Aerosol generating device using multiple heaters

Abstract

The aerosol generating device includes a battery, a DC / DC converter configured to boost the voltage of the battery to supply a boosted voltage to the first heater and the second heater, a first resistor circuit connected in series with the second heater and used to sense the current flowing through the second heater, a second resistor circuit connected in series with the first resistor circuit and used to reduce the peak value of the current flowing through the second heater, an operation switch that determines whether to pass current through the second heater, and a processor for controlling the battery, the DC / DC converter, and the operation switch.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device that uses multiple heaters. [Background technology]

[0002] Demand is increasing for aerosol generating devices that generate aerosols in a non-combustion manner, replacing the method of generating aerosols by burning cigarettes. The aerosol generating device is, for example, a device that generates aerosols from an aerosol generating substance in a non-combustion manner and supplies the aerosol to a user, or a device that generates a flavored aerosol by passing vapor generated from the aerosol generating substance through a flavor medium.

[0003] Since portability is important for aerosol generating devices, there are limitations on the overall size of the device. Therefore, the specifications of the battery provided in the aerosol generating device are also limited. Some aerosol generating devices use multiple heaters to provide a rich atomization amount or improve flavor delivery. However, since aerosol generating devices using multiple heaters consume more power than aerosol generating devices including a single heater, a technology is required to use the limited battery specifications as efficiently as possible. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Various embodiments of the present invention relate to an aerosol generating device using multiple heaters. When a battery is in a low-voltage or low-temperature state, the battery voltage drops more than normal. Therefore, if multiple heaters are activated simultaneously when the battery is in a low-voltage or low-temperature state, an error state in which heating is not possible, such as a system down, may occur due to a momentary battery voltage drop. Various embodiments may provide a technology for preventing the error state from occurring by reducing the battery voltage drop during a period when multiple heaters are activated simultaneously.

[0005] The problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and unmentioned problems will be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments pertain from this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment includes a battery, a DC / DC converter configured to boost the voltage of the battery to supply a boosted voltage to a first heater and a second heater, a first resistor circuit connected in series with the second heater and used to sense the current flowing through the second heater, a second resistor circuit connected in series with the first resistor circuit and used to reduce the peak value of the current flowing through the second heater, an operation switch that determines whether to pass current through the second heater, and a processor for controlling the battery, the DC / DC converter, and the operation switch. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The aerosol generating apparatus according to various embodiments of the present invention can prevent a situation in which heating operation is disabled due to a voltage drop caused by a momentary increase in power consumption. For example, the aerosol generating apparatus according to the present invention can prevent an error state by reducing a voltage drop in a battery in a section in which multiple heaters are simultaneously operated.

[0008] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device is a hybrid type device that uses both a heater for heating the stick and a cartridge heater for heating the liquid composition. The aerosol generating device according to the present invention can prevent an error state caused by a sudden voltage drop by adopting a circuit structure and / or a control method that can reduce the amount of voltage drop in the section where both the heater and the cartridge heater are heated.

[0009] The effects of the embodiments are not limited to the effects described above, and unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments pertain from this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a view showing an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a view showing an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a front perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 5] 1 is a perspective view of the body, cartridge, and cap of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the body, cartridge, and cap of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a cartridge of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the circuit configuration of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the circuit configuration of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14]2 is a diagram illustrating a first resistor circuit and a second resistor circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 15] 2 is a diagram illustrating a first resistor circuit and a second resistor circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 16] 16 is a diagram showing an example of a second resistor circuit shown in FIG. 15; [Figure 17] 1 is a diagram showing a DC / DC converter circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] 18 is a diagram showing an example of the DC / DC converter circuit shown in FIG. 17. [Figure 19] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment includes a battery, a DC / DC converter configured to boost the voltage of the battery to supply a boosted voltage to a first heater and a second heater, a first resistor circuit connected in series with the second heater and used to sense the current flowing through the second heater, a second resistor circuit connected in series with the first resistor circuit and used to reduce the peak value of the current flowing through the second heater, an operation switch that determines whether to pass current through the second heater, and a processor for controlling the battery, the DC / DC converter, and the operation switch.

[0012] In one embodiment, the first heater is disposed within the aerosol generating device and includes a heater for heating a stick contained in an insertion space of the aerosol generating device, and the second heater is disposed within a cartridge that is detachably coupled to the aerosol generating device and includes a cartridge heater for heating a liquid composition contained in the cartridge.

[0013] The aerosol generating device further includes an insertion detection sensor for detecting the insertion and / or removal of the stick, and the processor can start the heating operation of the first heater according to a predetermined temperature profile when the insertion of the stick is detected by the insertion detection sensor.

[0014] The aerosol generating device may further include a low-dropout (LDO) regulator configured to regulate the voltage of the battery to provide a voltage suitable for the processor.

[0015] The first resistor circuit may further include a sensing resistor connected in series with the second heater, and a current sensor for sensing the intensity of a current flowing through the sensing resistor.

[0016] The processor may measure an electrical characteristic of the second heater based on the intensity of the current sensed by the current sensing sensor, convert the measured electrical characteristic into a temperature value, and control the operation of the second heater based on the converted temperature value.

[0017] The second resistor circuit may have a resistance value in the range of about 0.08Ω to about 0.2Ω.

[0018] In one embodiment, the second resistance circuit may include a variable resistance circuit having a resistance value that is adjustable in real time.

[0019] The variable resistance circuit includes at least two resistors and at least one switch element.

[0020] The processor can increase the resistance value of the variable resistance circuit when the battery is determined to be in a low voltage or low temperature state.

[0021] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device may further include a first resistor connected between an output terminal of the DC / DC converter and a feedback terminal of the DC / DC converter, and a variable resistance circuit connected between the feedback terminal and ground.

[0022] The processor can adjust the resistance value of the variable resistance circuit so that the DC / DC converter outputs a first boost voltage when only one of the first heater and the second heater performs a heating operation, and can adjust the resistance value of the variable resistance circuit so that the DC / DC converter outputs a second boost voltage lower than the first boost voltage when both the first heater and the second heater perform a heating operation.

[0023] The variable resistance circuit includes a second resistor and a third resistor connected in series between the feedback terminal and ground, and a transistor connected between a node connecting the second resistor and the third resistor and ground.

[0024] The aerosol generating device further includes a puff sensor that detects a puff from a user, and when a puff is detected by the puff sensor, the processor drives the operation switch to start the heating operation of the second heater and applies an off signal to the transistor to reduce the output voltage of the DC / DC converter.

[0025] When the end of puffing is detected by the puff sensor or a predetermined time has elapsed after starting the heating operation of the second heater, the processor can end the heating operation of the second heater and apply an on signal to the transistor to increase the output voltage of the DC / DC converter again.

[0026] Hereinafter, the embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Regardless of the drawing numbers, identical or similar components will be designated by the same reference numerals and redundant description thereof will be omitted.

[0027] The suffixes "module" and "section" used in the following description relating to components are given or used interchangeably solely for the convenience of writing the specification, and do not have any meanings or roles that are distinct from each other in themselves.

[0028] Furthermore, when describing the embodiments disclosed herein, if a detailed description of the related known technology is deemed to obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed herein, the detailed description will be omitted. Furthermore, the attached drawings are intended only to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein, and the technical ideas disclosed herein should not be limited by the attached drawings, and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

[0029] Terms including ordinal numbers such as first, second, etc. may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms. The terms are used merely to distinguish one component from another.

[0030] When a component is referred to as being "coupled" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the component is directly coupled or connected to the other component, but that there may be other components in between. On the other hand, when a component is referred to as being "directly coupled" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0031] The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] The aerosol generation device 1 includes a power supply 11, a control unit 12, a sensor 13, an output unit 14, an input unit 15, a communication unit 16, a memory 17, and at least one heater 18, 24. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generation device 1 is not limited to that shown in Fig. 1. That is, a person skilled in the art of the present embodiment can understand that, depending on the design of the aerosol generation device 1, some of the components shown in Fig. 1 may be omitted or new components may be added.

[0034] The sensor 13 can sense the state of the aerosol generation device 1 or the state around the aerosol generation device 1 and transmit the sensed information to the control unit 12. Based on the sensed information, the control unit 12 can control the aerosol generation device 1 to perform various functions such as controlling the operation of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18, restricting smoking, determining whether the stick S and / or the cartridge 19 is inserted, and displaying notifications.

[0035] The sensor 13 includes at least one of a temperature sensor 131 , a puff sensor 132 , an insertion detection sensor 133 , a reuse detection sensor 134 , a cartridge detection sensor 135 , a cap detection sensor 136 , and a movement detection sensor 137 .

[0036] The temperature sensor 131 can sense the temperature to which the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 is heated. The aerosol generating device 1 may include a separate temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18, or the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 itself may function as a temperature sensor.

[0037] The temperature sensor 131 can output a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. For example, the temperature sensor 131 includes a resistive element whose resistance value changes in response to a change in temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. The temperature sensor 131 can be implemented using a thermistor, which is an element that utilizes the property of changing resistance depending on temperature. In this case, the temperature sensor 131 can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistive element as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. For example, the temperature sensor 131 is configured with a sensor that detects the resistance value of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. In this case, the temperature sensor 131 can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

[0038] Temperature sensor 131 may be disposed around power supply 11 to monitor the temperature of power supply 11. Temperature sensor 131 may be disposed adjacent to power supply 11. For example, temperature sensor 131 may be attached to one side of a battery that is power supply 11. For example, temperature sensor 131 may be mounted on one side of a printed circuit board.

[0039] The temperature sensor 131 is disposed inside the main body 10 and is capable of sensing the internal temperature of the main body 10 .

[0040] The puff sensor 132 can detect a user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow path. The puff sensor 132 can output a signal corresponding to the puff. For example, the puff sensor 132 can also be a pressure sensor. The puff sensor 132 can output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generation device 1. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol generation device 1 corresponds to the pressure of the airflow path through which the gas flows. The puff sensor 132 can be arranged in the aerosol generation device 1 corresponding to the airflow path through which the gas flows.

[0041] The insertion detection sensor 133 can detect the insertion and / or removal of the stick S. The insertion detection sensor 133 can detect a signal change caused by the insertion and / or removal of the stick S. The insertion detection sensor 133 can be installed around the insertion space. The insertion detection sensor 133 can detect the insertion and / or removal of the stick S based on a change in the dielectric constant inside the insertion space. For example, the insertion detection sensor 133 can be an inductive sensor and / or a capacitance sensor.

[0042] The inductive sensor includes at least one coil. The coil of the inductive sensor is disposed adjacent to the insertion space. For example, when a magnetic field changes around a coil through which a current flows, the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil may change according to Faraday's law. Here, the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil include the frequency, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc. of the alternating current.

[0043] An inductive sensor can output a signal corresponding to a characteristic of the current flowing through a coil, for example, the inductance value of the coil.

[0044] The capacitance sensor includes a conductor. The conductor of the capacitance sensor is disposed adjacent to the insertion space. The capacitance sensor can output a signal corresponding to the surrounding electromagnetic characteristics, for example, the capacitance around the conductor. For example, when a stick S including a metal wrapper is inserted into the insertion space, the wrapper of the stick S may change the electromagnetic characteristics around the conductor.

[0045] The reuse detection sensor 134 can detect whether the stick S has been reused. The reuse detection sensor 134 is also a color sensor. The color sensor can detect the color of the stick S. The color sensor can detect the color of a part of the wrapper surrounding the outside of the stick S. The color sensor can detect a value related to an optical characteristic corresponding to the color of an object based on light reflected from the object. For example, the optical characteristic can be the wavelength of light. The color sensor may be implemented as one component together with the proximity sensor, or as a separate component separate from the proximity sensor.

[0046] At least a portion of the bells constituting the stick S may change color due to the aerosol. The reuse detection sensor 134 may be disposed corresponding to a position where at least a portion of the bells, the color of which changes due to the aerosol, is disposed when the stick S is inserted into the insertion space. For example, before the stick S is used by a user, the color of at least a portion of the bells is a first color. In this case, while the aerosol generated by the aerosol generation device 1 passes through the stick S, at least a portion of the bells may be wetted by the aerosol, thereby changing the color of at least a portion of the bells to a second color. Meanwhile, after the color of at least a portion of the bells is changed from the first color to the second color, the color may be maintained at the second color.

[0047] The cartridge detection sensor 135 can detect the installation and / or removal of the cartridge 19. The cartridge detection sensor 135 can be implemented by an inductance-based sensor, a capacitance-type sensor, a resistance sensor, a hall sensor (hall IC) using the hall effect, or the like.

[0048] The cap detection sensor 136 can detect the attachment and / or removal of the cap. When the cap is separated from the body 10, parts of the cartridge 19 and the body 10 that were covered by the cap may be exposed to the outside. The cap detection sensor 136 may be implemented by a contact sensor, a hall sensor (hall IC), an optical sensor, etc.

[0049] The motion detection sensor 137 can detect the motion of the aerosol generating device and is implemented by at least one of an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor.

[0050] The sensor 13 may further include at least one of a humidity sensor, an air pressure sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, a position sensor (GPS), and a proximity sensor in addition to the above-mentioned sensors 131 to 137. The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by an ordinary engineer from its name, so a detailed description will be omitted.

[0051] The output unit 14 can output and provide to the user information about the status of the aerosol generation device 1. The output unit 14 includes, but is not limited to, at least one of a display 141, a haptic unit 142, and an audio output unit 143. When the display 141 and the touchpad form a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display 141 is used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0052] The display 141 can visually provide a user with information about the aerosol generation device 1. For example, the information about the aerosol generation device 1 can mean various information such as the charge / discharge status of the power supply 11 of the aerosol generation device 1, the preheating status of the heater 18, the insertion / removal status of the stick S and / or cartridge 19, the attachment / removal status of a cap, or a status that restricts the use of the aerosol generation device 1 (e.g., abnormal item detection), and the display 141 can output the information to the outside. For example, the display 141 can be in the form of an LED light-emitting element. For example, the display 141 can be a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), etc.

[0053] The haptic unit 142 can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical or electrical stimulus and provide a user with tactile information about the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the haptic unit 142 generates a vibration corresponding to the completion of initial preheating when initial power is supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 for a set time. The haptic unit 142 may include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0054] The acoustic output unit 143 can audibly provide the user with information about the aerosol generation device 1. For example, the acoustic output unit 143 can convert an electric signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

[0055] The power source 11 can supply power used to operate the aerosol generation device 1. The power source 11 can supply power to heat the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. The power source 11 can also supply power necessary for the operation of other components provided in the aerosol generation device 1, such as the sensor 13, the output unit 14, the input unit 15, the communication unit 16, and the memory 17. The power source 11 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the power source 11 may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited to this.

[0056] 1, the aerosol generating device 1 may further include a power protection circuit. The power protection circuit is electrically connected to the power supply 11 and may include a switching element.

[0057] The power supply protection circuit can cut off the electrical path to the power supply 11 under predetermined conditions. For example, the power supply protection circuit can cut off the electrical path to the power supply 11 when the voltage level of the power supply 11 is equal to or higher than a first voltage corresponding to overcharging. For example, the power supply protection circuit can cut off the electrical path to the power supply 11 when the voltage level of the power supply 11 is lower than a second voltage corresponding to overdischarging.

[0058] Heater 18 can heat the medium or aerosol-generating substance in stick S by receiving power from power supply 11. Although not shown in Fig. 1, aerosol generation device 1 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power of power supply 11 and supplies it to cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. Furthermore, when aerosol generation device 1 generates aerosol by induction heating, aerosol generation device 1 may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power of power supply 11 into AC power.

[0059] The control unit 12, the sensor 13, the output unit 14, the input unit 15, the communication unit 16, and the memory 17 can function by receiving power from the power supply 11. Although not shown in FIG. 1 , the power supply 11 may further include a power conversion circuit, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that converts the power from the power supply 11 and supplies it to each component. Also, although not shown in FIG. 1 , a noise filter may be provided between the power supply 11 and the heater 18. The noise filter may also be a low-pass filter. The low-pass filter may include at least one inductor and capacitor. The cutoff frequency of the low-pass filter corresponds to the frequency of the high-frequency switching current applied from the power supply 11 to the heater 18. The low-pass filter can prevent high-frequency noise components from being applied to the sensors 13, such as the insertion detection sensor 133.

[0060] In one embodiment, the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 may be made of any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, suitable electrically resistive materials include, but are not limited to, metals or metal alloys including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc. Additionally, the heater 18 may be embodied by, but is not limited to, a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate having a conductive track disposed thereon, a ceramic heating element, etc.

[0061] In other embodiments, heater 18 is an induction heater. For example, heater 18 may include a susceptor that generates heat via a magnetic field applied by a coil to heat the aerosol-generating material.

[0062] The input unit 15 can receive information input by a user or output information to a user. For example, the input unit 15 can be a touch panel. The touch panel can include at least one touch sensor that detects a touch. For example, the touch sensor can include, but is not limited to, a capacitive touch sensor, a resistive touch sensor, a surface acoustic wave touch sensor, an infrared touch sensor, etc.

[0063] The display 141 and the touch panel may be implemented as a single panel. For example, the touch panel may be inserted (on-cell type or in-cell type) into the display 141. For example, the touch panel may be an add-on type on the display 141.

[0064] Meanwhile, the input unit 15 includes, but is not limited to, a button, a keypad, a dome switch, a jog wheel, a jog switch, and the like.

[0065] The memory 17 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generation device 1 and can store data that has been processed by the control unit 12 and data to be processed by the control unit 12. The memory 17 includes at least one type of recording medium selected from the group consisting of flash memory, hard disk, micro multimedia card, card-type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk. The memory 17 can store data related to the operating time of the aerosol generation device 1, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and the user's smoking pattern.

[0066] The communication unit 16 includes at least one component for communicating with other electronic devices, such as at least one of a short-range communication unit and a wireless communication unit.

[0067] The short-range wireless communication unit 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.

[0068] The wireless communication unit includes, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (eg, LAN or WAN) communication unit, and the like.

[0069] Although not shown in FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device 1 further includes a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, through which it can connect to other external devices to send and receive information or charge the power source 11.

[0070] The control unit 12 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1. In one embodiment, the control unit 12 includes at least one processor. The processor may be embodied as an array of multiple logic gates, or may be embodied by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor. Those skilled in the art will understand that the processor may also be embodied by other forms of hardware.

[0071] The control unit 12 can control the temperature of the heater 18 by controlling the supply of power from the power source 11 to the heater 18. The control unit 12 can control the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 sensed by the temperature sensor 131. The control unit 12 can adjust the power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. For example, the control unit 12 can determine a target temperature for the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 based on a temperature profile stored in the memory 17.

[0072] The aerosol generating device 1 may include a power supply circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the power supply 11 between the power supply 11 and the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. The power supply circuit may be electrically connected to the cartridge heater 24, the heater 18, or the induction coil 181. The power supply circuit includes at least one switching element. The switching element may be implemented by a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), a field effect transistor (FET), or the like. The control unit 12 may control the power supply circuit.

[0073] The control unit 12 can control the power supply by controlling the switching of the switching elements of the power supply circuit. The power supply circuit also functions as an inverter that converts DC power output from the power supply 11 into AC power. For example, the inverter is configured with a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit including multiple switching elements.

[0074] The control unit 12 can turn on the switching element so that power is supplied from the power source 11 to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. The control unit 12 can turn off the switching element so that power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 is cut off. The control unit 12 can adjust the frequency and / or duty ratio of the current pulse input to the switching element to adjust the current supplied from the power source 11.

[0075] The control unit 12 controls the switching of the switching element of the power supply circuit to control the voltage output from the power supply 11. The power conversion circuit can convert the voltage output from the power supply 11. For example, the power conversion circuit includes a buck converter that reduces the voltage output from the power supply 11. For example, the power conversion circuit is implemented using a buck-boost converter, a Zener diode, etc.

[0076] The control unit 12 controls the on / off operation of a switching element included in the power conversion circuit to adjust the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit. When the on state of the switching element is maintained, the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit corresponds to the level of the voltage output from the power source 11. The duty ratio of the on / off operation of the switching element corresponds to the ratio of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit to the voltage output from the power source 11. As the duty ratio of the on / off operation of the switching element decreases, the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit may decrease. The heater 18 may be heated based on the voltage output from the power conversion circuit.

[0077] The control unit 12 can control the supply of power to the heater 18 using at least one of a pulse width modulation (PWM) method and a proportional-integral-differential (PID) method.

[0078] For example, the control unit 12 can use a PWM method to control current pulses having a predetermined frequency and duty ratio to be supplied to the heater 18. The control unit 12 can adjust the frequency and duty ratio of the current pulses to control the power supplied to the heater 18.

[0079] For example, the control unit 12 can determine a target temperature based on the temperature profile, and can control the power supplied to the heater 18 using a PID method, which is a feedback control method that uses the difference between the temperature of the heater 18 and the target temperature, the value obtained by integrating the difference over time, and the value obtained by differentiating the difference over time.

[0080] The control unit 12 can prevent the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 from overheating. For example, the control unit 12 can control the operation of the power conversion circuit to interrupt the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 when the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 exceeds a predetermined limit temperature. For example, the control unit 12 can reduce the amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 by a certain percentage when the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 exceeds a predetermined limit temperature. For example, the control unit 12 can determine that the aerosol-generating material contained in the cartridge 19 has been consumed when the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeds the limit temperature, and can interrupt the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24.

[0081] The control unit 12 can control the charging and discharging of the power supply 11. The control unit 12 can check the temperature of the power supply 11 based on the output signal of the temperature sensor 131.

[0082] When a power line is connected to the battery terminal of the aerosol generating device 1, the control unit 12 can check whether the temperature of the power source 11 is equal to or higher than a first limit temperature, which is a criterion for cutting off charging of the power source 11. When the temperature of the power source 11 is lower than the first limit temperature, the control unit 12 can control the power source 11 to be charged based on a predetermined charging current. When the temperature of the power source 11 is equal to or higher than the first limit temperature, the control unit 12 can cut off charging of the power source 11.

[0083] When the aerosol generating device 1 is powered on, the control unit 12 can check whether the temperature of the power source 11 is equal to or higher than a second limit temperature, which is a criterion for cutting off the discharge of the power source 11. If the temperature of the power source 11 is lower than the second limit temperature, the control unit 12 can control the power source 11 to use the power stored in the power source 11. If the temperature of the power source 11 is equal to or higher than the second limit temperature, the control unit 12 can stop the use of the power stored in the power source 11.

[0084] The control unit 12 may calculate the remaining capacity of the power stored in the power source 11. For example, the control unit 12 may calculate the remaining capacity of the power source 11 based on the voltage and / or current sensing value of the power source 11.

[0085] The control unit 12 can determine whether the stick S is inserted into the insertion space through the insertion detection sensor 133. The control unit 12 can determine that the stick S has been inserted based on the output signal of the insertion detection sensor 133. If it is determined that the stick S has been inserted into the insertion space, the control unit 12 can control the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 to supply power. For example, the control unit 12 can supply power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 based on a temperature profile stored in the memory 17.

[0086] The control unit 12 can determine whether the stick S has been removed from the insertion space. For example, the control unit 12 can determine whether the stick S has been removed from the insertion space via the insertion detection sensor 133. For example, the control unit 12 can determine that the stick S has been removed from the insertion space when the temperature of the heater 18 is equal to or higher than a limit temperature or when the temperature change gradient of the heater 18 is equal to or higher than a set gradient. When it is determined that the stick S has been removed from the insertion space, the control unit 12 can cut off the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18.

[0087] The control unit 12 can control the time and / or amount of power supply to the heater 18 depending on the state of the stick S sensed by the sensor 13. The control unit 12 can check the level range that includes the level of the signal from the capacitance sensor based on a lookup table. The control unit 12 can determine the amount of moisture in the stick S based on the checked level range.

[0088] When the stick S is in an over-humid state, the control unit 12 controls the time for which power is supplied to the heater 18, and can increase the pre-heating time of the stick S compared to when the stick S is in a normal state.

[0089] The control unit 12 can determine whether the stick S inserted into the insertion space is reused through the reuse detection sensor 134. For example, the control unit 12 can compare the sensing value of the signal from the reuse detection sensor with a first reference range including a first color, and determine that the stick S has not been used if the sensing value is within the first reference range. For example, the control unit 12 can compare the sensing value of the signal from the reuse detection sensor with a second reference range including a second color, and determine that the stick S has been used if the sensing value is within the second reference range. If it is determined that the stick S has been used, the control unit 12 can cut off the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18.

[0090] The control unit 12 can determine whether to connect and / or remove the cartridge 19 through the cartridge detection sensor 135. For example, the control unit 12 can determine whether to connect and / or remove the cartridge 19 based on the sensing value of the signal of the cartridge detection sensor.

[0091] The control unit 12 can determine whether the aerosol generating material in the cartridge 19 has been exhausted. For example, the control unit 12 can apply power to preheat the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, determine whether the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeds a limit temperature during the preheating period, and determine that the aerosol generating material in the cartridge 19 has been exhausted if the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeds the limit temperature. If the control unit 12 determines that the aerosol generating material in the cartridge 19 has been exhausted, it can cut off the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

[0092] The control unit 12 can determine whether the cartridge 19 can be used. For example, the control unit 12 can determine that the cartridge 19 cannot be used if the current number of puffs is equal to or greater than the maximum number of puffs set for the cartridge 19 based on the data stored in the memory 17. For example, the control unit 12 can determine that the cartridge 19 cannot be used if the total time that the cartridge heater 24 has been heated is equal to or greater than a predetermined maximum time, or if the total amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 is equal to or greater than a predetermined maximum amount of power.

[0093] The control unit 12 can determine whether the user is inhaling through the puff sensor 132. For example, the control unit 12 can determine whether a puff is occurring based on the sensed value of the signal from the puff sensor. For example, the control unit 12 can determine the strength of the puff based on the sensed value of the signal from the puff sensor 132. If the number of puffs reaches a predetermined maximum number of puffs or if no puffs are sensed for a predetermined period of time or longer, the control unit 12 can cut off the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18.

[0094] The control unit 12 can determine whether the cap is attached and / or removed through the cap detection sensor 136. For example, the control unit 12 can determine whether the cap is attached and / or removed based on the sensing value of the signal of the cap detection sensor.

[0095] The control unit 12 can control the output unit 14 based on the results sensed by the sensor 13. For example, if the number of puffs counted by the puff sensor 132 reaches a predetermined number, the control unit 12 can notify the user that the aerosol generating device 1 will soon be shut down through at least one of the display 141, the haptic unit 142, and the audio output unit 143. For example, the control unit 12 can notify the user that the stick S is not present through the output unit 14 based on a determination that the stick S is not present in the insertion space. For example, the control unit 12 can notify the user that the cartridge 19 and / or the cap are not installed through the output unit 14 based on a determination that the cartridge 19 and / or the cap are not installed. For example, the control unit 12 can transmit information about the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 to the user through the output unit 14.

[0096] The control unit 12 can store and update a history of events that have occurred in the memory 17 based on the occurrence of a predetermined event. The events include, for example, detection of insertion of the stick S, start of heating of the stick S, detection of puffing, end of puffing, detection of overheating of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, detection of overvoltage application to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, end of heating of the stick S, operations such as turning the power of the aerosol generation device 1 on / off, start of charging the power source 11, detection of overcharging of the power source 11, and end of charging the power source 11, which are performed in the aerosol generation device 1. The history of events includes the date and time when the event occurred, log data corresponding to the event, etc. For example, if the predetermined event is detection of insertion of the stick S, the log data corresponding to the event includes data on the sensing value of the insertion detection sensor 133, etc. For example, if a given event is the detection of overheating of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, the log data corresponding to the event may include data regarding the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, the voltage applied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, the current flowing through the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, etc.

[0097] The control unit 12 can control the establishment of a communication link with an external device, such as a user's mobile terminal. When authentication-related data is received from the external device through the communication link, the control unit 12 can remove restrictions on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generation device 1. Here, the authentication-related data includes data indicating completion of user authentication for the user corresponding to the external device. The user can perform user authentication through the external device. The external device can determine whether user data is valid based on the user's birthday, a unique number identifying the user, etc., and receive data regarding usage authority for the aerosol generation device 1 from an external server. The external device can transmit data indicating completion of user authentication to the aerosol generation device 1 based on the data regarding usage authority. When user authentication is completed, the control unit 12 can remove restrictions on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generation device 1. For example, when user authentication is completed, the control unit 12 can remove restrictions on the use of a heating function that supplies power to the heater 18.

[0098] The control unit 12 can transmit data related to the status of the aerosol generation device 1 to the external device through a communication link formed with the external device. Based on the received status data, the external device can output the remaining capacity of the power supply 11 of the aerosol generation device 1, the operation mode, etc. through a display of the external device.

[0099] The external device may transmit a location search request to the aerosol generation device 1 based on an input to start a location search of the aerosol generation device 1. When receiving a location search request from the external device, the control unit 12 may control at least one of the output devices to perform an operation corresponding to the location search based on the received location search request. For example, the haptic unit 142 may generate a vibration in response to the location search request. For example, the display 141 may output an object corresponding to the location search and the end of the search in response to the location search request.

[0100] The control unit 12 can control to perform a firmware update when it receives firmware data from an external device. The external device can check the current version of the firmware of the aerosol generation device 1 and determine whether a new version of the firmware exists. When the external device receives an input requesting a firmware download, it can receive firmware data of the new version and transmit the firmware data of the new version to the aerosol generation device 1. The control unit 12 can control to perform a firmware update of the aerosol generation device 1 by receiving the firmware data of the new version.

[0101] The control unit 12 may transmit data related to sensing values ​​of at least one sensor 13 to an external server (not shown) via the communication unit 16 and receive and store a learning model generated by learning the sensing values ​​through machine learning, such as deep learning, from the server. The control unit 12 may perform operations such as determining a user's inhalation pattern and generating a temperature profile using the learning model received from the server. The control unit 12 may store sensing value data of at least one sensor 13 and data for training an artificial neural network (ANN) in the memory 17. For example, the memory 17 may store a database related to each component included in the aerosol generation device 1 for training the artificial neural network (ANN), as well as weights and biases constituting the artificial neural network (ANN). The control unit 12 may learn data related to sensing values ​​of at least one sensor 13, a user's inhalation pattern, a temperature profile, and the like stored in the memory 17, and generate at least one learning model used for determining a user's inhalation pattern, generating a temperature profile, and the like.

[0102] 2 and 3 show an aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0103] Referring to FIG. 2, the aerosol generator 1 includes at least one of a power source 11, a control unit 12, a sensor 13, a heater 18, and a cartridge 19. At least one of the power source 11, the control unit 12, the sensor 13, and the heater 18 may be disposed inside the body 10 of the aerosol generator. The body 10 may provide a space with an opening at the top into which an aerosol-producing product, a stick S, can be inserted. The space with an opening at the top is also referred to as an insertion space. The insertion space is recessed to a predetermined depth toward the inside of the body 10 so that at least a portion of the stick S can be inserted. The depth of the insertion space corresponds to the length of a region of the stick S containing the aerosol-generating material and / or medium. The bottom end of the stick S is inserted into the body 10, and the top end of the stick S protrudes outside the body 10. A user can inhale air through the top end of the stick S exposed to the outside.

[0104] The heater 18 can heat the stick S. The heater 18 can extend long upward around the periphery of the space into which the stick S is inserted. For example, the heater 18 can be tubular with a hollow interior. The heater 18 can be arranged around the periphery of the insertion space. The heater 18 can be arranged so as to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. The heater 18 can heat the insertion space or the stick S inserted into the insertion space. The heater 18 includes an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heater.

[0105] For example, the heater 18 may be a resistive heater. For example, the heater 18 may include a conductive track, and the heater 18 may be heated by passing a current through the conductive track. The heater 18 may be electrically connected to the power source 11. The heater 18 may be directly heated by receiving a current from the power source 11.

[0106] For example, the aerosol generating device 1 includes an induction coil surrounding the heater 18. The induction coil can cause the heater 18 to generate heat. The heater 18 is a susceptor, and the heater 18 can be heated by a magnetic field generated by AC current flowing through the induction coil. The magnetic field penetrates the heater 18 and generates eddy currents within the heater 18. The current causes the heater 18 to generate heat.

[0107] Meanwhile, a susceptor is included inside the stick S, and the susceptor inside the stick S can be heated by a magnetic field generated by an AC current flowing through an induction coil.

[0108] Cartridge 19 contains an aerosol-forming material that can be in any one of a liquid, solid, gaseous, or gel state. The aerosol-forming material may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance that includes a volatile tobacco flavor component, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance.

[0109] The cartridge 19 is either integrally formed with the main body 10 or detachably connected to the main body 10 .

[0110] For example, referring to FIG. 2, the cartridge 19 may be integrally formed with the main body 10 and communicate with the insertion space through the airflow channel CN.

[0111] 3, a space is formed on one side of the main body 10, and at least a portion of the cartridge 19 is inserted into the space formed on one side of the main body 10 to mount the cartridge 19 on the main body 10. An airflow channel CN ​​is defined by a portion of the cartridge and / or a portion of the main body 10, and the cartridge 19 can communicate with the insertion space through the airflow channel CN.

[0112] The main body 10 may be configured to allow outside air to flow into the main body 10 when the cartridge 19 is inserted. In this case, the outside air flowing into the main body 10 may pass through the cartridge 19 and flow into the user's mouth.

[0113] The cartridge 19 includes a storage section C0 containing an aerosol-generating substance and / or a heater 24 for heating the aerosol-generating substance in the storage section C0. A liquid transfer means impregnated with (containing) the aerosol-generating substance is disposed inside the storage section C0. The liquid transfer means may include a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic. The conductive track of the heater 24 may be formed as a coil-like structure that wraps around the liquid transfer means or as a structure that contacts one side of the liquid transfer means. The heater 24 is also referred to as a cartridge heater 24.

[0114] The cartridge 19 can generate an aerosol. The aerosol is generated by heating the liquid transfer means with the cartridge heater 24. The aerosol is generated by heating the stick S with the heater 18. As the aerosol generated by the cartridge heater 24 and the heater 18 passes through the stick S, tobacco substances are added to the aerosol, and the aerosol with the added tobacco substances is inhaled into the user's mouth through one end of the stick S.

[0115] The aerosol generating device 1 is equipped with only the cartridge heater 24, and the main body 10 is not equipped with a heater 18. In this case, the aerosol generated by the cartridge heater 24 passes through the stick S, and is mixed with tobacco substances before being inhaled into the user's oral cavity.

[0116] The aerosol generating device 1 includes a cap (not shown), which is releasably coupled to the main body 10 so as to cover at least a portion of the cartridge 19 coupled to the main body 10. The stick S is inserted into the main body 10 through the cap.

[0117] The power source 11 can supply power to operate the components of the aerosol generation device. The power source 11 is also referred to as a battery. The power source 11 can supply power to at least one of the control unit 12, the sensor 13, the cartridge heater 24, and the heater 18. If the aerosol generation device 1 includes an induction coil, the power source 11 can supply power to the induction coil.

[0118] The control unit 12 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generation device. The control unit can be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The control unit 12 can control the operation of at least one of the power supply 11, the sensor 13, the heater 18, and the cartridge 19. The control unit 12 can control the operation of a display, a motor, etc. provided in the aerosol generation device. The control unit 12 can check the status of each component of the aerosol generation device and determine whether the aerosol generation device is in an operable state.

[0119] The control unit 12 can analyze the results sensed by the sensor 13 and control subsequent processing. For example, the control unit 12 can control the power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 so as to start or end the operation of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 based on the results sensed by the sensor 13. For example, the control unit 12 can control the amount of power and the time for which power is supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 so that the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 are heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature based on the results sensed by the sensor 13.

[0120] The sensor 13 includes at least one of a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, an insertion detection sensor, a color sensor, a cartridge detection sensor, and a cap detection sensor. For example, the sensor 13 can sense at least one of the temperature of the heater 18, the temperature of the power source 11, and the temperature inside and outside the main body 10. For example, the sensor 13 can sense a puff by a user. For example, the sensor 13 can sense whether the stick S is inserted into the insertion space. For example, the sensor 13 can sense whether a cartridge is attached. For example, the sensor 13 can sense whether a cap is attached.

[0121] Figure 4 is a front perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 5 is a combined perspective view of the body, cartridge and cap of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0122] 4, an aerosol generating device A100 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a main body A3. The aerosol generating device A100 includes a cap A30. The aerosol generating device A100 also includes a cartridge A40. The cartridge A40 may be detachably coupled to one side of the main body A3. The cap A30 may be detachably coupled to the main body A3 to cover the cartridge A40. A stick S may be inserted into the main body A3 through the cap A30.

[0123] 5, the main body A3 includes a lower body A1 and an upper body A2. Components of the aerosol generating device A100, such as a battery and a control unit, may be installed inside the lower body A1. The upper body A2 is coupled to the upper side of the lower body A1.

[0124] The upper body A2 includes a column A10 and a mounting portion A20. The column A10 may be elongated in the vertical direction. The column A10 includes an outer wall A11, an inner wall A12, and an upper wall A13.

[0125] The mounting portion A20 may protrude from the lower portion of the inner wall A12 of the column A10. The mounting portion A20 faces upward. The cartridge area A24 is formed between the inner wall A12 of the column A10 and the mounting portion A20. The cartridge area A24 is located on one side of the inner wall A12 of the column A10 and above the mounting portion A20.

[0126] The column A10 includes an insertion space A142. The insertion space A142 extends vertically from the interior of the column A10 and may be open upward so that the upper wall A13 is open.

[0127] The main body inlet A141 is formed on one side of the column A10. The main body inlet A141 may be formed by opening the inner wall A12. The main body inlet A141 may be open to the outside of the column A10. The main body inlet A141 may be connected to the insertion space A142. The main body inlet A141 may be arranged to face the cartridge region A24. The main body inlet A141 may be connected to the cartridge region A24.

[0128] The cartridge A40 is detachably coupled to the upper body A2 in the cartridge region A24. The cartridge A40 is coupled to the inner wall A12 of the column A10 and can be placed on the mounting portion A20 so that its bottom is supported. The cartridge A40 includes a first container A41 and a second container A42. The first container A41 is disposed above the second container A42. The first container A41 can store liquid.

[0129] The cap A30 covers the upper body A2 and is detachably coupled to the main body A3. The cap A30 can cover the upper body A2 and the cartridge A40 coupled to the upper body A2. The cap A30 has a space formed therein into which the upper body A2 and the cartridge A40 are inserted. The space inside the cap A30 can be open downward. The sidewall A31 of the cap A30 can enclose the sides of the space inside the cap A30. The top wall A33 of the cap A30 can cover the top of the space inside the cap A30. The insertion opening A34 can be formed by opening the top wall A33. When the cap A30 is coupled to the main body A3, the insertion opening A34 can communicate with the insertion space A142 above the insertion space A142. The cover A35 can be movably installed on the top wall A33. The cover A35 can slide on the top wall A33. The cover A35 can open and close the insertion opening A34.

[0130] 6, a first chamber AC1 is formed inside a first container A41. A liquid is stored in the first chamber AC1. A second chamber AC2 is formed inside a second container A42.

[0131] The cartridge inlet A441 is formed by opening the cartridge A40. The cartridge outlet A442 is formed by opening the cartridge A40. The cartridge flow path A443 can connect the cartridge inlet A441 and the second chamber AC2. The cartridge outlet A442 can communicate with the second chamber AC2.

[0132] The cartridge outlet A442 is formed by opening one side of the second container A42. The outlet port A422 may surround the cartridge outlet A442. The outlet port A422 may protrude from one side of the second container A42. When the cartridge A40 is coupled to the upper body A2, the outlet port A422 is inserted into the main body inlet A141, and the cartridge outlet A442 and the main body inlet A141 may communicate with each other.

[0133] The wick A45 is disposed in the second chamber AC2. The wick A45 is connected to the first chamber AC1. The wick A45 is supplied with liquid from the first chamber AC1. The heater A46 is heated to heat the wick A45. The heater A46 is disposed in the second chamber AC2. The heater A46 can be wound around the wick A45. When the heater A46 heats the wick A45, an aerosol can be generated around the wick A45 in the second chamber AC2.

[0134] The heater terminal A47 may be exposed at the bottom of the cartridge A40. The heater terminal A47 is formed at the bottom of the second container A42. The heater terminal A47 is electrically connected to the heater A46. When the cartridge A40 is coupled to the upper body A2, the heater terminal A47 comes into contact with and is electrically connected to the first pin A50. Here, the heater terminal A47 is also referred to as the second pin A47.

[0135] The first pin A50 may protrude outside the mounting portion A20. The first pin A50 may receive power from a battery installed inside the lower body A1 through a connector A97 and provide it to the heater terminal A47 and the heater A46. The heater A46 may generate heat upon receiving the power.

[0136] Air outside the cartridge A40 flows into the cartridge A40 through the cartridge inlet A441. The air can flow sequentially through the cartridge inlet A441, the cartridge flow path A443, the second chamber AC2, and the cartridge outlet A442. The air inside the cartridge A40 is discharged to the outside of the cartridge A40 through the cartridge outlet A442. The air flowing into the cartridge A40, along with the aerosol generated in the second chamber AC2, is discharged to the outside of the cartridge A40 through the cartridge outlet A442.

[0137] The first pin A50 is disposed inside the main body A3 but may protrude outside the main body A3. The main body A3 includes a mounting portion A20.

[0138] The mounting portion A20 has an outer recessed groove A25. The outer recessed groove A25 is formed by recessing the upper surface A21 of the mounting portion A20 downward. The outer recessed groove A25 is located below the cartridge area A24. The upper surface A21 of the mounting portion A20 is also referred to as the outer surface of the main body A3. The outer recessed groove A25 is formed on the outer surface of the main body A3.

[0139] The lower portion of the outer recessed groove A25 is covered by the bottom portion A251, and the side portion is covered by the peripheral portion A252. The upper portion of the outer recessed groove A25 may be open. One side of the outer recessed groove A25 may be open and not covered by the peripheral portion A252. If the x direction in the coordinate system is defined as the front, the front of the outer recessed groove A25 is open. The upper end of the first pin A50 may protrude or be exposed in a convex shape upward from the bottom A251 of the outer recessed groove A25 toward the outer recessed groove A25.

[0140] The bottom of the cartridge A40 may have a shape corresponding to the mounting portion A20 and the outer recessed groove A25. When the cartridge A40 is coupled to the upper body A2, the bottom of the cartridge A40 is placed on the mounting portion A20, and the first pin A50 and the second pin A47 may be electrically connected to each other.

[0141] A plurality of guide portions A253 may be provided. The guide portions A253 may extend long from the front to the rear. The guide portions A253 are formed at an angle so that they gradually become higher from the front to the rear. Each of the plurality of guide portions A253 is disposed in front of each of the plurality of first pins A50. The height of the rear end of the guide portion A253 adjacent to the first pin A50 is the same as or similar to the height of the first pin A50.

[0142] As a result, when the cartridge A40 is coupled to the upper main body A2, the guide portion A253 can guide the arrangement of the cartridge A40 so that the first pin A50 and the second pin A47 come into contact with each other.

[0143] Figure 7 is a front oblique view of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present invention, Figure 8 is a combined oblique view of the body, cartridge and cap of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present invention, Figure 9 is an exploded oblique view of the cartridge of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present invention, Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0144] 7 and 8, in an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present invention, a main body B100 includes an upper main body B120 and a lower main body B110. The upper main body B120 is located above the lower main body B110. The lower main body B110 may be elongated vertically. The main body B100 may house components for driving the device therein. The upper main body B120 may provide an insertion space B134 that is open upward. The insertion space B134 is located inside the upper main body B120. The insertion space B134 may be elongated vertically. The insertion space B134 is formed in a pipe B130 located inside the upper main body B120.

[0145] The upper case B200 may have a hollow shape with an open bottom. The upper body B120 is inserted into the hollow of the upper case B200. The upper case B200 is detachably coupled to the body B100. The upper case B200 may surround and cover the upper body B120. A lateral portion B211 of the upper case B200 may surround and cover a side wall B121 of the upper body B120. An upper portion B212 of the upper case B200 may cover the upper portion B180 or the outer cover B180 of the upper body B120. When the upper case B200 is coupled to the body B100, the upper case B200 may cover both the body B100 and the cartridge B300. The cartridge B300 may be disposed inside the upper case B200.

[0146] The insertion opening B214 is formed by opening the upper part B212 of the upper case B200. The insertion opening B214 corresponds to the opening of the insertion space B134. The cap B215 is movably installed on the upper part B212 of the upper case B200. A slide hole B213 is formed in the upper part B212 of the upper case B200, extending from the insertion opening B214 to one side. The cap B215 can move along the slide hole B213. The cap B215 can open and close the insertion opening B214 and the insertion space B134. The stick S is inserted into the insertion space B134 through the insertion opening B214. For example, the stick S can be a cigarette.

[0147] The outer wall B121 and the partition B125 may form a lateral portion of the upper body B120. The outer wall B121 and the partition B125 are connected to each other. The outer wall B121 is covered by the inner surface of the upper case B200. The partition B125 may separate the cartridge coupling space B124a and the insertion space B134.

[0148] The upper body B120 includes a mounting portion B122. The mounting portion B122 extends to one side from the lower portion of the partition B125. The mounting portion B122 is formed on the upper side of the lower body B110. The mounting portion B122 may cover the lower portion of the cartridge coupling space B124a. The bottom surface of the cartridge B300 may be placed on and supported by the mounting portion B122.

[0149] The upper body B120 includes an extension B140. The extension B140 extends to one side from the upper portion of the partition B125. The extension B140 may extend in the direction in which the mounting portion B122 is formed. The extension B140 may cover the upper portion of the cartridge coupling space B124a. The extension B140 may cover the upper end surface of the cartridge B300. The extension B140 may cover the cartridge inlet B301 formed in the cartridge B300. A gap through which air can flow may be formed between the extension B140 and the cartridge inlet B301.

[0150] The cartridge coupling space B124a is formed on one side of the upper body B120. The cartridge coupling space B124a is defined by the mounting portion B122, the partition wall B125, and the extension portion B140 of the upper body B120. The bottom of the cartridge coupling space B124a is covered by the mounting portion B122. One side of the cartridge coupling space B124a is covered by the partition wall B125 of the upper body B120. The top of the cartridge coupling space B124a is covered by the extension portion B140. The cartridge coupling space B124a may be open to the outside between the mounting portion B122 and the extension portion B140.

[0151] The cartridge B300 is inserted into the cartridge coupling space B124a and coupled to the main body B100. The cartridge B300 is detachably coupled to the main body B100. One lateral surface B311 of the cartridge B300 faces the partition wall B125. The upper end surface B312 of the cartridge B300 is covered by the extension portion B140. The bottom surface B322 of the cartridge B300 is placed on the mounting portion B122. The cartridge terminal B128 is connected to the cartridge B300 and can supply power to the heater B342 inside the cartridge B300.

[0152] The coupling hook B125a is formed on the upper body B120. The pusher B125b is formed on the upper body B120. The coupling hook B125a and the pusher B125b are formed in pairs on both sides and positioned opposite each other. The cartridge B300 includes a hook coupling groove B315. The hook coupling groove B315 is formed at a position corresponding to the coupling hook B125a. When the cartridge B300 is inserted into the cartridge coupling space B124a, the coupling hook B125a is coupled to the hook coupling groove B315, thereby coupling the cartridge B300 and the main body B100. The pusher B125b and the coupling hook B125a can move in conjunction with each other. When the pusher B125b is pressed, the coupling hook B125a moves in a direction away from the hook coupling groove B315, and the cartridge B300 can be separated from the main body B100.

[0153] The connecting channel B133 is formed in the lower part of the partition B125. The connecting channel B133 may be in communication with the insertion space B134. The connecting channel B133 may be open to one side of the upper body B120. When the cartridge B300 is coupled to the body B100, the discharge port B323 is inserted into the connecting channel B133, and the connecting channel B133 and the cartridge discharge port B304 may be in communication with each other.

[0154] 9, the cartridge B300 includes a first container B31 and a second container B32. The first container B31 is coupled to the upper side of the second container B32. A plate B35 may be coupled between the first container B31 and the second container B32 or between the first container B31 and the frame B33.

[0155] The first container B31 includes a first chamber BC1 capable of storing a liquid therein. The first container B31 surrounds the first chamber BC1, and the bottom of the first chamber BC1 may be open. The opening of the first chamber BC1 is covered by a plate B35.

[0156] 10, the first container B31 includes an inlet passage B302 through which air passes. The first chamber BC1 and the inlet passage B302 may be separated from each other. The inlet passage B302 extends vertically on one side of the first container B31.

[0157] The first container B31 has a cartridge inlet B301. The cartridge inlet B301 is formed by opening the top of the first container B31 and can be connected to the inlet channel B302. The cartridge inlet B301 can be connected to the upper end of the inlet channel B302. The lower end of the inlet channel B302 can be connected to the connection hole B351 and the chamber inlet B303.

[0158] The second container B32 is coupled to the bottom of the first container B31. The second container B32 has a space B324 that is open at the top and covered at the bottom. The frame B33 is accommodated inside the space B324 of the second container B32.

[0159] The second container B32 has a cartridge outlet B304. The cartridge outlet B304 is formed on one side portion B321 of the second container B32. The cartridge outlet B304 is formed inside a port protruding from the side portion of the second container B32 in the thickness direction. The cartridge outlet B304 may communicate with the space B324. The second container B32 includes an outlet port B323. The outlet port B323 may have the cartridge outlet B304 formed therein. The outlet port B323 may protrude to one side from one side portion B321 of the second container B32. The outlet port B323 may surround the cartridge outlet B304. The cartridge outlet B304 may also be referred to as an outlet B304.

[0160] The frame B33 is inserted into the space B324 inside the second container B32 and coupled to the second container B32. A fastening member B326 protruding from the sidewall of the second container B32 into the space B324 can be fastened to the frame B33 to fix the frame B33.

[0161] The frame B33 includes a second chamber BC2 therein. The frame B33 surrounds the second chamber BC2, and the top of the second chamber BC2 may be open. The top of the second chamber BC2 is covered by a plate B35.

[0162] The frame B33 includes a chamber inlet B303. The chamber inlet B303 is formed by opening one surface of a sidewall surrounding the second chamber BC2. The chamber inlet B303 may be bent upward and extend from the second chamber BC2 toward the inlet channel B302. One end of the chamber inlet B303 communicates with the second chamber BC2, and the other end of the chamber inlet B303 is connected to the inlet channel B302 and the connecting hole B351.

[0163] The frame B33 has a chamber outlet B332. The chamber outlet B332 is formed on one side of the frame B33. The chamber outlet B332 can be connected to the second chamber BC2. The chamber outlet B332 is formed inside a port protruding from the side of the frame B33 in the thickness direction. The chamber outlet B332 can be connected to the second chamber BC2. The chamber outlet B332 is formed at a position corresponding to the cartridge outlet B304. The chamber outlet B332 is formed at a position opposite the chamber inlet B303 with respect to the second chamber BC2. When the frame B33 is coupled to the second container B32, the chamber outlet B332 and the cartridge outlet B304 can be connected to each other.

[0164] The frame B33 has a core coupling groove B334 formed therein. The core coupling groove B334 may be connected to the second chamber BC2. The core coupling groove B334 is formed by recessing one side of the second chamber BC2. A pair of core coupling grooves B334 are formed, and the pair of core coupling grooves B334 are formed on opposite sides of the second chamber BC2. The top of the core coupling groove B334 may be open.

[0165] The wick B341 may have a cylindrical shape extending laterally into the second chamber BC2. Both ends of the wick B341 are inserted into the pair of wick coupling grooves B334, respectively. The center of the wick B341 is located in the second chamber BC2. The wick B341 is connected to the first chamber BC2 and receives liquid from the first chamber BC1. The wick B341 is fixed in the wick coupling groove B334 by the frame B33 and the plate B35.

[0166] The heater B342 can be wound around the center of the core B341. The heater B342 can generate heat to heat the core B341. For example, the heater B342 can be a resistive heater. The heater B342 is disposed in the second chamber BC2. An end of the heater B342 penetrates the bottom of the frame B33 and is electrically connected to an electrode disposed at the bottom of the second container B32.

[0167] The plate B35 is coupled between the first container B31 and the second container B32 or between the first container B31 and the frame B33. The plate B35 can cover and seal the open portion of the first chamber BC1. The plate B35 can cover the top of the frame B33. The plate B35 can cover and seal the open portion of the second chamber BC2.

[0168] The plate B35 has a connecting hole B351 on one side thereof. The connecting hole B351 is located between the inlet channel B302 and the chamber inlet B303. The connecting hole B351 can connect the inlet channel B302 and the chamber inlet B303.

[0169] The plate B35 has a pair of liquid inflow holes B354 formed at positions corresponding to the core coupling grooves B334. The pair of liquid inflow holes B354 are located above both ends of the core B341. The liquid inflow holes B354 can connect the first chamber BC1 and the core coupling grooves B334. The core B341 is connected to the first chamber BC1 through the liquid inflow holes B354.

[0170] The hook groove B353 is formed adjacent to the chamber outlet B332 and above the chamber outlet B332. The hook B335 may protrude downward from one side of the plate B35. The hook B353 is inserted into the hook groove B353 formed in the upper part of the frame B33 and fastened to the frame B33. When the plate B35 is fastened to the frame B33, the first container B31 coupled to the second container B32 can push the edge of the plate B35 toward the frame B33.

[0171] A user can inhale air by inserting the stick S into the insertion space B134 into their mouth. When the upper case B200 is coupled to the main body B100, air flows into the cartridge inlet B301 through an opening B201 formed in the upper case B200. The air flows into the cartridge B300 through the cartridge inlet B301 and is discharged to the outside of the cartridge B300 through the cartridge outlet B304. The air that flows into the cartridge B300 passes sequentially through the inlet flow path B302, the connecting hole B351, the chamber inlet B303, the second chamber BC2, the chamber outlet B332, and the cartridge outlet B304 before being discharged to the outside.

[0172] When the heater B342 heats the wick B341, an aerosol is formed from the wick B341 in the second chamber BC2. Air passing through the cartridge B300 is discharged from the second chamber BC2 to the cartridge outlet B304 together with the aerosol. The air discharged through the cartridge outlet B304 is supplied to the insertion space B134 and the stick S inserted into the insertion space B134 through the connecting flow path B133.

[0173] 11, the upper body B120 includes an outer wall B121 and a partition B125. The outer wall B121 and the partition B125 are connected to each other. The partition B125 extends vertically between the pipe B130 and the cartridge connecting space B124a.

[0174] The extension B140 extends from the top of the upper body B120 to one side. The upper end surface B312 of the cartridge B300 is covered by the extension B140. The extension B140 can cover the cartridge inlet B301 and its surroundings. Gaps are formed between the extension B140 and the cartridge inlet B301, and between the lower part of the extension B140 and the upper end surface B312 of the cartridge B300. The gaps can connect the cartridge inlet B301 to the outside.

[0175] The pipe B130 is formed long in the vertical direction. The pipe B130 is formed hollow. An insertion space B134 is formed inside the pipe B130. The insertion space B134 is open to the upper side. The insertion space B134 extends vertically. A connecting flow path B133 is formed inside the pipe B130. The connecting flow path B133 is formed below the insertion space B134. One end of the connecting flow path B133 communicates with the outside of the pipe B130, and the other end communicates with the insertion space B134. The connecting flow path B133 is bent to one side from the bottom of the insertion space B134.

[0176] The first sensor B161 is installed inside the extension portion B140. The first sensor B161 faces the upper end surface B312 of the cartridge B300 or the cartridge inlet B301. The first sensor B161 is installed adjacent to the cartridge inlet B301. The first sensor B161 is located above the cartridge inlet B301. In terms of the up-down direction, the first sensor B161 may overlap with the cartridge inlet B301.

[0177] The first sensor B161 can sense the flow of air in the surrounding area. The first sensor B161 can also be an air flow sensor or a pressure sensor. The first sensor B161 can sense the flow of air through changes in the surrounding air pressure. The extension B140 has a first sensing hole B144 for sensing the air flow at a position adjacent to the cartridge inlet B301. The first sensor B161 is mounted on a board disposed inside the extension B140 and is electrically connected to a controller (not shown). The controller can control the operation of various components connected to the first sensor B161 based on the air flow detected by the first sensor B161.

[0178] The first sealing part B151 is disposed between the first partition wall part B1251 and the inner plate B171. The first sealing part B151 encloses and closely contacts the upper end of the first partition wall part B1251. The first sealing part B151 is closely contacted to the lower end of the inner plate B171.

[0179] The sensor receiving portion B156 of the second sealing portion can seal the periphery of the first sensing hole B144. The sensor receiving portion B156 is tightly attached to the extension plate around the periphery of the first sensing hole B144. The second sensing hole formed in the sensor receiving portion B156 is in communication with the first sensing hole B144. The sensor receiving portion B156 is tightly attached to cover the first sensor B161.

[0180] This makes it possible to prevent damage to the substrate or sensor due to foreign matter, aerosols discharged from around the opening of the pipe B130, or foreign matter passing through the first sensing hole B144.

[0181] 12 and 13 are block diagrams showing the circuit configuration of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0182] Referring to FIG. 12, the aerosol generating device 120 includes a battery 1210, a DC / DC converter 1220, a first heater 1230, a second heater 1240, a first resistor circuit 1250, a second resistor circuit 1260, an operation switch 1270, and a processor 1280.

[0183] The aerosol generation device 120 shown in Figure 12 includes components according to this embodiment. Therefore, it will be understood by a person skilled in the art that the aerosol generation device 120 may further include other components in addition to the components shown in Figure 12. For example, the aerosol generation device 120 is substantially the same as the aerosol generation device 1 described with reference to Figures 1 to 11. Therefore, the aerosol generation device 120 may further include other components described for the aerosol generation device 1 in addition to the components shown in Figure 12.

[0184] The battery 1210 and the processor 1280 correspond to the power source 11 and the control unit 12 in FIGS. 1 to 3, respectively, and therefore redundant description will be omitted. The first heater 1230 is disposed in the aerosol generation device 120 and includes a heater (e.g., heater 18 in FIGS. 1 to 3) for heating a stick housed in the insertion space of the aerosol generation device 120. The second heater 1240 is disposed in a cartridge (e.g., cartridge 19 in FIGS. 1 to 3) detachably coupled to the aerosol generation device 120 and includes a cartridge heater (e.g., cartridge heater 24 in FIGS. 1 to 3) for heating the liquid composition housed in the cartridge. However, the first heater 1230 and the second heater 1240 are not necessarily limited thereto. The first heater 1230 may be a cartridge heater, and the second heater 1240 may be a stick heater. Additionally, first heater 1230 and second heater 1240 may be heaters for heating the same or different flavor sources and / or aerosol sources.

[0185] The DC / DC converter 1220 supplies the boosted voltage V to the first heater 1230 and the second heater 1240. OUT To supply the battery 1210 voltage V BAT In one example, the voltage V of the battery 1210 is BAT is in the range of 3.4V to 4.2V, the boosted voltage V OUT In one example, the DC / DC converter 1220 converts the voltage V of the battery 1210, which corresponds to the input voltage, into a voltage V of the battery 1210, which corresponds to the input voltage. BAT Even if the voltage is changed, the fixed boost voltage V OUT can be controlled to output

[0186] 13, the aerosol generating device 120 may further include, in addition to the battery 1210 and the processor 1280, low-dropout (LDO) regulators 1310, 1320, and 1330, a display 1325, and a vibration motor 1335. Although not shown in FIG. 13, the aerosol generating device 120 may further include other components and other LDO regulators for providing appropriate voltages to the other components.

[0187] The LDO regulator 1310 regulates the voltage V of the battery 1210 to provide a voltage V1 suitable for the processor 1280. BAT , and the LDO regulator 1320 regulates the voltage V of the battery 1210 to provide a voltage V2 suitable for the display 1325. BAT , and the LDO regulator 1330 regulates the voltage V of the battery 1210 to provide a voltage V3 suitable for the vibration motor 1335. BAT When the voltages required by processor 1280, display 1325, and vibration motor 1335 are different from each other, voltages V1, V2, and V3 are different from each other. However, depending on the voltages required by processor 1280, display 1325, and vibration motor 1335, at least some of voltages V1, V2, and V3 may be the same from each other. Under normal operating conditions, LDO regulators 1310, 1320, and 1330 adjust the input voltage V BAT A fixed voltage can be output regardless of the magnitude of the input voltage. Normal operation refers to when a voltage equal to or greater than the minimum operating voltage is input to each LDO regulator.

[0188] On the other hand, the voltage of the battery 1210, V BAT Generally, the voltage drops as the remaining charge of the battery 1210 decreases, but a momentary power consumption may cause a voltage drop of the battery 1210. In particular, when the battery 1210 is in a low voltage or low temperature state, the voltage drop of the battery 1210 is larger than in a normal state (e.g., a room temperature state).

[0189] For example, when the battery 1210 is in a low voltage state, the boost gap of the DC / DC converter 1220 increases to supply a voltage necessary for the heating operation of the first heater 1230 and the second heater 1240. Here, the boost gap refers to the difference between the magnitude of the boosted output voltage and the magnitude of the input voltage. If the boost gap of the DC / DC converter 1220 increases, the boost efficiency of the DC / DC converter 1220 decreases and power consumption increases. This increases the amount of voltage drop of the battery 1210. Furthermore, when the battery 1210 is in a low temperature state, cell balancing of the battery 1210 decreases, and the amount of voltage drop increases even with a small change in power consumption.

[0190] When the battery 1210 is in a low voltage or low temperature state and multiple heaters (for example, the first heater 1230 and the second heater 1240) are simultaneously operated, a large instantaneous voltage drop occurs in the battery 1210. The instantaneous voltage drop in the battery 1210 causes the voltage V BAT becomes lower than the voltage V1 required by the processor 1280, the LDO regulator 1310 cannot supply the voltage V1 required by the processor 1280. This interrupts normal power supply to the processor 1280, causing an error condition such as system down where heating is not possible.

[0191] The aerosol generating device 120 according to the present invention uses both the first heater 1230 and the second heater 1240, and therefore consumes more power than an aerosol generating device including a single heater. Nevertheless, the aerosol generating device 120 according to the present invention can prevent an error state from occurring by reducing the voltage drop of the battery 1210 during the period when multiple heaters are operating simultaneously.

[0192] For example, the aerosol generating device 120 may further include a second resistor circuit 1260 in addition to the first resistor circuit 1250 to reduce a voltage drop of the battery 1210. The first resistor circuit 1250 is connected in series with the second heater 1240 and is used to sense the current flowing through the second heater 1240, while the second resistor circuit 1260 is connected in series with the first resistor circuit 1250 and can reduce the peak value of the current flowing through the second heater 1240. That is, the aerosol generating device 120 according to the present invention can increase the resistance of the heating line by applying a separate dummy resistor circuit to the heating line of the second heater 1240, thereby reducing the peak value of the total current. The reduction in the peak value of the total current reduces the voltage drop of the battery 1210. Hereinafter, the first resistor circuit 1250 and the second resistor circuit 1260 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15.

[0193] 14 and 15 are diagrams illustrating a first resistor circuit and a second resistor circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0194] 14 and 15, the first resistor circuit 1250 includes a sensing resistor R connected in series with the second heater 1240. SENSE , and sensing resistor R SENSE The sensing resistor R SENSE can have a predetermined resistance value. For example, the sensing resistor R SENSE The sensing resistor R has a resistance of approximately 0.02 Ω, but is not necessarily limited to this. SENSE Since the resistance value of the sensing resistor R is predetermined, according to Ohm's law, SENSE The strength of the current flowing through the sensing resistor R SENSE This is substantially the same as measuring the voltage value across the

[0195] The processor 1280 may measure the electrical characteristics of the second heater 1240 based on the intensity of the current sensed by the current-sense amplifier. The electrical characteristics of the second heater 1240 include resistance. The electrical characteristics of the second heater 1240 may change with temperature. Therefore, the processor 1280 may convert the measured electrical characteristics into a temperature value and control the operation of the second heater 1240 based on the converted temperature value. For example, the processor 1280 may stop preheating power for the next puff if the temperature of the second heater 1240 exceeds a first threshold. Also, the processor 1280 may cut off power supplied to the next puff if the temperature of the second heater 1240 exceeds a second threshold. This prevents overheating of the second heater 1240. In one example, the processor 1280 may determine that the liquid composition has been depleted if the temperature of the second heater 1240 exceeds a second threshold.

[0196] Referring to FIG. 14, the second resistor circuit 1260 includes a dummy resistor R DUMMY Includes dummy resistor R DUMMY The resistance value of the dummy resistor R when the second heater 1240 is activated is DUMMY For example, the heat generation value of the dummy resistor R DUMMY The resistance value of the dummy resistor R DUMMY The level at which a problem due to heat does not occur is determined. Here, the problem due to heat means internal heat that affects the normal operation of other components inside the aerosol generating device 120. However, the problem due to heat includes, but is not limited to, external heat that causes a user to feel heat from the aerosol generating device 120. DUMMY The resistance value is determined to be equal to or less than an experimentally determined upper limit.

[0197] Also, the dummy resistor R DUMMYmay have a resistance value large enough to prevent an error state from occurring by reducing the voltage drop of the battery 1210. For example, the dummy resistor R may be set to a value large enough to prevent the voltage of the battery 1210 from dropping below the voltage V1 required for the normal operation of the processor 1280 even if the first heater 1230 and the second heater 1240 are simultaneously activated when the voltage of the battery 1210 is near the cutoff voltage. DUMMY can have a sufficiently large resistance value. DUMMY The resistance value is determined to be equal to or greater than the experimentally determined lower limit.

[0198] In one embodiment, the second resistor circuit 1260 includes a dummy resistor R DUMMY can have a resistance value in the range of about 0.08 Ω to about 0.2 Ω, where 0.08 Ω corresponds to the minimum resistance value that can reduce the voltage drop across the battery 1210 and prevent an error condition from occurring, and 0.2 Ω corresponds to the minimum resistance value that can reduce the voltage drop across the battery 1210 and prevent an error condition from occurring. DUMMY This corresponds to the maximum resistance value at which no problems occur due to heat generation.

[0199] Also, the dummy resistor R DUMMY may have a value for compensating for deviations in the resistance value of the second heater 1240. In one example, the second heater 1240 has a resistance value of 1.25±0.1Ω, and the deviation in the resistance value of the second heater 1240 is relatively large compared to the overall size. When the resistance value of the second heater 1240 is at its minimum value, the peak value of the current flowing through the heating line including the second heater 1240 is relatively large. If the dummy resistor R DUMMY If the dummy resistor R is not present and the battery 1210 is in a low voltage or low temperature state, an error state in which heating is not possible, such as a system shutdown, may occur due to a momentary voltage drop in the battery 1210. DUMMY It is preferable that the resistance value of the second heater 1240 is about 0.1 Ω to prevent an excessive voltage drop of the battery 1210 by compensating for deviations in the resistance value of the second heater 1240.

[0200] In an embodiment in which the first heater 1230 is a heater for heating a stick accommodated in the insertion space of the aerosol generating device 120 and the second heater 1240 is a cartridge heater for heating a liquid composition accommodated in a cartridge, the second resistance circuit 1260 for reducing the peak value of the overall current is included only in the heating line including the second heater 1240. This is because less power is consumed to vaporize a liquid than a solid, and therefore reducing the current flowing through the second heater 1240 that heats the liquid composition has little effect on the overall atomization amount or smoking taste.

[0201] Meanwhile, the second resistor circuit 1260 is preferably included in the main body of the aerosol generating device 120. However, this is not necessarily limited thereto, and the second resistor circuit 1260 may be included together with the second heater 1240 in a cartridge that is detachably coupled to the main body of the aerosol generating device 120.

[0202] Referring to FIG. 15, the second resistor circuit 1260 is a variable resistor circuit R having a resistance value that can be adjusted in real time. DUMMY_VAR It may also include a variable resistance circuit R DUMMY_VAR The variable resistance circuit R includes, but is not necessarily limited to, at least two resistors and at least one switch element. When the battery 1210 is determined to be in a low voltage or low temperature state, the processor 1280 turns on the variable resistance circuit R DUMMY_VAR That is, the processor 1280 can selectively increase the resistance value of the variable resistance circuit R when an excessive voltage drop of the battery 1210 should be prevented. DUMMY_VAR The resistance value of the resistor can be increased.

[0203] The battery 1210 may have an operating temperature range for charging and / or discharging. For example, the dischargeable temperature range of the battery 1210 is −20° C. to 70° C. or −15° C. to 60° C. The low temperature state refers to a relatively low temperature state that is included in the dischargeable temperature range. For example, the low temperature state of the battery 1210 refers to a case where the temperature of the battery 1210 is −20° C. to 0° C. or −15° C. to 5° C. However, the low temperature state of the battery 1210 is not necessarily limited thereto, and the above numerical ranges are merely examples for describing the low temperature state of the battery 1210. The processor 1280 may determine whether the battery 1210 is in a low temperature state by comparing a temperature value acquired from a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the battery 1210 with at least one threshold value.

[0204] The battery 1210 may also have a cutoff voltage at which discharge is considered complete. The battery 1210 being in a low voltage state means that the battery 1210 has a voltage near the cutoff voltage. For example, if the cutoff voltage of the battery 1210 is 3.0 V, the battery 1210 being in a low voltage state means that the voltage of the battery 1210 is 3.1 V or less. However, this is not necessarily limited thereto, and the above values ​​are merely examples for describing the low voltage state of the battery 1210. The processor 1280 may measure the voltage of the battery 1210 and determine whether the battery 1210 is in a low voltage state by comparing the voltage of the battery 1210 with at least one threshold value.

[0205] FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of the second resistor circuit shown in FIG.

[0206] Referring to FIG. 16, the second resistor circuit 1260 includes a first dummy resistor R DUMMY1 , second dummy resistor R DUMMY2, and a switch element SW. The switch element SW is implemented by a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET), but is not limited thereto. The switch element SW may also be implemented by a type of transistor other than a MOSFET, and is applicable without limitation as long as the flow of current is determined by a control signal.

[0207] When the switch element SW is turned on, the resistance value of the second resistor circuit 1260 is equal to that of the first dummy resistor R DUMMY1 When the switch element SW is turned off, the resistance value of the second resistor circuit 1260 corresponds to the resistance value of the first dummy resistor R DUMMY1 and the resistance of the second dummy resistor R DUMMY2 and the resistance value of the second resistor circuit 1260. That is, when the switch element SW is turned off, the resistance value of the second resistor circuit 1260 is higher than when the switch element SW is turned on. When the battery 1210 is in a low voltage or low temperature state, the processor 1280 can increase the resistance value of the second resistor circuit 1260 by turning off the switch element SW.

[0208] Meanwhile, the second resistor circuit 1260 shown in Fig. 16 corresponds to an example of the second resistor circuit 1260 shown in Fig. 15. The second resistor circuit 1260 shown in Fig. 15 may have a circuit structure different from that of the second resistor circuit 1260 shown in Fig. 16. For example, the second resistor circuit 1260 shown in Fig. 15 may be implemented such that its resistance value increases when at least one switch element is turned on.

[0209] 12, the operation switch 1270 can determine whether or not to pass current through the second heater 1240. That is, when the operation switch 1270 is turned on, the operation switch 1270 provides an electrical connection so that current flows through the second heater 1240, and when the operation switch 1270 is turned off, the operation switch 1270 can cut off the electrical connection so that no current flows through the second heater 1240.

[0210] The operation switch 1270 is implemented by an N-channel MOSFET. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the operation switch 1270 may be implemented by a P-channel MOSFET or other types of semiconductor switching elements instead of an N-channel MOSFET. The operation switch 1270 may also be implemented by other types of transistors other than a MOSFET, without limitation, as long as the flow of current is determined by a control signal. The operation switch 1270 may be turned on / off by a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signal.

[0211] The processor 1280 may control the battery 1210, the DC / DC converter 1220, and the operation switch 1270. For example, the processor 1280 may control at least one of the battery 1210, the DC / DC converter 1220, and the operation switch 1270 so that power is supplied to the first heater 1230 and / or the second heater 1240. The processor 1280 may also receive a signal related to an electrical characteristic of the second heater 1240 from the first resistance circuit 1250 and control the operation of the second heater 1240 based on the received signal. The second resistance circuit 1260 may also control the variable resistance circuit R DUMMY_VAR In an embodiment including the above, the processor 1280 uses the control signal to adjust the variable resistance circuit R DUMMY_VAR The resistance value of can be adjusted.

[0212] 12 shows the second heater 1240, the first resistor circuit 1250, the second resistor circuit 1260, and the operation switch 1270 arranged in the listed order, but is not limited to this. The second heater 1240, the first resistor circuit 1250, the second resistor circuit 1260, and the operation switch 1270 can be arranged in any order along the heating line.

[0213] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a DC / DC converter circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0214] 17, the aerosol generating device 120 may further include a first resistor R1 connected between an output terminal OUT of the DC / DC converter 1220 and a feedback terminal FB of the DC / DC converter 1220, and a variable resistor circuit R2 connected between the feedback terminal FB and ground. OUT is the voltage V at the feedback terminal FB FB and the resistance values ​​of the resistor divider circuit (i.e., R1 and R2). For example, the output voltage V OUT is determined by the following equation 1:

[0215]

number

[0216] Therefore, if the resistance value of the variable resistor circuit R2 increases, the output voltage V OUT Conversely, if the resistance value of the variable resistor circuit R2 decreases, the output voltage V of the DC / DC converter 1220 decreases. OUT increases.

[0217] When only one of the first heater 1230 and the second heater 1240 is performing a heating operation, the processor 1280 adjusts the resistance value of the variable resistance circuit R2 so that the DC / DC converter 1220 outputs a first boost voltage, and when both the first heater 1230 and the second heater 1240 are performing a heating operation, the processor 1280 adjusts the resistance value of the variable resistance circuit R2 so that the DC / DC converter 1220 outputs a second boost voltage that is lower than the first boost voltage.

[0218] Assuming that the heating operation of the first heater 1230 is already in progress before the heating operation of the second heater 1240 is performed, the processor 1280 can control the DC / DC converter 1220 to output a first boost voltage when the second heater 1240 is not performing a heating operation, and can control the DC / DC converter 1220 to output a second boost voltage lower than the first boost voltage when the second heater 1240 is performing a heating operation.

[0219] The second boost voltage is lower than the first boost voltage to prevent an excessive voltage drop in the battery 1210, but not to significantly affect the heating operations of the first heater 1230 and the second heater 1240. For example, the second boost voltage is lower than the first boost voltage by only a difference in the range of 2% to 5% of the first boost voltage. In a specific example, the first boost voltage is 4.5V, and the second boost voltage is approximately 4.3V to 4.4V.

[0220] In one embodiment, when the aerosol generating device 120 includes a puff sensor that detects a puff by a user, the processor 1280 may activate the operation switch 1270 to start the heating operation of the second heater 1240 when a puff is detected by the puff sensor. Before the heating operation of the second heater 1240 starts, the first heater 1230 is already performing a heating operation. For example, the heating operation of the first heater 1230 is started when the insertion detection sensor detects the insertion of a stick. Therefore, when a puff is detected by the puff sensor, both the first heater 1230 and the second heater 1240 are heated.

[0221] When the puff sensor detects a puff, the processor 1280 increases the resistance value of the variable resistor circuit R2 to increase the output voltage V of the DC / DC converter 1220. OUT The output voltage V of the DC / DC converter 1220 can be reduced. OUT If V decreases, the voltage supplied to the first heater 1230 and the second heater 1240 decreases, and the peak value of the total current consumption decreases.OUT By controlling the voltage drop due to a momentary increase in power consumption, it is possible to further prevent an error state from occurring due to a voltage drop caused by a momentary increase in power consumption. A dummy resistor (e.g., second resistor circuit 1260) placed in the heating line of second heater 1240 reduces only the peak value of the current consumed to heat second heater 1240, but also reduces the output voltage V of DC / DC converter 1220. OUT If θ decreases, the peak value of the current consumed to heat both the first heater 1230 and the second heater 1240 decreases.

[0222] When the end of puffing is detected by the puff sensor or a predetermined time has elapsed after the start of the heating operation of the second heater 1240, the processor 1280 ends the heating operation of the second heater 1240 and reduces the resistance value of the variable resistance circuit R2, thereby reducing the output voltage V of the DC / DC converter 1220. OUT can be increased again.

[0223] The processor 1280 may determine only one of whether the end of puffing is detected by the puff sensor and whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the heating operation of the second heater 1240. However, this is not necessarily limited thereto, and the processor 1280 may determine both whether the end of puffing is detected by the puff sensor and whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the heating operation of the second heater 1240. In one example, when the processor 1280 determines only whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the heating operation of the second heater 1240, the processor 1280 may end the heating operation of the second heater 1240 if a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the heating operation of the second heater 1240, regardless of whether the end of puffing is detected.

[0224] On the other hand, the DC / DC converter 1220 can control the output voltage V by changing the switching frequency. OUTHowever, the output voltage range that can be efficiently boosted is limited by changing the switching frequency. Therefore, as in the embodiment of the present invention, the output voltage V of the DC / DC converter 1220 is adjusted using the variable resistor circuit R2. OUT It is more preferable to adjust

[0225] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the DC / DC converter circuit shown in FIG.

[0226] 18, variable resistance circuit R2, which corresponds to variable resistance circuit R2 of FIG. 17, includes second and third resistors R21 and R22 connected in series between feedback terminal FB of DC / DC converter 1220 and ground. Variable resistance circuit R2 also includes a transistor FET connected between ground and a node connecting second and third resistors R21 and R22. The transistor FET may be implemented using a MOSFET, but is not limited thereto. The transistor FET may also be implemented using other types of transistors, and is applicable without limitation as long as the flow of current is determined by a control signal.

[0227] When the transistor FET is turned on, the resistance value of the variable resistance circuit R2 corresponds to the resistance value of the second resistor R21, and when the transistor FET is turned off, the resistance value of the variable resistance circuit R2 corresponds to the sum of the resistance values ​​of the second resistor R21 and the third resistor R22. That is, when the transistor FET is turned off, the resistance value of the variable resistance circuit R2 is higher than when the transistor FET is turned on. The processor 1280 can apply an on signal to the transistor FET when only one of the first heater 1230 and the second heater 1240 performs a heating operation, and can apply an off signal to the transistor FET when the first heater 1230 and the second heater 1240 perform a heating operation simultaneously.

[0228] In one embodiment, when a puff is detected by the puff sensor, the processor 1280 activates the operation switch 1270 to start the heating operation of the second heater 1240, and applies an OFF signal to the transistor FET, thereby reducing the output voltage V of the DC / DC converter 1220. OUT In addition, when the end of puffing is detected by the puff sensor or a predetermined time has elapsed after the start of the heating operation of the second heater 1240, the processor 1280 ends the heating operation of the second heater 1240 and applies an ON signal to the transistor FET, thereby reducing the output voltage V of the DC / DC converter 1220. OUT can be increased again.

[0229] On the other hand, the DC / DC converter circuit shown in Fig. 18 corresponds to an example of the DC / DC converter circuit shown in Fig. 17. The DC / DC converter circuit shown in Fig. 17 may have a different structure from the DC / DC converter circuit shown in Fig. 18. For example, the DC / DC converter circuit shown in Fig. 17 may be configured such that when the transistor FET is turned on, the output voltage V OUT 18 shows an embodiment in which the resistance value of the variable resistor circuit R2 is variable, but an embodiment in which the resistance value of the first resistor R1 is variable may also be implemented.

[0230] FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0231] 19, the method for operating the aerosol generating device includes steps performed by the aerosol generating device 1 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11 or the aerosol generating device 120 described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 18. Therefore, even if the content is omitted below, it can be understood that the content described for the aerosol generating device 1 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11 or the aerosol generating device 120 described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 18 can also be applied to the method for operating the aerosol generating device in FIG. 19.

[0232] In step 1910, the aerosol generating device may determine whether or not stick insertion has been detected. For example, the aerosol generating device may include an insertion detection sensor for detecting the insertion and / or removal of a stick, and may use the insertion detection sensor to determine whether or not stick insertion has been detected. If stick insertion has been detected, the aerosol generating device may perform step 1920, and if stick insertion has not been detected, the aerosol generating device may wait for stick insertion.

[0233] In step 1920, the aerosol generating device may start a heating operation of a first heater (e.g., heater 18 in FIGS. 1 to 3 or first heater 1230 in FIG. 12) according to a predetermined temperature profile. The temperature profile refers to a predetermined temperature change over time or the number of puffs during one smoking action. The first heater is disposed within the aerosol generating device and includes a heater for heating a stick accommodated in the insertion space of the aerosol generating device.

[0234] In step 1930, the aerosol generating device may determine whether a puff from the user has been detected. For example, the aerosol generating device may include a puff sensor that detects a puff from the user, and may use the puff sensor to determine whether a puff from the user has been detected. If a puff from the user has been detected, the aerosol generating device may perform step 1940. If a puff from the user has not been detected, the aerosol generating device may wait for a puff from the user.

[0235] In step 1940, the aerosol generating device can start the heating operation of the second heater (e.g., cartridge heater 24 in FIGS. 1 to 3 or second heater 1240 in FIG. 12) and reduce the output voltage of the DC / DC converter (e.g., DC / DC converter 1220 in FIG. 12). The second heater is disposed in a cartridge that is detachably coupled to the aerosol generating device and includes a cartridge heater for heating the liquid composition contained in the cartridge.

[0236] If the user puffs while the first heater is heating the stick, the aerosol generating device may heat the second heater along with the first heater. A peak in current consumption occurs when both the first heater and the second heater are heated, which may result in a significant drop in battery voltage. The aerosol generating device according to the present invention can reduce the output voltage of the DC / DC converter to prevent an error state, such as a system shutdown, from occurring due to the drop in battery voltage.

[0237] In step 1950, the aerosol generating device may determine whether the user's puff has ended or whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the heating operation of the second heater was initiated. That is, the aerosol generating device may determine whether to terminate the heating operation of the second heater. The aerosol generating device may determine only one of whether the end of the puff is detected by the puff sensor and whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the heating operation of the second heater was initiated. However, this is not necessarily limited thereto, and the aerosol generating device may determine both whether the end of the puff is detected by the puff sensor and whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the heating operation of the second heater was initiated. In one example, when the aerosol generating device determines only whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the heating operation of the second heater was initiated, the aerosol generating device may terminate the heating operation of the second heater if a predetermined time has elapsed since the heating operation of the second heater was initiated, regardless of whether the end of the puff is detected. The aerosol generating device performs step 1960 when a predetermined time has elapsed after the user has finished puffing or the second heater has started heating.

[0238] In operation 1960, the aerosol generating apparatus may terminate the heating operation of the second heater and increase the output voltage of the DC / DC converter again. After the heating operation of the second heater is terminated, the aerosol generating apparatus performs only the heating operation of the first heater. In this case, the battery voltage drop is reduced compared to the period in which both the first heater and the second heater are heated, and therefore, a control operation to prevent an excessive battery voltage drop does not need to be performed. Therefore, the aerosol generating apparatus may increase the output voltage of the DC / DC converter again.

[0239] In step 1970, the aerosol generating apparatus may determine whether the temperature profile of the first heater is complete or the number of puffs has reached a threshold value. That is, the aerosol generating apparatus may determine whether to terminate the heating operation of the first heater. If the temperature profile of the first heater is complete or the number of puffs has reached a threshold value, the aerosol generating apparatus performs step 1980.

[0240] In step 1980, the aerosol generating device can end the heating operation of the first heater. The end of the heating operation of the first heater means the end of one smoking action using the aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device waits until the used stick is removed and a new stick is inserted again. When a new stick is inserted, the aerosol generating device can start a new smoking action and repeat the above steps.

[0241] The above-described embodiments of the present invention or other embodiments are not mutually exclusive or distinct, and the respective configurations or functions of the above-described embodiments of the present invention or other embodiments may be used together or combined.

[0242] For example, it means that a configuration A described in a particular embodiment and / or drawing can be combined with a configuration B described in another embodiment and / or drawing. In other words, even if a combination between components is not directly described, it means that the combination is possible unless it is described that the combination is impossible.

[0243] The above detailed description should not be construed as limiting in any respect, but should be considered as illustrative. The scope of the present invention should be determined by reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent range of the present invention are included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. In the aerosol generating device, A battery, a DC / DC converter configured to boost the voltage of the battery to provide a boosted voltage to the first heater and the second heater; a first resistor circuit connected in series with the second heater and used to sense a current flowing through the second heater; a second resistor circuit connected in series with the first resistor circuit to reduce a peak value of a current flowing through the second heater; an operation switch that determines whether or not current is passed through the second heater; a processor for controlling the battery, the DC / DC converter, and the operation switch.

2. the first heater is disposed within the aerosol generating device and includes a heater for heating a stick accommodated in an insertion space of the aerosol generating device; The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the second heater is disposed within a cartridge that is detachably coupled to the aerosol generating device and includes a cartridge heater for heating a liquid composition contained in the cartridge.

3. The aerosol generating device comprises: further comprising an insertion detection sensor for detecting the insertion and / or removal of the stick; The processor: The aerosol generating device according to claim 2 , wherein when the insertion detection sensor detects the insertion of the stick, the first heater starts a heating operation according to a predetermined temperature profile.

4. The aerosol generating device comprises:

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, further comprising a low-dropout (LDO) regulator configured to regulate the voltage of the battery to provide a suitable voltage for the processor.

5. The first resistor circuit comprises: a sensing resistor connected in series with the second heater; The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , further comprising: a current sensing sensor for sensing the intensity of the current flowing through the sensing resistor.

6. The processor: The aerosol generating device of claim 5, wherein the electrical characteristics of the second heater are measured based on the intensity of the current sensed by the current sensing sensor, the measured electrical characteristics are converted into a temperature value, and the operation of the second heater is controlled based on the converted temperature value.

7. 2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the second resistance circuit has a resistance value in the range of about 0.08 Ω to about 0.2 Ω.

8. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the second resistance circuit includes a variable resistance circuit having a resistance value that can be adjusted in real time.

9. The aerosol generating device according to claim 8 , wherein the variable resistance circuit includes at least two resistors and at least one switch element.

10. The processor: The aerosol generating device according to claim 8 , wherein the resistance value of the variable resistance circuit is increased when the battery is determined to be in a low voltage or low temperature state.

11. The aerosol generating device comprises: a first resistor connected between an output terminal of the DC / DC converter and a feedback terminal of the DC / DC converter; The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , further comprising: a variable resistance circuit coupled between the feedback terminal and ground.

12. The processor: When only one of the first heater and the second heater performs a heating operation, adjusting a resistance value of the variable resistor circuit so that the DC / DC converter outputs a first boosted voltage; When both the first heater and the second heater perform a heating operation, The aerosol generating device according to claim 11, wherein the resistance value of the variable resistance circuit is adjusted so that the DC / DC converter outputs a second boosted voltage that is lower than the first boosted voltage.

13. The variable resistance circuit a second resistor and a third resistor connected in series between the feedback terminal and ground; The aerosol generating device according to claim 11 , further comprising: a transistor coupled between a node connecting the second resistor and the third resistor and ground.

14. The aerosol generating device comprises: further comprising a puff sensor for detecting a puff by a user; The processor: If a puff is detected by the puff sensor, The aerosol generating device according to claim 13, wherein the operation switch is driven to start the heating operation of the second heater and an off signal is applied to the transistor to reduce the output voltage of the DC / DC converter.

15. The processor: When the puff sensor detects the end of puffing or when a predetermined time has elapsed after the second heater starts heating, The aerosol generating device according to claim 14 , wherein the heating operation of the second heater is terminated and an ON signal is applied to the transistor, thereby increasing the output voltage of the DC / DC converter again.

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