory.

[0181] Also, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the operation of determining the temperature of the susceptor can include an operation of determining, as the temperature of the susceptor, the temperature corresponding to the result of subtracting the first resistance value from the second resistance value based on the lookup table.

[0182] The specific embodiments or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinguishable from each other. Specific elements or all elements of the embodiments of the present disclosure described above can be combined in configuration or function with other elements or combined with each other.

[0183] For example, the A configuration described in one embodiment of the present disclosure and the drawings and the B configuration described in another embodiment of the present disclosure and the drawings can be combined with each other. That is, even if the combination between the configurations is not directly described, the combination is possible except when it is described that the combination is impossible.

[0184] Although the embodiments have been described above with a number of illustrative examples, those skilled in the art in the technical field belonging to the scope of the principles of the present disclosure should understand that many other variations and embodiments are possible. More specifically, various modifications and variations are possible in the components and / or arrangements of the target 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 uses will also become apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A coil, a battery, an inverter electrically connected to the battery, a sensor for sensing a current flowing through the coil, a control unit, and a power supply circuit that operates such that either one of the inverter and the control unit is electrically connected to the coil, wherein the control unit outputs a DC first power supply and an AC second power supply to the coil while being electrically connected to the coil via the power supply circuit, calculates a first resistance value corresponding to the coil based on a first signal received from the sensor while outputting the first power supply to the coil, calculates a second resistance value corresponding to the coil and the susceptor based on a second signal received from the sensor while outputting the second power supply to the coil, and determines the temperature of the susceptor based on the first resistance value and the second resistance value. An aerosol generating device characterized by this.

2. The control unit further controls the operation of the power supply circuit so that the inverter and the coil are electrically connected in a first mode of generating an aerosol, and controls the operation of the power supply circuit so that the control unit and the coil are electrically connected in a second mode of determining the temperature of the susceptor. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, characterized by this.

3. The power supply circuit includes at least one switch that electrically connects either one of the inverter and the control unit to the coil, and the control unit controls the operation of the at least one switch. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, characterized by this.

4. further includes a memory that stores a look-up table including temperatures corresponding to the first resistance value and the second resistance value, and the control unit further determines the temperature of the susceptor based on the look-up table. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, characterized by this.

5. The temperature of the susceptor is determined based on the look-up table using a value obtained by subtracting the first resistance value from the second resistance value. The aerosol generating device according to claim 4, characterized by this.

6. further includes a housing having an insertion space, and the susceptor is inside an aerosol generating substance inserted into the insertion space. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, characterized by this.

7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the susceptor is disposed electrically separated from the aerosol generating device.

8. Operating a power supply circuit to electrically connect a control unit to a coil that heats a susceptor, Outputting a first direct current power to the coil and calculating a first resistance value corresponding to the coil based on the current flowing through the coil sensed via a sensor while the first power is output to the coil, Outputting a second alternating current power to the coil and calculating a second resistance value corresponding to the coil and the susceptor based on the current flowing through the coil sensed via the sensor while the second power is output to the coil, Determining the temperature of the susceptor based on the first resistance value and the second resistance value. An operating method of an aerosol generating device including these operations.

9. The power supply circuit, In a first mode of generating an aerosol, electrically connecting an inverter connected to a battery to the coil, In a second mode of determining the temperature of the susceptor, electrically connecting the control unit to the coil. An operating method of an aerosol generating device according to claim 8, characterized by this.

10. The temperature of the susceptor is stored in a memory and determined based on a look-up table including temperatures corresponding to the first resistance value and the second resistance value. An operating method of an aerosol generating device according to claim 8, characterized by this.

11. The temperature of the susceptor is determined based on the look-up table using a value obtained by subtracting the first resistance value from the second resistance value. An operating method of an aerosol generating device according to claim 10, characterized by this.

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