Aerosol generating device and its operating method

Abstract

An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment includes a heater that heats a cigarette, a sensor unit that senses parameters related to the operation of the heater, and at the start of a heating event of the heater, initializes the sensor unit, attempts to communicate with the initialized sensor unit, checks whether it is normal, and if it is determined that the communication with the sensor unit is abnormal, a microcontroller unit that retries the communication with the sensor unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device and an operation method thereof, and specifically, to an initialization function of the aerosol generating device.

Background Art

[0002] Recently, the demand for smoking methods that replace ordinary cigarettes has been increasing. For example, there is an increasing demand for a method of generating an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating substance in a cigarette, rather than a method of generating an aerosol by burning a cigarette. Accordingly, research related to heated cigarettes or heated aerosol generating devices has been actively conducted.

[0003] An aerosol generating device includes a plurality of hardware components such as a controller and a sensor unit. The plurality of hardware components perform mutual data communication by a predetermined communication method. When the communication between the hardware components is performed abnormally, malfunction of the aerosol generating device may occur. For example, when the temperature sensor of the heater malfunctions, the cigarette cannot be heated to the target temperature, and it is impossible to provide a suitable atomization amount and flavor sensation for the user.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present invention provides an aerosol generating device and an operation method thereof that can prevent malfunction of the aerosol generating device.

[0005] The problems to be solved through the embodiments are not limited to the above-described problems, and problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the embodiments belong from the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment includes a heater that heats a cigarette, a sensor unit that senses parameters related to the operation of the heater, and at the start of a heating event of the heater, initializes the sensor unit, attempts to communicate with the initialized sensor unit, checks whether it is normal, and if it is determined that communication with the sensor unit is abnormal, a microcontroller unit that retries communication with the sensor unit.

[0007] The microcontroller unit can communicate with the sensor unit in an I2C (Inter Integrated Circuit) communication method via a serial data line and a serial clock line, and supply power to the sensor unit via a power line.

[0008] The microcontroller unit can initialize the sensor unit by changing the power from a high level to a low level and changing the signals of the serial data line and the serial clock line from a low level to a high level.

[0009] The sensor unit may include at least one of a temperature sensor and a puff recognition sensor.

[0010] When it is determined that communication with the sensor unit is normal, the microcontroller unit can maintain the heating operation of the heater.

[0011] The microcontroller unit determines whether the number of retries is equal to or greater than a preset number. If the number of retries is less than the preset number, it determines that communication with the sensor unit is normal and can maintain the heating operation of the heater.

[0012] The microcontroller unit determines whether the number of retries is equal to or greater than a preset number. If the number of retries is equal to or greater than the preset number, it determines that communication with the sensor unit is abnormal and can stop the heating operation of the heater.

[0013] It further includes a heating IC that provides an electrical signal to perform the heating operation of the heater under the control of the microcontroller unit. When the heating of the heater starts, the microcontroller unit initializes the heating IC, attempts to communicate with the initialized heating IC, checks whether it is normal, and if it is determined that the communication with the heating IC is abnormal, the communication with the heating IC can be retried.

[0014] The microcontroller unit communicates with the heating IC in an I2C (Inter Integrated Circuit) communication method via a serial data line and a serial clock line, and can supply power to the heating IC via a power line.

[0015] The microcontroller unit can initialize the heating IC by changing the power from a high level to a low level and changing the signals of the serial data line and the serial clock line from a low level to a high level.

[0016] The operation method of the aerosol generator according to an embodiment includes the steps of initializing the sensor unit when the heating event of the heater starts, attempting to communicate with the initialized sensor unit and checking whether it is normal, holding the heating operation of the heater if it is determined that the communication with the sensor unit is normal, retrying the communication with the sensor unit if it is determined that the communication with the sensor unit is abnormal, and determining whether the number of times of retrying the communication with the sensor unit is equal to or greater than a preset number of times.

[0017] The sensor unit can receive a control signal in an I2C (Inter Integrated Circuit) communication method via a serial data line and a serial clock line, and can be supplied with power via a power line.

[0018] The step of initializing the sensor can change the power supply from a high level to a low level and change the signals of the serial data line and the serial clock line from a low level to a high level.

[0019] The step of determining whether the number of retries is greater than or equal to a preset number, if the number of retries is less than the preset number, determines that the communication with the sensor unit is normal and can maintain the heating operation of the heater.

[0020] The step of determining whether the number of retries is greater than or equal to a preset number, if the number of retries is greater than or equal to the preset number, determines that the communication with the sensor unit is abnormal and can stop the heating operation of the heater.

Advantages of the Invention

[0021] The aerosol generating device and its operation method according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can prevent malfunction of the aerosol generating device by initializing the communication line between hardware at the start of a heating event.

[0022] The effects according to the embodiments are not limited to the effects described above, and effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the technical field to which the embodiments belong from the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5A

Figure 5B

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0024] The terms used in the embodiments are, as much as possible, general terms that are currently widely used while considering the functions in the present invention. However, this also varies depending on the intentions or precedents of those skilled in the art, the emergence of new technologies, etc. Also, in specific cases, there are terms arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in that case, the meaning thereof will be described in detail in the description part of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention should not be merely the names of the terms, but should be defined based on the meaning of the terms and the overall content of the present disclosure.

[0025] Throughout the specification, when a part states that a certain component "includes" something, it means that, unless there is a special contrary statement, it does not exclude other components and may further include other components. Also, terms such as "… part" and "… module" described in the specification mean units that process at least one function or operation, and they can be implemented by hardware or software, or by a combination of hardware and software.

[0026] Hereinafter, based on the accompanying drawings, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail so that those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can easily implement them. However, the present invention can be embodied in various mutually different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0027] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining the components constituting an aerosol generating device including a heater according to some embodiments.

[0029] Referring to FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device 100 may include a heater 110, a coil 120, a battery 130, and a control unit 140. However, it is not limited thereto, and other general-purpose components other than the elements illustrated in FIG. 1 may be further included in the aerosol generating device 100.

[0030] The aerosol generating device 100 can generate an aerosol by heating a cigarette accommodated in the aerosol generating device 100 by an induction heating method. The induction heating method means a method of applying an alternating magnetic field whose direction periodically changes to a magnetic body that generates heat by an external magnetic field to cause the magnetic body to generate heat.

[0031] When an alternating magnetic field is applied to a magnetic material, energy losses due to eddy current loss and hysteresis loss occur in the magnetic material, and the lost energy can be released from the magnetic material as thermal energy. The greater the amplitude or frequency of the alternating magnetic field applied to the magnetic material, the more thermal energy can be released from the magnetic material. The aerosol generating device 100 can release thermal energy from the magnetic material by applying an alternating magnetic field to the magnetic material, and transfer the thermal energy released from the magnetic material to the cigarette.

[0032] The magnetic material that generates heat by an external magnetic field is also a susceptor. The susceptor can be provided in the aerosol generating device 100 in the form of a slice, a thin sheet, a strip, etc., instead of being included inside the cigarette. For example, at least a part of the heater 110 disposed inside the aerosol generating device 100 can be made of a susceptor material.

[0033] At least a part of the susceptor material can be made of a ferromagnetic substance. For example, the susceptor material can contain metal or carbon. The susceptor material can contain at least one of ferrite, ferromagnetic alloy, stainless steel, and aluminum (Al). Also, the susceptor material may contain at least one of graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, niobium, nickel alloy, metal film, ceramics such as zirconia, transition metals such as nickel (Ni) and cobalt (Co), and semimetals such as boron (B) and phosphorus (P).

[0034] The aerosol generating device 100 can accommodate a cigarette. A space for accommodating a cigarette can be formed in the aerosol generating device 100. A heater 110 can be disposed in the space for accommodating a cigarette. The heater 110 has a cylindrical shape in which an accommodation space for accommodating a cigarette is formed inside. Therefore, when a cigarette is accommodated in the aerosol generating device 100, the cigarette is accommodated in the accommodation space of the heater 110, and the heater 110 can be disposed at a position surrounding at least a part of the outer surface of the cigarette.

[0035] The heater 110 can surround at least a part of the outer surface of the cigarette accommodated in the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the heater 110 can surround at least a part of the outer surface of the cigarette at a position corresponding to the position of the tobacco medium contained in the cigarette. Thereby, heat can be more efficiently transferred from the heater 110 to the tobacco medium contained in the cigarette.

[0036] The heater 110 can heat the cigarette accommodated in the aerosol generating device 100. As described above, the heater 110 can heat the cigarette by an induction heating method. The heater 110 contains a susceptor material that generates heat by an external magnetic field, and the aerosol generating device 100 can apply an alternating magnetic field to the heater 110.

[0037] A coil 120 can be provided in the aerosol generating device 100. The coil 120 can apply an alternating magnetic field to the heater 110. When power is supplied from the aerosol generating device 100 to the coil 120, a magnetic field can be formed inside the coil 120. When an alternating current is applied to the coil 120, the direction of the magnetic field formed inside the coil 120 can be continuously changed. When the heater 110 is located inside the coil 120 and is exposed to an alternating magnetic field whose direction changes periodically, the heater 110 generates heat, and the cigarette accommodated in the heater 110 can be heated.

[0038] The coil 120 can be wound along the outer surface of the heater 110. The coil 120 can be wound along the inner surface of the external housing of the aerosol generating device 100. When the heater 110 is positioned in the internal space formed by winding the coil 120 and power is supplied to the coil 120, an alternating magnetic field generated by the coil 120 can be applied to the heater 110.

[0039] The coil 120 can extend in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device 100. The coil 120 can extend to an appropriate length along the longitudinal direction. For example, the coil 120 can extend to a length corresponding to the length of the heater 110, or can extend longer than the length of the heater 110.

[0040] The coil 120 can be arranged at a position suitable for applying an alternating magnetic field to the heater 110. For example, the coil 120 can be arranged at a position corresponding to the heater 110. Such size and arrangement of the coil 120 can improve the efficiency of applying the alternating magnetic field of the coil 120 to the heater 110.

[0041] When the amplitude or frequency of the alternating magnetic field formed by the coil 120 is changed, the degree to which the heater 110 heats the cigarette can also be changed. Since the amplitude or frequency of the magnetic field by the coil 120 is changed by the power applied to the coil 120, the aerosol generating device 100 can control the heating of the cigarette by adjusting the power applied to the coil 120. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 can control the amplitude and frequency of the alternating current applied to the coil 120.

[0042] As an example, coil 120 can be embodied by a solenoid. Coil 120 is also a solenoid wound along the inner surface of the outer housing of aerosol generating device 100, and heater 110 and a cigarette can be positioned within the internal space of the solenoid. The material of the conducting wire constituting the solenoid is also copper (Cu). However, it is not limited thereto, and any one of silver (Ag), gold (Au), aluminum (Al), tungsten (W), zinc (Zn), and nickel (Ni), or an alloy containing at least one of them can also be the material of the conducting wire constituting the solenoid.

[0043] Battery 130 can supply power to aerosol generating device 100. Battery 130 can supply power to coil 120. Battery 130 can include a battery that supplies direct current to aerosol generating device 100 and a conversion unit that converts the direct current supplied from the battery into alternating current supplied to coil 120.

[0044] Battery 130 can supply direct current to aerosol generating device 100. The battery is also a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery, but is not limited thereto. For example, the battery can also be a lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) battery, a lithium titanate battery, etc.

[0045] The conversion unit (not shown) can include a low-pass filter that performs filtering on the direct current supplied from the battery and outputs alternating current supplied to coil 120. The conversion unit can further include an amplifier for amplifying the direct current supplied from the battery. For example, the conversion unit can be embodied via a low-pass filter that constitutes a load network of a class-D amplifier.

[0046] The control unit 140 can control the power supplied to the coil 120. The control unit 140 can control the battery 130 so that the power supplied to the coil 120 is adjusted. For example, the control unit 140 can perform control to keep the temperature at which the heater 110 heats the cigarette constant based on the temperature of the heater 110.

[0047] The control unit 140 can be implemented by an array of a number of logic gates and can be implemented by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executed by the microprocessor is stored. Also, the control unit 140 can be composed of a plurality of processing elements.

[0048] In the aerosol generating device 100, the temperature of the heater 110 can be measured in order to keep the temperature at which the heater 110 heats the cigarette constant or to change the temperature at which the cigarette is heated according to a specific heating profile.

[0049] Figures 2 to 4 are drawings showing examples in which a cigarette is inserted into the aerosol generating device.

[0050] Referring to Figure 2, the aerosol generating device 1 includes a battery 11, a control unit 12, and a heater 13. Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the aerosol generating device 1 further includes an atomizer 14. Also, a cigarette 2 can be inserted into the internal space of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0051] In the aerosol generating device 1 illustrated in Figures 2 to 4, the components according to this embodiment are illustrated. Therefore, those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field related to this embodiment will understand that the aerosol generating device 1 further includes other general-purpose components in addition to the components illustrated in Figures 2 to 4.

[0052] In addition, although FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate that the aerosol generating device 1 includes the heater 13, the heater 13 may be omitted if necessary.

[0053] In FIG. 2, the battery 11, the control unit 12, and the heater 13 are arranged in a row. In FIG. 3, the battery 11, the control unit 12, the vaporizer 14, and the heater 13 are arranged in a row. In FIG. 4, the vaporizer 14 and the heater 13 are arranged in parallel. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1 is not limited to what is shown in FIGS. 2 to 4. That is, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 1, the arrangements of the battery 11, the control unit 12, the heater 13, and the vaporizer 14 can be changed.

[0054] If the cigarette 2 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, the aerosol generating device 1 can operate the heater 13 and / or the vaporizer 14 to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generated by the heater 13 and / or the vaporizer 14 is transmitted to the user through the cigarette 2.

[0055] If necessary, even when the cigarette 2 is not inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, the aerosol generating device 1 can heat the heater 13.

[0056] The battery 11 supplies the electric power used for the operation of the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the battery 11 can supply electric power so that the heater 13 or the vaporizer 14 is heated, and can supply the electric power necessary for the operation of the control unit 12. In addition, the battery 11 can supply the electric power necessary for the operation of a display, a sensor, a motor, etc. provided in the aerosol generating device 1.

[0057] The control unit 12 generally controls the operation of the aerosol generating device 1. Specifically, the control unit 12 controls not only the battery 11, the heater 13, and the vaporizer 14, but also the operation of other components included in the aerosol generating device 1. In addition, the control unit 12 can check the state of each component of the aerosol generating device 1 and determine whether the aerosol generating device 1 is in an operable state.

[0058] The control unit 12 includes at least one processor. The processor is implemented by an array of a large number of logic gates and can be implemented by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executed by the microprocessor is stored. Also, those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present embodiment belongs will understand that it can also be implemented by other forms of hardware.

[0059] The heater 13 can be heated by the electric power supplied from the battery 11. For example, if a cigarette is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, the heater 13 can be located outside the cigarette. Therefore, the heated heater 13 can raise the temperature of the aerosol generating substance in the cigarette.

[0060] The heater 13 is also an electric resistance heater. For example, the heater 13 includes a conductive track, and when an electric current flows through the conductive track, the heater 13 can be heated. However, the heater 13 is not limited to the above-described example and can be applicable without limitation as long as it can be heated to a desired temperature. Here, the desired temperature may be preset in the aerosol generating device 1 or can be set to a desired temperature by the user.

[0061] On the other hand, as another example, the heater 13 is also an induction heating type heater. Specifically, the heater 13 includes a conductive coil for heating the cigarette by an induction heating method, and the cigarette can include a susceptor that can be heated by the induction heating type heater.

[0062] For example, the heater 13 includes a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element, and can heat the inside or outside of the cigarette 2 depending on the shape of the heating element.

[0063] In addition, multiple heaters 13 can be arranged in the aerosol generating device 1. At this time, the multiple heaters 13 can be arranged to be inserted into the cigarette 2 or arranged outside the cigarette 2. Also, some of the multiple heaters 13 can be arranged to be inserted into the cigarette 2, and the rest can be arranged outside the cigarette 2. Further, the shape of the heater 13 is not limited to the shapes illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 4, and can also be fabricated in various shapes.

[0064] The vaporizer 14 heats the liquid composition to generate an aerosol, and the generated aerosol can be transmitted to the user through the cigarette 2. That is, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 moves along the air flow path of the aerosol generating device 1, and the air flow path can be configured such that the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 passes through the cigarette and is transmitted to the user.

[0065] For example, the vaporizer 14 can include, but is not limited to, a liquid storage unit, a liquid transfer means, and a heating element. For example, the liquid storage unit, the liquid transfer means, and the heating element can be included in the aerosol generating device 1 as independent modules.

[0066] The liquid storage unit can store the liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition is also a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance containing a volatile tobacco flavor component or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance. The liquid storage unit is fabricated to be detached / attached from / to the vaporizer 14 and can be fabricated integrally with the vaporizer 14.

[0067] For example, the liquid composition may include water, a solvent, ethanol, a plant extract, a fragrance, a flavoring agent, or a vitamin mixture. The fragrance may include, but is not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and aroma components of various fruits. The flavoring agent may include components that provide diverse flavors or tastes to the user. The vitamin mixture may also be a mixture in which at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E is mixed, but is not limited thereto. Further, the liquid composition may include an aerosol-forming agent such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0068] The liquid transfer means can transfer the liquid composition in the liquid storage unit to the heating element. For example, the liquid transfer means can also be a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic, but is not limited thereto.

[0069] The heating element is an element for heating the liquid composition transferred by the liquid transfer means. For example, the heating element can also be a metal heating wire, a metal hot plate, a ceramic heater, etc., but is not limited thereto. Further, the heating element is composed of a conductive filament such as a nichrome wire and can be arranged in a structure wound around the liquid transfer means. The heating element is heated by current supply, transfers heat to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element, and can heat the liquid composition. As a result, an aerosol can be generated.

[0070] For example, the vaporizer 14 is also referred to as a cartomizer or an atomizer, but is not limited thereto.

[0071] On the other hand, the aerosol generating device 1 may further include a general-purpose configuration in addition to the battery 11, the control unit 12, the heater 13, and the vaporizer 14. For example, the aerosol generating device 1 may include a display capable of outputting visual information and / or a motor for outputting tactile information.

[0072] In addition, the aerosol generating device 1 may include at least one sensor (such as a puff sensing sensor, a temperature sensing sensor, a cigarette insertion sensing sensor, and a color sensor). The aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment can use a color sensor to identify the type of the cigarette 2 and / or the humidity state of the cigarette 2, and select a suitable heating profile suitable for each cigarette 2 according to the identification result to operate the heater 13.

[0073] In addition, the aerosol generating device 1 can also be manufactured by a structure in which external air flows in or internal gas flows out even when the cigarette 2 is inserted.

[0074] Although not shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the aerosol generating device 1 may form a system together with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle is used to charge the battery 11 of the aerosol generating device 1. Alternatively, the heater 13 can be heated in a state where the cradle and the aerosol generating device 1 are combined.

[0075] A cigarette according to one embodiment includes at least one of an aerosol generating part, a tobacco filling part, a cooling part, and a filter part (a mouthpiece or a mouthpiece part). For example, the filter part is usually also an acetate filter, and the cooling part and the filter part may contain capsules and flavoring agents.

[0076] On the other hand, the materials, order, and length of the aerosol generating part and the tobacco filling part are not limited to specific examples, and the materials and length of the cooling part and the filter part are also not limited to specific examples.

[0077] The aerosol generating device generates an aerosol accompanied by nicotine by heating the aerosol generating part and the tobacco filling part, and the aerosol is discharged to the outside through the cooling part and the filter part.

[0078] For example, an aerosol generating device can generate an aerosol by heating at least one of the aerosol generating part and the tobacco filling part of a cigarette. Alternatively, the aerosol generating device can selectively or overall heat the inside or outside of the cigarette.

[0079] Hereinafter, an example of a cigarette 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B.

[0080] FIGS. 5A and 5B are drawings showing an example of a cigarette.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 5A, the cigarette 2 includes a tobacco rod 21 and a filter rod 22.

[0082] In FIG. 5A, the filter rod 22 is illustrated as a single segment, but is not limited thereto. That is, the filter rod 22 can be composed of a plurality of segments. For example, the filter rod 22 can include a segment for cooling the aerosol and a segment for filtering a predetermined component contained in the aerosol. Further, if necessary, the filter rod 22 can further include at least one segment for performing other functions.

[0083] The diameter of the cigarette 2 is within the range of 5 mm to 9 mm, and the length is also about 48 mm, but is not limited thereto. For example, the length of the tobacco rod 21 is about 12 mm, the length of the first segment of the filter rod 22 is about 10 mm, the length of the second segment of the filter rod 22 is about 14 mm, and the length of the third segment of the filter rod 22 is about 12 mm, but is not limited to these.

[0084] The cigarette 2 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 cigarette 2 can be wrapped by one wrapper 24. As another example, the cigarette 2 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, and the filter rod 22 can be wrapped by the wrappers 242, 243, and 244. Then, the whole cigarette 2 can be repackaged by a single wrapper 245. If the filter rod 22 consists of multiple segments, each segment can be wrapped by the wrappers 242, 243, and 244.

[0085] The first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 can be made as common filter wrapping papers. For example, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 can also be porous wrapping papers or non-porous wrapping papers. Also, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 can be made of oil-resistant papers and / or aluminum laminated paper packaging materials.

[0086] The third wrapper 243 can be made of hard wrapping paper. For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper 243 is included in the range of 88 g / m 2 ~96 g / m 2 and preferably included in the range of 90 g / m 2 ~94 g / m 2 . Also, the thickness of the third wrapper 243 is included in the range of 120 μm to 130 μm and preferably is also 125 μm.

[0087] The fourth wrapper 244 can be made of oil-resistant hard wrapping paper. For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 244 is included in the range of 88 g / m 2 ~96 g / m 2 and preferably included in the range of 90 g / m 2 ~94 g / m 2 . Also, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 244 is included in the range of 120 μm to 130 μm and preferably is also 125 μm.

[0088] The fifth wrapper 245 can be made of sterilized paper MFW. Here, the sterilized paper MFW means paper that is specially manufactured so that its tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. are enhanced compared to ordinary paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 245 is within the range of 57 g / m 2 ~63 g / m 2 and preferably is 60 g / m 2 as well. Also, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 245 is within the range of 64 μm to 70 μm and preferably is 67 μm as well.

[0089] A predetermined substance can be added to the fifth wrapper 245. Here, as an example of the predetermined substance, silicon may be applicable, but is not limited thereto. For example, silicon has properties such as heat resistance with little change due to temperature, oxidation resistance that is not oxidized, 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 245 without limitation.

[0090] The fifth wrapper 245 can prevent the phenomenon of the cigarette 2 from burning. For example, if the tobacco rod 210 is heated by the heater 13, the cigarette 2 may burn. Specifically, when the temperature rises above the ignition point of any one of the substances contained in the tobacco rod 310, the cigarette 2 can burn. Even in such a case, since the fifth wrapper 245 contains a non-combustible substance, the phenomenon of the cigarette 2 burning can be prevented.

[0091] The tobacco rod 21 contains aerosol generating substances. For example, the aerosol generating 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. Further, the tobacco rod 21 can contain other additive substances such as flavoring agents, wetting agents, and / or organic acids. Also, 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.

[0092] The tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured in the form of a sheet or a strand. Also, the tobacco rod 21 can be made from shredded tobacco in which the tobacco sheet is finely cut. Further, the tobacco rod 21 is surrounded by a heat conductive substance. For example, the heat conductive substance can be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited thereto. As an example, the heat conductive substance surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can evenly disperse the heat transferred to the tobacco rod 21 and improve the thermal conductivity applied to the tobacco rod, thereby improving the tobacco flavor. Also, the heat conductive substance surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can function as a susceptor that is heated by an induction heating type heater. At this time, although not shown in the drawings, the tobacco rod 21 can further include an additional susceptor in addition to the heat conductive substance surrounding the outside.

[0093] The filter rod 22 is also 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 or a tubular rod having a hollow inside. Also, the filter rod 22 can be a recessed rod. If the filter rod 22 is composed of a plurality of segments, at least one of the plurality of segments is also manufactured in a different shape.

[0094] The first segment of the filter rod 22 is also a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the first segment is also a tubular structure with a hollow inside. When the heater 13 is inserted by the first segment, it can prevent the phenomenon that the internal substance of the tobacco rod 210 is pushed later, and can also generate a cooling effect on the aerosol. 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.

[0095] 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. Desirably, the length of the first segment can be 10 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0096] The hardness of the first segment can be adjusted by adjusting the content of the plasticizer during the manufacture of the first segment. Also, the first segment can be manufactured by inserting structures such as films and tubes of the same or different materials inside (for example, the hollow).

[0097] The second segment of the filter rod 22 cools the aerosol generated by the heater 13 heating the tobacco rod 21. Therefore, the user can inhale the aerosol cooled to an appropriate temperature.

[0098] The length or diameter of the second segment can be determined variously depending on the form of the cigarette 2. For example, the length of the second segment can be appropriately adopted within the range of 7 mm to 20 mm. Desirably, the length of the second segment can also be about 14 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0099] The second segment can be produced by weaving polymer fibers. In that case, a flavoring liquid may be applied to the fibers produced by the polymer. Or, the second segment may be produced by weaving together fibers with a separately applied flavoring liquid and fibers produced by the polymer. Or, the second segment can be formed by a crimped polymer sheet.

[0100] For example, the polymer can be made of 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.

[0101] By forming the second segment from woven polymer fibers or crimped polymer sheets, the second segment can include one or more channels extending in the longitudinal direction. Here, the channel means a passage through which a gas (e.g., air or aerosol) passes.

[0102] For example, the second segment made of a crimped polymer sheet can be formed from a material having a thickness between about 5 μm and about 300 μm, for example, between about 10 μm and about 250 μm. Also, the total surface area of the second segment is 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 mm2 / mg and about 100 mm 2 / mg.

[0103] On the other hand, the second segment can include a thread containing a volatile flavor component. Here, the volatile flavor component is menthol, but is not limited thereto. For example, the thread can be filled with a sufficient amount of menthol so that 1.5 mg or more of menthol is provided to the second segment.

[0104] The third segment of the filter rod 22 is also 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.

[0105] In the process of manufacturing the third segment, by spraying a flavoring liquid onto the third segment, it can be manufactured so that a fragrance is generated. Alternatively, a separate fiber coated with the flavoring liquid can be inserted into the interior of the third segment. The aerosol generated by the tobacco rod 21 is cooled by passing through the second segment of the filter rod 22, and the cooled aerosol can be transmitted to the user through the third segment. Therefore, when a flavoring element is added to the third segment, an effect of enhancing the persistence of the fragrance transmitted to the user can occur.

[0106] Further, the filter rod 22 may include at least one capsule 23. Here, the capsule 23 may perform a function of generating a fragrance and may also perform a function of generating an aerosol. For example, the capsule 23 also has a structure in which a liquid containing a fragrance is covered with a film. The capsule 23 can have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0107] Referring to FIG. 5B, the cigarette 3 may further include a front plug 33. The front plug 33 can be located on one side of the tobacco rod 31 opposite to the filter rod 32. The front plug 33 can prevent the tobacco rod 31 from detaching externally and can prevent the liquefied aerosol from flowing from the tobacco rod 31 into the aerosol generating device (1 in FIGS. 1 to 3) during smoking.

[0108] The filter rod 32 may include a first segment 321 and a second segment 322. Here, the first segment 321 may correspond to the first segment of the filter rod 22 in FIG. 5A, and the second segment 322 may correspond to the third segment of the filter rod 22 in FIG. 5A.

[0109] The diameter and overall length of the cigarette 3 may correspond to the diameter and overall length of the cigarette 2 in FIG. 5A. For example, the length of the front plug 33 is about 7 mm, the length of the tobacco rod 31 is about 15 mm, the length of the first segment 321 is about 12 mm, and the length of the second segment 322 is about 14 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0110] The cigarette 3 can be wrapped by at least one wrapper 35. At least one hole can be formed in the wrapper 35 for external air to flow in or internal gas to flow out. 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 cigarette 3 can be re-wrapped by the fifth wrapper 355.

[0111] 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 is not limited thereto. The perforation 36 can serve to transfer the heat generated by the heater 13 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 into the tobacco rod 31.

[0112] Also, at least one capsule 34 can be included in the second segment 322. Here, the capsule 34 can perform the function of generating flavor and may also perform the function of generating aerosol. For example, the capsule 34 is also a structure that covers and wraps a liquid containing a fragrance with a film. The capsule 34 can have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0113] The first wrapper 351 is also one in which a metal foil such as aluminum foil is bonded to a general filter paper. For example, the total thickness of the first wrapper 351 is included in the range of 45 μm to 55 μm, and preferably is also 50.3 μm. Also, the thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper 351 is included in the range of 6 μm to 7 μm, and preferably is also 6.3 μm. Also, the basis weight of the first wrapper 351 is in the range of 2 50 g / m 2 to 55 g / m 2 and preferably is also 53 g / m

[0114] The second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 can be made as general filter wrapping paper. For example, the second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 can also be porous wrapping paper or non-porous wrapping paper.

[0115] For example, the porosity of the second wrapper 352 is also 35000 CU, but is not limited thereto. Also, the thickness of the second wrapper 352 is included in the range of 70 μm to 80 μm, and desirably is also 78 μm. Further, the basis weight of the second wrapper 352 is 20 g / m 2 ~25 g / m 2 and is included in the range of, and desirably is also 23.5 g / m 2

[0116] For example, the porosity of the third wrapper 353 is also 24000 CU, but is not limited thereto. Also, the thickness of the third wrapper 353 is included in the range of 60 μm to 70 μm, and desirably is also 68 μm. Further, the basis weight of the third wrapper 353 is 20 g / m 2 ~25 g / m 2 and is included in the range of, and desirably is also 21 g / m 2

[0117] The fourth wrapper 354 can be made of PLA laminated paper. Here, the PLA laminated paper means triple paper including a paper layer, a PLA layer, and a paper layer. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 354 is included in the range of 100 μm to 120 μm, and desirably is also 110 μm. Further, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 354 is 80 g / m 2 ~100 g / m 2 and is included in the range of, and desirably is also 88 g / m 2

[0118] The fifth wrapper 355 can be made of sterilized paper (MFW). Here, the sterilized paper (MFW) means paper specially manufactured so that the tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. are enhanced compared to general paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 355 is 57 g / m 2 ~63 g / m 2 and is included in the range of, and desirably is also 60 g / m 2 ​​​It is also so. Further, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 355 is included within the range of 64 μm to 70 μm, and desirably, it is also 67 μm.

[0119] The fifth wrapper 355 can be internally added with a predetermined substance. Here, as an example of the predetermined substance, silicon may be applicable, but is not limited thereto. For example, silicon has properties such as heat resistance with little change due to temperature, oxidation resistance that is not oxidized, 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) to the fifth wrapper 355 without limitation.

[0120] The front plug 33 can be made of cellulose acetate. As an example, the front plug 33 can be made by adding a plasticizer (for example, triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. The mono denier of the filaments constituting the cellulose acetate tow is included within the range of 1.0 to 10.0, and desirably, it can be included within the range of 4.0 to 6.0. More desirably, the mono denier of the filaments of the front plug 33 is also 5.0. Also, the cross-section of the filaments constituting the front plug 33 is also Y-shaped. The total denier of the front plug 33 is included within the range of 20000 to 30000, and desirably, it can be included within the range of 25000 to 30000. More desirably, the total denier of the front plug 33 is also 28000.

[0121] Also, if necessary, the front plug 33 includes at least one channel, and the cross-sectional shape of the channel can be made in various ways.

[0122] The tobacco rod 31 can correspond to the tobacco rod 21 described above with reference to FIG. 5A. Therefore, the specific description regarding the tobacco rod 31 will be omitted below.

[0123] The first segment 321 can be made of cellulose acetate. For example, the first segment is also a tubular structure that includes a hollow inside. The first segment 321 can be made by adding a plasticizer (for example, triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. For example, the monodenier and total denier of the first segment 321 are also the same as those of the front plug 33.

[0124] The second segment 322 can be made of cellulose acetate. The monodenier of the filaments constituting the second segment 322 is included in the range of 1.0 to 10.0, and desirably, can be included in the range of 8.0 to 10.0. More desirably, the monodenier of the filaments of the second segment 322 is also 9.0. Also, the cross-section of the filaments of the second segment 322 is also Y-shaped. The total denier of the second segment 322 is included in the range of 20,000 to 30,000, and desirably, is also 25,000.

[0125] FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining the communication method between the microcontroller unit and the sensor unit. FIG. 8 is a timing diagram of a serial data line and a serial clock line applied to an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0126] Referring to FIG. 6, the aerosol generating device 600 includes a microcontroller unit 610, a sensor unit 620, a heater 630, and a battery 640. At this time, the microcontroller unit 610 can correspond to the control unit 140 in FIG. 1 and the control unit 12 in FIGS. 2 to 4. The components of the aerosol generating device 600 according to an embodiment are not limited thereto, and other components can be added or at least one component can be omitted depending on the embodiment.

[0127] The microcontroller unit 610 according to one embodiment can perform data communication with the sensor unit 620 in a predetermined communication method. For example, the microcontroller unit 610 can perform data communication with the sensor unit 620 based on the I2C (Inter Integrated Circuit; I2C) communication method. The I2C communication method will be described later with reference to FIGS. 7, 8, and 10.

[0128] The sensor unit 620 can sense parameters related to the operation of the heater 630. The sensor unit 620 according to one embodiment may include a temperature sensor (1222 in FIG. 12) and a puff sensor (1226 in FIG. 12).

[0129] The temperature sensor can measure the temperature of the heater 630. For example, the temperature sensor is a contact type temperature sensor that measures the temperature in a state of being in contact with the heater 630, or a non-contact type temperature sensor that measures the temperature in a state of not being in contact with the heater 630. The contact type temperature sensor is also a thermocouple, an RTD (resistance temperature detector), a thermistor, or a temperature label, and the non-contact type temperature sensor is also an infrared temperature sensor. In the embodiment, although the temperature sensor is described as measuring the temperature of the heater 630, it is not limited thereto, and can measure the temperature around or at an adjacent position of the heater 630.

[0130] The puff sensor can sense the user's puff based on various physical changes in the air flow path or air flow channel. For example, the puff sensor can sense the user's puff based on any one of a temperature change, a flow change, a voltage change, and a pressure change. According to one embodiment, when sensing the user's puff, the heater 630 can be switched from the preheating mode to the operation mode.

[0131] The heater 630 can heat at least a part of the aerosol generating article. The heater 630 is also of various types described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. The heater 630 can be powered under the control of the microcontroller unit 610 to heat at least a part of the cigarette. At least a part of the cigarette means a tobacco rod containing at least one of an aerosol generating substance and a tobacco substance. In one embodiment, the heater 630 can be powered via the microcontroller unit 610 according to a temperature profile corresponding to a preheating section and a heating section.

[0132] The battery 640 supplies power for the operation of the aerosol generating device 600. That is, the battery 640 can supply power so that the heater 630 is heated. Further, the battery 640 can supply power required for the operation of other hardware components provided in the aerosol generating device 600, that is, the microcontrol unit 610 and the sensor unit 620. The battery 640 can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 640 can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0133] The microcontroller unit 610 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 600.

[0134] According to one embodiment, the microcontroller unit 610 can initialize the sensor unit 620 when a heating event of the heater 630 is started. For example, the microcontroller unit 610 can start a heating event of the heater 630 when a user heating command is input via a user input unit (1260 in FIG. 12), when cigarette insertion is detected by an insertion detection sensor (1224 in FIG. 12), and when a user puff is detected by a puff sensor (1226 in FIG. 12), if any one of these cases applies.

[0135] In the aerosol generator 600, since the heating operation of the heater 630 acts as a direct factor determining the atomization amount and flavor feeling of the cigarette, it is important to perform the normal operation of the heater 630.

[0136] On the other hand, the microcontroller unit 610 can detect whether the heater 630 is heated to a predetermined temperature or maintains an appropriate temperature by using a temperature sensor. Further, after the microcontroller unit 610 senses the puff of the user by using a puff sensor, it can switch the mode of the heater 630 from the preheating mode to the operation mode, or after counting the puff number by using a puff sensor, if the puff number reaches a preset number, it can interrupt the power supply to the heater 630. Thus, it is necessary to ensure the normal operation of the sensor unit 620 as a prerequisite for performing the normal operation of the heater 630. Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, an initialization method for ensuring the normal operation of the sensor unit 620 will be described.

[0137] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the microcontroller unit 610 and the sensor unit 620 can be connected to a serial data line SDAL and a serial clock line SCLL so that data can be read and accessed. Further, the microcontroller unit 610 and the sensor unit 620 can be connected to a power supply line VDDL for supplying power from the microcontroller unit 610 to the sensor unit 620. At this time, the microcontroller unit 610 can be supplied with power from a battery (640 in FIG. 6).

[0138] The microcontroller unit 610 performs data communication with the sensor unit 620 based on the I2C (Inter Integrated Circuit) communication method. The I2C communication method is a bidirectional 2-wire communication method, which consists of a serial data line SDAL for data communication and a serial clock line SCL for synchronization of data communication. The hardware (that is, the sensor unit 620) connected to the data bus can be identified by a unique address and can transmit and receive data.

[0139] The microcontroller unit 610 can transmit a reset indicator RST to initialize the sensor unit 620. The signal on the power supply line VDDL changes from high level to low level and can return to high level again. That is, during the initialization of the sensor unit 620, the power supply can be cut off (or rebooted).

[0140] Also, the signals on the serial data line SDAL and the serial clock line SCLL change from low level to high level and can return to low level again. That is, during the initialization of the sensor unit 620, the signals on the serial data line SDAL and the serial clock line SCLL can be deactivated.

[0141] In order to initialize the sensor unit 620 in this way, in addition to cutting off the power supply (or rebooting), by deactivating the signals on the communication line, the effect of increasing the initialization stability can be expected.

[0142] Thereafter, a clock signal is applied from the microcontroller unit 610 to the serial clock line SCLL, a start S signal and data D are applied to the serial data line SDAL, and the sensor unit 620 can transmit an acknowledge signal (ACK) and valid data to the serial data line SDAL. Thereafter, the microcontroller unit 610 can transmit an acknowledge signal ACK and a stop P signal to the sensor unit 620 via the serial data line SDAL.

[0143] The start S signal can cause the signal on the serial data line SDAL to transition from high level to low level when the signal on the serial clock line SCLL is at high level. After being started by the start S signal, the microcontroller unit 610 can transmit an address ADR and then transmit a read / write indicator R / W indicating the direction of data transmission.

[0144] After transmitting the address ADR and the read / write indicator R / W, the microcontroller unit 610 may transfer the serial data line SDAL to a high level. If the sensor unit 620 recognizes its own address ADR, the sensor unit 620 may transmit an acknowledgement signal ACK to the microcontroller unit 610 by pulling down the signal on the I2C interface. On the other hand, a sensor unit 620 that does not recognize the address ADR may transmit a negative acknowledgement signal NCK to the microcontroller unit 610 by not being present at a low level.

[0145] If an acknowledgement signal ACK is transmitted to the microcontroller unit 610, the microcontroller unit 610 or the sensor unit 620 may transmit data D. If the direction of the data transmission is the read R direction, the sensor unit 620 may transmit data D to the microcontroller unit 610, and if it is the write W direction, the microcontroller unit 610 may transmit data D to the sensor unit 620. If an acknowledgement signal ACK is received by the transmitting device (microcontroller unit 610 or sensor unit 620) that transmits data D, the transmitting device may transmit additional data to the receiving device (sensor unit 620 or microcontroller unit 610) that receives data D.

[0146] Such a process can continue until a negative acknowledgement signal NCK is received by the transmitting device. Subsequently, the microcontroller unit 610 may restart S or end P the data communication again. Here, the end P condition is that when the signal on the serial clock line SCLL is present at a high level, the signal on the serial data line SDAL can be transferred from a low level to a high level.

[0147] Referring back to FIG. 6, the microcontroller unit 610 attempts to communicate with the initialized sensor unit 620 to check if it is normal. Although not shown in FIG. 6, the I2C communication method may include a status indicator indicating the operating state of the sensor unit 620. The microcontroller unit 610 can use the status indicator to determine the normality of communication with the sensor unit 620.

[0148] If the microcontroller unit 610 determines that the communication with the sensor unit 620 is normal, it maintains the heating operation of the heater 630. That is, during the initialization of the sensor unit 620, the heating operation of the heater 630 is temporarily suspended, and if the microcontroller unit 610 determines that the communication with the sensor unit 620 is normal, the heating operation of the heater 630 can be resumed.

[0149] If the microcontroller unit 610 determines that the communication with the sensor unit 620 is abnormal, it can retry the communication with the sensor unit 620. At this time, the microcontroller unit 610 can recheck the normality of the communication with the sensor unit 620.

[0150] The microcontroller unit 610 determines whether the number of retries of the communication with the sensor unit 620 is equal to or greater than a preset number (for example, 3 times). If the number of retries is less than the preset number, the microcontroller unit 610 determines that the communication with the sensor unit 620 is normal and can maintain the heating operation of the heater 630.

[0151] On the other hand, the microcontroller unit 610 determines whether the number of retries of the communication with the sensor unit 620 is equal to or greater than a preset number. If the number of retries is equal to or greater than the preset number, the microcontroller unit 610 determines that the communication with the sensor unit 620 is abnormal and can stop the heating operation of the heater 630.

[0152] FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. FIG. 10 is a drawing for explaining a communication method between the microcontroller unit and the heating IC.

[0153] The aerosol generating device 600_1 illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10 is different from the aerosol generating device 600 illustrated in FIG. 6 only in that a heating IC 650 is disposed between the microcontroller unit 610 and the heater 630, and the remaining configuration is substantially the same. Hereinafter, duplicate descriptions will be omitted, and the description will be centered on the heating IC 650.

[0154] The heating IC 650 may include a circuit that utilizes an induction heating method. For example, the heating IC 650 can provide an electrical signal to perform the heating operation of the heater 630 under the control of the microcontroller unit 610. Therefore, in order to perform the normal operation of the heater 630, the normal operation of the heating IC 650 needs to be guaranteed a priori. Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 8 and 10, an initialization method for guaranteeing the normal operation of the heating IC 650 will be described.

[0155] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 10, the microcontroller unit 610 and the heating IC 650 can be connected to the serial data line SDAL and the serial clock line SCLL so that data can be read and accessed. Also, the microcontroller unit 610 and the heating IC 650 can be connected to a power supply line VDDL for supplying power from the microcontroller unit 610 to the heating IC 650. At this time, the microcontroller unit 610 can be supplied with power from a battery (640 in FIG. 6).

[0156] The microcontroller unit 610 can transmit a reset indicator RST to initialize the heating IC 650. The signal on the power supply line VDDL is changed from a high level to a low level and can return to the high level again. That is, during the initialization of the heating IC 650, the power supply can be cut off (or rebooted).

[0157] Also, the signals on the serial data line SDAL and the serial clock line SCLL can be changed from a low level to a high level and can return to the low level again. That is, the signals on the serial data line SDAL and the serial clock line SCLL can be deactivated while initializing the heating IC650.

[0158] In order to initialize the heating IC 650 in this way, in addition to cutting off the power supply (or rebooting), it is possible to expect the effect of increasing the initialization stability by deactivating the signals on the communication line.

[0159] FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining an operation method of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. At this time, it goes without saying that not only the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11 but also the embodiments described above in FIGS. 1 to 10 are applicable to the operation method of the aerosol generating device.

[0160] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 11, the operation method of the aerosol generating device includes, at the start of the heating event of the heater 630, initializing the sensor unit 620 (S10, S20), attempting to communicate with the initialized sensor unit 620 and checking whether it is normal (S30), when it is determined that the communication with the sensor unit 620 is normal, holding the heating operation of the heater 630 (S40), when it is determined that the communication with the sensor unit 620 is abnormal, retrying the communication with the sensor unit 620 (S50), and determining whether the number of times of retrying the communication with the sensor unit 620 is equal to or more than a preset number of times (S60).

[0161] Specifically, at the stage of initializing the sensor unit 620 when the heating event of the heater 630 starts (S10, S20), the microcontroller unit 610 can start the heating event of the heater 630 when any one of the following conditions is met: when a user's heating command is input via the user input unit (1260 in FIG. 12), when cigarette insertion is detected by the insertion detection sensor (1224 in FIG. 12), and when the user's puff is detected by the puff sensor (1226 in FIG. 12).

[0162] The microcontroller unit 610 and the sensor unit 620 can be connected to the serial data line SDAL and the serial clock line SCLL so that data can be read and accessed. Also, the microcontroller unit 610 and the sensor unit 620 can be connected to the power line VDDL for supplying power from the microcontroller unit 610 to the sensor unit 620. At this time, the microcontroller unit 610 can be supplied with power from the battery (640 in FIG. 6).

[0163] The sensor unit 620 can receive a control signal from the microcontroller unit 610 in an I2C (Inter Integrated Circuit) communication method via the serial data line SDAL and the serial clock line SCLL, and can be supplied with power via the power line VDDL.

[0164] The microcontroller unit 610 can transmit a reset indicator RST to initialize the sensor unit 620. The signal on the power supply line VDDL is changed from a high level to a low level and can return to the high level again. That is, during the initialization of the sensor unit 620, the power supply can be cut off (or rebooted). Also, the signals on the serial data line SDAL and the serial clock line SCLL are changed from a low level to a high level and can return to the low level again. That is, during the initialization of the sensor unit 620, the signals on the serial data line SDAL and the serial clock line SCLL can be deactivated. In order to initialize the sensor unit 620 in this way, in addition to cutting off (or rebooting) the power supply, by deactivating the signals on the communication line, the effect of increasing the initialization stability can be expected.

[0165] In the step (S30) of attempting to communicate with the initialized sensor unit 620 and checking whether it is normal, the I2C communication method may include a status indicator indicating the operating state of the sensor unit 620. The microcontroller unit 610 can determine the normality of the communication with the sensor unit 620 using the status indicator.

[0166] When it is determined that the communication with the sensor unit 620 is normal, in the step (S40) of holding the heating operation of the heater 630, if the heating operation of the heater 630 is temporarily suspended during the initialization of the sensor unit 620 and it is determined that the communication between the microcontroller unit 610 and the sensor unit 620 is normal, the heating operation of the heater 630 can be resumed.

[0167] When it is determined that the communication with the sensor unit 620 is abnormal, in the step (S50) of retrying the communication with the sensor unit 620, the microcontroller unit 610 can recheck the normality of the communication with the sensor unit 620.

[0168] In the step of determining whether the number of retries for communication with the sensor unit 620 is equal to or greater than a preset number (S60), if the number of retries is less than the preset number, it is determined that the communication between the microcontroller unit 610 and the sensor unit 620 is normal, and the heating operation of the heater 630 can be maintained. On the other hand, the microcontroller unit 610 determines whether the number of retries for communication with the sensor unit 620 is equal to or greater than a preset number. If the number of retries is equal to or greater than the preset number, it is determined that the communication between the microcontroller unit 610 and the sensor unit 620 is abnormal, and the heating operation of the heater 630 can be stopped (S70).

[0169] FIG. 12 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to still another embodiment.

[0170] Referring to FIG. 12, the aerosol generating device 1200 may include a control unit 1210, a sensing unit 1220, an output unit 1230, a battery 1240, a heater 1250, a user input unit 1260, a memory 1270, and a communication unit 1280. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1200 is not limited to what is shown in FIG. 6. That is, those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field related to this embodiment will understand that, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 1200, some of the configurations shown in FIG. 6 may be omitted or new configurations may be further added.

[0171] The sensing unit 1220 can sense the state of the aerosol generating device 1200 or the state around the aerosol generating device 1200 and transmit the sensed information to the control unit 1210. Based on the sensed information, the control unit 1210 can control the aerosol generating device 1200 so that various functions such as operation control of the heater 1250, restriction of smoking, determination of whether an aerosol generating article (e.g., a cigarette, a cartridge, etc.) is inserted, and notification display are performed.

[0172] The sensing unit 1220 may include, but is not limited to, at least one of a temperature sensor 1222, an insertion sensing sensor 1224, and a puff sensor 1226.

[0173] The temperature sensor 1222 can sense the temperature at which the heater 1250 (or the aerosol generating substance) is heated. The aerosol generating device 1200 includes a separate temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the heater 1250, or the heater 1250 itself serves as a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 1222 is also arranged around the battery 1240 to monitor the temperature of the battery 1240. In an embodiment, the temperature sensor 1222 can measure the temperature of the heater 1250 before it is heated.

[0174] The insertion sensing sensor 1224 can sense the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article. For example, the insertion sensing sensor 1224 includes at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, a light sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, and an infrared sensor, and can sense a signal change due to the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article. In an embodiment, after the insertion sensing sensor 1224 senses the insertion of the aerosol generating article, if it senses the insertion of the aerosol generating article again within a predetermined time after one smoking series is completed, it is determined to be continuous use.

[0175] The puff sensor 1226 can sense the user's puff based on various physical changes in the air flow path or air flow channel. For example, the puff sensor 1226 can sense the user's puff based on any one of a temperature change, a flow change, a voltage change, and a pressure change.

[0176] In addition to the temperature sensor 1222, the insertion detection sensor 1224, and the puff sensor 1226 described above, the sensing unit 1220 may further include at least one of a temperature / humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS), a proximity sensor, and an RGB sensor (illuminance sensor). Since the functions of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by an ordinary technician from its name, specific descriptions may be omitted.

[0177] The output unit 1230 can output information related to the state of the aerosol generating device 1200 and provide it to the user. The output unit 1230 may include at least one of a display unit 1232, a haptic unit 1234, and an acoustic output unit 1236, but is not limited thereto. When the display unit 1232 and the touch pad form a layer structure and are configured as a touch screen, the display unit 1232 can also be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0178] The display unit 1232 visually provides information related to the aerosol generating device 1200 to the user. For example, the information related to the aerosol generating device 1200 means various information such as the charge / discharge state of the battery 1240 of the aerosol generating device 1200, the preheating state of the heater 1250, the insertion / removal state of the aerosol generating article, or the state in which the use of the aerosol generating device 1200 is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal article), and the display unit 1232 can output the information to the outside. The display unit 1232 is, for example, also a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), etc. Further, the display unit 1232 is also in the form of an LED light emitting element.

[0179] The haptic unit 1234 converts an electrical signal into a mechanical or electrical stimulus and tactually provides information related to the aerosol generating device 1200 to the user. For example, the haptic unit 1234 may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0180] The audio output unit 1236 provides information related to the aerosol generating device 1200 to the user auditorily. For example, the audio output unit 1236 can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

[0181] The battery 1240 can supply the electric power used for the operation of the aerosol generating device 1200. The battery 1240 can supply electric power so that the heater 1250 is heated. Further, the battery 1240 can supply the electric power necessary for the operation of other components (for example, the sensing unit 1220, the output unit 1230, the user input unit 1260, the memory 1270, and the communication unit 1280) provided in the aerosol generating device 1200. The battery 1240 can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 1240 can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0182] The heater 1250 can be supplied with electric power from the battery 1240 and heat the aerosol generating substance. Although not shown in FIG. 12, the aerosol generating device 1200 may further include a power conversion circuit (for example, a DC / DC converter) that converts the electric power of the battery 1240 and supplies it to the heater 1250. Further, when the aerosol generating device 1200 generates aerosol by an induction heating method, the aerosol generating device 1200 may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power supply of the battery 1240 into an AC power supply.

[0183] The control unit 1210, the sensing unit 1220, the output unit 1230, the user input unit 1260, the memory 1270, and the communication unit 910 can be supplied with electric power from the battery 1240 and perform their functions. Although not shown in FIG. 12, it may further include a power conversion circuit that converts the electric power of the battery 1240 and supplies it to each component, for example, an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit.

[0184] In one embodiment, the heater 1250 can be made of any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, suitable electrically resistive materials include, but are not limited to, metals or metal alloys such as titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc. Also, the heater 130 can be embodied by, but is not limited to, a metal wire, a metal plate with conductive tracks disposed thereon, a ceramic heating element, etc.

[0185] In other embodiments, the heater 1250 is also an induction heating type heater. For example, the heater 1250 can include a susceptor that generates heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil and heats the aerosol generating material.

[0186] In one embodiment, the heater 1250 can include a plurality of heaters. For example, the heater 1250 can include a first heater for heating a cigarette and a second heater for heating a liquid.

[0187] The user input unit 1260 receives information input from the user or outputs information to the user. For example, the user input unit 1260 includes, but is not limited to, a keypad, a dome switch, a touch pad (a touch pad using a capacitive touch method, a pressure resistive film method, an infrared sensing method, a surface acoustic wave conduction method, an integral tension measurement method, a piezo effect method, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc. Also, although not shown in FIG. 12, the aerosol generating device 1200 further includes a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and can be connected to other external devices via a connection interface such as a USB interface to transmit and receive information or charge the battery 1240.

[0188] The memory 1270 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device 1200, and can store the data processed by the control unit 1210 and the data to be processed. The memory 1270 can include at least one type of recording medium such as a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), a RAM (Random Access Memory), an SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read-Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), a PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. The memory 1270 can store data related to the operating time, maximum puff count, current puff count, at least one temperature profile, and the smoking pattern of the user of the aerosol generating device 1200. In an embodiment, the memory 1270 can store a plurality of temperature profiles. Also, the memory 1270 can store a plurality of preheating profiles that define a preheating section among the temperature profiles. The memory 1270 can store the plurality of preheating profiles described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.

[0189] The communication unit 1280 can include at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 1280 can include a short-range communication unit 1282 and a wireless communication unit 1284.

[0190] The short-range wireless communication unit 1282 may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee (registered trademark) communication unit, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, a UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc.

[0191] The wireless communication unit 1284 may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc. The wireless communication unit 1284 can identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device 1200 within the communication network using subscriber information (e.g., the International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)).

[0192] The control unit 1210 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1200. In one embodiment, the control unit 1210 may include at least one processor. The processor may be implemented by an array of a large number of logic gates and may be implemented by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executed by the microprocessor is stored. Also, those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which this embodiment belongs will understand that it may also be implemented by other forms of hardware.

[0193] Those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field related to the present embodiment will understand that it can be embodied in a modified form within the scope not departing from the essential characteristics described above. Therefore, the disclosed method should be considered from an illustrative perspective rather than a limiting one. The scope of the present invention is shown not in the foregoing description but in the claims, and all differences within the equivalent scope thereof should be construed as being included in the present invention.

Claims

1. A heater for heating a cigarette, a sensor unit for sensing parameters related to the operation of the heater, at the start of a heating event of the heater, initializing the sensor unit, attempting to communicate with the initialized sensor unit, checking whether it is normal, and if it is determined that the communication with the sensor unit is abnormal, retrying the communication with the sensor unit, and a microcontroller unit, an aerosol generating device.

2. The microcontroller unit communicates with the sensor unit in an I2C (Inter Integrated Circuit) communication manner via a serial data line and a serial clock line, and supplies power to the sensor unit via a power line. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1.

3. The microcontroller unit initializes the sensor unit by changing the power from a high level to a low level and changing the signals of the serial data line and the serial clock line from a low level to a high level. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2.

4. The sensor unit includes at least one of a temperature sensor and a puff recognition sensor. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1.

5. When it is determined that the communication with the sensor unit is normal, the microcontroller unit maintains the heating operation of the heater. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1.

6. The microcontroller unit determines whether the number of retries is equal to or greater than a preset number. If the number of retries is less than the preset number, it determines that the communication with the sensor unit is normal and maintains the heating operation of the heater. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1.

7. The microcontroller unit determines whether the number of retries is equal to or greater than a preset number. If the number of retries is equal to or greater than the preset number, it determines that the communication with the sensor unit is abnormal and aborts the heating operation of the heater. The aerosol generating device according to claim 6.

8. It further includes a heating integrated circuit (IC) that provides an electrical signal for performing the heating operation of the heater under the control of the microcontroller unit. When the microcontroller unit starts heating the heater, it initializes the heating IC, attempts to communicate with the initialized heating IC, checks whether it is normal, and if it is determined that the communication with the heating IC is abnormal, retries the communication with the heating IC. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1.

9. The microcontroller unit communicates with the heating IC in an I2C (Inter Integrated Circuit) communication method via the serial data line and the serial clock line, supplies power to the heating IC via a power line. The aerosol generating device according to claim 8.

10. The microcontroller unit initializes the heating IC by changing the power from a high level to a low level and changing the signals of the serial data line and the serial clock line from a low level to a high level. The aerosol generating device according to claim 9.

11. In an operation method of an aerosol generating device including a heater for heating a cigarette and a sensor unit for sensing parameters related to the operation of the heater, at the start of a heating event of the heater, initializing the sensor unit; attempting to communicate with the initialized sensor unit and checking whether it is normal; when it is determined that the communication with the sensor unit is normal, holding the heating operation of the heater; when it is determined that the communication with the sensor unit is abnormal, retrying the communication with the sensor unit; determining whether the number of times of retrying the communication with the sensor unit is equal to or greater than a preset number of times. An operation method of an aerosol generating device.

12. The sensor unit receives a control signal in an I2C (Inter Integrated Circuit) communication method via a serial data line and a serial clock line, is supplied with power via a power line. The operation method of the aerosol generating device according to claim 11.

13. The step of initializing the sensor is to change the power from a high level to a low level and change the signals of the serial data line and the serial clock line from a low level to a high level. The operation method of the aerosol generating device according to claim 12.

14. The step of determining whether the number of retries is equal to or greater than a preset number is, if the number of retries is less than the preset number, to determine that the communication with the sensor unit is normal and to maintain the heating operation of the heater, according to the method of operating an aerosol generating device according to claim 11.

15. The step of determining whether the number of retries is equal to or greater than a preset number is, if the number of retries is equal to or greater than the preset number, to determine that the communication with the sensor unit is abnormal and to stop the heating operation of the heater, according to the method of operating an aerosol generating device according to claim 14.

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