Aerosol generating device with preheating profile

Abstract

The aerosol generating device includes a heater configured to heat an aerosol product; a power source for supplying power to the heater; and a control unit configured to control the power supplied from the power source to the heater so that the temperature of the heater is controlled based on a temperature profile, the temperature profile including a pre-heating profile and a smoking profile, and the pre-heating profile may include a first section in which the temperature of the heater is increased to a first temperature, a second section in which the temperature of the heater is decreased to a second temperature lower than the first temperature, and a third section in which the temperature of the heater is increased again to a third temperature higher than the second temperature.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device having a preheating profile. [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 material 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 material through a flavor medium.

[0003] Generating aerosol by heating a solid aerosol-generating material, such as a cigarette, may require a greater amount of heat than generating aerosol by heating a liquid aerosol-generating material. Therefore, aerosol-generating devices that generate aerosol by heating a solid aerosol-generating material typically preheat the aerosol product to a high temperature prior to smoking in order to transfer a sufficient amount of aerosol from the initial stage of smoking. However, if excessive preheating results in transfer of a larger amount of aerosol than necessary in the initial stage of smoking, the aerosol transfer may not be sustained in the later stage of smoking. Therefore, a preheating technique that can maintain the amount of aerosol transferred as uniformly as possible throughout smoking may be required. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Various embodiments of the present invention relate to an aerosol generating device having a preheating profile. If the preheating profile includes only a temperature increase section, an excessively large amount of aerosol may be transferred in the early stage of smoking, which may result in a failure to maintain the continuity of aerosol transfer in the later stage of smoking. Various embodiments provide an aerosol generating device having a preheating profile that can maintain the amount of aerosol transferred as uniformly as possible throughout smoking.

[0005] The problems to be solved through the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the embodiments pertain from the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

[0006] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment includes a heater configured to heat an aerosol product; a power source for supplying power to the heater; and a control unit configured to control the power supplied from the power source to the heater so that the temperature of the heater is controlled based on a temperature profile, the temperature profile including a preheating profile and a smoking profile, the preheating profile including a first section in which the temperature of the heater is increased to a first temperature, a second section in which the temperature of the heater is decreased to a second temperature lower than the first temperature, and a third section in which the temperature of the heater is increased again to a third temperature higher than the second temperature. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The aerosol generating device according to various embodiments of the present invention may have a preheating profile including three or more sections. For example, a preheating profile according to the present invention may include a first section in which the heater temperature is increased to a first temperature, a second section in which the heater temperature is decreased to a second temperature lower than the first temperature, and a third section in which the heater temperature is increased again to a third temperature higher than the second temperature. After aerosol is generated in the first section, the aerosol generated in the first section may condense in the second section, and the aerosol may regenerate in the third section.

[0008] In the third section, new aerosol is generated and the condensed aerosol is transferred again, so that an appropriate amount of aerosol can be generated in the early stage of smoking even if the third temperature is not higher than the first temperature. Also, because the volume of heat transferred to the aerosol product is reduced by the second section, the amount of aerosol transferred can be maintained uniformly even in the later stage of smoking.

[0009] Furthermore, the aerosol generating device according to the present invention can achieve uniform aerosol transfer throughout the entire smoking section by adjusting only the preheating profile corresponding to the preheating section, which is shorter than the smoking section. Therefore, it is possible to achieve uniform aerosol transfer throughout the entire smoking section while minimizing power consumption compared to adjusting the smoking profile corresponding to the smoking section (e.g., increasing the heater temperature in the latter half of the smoking section).

[0010] The effects of the embodiments are not limited to those described above, and any 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]

[0011] [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 diagram 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] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an exploded rear perspective view of the internal structure according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8]1 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device including a susceptor and a temperature sensor according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 1 is a diagram showing a temperature profile of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 1 is a diagram illustrating a preheating profile according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 10 is a diagram showing a preheating profile according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 1 is a diagram illustrating the effect of a preheating profile according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 1 is a diagram illustrating a method for adjusting a preheating profile in an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] 10 is a diagram illustrating a target temperature profile that is an alternative preheating profile according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] 10 is a diagram illustrating a target temperature profile that is an alternative preheating profile according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment includes a heater configured to heat an aerosol product; a power source for supplying power to the heater; and a control unit configured to control the power supplied from the power source to the heater so that the temperature of the heater is controlled based on a temperature profile, the temperature profile including a preheating profile and a smoking profile, the preheating profile including a first section in which the temperature of the heater is increased to a first temperature, a second section in which the temperature of the heater is decreased to a second temperature lower than the first temperature, and a third section in which the temperature of the heater is increased again to a third temperature higher than the second temperature.

[0013] The first temperature corresponds to a range value obtained by applying a predetermined margin to a target temperature, and the control unit may variably determine the second temperature and the third temperature based on the temperature actually reached by the heater in the first range.

[0014] The control unit may determine the second temperature as a temperature obtained by subtracting a first value from a temperature actually reached by the heater in the first section, and may determine the third temperature as a temperature obtained by adding a second value to the second temperature.

[0015] The control unit may increase the first value and the second value if the temperature of the heater does not reach the first temperature within a first preset time in the first section.

[0016] The second temperature may correspond to a temperature at which no aerosol is generated from the aerosol-producing article.

[0017] For example, but not necessarily limited to, the second temperature may be a temperature lower than any target temperature set by the smoking profile that is initiated once the pre-heating profile is terminated.

[0018] The control unit may increase the temperature of the heater using PID (Proportional Integral Derivative) control in the first and third sections, and may decrease the temperature of the heater in the second section by cutting off power supplied to the heater from the power source.

[0019] The aerosol generating device further includes a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the heater, and the control unit determines control parameters for the PID control based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor, and the control parameters may include a duty ratio of a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signal for driving the heater.

[0020] The third section may further include a temperature drop section in which the temperature of the heater reaches the third temperature and then drops again to a fourth temperature, and a temperature holding section in which the temperature of the heater is held at the fourth temperature.

[0021] The target temperature of the temperature holding section may be fixed regardless of the temperature that the heater actually reaches in the first section.

[0022] The control unit may cut off power supplied to the heater from the power source if the temperature of the heater in the first section does not reach a lower temperature limit until a first preset time or if the temperature of the heater in the first section reaches the first temperature within a second preset time.

[0023] The aerosol generating device may further include an output unit that outputs information related to the status of the aerosol generating device, and the control unit may control the output unit to notify the occurrence of an error state if the temperature of the heater does not drop to the second temperature within a third preset time in the second section.

[0024] The aerosol generating device may further include a button for receiving user input or a sensor for identifying the type of aerosol product, and the control unit may adjust the first temperature based on a signal received from the button or the sensor.

[0025] The aerosol generating device may further include an insertion detection sensor for detecting the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol product, and the control unit may start the heating operation of the heater according to the temperature profile when the insertion detection sensor detects the insertion of the aerosol product.

[0026] The aerosol generating device may further include an induction coil surrounding the heater, and the heater may include a susceptor that is heated by a magnetic field generated by the induction coil.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0033] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] The aerosol generating device 1 may include 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 generating device 1 is not limited to that shown in Fig. 1. That is, a person skilled in the art to which this embodiment relates would understand that some of the components shown in Fig. 1 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0035] The sensor 13 may 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 may 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 a stick (not shown) and / or a cartridge (not shown) is inserted, and displaying notifications.

[0036] The sensor 13 may include 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 .

[0037] The temperature sensor 131 may 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.

[0038] The temperature sensor 131 may output a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may include a resistive element whose resistance value changes in response to a change in temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. The temperature sensor 131 may also 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 may 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 the heater 18. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may be configured as a sensor that detects the resistance value of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. In this case, the temperature sensor 131 may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18.

[0039] 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.

[0040] The temperature sensor 131 may be disposed inside the body (not shown) to sense the internal temperature of the body.

[0041] The puff sensor 132 may detect a user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow path. The puff sensor 132 may output a signal corresponding to the puff. For example, the puff sensor 132 may also be a pressure sensor. The puff sensor 132 may output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generation device 1. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol generation device 1 may correspond to the pressure of the airflow path through which the gas flows. The puff sensor 132 may be disposed in the aerosol generation device 1 corresponding to the airflow path through which the gas flows.

[0042] The insertion detection sensor 133 may detect the insertion and / or removal of the stick. The insertion detection sensor 133 may detect a signal change caused by the insertion and / or removal of the stick. The insertion detection sensor 133 may be provided around the insertion space. The insertion detection sensor 133 may detect the insertion and / or removal of the stick based on a change in the dielectric constant inside the insertion space. For example, the insertion detection sensor 133 may be an inductive sensor and / or a capacitance sensor.

[0043] The inductive sensor may include at least one coil. The coil of the inductive sensor may be 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 may include the frequency, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc. of the alternating current.

[0044] An inductive sensor may output a signal corresponding to a characteristic of the current flowing through a coil, for example, the inductance value of the coil.

[0045] The capacitance sensor may include a conductor. The conductor of the capacitance sensor may be disposed adjacent to the insertion space. The capacitance sensor may output a signal corresponding to a surrounding electromagnetic characteristic, e.g., a capacitance around the conductor. For example, when a stick with a metallic flank is inserted into the insertion space, the flank of the stick may change the electromagnetic characteristic around the conductor.

[0046] The reuse detection sensor 134 may detect whether the stick is reused. The reuse detection sensor 134 may also be a color sensor. The color sensor may detect the hue of the stick. The color sensor may detect the hue of a part of the wrapper surrounding the outside of the stick. The color sensor may detect a value for an optical characteristic corresponding to the hue of an object based on light reflected from the object. For example, the optical characteristic may be the wavelength of light. The color sensor may be implemented as a single component together with the proximity sensor, or as a separate component separate from the proximity sensor.

[0047] At least a portion of the horn constituting the stick may change color due to the aerosol. The reuse detection sensor 134 may be disposed at a position corresponding to where at least a portion of the horn, whose color changes due to the aerosol, is disposed when the stick is inserted into the insertion space. For example, before the stick is used by a user, the color of at least a portion of the horn is a first color. In this case, while the aerosol generated by the aerosol generation device 1 passes through the stick, at least a portion of the horn may be wetted by the aerosol, thereby changing the color of at least a portion of the horn to a second color. Meanwhile, the color of at least a portion of the horn may be changed from the first color to the second color and then maintained at the second color.

[0048] The cartridge detection sensor 135 may detect the insertion and / or removal of a cartridge, and may be implemented using an inductance-based sensor, a capacitance-based sensor, a resistance sensor, a Hall sensor (hall IC) using the Hall effect, etc.

[0049] The cap detection sensor 136 may detect the attachment and / or removal of the cap. When the cap is separated from the body, a part of the cartridge and the body 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.

[0050] The motion detection sensor 137 may detect the motion of the aerosol generating device and may be implemented by at least one of an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor.

[0051] 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 a skilled artisan from its name, so a detailed description of the function may be omitted.

[0052] The output unit 14 may output and provide to a user information related to the status of the aerosol generation device 1. The output unit 14 may include, 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 may be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0053] The display 141 may visually provide a user with information related to the aerosol generation device 1. For example, the information related to the aerosol generation device 1 may refer to 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 and / or cartridge, the attachment / removal status of the cap, or a status that restricts the use of the aerosol generation device 1 (e.g., detection of an abnormal item), and the display 141 may output the information to the outside. For example, the display 141 may be in the form of an LED light-emitting element. For example, the display 141 may be a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), etc.

[0054] The haptic unit 142 may convert an electrical signal into a mechanical or electrical stimulus and provide a user with tactile information related to the aerosol generation device 1. For example, the haptic unit 142 may generate 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.

[0055] The acoustic output unit 143 can audibly provide the user with information related to the aerosol generation device 1. For example, the acoustic output unit 143 can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

[0056] The power supply 11 may supply power used to operate the aerosol generation device 1. The power supply 11 may supply power to heat the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. The power supply 11 may 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 supply 11 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the power supply 11 may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited to this.

[0057] 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.

[0058] The power supply protection circuit may cut off the electrical path to the power supply 11 under predetermined conditions. For example, the power supply protection circuit may 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 may 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.

[0059] The heater 18 may receive power from the power supply 11 and heat the medium or aerosol-generating substance in the stick. Although not shown in FIG. 1 , the aerosol generation device 1 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power from the power supply 11 and supplies it to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. Furthermore, if the aerosol generation device 1 generates aerosol using an induction heating method, the aerosol generation device 1 may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power from the power supply 11 into AC power.

[0060] The control unit 12, the sensor 13, the output unit 14, the input unit 15, the communication unit 16, and the memory 17 may perform their functions 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 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 may correspond to the frequency of the high-frequency switching current applied from the power supply 11 to the heater 18. The low-pass filter may prevent high-frequency noise components from being applied to the sensor 13, such as the insertion detection sensor 133.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] The input unit 15 may receive information input by a user or output information to a user. For example, the input unit 15 may be a touch panel. The touch panel may include at least one touch sensor that detects a touch. For example, the touch sensor may 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.

[0064] 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 panel.

[0065] Meanwhile, the input unit 15 may include, but is not limited to, a button, a keypad, a dome switch, a jog wheel, a jog switch, and the like.

[0066] The memory 17 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generation device 1 and may store data that has been processed by the control unit 12 and data to be processed by the control unit 12. The memory 17 may include 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 may 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.

[0067] The communication unit 16 may include at least one component for communicating with other electronic devices, for example, the communication unit 16 may include at least one of a short-range communication unit and a wireless communication unit.

[0068] The short-range wireless communication unit may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee 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.

[0069] The wireless communication portion may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication portion, an Internet communication portion, a computer network (eg, LAN or WAN) communication portion, and the like.

[0070] Although not shown in FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device 1 may further include a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and may connect to other external devices through the connection interface such as the USB interface to send and receive information or charge the power source 11.

[0071] The control unit 12 may control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1. In one embodiment, the control unit 12 may include at least one processor. The processor may be embodied as an array of a large number of logic gates, or may be embodied by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program that can be executed by the microprocessor. Those skilled in the art will understand that the processor may also be embodied by other forms of hardware.

[0072] The control unit 12 may control the temperature of the heater 18 by controlling the power supply 11 to supply to the heater 18. The control unit 12 may 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 may 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 may determine a target temperature for the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 based on a temperature profile stored in the memory 17.

[0073] 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 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 may include 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.

[0074] 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 serves as an inverter that converts DC power output from the power supply 11 into AC power. For example, the inverter can be configured as a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit including multiple switching elements.

[0075] The control unit 12 may 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 may 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 may 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.

[0076] The control unit 12 may control the voltage output from the power supply 11 by controlling the switching of a switching element of the power supply circuit. The power conversion circuit may convert the voltage output from the power supply 11. For example, the power conversion circuit may include a buck converter that boosts the voltage output from the power supply 11. For example, the power conversion circuit may be implemented using a buck-boost converter, a Zener diode, etc.

[0077] The control unit 12 may adjust the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit by controlling the on / off operation of a switching element included in 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 may correspond to the level of the voltage output from the power source 11. The duty ratio of the on / off operation of the switching element may correspond 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.

[0078] The control unit 12 may 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.

[0079] For example, the control unit 12 may 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 may adjust the frequency and duty ratio of the current pulses to control the power supplied to the heater 18.

[0080] For example, the control unit 12 may determine a target temperature based on the temperature profile, and may control the power supplied to the heater 18 using a PID method, which is a feedback control method using 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.

[0081] The controller 12 may prevent the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 from overheating. For example, the controller 12 may control the operation of the power conversion circuit so that the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 is interrupted when the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 exceeds a preset limit temperature. For example, the controller 12 may 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 preset limit temperature. For example, the controller 12 may determine that the aerosol-generating material contained in the cartridge has been consumed when the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeds the limit temperature, and may interrupt the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24.

[0082] 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.

[0083] When a power line is connected to the battery terminal of the aerosol generating device 1, the control unit 12 may 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 may control the power source 11 to be charged based on a preset charging current. When the temperature of the power source 11 is equal to or higher than the first limit temperature, the control unit 12 may cut off charging of the power source 11.

[0084] When the aerosol generating device 1 is powered on, the control unit 12 may 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 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 may 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 may stop using the power stored in the power source 11.

[0085] 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.

[0086] The control unit 12 may determine whether a stick is inserted into the insertion space via the insertion detection sensor 133. The control unit 12 may determine that a stick has been inserted based on an output signal from the insertion detection sensor 133. If it is determined that a stick has been inserted into the insertion space, the control unit 12 may control the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. For example, the control unit 12 may supply power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 based on a temperature profile stored in the memory 17.

[0087] The control unit 12 may determine whether a stick has been removed from the insertion space. For example, the control unit 12 may determine whether a stick has been removed from the insertion space via the insertion detection sensor 133. For example, the control unit 12 may determine that a stick has been removed from the insertion space if the temperature of the heater 18 is equal to or higher than a limit temperature or if the temperature change gradient of the heater 18 is equal to or higher than a set gradient. If it is determined that a stick has been removed from the insertion space, the control unit 12 may cut off the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18.

[0088] The control unit 12 may control the time and / or amount of power supply to the heater 18 depending on the state of the stick sensed by the sensor 13. The control unit 12 may check the level range within which the signal level of the capacitance sensor falls based on a lookup table. The control unit 12 may determine the amount of moisture in the stick based on the checked level range.

[0089] When the stick is in an overly humid state, the control unit 12 may control the time for which power is supplied to the heater 18, and increase the pre-heating time of the stick compared to when the stick is in a normal state.

[0090] The controller 12 may determine whether the stick inserted into the insertion space has been reused via the reuse detection sensor 134. For example, the controller 12 may 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 has not been used if the sensing value is within the first reference range. For example, the controller 12 may 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 has been used if the sensing value is within the second reference range. If it is determined that the stick has been used, the controller 12 may cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18.

[0091] The control unit 12 may determine whether to connect and / or remove a cartridge via the cartridge detection sensor 135. For example, the control unit 12 may determine whether to connect and / or remove a cartridge based on the sensing value of the signal of the cartridge detection sensor.

[0092] The controller 12 may determine whether the aerosol generating material in the cartridge has been exhausted. For example, the controller 12 may 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 has been exhausted if the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeds the limit temperature. If the controller 12 determines that the aerosol generating material in the cartridge has been exhausted, the controller 12 may cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

[0093] The control unit 12 may determine whether or not to use the cartridge. For example, the control unit 12 may determine that the cartridge cannot be used if the current number of puffs is equal to or greater than the maximum number of puffs set for the cartridge based on data stored in the memory 17. For example, the control unit 12 may determine that the cartridge cannot be used if the total time that the heater 24 has been heated is equal to or greater than the preset maximum time or if the total amount of power supplied to the heater 24 is equal to or greater than the preset maximum amount of power.

[0094] The controller 12 may determine whether a user is inhaling via the puff sensor 132. For example, the controller 12 may determine whether a puff has occurred based on the sensed value of the signal from the puff sensor. For example, the controller 12 may determine the strength of a puff based on the sensed value of the signal from the puff sensor 132. If the number of puffs reaches a preset maximum number of puffs or if no puffs are sensed for a preset time or longer, the controller 12 may cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18.

[0095] The control unit 12 may determine whether the cap is attached and / or removed via the cap detection sensor 136. For example, the control unit 12 may determine whether the cap is attached and / or removed based on the sensing value of the signal of the cap detection sensor.

[0096] The control unit 12 may control the output unit 14 based on the results sensed by the sensor 13. For example, when the number of puffs counted via the puff sensor 132 reaches a preset number, the control unit 12 may notify the user that the aerosol generating device 1 will soon be shut down via at least one of the display 141, the haptic unit 142, and the audio output unit 143. For example, the control unit 12 may notify the user that a stick is not present in the insertion space via the output unit 14 based on a determination that a stick is not present in the insertion space. For example, the control unit 12 may notify the user that a cartridge and / or a cap is not installed via the output unit 14 based on a determination that a cartridge and / or a cap is not installed. For example, the control unit 12 may transmit information related to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 to the user via the output unit 14.

[0097] The control unit 12 may store and update a history of an event that has occurred in the memory 17 based on the occurrence of a predetermined event. The event may include, for example, a stick insertion detection, a stick heating start, a puff detection, a puff end, an overheat detection of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18, an overvoltage detection of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18, a stick heating end, an operation such as turning the power of the aerosol generation device 1 on / off, a charging start of the power source 11, an overcharge detection of the power source 11, and a charging end of the power source 11, which are performed by the aerosol generation device 1. The event history may include the date and time when the event occurred, log data corresponding to the event, etc. For example, if the predetermined event is a stick insertion detection, the log data corresponding to the event may include data related to 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 related to 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.

[0098] The control unit 12 may control the establishment of a communication link with an external device, such as a user's mobile terminal. Upon receiving authentication-related data from the external device via the communication link, the control unit 12 may lift restrictions on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generation device 1. Here, the authentication-related data may include data indicating the completion of user authentication for the user corresponding to the external device. The user may perform user authentication through the external device. The external device may determine whether user data is valid based on the user's birthday, a unique number identifying the user, etc., and receive data regarding the usage authority of the aerosol generation device 1 from an external server. The external device may transmit data indicating the completion of user authentication to the aerosol generation device 1 based on the data regarding the usage authority. Upon completion of user authentication, the control unit 12 may lift restrictions on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generation device 1. For example, upon completion of user authentication, the control unit 12 may lift restrictions on the use of a heating function that supplies power to the heater 18.

[0099] The control unit 12 can transmit data related to the status of the aerosol generation device 1 to the external device via 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.

[0100] 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 the 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 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.

[0101] The control unit 12 may control the aerosol generation device 1 to perform a firmware update when it receives firmware data from an external device. The external device may check the current version of the firmware of the aerosol generation device 1 and determine whether a new version of the firmware is available. When the external device receives an input requesting a firmware download, it may 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 may control the aerosol generation device 1 to perform a firmware update by receiving the firmware data of the new version.

[0102] 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, and weights and biases constituting the artificial neural network (ANN) structure, for training the artificial neural network (ANN). The control unit 12 can learn data related to the sensing values ​​of at least one sensor 13 stored in the memory 17, the user's inhalation pattern, temperature profile, etc., and generate at least one learning model to be used for determining the user's inhalation pattern, generating a temperature profile, etc.

[0103] 2 and 3 are diagrams showing an aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0104] Referring to FIG. 2, the aerosol generating device 1 may include at least one of a power source 11, a control unit 12, a sensor 13, and a heater 18. 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 generating device 1. The body 10 may provide a space open at its upper side into which an aerosol generating product, a stick S, may be inserted. The space open at its upper side may also be referred to as an insertion space. The insertion space may be recessed to a predetermined depth toward the inside of the body 10 so that at least a portion of the stick S may be inserted. The depth of the insertion space may correspond to the length of a region of the stick S containing the aerosol generating material and / or medium. The lower end of the stick S may be inserted into the body 10, and the upper end of the stick S may protrude outside the body 10. A user may inhale air through the exposed upper end of the stick S.

[0105] The heater 18 may heat the stick S. The heater 18 may extend upward around the space into which the stick S is inserted. For example, the heater 18 may be tubular and hollow inside. The heater 18 may be arranged around the insertion space. The heater 18 may be arranged to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. The heater 18 may heat the insertion space or the stick S inserted into the insertion space. The heater 18 may include an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heater.

[0106] For example, referring to FIG. 2, 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. The heater 18 may be a hollow heater disposed to surround at least a portion of the stick S inserted into the insertion space and heat the exterior of the inserted stick S, or may be a needle-shaped, rod-shaped, or tubular heater inserted into the stick S inserted into the insertion space and heat the interior.

[0107] For example, referring to FIG. 3 , the aerosol generating device 1 may include an induction coil 181 surrounding the heater 18. The induction coil 181 may cause the heater 18 to generate heat. The heater 18 is a susceptor, and the heater 18 may be heated by a magnetic field generated by an AC current flowing through the induction coil 181. The magnetic field may penetrate the heater 18 and generate eddy currents within the heater 18. The current may cause the heater 18 to generate heat.

[0108] 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 the induction coil 181 .

[0109] The power source 11 may supply power to operate the components of the aerosol generation device 1. The power source 11 may also be referred to as a battery. The power source 11 may supply power to at least one of the control unit 12, the sensor 13, and the heater 18. If the aerosol generation device 1 includes an induction coil 181, the power source 11 may supply power to the induction coil 181.

[0110] The control unit 12 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generation device 1. 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 and the sensor 13. The control unit 12 can control the operation of the induction coil 181. The control unit 12 can control the operation of a display, a motor, etc. provided in the aerosol generation device 1. The control unit 12 can check the status of each component of the aerosol generation device 1 and determine whether the aerosol generation device 1 is in an operable state.

[0111] The control unit 12 may analyze the results sensed by the sensor 13 and control subsequent processing. For example, the control unit 12 may control the power supplied to the heater 18 to start or stop operation of the heater 18 based on the results sensed by the sensor 13. For example, the control unit 12 may control the amount of power supplied to the heater 18 and the time for which the power is supplied based on the results sensed by the sensor 13 so that the heater 18 is heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature.

[0112] The sensor 13 may include at least one of a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, and an insertion detection sensor. For example, the sensor 13 may sense at least one of the temperature of the heater 18, the temperature of the power source 11, and the temperature inside or outside the body 10. For example, the sensor 13 may sense a puff by the user. For example, the sensor 13 may sense whether the stick S is inserted into the insertion space.

[0113] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of an aerosol generation device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of an aerosol generation device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0114] 4, an aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include at least one of a power source 11, a control unit 12, and a sensor 13. At least one of the power source 11, the control unit 12, and the sensor 13 may be disposed inside a body 10 of the aerosol generating device 1. The features of the power source 11, the control unit 12, and the sensor 13 may be similarly applied to the power source 11, the control unit 12, and the sensor 13 described in FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0115] The body 10 forms the overall appearance of the aerosol generating device 1 and may include an internal space in which components of the aerosol generating device 1 are disposed. Although only an embodiment in which the body 10 has a semicircular cross section as a whole is shown in the drawings, the shape of the body 10 is not limited thereto, and the body 10 may have a cylindrical or polygonal prism shape as a whole.

[0116] The body 10 may include a first body surface 10A (e.g., a top body surface), a second body surface 10B (e.g., a bottom body surface) opposite the first body surface 10A, and at least one third body surface 10C (e.g., a side body surface) between the first body surface 10A and the second body surface 10B.

[0117] 5, the body 10 may have an insertion space 102 formed therein. The insertion space 102 may be formed in the upper part of the body 10. The insertion space 102 may be open at the top. The insertion space 102 may have a cylindrical shape that extends vertically. At least a portion of the stick S may be inserted into the body 10 through an opening 101 at the top of the insertion space 102. The depth of the insertion space 102 may correspond to the length of a region of the stick S that contains the aerosol-generating substance or medium.

[0118] The heater 240 (e.g., the heater 18 in FIGS. 2 and 3) may surround at least a portion of the outside of the insertion space 102. The heater 240 may extend vertically along the insertion space 102. For example, the heater 240 may be a cylindrical electrical resistance heater surrounding at least a portion of the insertion space 102. For example, the heater 240 may include a cylindrical susceptor surrounding at least a portion of the insertion space 102 and an induction coil surrounding the susceptor. The heater 240 may heat the exterior of the stick S accommodated in the insertion space 102. At least a region of the stick S accommodated in the insertion space 102 is heated by the heater 240, and vaporized particles generated by heating the stick S may be mixed with air introduced into the interior space of the body 10 through the opening 101 to generate an aerosol.

[0119] A display 141 may be disposed on one side of the body 10. At least a portion of the display 141 may be exposed to the outside of the body 10.

[0120] The display 141 may provide various visual information to the user, may include a display panel and / or a touch panel, and may include a cover glass.

[0121] The cover glass, together with the body 10, may form the exterior of the aerosol generating device 1. The cover glass may come into contact with a part of the user's body. The cover glass may protect the display panel and / or the touch panel from external impact.

[0122] The display panel may be disposed on the cover glass in a direction facing the inside of the body 10. The display panel may be disposed parallel to the cover glass.

[0123] The touch panel may sense touches corresponding to contact with an object, for example, touches corresponding to contact with a part of a user's body, and may receive user input.

[0124] A cover 104 may be provided on the upper side of the body 10. The cover 104 may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the opening 101 of the body 10. For example, the opening 101 of the body 10 may be circular, and the cover 104 may be circular with a diameter larger than the diameter of the opening 101.

[0125] The cover 104 may be movably connected to a guide 103 formed on the body 10. The cover 104 may be moved by the guide 103. For example, the guide 103 may be a groove formed on one surface of the body 10, and the cover 104 may include a protrusion that is inserted into the groove of the body 10 and slides along the groove. As another example, the guide 103 may be a protrusion that protrudes from one surface of the body 10, and the cover 104 may have a groove that is inserted into the protrusion and slide along the protrusion.

[0126] The cover 104 can open and close the opening 101 of the body 10 by moving along the guide 103. For example, the cover 104 can close the opening 101 in a first position and open the opening 101 in a second position. The position of the cover 104 can be moved manually by a user. Alternatively, the aerosol generating device 1 can be provided with a driving device, and the position of the cover 104 can be moved by the driving device.

[0127] The body 10 may include a connection terminal (not shown). The connection terminal may include a connector that allows the aerosol generating device 1 to be physically connected to an external electronic device. For example, the connection terminal may include at least one of an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, and an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector), or a combination thereof.

[0128] FIG. 6 is an exploded rear perspective view of the internal structure according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0129] 6, the body 10 of the aerosol generating device 1 may include a first portion. The first portion may include a portion adjacent to a first body surface 10A of the body 10. The body 10 may include a second portion A2. The second portion A2 may be at least partially different from the first portion. The second portion A2 may include a portion adjacent to a second body surface 10B of the body.

[0130] The power source 250 may be disposed in the second portion A2 of the body 10. The power source 250 may include a pouch-type battery. The power source 250 may be disposed adjacent to a printed circuit board. For example, the power source 250 may be disposed on one side of the inner surface 10D of the body 10, and the printed circuit board may be disposed on the other side of the power source 250 opposite the one side of the inner surface 10D. However, the arrangement of the printed circuit board and the power source 250 is not limited thereto.

[0131] The heater 240 may be disposed in a first portion of the body 10 .

[0132] The insulator 220 may insulate the heater 240. The insulator 220 may be disposed in the first portion of the body 10. The insulator 220 may surround the heater 240.

[0133] The aerosol generation device 1 may include a buffer structure (not shown). The buffer structure may be configured to buffer the power source 250. The buffer structure may be disposed on at least a portion of the inner surface 10D of the second portion A2 of the body 10. The buffer structure may reduce or prevent a shock applied to the power source 250 when an external shock is applied to the aerosol generation device 1.

[0134] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an aerosol-generating apparatus including a susceptor and a temperature sensor according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0135] 7, the aerosol generating device 1 may include an article insertion portion 205. The article insertion portion 205 may guide the insertion of the stick S (see FIG. 4) into the heater 240. The article insertion portion 205 may be disposed on the first body surface 10A of the body 10.

[0136] The cover 104 can open and close the article insert 205. The cover 104 can be configured to operate in a sliding or hinged manner.

[0137] The heater 240 may heat the stick S. The heater 240 may include a heater housing 243. The heater housing 243 may be disposed inside the body 10.

[0138] The heater 240 may include a coil 242. The coil 242 may be disposed outside the heater housing 243. The coil 242 may be wound around the heater housing 243. The coil 242 may surround at least a portion of the outer surface of the heater housing 243 and may be wound in a spiral direction along the longitudinal direction of the heater housing 243. The coil 242 may have a first connecting portion (not shown) forming one end of the wound portion connected to at least one electrical line, and a second connecting portion (not shown) forming the other end of the wound portion connected to at least one other electrical line. The coil 242 may be connected to a printed circuit board via at least one electrical line.

[0139] The heater 240 may include a susceptor 241. The susceptor 241 may at least partially house the stick S. The susceptor 241 may be configured to transfer heat to the stick S. For example, the susceptor 241 may be electromagnetically coupled to a coil 242 to generate heat.

[0140] The aerosol generating device 1 may include a temperature sensor 260. The temperature sensor 260 may sense the temperature of the heater 240. The temperature sensor 260 may be disposed between the heater housing 243 and the susceptor 241. The temperature sensor 260 may be connected to the printed circuit board via an electrical line E5. The temperature sensor 260 may be connected to the control unit 12 (see FIG. 2) via the electrical line E5.

[0141] Referring to FIG. 8, the susceptor 241 may include a first surface 241A (e.g., an upper surface), a second surface 241B (e.g., a lower surface) opposite the first surface 241A, and a third surface 241C (e.g., a side surface) between the first surface 241A and the second surface 241B.

[0142] The first surface 241A may include a first opening H. The stick S may be inserted into the susceptor 241 through the first opening H. The first opening H may include a substantially circular or elliptical cross section.

[0143] The second surface 241B may include a second opening (not shown) that may allow passage of an end of the stick S to be inserted inside the susceptor 241. The second opening may include a substantially circular or elliptical cross section.

[0144] The first surface 241A may include a first flange F1. The first flange F1 may extend widthwise or radially from the third surface 241C. The first flange F1 may extend at least partially in a circumferential direction around the first surface 241A.

[0145] The first surface 241A may include a notch N. The notch N may be formed in an area of ​​the first flange F1. At least one electrical line E5 may extend through at least a portion of the notch N.

[0146] The second surface 241B may include a second flange F2. The second flange F2 may extend widthwise or radially from the third surface 241C. The second flange F2 may extend circumferentially around the second surface 241B.

[0147] The susceptor 241 may include body portions 241A, 241B, and 241C and a hollow portion 241D. The hollow portion 241D may be defined within the body portions 241A, 241B, and 241C. The hollow portion 241D may extend between the first surface 241A and the second surface 241B. The hollow portion 241D may at least partially accommodate the stick S.

[0148] The heater 240 may include a pocket 262. The pocket 262 may include a pocket body 263. The pocket body 263 may be disposed on the third surface 241C of the susceptor 241. The pocket body 263 may be seamlessly coupled to the third surface 241C.

[0149] The pocket 262 may include a recess (not shown), which may be disposed in the pocket body 263. The recess may accommodate the temperature sensor 260.

[0150] The pocket 262 may include a sealing 261. The sealing 261 may seal the temperature sensor 260. The sealing 261 may be filled on the temperature sensor 260 and inside the recess. The sealing 261 may seal the temperature sensor 260 by filling the space between the inside of the recess and the temperature sensor 260. The sealing 261 may include an adhesive material. For example, the adhesive material may include ceramic. The sealing 261 may increase the fixing force between the temperature sensor 260 and the recess.

[0151] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a temperature profile of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0152] 9, the temperature profile is divided into a pre-heating section and a smoking section, and may include a pre-heating profile corresponding to the pre-heating section and a smoking profile corresponding to the smoking section.

[0153] The aerosol generating device may include a heater (e.g., heater 18 in Figures 1 to 3 or heater 240 in Figures 5 to 8) configured to heat an aerosol product (e.g., stick S in Figures 2 and 3), a power supply (e.g., power supply 11 in Figures 1 to 3) for supplying power to the heater, and a control unit (e.g., control unit 12 in Figures 1 to 3) configured to control the power supplied from the power supply to the heater.

[0154] When the aerosol generating device is an induction heating type, the aerosol generating device may further include an induction coil (e.g., induction coil 181 in FIG. 3) surrounding a heater, and the heater may include a susceptor that is heated by a magnetic field generated by the induction coil. However, the aerosol generating device is not necessarily limited to this. When the aerosol generating device is a resistance heating type, the aerosol generating device may include only a resistance heater without an induction coil. Alternatively, the aerosol generating device may employ both an induction heating type and a resistance heating type.

[0155] The aerosol generating device may control power supplied from a power source to the heater so that the temperature of the heater is controlled based on the temperature profile. The aerosol generating device may further include an insertion detection sensor for detecting insertion and / or removal of an aerosol product. The controller may initiate a heating operation of the heater according to the temperature profile when the insertion detection sensor detects the insertion of the aerosol product. That is, the aerosol generating device may initiate a heating operation of the heater based on the detection of the insertion of the aerosol product, even without a separate user input. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto. The aerosol generating device may further include a user interface, such as a button, and initiate a heating operation of the heater based on input received through the user interface.

[0156] The aerosol generating device may preheat an aerosol product before a user performs a smoking action involving a user puff. The preheating section may correspond to a section in which preparation for use is performed before a smoking action is performed using the aerosol generating device. This may allow a sufficient amount of aerosol to be transferred from the user's first puff. The aerosol generating device may perform a preheating operation of the heater according to a preheating profile, and may notify a notification of preheating completion when the preheating profile is completed. The aerosol generating device may perform a heating operation of the heater according to a smoking profile when the preheating profile is completed. The smoking section may correspond to a section in which a smoking action using the aerosol generating device is actually performed. The user may recognize that smoking preparation is complete through the notification, and may perform smoking with a user puff in the smoking section.

[0157] However, if the preheating profile only includes a temperature rise section, an excessively large amount of aerosol is transferred in the early stage of smoking, and the continuity of aerosol transfer is not maintained in the later stage of smoking. Below, with reference to the drawings, a detailed description will be given of the preheating profile of the aerosol generating device according to the present invention, which can maintain the amount of aerosol transferred as uniformly as possible throughout smoking.

[0158] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a preheating profile according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0159] 10, a preheating profile according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a first section in which the heater temperature is increased to a first temperature T1, a second section in which the heater temperature is decreased to a second temperature T2 lower than the first temperature T1, and a third section in which the heater temperature is increased again to a third temperature T3 higher than the second temperature T2. Although the third temperature T3 is illustrated as being lower than the first temperature T1 in FIG. 10, it is not necessarily limited thereto. The third temperature T3 may also be the same as the first temperature T1.

[0160] The first temperature T1 may correspond to a range value obtained by applying a predetermined margin to the target temperature. For example, the first temperature T1 may be a range value obtained by applying a margin of ±1°C to the target temperature of 270°C (i.e., 269°C to 271°C). The predetermined margin may be set in consideration of a control error. The aerosol generating device performs temperature control in the first section using PID control so that the heater temperature reaches the target temperature, but the temperature actually reached by the heater may not exactly match the target temperature.

[0161] For example, the aerosol generating device may further include a temperature sensor for measuring the heater temperature, and the control unit may determine control parameters for PID control based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor. In one example, the control parameters may include a duty ratio of a PWM signal for driving the heater. In the first section, the difference between the current heater temperature and the target temperature is large, so the duty ratio of the PWM signal may be determined to be maximum. Therefore, the maximum temperature that the heater actually reaches in the first section may vary depending on the heater performance or the state of the aerosol product. That is, even if the target temperature is set to 270°C, the heater temperature may decrease after reaching 269°C, or may decrease after reaching 270.5°C. In this way, the first temperature T1 may be variably set within the error range.

[0162] The control unit may variably determine the second temperature T2 and the third temperature T3 based on the temperature actually reached by the heater in the first section. For example, the control unit may determine the second temperature T2 by subtracting a first value from the temperature actually reached by the heater in the first section, and may determine the third temperature T3 by adding a second value to the second temperature. The first and second values ​​may also be fixed. For example, if the first value is 60°C and the second value is 25°C, and the temperature actually reached by the heater in the first section is 270°C, the second temperature T2 and the third temperature T3 may be 210°C and 235°C, respectively. If the temperature actually reached by the heater in the first section is 271°C, the second temperature T2 and the third temperature T3 may be 211°C and 236°C, respectively.

[0163] After aerosol is generated in the first section, the aerosol generated in the first section may condense in the second section, and the aerosol may regenerate in the third section. To condense the aerosol in the second section, the second temperature T2 may be set to a temperature at which aerosol is not generated from the aerosol-producing product. Here, aerosol may refer to aerosol corresponding to at least one aerosol-generating substance contained in the aerosol-producing product. For example, the second temperature T2 may be set to a temperature lower than 247°C, the boiling point of nicotine, to prevent the generation of nicotine aerosol. Preferably, the second temperature T2 may be set to a temperature below 200°C. Furthermore, the second temperature T2 is lower than all target temperatures set by the smoking profile that is initiated once the pre-heating profile has ended.

[0164] Meanwhile, the control unit may increase the heater temperature using PID control in the first and third sections, and decrease the heater temperature in the second section by cutting off power supplied to the heater from the power source. That is, the aerosol generating device may apply different control methods to the temperature increase section and the temperature decrease section. Even after cutting off power supplied to the heater in the second section, the control unit continues to monitor the heater temperature using a temperature sensor. When the control unit detects that the heater temperature has reached the second temperature T2, it may start the third section to increase the heater temperature again.

[0165] In the third section, new aerosol is generated and the condensed aerosol is transferred again, so that an appropriate amount of aerosol can be generated in the early stage of smoking even if the third temperature is not higher than the first temperature. Also, because the volume of heat transferred to the aerosol product is reduced by the second section, the amount of aerosol transferred can be maintained uniformly even in the later stage of smoking.

[0166] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a preheating profile according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0167] Referring to FIG. 11, a preheating profile according to another embodiment of the present invention is the same as the preheating profile of FIG. 10, except that a part of the third section is different.

[0168] The third section may further include a temperature drop section in which the heater temperature reaches the third temperature T3 and then drops back to the fourth temperature T4, and a temperature hold section in which the heater temperature is maintained at the fourth temperature T4. By including the temperature drop section and the temperature hold section in the third section, sufficient time may be ensured for a sufficient amount of aerosol to be generated from the aerosol product. The target temperature of the temperature hold section may be fixed regardless of the temperature actually reached by the heater in the first section. That is, unlike the first temperature T1, the second temperature T2, and the third temperature T3, which are variably determined depending on the temperature actually reached by the heater in the first section, the fourth temperature T4 may have a fixed value. For example, the fourth temperature T4 may be fixed at 215°C, but is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0169] 10 and 11, the graphs of heater temperature change over time include straight lines, but this is for illustrative purposes only. As shown in FIG. 9, the graph of measured heater temperature may include at least one curved line.

[0170] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the effect of a preheating profile according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0171] Referring to FIG. 12, there is shown a graph 1510 illustrating the amount of aerosol transferred over time when the preheating profile includes only a temperature increase section, and a graph 1520 illustrating the amount of aerosol transferred over time when a preheating profile according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

[0172] Comparing graphs 1510 and 1520, it can be seen that the aerosol generating device according to the present invention employs a preheating profile including a temperature rise section, a temperature fall section, and a temperature re-rise section, thereby preventing excessive aerosol from being transferred at the beginning of smoking, and maintaining a similar level of aerosol transfer at the later stage of smoking.

[0173] The aerosol generating device according to the present invention can achieve uniform aerosol transfer throughout the smoking section by adjusting only the preheating profile corresponding to the preheating section, which is shorter than the smoking section. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the aerosol generating device according to the present invention can adopt a stepwise decreasing profile as the smoking profile, in which the heater temperature gradually decreases over time. However, the aerosol generating device according to the present invention can achieve uniform aerosol transfer throughout the smoking section by simply adjusting the preheating profile while maintaining the smoking profile. Therefore, uniform aerosol transfer throughout the smoking section can be achieved while minimizing power consumption compared to adjusting the smoking profile corresponding to the smoking section (e.g., increasing the heater temperature in the latter half of the smoking section).

[0174] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a method for adjusting a preheating profile in an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0175] Referring to Figure 13, a preheating profile 1610 is shown when an aerosol product in a normal state is inserted into an aerosol generation device, and a preheating profile 1620 is shown when an aerosol product in an over-humidified state is inserted into an aerosol generation device.

[0176] The preheating profile 1610 is also the same as the preheating profile described with reference to Fig. 10. With reference to Fig. 10, it was described that the second temperature T2 is determined as the temperature actually reached by the heater in the first section minus a first value, and the third temperature T3 is determined as the temperature obtained by adding a second value to the second temperature T2. The first and second values ​​for determining the second and third temperatures T2 and T3 may correspond to x and y, respectively (x and y are positive real numbers).

[0177] On the other hand, if the aerosol product is in an over-humid state, even if maximum power is supplied in the first section, the heater temperature will w In other words, even if the first temperature T1 falls within a range obtained by applying a predetermined margin to the target temperature, the heater temperature may not reach the lower limit of the range corresponding to the first temperature T1. This is because, when the aerosol product is in an over-humid state, the specific heat increases due to the high moisture content of the aerosol product.

[0178] If the aerosol product is in a normal state, and the average duration of the first period is about 20 seconds, the preset time t for determining whether the aerosol product is in an over-humidified state is w The average duration of the first section may be set to about 23 seconds. The average duration of the first section refers to the average time it takes for the heater temperature to reach the first temperature T1 in the first section.

[0179] Referring to the preheat profile 1620, the control unit determines whether the heater temperature is maintained at a preset time t w If the first temperature T1 cannot be reached within the predetermined time, the first and second values ​​may be increased. For example, the first value may be increased from x to x', and the second value may be increased from y to y'. As both the first and second values ​​increase, the temperature drop period corresponding to the second period and the temperature rise period corresponding to the third period become longer. This reduces the temperature of the mainstream smoke, and the increased pre-heating time allows for a sufficient amount of aerosol to be transferred from the beginning of smoking.

[0180] Even if the aerosol product is in an over-humidified state, the temperature T1′ reached by the heater in the first section of the preheating profile 1620 is at least the lower temperature limit T low In the first section, the first preset time (for example, t w ), the heater temperature is below the lower limit T low If the temperature of the heater does not reach the lower limit temperature T low If the heater is not able to reach the threshold, the control unit may cut off the power supplied from the power supply to the heater. In addition, the control unit may notify the occurrence of an error state using an output unit (e.g., output unit 14 in FIG. 1) that outputs information related to the status of the aerosol generating device.

[0181] Conversely, there may be cases in which the heater temperature reaches the first temperature T1 in an excessively short time in the first section. In such a case, it may be determined that the heater is heated in an unloaded state. If the heater temperature reaches the first temperature T1 within a second preset time (approximately 11 seconds) in the first section, the control unit may cut off the power supplied to the heater from the power source. In addition, the control unit may notify the occurrence of an error state using the output unit.

[0182] A time threshold (e.g., t w Similarly, a time threshold may be set for each of the second and third intervals. For example, if the heater temperature is not lowered to the second temperature (T2 or T2') within a third preset time (e.g., about 9 seconds) in the second interval, the control unit may control the output unit to interrupt the heater heating operation and notify the occurrence of an error state. Also, since a threshold for the total preheating time (e.g., about 40 seconds) may exist, the time threshold for the third interval may be variably determined based on the time until the second interval ends (e.g., t2).

[0183] On the other hand, the optimal preheating profile may vary depending on the operation mode of the aerosol generating device and / or the type of aerosol product, in addition to whether the aerosol product is over-humidified. Therefore, the aerosol generating device may adjust the preheating profile based on the operation mode of the aerosol generating device and / or the type of aerosol product.

[0184] For example, the aerosol generating device may further include a button for receiving user input or a sensor for identifying the type of aerosol product. The user input received by the button may correspond to a mode selection or a type selection of the aerosol product. The controller may adjust the first temperature T1 based on a signal received from the button or sensor. The first and second temperatures T2 and T3 may also be set differently depending on the operating mode of the aerosol generating device and / or the type of the aerosol product. Accordingly, the second and third temperatures T2 and T3 may also be appropriately adjusted. The fourth temperature T4 may also be set differently depending on the operating mode of the aerosol generating device and / or the type of the aerosol product.

[0185] 14 and 15 are diagrams illustrating target temperature profiles that are alternative preheating profiles according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0186] Referring to Figure 14, a target temperature profile is shown that is an alternative to the preheating profile of Figure 10, and referring to Figure 15, a target temperature profile is shown that is an alternative to the preheating profile of Figure 11. When the aerosol generating device controls the temperature of the heater according to the target temperature profiles shown in Figures 14 and 15, the preheating profiles shown in Figures 10 and 11 can be obtained.

[0187] In one embodiment, the first temperature T1 may be suitably selected from a range of 250°C to 300°C, the second temperature T2 may be suitably selected from a range of 190°C to 240°C, and the third temperature T3 may be suitably selected from a range of 220°C to 270°C, but these are not necessarily limited thereto. While it has been described with reference to FIG. 11 that the third section further includes a temperature drop section and a temperature hold section having the fourth temperature T4 as a target temperature, the preheating profile of FIG. 15 may also be considered to include four sections depending on the target temperatures.

[0188] The target temperature profiles shown in Figures 14 and 15 are also stored in memory. The memory may be separate from the controller or may be built into the controller. The memory may store multiple different target temperature profiles depending on the condition or type of the aerosol product and / or the operating mode of the aerosol generating device.

[0189] 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.

[0190] 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.

[0191] 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 heater configured to heat the aerosol product; a power supply for supplying power to the heater; a control unit configured to control power supplied from the power source to the heater so that the temperature of the heater is controlled based on a temperature profile; the temperature profile includes a preheating profile and a smoking profile; The aerosol generating device, wherein the preheating profile includes a first section in which the temperature of the heater is increased to a first temperature, a second section in which the temperature of the heater is decreased to a second temperature lower than the first temperature, and a third section in which the temperature of the heater is increased again to a third temperature higher than the second temperature.

2. the first temperature corresponds to a range value obtained by applying a predetermined margin to a target temperature, The control unit The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the second temperature and the third temperature are variably determined based on a temperature actually reached by the heater in the first section.

3. The control unit determining the second temperature as a temperature obtained by subtracting a first value from a temperature actually reached by the heater in the first section; The aerosol generating device according to claim 2 , wherein the third temperature is determined as a temperature obtained by adding a second value to the second temperature.

4. The control unit The aerosol generating device of claim 3 , wherein the first value and the second value are increased if the temperature of the heater does not reach the first temperature within a first preset time in the first section.

5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the second temperature corresponds to a temperature at which no aerosol is generated from the aerosol generating product.

6. The aerosol generating device of claim 1 , wherein the second temperature is lower than all target temperatures set by the smoking profile that is initiated once the pre-heating profile is completed.

7. The control unit In the first and third sections, the temperature of the heater is increased using a proportional integral derivative (PID) control; The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein in the second section, the temperature of the heater is decreased by cutting off the power supplied from the power source to the heater.

8. The aerosol generating device includes: further comprising a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the heater; The control unit determining a control parameter for the PID control based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor; The aerosol generating device according to claim 7 , wherein the control parameters include a duty ratio of a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signal for driving the heater.

9. 2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the third section further includes a temperature drop section in which the temperature of the heater reaches the third temperature and then drops again to a fourth temperature, and a temperature holding section in which the temperature of the heater is held at the fourth temperature.

10. The aerosol generating device of claim 9 , wherein the target temperature of the temperature holding section is fixed regardless of the temperature actually reached by the heater in the first section.

11. The control unit 2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the power supplied to the heater from the power source is cut off if the temperature of the heater in the first section does not reach the lower limit temperature until a first preset time or if the temperature of the heater in the first section reaches the first temperature within a second preset time.

12. The aerosol generating device includes: Further comprising an output unit that outputs information related to the state of the aerosol generating device, The control unit The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the output unit is controlled to notify the occurrence of an error state if the temperature of the heater does not decrease to the second temperature within a third preset time in the second section.

13. The aerosol generating device includes: further comprising a button for receiving user input or a sensor for identifying the type of aerosol product; The control unit The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the first temperature is adjusted based on a signal received from the button or the sensor.

14. The aerosol generating device includes: further comprising an insertion sensor for detecting insertion and / or removal of the aerosol product; The control unit The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the heater starts heating according to the temperature profile when the insertion detection sensor detects the insertion of the aerosol product.

15. The aerosol generating device includes: further comprising an induction coil surrounding the heater; The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the heater includes a susceptor that is heated by a magnetic field generated by the induction coil.

Images