Aerosol generating device and control method thereof

Abstract

An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment includes at least one heater for heating an aerosol generating material, a power supply for supplying power to the at least one heater, a load switch having a first terminal electrically connected to the power supply, a second terminal electrically connected to the at least one heater, and a third terminal for receiving an enable signal for turning on / off the electrical connection between the first terminal and the second terminal, a control unit for controlling the power supplied to the heater, and a protection circuit for monitoring the electrical signal of the load switch and outputting an enable signal to the third terminal.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device and a control method thereof. [Background technology]

[0002] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for alternative methods to overcome the drawbacks of conventional cigarettes. For example, there has been an increasing demand for a system that generates an aerosol by heating a cigarette or an aerosol-generating material using an aerosol generating device, rather than a method of generating an aerosol by burning a cigarette. As a result, research into heated aerosol generating devices has been actively conducted. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] Aerosol generating devices use a heater to heat the aerosol generating material, and if the heater malfunctions, the user's smoking satisfaction may be reduced and the device may be damaged.

[0004] For this reason, an aerosol generating device equipped with a heater requires a technique for preventing malfunction of the heater.

[0005] The technical problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to those described above, and other technical problems can be inferred from the following embodiments. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment includes at least one heater for heating an aerosol generating material, a power source for supplying power to the at least one heater, a load switch including a first terminal electrically connected to the power source, a second terminal electrically connected to the at least one heater, and a third terminal for receiving an enable signal for turning on / off the electrical connection between the first terminal and the second terminal, a control unit for controlling the power supplied to the heater, and a protection circuit for monitoring the electrical signal of the load switch and outputting an enable signal to the third terminal.

[0007] A method for controlling an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment includes a first step of monitoring an electrical signal of a load switch that transmits power supplied from a power source to a heater, and a second step of preventing abnormal operation of the load switch. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The aerosol generating device according to the embodiment can prevent malfunction of the heater. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram illustrating an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a front perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 5] 1 is a perspective view of the body, cartridge, and cap of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 is a diagram illustrating a stick according to an embodiment. [Figure 8]FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an operation of a protection circuit according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The terms used in the embodiments are currently commonly used terms, and are selected as much as possible while taking into consideration the functions of the present invention. However, this may vary depending on the intentions or precedents of engineers in the field, the emergence of new technologies, etc. In addition, in certain cases, the applicant may arbitrarily select terms, and in such cases, their meanings will be described in detail in the description of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention must be defined based on the meanings of the terms and the overall content of the present invention, rather than simply the names of the terms.

[0011] Throughout the specification, when a part "includes" a certain component, it does not mean that it excludes other components and may further include other components, unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, terms such as "... unit" and "... module" used in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, and may be realized by hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0012] As used herein, when a phrase such as "at least one of" precedes an array of elements, it modifies the entire array and not each individual element in the array. For example, the phrase "at least one of a, b, and c" should be interpreted as including a, b, and c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c.

[0013] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device is also a device that generates the aerosol by electrically heating a cigarette contained in the interior space.

[0014] The aerosol generating device includes a heater. In one embodiment, the heater is an electrically resistive heater. For example, the heater may include a conductive track, and when an electric current is passed through the conductive track, the heater may be heated.

[0015] The heater may include a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element, and may heat the interior or exterior of the cigarette depending on the shape of the heating element.

[0016] Cigarettes include tobacco rods and filter rods. Tobacco rods can be made in sheet or strand form, and tobacco sheets can be made from shredded tobacco. The tobacco rod is surrounded by a thermally conductive material. For example, the thermally conductive material can be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited to this.

[0017] The filter rod may also be a cellulose acetate filter. The filter rod may be composed of at least one or more segments. For example, the filter rod may include a first segment that cools the aerosol and a second segment that filters out specific components contained in the aerosol.

[0018] In other embodiments, the aerosol generating device is a device that generates an aerosol using a cartridge that holds an aerosol generating substance.

[0019] The aerosol generating device includes a cartridge that holds an aerosol generating material and a body that supports the cartridge. The cartridge is detachably connected to the body, but is not limited thereto. The cartridge may be formed integrally with the body or assembled and fixed so that it cannot be removed by a user. The cartridge may be attached to the body with the aerosol generating material stored therein. However, the invention is not limited thereto, and the aerosol generating material may be injected into the cartridge while the cartridge is connected to the body.

[0020] The cartridge holds an aerosol-forming material in any one of a variety of states, such as a liquid state, a solid state, a gas state, or a gel state. The aerosol-forming material may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance including a volatile tobacco flavor component, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance.

[0021] The cartridge is activated by an electrical signal or a wireless signal transmitted from the main body, and functions to convert the phase of the aerosol-generating material inside the cartridge into a gas phase to generate an aerosol. The aerosol refers to a gas in which vaporized particles generated from the aerosol-generating material are mixed with air.

[0022] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating device heats a liquid composition to generate an aerosol, which can be delivered to the user through the cigarette, i.e., the aerosol generated from the liquid composition travels along an airflow path in the aerosol generating device, which airflow path can be configured to deliver the aerosol through the cigarette to the user.

[0023] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating device is a device that generates an aerosol from an aerosol generating material using an ultrasonic vibration method. In this case, the ultrasonic vibration method refers to a method of generating an aerosol by atomizing an aerosol generating material using ultrasonic vibrations generated by a vibrator.

[0024] The aerosol generating device includes a vibrator that generates short-period vibrations to atomize the aerosol generating material. The vibrations generated by the vibrator are ultrasonic vibrations, and the frequency band of the ultrasonic vibrations is about 100 kHz to about 3.5 MHz, but is not limited thereto.

[0025] The aerosol generating device may further include a wick that absorbs the aerosol-generating substance, for example, the wick being positioned to surround or contact at least a region of the transducer.

[0026] When a voltage (e.g., an AC voltage) is applied to the vibrator, heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations are generated from the vibrator, and the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations generated from the vibrator are transferred to the aerosol-forming substance absorbed in the wick. The aerosol-forming substance absorbed in the wick is converted into a gas phase by the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations transferred from the vibrator, resulting in the generation of an aerosol.

[0027] For example, the viscosity of the aerosol-generating substance absorbed into the core is reduced by heat generated from the vibrator, and the reduced viscosity aerosol-generating substance is broken down into fine particles by ultrasonic vibrations generated from the vibrator, thereby generating an aerosol, but this is not limited to this.

[0028] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating device is a device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol product contained in the aerosol generating device by induction heating.

[0029] The aerosol generating device includes a susceptor and a coil. In one embodiment, the coil can apply a magnetic field to the susceptor. When power is supplied from the aerosol generating device to the coil, a magnetic field is formed inside the coil. In one embodiment, the susceptor is a magnetic material that generates heat when an external magnetic field is applied. The susceptor is located inside the coil, and generates heat when a magnetic field is applied, thereby heating the aerosol product. Alternatively, the susceptor can be located inside the aerosol product.

[0030] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may further include a cradle.

[0031] The aerosol generating device may be configured as a system together with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle may charge a battery of the aerosol generating device. Alternatively, the heater may be heated when the cradle and the aerosol generating device are coupled together.

[0032] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement them. The present invention may be embodied in a form that can be implemented in the aerosol generating device of the various embodiments described above, or may be embodied in various different forms, and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0033] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0034] 1 to 3 show an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 1, an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention 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 a main body 10 of the aerosol generating device. The main 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 be referred to as an insertion space. The insertion space may be recessed to a predetermined depth toward the inside of the main 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 main body 10, and the upper end of the stick S may protrude outside the main body 10. A user may inhale air by holding the exposed upper end of the stick S in their mouth.

[0036] The heater 18 can heat the stick S. The heater 18 can extend upward into the space into which the stick S is inserted. For example, the heater 18 can include a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element. The heater 18 can be inserted into the lower part of the stick S. The heater 18 can include an electric resistance heater and / or an induction heater.

[0037] 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.

[0038] For example, the heater 18 may be a multiple heater. The heater 18 may include a first heater 18A and a second heater 18B. The first and second heaters 18A and 18B may be arranged side by side along the longitudinal direction. The first and second heaters 18A and 18B may be heated sequentially or simultaneously.

[0039] 2 and 3, the aerosol generator 1 includes at least one of a power source 11, a control unit 12, a sensor 13, a heater 18, and a cartridge 19. At least one of the power source 11, the control unit 12, the sensor 13, and the heater 18 may be disposed inside the body 10 of the aerosol generator. The body 10 may provide a space with an opening at the top into which an aerosol-producing product, a stick S, can be inserted. The space with an opening at the top is also referred to as an insertion space. The insertion space is recessed to a predetermined depth toward the inside of the body 10 so that at least a portion of the stick S can be inserted. The depth of the insertion space corresponds to the length of a region of the stick S containing the aerosol-generating material and / or medium. The bottom end of the stick S is inserted into the body 10, and the top end of the stick S protrudes outside the body 10. A user can inhale air through the top end of the stick S exposed to the outside.

[0040] The heater 18 can heat the stick S. The heater 18 can extend long upward around the periphery of the space into which the stick S is inserted. For example, the heater 18 can be tubular with a hollow interior. The heater 18 can be arranged around the periphery of the insertion space. The heater 18 can be arranged so as to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. The heater 18 can heat the insertion space or the stick S inserted into the insertion space. The heater 18 includes an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heater.

[0041] For example, the aerosol generating device 1 includes an induction coil surrounding the heater 18. The induction coil can cause the heater 18 to generate heat. The heater 18 is a susceptor, and the heater 18 can be heated by a magnetic field generated by AC current flowing through the induction coil. The magnetic field penetrates the heater 18 and generates eddy currents within the heater 18. The current causes the heater 18 to generate heat.

[0042] Meanwhile, a susceptor is included inside the stick S, and the susceptor inside the stick S can be heated by a magnetic field generated by an AC current flowing through an induction coil.

[0043] Cartridge 19 contains an aerosol-forming material that can be in any one of a liquid, solid, gaseous, or gel state. The aerosol-forming material may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance that includes a volatile tobacco flavor component, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance.

[0044] The cartridge 19 is either integrally formed with the main body 10 or detachably coupled to the main body 10 .

[0045] For example, referring to FIG. 2, the cartridge 19 may be integrally formed with the main body 10 and communicate with the insertion space through the airflow channel CN.

[0046] 3, a space is formed on one side of the main body 10, and at least a portion of the cartridge 19 is inserted into the space formed on one side of the main body 10 to mount the cartridge 19 on the main body 10. An airflow channel CN ​​is defined by a portion of the cartridge and / or a portion of the main body 10, and the cartridge 19 can communicate with the insertion space through the airflow channel CN.

[0047] The main body 10 may be configured to allow outside air to flow into the main body 10 when the cartridge 19 is inserted. In this case, the outside air flowing into the main body 10 may pass through the cartridge 19 and flow into the user's mouth.

[0048] The cartridge 19 includes a storage portion C0 containing an aerosol-generating material and / or a cartridge heater 24 for heating the aerosol-generating material in the storage portion C0. A liquid transfer means impregnated with (containing) the aerosol-generating material is disposed inside the storage portion C0. The liquid transfer means may include a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic. The conductive track of the heater 24 may be formed as a coil-like structure that wraps around the liquid transfer means or as a structure that contacts one side of the liquid transfer means. The heater 24 is also referred to as a cartridge heater 24. The cartridge 19 can generate aerosol. The liquid transfer means is heated by the cartridge heater 24, thereby generating aerosol. The heater 18 heats the stick S, thereby generating aerosol. As the aerosol generated by the cartridge heater 24 and the heater 18 passes through the stick S, tobacco material is added to the aerosol, and the aerosol containing the tobacco material is inhaled into the user's mouth through one end of the stick S.

[0049] The aerosol generating device 1 is equipped with only the cartridge heater 24, and the main body 10 is not equipped with a heater 18. In this case, the aerosol generated by the cartridge heater 24 passes through the stick S, and is mixed with tobacco substances before being inhaled into the user's oral cavity.

[0050] The aerosol generating device 1 includes a cap (not shown), which is releasably coupled to the main body 10 so as to cover at least a portion of the cartridge 19 coupled to the main body 10. The stick S is inserted into the main body 10 through the cap.

[0051] Figure 4 is a front perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 5 is a combined perspective view of the body, cartridge and cap of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] 4, an aerosol generation device A100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a main body A3. The aerosol generation device A100 may include a cap A30. The aerosol generation device A100 may include a cartridge A40. The cartridge A40 may be detachably coupled to one side of the main body A3. The cap A30 may be detachably coupled to the main body A3 to cover the cartridge A40. A stick S may be inserted into the main body A3 through the cap A30.

[0053] 5, the main body A3 may include a lower body A1 and an upper body A2. Components of the aerosol generating device A100, such as a battery and a controller, may be installed inside the lower body A1. The upper body A2 may be coupled to the upper side of the lower body A1.

[0054] The upper body A2 may include a column A10 and a mounting portion A20. The column A10 may be elongated in the vertical direction. The column A10 may include an outer wall A11, an inner wall A12, and an upper wall A13.

[0055] The mounting portion A20 may protrude from the lower portion of the inner wall A12 of the column A10. The mounting portion A20 may face the upper side. The cartridge region A24 may be formed between the inner wall A12 of the column A10 and the mounting portion A20. The cartridge region A24 may be located on one side of the inner wall A12 of the column A10 and above the mounting portion A20.

[0056] The column A10 may include an insertion space A142. The insertion space A142 may extend vertically from the interior of the column A10 and may be open upward so that the upper wall A13 is open.

[0057] The main body inlet A141 may be formed on one side of the column A10. The main body inlet A141 may be formed by opening the inner wall A12. The main body inlet A141 may be open to the outside of the column A10. The main body inlet A141 may be connected to the insertion space A142. The main body inlet A141 may be disposed toward the cartridge region A24. The main body inlet A141 may be connected to the cartridge region A24.

[0058] The cartridge A40 can be detachably coupled to the upper body A2 from the cartridge region A24. The cartridge A40 can be coupled to the inner wall A12 of the column A10 and placed on the mounting portion A20 so that its bottom is supported. The cartridge A40 can include a first container A41 and a second container A42. The first container A41 can be disposed above the second container A42. The first container A41 can store liquid.

[0059] The cap A30 covers the upper body A2 and may be detachably coupled to the main body A3. The cap A30 may cover the upper body A2 and the cartridge A40 coupled to the upper body A2. The cap A30 may have a space formed therein into which the upper body A2 and the cartridge A40 are inserted. The space inside the cap A30 may be open downward. The sidewall A31 of the cap A30 may surround the sides of the space inside the cap A30. The top wall A33 of the cap A30 may cover the top of the space inside the cap A30. The insertion opening A34 may be formed by opening the top wall A33. When the cap A30 is coupled to the main body A3, the insertion opening A34 may be located above the insertion space A142 and communicate with the insertion space A142. The cover A35 may be movably installed on the top wall A33. The cover A35 may slide along the top wall A33. The cover A35 can open and close the insertion opening A34.

[0060] 6, a first chamber C1 may be formed inside a first container A41. A liquid may be stored in the first chamber AC1. A second chamber AC2 may be formed inside a second container A42.

[0061] The cartridge inlet A441 may be formed by opening the cartridge A40. The cartridge outlet A442 may be formed by opening the cartridge A40. The cartridge flow path A443 may connect the cartridge inlet A441 and the second chamber AC2. The cartridge outlet A442 may be in communication with the second chamber AC2.

[0062] The cartridge outlet A442 may be formed by opening one side of the second container A42. The outlet port A422 may surround the cartridge outlet A442. The outlet port A422 may protrude from one side of the second container A42. When the cartridge A40 is coupled to the upper body A2, the outlet port A422 may be inserted into the body inlet A141, and the cartridge outlet A442 may be connected to the body inlet A141.

[0063] The wick A45 may be disposed in the second chamber AC2. The wick A45 may be connected to the first chamber AC1. The wick A45 may be supplied with liquid from the first chamber AC1. The heater A46 may be heated to heat the wick A45. The heater A46 may be disposed in the second chamber AC2. The heater A46 may be wound around the wick A45. When the heater A46 heats the wick A45, an aerosol may be generated around the wick A45 in the second chamber AC2.

[0064] The heater terminal A47 may be exposed at the bottom of the cartridge A40. The heater terminal A47 may be formed at the bottom of the second container A42. The heater terminal A47 may be electrically connected to the heater A46. When the cartridge A40 is coupled to the upper body A2, the heater terminal A47 may come into contact with and be electrically connected to the first pin A50.

[0065] The first pin A50 may protrude outside the mounting portion A20. The first pin A50 may receive power from a battery installed inside the lower body A1 through a connector A97 and provide it to the heater terminal A47 and the heater A46. The heater A46 may generate heat upon receiving the power.

[0066] Air outside the cartridge A40 may flow into the cartridge A40 through the cartridge inlet A441. The air may sequentially flow through the cartridge inlet A441, the cartridge flow path A443, the second chamber AC2, and the cartridge outlet A442. The air inside the cartridge A40 may be discharged to the outside of the cartridge A40 through the cartridge outlet A442. The air flowing into the cartridge A40 may be discharged to the outside of the cartridge A40 through the cartridge outlet A442, carrying the aerosol generated in the second chamber AC2.

[0067] The first pin A50 is disposed inside the main body A3 but may protrude to the outside of the main body A3. The main body A3 may include a mounting portion A20.

[0068] The mounting portion A20 may have an outer recessed groove A25. The outer recessed groove A25 may be formed by recessing the upper portion A21 of the mounting portion A20 downward. The outer recessed groove A25 may be located below the cartridge region A24. The upper portion A21 of the mounting portion A20 is named because it is the outer surface of the main body A3. The outer recessed groove A25 may be formed on the outer surface of the main body A3.

[0069] The lower portion of the outer recessed groove A25 is covered by a bottom portion A251, and the side portion is covered by a peripheral portion A252. The upper portion of the outer recessed groove A25 may be open. One side of the outer recessed groove A25 may be open and not covered by the peripheral portion A252. If the x direction in the coordinate system is defined as the front, the front of the outer recessed groove A25 may be open. The upper end of the first pin A50 may protrude upward from the bottom A251 of the outer recessed groove A25 toward the outer recessed groove A25 or may be exposed.

[0070] The bottom of the cartridge A40 may have a shape corresponding to the mounting portion A20 and the outer recessed groove A25. When the cartridge A40 is coupled to the upper body A2, the bottom of the cartridge A40 is placed on the mounting portion A20, and the first pin A50 and the heater terminal A47 may be electrically connected to each other.

[0071] The guide portion A253 may be provided in plurality. The guide portion A253 may extend longitudinally from the front to the rear. The guide portion A253 may be formed with an inclination so that it gradually becomes higher from the front to the rear. Each of the plurality of guide portions A253 may be disposed in front of each of the plurality of first pins A50. The height of the rear end of the guide portion A253 adjacent to the first pin A50 is the same as or similar to the height of the first pin A50.

[0072] As a result, when the cartridge A40 is coupled to the upper body A2, the guide portion A253 can guide the arrangement of the cartridge A40 so that the first pin A50 and the heater terminal A47 come into contact with each other.

[0073] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a stick according to an embodiment.

[0074] Referring to FIG. 7, the stick S includes a tobacco rod S21 and a filter rod S22.

[0075] Although the filter rod S22 is illustrated as a single segment in FIG. 7, it is not limited to this. In other words, the filter rod S22 may be composed of multiple segments. For example, the filter rod S22 may include a segment that cools the aerosol and a segment that filters specific components contained in the aerosol. Furthermore, the filter rod S22 may further include at least one segment that performs another function, as needed.

[0076] The stick SS has a diameter ranging from 5 mm to 9 mm and a length of about 48 mm, but is not limited thereto. For example, the tobacco rod S21 has a length of about 12 mm, the first segment of the filter rod S22 has a length of about 10 mm, the second segment of the filter rod S22 has a length of about 14 mm, and the third segment of the filter rod S22 has a length of about 12 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0077] The sticks S may be wrapped using at least one wrapper S24. The wrapper S24 may have at least one hole formed therein to allow external air to enter or internal gas to escape. As an example, the sticks S may be wrapped using a single wrapper S24. As another example, the sticks S may be wrapped in layers using two or more wrappers S24. For example, the tobacco rod S21 may be wrapped using a first wrapper S241, and the filter rod S22 may be wrapped using wrappers S242, S243, and S244. The entire stick S may then be rewrapped using a single wrapper S245. If the filter rod S22 is composed of multiple segments, each segment may be wrapped using the wrappers S242, S243, and S244.

[0078] The first wrapper S241 and the second wrapper S242 may be made of a common filter wrapper paper. For example, the first wrapper S241 and the second wrapper S242 may be a porous or non-porous wrapper paper. The first wrapper S241 and the second wrapper S242 may also be made of an oil-resistant paper and / or aluminum-clad wrapping material.

[0079] The third wrapper S243 may be made of hard wrapping paper. For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper S243 is 88 g / m 2 ~96g / m 2 and preferably 90 g / m 2 ~94g / m 2 The thickness of the third wrapper S243 is within the range of 120 μm to 130 μm, and is preferably 125 μm.

[0080] The fourth wrapper S244 may be made of oil-resistant hard wrapping paper. For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper S244 is 88 g / m 2 ~96g / m 2 and preferably 90 g / m 2 ~94g / m 2 The thickness of the fourth wrapper S244 is within the range of 120 μm to 13 μm, and preferably 125 μm.

[0081] The No. 5 Wrapper S245 may be made of MFW paper. Here, MFW refers to paper that is specially manufactured to have improved tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. compared to general paper. For example, the No. 5 Wrapper S245 has a basis weight of 57 g / m. 2 ~63g / m 2 and preferably within the range of 60 g / m 2 The thickness of the fifth wrapper S245 is in the range of 64 μm to 70 μm, and preferably 67 μm.

[0082] A predetermined substance may be added to the fifth wrapper S245. Examples of the predetermined substance include, but are not limited to, silicon. For example, silicon has properties such as heat resistance (i.e., small changes due to temperature), oxidation resistance (i.e., resistance to various chemicals), water repellency, and electrical insulation. However, any substance other than silicon that has the above properties may be applied (or coated) to the fifth wrapper S245 without limitation.

[0083] The fifth trumpet S245 can prevent the stick S from burning. For example, if the tobacco rod S210 is heated by the heater 18, the stick S may burn. Specifically, if the temperature of any one of the substances contained in the tobacco rod S310 rises above the ignition point, the stick S may burn. Even in this case, the fifth trumpet S245 contains a non-combustible substance, so the stick S can be prevented from burning.

[0084] In addition, the fifth wrapper S245 can prevent the holder (not shown) from being contaminated by the substance produced in the stick S. A liquid substance can be produced in the stick S when the user puffs. For example, a liquid substance (e.g., water) can be produced when the aerosol produced in the stick S is cooled by external air. The fifth wrapper S245 encases the stick S, thereby preventing the liquid substance produced in the stick S from leaking out of the stick S.

[0085] The tobacco rod S21 includes an aerosol-forming material. For example, the aerosol-forming material may include at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol, but is not limited to these. The tobacco rod S21 may also include other additives, such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids. A flavoring liquid, such as menthol or a humectant, may also be added to the tobacco rod S21 by being sprayed onto the tobacco rod S21.

[0086] The tobacco rod S21 may be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod S21 may be manufactured in a sheet or strand. Alternatively, the tobacco rod S21 may be manufactured from shredded tobacco, which is a tobacco sheet cut into small pieces. The tobacco rod S21 may be surrounded by a thermally conductive material. For example, the thermally conductive material may be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited thereto. For example, the thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod S21 may uniformly distribute heat transferred to the tobacco rod S21, improving the thermal conductivity of the tobacco rod and thereby improving the tobacco flavor. The thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod S21 may also function as a susceptor heated by an induction heater. Although not shown in the drawings, the tobacco rod S21 may further include an additional susceptor in addition to the thermally conductive material surrounding the exterior.

[0087] The filter rod S22 may also be a cellulose acetate filter. Meanwhile, the shape of the filter rod S22 is not limited. For example, the filter rod S22 may be a cylindrical rod or a tubular rod having a hollow inside. The filter rod S22 may also be a recessed rod. If the filter rod S22 is composed of multiple segments, at least one of the multiple segments may be manufactured in a different shape. The first segment of the filter rod S22 may also be a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the first segment may be a tubular structure having a hollow inside. When the heater 18 is inserted, the first segment prevents the internal material of the tobacco rod S210 from being pushed backward and may also have a cooling effect on the aerosol. The diameter of the hollow inside the first segment may be, but is not limited to, a suitable diameter within the range of 2 mm to 4.5 mm.

[0088] The length of the first segment may be within the range of 4 mm to 30 mm, but is not limited thereto, and preferably, the length of the first segment is 10 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0089] The hardness of the first segment can be adjusted by adjusting the content of plasticizer during manufacturing of the first segment. The first segment can also be manufactured by inserting a structure such as a film or tube made of the same or different material inside (e.g., hollow).

[0090] The second segment of the filter rod S22 cools the aerosol generated by heating the tobacco rod S21 with the heater 18. Thus, the user can inhale the aerosol cooled to an appropriate temperature.

[0091] The length or diameter of the second segment may vary depending on the shape of the stick S. For example, the length of the second segment may be appropriately set within the range of 7 mm to 20 mm. Preferably, the length of the second segment is approximately 14 mm, but is not limited to this.

[0092] The second segment may be made by weaving polymer fibers. In this case, a fragrance liquid may be applied to the polymer fibers. Alternatively, the second segment may be made by weaving a separate fiber coated with a fragrance liquid and a polymer fiber together. Alternatively, the second segment may be formed from a crimped polymer sheet.

[0093] For example, the polymer may be made of a material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PLA), cellulose acetate (CA), and aluminum foil.

[0094] When the second segment is formed from woven polymer fibers or a crimped polymer sheet, the second segment may include one or more longitudinally extending channels, where a channel refers to a passageway through which a gas (e.g., air or aerosol) passes.

[0095] For example, the second segment of crimped polymer sheet can be formed from a material having a thickness between about 5 μm and about 300 μm, e.g., between about 10 μm and about 250 μm, and the total surface area of ​​the second segment can be less than about 300 mm 2 / mm and approximately 1000mm 2 / mm. The aerosol cooling element may also have a specific surface area of ​​about 10 mm 2 / mg and about 100mm 2 / mg of material.

[0096] The second segment, on the other hand, includes a thread containing a volatile flavor component, which may be, but is not limited to, menthol. For example, the thread may be loaded with a sufficient amount of menthol to provide 1.5 mg or more of menthol to the second segment.

[0097] The third segment of the filter rod S22 is also a cellulose acetate filter. The length of the third segment may be appropriately selected within a range of 4 mm to 20 mm. For example, the length of the third segment may be approximately 12 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0098] During the manufacturing process of the third segment, the third segment may be manufactured so that a flavor is generated by spraying a flavoring liquid onto the third segment. Alternatively, a separate fiber coated with a flavoring liquid may be inserted into the third segment. The aerosol generated in the tobacco rod S21 is cooled as it passes through the second segment of the filter rod S22, and the cooled aerosol is delivered to the user through the third segment. Therefore, when a flavoring element is added to the third segment, the effect of enhancing the persistence of the flavor delivered to the user may be achieved.

[0099] The filter rod S22 also includes at least one capsule S23. The capsule S23 may have a function of generating a flavor or a function of generating an aerosol. For example, the capsule S23 may have a structure in which a liquid containing a flavoring agent is covered with a film. The capsule S23 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0100] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0101] The aerosol generation device 1 includes a power supply 11, a control unit 12, a sensor 13, an output unit 14, an input unit 15, a communication unit 16, a memory 17, at least one heater 18, 24, a protection circuit 30, and a load switch 31. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generation device 1 is not limited to that shown in Fig. 8. That is, it is understood by a person skilled in the art that this embodiment relates to that some of the components shown in Fig. 8 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol generation device 1.

[0102] The sensor 13 can sense the state of the aerosol generation device 1 or the state around the aerosol generation device 1 and transmit the sensed information to the control unit 12. Based on the sensed information, the control unit 12 can control the aerosol generation device 1 to perform various functions such as controlling the operation of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18, restricting smoking, determining whether the stick S and / or the cartridge 19 is inserted, and displaying notifications.

[0103] The sensor 13 includes at least one of a temperature sensor 131 , a puff sensor 132 , an insertion detection sensor 133 , a reuse detection sensor 134 , a cartridge detection sensor 135 , a cap detection sensor 136 , and a movement detection sensor 137 .

[0104] The temperature sensor 131 can sense the temperature to which the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 is heated. The aerosol generating device 1 may include a separate temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18, or the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 itself may function as a temperature sensor.

[0105] The temperature sensor 131 can output a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. For example, the temperature sensor 131 includes a resistive element whose resistance value changes in response to a change in temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. The temperature sensor 131 can be implemented using a thermistor, which is an element that utilizes the property of changing resistance depending on temperature. In this case, the temperature sensor 131 can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistive element as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. For example, the temperature sensor 131 is configured with a sensor that detects the resistance value of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. In this case, the temperature sensor 131 can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

[0106] 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.

[0107] The temperature sensor 131 is disposed inside the main body 10 and is capable of sensing the internal temperature of the main body 10 .

[0108] The puff sensor 132 can detect a user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow path. The puff sensor 132 can detect a user's puff based on any one of a temperature change, a flow change, a voltage change, and a pressure change. The puff sensor 132 can output a signal corresponding to the puff. For example, the puff sensor 132 can also be a pressure sensor. The puff sensor 132 can output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generation device. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol generation device 1 corresponds to the pressure of the airflow path through which the gas flows. The puff sensor 132 can be arranged in the aerosol generation device 1 corresponding to the airflow path through which the gas flows.

[0109] The insertion detection sensor 133 can detect the insertion and / or removal of the stick S. The insertion detection sensor 133 can detect a signal change caused by the insertion and / or removal of the stick S. The insertion detection sensor 133 can be installed around the insertion space. The insertion detection sensor 133 can detect the insertion and / or removal of the stick S based on a change in the dielectric constant inside the insertion space. For example, the insertion detection sensor 133 can be an inductive sensor and / or a capacitance sensor.

[0110] The inductive sensor includes at least one coil. The coil of the inductive sensor is disposed adjacent to the insertion space. For example, when a magnetic field changes around a coil through which a current flows, the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil may change according to Faraday's law. Here, the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil include the frequency, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc. of the alternating current.

[0111] An inductive sensor can output a signal corresponding to a characteristic of the current flowing through a coil, for example, the inductance value of the coil.

[0112] The capacitance sensor includes a conductor. The conductor of the capacitance sensor is disposed adjacent to the insertion space. The capacitance sensor can output a signal corresponding to the surrounding electromagnetic characteristics, for example, the capacitance around the conductor. For example, when a stick S including a metal wrapper is inserted into the insertion space, the wrapper of the stick S may change the electromagnetic characteristics around the conductor.

[0113] The reuse detection sensor 134 can detect whether the stick S has been reused. The reuse detection sensor 134 is also a color sensor. The color sensor can detect the color of the stick S. The color sensor can detect the color of a part of the wrapper surrounding the outside of the stick S. The color sensor can detect a value related to an optical characteristic corresponding to the color of an object based on light reflected from the object. For example, the optical characteristic can be the wavelength of light. The color sensor may be implemented as one component together with the proximity sensor, or as a separate component separate from the proximity sensor.

[0114] At least a portion of the bells constituting the stick S may change color due to the aerosol. The reuse detection sensor 134 may be disposed corresponding to a position where at least a portion of the bells, the color of which changes due to the aerosol, is disposed when the stick S is inserted into the insertion space. For example, before the stick S is used by a user, the color of at least a portion of the bells is a first color. In this case, while the aerosol generated by the aerosol generation device 1 passes through the stick S, at least a portion of the bells may be wetted by the aerosol, thereby changing the color of at least a portion of the bells to a second color. Meanwhile, after the color of at least a portion of the bells is changed from the first color to the second color, the color may be maintained at the second color.

[0115] The cartridge detection sensor 135 can detect the installation and / or removal of the cartridge 19. The cartridge detection sensor 135 can be implemented by an inductance-based sensor, a capacitance-type sensor, a resistance sensor, a hall sensor (hall IC) using the hall effect, or the like.

[0116] The cap detection sensor 136 can detect the attachment and / or removal of the cap. When the cap is separated from the body 10, parts of the cartridge 19 and the body 10 that were covered by the cap may be exposed to the outside. The cap detection sensor 136 may be implemented by a contact sensor, a hall sensor (hall IC), an optical sensor, etc.

[0117] The motion detection sensor 137 can detect the motion of the aerosol generating device and is implemented by at least one of an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor.

[0118] The sensor 13 may further include at least one of a humidity sensor, an air pressure sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, a position sensor (GPS), and a proximity sensor in addition to the above-mentioned sensors 131 to 137. The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by an ordinary engineer from its name, so a detailed description will be omitted.

[0119] The output unit 14 can output and provide to the user information about the status of the aerosol generation device 1. The output unit 14 includes, but is not limited to, at least one of a display 141, a haptic unit 142, and an audio output unit 143. When the display 141 and the touchpad form a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display 141 is used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0120] The display 141 can visually provide a user with information about the aerosol generation device 1. For example, the information about the aerosol generation device 1 can mean various information such as the charge / discharge status of the power supply 11 of the aerosol generation device 1, the preheating status of the heater 18, the insertion / removal status of the stick S and / or cartridge 19, the attachment / removal status of a cap, or a status that restricts the use of the aerosol generation device 1 (e.g., abnormal item detection), and the display 141 can output the information to the outside. For example, the display 141 can be in the form of an LED light-emitting element. For example, the display 141 can be a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), etc.

[0121] The haptic unit 142 can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical or electrical stimulus and provide a user with tactile information about the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the haptic unit 142 generates a vibration corresponding to the completion of initial preheating when initial power is supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 for a set time. The haptic unit 142 may include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0122] The acoustic output unit 143 can audibly provide the user with information about the aerosol generation device 1. For example, the acoustic output unit 143 can convert an electric signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

[0123] The power source 11 can supply power used to operate the aerosol generation device 1. The power source 11 can supply power to heat the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. The power source 11 can also supply power necessary for the operation of other components provided in the aerosol generation device 1, such as the sensor 13, the output unit 14, the input unit 15, the communication unit 16, and the memory 17. The power source 11 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the power source 11 may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited to this.

[0124] 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.

[0125] The power supply protection circuit can cut off the electrical path to the power supply 11 under predetermined conditions. For example, the power supply protection circuit can cut off the electrical path to the power supply 11 when the voltage level of the power supply 11 is equal to or higher than a first voltage corresponding to overcharging. For example, the power supply protection circuit can cut off the electrical path to the power supply 11 when the voltage level of the power supply 11 is lower than a second voltage corresponding to overdischarging.

[0126] Heater 18 can heat the medium or aerosol-generating substance in stick S by receiving power from power supply 11. Although not shown in Fig. 1, aerosol generation device 1 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power of power supply 11 and supplies it to cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. Furthermore, when aerosol generation device 1 generates aerosol by induction heating, aerosol generation device 1 may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power of power supply 11 into AC power.

[0127] The control unit 12, the sensor 13, the output unit 14, the input unit 15, the communication unit 16, and the memory 17 can function by receiving power from the power supply 11. Although not shown in FIG. 1 , the power supply 11 may further include a power conversion circuit, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that converts the power from the power supply 11 and supplies it to each component. Also, although not shown in FIG. 1 , a noise filter may be provided between the power supply 11 and the heater 18. The noise filter may also be a low-pass filter. The low-pass filter may include at least one inductor and capacitor. The cutoff frequency of the low-pass filter corresponds to the frequency of the high-frequency switching current applied from the power supply 11 to the heater 18. The low-pass filter can prevent high-frequency noise components from being applied to the sensors 13, such as the insertion detection sensor 133.

[0128] 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.

[0129] 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.

[0130] The input unit 15 can receive information input by a user or output information to a user. For example, the input unit 15 can be a touch panel. The touch panel can include at least one touch sensor that detects a touch. For example, the touch sensor can include, but is not limited to, a capacitive touch sensor, a resistive touch sensor, a surface acoustic wave touch sensor, an infrared touch sensor, etc.

[0131] The display 141 and the touch panel may be implemented as a single panel. For example, the touch panel may be inserted (on-cell type or in-cell type) into the display 141. For example, the touch panel may be an add-on type on the display 141.

[0132] Meanwhile, the input unit 15 includes, but is not limited to, a button, a keypad, a dome switch, a jog wheel, a jog switch, and the like.

[0133] The memory 17 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generation device 1 and can store data that has been processed by the control unit 12 and data to be processed by the control unit 12. The memory 17 includes at least one type of recording medium selected from the group consisting of flash memory, hard disk, micro multimedia card, card-type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk. The memory 17 can store data related to the operating time of the aerosol generation device 1, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and the user's smoking pattern.

[0134] The communication unit 16 includes at least one component for communicating with other electronic devices, such as at least one of a short-range communication unit and a wireless communication unit.

[0135] The short-range wireless communication unit includes, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee (registered trademark) communication unit, an IrDA (infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, a UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc.

[0136] The wireless communication unit includes, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (eg, LAN or WAN) communication unit, and the like.

[0137] Although not shown in FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device 1 further includes a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, through which it can connect to other external devices to send and receive information or charge the power source 11.

[0138] The control unit 12 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1. In one embodiment, the control unit 12 includes at least one processor. The processor may be embodied as an array of multiple logic gates, or may be embodied by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor. Those skilled in the art will understand that the processor may also be embodied by other forms of hardware.

[0139] The control unit 12 can control the temperature of the heater 18 by controlling the supply of power from the power source 11 to the heater 18. The control unit 12 can control the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 sensed by the temperature sensor 131. The control unit 12 can adjust the power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. For example, the control unit 12 can determine a target temperature for the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 based on a temperature profile stored in the memory 17.

[0140] The aerosol generating device 1 may include a power supply circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the power supply 11 between the power supply 11 and the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. The power supply circuit may be electrically connected to the cartridge heater 24, the heater 18, or the induction coil 181. The power supply circuit includes at least one switching element. The switching element may be implemented by a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), a field effect transistor (FET), or the like. The control unit 12 may control the power supply circuit.

[0141] The control unit 12 can control the power supply by controlling the switching of the switching elements of the power supply circuit. The power supply circuit also functions as an inverter that converts DC power output from the power supply 11 into AC power. For example, the inverter is configured with a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit including multiple switching elements.

[0142] The control unit 12 can turn on the switching element so that power is supplied from the power source 11 to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. The control unit 12 can turn off the switching element so that power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 is cut off. The control unit 12 can adjust the frequency and / or duty ratio of the current pulse input to the switching element to adjust the current supplied from the power source 11.

[0143] The control unit 12 controls the switching of the switching elements of the power supply circuit to control the voltage output from the power supply 11. The power conversion circuit can convert the voltage output from the power supply 11. For example, the power conversion circuit includes a buck converter that boosts the voltage output from the power supply 11. For example, the power conversion circuit can be implemented using a buck-boost converter, a Zener diode, etc. Details regarding the power supplied from the power supply 11 to the heaters 18 and 24 will be described later with reference to FIG. 9.

[0144] The control unit 12 controls the on / off operation of a switching element included in the power conversion circuit to adjust the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit. When the on state of the switching element is maintained, the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit corresponds to the level of the voltage output from the power source 11. The duty ratio of the on / off operation of the switching element corresponds to the ratio of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit to the voltage output from the power source 11. As the duty ratio of the on / off operation of the switching element decreases, the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit may decrease. The heater 18 may be heated based on the voltage output from the power conversion circuit.

[0145] The control unit 12 can control the supply of power to the heater 18 using at least one of a pulse width modulation (PWM) method and a proportional-integral-differential (PID) method.

[0146] For example, the control unit 12 can use a PWM method to control current pulses having a predetermined frequency and duty ratio to be supplied to the heater 18. The control unit 12 can adjust the frequency and duty ratio of the current pulses to control the power supplied to the heater 18.

[0147] For example, the control unit 12 can determine a target temperature, which is a control target, based on the temperature profile. The control unit 12 can control the power supplied to the heater 18 using a PID method, which is a feedback control method that uses a difference between the temperature of the heater 18 and the target temperature, a value obtained by integrating the difference over time, and a value obtained by differentiating the difference over time. A more detailed description of how the control unit 12 controls the power supplied to the heaters 18 and 24 will be given later with reference to FIG. 9.

[0148] The control unit 12 can prevent the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 from overheating. For example, the control unit 12 can control the operation of the power conversion circuit to interrupt the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 when the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 exceeds a predetermined limit temperature. For example, the control unit 12 can reduce the amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 by a certain percentage when the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 exceeds a predetermined limit temperature. For example, the control unit 12 can determine that the aerosol-generating material contained in the cartridge 19 has been consumed when the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeds the limit temperature, and can interrupt the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24.

[0149] 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.

[0150] When a power line is connected to the battery terminal of the aerosol generating device 1, the control unit 12 can check whether the temperature of the power source 11 is equal to or higher than a first limit temperature, which is a criterion for cutting off charging of the power source 11. When the temperature of the power source 11 is lower than the first limit temperature, the control unit 12 can control the power source 11 to be charged based on a predetermined charging current. When the temperature of the power source 11 is equal to or higher than the first limit temperature, the control unit 12 can cut off charging of the power source 11.

[0151] When the aerosol generating device 1 is powered on, the control unit 12 can check whether the temperature of the power source 11 is equal to or higher than a second limit temperature, which is a criterion for cutting off the discharge of the power source 11. If the temperature of the power source 11 is lower than the second limit temperature, the control unit 12 can control the power source 11 to use the power stored in the power source 11. If the temperature of the power source 11 is equal to or higher than the second limit temperature, the control unit 12 can stop the use of the power stored in the power source 11.

[0152] 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.

[0153] The control unit 12 can determine whether the stick S is inserted into the insertion space through the insertion detection sensor 133. The control unit 12 can determine that the stick S has been inserted based on the output signal of the insertion detection sensor 133. If it is determined that the stick S has been inserted into the insertion space, the control unit 12 can control the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 to supply power. For example, the control unit 12 can supply power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 based on a temperature profile stored in the memory 17.

[0154] The control unit 12 can determine whether the stick S has been removed from the insertion space. For example, the control unit 12 can determine whether the stick S has been removed from the insertion space via the insertion detection sensor 133. For example, the control unit 12 can determine that the stick S has been removed from the insertion space when the temperature of the heater 18 is equal to or higher than a limit temperature or when the temperature change gradient of the heater 18 is equal to or higher than a set gradient. When it is determined that the stick S has been removed from the insertion space, the control unit 12 can cut off the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18.

[0155] The control unit 12 can control the time and / or amount of power supply to the heater 18 depending on the state of the stick S sensed by the sensor 13. The control unit 12 can check the level range that includes the level of the signal from the capacitance sensor based on a lookup table. The control unit 12 can determine the amount of moisture in the stick S based on the checked level range.

[0156] When the stick S is in an over-humid state, the control unit 12 controls the time for which power is supplied to the heater 18, and can increase the pre-heating time of the stick S compared to when the stick S is in a normal state.

[0157] The control unit 12 can determine whether the stick S inserted into the insertion space is reused through the reuse detection sensor 134. For example, the control unit 12 can compare the sensing value of the signal from the reuse detection sensor with a first reference range including a first color, and determine that the stick S has not been used if the sensing value is within the first reference range. For example, the control unit 12 can compare the sensing value of the signal from the reuse detection sensor with a second reference range including a second color, and determine that the stick S has been used if the sensing value is within the second reference range. If it is determined that the stick S has been used, the control unit 12 can cut off the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18.

[0158] The control unit 12 can determine whether to connect and / or remove the cartridge 19 through the cartridge detection sensor 135. For example, the control unit 12 can determine whether to connect and / or remove the cartridge 19 based on the sensing value of the signal of the cartridge detection sensor.

[0159] The control unit 12 can determine whether the aerosol generating material in the cartridge 19 has been exhausted. For example, the control unit 12 can apply power to preheat the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, determine whether the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeds a limit temperature during the preheating period, and determine that the aerosol generating material in the cartridge 19 has been exhausted if the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeds the limit temperature. If the control unit 12 determines that the aerosol generating material in the cartridge 19 has been exhausted, it can cut off the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

[0160] The control unit 12 can determine whether the cartridge 19 can be used. For example, the control unit 12 can determine that the cartridge 19 cannot be used if the current number of puffs is equal to or greater than the maximum number of puffs set for the cartridge 19 based on the data stored in the memory 17. For example, the control unit 12 can determine that the cartridge 19 cannot be used if the total time that the cartridge heater 24 has been heated is equal to or greater than a predetermined maximum time, or if the total amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 is equal to or greater than a predetermined maximum amount of power.

[0161] The control unit 12 can determine whether the user is inhaling through the puff sensor 132. For example, the control unit 12 can determine whether a puff is occurring based on the sensed value of the signal from the puff sensor. For example, the control unit 12 can determine the strength of the puff based on the sensed value of the signal from the puff sensor 132. If the number of puffs reaches a predetermined maximum number of puffs or if no puffs are sensed for a predetermined period of time or longer, the control unit 12 can cut off the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18.

[0162] The control unit 12 can determine whether the cap is attached and / or removed through the cap detection sensor 136. For example, the control unit 12 can determine whether the cap is attached and / or removed based on the sensing value of the signal of the cap detection sensor.

[0163] The control unit 12 can control the output unit 14 based on the results sensed by the sensor 13. For example, if the number of puffs counted by the puff sensor 132 reaches a predetermined number, the control unit 12 can notify the user through at least one of the display 141, the haptic unit 142, and the audio output unit 143 that the aerosol generating device 1 will soon be shut down. For example, the control unit 12 can notify the user through the output unit 14 based on the determination that the stick S is not present in the insertion space. For example, the control unit 12 can notify the user through the output unit 14 based on the determination that the cartridge 19 and / or the cap are not attached. For example, the control unit 12 can transmit information about the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 to the user through the output unit 14.

[0164] The control unit 12 can store and update a history of events that have occurred in the memory 17 based on the occurrence of a predetermined event. The events include, for example, detection of insertion of the stick S, start of heating of the stick S, detection of puffing, end of puffing, detection of overheating of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, detection of overvoltage application to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, end of heating of the stick S, operations such as turning the power of the aerosol generation device 1 on / off, start of charging the power source 11, detection of overcharging of the power source 11, and end of charging the power source 11, which are performed in the aerosol generation device 1. The history of events includes the date and time when the event occurred, log data corresponding to the event, etc. For example, if the predetermined event is detection of insertion of the stick S, the log data corresponding to the event includes data on the sensing value of the insertion detection sensor 133, etc. For example, if a given event is the detection of overheating of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, the log data corresponding to the event may include data regarding the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, the voltage applied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, the current flowing through the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, etc.

[0165] The control unit 12 can control the establishment of a communication link with an external device, such as a user's mobile terminal. When authentication-related data is received from the external device through the communication link, the control unit 12 can remove restrictions on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generation device 1. Here, the authentication-related data includes data indicating completion of user authentication for the user corresponding to the external device. The user can perform user authentication through the external device. The external device can determine whether user data is valid based on the user's birthday, a unique number identifying the user, etc., and receive data regarding usage authority for the aerosol generation device 1 from an external server. The external device can transmit data indicating completion of user authentication to the aerosol generation device 1 based on the data regarding usage authority. When user authentication is completed, the control unit 12 can remove restrictions on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generation device 1. For example, when user authentication is completed, the control unit 12 can remove restrictions on the use of a heating function that supplies power to the heater 18.

[0166] The control unit 12 can transmit data related to the status of the aerosol generation device 1 to the external device through a communication link formed with the external device. Based on the received status data, the external device can output the remaining capacity of the power supply 11 of the aerosol generation device 1, the operation mode, etc. through a display of the external device.

[0167] The external device may transmit a location search request to the aerosol generation device 1 based on an input to start a location search of the aerosol generation device 1. When receiving a location search request from the external device, the control unit 12 may control at least one of the output devices to perform an operation corresponding to the location search based on the received location search request. For example, the haptic unit 142 may generate a vibration in response to the location search request. For example, the display 141 may output an object corresponding to the location search and the end of the search in response to the location search request.

[0168] The control unit 12 can control to perform a firmware update when it receives firmware data from an external device. The external device can check the current version of the firmware of the aerosol generation device 1 and determine whether a new version of the firmware exists. When the external device receives an input requesting a firmware download, it can receive firmware data of the new version and transmit the firmware data of the new version to the aerosol generation device 1. The control unit 12 can control to perform a firmware update of the aerosol generation device 1 by receiving the firmware data of the new version.

[0169] The control unit 12 may transmit data related to sensing values ​​of at least one sensor 13 to an external server (not shown) via the communication unit 16 and receive and store a learning model generated by learning the sensing values ​​through machine learning, such as deep learning, from the server. The control unit 12 may perform operations such as determining a user's inhalation pattern and generating a temperature profile using the learning model received from the server. The control unit 12 may store sensing value data of at least one sensor 13 and data for training an artificial neural network (ANN) in the memory 17. For example, the memory 17 may store a database related to each component included in the aerosol generation device 1 for training the artificial neural network (ANN), as well as weights and biases constituting the artificial neural network (ANN). The control unit 12 may learn data related to sensing values ​​of at least one sensor 13, a user's inhalation pattern, a temperature profile, and the like stored in the memory 17, and generate at least one learning model used for determining a user's inhalation pattern, generating a temperature profile, and the like.

[0170] The load switch 31 can receive power from the power supply 11 and supply it to the heaters 18, 24. The protection circuit 30 can monitor an electrical signal from the load switch 31 and control the load switch 31 based on the monitoring result. The protection circuit 30 can receive a control signal from the control unit 12. The protection circuit 30 can receive a duty ratio of the power supplied to the heaters 18, 24 from the control unit 12. The load switch 31 and the protection circuit 30 will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 9.

[0171] FIG. 9 is a block diagram for explaining the operation of the protection circuit according to one embodiment.

[0172] The aerosol generating device according to one embodiment includes a power supply 911, a converter 920, a control unit 912, at least one load switch 931, a protection circuit 930, at least one heater 940, and a duty cycle control switch 950. The embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the configuration shown in Fig. 9, and some components may be omitted, some components shown in Fig. 8 may be added, or the configuration shown in Fig. 8 may be combined.

[0173] The power supply 911 supplies the power necessary for the aerosol generating device 1 to operate.

[0174] The power supply 911 can supply power to the control unit 912, the protection circuit 930, and the load switch 931. Those skilled in the art will understand that other general components may be powered by the power supply 911 in addition to the components shown in FIG.

[0175] The control unit 912 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device.

[0176] The control unit 912 may adjust the amount of power supplied to the heater 940. In one embodiment, the control unit 912 may adjust the duty ratio of the power supplied to the heater 940 using a proportional integral derivation (PID) control method. The PID control method is a control method that combines proportional control (P control), integral control (I control), and derivative control (D control).

[0177] P control is a control method that feeds back the difference from the target value multiplied by a constant gain. P control is controlled so that the deviation fluctuates around the target value. By using P control to perform control operations by multiplying the gain, it is possible to quickly approach the target value. However, in cases where P control alone cannot adequately track the target value, such as in second-order or higher systems, I control and / or D control methods can be added.

[0178] I control is a control method that integrates errors and feeds them back. In other words, I control is a control method that accumulates errors and reflects them in the next control. In P control, if a value that fluctuates greatly is subjected to PI control, the overshoot gradually decreases and the target value can be tracked. On the other hand, if only PI control is performed, values ​​that fluctuate slightly arithmetically remain as residual deviations, and the residual deviations can cause the measured value to fluctuate for a considerable period of time.

[0179] D control is a control method that differentiates errors and feeds them back to the control system. By adding D control to PI control, residual deviations can be eliminated by applying differentiation in the form of a proportional and integrated graph, allowing an oscillating system to track the target value without error within an appropriate time.

[0180] In another embodiment, the controller 912 may adjust the duty ratio of power supplied to the heater 940 using a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control method. The controller 912 may supply power to the heater 940 based on a preset duty ratio. The controller 912 may transmit a duty ratio control signal to the duty ratio control switch 950. In this case, the controller 912 may also transmit the duty ratio control signal to the protection circuit 930.

[0181] The protection circuit 930 monitors the electrical signal of the load switch and controls the load switch 931 based on the monitoring result, thereby preventing abnormal operation of the load switch 931. Although the protection circuit 930 and the control unit 912 are shown as separate components in Figures 8 and 9, this is merely an example for convenience of explanation, and the protection circuit 930 and the control unit 912 may be embodied in a single integrated circuit (IC). In one embodiment, the protection circuit 930 is embodied by hardware independent of the control unit 912, and the protection circuit 930 may be embodied by a field programmable gate array (FPGA).

[0182] The load switch 931 may receive power from the power source 911. The load switch 931 may receive an enable signal from the protection circuit 930. The load switch 931 may transmit the power received from the power source 911 to the heater 940. The load switch 931 includes a first terminal 9311 electrically connected to the power source 911, a second terminal 9312 electrically connected to the heater, and a third terminal 9313 receiving an enable signal that turns on / off the electrical connection between the first terminal 9311 and the second terminal 9312. When the load switch 931 receives a first enable signal through the third terminal 9313, it turns off the electrical connection between the first terminal 9311 and the second terminal 9312. When the load switch 931 receives a second enable signal through the third terminal 9313, it turns on the electrical connection between the first terminal 9311 and the second terminal 9312. When the load switch 931 is turned on, power is supplied to the heater 940, and when the load switch 931 is turned off, power is cut off to the heater 940. The first enable signal may have a logic low value, and the second enable signal may have a logic high value.

[0183] The load switch 931 has a limit to the power that can be transmitted through the first terminal 9311 and the second terminal 9312. Specifically, the load switch 931 has a maximum current Imax, which is a limit to the magnitude of the current flowing through the first terminal 9311 and the second terminal 9312. The load switch 931 also has a maximum input voltage Vmax, which is a limit to the magnitude of the voltage applied to the first terminal 9311. If the voltage and current applied to the load switch 931 exceed the maximum current or maximum input voltage, semiconductor elements such as FETs that constitute the load switch 931 may be damaged, making it impossible to perform normal on / off operations in response to the first and second enable signals. If the load switch 931 is damaged and unable to operate normally, the heater 940 may malfunction, reducing the user's smoking satisfaction and even damaging the aerosol generation device 1. Therefore, a technology for preventing damage to the load switch 931 is required.

[0184] The protection circuit 930 can monitor the electrical signal of the load switch 931. The protection circuit 930 can output an enable signal to a third terminal 9313 of the protection circuit 930 based on the monitoring result of the load switch 931.

[0185] In one embodiment, when the current flowing through the first terminal 9311 and the second terminal 9312 of the load switch 931 exceeds a first threshold, the protection circuit 930 outputs a first enable signal to turn off the electrical connection between the first terminal 9311 and the second terminal 9312 of the load switch 931. The first threshold is also a value smaller than the maximum current Imax described above.

[0186] In one embodiment, when the voltage applied to the first terminal 9311 of the load switch 931 exceeds a second threshold, the protection circuit 930 outputs a first enable signal to turn off the electrical connection between the first terminal 9311 and the second terminal 9312 of the load switch 931. The second threshold is also a value smaller than the maximum input voltage Vmax described above.

[0187] In one embodiment, the protection circuit 930 may prevent abnormal operation of the heater 940 based on the operation duration of the heater 940. Specifically, if the turn-on duration of the load switch 931 exceeds a third threshold, the protection circuit 930 may output a first enable signal to turn off the electrical connection between the first terminal 9311 and the second terminal 9312 of the load switch 931. The third threshold may be 4 to 5 minutes. The aerosol generating device 1 may preset the heating operation duration of the heater 940 in consideration of the type of inserted stick or cartridge, the smoking environment, etc. If the turn-on duration of the load switch 931 exceeds the preset heating operation duration of the heater 940, this may indicate that an error has occurred in the heating operation duration control algorithm of the heater 940. If an error occurs in the heating operation time control algorithm of the heater 940, damage to the aerosol generating device 1 may occur. However, the aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment can prevent damage to the aerosol generating device 1 by turning off the electrical connection between the first terminal 9311 and the second terminal 9312 of the load switch 931 when the turn-on duration of the load switch 931 exceeds the third threshold.

[0188] In another embodiment, the protection circuit 930 may prevent abnormal operation of the heater 940 based on the duty ratio of the power supplied to the heater 940. Specifically, the protection circuit 930 may receive the duty ratio of the power supplied to the heater 940 from the controller 912, and if the duty ratio is maintained at the same value for a predetermined time, the protection circuit 930 may output a first enable signal to turn off the electrical connection between the first terminal 9311 and the second terminal 9312 of the load switch 931. For example, the predetermined time may be, but is not limited to, 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 15 seconds, etc. The duty ratio of the power supplied to the heater 940 being maintained at the same value for a predetermined time may occur when an error occurs in the duty ratio control algorithm of the controller 912. The controller 912 adjusts the power supplied to the heater 940 using a PID control method. However, if the same duty ratio is supplied to the heater 940 for the predetermined time, a decrease in the user's smoking satisfaction or damage to the aerosol generation device 1 may occur.

[0189] The first to third threshold values ​​and the predetermined time period may be stored in advance in a memory (for example, memory 17 in FIG. 8).

[0190] In one embodiment, the controller 912 may receive first and second enable signals output from the protection circuit 930. When the protection circuit 930 outputs the first enable signal, the controller 912 may notify the user that the aerosol generation device is in a paused state through an output unit (e.g., output unit 14 in FIG. 8 ). The output unit may notify the user that the aerosol generation device is in a paused state by at least one of visual, tactile, and auditory means.

[0191] In one embodiment, the controller 912 may detect reinsertion of the stick through an insertion sensor (e.g., the insertion sensor 133 in FIG. 8). When the controller 912 detects reinsertion of the stick into the insertion space, the controller 912 may control the protection circuit 930 to output a second enable signal. The second enable signal output from the protection circuit 930 is output to a third terminal of the load switch 931, thereby turning on the electrical connection between the first and second terminals of the load switch 931. As a result, when the controller 912 detects reinsertion of the stick, the controller 912 may supply power to the heater 940 again to operate the aerosol generation device. When the protection circuit 930 outputs the second enable signal, the controller 912 notifies the aerosol generation device that it is in a heating operation state through an output unit (e.g., the output unit 14 in FIG. 8). The output unit notifies the aerosol generation device that it is in a heating operation state by at least one of visual, tactile, and auditory means.

[0192] The converter 920 can supply power supplied from the power supply 911 to the heater 940 through the load switch 931. The converter 920 can adjust the level of the voltage output from the power supply 911 and supply it to the heater 940. The converter 920 can be implemented using a buck-boost converter, a Zener diode, etc.

[0193] FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating a method for controlling an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0194] 8 to 10, in step 1010 , the protection circuit 930 monitors the electrical signal of the load switch 931 .

[0195] In one embodiment, the protection circuit 930 measures the current flowing through the first terminal 9311 and the second terminal 9312 of the load switch 931 and compares the current flowing through the first terminal 9311 and the second terminal 9312 with a first threshold value that is also less than Imax, which is a maximum limit on the magnitude of the current flowing through the first terminal 9311 and the second terminal 9312 of the load switch 931.

[0196] In one embodiment, the protection circuit 930 measures the voltage applied to the first terminal 9311 of the load switch 931 and compares the voltage applied to the first terminal 9311 with a second threshold value that is also less than Vmax, which is the maximum limit for the magnitude of the voltage applied to the first terminal 9311 of the load switch 931.

[0197] In one embodiment, the protection circuit 930 measures the turn-on duration of the load switch 931 and compares the turn-on duration to a third threshold, which may be 4 to 5 minutes.

[0198] In step 1020, the protection circuit 930 prevents the load switch 931 from abnormal operation. Specifically, the protection circuit 930 can output an enable signal to a third terminal 9313 of the protection circuit 930 based on the monitoring result of the load switch 931.

[0199] In one embodiment, the protection circuit 930 may output a first enable signal to turn off the electrical connection between the first terminal 9311 and the second terminal 9312 of the load switch 931 when the current flowing through the first terminal 9311 and the second terminal 9312 of the load switch exceeds a first threshold.

[0200] In one embodiment, the protection circuit 930 may output a first enable signal to turn off the electrical connection between the first terminal 9311 and the second terminal 9312 of the load switch when the voltage applied to the first terminal 9311 of the load switch exceeds a second threshold.

[0201] In one embodiment, the protection circuit 930 may output a first enable signal to turn off the electrical connection between the first terminal 9311 and the second terminal 9312 of the load switch when the turn-on duration of the load switch 931 exceeds a third threshold.

[0202] In another embodiment, the protection circuit 930 may prevent abnormal operation of the heater 940 based on the duty ratio of the power supplied to the heater 940. Specifically, the protection circuit 930 may receive the duty ratio of the power supplied to the heater 940 from the controller 912. If the duty ratio is maintained at the same value for a predetermined time, the protection circuit 930 may output a first enable signal to turn off the electrical connection between the first terminal 9311 and the second terminal 9312 of the load switch.

[0203] As described above, the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment of the present invention can prevent malfunction of the heater.

[0204] 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.

[0205] 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.

[0206] 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. at least one heater for heating the aerosol-generating material; a power source for powering the at least one heater; a load switch including a first terminal electrically connected to the power source, a second terminal electrically connected to the at least one heater, and a third terminal receiving an enable signal to turn on / off an electrical connection between the first terminal and the second terminal; a control unit that controls the power supplied to the heater; a protection circuit that monitors the electrical signal of the load switch and outputs an enable signal to the third terminal.

2. The protection circuit includes: The aerosol generating device of claim 1, which outputs a first enable signal that turns off the electrical connection between the first terminal and the second terminal when the current flowing through the first terminal and the second terminal exceeds a first threshold.

3. The protection circuit includes: The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein when the voltage applied to the first terminal exceeds a second threshold, a first enable signal is output to turn off the electrical connection between the first terminal and the second terminal.

4. The protection circuit The aerosol generating device of claim 1 , wherein when the turn-on duration of the load switch exceeds a third threshold, a first enable signal is output to turn off the electrical connection between the first terminal and the second terminal.

5. The protection circuit includes: receiving a duty ratio of power supplied to the heater from the control unit; The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein when the duty ratio is maintained at the same value for a predetermined time, a first enable signal is output that turns off the electrical connection between the first terminal and the second terminal.

6. the aerosol generating device further includes an output unit that outputs information about the state of the aerosol generating device; The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the control unit notifies the aerosol generating device that it is in a temporarily stopped state through the output unit when the protection circuit outputs the first enable signal.

7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 6 , wherein the output unit provides information to the user by at least one of visual, tactile, and auditory means.

8. The aerosol generating device further includes an insertion detection sensor that detects whether a stick is inserted into the insertion space, The aerosol generating device of any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the control unit controls the protection circuit to output a second enable signal that turns on the electrical connection between the first terminal and the second terminal when reinsertion of the stick into the insertion space is detected.

9. The aerosol generating device according to claim 8 , wherein the insertion detection sensor detects whether the stick is inserted based on a change in dielectric constant inside the insertion space.

10. The aerosol generating device according to claim 5 , wherein the control unit controls the power supplied to the heater using a PID method.

11. 1. A method for controlling an aerosol generating device, comprising: a first step of monitoring an electrical signal of a load switch, the load switch including a first terminal electrically connected to a power source, a second terminal electrically connected to a heater, and a third terminal for receiving an enable signal for turning on / off an electrical connection between the first terminal and the second terminal, the load switch transmitting power supplied from the power source to the heater; a second step of preventing abnormal operation of the load switch.

12. The first step comprises: measuring a current through the first terminal and the second terminal; comparing the current with a first threshold; The second step is The method of claim 11 , comprising turning off electrical coupling between the first terminal and the second terminal if the current exceeds a first threshold.

13. The first step comprises: measuring a voltage applied to the first terminal; comparing the voltage with a second threshold; The second step is The method of claim 11 , further comprising turning off electrical coupling between the first terminal and the second terminal if the voltage exceeds a second threshold.

14. The first step comprises: measuring a turn-on duration of the load switch; comparing the turn-on duration with a third threshold; The second step is The method of claim 11 , further comprising turning off electrical coupling between the first terminal and the second terminal if the turn-on duration exceeds a third threshold.

15. receiving a duty ratio of power to be supplied to the heater; The second step is The method of claim 11 , further comprising turning off the electrical connection between the first terminal and the second terminal if the duty ratio is maintained at the same value for a predetermined time.

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