Aerosol generation device and its operating method

Abstract

According to one embodiment, an aerosol generating device includes a housing including an accommodation space for accommodating at least a part of an aerosol generating article, a heater for heating the aerosol generating article inserted into the accommodation space, a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the heater, a battery for supplying power to the heater, and a processor electrically connected to the heater and the battery. The processor acquires at least any one of the initial temperature of the heater measured through the temperature sensor and data related to the final heating profile of the heater, and controls the power supply from the battery to the heater based on the acquired data. Various other embodiments can be understood through the specification.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device and an operating method thereof, and more particularly, to an aerosol generating device that controls power supply to a heater based on the temperature of the heater and the state of a cigarette.

Background Art

[0002] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for alternative methods to overcome the disadvantages of conventional cigarettes. For example, there has been an increasing demand for a system that generates an aerosol by heating a cigarette or an aerosol generating substance using an aerosol generating device, rather than by burning a cigarette to generate an aerosol.

[0003] When an aerosol generating article is inserted into the accommodation space, the aerosol generating device can heat the aerosol generating article according to a preset temperature profile. The temperature profile means temperature change data of the heater or the aerosol generating article during a smoking operation. The aerosol generated by heating the aerosol generating article differs depending on the components of the aerosol generating substance contained in the aerosol generating article. For example, the temperature, the generated amount, etc. of the aerosol generated by the amount of moisture contained in the aerosol generating substance are different.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When the aerosol generating article contains a certain amount of moisture, appropriate temperature and generated amount of aerosol are generated by preheating the aerosol generating article. However, when the amount of moisture contained in the aerosol generating article during preheating is more than the appropriate range, as the temperature rise rate of the heater decreases due to the moisture, excessive water vapor may be generated and high-temperature aerosol may be generated.

[0005] In particular, when a plurality of aerosol-generating articles are included in one package, and when the moisture content of any one aerosol-generating article is greater than the appropriate range, it can be presumed that all the aerosol-generating articles included in the package have been exposed to a humid environment.

[0006] In various embodiments according to the present invention, an aerosol-generating device is provided that can set different heating profiles by estimating the moisture content of an aerosol-generating article used during continuous smoking based on the state of the aerosol-generating article used immediately before.

[0007] The problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the problems described above, and problems 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.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] An aerosol-generating device according to one embodiment includes a housing including an accommodation space for accommodating at least a part of an aerosol-generating article, a heater for heating the aerosol-generating article inserted into the accommodation space, a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the heater, a battery for supplying power to the heater, and a processor electrically connected to the heater and the battery. The processor can acquire at least one of the data related to the initial temperature of the heater measured through the temperature sensor and the final heating profile of the heater, and control the power supply from the battery to the heater based on the acquired data.

[0009] An operating method of an aerosol-generating device according to one embodiment includes a step of acquiring at least one of the data related to the initial temperature of a heater for heating an aerosol-generating article inserted into an accommodation space through a temperature sensor and the final heating profile of the heater, and a step of controlling the power supply from a battery to the heater based on the acquired data.

Advantages of the Invention

[0010] According to various embodiments of the present invention, by setting a heating temperature profile based on the presence or absence of continuous smoking determined based on the initial temperature of the heater and the state of the cigarette used in the immediately preceding smoking operation, the risk of the user being burned by an over-wet cigarette can be minimized.

[0011] Also, according to various embodiments of the present invention, when a preset condition is satisfied, by estimating that the state of the cigarette is an over-wet state and setting a heating profile, when the need to detect the state of the cigarette is relatively low, the detection operation can be omitted to improve efficiency.

[0012] However, the effects according to the embodiments are not limited to the effects described above, and the effects 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.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013]

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The terms used in the embodiments are selected as general terms that are currently widely used as much as possible while considering the functions in the present invention. However, this may vary depending on the intentions or precedents of those skilled in the art, the emergence of new technologies, etc. In addition, in certain cases, there are terms arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in such cases, 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 mere term names, but should be defined based on the meaning of the terms and the overall content of the present invention.

[0015] 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 are implemented by hardware or software, or by a combination of hardware and software.

[0016] As used in this specification, when an expression such as "at least any one of" is in front of an arrayed component, it modifies the entire component that is not each of the arrayed components. For example, the expression "at least any one of a, b, and c" must be interpreted to include a, b, c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a and b and c.

[0017] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device is also a device that electrically heats a cigarette housed in an internal space to generate an aerosol.

[0018] The aerosol generating device includes a heater. In one embodiment, the heater is also an electric resistance heater. For example, the heater may include a conductive track, and if an electric current flows through the conductive track, the heater can be heated.

[0019] The heater 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 depending on the shape of the heating element.

[0020] A cigarette includes a tobacco rod and a filter rod. The tobacco rod can be made in the form of a sheet or a strand, and can be made of shredded tobacco obtained by finely cutting a tobacco sheet. Further, the tobacco rod is also surrounded by a heat conductive substance. For example, the heat conductive substance is a metal foil such as an aluminum foil, but is not limited thereto.

[0021] The filter rod is also a cellulose acetate filter. The filter rod can be composed of at least one or more segments. For example, the filter rod includes a first segment for cooling the aerosol and a second segment for filtering a predetermined component contained in the aerosol.

[0022] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device is also a device that generates an aerosol using a cartridge holding an aerosol generating substance.

[0023] The aerosol generating device includes a cartridge holding an aerosol generating substance and a main body supporting the cartridge. The cartridge can be detachably coupled to the main body, but is not limited thereto. The cartridge can be integrally formed with the main body, assembled, and fixed so as not to be detached by the user. The cartridge can be mounted on the main body with the aerosol generating substance accommodated therein. However, it is not limited thereto, and the aerosol generating substance can be injected into the cartridge while the cartridge is coupled to the main body.

[0024] The cartridge holds an aerosol generating substance having any one of various states such as a liquid state, a solid state, a gaseous state, and a gel state. The aerosol generating substance may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance containing a volatile tobacco flavor component, or may be a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance.

[0025] The cartridge can perform the function of converting the phase of the aerosol generating substance inside the cartridge into the gas phase by being activated by an electrical signal, a wireless signal, etc. transmitted from the main body, thereby generating an aerosol. An aerosol means a gas in a state where vaporized particles generated from the aerosol generating substance and air are mixed.

[0026] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating device heats a liquid composition to generate an aerosol, and the generated aerosol can be transmitted to the user through a cigarette. That is, the aerosol generated from the liquid composition moves along the air flow path of the aerosol generating device, and the air flow path can be configured such that the aerosol passes through the cigarette and is transmitted to the user.

[0027] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating device is also a device that generates an aerosol from an aerosol generating substance using an ultrasonic vibration method. At this time, the ultrasonic vibration method means a method of generating an aerosol by atomizing the aerosol generating substance with ultrasonic vibrations generated by a vibrator.

[0028] The aerosol generating device includes a vibrator and can generate short-period vibrations through the vibrator to atomize the aerosol generating substance. The vibrations generated by the vibrator are ultrasonic vibrations, and the frequency band of the ultrasonic vibrations is in the frequency band of about 100 kHz to about 3.5 MHz, but is not limited thereto.

[0029] The aerosol generating device may further include a core that absorbs the aerosol generating substance. For example, the core can be arranged to surround at least one region of the vibrator or to be in contact with at least one region of the vibrator.

[0030] When a voltage (e.g., an alternating voltage) is applied to the vibrator, heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations are generated from the vibrator, and the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations generated from the vibrator can be transmitted to the aerosol product substance absorbed by the core. The aerosol product substance absorbed by the core can be converted into the gas phase by the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations transmitted from the vibrator, and as a result, an aerosol can be generated.

[0031] For example, the heat generated from the vibrator lowers the viscosity of the aerosol product substance absorbed by the core, and the aerosol product substance with lowered viscosity is atomized by the ultrasonic vibrations generated from the vibrator, thereby generating an aerosol, but it is not limited thereto.

[0032] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating device is also a device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating article accommodated in the aerosol generating device by an induction heating method.

[0033] The aerosol generating device includes a susceptor and a coil. In one embodiment, the coil applies a magnetic field to the susceptor. When power is supplied from the aerosol generating device to the coil, a magnetic field can be formed inside the coil. In one embodiment, the susceptor is a magnetic body that generates heat by an external magnetic field. The susceptor is located inside the coil and generates heat by the application of the magnetic field, so that the aerosol generating article can be heated. Also, optionally, the susceptor can be located inside the aerosol generating article.

[0034] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may further include a cradle.

[0035] The aerosol generating device constitutes a system together with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle charges the battery of the aerosol generating device. Or the heater can be heated in a state where the cradle and the aerosol generating device are coupled.

[0036] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail so that those having ordinary knowledge in the art can easily implement them. The present invention may be implemented in a form that can be embodied in the aerosol generating device of the various embodiments described above, or may be implemented in various different forms, and is not limited to the embodiments described here.

[0037] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0038] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing an aerosol generation system according to an embodiment.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 1, the aerosol generation system includes an aerosol generation device 10 and an aerosol generation article 200. The aerosol generation device 10 includes a housing 100 including an accommodation space into which at least a part of the aerosol generation article 200 is inserted, and heats the aerosol generation article 200 inserted into the accommodation space to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generation article 200 is also in the form of a cigarette and contains an aerosol generating substance. On the other hand, in FIG. 1, for convenience of explanation, the aerosol generation device 10 is shown as being used with the aerosol generation article 200 in the form of a cigarette, but it is not limited thereto. Even if the aerosol generation device 10 is not in the form of a cigarette, it can be used with an aerosol generation article in any appropriate form.

[0040] In one embodiment, the aerosol generation device 10 includes a battery 110, a processor 120, a heater 130, and a temperature sensor 140. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generation device 10 is not limited to what is shown in FIG. 1. Those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field related to this embodiment can understand that some of the hardware configurations shown in FIG. 1 may be omitted or a new configuration may be further added depending on the design of the aerosol generation device 10.

[0041] In one embodiment, the battery 110 can supply power for the operation of the aerosol generating device 10. For example, when the heater 130 is an induction heating type heater, the battery 110 supplies power so that the induction coil of the heater 130 generates a variable magnetic field. As another example, when the heater 130 is a resistance heating type heater, the battery 110 supplies power so that an electric current flows through the conductive track of the heater 130.

[0042] In one embodiment, the processor 120 is also hardware that controls the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 10. For example, the processor 120 can control the operation of not only the battery 110, the heater 130, and the temperature sensor 140, but also other components included in the aerosol generating device 10. Further, the processor 120 can check the respective states of the components of the aerosol generating device 10 and determine whether the aerosol generating device 10 is in an operable state.

[0043] In one embodiment, the processor 120 can store data related to the overall operation in a separate memory (not shown). For example, the processor 120 can store data related to the power supply operation (that is, including the heating operation), such as the start time and end time of the power supply from the battery 110, the power value supplied from the battery 110, and the heating profile of the heater 130, in a separate memory.

[0044] In one embodiment, the heater 130 can heat the aerosol-generating article 200 inserted into the accommodation space of the aerosol-generating device 10. For example, when the heater 130 is an induction heating type, the heater 130 may include an induction coil and a susceptor. At this time, if a variable magnetic field is generated by the induction coil, the susceptor can be heated when the generated variable magnetic field is applied to the susceptor. When the susceptor is tubular or cylindrical, the susceptor is arranged to surround the aerosol-generating article 200 and can heat it. When the susceptor is needle-shaped or rod-shaped, the susceptor is arranged to be inserted into the aerosol-generating article 200 and can also heat it. However, the heating method of the heater 130 is not limited thereto, and the heater 130 may be a resistance heating type.

[0045] In one embodiment, the temperature sensor 140 can measure the temperature of the heater 130. For example, the temperature sensor 140 is arranged close to or in contact with the heater 130 to measure the temperature of the heater 130. The temperature sensor 140 is an RTD (Resistance Temperature Detector) sensor, an NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient of Resistance) sensor, or a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient of Resistance) sensor, but the type of the temperature sensor 140 is not limited thereto.

[0046] In one embodiment, when an input to the aerosol-generating device 10 (for example, a signal input related to the insertion of the aerosol-generating article 200) is received, the processor 120 can measure the initial temperature of the heater 130 through the temperature sensor 140. At this time, the "initial temperature of the heater" means the temperature measured when a signal related to the insertion of the aerosol-generating article 200 is input to the aerosol-generating device 10, or when a signal for switching the power state of the aerosol-generating device 10 from the off state to the on state is input.

[0047] In one embodiment, based on the initial temperature of the heater 130 measured through the temperature sensor 140, the processor 120 can determine whether the input to the aerosol generating device 10 is an input related to continuous smoking or an input related to the first smoking. At this time, "continuous smoking" means a smoking operation performed by inserting a new cigarette immediately after the previous smoking operation for another cigarette has ended, and "first smoking" means a smoking operation performed by inserting a cigarette in a state where there is no previous smoking operation (that is, a state where there is no smoking operation for a certain period).

[0048] In one embodiment, when the initial temperature of the heater 130 satisfies a predetermined condition, the processor 120 can acquire data related to the final heating profile of the heater 130 from the memory. At this time, the "final heating profile" means the temperature profile applied to the heater 130 in the previous smoking with reference to the time when smoking starts. For example, when the initial temperature of the heater 130 measured through the temperature sensor 140 is equal to or higher than a preset temperature, the processor 120 can acquire data related to the final heating profile of the heater 130.

[0049] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing an aerosol generating article according to one embodiment.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 2, the aerosol generating article 200 is divided into a first part 201, a second part 202, a third part 203, and a fourth part 204, and the first part 201, the second part 202, the third part 203, and the fourth part 204 include an aerosol generating element, a tobacco element, a cooling element, and a filter element, respectively. Specifically, the first part 201 includes an aerosol generating substance, the second part 202 includes a tobacco substance and a humectant, the third part 203 includes means for cooling the airflow passing through the first part 201 and the second part 202, and the fourth part 204 includes a filter substance.

[0051] The first part 201, the second part 202, the third part 203, and the fourth part 204 can be arranged in order with respect to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article 200. At this time, the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article 200 is also the direction in which the length of the aerosol generating article 200 extends. For example, the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article 200 is the direction from the first part 201 to the fourth part 204. Thereby, the aerosol generated in at least one of the first part 201 and the second part 202 passes through the first part 201, the second part 202, the third part 203, and the fourth part 204 in order to form an air flow, whereby the user can inhale the aerosol from the fourth part 204.

[0052] In one embodiment, the first part 201 includes a crimped sheet, and the aerosol generating element can be included in the first part 201 in a state impregnated in the crimped sheet. Also, other additive substances and flavoring liquids such as flavoring agents, wetting agents, and / or organic acids can be included in the first part 201 in a state absorbed in the crimped sheet. The crimped sheet is also a sheet made of a polymer material. For example, the polymer material may include at least one of paper, cellulose acetate, lyocell, and polylactic acid. For example, the crimped sheet is also a paper sheet that does not generate an odor due to heat even when heated to a high temperature. However, it is not limited thereto.

[0053] In one embodiment, the first part 201 extends from the end of the aerosol generating article 200 to a point about 7 to about 20 mm, and the second part 202 extends from the end of the first part 201 to a point about 7 to about 20 mm. However, it is not necessarily limited to such a numerical range, and the lengths by which the first part 201 and the second part 202 are extended can be appropriately adjusted within a range that can be easily changed by an ordinary technician.

[0054] In one embodiment, the second part 202 includes a tobacco element. The tobacco element is also a specific form of tobacco substance. For example, the tobacco element can be in the form of shredded tobacco, tobacco particles, tobacco sheets, tobacco beads, tobacco granules, tobacco powder, or tobacco extracts. Also, the tobacco substance may include, for example, one or more of tobacco leaves, tobacco veins, expanded tobacco, cut shredded tobacco, plate-shaped leaf shredded tobacco, and reconstituted tobacco.

[0055] In one embodiment, the third part 203 includes means for cooling the airflow passing through the first part 201 and the second part 202. The third part 203 can also be made of a polymer material or a biodegradable polymer material and can have a cooling function. For example, the third part 203 is made of polylactic acid (PLA) fibers, but is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the third part 203 can also be made of a cellulose acetate filter containing a plurality of pores. However, the third part 203 is not limited to the above examples, and any substance that performs the function of cooling the aerosol can be applicable without limitation. For example, the third part 203 is a tube filter or a paper tube filter containing a hollow.

[0056] In one embodiment, the fourth part 204 includes a filter substance. For example, the fourth part 204 can also be a cellulose acetate filter. On the other hand, there is no limitation on the shape of the fourth part 204. For example, the fourth part 204 may be a cylindrical rod, or a tubular rod containing a hollow inside. Also, the fourth part 204 may be a recessed rod. If the fourth part 204 is composed of a plurality of segments, at least one of the plurality of segments can be made in a different shape.

[0057] In one embodiment, the fourth part 204 can be made to generate a fragrance. For example, a flavoring liquid may be sprayed on the fourth part 204, or a separate fiber coated with the flavoring liquid may be inserted inside the fourth part 204.

[0058] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating article 200 includes a wrapper 250 that surrounds at least a part of the first portion 201 to the fourth portion 204. Further, the aerosol generating article 200 includes a wrapper 250 that surrounds all of the first portion 201 to the fourth portion 204. The wrapper 250 is located at the outermost contour of the aerosol generating article 200, and the wrapper 250 may be a single wrapper or a combination of a plurality of wrappers.

[0059] In one embodiment, the wrapper 250 includes a heat conductive material. For example, the heat conductive material is a metal foil such as silver foil paper (Ag), aluminum foil paper (Al), copper foil paper (Cu), etc., but is not limited thereto. The heat conductive material contained in the wrapper 250 can uniformly disperse the heat transferred to the first portion 201 to the second portion 202, improve the heat conductivity, and thereby improve the tobacco flavor. Further, the heat conductive material contained in the wrapper 250 can also function as a susceptor.

[0060] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a method by which an aerosol generating device controls power supply to a heater according to one embodiment.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 3, a processor (e.g., the processor 120 in FIG. 1) of the aerosol generating device (e.g., the aerosol generating device 10 in FIG. 1) can acquire data related to the initial temperature of the heater (e.g., the heater 130 in FIG. 1) and the final heating profile of the heater 130 in operation 301. For example, the processor 120 can acquire the initial temperature of the heater 130 measured through a temperature sensor (e.g., the temperature sensor 140 in FIG. 1), and when the acquired initial temperature of the heater 130 satisfies a predetermined condition, the processor 120 can acquire the final heating profile of the heater 130 through a memory (not shown).

[0062] In one embodiment, the processor 120 can detect the initial temperature of the heater 130 through the temperature sensor 140. For example, if a signal related to the insertion of the aerosol-generating article 200 into the aerosol-generating device 10 is input, or a signal for switching the power state of the aerosol-generating device 10 from the off state to the on state is input, the processor 120 can detect the temperature of the heater 130 through the temperature sensor 140.

[0063] By detecting the initial temperature of the heater 130 through the temperature sensor 140, the processor 120 can determine whether the input to the aerosol-generating device 10 is related to continuous smoking or the first smoking. That is, when the user performs the first smoking operation with one cigarette through the aerosol-generating device 10 and immediately attempts the second smoking operation with another cigarette, the aerosol-generating device 10 can determine the input to the aerosol-generating device 10 in the second smoking operation (for example, a cigarette insertion signal, a power state switching signal, etc.) as an input related to continuous smoking. In the case of continuous smoking, since the heater 130 of the aerosol-generating device 10 is already in a heated state, the heater 130 can be controlled through a preheating profile different from that in the first smoking.

[0064] Therefore, the aerosol-generating device 10 according to the present invention can control the heating operation through different temperature profiles for the cigarette inserted into the aerosol-generating device 10 by distinguishing between continuous smoking and the first smoking based on the initial temperature of the heater 130.

[0065] In one embodiment, when the initial temperature of the heater 130 satisfies a predetermined condition, the processor 120 can obtain the final heating profile of the heater 130 through a memory (not shown). For example, if the initial temperature of the heater 130 detected through the temperature sensor 140 is equal to or higher than a preset temperature, the processor 120 can obtain the final heating profile of the heater 130 through the memory.

[0066] When the initial temperature of the heater 130 is equal to or higher than a preset temperature, the processor 120 can determine the input to the aerosol generating device 10 in the smoking operation as an input related to continuous smoking. At this time, for the smoking operation corresponding to continuous smoking, the processor 120 can control the heater 130 through different preheating profiles based on the state of the cigarette in the immediately preceding smoking operation.

[0067] For example, during a smoking operation corresponding to continuous smoking, when the cigarette used in the immediately preceding smoking operation is a steady-state cigarette, the processor 120 can control the heater 130 through a general preheating profile for the cigarette used in the continuous smoking operation.

[0068] As another example, during a smoking operation corresponding to continuous smoking, when the cigarette used in the immediately preceding smoking operation is an over-wet cigarette, the processor 120 can control the heater 130 through an over-wet preheating profile for the cigarette used in the continuous smoking operation. That is, when the smoking operation corresponds to continuous smoking and the cigarette used in the immediately preceding smoking operation is in an over-wet state, the aerosol generating device 10 can estimate that the cigarette used in the smoking operation is also in an over-wet state and apply the over-wet preheating profile. At this time, the expressions "excessively wet" and "over-wet" are used interchangeably and mean a state in which the aerosol generating article 200 contains about 15 wt% or more of moisture with respect to the total weight of the article, but is not limited thereto and can be variously changed depending on the design of the manufacturer, etc.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the processor 120 of the aerosol generating device 10 can control the power supply to the heater 130 in operation 303 based on the acquired data. For example, the processor 120 can control the power supply to the heater 130 through a general preheating profile based on data related to the initial temperature of the heater 130 (e.g., "initial temperature < preset temperature" data). As another example, the processor 120 can control the power supply to the heater 130 through an overhumid preheating profile based on data related to the initial temperature of the heater 130 (e.g., "initial temperature ≥ preset temperature" data) and data related to the final heating profile of the heater 130 (e.g., "overhumid preheating profile" data). As yet another example, the processor 120 can control the power supply to the heater 130 through a general preheating profile based on data related to the initial temperature of the heater 130 (e.g., "initial temperature ≥ preset temperature" data) and data related to the final heating profile of the heater 130 (e.g., "general preheating profile" data).

[0070] FIG. 4 is a specific flowchart showing a method by which the aerosol generating device of FIG. 3 controls the power supply to the heater.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 4, the processor (e.g., the processor 120 of FIG. 1) of the aerosol generating device (e.g., the aerosol generating device 10 of FIG. 1) can acquire data related to the initial temperature of the heater (e.g., the heater 130 of FIG. 1) in operation 401. For example, if a signal related to the insertion of the aerosol generating article 200 into the aerosol generating device 10 is input (i.e., the insertion of the aerosol generating article 200 is sensed), or a signal for switching the power state of the aerosol generating device 10 from the off state to the on state is input, the processor 120 can detect the temperature of the heater 130 through the temperature sensor (e.g., the temperature sensor 140 of FIG. 1) and acquire data related to the initial temperature.

[0072] According to one embodiment, in operation 403, the processor 120 can determine whether the initial temperature of the heater 130 is equal to or higher than a preset temperature. At this time, for example, the "preset temperature" means the temperature of the heater 130 (e.g., average temperature, minimum temperature, etc.) measured when a predetermined time (e.g., 2 minutes) has elapsed after the heater 130 has finished heating.

[0073] According to one embodiment, when the initial temperature of the heater 130 detected through the temperature sensor 140 is equal to or higher than the preset temperature, the processor 120 can acquire data related to the final heating profile of the heater 130 from the memory in operation 405. At this time, the "final heating profile" means the temperature profile applied to the heater 130 during the immediately preceding smoking with reference to the time when smoking is started. For example, when the preset temperature is about 50°C and the initial temperature of the heater 130 detected through the temperature sensor 140 is about 150°C, the processor 120 can acquire from the memory data indicating that the temperature profile applied to the heater 130 during the immediately preceding smoking is the "heating profile for heating a cigarette in a wet state", or data indicating that the temperature profile applied to the heater 130 during the immediately preceding smoking is the "heating profile for heating a cigarette in a normal state".

[0074] According to one embodiment, when the initial temperature of the heater 130 detected through the temperature sensor 140 is lower than the preset temperature, the processor 120 can control the power supply to the heater 130 to correspond to a first temperature profile in operation 411. At this time, the "first temperature profile" means the temperature profile for heating a cigarette in a steady state.

[0075] According to one embodiment, in operation 407, the processor 120 can determine whether the time corresponding to the temperature rise section in the final heating profile of the heater 130 is equal to or greater than a preset time. The final heating profile of the heater 130 includes a preheating profile, and the preheating profile includes a "temperature rise section" in which the temperature rises to the preheating target temperature of the heater 130, a "temperature holding section" in which the temperature is maintained at that temperature, and a "temperature drop section" in which the temperature drops to the preheating end temperature. At this time, the processor 120 can determine the state of the cigarette in the immediately preceding smoking operation by determining whether the time corresponding to the "temperature rise section" of the preheating profile in the final heating profile of the heater 130 is equal to or greater than a preset time. For example, when the time corresponding to the "temperature rise section" in the final heating profile of the heater 130 is equal to or greater than a preset time, the processor 120 can determine that the cigarette in the smoking operation immediately before the final heating profile is applied is in a "super wet state". As another example, when the time corresponding to the "temperature rise section" is less than a preset time, the processor 120 can determine that the cigarette in the smoking operation immediately before the final heating profile is applied is in a "steady state".

[0076] According to one embodiment, when the time corresponding to the temperature rise section in the final heating profile of the heater 130 is equal to or greater than a preset time, in operation 409, the processor 120 can control the power supply to the heater 130 to correspond to a second temperature profile. At this time, the "second temperature profile" means a temperature profile for heating a super wet state cigarette.

[0077] According to one embodiment, when the time corresponding to the temperature rise section in the final heating profile of the heater 130 is less than a preset time, in operation 411, the processor 120 can control the power supply to the heater 130 to correspond to a first temperature profile.

[0078] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a temperature profile including a preheating profile related to an aerosol generating article in a normal state according to an embodiment.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 5, a processor (e.g., the processor 120 in FIG. 1) can start a first preheating profile 505 for a heater (e.g., the heater 130 in FIG. 1) by detecting a signal input operation 500 for an aerosol generating device (e.g., the aerosol generating device 10 in FIG. 1). At this time, the signal input operation 500 is also an operation related to an aerosol generating article in a normal state. For example, the signal input operation 500 may be an operation related to the insertion of an aerosol generating article in a normal state, or may be an operation related to the switching of the power state of the aerosol generating device 10 after the aerosol generating article in a normal state is inserted.

[0080] In one embodiment, the processor 120 can perform a preheating operation on the aerosol generating article based on the first preheating profile 505 during a first preheating time 520. At this time, the first preheating profile 505 includes a first temperature rising section 510, a first temperature holding section 512, and a first temperature falling section 514.

[0081] In one embodiment, the first temperature rising section 510 means a section in which the temperature of the heater 130 rises to a preheating target temperature 530. After the signal input operation 500 is detected, the processor 120 can supply power to the heater 130 so that the temperature of the heater 130 rises to the preheating target temperature 530 in the first temperature rising section 510. In the present invention, the preheating target temperature 530 means a temperature set to substantially increase the temperature of the heater 130 before heating the aerosol generating article.

[0082] In one embodiment, the first temperature holding section 512 means a section in which the temperature of the heater 130 is held at the preheating target temperature 530. After the temperature of the heater 130 reaches the preheating target temperature 530, the processor 120 can supply power to the heater 130 so that the temperature of the heater 130 is held at the preheating target temperature 530 in the first temperature holding section 512.

[0083] In one embodiment, the first temperature drop section 514 means a section in which the temperature of the heater 130 drops from the preheating target temperature 530 to the preheating end temperature 535. After the temperature of the heater 130 is held at the preheating target temperature 530 for a preset holding time, the processor 120 can supply power to the heater 130 so that the temperature of the heater 130 drops to the preheating end temperature 535 in the first temperature drop section 514.

[0084] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a temperature profile including a preheating profile related to an aerosol-generating article in a superwet state according to one embodiment.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 6, the processor (for example, the processor 120 in FIG. 1) can start a second preheating profile 605 for the heater (for example, the heater 130 in FIG. 1) by detecting a signal input operation 600 for the aerosol-generating device (for example, the aerosol-generating device 10 in FIG. 1). At this time, the signal input operation 600 is also an operation related to the aerosol-generating article in a superwet state. For example, the signal input operation 600 may be an operation related to the insertion of the aerosol-generating article in a superwet state, or may be an operation related to the switching of the power state of the aerosol-generating device 10 after the aerosol-generating article in a superwet state is inserted.

[0086] In one embodiment, the processor 120 can perform a preheating operation related to the aerosol-generating article based on the second preheating profile 605. At this time, the second preheating profile 605 includes a second temperature rise section 610, a second temperature holding section, and a second temperature drop section.

[0087] In one embodiment, the second temperature rise section 610 means a section in which the temperature of the heater 130 rises to the preheating target temperature 530. After the signal input operation 600 is detected, the processor 120 can supply power to the heater so that the temperature of the heater 130 rises to the preheating target temperature 530 in the second temperature rise section 610.

[0088] When an aerosol-generating article in a over-wet state is inserted, the time taken for the temperature of the heater 130 to reach the preheating target temperature of 530 is longer than that of an aerosol-generating article in a normal state. That is, the aerosol-generating article in a over-wet state contains a large amount of moisture compared to the aerosol-generating article in a normal state, and the large amount of moisture relatively slows down the heating rate of the heater 130.

[0089] In one embodiment, when the time taken for the temperature of the heater 130 to reach the preheating target temperature of 530 is longer than a preset time 630, the processor 120 can determine that the state of the aerosol-generating article inserted into the aerosol-generating device 10 is an "over-wet state". For example, when the temperature profile applied to the heater 130 in the previous smoking includes the second preheating profile 605 from the memory, the time taken for the temperature of the heater 130 to reach the preheating target temperature of 530 corresponds to the second temperature rise section 610, and this time is longer than the preset time 630. Therefore, the processor 120 can determine that the state of the aerosol-generating article inserted into the aerosol-generating device 10 is an "over-wet state".

[0090] FIG. 7A is a drawing showing a state in which an aerosol-generating article is continuously inserted after an aerosol-generating article in an over-wet state is inserted into an aerosol-generating device according to one embodiment.

[0091] Referring to FIG. 7A, the aerosol-generating device 10 includes a housing including an accommodation space into which at least a part of the aerosol-generating article 700a is inserted. At this time, the aerosol-generating article 700a is also the cigarette used in the previous smoking based on the time when continuous smoking is started, and the aerosol-generating article 700a is also in an over-wet state.

[0092] In one embodiment, after the immediately preceding smoking operation ends, by inserting the aerosol generating article 700b within a preset time, the aerosol generating device 10 can detect that a new smoking operation is a continuous smoking. At this time, the aerosol generating article 700b is also a cigarette used for continuous smoking. Or, when a new smoking operation is started within a preset time after the immediately preceding smoking operation ends, the aerosol generating device 10 can also omit the operation of determining whether the aerosol generating article 700b is in a normal state or a over-wet state.

[0093] FIG. 7B is a drawing showing an example of data stored in the memory of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 7A. FIG. 7B shows a database format for the execution log of a processor (for example, the processor 120 in FIG. 1) in the aerosol generating device (for example, the aerosol generating device 10 in FIG. 1), but is not limited thereto.

[0094] Referring to FIG. 7B, the execution log 750 of the processor 120 includes the number of times 705, the date and time 710, the ID 715 of the component, the operation content 720 of the component, and the parameter 725. However, this is only an example, and the execution log 750 may include various fields within the range obvious to an ordinary technician.

[0095] In one embodiment, the log data 1 is also data indicating that the insertion of a cigarette (for example, the aerosol generating article 200 in FIG. 1) into the aerosol generating device 10 is sensed. At this time, the ID 1 is also a sensor (for example, a proximity sensor, etc.) that senses the insertion of a cigarette within the aerosol generating device 10. For example, the processor 120 can sense the insertion of a cigarette through the sensor at "2022.12.11.09:00:00" and store the log data 1 in the memory.

[0096] In one embodiment, the log data 2 is also data indicating that the initial temperature of the heater (for example, the heater 130 in FIG. 1) has been sensed. At this time, the ID 2 is also a temperature sensor (for example, the temperature sensor 140 in FIG. 1) that measures the temperature of the heater 130 within the aerosol generating device 10. Also, the processor 120 can sense the initial temperature of the heater 130 through the temperature sensor 140 at "2022.12.11.09:00:05" and save the log data 2 in the memory. For example, when the initial temperature of the heater 130 is sensed to be 150 °C, the processor 120 can save "TEMP_INITIAL = 150 °C" in the memory as a parameter for the initial temperature of the heater 130. Next, the processor 120 can determine that the initial temperature of the heater 130 is equal to or higher than a preset temperature (for example, 50 °C).

[0097] In one embodiment, the log data 3 is also data for loading the final heating profile of the heater 130, and the log data 4 is also data for loading the time corresponding to the temperature rise section of the preheating profile of the final heating profile. At this time, the ID 3 is also a memory that stores data within the aerosol generating device 10. Also, the processor 120 loads the final heating profile of the heater 130 from the memory at "2022.12.11.09:00:10" and loads the time corresponding to the temperature rise section of the preheating profile of the final heating profile from the memory at "2022.12.11.09:00:12". For example, when the processor 120 obtains that the time corresponding to the temperature rise section of the preheating profile of the final heating profile of the heater 130 is 30 seconds, the processor 120 can save "TIME_T RISE = 30sec" in the memory as a parameter for the time corresponding to the temperature rise section of the heater 130. Next, the processor 120 can determine that the time corresponding to the temperature rise section of the heater 130 is equal to or longer than a preset time (for example, 25 seconds).

[0098] In one embodiment, the log data 5 is also data indicating that a heating profile applied to the heater 130 is set. At this time, the ID 4 is also the heater 130 that heats the cigarette 200. Further, the processor 120 can set the heating profile applied to the heater 130 at "2022.12.11.09:00:20" and store the log data 5 in the memory. For example, the initial temperature TEMP_INITIAL of the heater 130 is equal to or higher than the preset temperature TEMP_DET, and the time TIME_T corresponding to the temperature rise section in the final heating profile of the heater 130 RISE is the preset time TIME_T DET is equal to or longer than the above, so the processor 120 can set the heating profile applied to the heater 130 to the second temperature profile PROFILE = 2.

[0099] FIG. 8A is a drawing showing a state in which an aerosol-generating article in an over-wet state is inserted into an aerosol-generating device according to one embodiment, after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0100] Referring to FIG. 8A, the aerosol-generating device 10 includes a housing including a receiving space into which at least a part of the aerosol-generating article 800a is inserted. At this time, the aerosol-generating article 800a is also a cigarette used in the immediately preceding smoking with reference to the start time of smoking, and is also in an over-wet state.

[0101] In one embodiment, after the immediately preceding smoking operation ends and a preset time elapses, when the aerosol-generating article 800b is inserted, the aerosol-generating device 10 can detect that a new smoking operation is the first smoking. At this time, the aerosol-generating article 800b is also a cigarette used for the new smoking operation. However, when a new smoking operation is started after the immediately preceding smoking operation ends and a preset time elapses, the aerosol-generating device 10 can determine whether the aerosol-generating article 800b is in a normal state or a over-wet state. Alternatively, the aerosol-generating device 10 can presume that it is in a normal state and control the power supply so as to correspond to a temperature profile for heating a cigarette in a normal state.

[0102] FIG. 8B is a drawing showing an example of data stored in the memory of the aerosol-generating device of FIG. 8A. FIG. 8B shows a database format for the execution log of a processor (for example, the processor 120 in FIG. 1) in the aerosol-generating device (for example, the aerosol-generating device 10 in FIG. 1), but is not limited thereto.

[0103] Referring to FIG. 8B, the execution log 850 of the processor 120 includes the number of times 805, the date and time 810, the ID 815 of the component, the operation content 820 of the component, and the parameter 825. However, this is only an example, and the execution log 850 may include various fields within the scope obvious to an ordinary technician.

[0104] In one embodiment, the log data 1 is also data indicating that the insertion of a cigarette (for example, the aerosol-generating article 200 in FIG. 1) into the aerosol-generating device 10 is detected. At this time, the ID 1 is also a sensor (for example, a proximity sensor or the like) that detects the insertion of a cigarette in the aerosol-generating device 10. For example, the processor 120 can detect the insertion of a cigarette through the sensor at "2022.12.11.09:00:00" and store the log data 1 in the memory.

[0105] In one embodiment, the log data 2 is also data indicating that the initial temperature of the heater (e.g., heater 130 in FIG. 1) has been sensed. At this time, ID 2 is also a temperature sensor (e.g., temperature sensor 140 in FIG. 1) that measures the temperature of the heater 130 within the aerosol generating device 10. Further, the processor 120 can sense the initial temperature of the heater 130 through the temperature sensor 140 at "2022.12.11.09:00:05" and store the log data 2 in the memory. For example, when the initial temperature of the heater 130 is sensed to be 25°C, the processor 120 can store "TEMP_INITIAL = 25°C" in the memory as a parameter for the initial temperature of the heater 130. Next, the processor 120 can determine that the initial temperature of the heater 130 is less than a preset temperature (e.g., 50°C).

[0106] In one embodiment, the log data 3 is also data indicating that the heating profile applied to the heater 130 has been set. At this time, ID 4 is also the heater 130 that heats the cigarette 200. Further, the processor 120 can set the heating profile applied to the heater 130 at "2022.12.11.09:00:10" and store the log data 3 in the memory. For example, since the initial temperature TEMP_INITIAL of the heater 130 is less than the preset temperature TEMP_DET, the processor 120 can set the heating profile applied to the heater 130 to the first temperature profile PROFILE = 1.

[0107] FIG. 9A is a drawing showing a state in which aerosol generating articles are continuously inserted after a normal state aerosol generating article is inserted into an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0108] Referring to FIG. 9A, the aerosol generating device 10 includes a housing including an accommodation space into which at least a part of the aerosol generating article 900a is inserted. At this time, the aerosol generating article 900a is also the cigarette used in the immediately preceding smoking with reference to the time when smoking starts and is also in a normal state.

[0109] In one embodiment, after the immediately preceding smoking operation ends, when the aerosol-generating article 900b is inserted within a preset time, the aerosol-generating device 10 can detect that a new smoking operation is a continuous smoking operation. At this time, the aerosol-generating article 900b is also a cigarette used for continuous smoking. However, when a new smoking operation is started within a preset time after the immediately preceding smoking operation ends, the aerosol-generating device 10 can also omit the operation of determining whether the aerosol-generating article 900b is in a normal state or a over-wet state.

[0110] FIG. 9B is a drawing showing an example of data stored in the memory of the aerosol-generating device of FIG. 9A. FIG. 9B shows a database format for the execution log of a processor (for example, the processor 120 in FIG. 1) in the aerosol-generating device (for example, the aerosol-generating device 10 in FIG. 1), but is not limited thereto.

[0111] Referring to FIG. 9B, the execution log 950 of the processor 120 includes the number of times 905, the date and time 910, the ID 915 of the component, the operation content 920 of the component, and the parameter 925. However, this is only an example, and the execution log 950 may include various fields within the scope obvious to an ordinary technician.

[0112] In one embodiment, the log data 1 is also data indicating that the insertion of a cigarette (for example, the aerosol-generating article 200 in FIG. 1) into the aerosol-generating device 10 is detected. At this time, the ID 1 is also a sensor (for example, a proximity sensor, etc.) that detects the insertion of a cigarette within the aerosol-generating device 10. For example, the processor 120 can detect the insertion of a cigarette through the sensor at "2022.12.11.09:00:00" and store the log data 1 in the memory.

[0113] In one embodiment, the log data 2 is also data indicating that the initial temperature of the heater (e.g., heater 130 in FIG. 1) has been sensed. At this time, ID 2 is also the temperature sensor (e.g., temperature sensor 140 in FIG. 1) that measures the temperature of the heater 130 within the aerosol generating device 10. Also, the processor 120 can sense the initial temperature of the heater 130 through the temperature sensor 140 at "2022.12.11.09:00:05" and store the log data 2 in the memory. For example, when the initial temperature of the heater 130 is sensed to be 150°C, the processor 120 can store "TEMP_INITIAL = 150°C" in the memory as a parameter for the initial temperature of the heater 130. Next, the processor 120 can determine that the initial temperature of the heater 130 is equal to or higher than a preset temperature (e.g., 50°C).

[0114] In one embodiment, the log data 3 is also data for loading the final heating profile of the heater 130, and the log data 4 is also data for loading the time corresponding to the temperature rise section of the preheating profile of the final heating profile. At this time, ID 3 is also the memory that stores data within the aerosol generating device 10. Also, the processor 120 loads the final heating profile of the heater 130 from the memory at "2022.12.11.09:00:10" and loads the time corresponding to the temperature rise section of the preheating profile of the final heating profile from the memory at "2022.12.11.09:00:12". For example, when the processor 120 obtains that the time corresponding to the temperature rise section of the preheating profile of the final heating profile of the heater 130 is 30 seconds, the processor 120 can store "TIME_T RISE = 20sec" in the memory as a parameter for the time corresponding to the temperature rise section of the heater 130. Next, the processor 120 can determine that the time corresponding to the temperature rise section of the heater 130 is less than a preset time (e.g., 25 seconds).

[0115] In one embodiment, the log data 5 is also data indicating that a heating profile applied to the heater 130 is set. At this time, ID 4 is also the heater 130 that heats the cigarette 200. Further, the processor 120 can set the heating profile applied to the heater 130 at "2022.12.11.09:00:20" and save the log data 5 in the memory. For example, the initial temperature TEMP_INITIAL of the heater 130 is equal to or higher than the preset temperature TEMP_DET, and the time TIME_T corresponding to the temperature rise section in the final heating profile of the heater 130 RISE is the preset time TIME_T DET is less than, so the processor 120 can set the heating profile applied to the heater 130 to the first temperature profile PROFILE = 1.

[0116] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing an example of a first temperature profile and a second temperature profile according to one embodiment. However, in the specific description related to FIG. 10, the content corresponding to the foregoing content, or the same or similar content can be omitted.

[0117] Referring to FIG. 10, graph (a) is a first temperature profile for the heater (for example, the heater 130 in FIG. 1), and graph (b) is a second temperature profile for the heater 130. At this time, the "first temperature profile" is a temperature profile for heating a cigarette in a steady state, and the "second temperature profile" means a temperature profile for heating a cigarette in a super wet state. More specifically, the "second temperature profile" means a temperature profile for heating a cigarette estimated to be in a super wet state during continuous smoking operation.

[0118] Graph (a) shows a first preheating profile including a first temperature rise section 810, a first temperature holding section 812, and a first temperature drop section 814 in the first temperature profile. Graph (b) shows a second preheating profile including a second temperature rise section 820, a second temperature holding section 822, and a second temperature drop section 824 in the second temperature profile.

[0119] In one embodiment, the first preheating profile and the second preheating profile are different. For example, the total time corresponding to the second preheating profile (i.e., the total preheating time 826) is longer than the total time corresponding to the first preheating profile (i.e., the total preheating time 816).

[0120] In one embodiment, different from the first preheating profile, the second preheating profile includes a delay time 830. For example, the second preheating profile is a temperature profile applied to a continuous smoking operation. Since the heater 130 is already heated by the previous smoking operation during the continuous smoking operation, the processor (e.g., the processor 120 in FIG. 1) can control the power supply so that the temperature of the heater 130 rises to the preheating target temperature 800 after holding the initial temperature of the heater 130 for a first time (i.e., the delay time 830).

[0121] In one embodiment, the processor 120 can obtain the delay time 830 included in the second preheating profile by anti-windup controlling. For example, the processor 120 can obtain the delay time 830 included in the second preheating profile by anti-windup controlling methods such as clamping and back-calculation.

[0122] FIG. 11 is a drawing showing an example of the final heating profile and the second temperature profile of a heater according to one embodiment. However, in the specific description related to FIG. 11, the content corresponding to, identical or similar to the foregoing content can be omitted.

[0123] Referring to FIG. 11, when a first smoking operation on one over-wet cigarette is performed through an aerosol generating device (e.g., the aerosol generating device 10 in FIG. 1), and immediately afterwards a second smoking operation on another cigarette is performed, graph (a) is the temperature profile for the heater (e.g., the heater 130 in FIG. 1) in the first smoking operation, and graph (b) is the temperature profile for the heater 130 in the second operation. At this time, the "temperature profile in the first smoking operation" is the final heating profile of the heater 130, and the "temperature profile in the second smoking operation" means the temperature profile (i.e., the second temperature profile) for heating a cigarette that is used in a continuous smoking operation and is presumed to be in an over-wet state.

[0124] Graph (a) shows a preheating profile including a temperature rising section 910, a temperature holding section 912, and a temperature dropping section 914 in the final heating profile of the heater 130. Graph (b) shows a second preheating profile including a second temperature rising section 820, a second temperature holding section 822, and a second temperature dropping section 824 in the second temperature profile.

[0125] In one embodiment, the final heating profile of the heater 130 and the second temperature profile are different. For example, the time 824 corresponding to the temperature dropping section in the preheating profile of the second temperature profile is shorter than the time 914 corresponding to the temperature dropping section in the preheating profile of the final heating profile of the heater 130.

[0126] FIG. 12 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device 1200 according to another embodiment.

[0127] The aerosol generating device 1200 includes 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. 12. That is, a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field related to this embodiment can understand that, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 1200, some of the configurations shown in FIG. 12 may be omitted or new configurations may be further added.

[0128] The sensing unit 1220 can sense the state of the aerosol generating device 1200 or the state of the surroundings of 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 (for example, a cigarette, a cartridge, etc.) is inserted, and notification display are performed.

[0129] The sensing unit 1220 includes at least one of a temperature sensor 1222, an insertion sensing sensor 1224, and a puff sensor 1226, but is not limited thereto.

[0130] 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 may include a separate temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the heater 1250, or the heater 1250 itself can serve as a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 1222 is also arranged around the battery 1240 so as to monitor the temperature of the battery 1240.

[0131] The insertion detection sensor 1224 can detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article. For example, the insertion detection sensor 1224 includes at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, and an infrared sensor, and can detect a signal change due to the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article.

[0132] The puff sensor 1226 can detect 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 detect the user's puff based on any one of a temperature change, a flow rate change, a voltage change, and a pressure change.

[0133] In addition to the aforementioned temperature sensor 1222, insertion detection sensor 1224, and puff sensor 1226, the sensing unit 1220 may further include at least one of a temperature / humidity sensor, an air 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 are omitted.

[0134] The output unit 1230 can output information about the state of the aerosol generating device 1200 and provide it to the user. The output unit 1230 includes 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 is used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0135] The display unit 1232 can visually provide information about the aerosol generating device 1200 to the user. For example, the information about 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., abnormal article detection), and the display unit 1232 can output the information to the outside. The display unit 1232 is, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), or the like. Also, the display unit 1232 may be in the form of an LED light emitting element.

[0136] The haptic unit 1234 can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical or electrical stimulus and provide information about the aerosol generating device 1200 to the user tactilely. For example, the haptic unit 1234 may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0137] The acoustic output unit 1236 can aurally provide information about the aerosol generating device 1200 to the user. For example, the acoustic output unit 1236 can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

[0138] The battery 1240 can supply the power used for the operation of the aerosol generating device 1200. The battery 1240 can supply power so that the heater 1250 is heated. Also, the battery 1240 can supply the power necessary for the operation of other components (e.g., 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 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 1240 is a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0139] The heater 1250 is powered by the battery 1240 and can heat the aerosol generating substance. Although not shown in FIG. 12, the aerosol generating device 1200 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power of the battery 1240 and supplies it to the heater 1250. Further, when the aerosol generating device 1200 generates an aerosol by an induction heating method, the aerosol generating device 1200 may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power source of the battery 1240 into an AC power source.

[0140] The control unit 1210, the sensing unit 1220, the output unit 1230, the user input unit 1260, the memory 1270, and the communication unit 1280 can be powered by the battery 1240 and perform their functions. Although not shown in FIG. 12, it may further include a power conversion circuit, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that converts the power of the battery 1240 and supplies it to each component.

[0141] In one embodiment, the heater 1250 can be formed 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. Further, the heater 1250 can be embodied by a metal wire, a metal plate with conductive tracks disposed thereon, a ceramic heating element, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0142] In other embodiments, the heater 1250 is also a heater of the induction heating type. For example, the heater 1250 may include a susceptor that generates heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil and heats the aerosol generating substance.

[0143] The user input unit 1260 can receive information input by the user or output information to the user. For example, the user input unit 1260 includes a key pad, a dome switch, a touch pad (capacitive touch method, piezoresistive method, infrared sensing method, surface acoustic wave conduction method, integral tension measurement method, piezoelectric effect method, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc., but is not limited thereto. 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 through a connection interface such as a USB interface to transmit and receive information or charge the battery 1240.

[0144] The memory 1270 is hardware for storing 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 includes at least one type of recording medium among flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia card micro type, card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), RAM (Random Access Memory), SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), ROM (Read-Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk. The memory 1270 can store data related to the operating time of the aerosol generating device 1200, the maximum puff count, the current puff count, at least one temperature profile, and the smoking pattern of the user.

[0145] The communication unit 1280 includes at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 1280 may include a short-range communication unit 1282 and a wireless communication unit 1284.

[0146] The short-range wireless communication unit 1282 includes, 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 IrDA (infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, a UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc.

[0147] The wireless communication unit 1284 includes, 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 also use subscriber information (e.g., International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)) to identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device 1200 within the communication network.

[0148] The control unit 1210 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1200. In one embodiment, the control unit 1210 includes at least one processor. The processor may be embodied as an array of a number of logic gates, or may be embodied by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor. Also, those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which this embodiment belongs can understand that it can also be embodied by other forms of hardware.

[0149] The control unit 1210 can control the temperature of the heater 1250 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 1240 to the heater 1250. For example, the control unit 1210 can control the power supply by controlling the switching of the switching element between the battery 1240 and the heater 1250. As another example, the heating direct circuit can also control the power supply to the heater 1250 according to the control command of the control unit 1210.

[0150] The control unit 1210 can analyze the results sensed by the sensing unit 1220 and control the subsequent processes. For example, the control unit 1210 can control the power supplied to the heater 1250 so that the operation of the heater 1250 starts or ends based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 1220. As another example, the control unit 1210 can control the amount of power and the power supply time supplied to the heater 1250 so that the heater 1250 is heated to a predetermined temperature or maintains an appropriate temperature based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 1220.

[0151] The control unit 1210 can control the output unit 1230 based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 1220. For example, if the number of puffs counted via the puff sensor 1226 reaches a preset number, the control unit 1210 can notify the user that the aerosol generating device 1200 will end soon through at least one of the display unit 1232, the haptic unit 1234, and the acoustic output unit 1236.

[0152] One embodiment is also embodied in the form of a recording medium including computer-executable instructions such as program modules executed by a computer. A computer-readable medium is any available medium accessible by a computer and includes both volatile and non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media. Also, a computer-readable medium includes both computer storage media and communication media. A computer storage media includes volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media embodied by any method or technology for the storage of information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. A communication media typically includes modulated data signals such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data, or other transmission mechanisms, and includes any information delivery media.

[0153] The description related to the above-described embodiments is merely an example, and those having ordinary knowledge in the relevant technical field will understand that various modifications and equivalent other embodiments are possible therefrom. Therefore, the true scope of protection of the invention must be determined by the scope of the claims, and all differences within the scope equivalent to the content described in the claims shall be construed as being included in the scope of protection determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. In an aerosol generating device, a housing including a storage space for storing at least a part of an aerosol generating article; a heater for heating the aerosol generating article inserted into the storage space; a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the heater; a battery for supplying power to the heater; a processor electrically connected to the heater and the battery, wherein the processor acquires at least one of the initial temperature of the heater measured through the temperature sensor and data related to the final heating profile of the heater, and controls the power supply from the battery to the heater based on the acquired data. An aerosol generating device.

2. further including a memory for storing data related to the final heating profile of the heater, wherein the processor controls the power supply to the heater to correspond to a first temperature profile when the initial temperature of the heater is lower than a preset temperature, and acquires data related to the final heating profile of the heater from the memory when the initial temperature of the heater is equal to or higher than the preset temperature. The aerosol generating device according to Claim 1.

3. wherein the processor acquires data related to the time corresponding to the temperature rising section among the preheating profiles of the final heating profile from the memory when the initial temperature of the heater is equal to or higher than the preset temperature. The aerosol generating device according to Claim 2.

4. wherein the processor controls the power supply to the heater to correspond to a second temperature profile different from the first temperature profile when the time corresponding to the temperature rising section is equal to or longer than a preset time. The aerosol generating device according to Claim 3.

5. The total time corresponding to the preheating profile of the second temperature profile is longer than the total time corresponding to the preheating profile of the first temperature profile. The aerosol generating device according to Claim 4.

6. The time corresponding to the temperature dropping section in the preheating profile of the second temperature profile is shorter than the time corresponding to the temperature dropping section in the preheating profile of the final heating profile. The aerosol generating device according to Claim 4.

7. wherein the processor The aerosol generating device according to claim 4, wherein the second temperature profile raises the temperature after holding the initial temperature of the heater for about the first hour.

8. The processor The aerosol generating device according to claim 7, wherein the first hour is obtained by anti-windup controlling.

9. In a method of operating an aerosol generating device obtaining at least one of the initial temperature of a heater that heats an aerosol generating article inserted into an accommodation space and data related to the final heating profile of the heater; controlling power supply from a battery to the heater based on the obtained data. A method of operating an aerosol generating device, comprising:

10. The controlling step When the initial temperature of the heater is less than a preset temperature, controlling the power supply to the heater to correspond to a first temperature profile, and when the initial temperature of the heater is greater than or equal to the preset temperature, obtaining data related to the final heating profile of the heater from a memory. The method of operating an aerosol generating device according to claim 9, comprising:

11. The data related to the final heating profile includes a time corresponding to a temperature rise section in a preheating profile of the final heating profile. The method of operating an aerosol generating device according to claim 10.

12. The controlling step When the time corresponding to the temperature rise section is greater than or equal to a preset time, controlling the power supply to the heater to correspond to a second temperature profile different from the first temperature profile. The method of operating an aerosol generating device according to claim 11, comprising:

13. The total time corresponding to the preheating profile of the second temperature profile is longer than the total time corresponding to the preheating profile of the first temperature profile. The method of operating an aerosol generating device according to claim 12.

14. The time corresponding to the temperature drop section in the preheating profile of the second temperature profile is shorter than the time corresponding to the temperature drop section in the preheating profile of the final heating profile. The method of operating an aerosol generating device according to claim 12.

15. The method of operating an aerosol generating device according to claim 12, wherein the second temperature profile raises the temperature after maintaining the initial temperature of the heater for about the first hour.

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