Aerosol generator

Abstract

An aerosol generating apparatus is disclosed. The aerosol generating apparatus of this disclosure includes a body, a heater disposed in the body and containing a carbonaceous material, a temperature sensor that outputs a signal related to the temperature of the heater, a power supply that supplies power to the heater, a heater drive circuit electrically connected to the heater and the power supply, and a control unit that controls the power supplied to the heater, wherein the control unit determines the heating rate of the heater in response to a signal received from the temperature sensor, and if the heating rate is greater than or equal to a previously set rate, it can control the heater drive circuit and cut off the power supplied to the heater.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device.

Background Art

[0002] An aerosol generating device is for extracting a predetermined component from a medium or a substance through an aerosol. The medium can contain substances of various components. The substances contained in the medium may be flavor substances of various components. For example, the substances contained in the medium can include a nicotine component, a herb component, and / or a coffee component, etc. In recent years, many studies have been conducted on such aerosol generating devices.

[0003] In an aerosol generating device, a heater heats an aerosol generating substance to generate an aerosol. Conventional metal heaters made of copper, constantan, etc. have a problem that a lot of time and power are consumed to heat up to the temperature for aerosol generation.

[0004] Carbonaceous substances such as carbon nanotubes or graphene have higher thermal conductivity compared to conventional common metals. When applying a heater made of a carbonaceous substance to an aerosol generating device, only a time within several seconds may be required to heat up to the temperature for aerosol generation. However, in the case of a heater made of a carbonaceous substance, the temperature rising speed is fast, and the current or voltage applied to the heater may instantaneously become high, causing the power supply circuit to become unstable. Also, there is a problem that the heater overheats unnecessarily to a temperature higher than the required temperature.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The present disclosure aims to solve the above-described problems and other problems.

[0006] Another object is to provide an aerosol generating device applying a heater made of a carbonaceous substance.

[0007] Another objective is to provide an aerosol generator that controls the power supplied to a heater based on the heating rate of the heater.

[0008] Another objective is to provide an aerosol generator that drives the voltage applied to the heater in a negative manner.

[0009] Another objective is to provide an aerosol generating device that can dissipate the heat generated by a heater. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] According to one aspect of the present disclosure for achieving the above-mentioned objectives, an aerosol generating apparatus is provided that includes a body, a heater disposed in the body and containing a carbonaceous material, a temperature sensor that outputs a signal related to the temperature of the heater, a power supply that supplies power to the heater, a heater drive circuit electrically connected to the heater and the power supply, and a control unit that controls the power supplied to the heater, wherein the control unit determines the heating rate of the heater in response to a signal received from the temperature sensor, and controls the heater drive circuit to cut off the power supplied to the heater if the heating rate is greater than or equal to a predetermined rate. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to at least one of the embodiments of this disclosure, by applying a heater made of a carbonaceous material, the time required to heat the heater can be reduced, thereby increasing user satisfaction.

[0012] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the power supplied to the heater can be controlled by the heater's heating rate, thereby preventing the heater from heating up too quickly and causing circuit instability.

[0013] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, by driving the voltage applied to the heater in a negative manner, the overshoot and inrush current of the applied voltage can be reduced, and the circuit can operate stably.

[0014] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, by providing a heat diffusion section on the outside of the heater, heat generated locally by the heater can be diffused, reducing the amount of heat generated by the heater that escapes to the outside of the heater, and thereby increasing the heating efficiency of the aerosol generating device.

[0015] Any additional applicable scope of this disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description. However, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of this disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, the detailed description and specific embodiments, such as preferred embodiments of this disclosure, should be understood to be given only as examples. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] This figure shows an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This figure shows an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] This figure shows an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] This figure shows an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] This is a front perspective view of the heater of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] Figure 5 is a front perspective view showing the heater with each layer extended. [Figure 7] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the heater with the heat diffusion section arranged on it. [Figure 8] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the heater with the heat diffusion section arranged on it. [Figure 9]It is a circuit diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] It is a flowchart illustrating heater heating control of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] It is a graph illustrating heater heating control of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] It is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Even if the same or similar components are illustrated in different drawings, they are given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0018] Suffixes “module” and “unit” for components used in the following description are used only for the ease of explanation in the specification. “Module” and “unit” do not have distinct meanings or roles from each other.

[0019] Also, in the following description of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, when a detailed description of related known technologies may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, the detailed description thereof is omitted. Also, the accompanying drawings are for facilitating understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical idea disclosed in this specification is not limited by the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the accompanying drawings should be construed to include all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives included in the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0020] Terms including ordinal numbers such as first, second, etc. can be used to describe various components, but it should be understood that the components are not limited by the terms. The terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0021] When we say that one component is "linked" to another, it is understandable that other components may exist in between. On the other hand, when we say that one component is "directly linked" to another, it is understandable that there are no other components in between.

[0022] A singular expression includes plural expressions unless explicitly indicated otherwise in the context.

[0023] Throughout this specification, the orientation of the aerosol generator and cartridge can be defined with respect to a Cartesian coordinate system. In the Cartesian coordinate system, the x-axis can be defined as the left-right direction of the aerosol generator and cartridge. Here, with respect to the origin, the direction toward +x may mean the right direction, and the direction toward -x may mean the left direction. The y-axis can be defined as the front-back direction of the aerosol generator and cartridge. Here, with respect to the origin, the direction toward +y may mean the rear direction, and the direction toward -y may mean the front direction. The z-axis can be defined as the up-down direction of the aerosol generator and cartridge. With respect to the origin, the direction toward +z may mean the up direction, and the direction toward -z may mean the down direction.

[0024] Figures 1 to 4 show an aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the aerosol generator 1 may include at least one of a power supply 11, a control unit 12, a sensor 13, a heater 18, and a cartridge 19. At least one of the power supply 11, the control unit 12, the sensor 13, and the heater 18 may be located inside the body 10 of the aerosol generator. The body 10 may provide an upwardly opening space into which a stick S, which is an aerosol product, can be inserted. This upwardly opening space can be called an insertion space 43. The insertion space 43 may be formed by recessing into the body 10 to a predetermined depth so that at least a portion of the stick S can be inserted. The depth of the insertion space 43 may correspond to the length of the region in the stick S that contains the aerosol generating substance and / or medium. The lower end of the stick S is inserted into the body 10, and the upper end of the stick S may protrude outside the body 10. The user can inhale air by putting the exposed upper end of the stick S in their mouth.

[0026] The heater 18 can heat the stick S. The heater 18 can extend upward around the space into which the stick S is inserted. For example, the heater 18 may be in the form of a tube with a hollow interior. The heater 18 may be positioned around the insertion space 43. The heater 18 may be positioned to surround at least a portion of the insertion space 43. The heater 18 can heat the insertion space 43 or the stick S inserted into the insertion space 43. The heater 18 may include an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heater.

[0027] For example, the heater 18 may be a resistive heater. For example, the heater 18 may include an electrically conductive track, and the heater 18 can be heated by an electric current flowing through the electrically conductive track. The heater 18 may be electrically connected to a power supply 11. The heater 18 can generate heat directly by receiving an electric current from the power supply 11.

[0028] For example, the aerosol generator 1 may include an induction coil surrounding a heater 18. The induction coil can cause the heater 18 to generate heat. The heater 18 is a susceptor, and the heater 18 can generate heat through a magnetic field generated by an AC current flowing through the induction coil. The magnetic field penetrates the heater 18 and can generate eddy currents within the heater 18. The current can generate heat in the heater 18.

[0029] On the other hand, a susceptor can be included inside the stick S, and the susceptor inside the stick S can be heated by the magnetic field generated by the AC current flowing through the induction coil.

[0030] The cartridge 19 may contain an aerosol-generating substance having one of the following states: liquid, solid, gaseous, or gel. The aerosol-generating substance may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance that includes volatile tobacco flavor components, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance.

[0031] The cartridge 19 may be integrally formed with the body 10 or may be detachably attached to the body 10.

[0032] For example, referring to Figure 1, the cartridge 19 is integrally formed with the body 10 and can communicate with the insertion space 43 via the airflow channel CN.

[0033] For example, referring to Figure 2, a space is formed on one side of the body 10, and the cartridge 19 can be mounted on the body 10 by inserting at least a portion of the cartridge 19 into the space formed on one side of the body 10. The airflow channel CN ​​is defined by a portion of the cartridge 19 and / or a portion of the body 10, and the cartridge 19 can communicate with the insertion space 43 via the airflow channel CN.

[0034] The body 10 can be formed in such a way that outside air can flow into the body 10 when the cartridge 19 is inserted. Here, the outside air that flows into the body 10 can pass through the cartridge 19 and flow into the user's mouth.

[0035] The cartridge 19 may include a storage section C0 containing an aerosol-generating substance and / or a heater 24 for heating the aerosol-generating substance in the storage section C0. The storage section C0 can be described as a container. At least a portion of a liquid transport means impregnated (containing) the aerosol-generating substance may be located inside the storage section C0. Here, the liquid transport means may include a wick such as cotton fibers, ceramic fibers, glass fibers, or porous ceramic. The electrically conductive track of the heater 24 may be formed in the form of a coil structure winding around the liquid transport means or in a structure that contacts one side of the liquid transport means. The heater 24 can be described as a cartridge heater 24.

[0036] Cartridge 19 can generate an aerosol. An aerosol can be generated by heating the liquid transfer means with the cartridge heater 24. An aerosol can be generated by heating the stick S with the heater 18. As the aerosol generated by the cartridge heater 24 and heater 18 passes through the stick S, tobacco substances are added to the aerosol, and the aerosol with added tobacco substances can be inhaled into the user's mouth through one end of the stick S.

[0037] The aerosol generator 1 is equipped only with a cartridge heater 24, and the body 10 does not need to be equipped with a heater 18. In this configuration, the aerosol generated by the cartridge heater 24 can absorb tobacco substances as it passes through the stick S and be inhaled into the user's mouth.

[0038] The aerosol generator 1 may include an upper case (not shown). The upper case may be detachably attached to the body 10 so as to cover at least a portion of the cartridge 19 which is coupled to the body 10. The stick S may be inserted into the body 10 by passing through the upper case.

[0039] The power supply 11 can provide power to the components of the aerosol generator. The power supply 11 can be described as a battery. The power supply 11 can supply power to at least one of the control unit 12, sensor 13, cartridge heater 24, and heater 18. If the aerosol generator 1 includes an induction coil, the power supply 11 can supply power to the induction coil.

[0040] The control unit 12 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator. The control unit 12 can be mounted on a printed circuit board. The control unit 12 can control the operation of at least one of the following: the power supply 11, the sensor 13, the heater 18, and the cartridge 19. The control unit 12 can control the operation of a display, motor, etc., installed in the aerosol generator. The control unit 12 can check the status of each component of the aerosol generator and determine whether the aerosol generator is in an operational state.

[0041] The control unit 12 can analyze the results sensed by the sensor 13 and control subsequent processing. For example, based on the results sensed by the sensor 13, the control unit 12 can control the power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 so that the operation of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 starts or stops. For example, based on the results sensed by the sensor 13, the control unit 12 can control the amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 and the duration for which power is supplied so that the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 are heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature.

[0042] Sensor 13 may include at least one of the following: a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, an insertion sensor, a color sensor, a cartridge sensor, and an upper case sensor. For example, sensor 13 can sense at least one of the following: the temperature of the heater 18, the temperature of the power supply 11, and the internal and external temperatures of the body 10. For example, sensor 13 can sense the user's puff. For example, sensor 13 can sense whether the stick S has been inserted into the insertion space. For example, sensor 13 can sense whether a cartridge has been installed. For example, sensor 13 can sense whether the upper case has been installed.

[0043] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, an aerosol generator 1 according to one embodiment may include at least one of a power supply 11, a control unit 12, a sensor 13, and a heater 18. At least one of the power supply 11, control unit 12, sensor 13, and heater 18 may be located inside the body 10 of the aerosol generator. Detailed explanation of the same configuration as the aerosol generator 1 in Figures 1 and 2 is omitted.

[0044] The heater 18 can heat the stick S. The heater 18 can extend upward around the space into which the stick S is inserted. For example, the heater 18 may be in the form of a tube with a hollow interior. The heater 18 may be positioned around the insertion space 43. The heater 18 may be positioned to surround at least a portion of the insertion space 43. The heater 18 can heat the insertion space 43 or the stick S inserted into the insertion space 43. The heater 18 may include an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heater.

[0045] For example, referring to Figure 3, the heater 18 may be a resistive heater. For example, the heater 18 includes an electrically conductive track, and the heater 18 can be heated by current flowing through the electrically conductive track. The heater 18 can be electrically connected to a power supply 11. The heater 18 can generate heat directly by receiving current from the power supply 11.

[0046] For example, referring to Figure 4, the aerosol generator may include an induction coil 181 surrounding a heater 18. The induction coil 181 can cause the heater 18 to heat up. The heater 18 is a susceptor, and it can heat up due to the magnetic field generated by the AC current flowing through the induction coil 181. The magnetic field penetrates the heater 18 and can generate eddy currents within the heater 18. The current can generate heat in the heater 18.

[0047] On the other hand, a susceptor can be included inside the stick S, and the susceptor inside the stick S can be heated by the magnetic field generated by the AC current flowing through the induction coil 181.

[0048] The power supply 11 can supply power to at least one of the control unit 12, the sensor 13, and the heater 18. If the aerosol generator 1 includes an induction coil 181, the power supply 11 can supply power to the induction coil 181.

[0049] The control unit 12 can control the operation of at least one of the power supply 11 and the sensor 13. The control unit 12 can analyze the results sensed by the sensor 13 and control subsequent processing. For example, based on the results sensed by the sensor 13, the control unit 12 can control the power supplied to the heater 18 so that the heater 18 starts or stops operating. For example, based on the results sensed by the sensor 13, the control unit 12 can control the amount of power supplied to the heater 18 and the power supply time so that the heater 18 is heated to a predetermined temperature or maintains an appropriate temperature.

[0050] Sensor 13 may include at least one of a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, and an insertion sensing sensor. For example, sensor 13 can sense at least one of the temperature of the heater 18, the temperature of the power supply 11, and the internal and external temperatures of the body 10. For example, sensor 13 can sense the user's puff. For example, sensor 13 can sense whether the stick S has been inserted into the insertion space 43.

[0051] Figure 5 is a front perspective view of the heater of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 6 is a front perspective view of the heater in Figure 5 with each layer spread out, and Figures 7 and 8 are cross-sectional views of the heater in Figure 5 with a heat diffusion section arranged therein.

[0052] Referring to Figures 5 and 6, the heater 18 can be long. The heater 18 may be in the shape of a tube or cylinder with a hollow interior. The heater 18 may be located inside the body 10 of the aerosol generator 1. The heater 18 may surround the insertion space 43 (see Figures 1 to 4) of the body 10. The heater 18 can heat the insertion space 43 or a stick S inserted into the insertion space 43. The heater 18 may include two terminals 182, 183 that are electrically connected to the heater drive circuit 200 (see Figure 9).

[0053] The heater 18 may contain a carbonaceous material. The carbonaceous material may include at least one of graphene and carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Graphene and carbon nanotubes have high thermal and electrical conductivity. Therefore, the heater 18 containing graphene and / or carbon nanotubes has high heating efficiency, and the temperature of the heater 18 can rise quickly. In addition, because graphene and carbon nanotubes are lightweight and highly flexible, the heater 18 can be made lighter, and the heater 18 is easy to manufacture.

[0054] The heater 18 may include a carbon layer 184 containing a carbonaceous material, and a first film 186 and a second film 187 that are in contact with both sides of the carbon layer 184, respectively. The carbon layer can be described as a graphene layer or a carbon nanolayer.

[0055] The carbon layer 184 can be manufactured using at least one of the following methods: chemical vapor deposition, arc discharge, laser deposition, vapor phase growth, and flame synthesis.

[0056] An electrically conductive pattern 185 may be formed in the carbon layer 184. The electrically conductive pattern 185 may include two patterns spaced apart from each other. One end of the first pattern 1851 of the electrically conductive pattern 185 may be connected to one end 182 of the heater 18. One end of the heater 18 can be called the first terminal. The first pattern 1851 may include a first base pattern 1851a that is connected to the first terminal 182 and extends elongated in one direction. The first pattern 1851 may include a plurality of first extension patterns 1851b that extend from the first base pattern 1851a in a direction intersecting one direction and are spaced apart from each other.

[0057] The second pattern 1852 of the electrically conductive pattern 185 may be connected to the other end 183 of the heater 18. The other end of the heater 18 can be called the second terminal. The second pattern 1852 may include a second base pattern 1852a that is connected to the second terminal 183 and extends elongated in one direction. The second pattern 1852 may include a plurality of second extension patterns 1852b that extend from the second base pattern 1852a in a direction intersecting one direction and are spaced apart from each other.

[0058] Multiple first extension patterns 1851b and multiple second extension patterns 1852b can be arranged alternately apart from each other in one direction. The spacing between the multiple first extension patterns 1851b and multiple second extension patterns 1852b in one direction can be set to be the same. However, the shape and arrangement of the multiple first extension patterns 1851b and multiple second extension patterns 1852b are not limited thereto, and a variety of shapes and arrangements in which the first extension patterns 1851b and multiple second extension patterns 1852b are separated from each other can be applied.

[0059] When a voltage is applied to the first pattern 1851 and the second pattern 1852, the carbon layer 184 can generate heat in proportion to the voltage difference applied to the first pattern 1851 and the second pattern 1852.

[0060] The first film 186 may be positioned to contact one surface of the carbon layer 184, and the second film 187 may be positioned to contact the other surface of the carbon layer 184. The first film 186, the carbon layer 184, and the second film 187 may be laminated in sequence. The first film 186 and the second film 187 can isolate the carbon layer 184 from the outside and protect the carbon layer 184.

[0061] The first film 186 and the second film 187 may be polyimide films. However, the types of the first film 186 and the second film 187 are not limited thereto.

[0062] Referring to Figures 7 and 8, the heat diffusion section 188 may be positioned outside the heater 18. The heat diffusion section 188 can surround at least a portion of the tubular or cylindrical heater 18. The heat diffusion section 188 can be in contact with at least a portion of the heater 18.

[0063] For example, referring to Figure 7, the heat diffusion section 188 can surround the outside of the heater 18. The heat diffusion section 188 may be a hollow graphite sheet. The graphite sheet can surround the outside of the heater 18. The graphite sheet can be positioned in contact with the second film 187 of the heater 18 and can surround the outside of the second film 187.

[0064] For example, referring to Figure 8, the heat diffusion section 188 can surround at least a portion of the outside of the heater 18. Multiple heat diffusion sections 188 may be provided. The heat diffusion sections 188 can be spaced apart from each other along the periphery of the heater 18 and can each be in contact with at least a portion of the outside of the heater 18. The heat diffusion section 188 may be a vacuum tube or a heat pipe. A vacuum tube may have an internal space that is sealed to the outside. The internal space of a vacuum tube may be in a vacuum state. A heat pipe may have an internal space that is sealed to the outside. The internal space of a heat pipe may contain a material that can transfer heat.

[0065] The heat diffusion section 188 is configured to contact and surround the cylindrical heater 18, thereby uniformly diffusing the heat generated by the heater 18. Furthermore, it reduces the amount of heat generated by the heater 18 that dissipates to the outside of the heater 18, and allows the heat generated by the heater 18 to dissipate to the inside of the heater 18.

[0066] Therefore, the heating efficiency of the heater 18 can be increased.

[0067] Figure 9 is a circuit diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0068] Referring to Figure 9, the aerosol generator 1 may include at least one of the following: a power supply 11, a control unit 12, a heater 18, a temperature sensor 131, and a heater drive circuit 200.

[0069] The heater 18 may be located in the body 10. The heater 18 receives power from the power supply 11 and can heat the insertion space 43 and / or the stick S inserted into the insertion space 43. The heater 18 may have the features of the heater 18 described earlier in Figures 5 to 7.

[0070] The temperature sensor 131 can sense the temperature at which the heater 18 is heated. The temperature sensor 131 may be positioned adjacent to the heater 18 or in contact with the heater 18. The temperature sensor 131 may be a sensor configured separately from the heater 18. However, the heater 18 itself can also function as a temperature sensor.

[0071] The temperature sensor 131 can output a signal corresponding to the temperature of the heater 18. For example, the temperature sensor 131 can include a resistive element whose resistance changes in response to temperature changes in the heater 18. For example, this can be implemented using a thermistor, which is an element that uses the property that its resistance changes with temperature. The temperature sensor 131 can be implemented using a negative temperature coefficient thermistor. Here, 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 heater 18. For example, the temperature sensor 131 can be configured as a sensor that detects the resistance value of the heater 18. Here, the temperature sensor 131 can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the heater 18 as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the heater 18.

[0072] The power supply 11 can supply power to the heater 18. The power supply 11 can supply power to the heater 18 under the control of the control unit 12.

[0073] The heater drive circuit 200 can be electrically connected to the heater 18 and the power supply 11. The heater drive circuit 200 can supply power output from the power supply 11 to the heater 18 under the control of the control unit 12.

[0074] The heater drive circuit 200 may include a first circuit 210 and a second circuit 220. The heater drive circuit 200 can apply voltage and / or current to each of the terminals 182 and 183 of the heater 18 via the first circuit 210 and the second circuit 220.

[0075] The first circuit 210 can be electrically connected to one end 182 of the heater 18. The first circuit 210 can apply a first voltage Va to one end 182 of the heater 18. The first voltage Va may be a voltage of a constant magnitude. For example, the first voltage Va may be a voltage of a magnitude corresponding to the voltage output from the power supply 11.

[0076] The first circuit 210 may include first capacitors C1, 211 electrically connected to the output terminal of the power supply 11. The first capacitors C1, 211 are connected to one end 182 of the heater 18 and the output terminal of the power supply 11 at the first node N1 and may be electrically connected between the first node N1 and ground GND. The first capacitors C1, 211 minimize fluctuations in the first voltage Va applied to one end 182 of the heater 18 and enable the stable application of the first voltage Va to one end 182 of the heater 18. Although not shown in the drawings, resistors and / or fuses may be electrically connected between the first node N1 and the output terminal of the power supply 11 or between the first node N1 and one end 182 of the heater 18.

[0077] The second circuit 220 can be electrically connected to the other end 183 of the heater 18. The second circuit 220 can apply a second voltage Vb to the other end 183 of the heater 18. The second voltage Vb may be a variable voltage. For example, the second voltage Vb may be 0V or greater and less than or equal to the first voltage Va. For example, the second voltage Vb may be 0V or the first voltage Va.

[0078] The second circuit 220 may include second capacitors C2, 221 electrically connected to the output terminal of the power supply 11. The second capacitors C2, 221 are connected to the output terminal of the power supply 11 and the first resistors R1, 222 at the second node N2 and may be electrically connected between the second node N2 and ground GND. The second capacitors C2, 221 minimize fluctuations in the voltage applied to the other terminal 183 of the heater 18, and enable a stable voltage to be applied to the other terminal 183 of the heater 18. Although not shown in the drawings, a resistor and / or fuse may be electrically connected between the second node N2 and the output terminal of the power supply 11.

[0079] The first resistors R1 and R222 may be electrically connected between the second node N2 and the third node N3. The first resistors R1 and R222 may be electrically connected between the output terminal of the power supply 11 and the other terminal 183 of the heater 18. The switch SW and R223 may be electrically connected to the first resistors R1 and R222. The switch SW and R223 may be electrically connected between the third node N3 and ground GND.

[0080] Switch SW, 223 can be turned on or off in response to a control signal received from the control unit 12. Switch SW, 223 can be referred to as the first switch. The first switch SW, 223 may include at least one switching element. The switching element can be implemented as a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), a field-effect transistor (FET), or the like.

[0081] When the first switch SW, 223 electrically connects or shorts the third node N3 to ground GND, a voltage of approximately 0V can be applied to the other end 183 of the heater 18. When the first switch SW, 223 electrically disconnects or opens the third node N3 to ground GND, a first voltage Va can be applied to the other end 183 of the heater 18.

[0082] The second circuit 220 may include a second switch instead of the first resistors R1, 222. The second switch may be electrically connected between the second node N2 and the third node N3. The second switch may be electrically connected between the output terminal of the power supply 11 and the other terminal 183 of the heater 18. The first switch SW, 223 may be electrically connected to the second switch. The first switch SW, 223 may be electrically connected between the third node N3 and ground GND. The second switch can be turned on or off in response to a control signal received from the control unit 12. The second switch may include at least one switching element. The switching element can be embodied by a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), a field-effect transistor (FET), or the like.

[0083] The second switch may or may not electrically connect the second node N2 and the third node N3. The second switch can operate complementaryly with the first switch SW, 223. That is, when the first switch SW, 223 is turned on, the second switch may be turned off, and when the first switch SW, 223 is turned off, the second switch may be turned on. The complementary operation of the first switch SW, 223 and the second switch may apply a voltage of 0V or a first voltage Va to the other end 183 of the heater 18.

[0084] Although not shown in the drawings, a power conversion circuit may be further provided between the heater drive circuit 200 and the power supply 11. The power conversion circuit can convert the voltage output from the power supply 11. For example, the power conversion circuit can be implemented by a buck converter, boost converter, or buck-boost converter that converts the voltage output from the power supply 11. The power output voltage may be applied to the first node N1 of the first circuit 210 and the second node N1 of the second circuit 220. In this case, the first voltage Va applied to one end 182 of the heater 18 may be a voltage of a magnitude corresponding to the voltage output from the power conversion circuit, and the second voltage Vb applied to the other end 183 of the heater 18 may be 0V or the first voltage Va.

[0085] The control unit 12 can control the heater drive circuit 200 to adjust the power supplied to the heater 18. The control unit 12 can calculate or determine the temperature and heating rate of the heater 18 in response to the signal received from the temperature sensor 131. Based on the calculated or determined temperature and / or heating rate of the heater 18, the control unit 12 can control the power supplied to the heater 18 or cut off the power supplied to the heater 18. The control of the heater drive circuit 200 by the control unit 12 will be described in detail later.

[0086] Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating heater heating control of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 11 is a graph illustrating heater heating control of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0087] Referring to Figures 10 and 11, the control unit 12 can control the heater drive circuit 200 to supply power to the heater 18 (S1010). The control unit 12 can control the first switch SW, 223 of the heater drive circuit 200 to vary the second voltage Vb applied to the other end 183 of the heater 18. As mentioned above, the second voltage Vb may be 0V or the first voltage Va. The control unit 12 can control the power supplied to the heater 18 using pulse width modulation (PWM). The control unit 12 can control the supply of pulses having a predetermined frequency and duty cycle to the heater 18. The control unit 12 can control the power supplied to the heater 18 by adjusting the pulse frequency and / or duty cycle.

[0088] Referring to Figure 11, the heater voltage Vh applied to both ends of the heater 18 can be defined as the difference between a first voltage Va applied to one end 182 of the heater 18 and a second voltage Vb applied to the other end 183. When a first voltage Va of a constant magnitude V1 is applied to one end 182 of the heater 18, and the second voltage Vb applied to the other end 183 is the same magnitude as the first voltage Va, the heater voltage Vh is approximately 0V. When the second voltage Vb applied to the other end 183 is 0V, the heater voltage Vh can correspond to the magnitude V1 of the first voltage Va. In other words, when the first voltage Va is applied to both ends of the heater 18, no current flows through the heater 18 and the heater 18 is not heated. When 0V is applied to the other end 183 of the heater 18, current flows through the heater 18 and the heater 18 can be heated. This type of heater 18 drive method can be called negative drive control.

[0089] The control unit 12 controls the first switches SW and 223 of the heater drive circuit 200, and can adjust the frequency and / or duty cycle of the voltage applied to the heater 18. According to the drive control according to one embodiment of the present invention, when the voltage applied to the other end 183 of the heater 18 changes from high (V1) to low (0V), current can flow to the heater 18. When the voltage applied to the heater 18 is converted from high (V1) to low (0V), the voltage overshoot or undershoot may be smaller than when the voltage applied to the heater 18 changes from low (0V) to high (V1). In addition, the inrush current generated in the circuit can be reduced.

[0090] Therefore, the heater drive circuit can operate stably.

[0091] Referring to Figure 10, the control unit 12 can receive a signal output from the temperature sensor 131 (S1020). The control unit 12 can calculate or determine the temperature and heating rate of the heater 18 according to the signal received from the temperature sensor 131 (S1030). The control unit 12 can calculate the temperature of the heater 18 corresponding to the signal from the temperature sensor 131 based on the information of the lookup table (LUT) stored in the memory 17 (see Figure 12). The control unit 12 can calculate or determine the heating rate of the heater 18 by calculating the temperature of the heater 18 for each point in time and calculating or determining the amount of temperature change due to the change in time.

[0092] The control unit 12 can compare the temperature of the heater 18 with a reference temperature (S1040). If the control unit 12 determines that the temperature of the heater 18 is equal to or greater than the reference temperature, it can cut off the power supplied to the heater 18 (S950). For example, the control unit 12 can control the first switch SW, 223 to apply a voltage equal to the first voltage Va to the other end 183 of the heater 18.

[0093] If the control unit 12 determines that the temperature of the heater 18 is below a reference temperature, it can compare the heating rate of the heater 18 with the reference speed (S1060). If the control unit 12 determines that the heating rate of the heater 18 is equal to or greater than the reference speed, it can cut off the power supplied to the heater 18 (S1050). For example, the control unit 12 can control the first switch SW, 223 to apply a voltage equal to the first voltage Va to the other end 183 of the heater 18.

[0094] If the control unit 12 determines that the heating rate of the heater 18 is less than the reference rate, it can determine the duty cycle based on the heating rate (S1070). For example, the control unit 12 can set a smaller duty cycle if the heating rate is high or fast. That is, the control unit 12 can set the duty cycle inversely proportional to the magnitude of the heating rate. Based on the determined duty cycle, the control unit 12 can control the operation of the first switch SW, 223 (S1010).

[0095] The control unit 12 can determine the duty cycle so that it is below a certain value. When determining the duty cycle based on the heating rate of the heater 18, the control unit 12 can determine the duty cycle so that it is 20% or less. Heaters made of carbonaceous materials such as graphene or carbon nanofibers can heat up much faster than conventional metal heaters. By setting the duty cycle of the heater 18 to be 20% or less, the control unit 12 can prevent the heating rate of the heater 18 from becoming too fast and causing circuit instability.

[0096] Therefore, the heater drive circuit can be operated stably, and the reduction in durability and lifespan of the heater and / or heater drive circuit due to the large amount of heat generated can be minimized.

[0097] Figure 12 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0098] The aerosol generator 1 may include a power supply 11, a control unit 12, a sensor 13, an output unit 14, an input unit 15, a communication unit 16, a memory 17, and at least one heater 18, 24. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generator 1 is not limited to that shown in Figure 12. In other words, it will be understood by those with ordinary skill in the art relating to this embodiment that the design of the aerosol generator 1 may allow for the omission of some of the components shown in Figure 12 or the addition of new components.

[0099] The sensor 13 can sense the state of the aerosol generator 1 or the state of the area around the aerosol generator 1, and transmit the sensed information to the control unit 12. Based on the sensed information, the control unit 12 can control the aerosol generator 1 to perform various functions such as controlling the operation of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, restricting smoking, determining whether a stick S and / or cartridge 19 has been inserted, and displaying notifications.

[0100] Sensor 13 may include at least one of the following: temperature sensor 131, puff sensor 132, insertion sensor 133, reuse sensor 134, cartridge sensor 135, upper case sensor 136, motion sensor 137, and humidity sensor 138.

[0101] The temperature sensor 131 can sense the temperature at which the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 are heated. The aerosol generator 1 may include a separate temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, or the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 themselves may act as a temperature sensor.

[0102] 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 may include a resistive element whose resistance changes in response to temperature changes in the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. The temperature sensor 131 can be implemented using a thermistor or other element that utilizes the property that resistance changes with temperature. Here, 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 may be configured as a sensor that detects the resistance value of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. Here, 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.

[0103] The temperature sensor 131 may be positioned around the power supply 11 to monitor its temperature. The temperature sensor 131 may be positioned adjacent to the power supply 11. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may be attached to one side of the battery which is the power supply 11. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may be mounted on one side of a printed circuit board.

[0104] The temperature sensor 131 is located inside the body 10 and can sense the internal temperature of the body 10.

[0105] The puff sensor 132 can detect a user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow path. The puff sensor 132 can output a signal corresponding to the puff. For example, the puff sensor 132 may be a pressure sensor. The puff sensor 132 can output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generator. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol generator 1 may correspond to the pressure of the airflow path through which the gas flows. The puff sensor 132 may be positioned in the aerosol generator 1 corresponding to the airflow path through which the gas flows.

[0106] The stick sensing sensor 133 can detect the insertion and / or removal of the stick S. The stick sensing sensor can be described as an insertion sensing sensor. The insertion sensing sensor 133 can detect a signal change caused by the insertion and / or removal of the stick S. The insertion sensing sensor 133 may be provided around the insertion space. The insertion sensing sensor 133 can detect the insertion and / or removal of the stick S by a change in dielectric constant inside the insertion space. For example, the insertion sensing sensor 133 may be an inductive sensor and / or a capacitance sensor.

[0107] An induction sensor may include at least one coil. The coil of the induction sensor may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space. For example, if the magnetic field changes around a coil through which current flows, the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil may change according to Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction. Here, the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil may include the frequency of the alternating current, the current value, the voltage value, the inductance value, the impedance value, etc.

[0108] Induction sensors can output signals that correspond to the characteristics of the current flowing through a coil. For example, an induction sensor can output a signal that corresponds to the inductance value of a coil.

[0109] A capacitance sensor may include a conductor. The conductor of the capacitance sensor may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space. The capacitance sensor can output a signal corresponding to the surrounding electromagnetic properties, such as the capacitance around the conductor. For example, if a stick S including a metal wrapper is inserted into the insertion space, the wrapper of the stick S may alter the electromagnetic properties around the conductor.

[0110] The reuse detection sensor 134 can detect whether the stick S has been reused. The reuse detection sensor 134 may also be a color sensor. The color sensor can detect the hue of the stick S. The color sensor can detect the hue of a portion of the wrapper surrounding the outside of the stick S. The color sensor can detect a value for an optical property corresponding to the hue of an object based on light reflected from the object. For example, the optical property may be the wavelength of light. The color sensor may be implemented as an integrated configuration with the proximity sensor, or as a separate configuration separated from the proximity sensor.

[0111] At least a portion of the wrapper constituting the stick S can change hue due to aerosols. The reuse sensing sensor 134 may be positioned corresponding to the location where at least a portion of the wrapper whose hue changes due to aerosols is located when the stick S is inserted into the insertion space. For example, before the stick S is used by the user, at least a portion of the wrapper may have a first hue. Here, as the aerosol generated by the aerosol generator 1 passes through the stick S, at least a portion of the wrapper becomes wet with the aerosol, causing the hue of at least a portion of the wrapper to change to a second hue. On the other hand, after the hue of at least a portion of the wrapper has changed from the first hue to the second hue, it may be maintained at the second hue.

[0112] The cartridge sensing sensor 135 can detect the insertion and / or removal of the cartridge 19. The cartridge sensing sensor 135 can be implemented as an inductance-based sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, or a Hall sensor (Hall IC) using the Hall effect.

[0113] The upper case sensing sensor 136 can detect the installation and / or removal of the upper case. When the upper case 200 is separated from the body 10, the cartridge 19 and a portion of the body 10 that were covered by the upper case 200 may be exposed to the outside. The upper case sensing sensor 136 can be implemented as a contact sensor, a Hall sensor (Hall IC), an optical sensor, or the like.

[0114] The motion sensor 137 can detect the movement of the aerosol generator. The motion sensor 137 can be implemented using at least one of an accelerometer and a gyro sensor.

[0115] The humidity sensor 138 can sense the humidity of the aerosol generator and / or the cartridge. The humidity sensor 138 can sense the humidity of the outside air and / or the humidity inside the cartridge. The humidity sensor 138 can be implemented as a capacitive sensor or the like. The humidity sensor 138 can be located on the outside of the body 10 or in the path through which outside air flows in, and can measure the humidity around the aerosol generator 1. The humidity sensor 138 can be located inside the storage section C1 of the cartridge 19, and can measure the humidity inside the cartridge 19.

[0116] Sensor 13 may further include at least one of the following, in addition to the aforementioned sensors 131 to 138: a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a GPS position sensor, and a proximity sensor. The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by a person skilled in the art from its name, so a detailed explanation can be omitted.

[0117] The output unit 14 can output and provide to the user information about the status of the aerosol generator 1. The output unit 14 may include, but is not limited to, a display 141, a haptic unit 142, and an acoustic output unit 143. If the display 141 and the touchpad form a layered structure and constitute a touchscreen, the display 141 can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0118] The display 141 can visually provide the user with information about the aerosol generator 1. For example, the information about the aerosol generator 1 can include various types of information such as the charging / discharging status of the power supply 11 of the aerosol generator 1, the preheating status of the heater 18, the insertion / removal status of the stick S and / or cartridge 19, the mounting / removal status of the upper case, or a state in which the use of the aerosol generator 1 is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal object), and the display 141 can output this information to the outside. For example, the display 141 may be in the form of an LED light-emitting element. For example, the display 141 may be a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), etc.

[0119] The haptic unit 142 can convert electrical signals into mechanical or electrical stimuli, providing the user with tactile information about the aerosol generator 1. For example, if initial power is supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 during a set time, the haptic unit 142 can generate vibrations corresponding to the completion of initial preheating. The haptic unit 142 may include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulator.

[0120] The acoustic output unit 143 can provide the user with auditory information about the aerosol generator 1. For example, the acoustic output unit 143 can convert electrical signals into acoustic signals and output them externally.

[0121] The power supply 11 can supply the power used to operate the aerosol generator 1. The power supply 11 can supply power so that the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 can be heated. The power supply 11 can also supply the power necessary for the operation of other components provided in the aerosol generator 1, namely the sensor 13, output unit 14, input unit 15, communication unit 16, and memory 17. The power supply 11 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the power supply 11 may be, but is not limited to, a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery.

[0122] Although not shown in Figure 12, the aerosol generator 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.

[0123] The power protection circuit can shut off the circuit to the power supply 11 under predetermined conditions. For example, the power protection circuit can shut off the circuit to the power supply 11 if the voltage level of the power supply 11 is equal to or greater than a first voltage corresponding to overcharging. For example, the power protection circuit can shut off the circuit to the power supply 11 if the voltage level of the power supply 11 is less than a second voltage corresponding to over-discharge.

[0124] The heater 18 receives power from the power supply 11 and can heat the medium or aerosol-generating material inside the stick S. Although not shown in Figure 12, the aerosol generator 1 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power from the power supply 11 and supplies it to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. Furthermore, if the aerosol generator 1 generates aerosols using an induction heating method, the aerosol generator 1 may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power supply of the power supply 11 to AC power supply.

[0125] The control unit 12, sensor 13, output unit 14, input unit 15, communication unit 16, and memory 17 can function by receiving power from the power supply 11. Although not shown in Figure 12, a power conversion circuit, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a constant voltage circuit, may be further included to convert the power from the power supply 11 and supply it to each component. Also, although not shown in Figure 12, a noise filter may be provided between the power supply 11 and the heater 18. The noise filter may be a low-pass filter. The low-pass filter may include at least one inductor and a capacitor. The cutoff frequency of the low-pass filter may correspond to the frequency of the high-frequency switching current applied from the power supply 11 to the heater 18. The low-pass filter prevents high-frequency noise components from being applied to the sensor 13, such as the insertion sensing sensor 133.

[0126] In one embodiment, the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 may be formed from any suitable electrical resistant material. For example, suitable electrical resistant materials may be, 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. Also, the heater 18 may be, but is not limited to, a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate on which an electrically conductive track is arranged, a ceramic heating element, etc.

[0127] In other embodiments, the heater 18 may be an induction heating type heater. For example, the heater 18 may include a susceptor that generates heat by a magnetic field applied by a coil and heats the aerosol-generating material.

[0128] The input unit 15 can receive information input from the user or output information to the user. For example, the input unit 15 may be a touch panel. The touch panel may include at least one touch sensor that senses touch. For example, the touch sensor may include, but is not limited to, a capacitive touch sensor, a resistive touch sensor, an ultrasonic touch sensor (surface acoustic wave touch sensor), or an infrared touch sensor.

[0129] The display 141 and the touch panel can be realized by a single panel. For example, the touch panel can be embedded within the display 141 (on-cell type or in-cell type). For example, the touch panel may be added on top of the display panel 141 (add-on type).

[0130] On the other hand, the input section 15 may include, but is not limited to, buttons, keypads, dome switches, jog wheels, jog switches, etc.

[0131] Memory 17 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generator 1, and can store data processed by the control unit 12 and data to be processed. Memory 17 can include at least one type of storage medium from among flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia card micro type, card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), RAM (random access memory), SRAM (static random access memory), ROM (read-only memory), EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), PROM (programmable read-only memory), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk. Memory 17 can store data such as the operating time of the aerosol generator 1, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and the user's smoking pattern.

[0132] The communication unit 16 may include at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 16 may include at least one of a short-range communication unit and a wireless communication unit.

[0133] The short-range wireless communication unit may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth® communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth® Low Energy) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee® communication unit, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, a UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, and the like.

[0134] The wireless communication unit may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN) communication unit.

[0135] Although not shown in Figure 12, the aerosol generator 1 further includes a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and can connect to other external devices via such a connection interface to send and receive information or charge the power supply 11.

[0136] The control unit 12 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator 1. In one embodiment, the control unit 1 may include at least one processor. The processor can also be realized by an array of numerous logic gates, or by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and memory storing a program executable by this microprocessor. It is also understandable to those with ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment belongs that it can be realized by other forms of hardware.

[0137] The control unit 12 can control the temperature of the heater 18 by controlling the supply of power from the power supply 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.

[0138] The aerosol generator 1 may include a power supply circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the power supply 11 between the power supply 11 and the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. The power supply circuit may be electrically connected to the cartridge heater 24, heater 18, or induction coil 181. The power supply circuit may include at least one switching element. The switching element can be embodied by a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), a field-effect transistor (FET), or the like. The control unit 12 can control the power supply circuit.

[0139] The control unit 12 can control the power supply by controlling the switching of the switching elements in the power supply circuit. It may also be an inverter that converts the DC power output from the power supply 11 to AC power. For example, the inverter can be configured as a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit including multiple switching elements.

[0140] The control unit 12 can turn on the switching element so that power is supplied from the power supply 11 to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. The control unit 12 can turn off the switching element so that power is cut off to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. The control unit 12 can adjust the current supplied from the power supply 11 by adjusting the frequency and / or duty cycle of the current pulse input to the switching element.

[0141] The control unit 12 can control the voltage output from the power supply 11 by controlling the switching of the switching elements in the power supply circuit. The power conversion circuit can convert the voltage output from the power supply 11. For example, the power conversion circuit may include a buck converter that steps down 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, or the like.

[0142] The control unit 12 can adjust the voltage level output from the power conversion circuit by controlling the on / off operation of the switching element included in the power supply circuit. When the switching element remains in the on state, the voltage level output from the power conversion circuit may correspond to the voltage level output from the power supply 11. The duty cycle for the on / off operation of the switching element may correspond to the ratio of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit to the voltage output from the power supply 11. The lower the duty cycle for the on / off operation of the switching element, the lower the voltage level output from the power conversion circuit can be. The heater 18 may be heated based on the voltage output from the power conversion circuit.

[0143] The control unit 12 can control the supply of power to the heater 18 using at least one of the following methods: pulse width modulation (PWM) and proportional-integral-differential (PID).

[0144] For example, the control unit 12 can use a PWM method to control the supply of current pulses having a predetermined frequency and duty cycle to the heater 18. The control unit 12 can control the power supplied to the heater 18 by adjusting the frequency and duty cycle of the current pulses.

[0145] For example, the control unit 12 can determine a target temperature for control 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 the difference between the heater temperature 18 and the target temperature, the integral of the difference over time, and the derivative of the difference over time.

[0146] The control unit 12 can prevent the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 from overheating. For example, the control unit 12 can control the operation of the power conversion circuit to interrupt the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 if the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 exceeds a previously set limit temperature. For example, the control unit 12 can reduce the amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 by a certain ratio if the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 exceeds a previously set limit temperature. For example, if the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeds the limit temperature, the control unit 12 can determine that the aerosol-generating material contained in the cartridge 19 has been exhausted and can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 24.

[0147] 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 in accordance with the output signal of the temperature sensor 131.

[0148] When a power line is connected to the battery terminal of the aerosol generator 1, the control unit 12 can check whether the temperature of the power supply 11 is equal to or above a first limiting temperature, which is the criterion for shutting off the charging of the power supply 11. If the temperature of the power supply 11 is below the first limiting temperature, the control unit 12 can control the charging of the power supply 11 based on a previously set charging current. If the temperature of the power supply 11 is equal to or above the first limiting temperature, the control unit 12 can shut off the charging of the power supply 11.

[0149] With the aerosol generator 1 powered on, the control unit 12 can check whether the temperature of the power supply 11 is above the second limiting temperature, which is the criterion for shutting off the discharge of the power supply 11. If the temperature of the power supply 11 is below the second limiting temperature, the control unit 12 can control the system to use the power stored in the power supply 11. If the temperature of the power supply 11 is above the second limiting temperature, the control unit 12 can interrupt the use of the power stored in the power supply 11.

[0150] The control unit 12 can calculate the remaining capacity of the power supply 11 relative to the power stored in the power supply 11. For example, the control unit 12 can calculate the remaining capacity of the power supply 11 based on the voltage and / or current sensing values ​​of the power supply 11.

[0151] The control unit 12 can determine whether the stick S is inserted into the insertion space using the insertion sensing sensor 133. The control unit 12 can determine that the stick S has been inserted based on the output signal from the insertion sensing sensor 133. If it determines that the stick S has been inserted into the insertion space, the control unit 12 can control the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. For example, the control unit 12 can supply power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 based on the temperature profile stored in the memory 17.

[0152] 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 using the insertion sensing sensor 133. For example, the control unit 12 can determine that the stick S has been removed from the insertion space if the temperature of the heater 18 is above a limit temperature or if the temperature change gradient of the heater 18 is above a set gradient. If the control unit 12 determines that the stick S has been removed from the insertion space, it can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

[0153] The control unit 12 can control the power supply time and / or power supply amount to the heater 18 based 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 capacitance sensor signal 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.

[0154] If the stick S is in an over-humidified state, the control unit 12 can control the power supply time to the heater 18, thereby increasing the preheating time of the stick S compared to normal conditions.

[0155] The control unit 12 can determine whether the stick S inserted into the insertion space has been reused by the reuse sensing sensor 134. For example, the control unit 12 can compare the sensing value of the reuse sensing sensor signal with a first reference range that includes a first hue, and if the sensing value falls within the first reference range, it can determine that the stick S has not been used. For example, the control unit 12 can compare the sensing value of the reuse sensing sensor signal with a second reference range that includes a second hue, and if the sensing value falls within the second reference range, it can determine that the stick S has been used. If it is determined that the stick S has been used, the control unit 12 can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

[0156] The control unit 12 can determine the coupling and / or removal of the cartridge 19 based on the cartridge sensing sensor 135. For example, the control unit 12 can determine the coupling and / or removal of the cartridge 19 based on the sensing value of the signal from the cartridge sensing sensor.

[0157] The control unit 12 can determine whether the aerosol-generating material in the cartridge 19 has been depleted. For example, the control unit 12 can preheat the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 by applying power, and determine whether the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeds a limit temperature during the preheating period. If the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeds the limit temperature, the control unit 12 can determine that the aerosol-generating material in the cartridge 19 has been depleted. If the control unit 12 determines that the aerosol-generating material in the cartridge 19 has been depleted, it can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

[0158] The control unit 12 can determine whether the cartridge 19 has been used. For example, based on the data stored in the memory 17, the control unit 12 can determine that the cartridge 19 cannot be used if the current number of puffs is greater than or equal to the maximum number of puffs set for the cartridge 19. For example, the control unit 12 can determine that the cartridge 19 cannot be used if the total time the heater 24 has been heated is greater than or equal to a previously set maximum time, or if the total amount of power supplied to the heater 24 is greater than or equal to a previously set maximum amount of power.

[0159] The control unit 12 can make decisions regarding the user's inhalation based on the puff sensor 132. For example, the control unit 12 can determine whether a puff has occurred based on the sensing value of the signal from the puff sensor. For example, the control unit 12 can determine the intensity of the puff based on the sensing value of the signal from the puff sensor 132. If the number of puffs reaches a pre-set maximum number of puffs or if no puff is detected for a period of time longer than a pre-set time, the control unit 12 can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

[0160] The control unit 12 can determine whether to connect and / or remove the upper case based on the upper case sensing sensor 136. For example, the control unit 12 can determine whether to connect and / or remove the upper case based on the sensing value of the signal from the upper case sensing sensor.

[0161] The control unit 12 can control the output unit 14 based on the results sensed by the sensor 13. For example, when the number of puffs counted by the puff sensor 132 reaches a pre-set number, the control unit 12 can notify the user that the aerosol generator 1 will immediately shut off via at least one of the display 141, the haptic unit 142, and the acoustic output unit 143. For example, if the control unit 12 determines that there is no stick S in the insertion space, it can notify the user via the output unit 14. For example, if the control unit 12 determines that the cartridge 19 and / or upper case have not been installed, it can notify the user via the output unit 14. For example, the control unit 12 can transmit information about the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 to the user via the output unit 14.

[0162] The control unit 12 can save and update a history of the event in the memory 17 when a predetermined event occurs. Events can include operations performed by the aerosol generator 1, such as detection of stick S insertion, start of stick S heating, puff detection, 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 stick S heating, on / off of the aerosol generator 1, start of charging of the power supply 11, detection of overcharge of the power supply 11, and end of charging of the power supply 11. The history of an event can include the date and time the event occurred, log data corresponding to the event, etc. For example, if a predetermined event is the detection of stick S insertion, the log data corresponding to the event can include data such as the sensing value of the insertion detection sensor 133. For example, if a predetermined 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 such as the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, the voltage applied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, and the current flowing through the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

[0163] The control unit 12 can be controlled to form a communication link with an external device, such as the user's mobile terminal. Upon receiving authentication data from the external device via the communication link, the control unit 12 can remove the restriction on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generator 1. Here, the authentication data may include data indicating the completion of user authentication for the user corresponding to the external device. The user can perform user authentication via the external device. The external device can determine whether the user data is valid based on the user's date of birth, a unique number identifying the user, etc., and can receive data regarding the right to use the aerosol generator 1 from an external server. Based on the data regarding the right to use, the external device can transmit data indicating the completion of user authentication to the aerosol generator 1. Once user authentication is complete, the control unit 12 can remove the restriction on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generator 1. For example, once user authentication is complete, the control unit 12 can remove the restriction on the use of the heating function that supplies power to the heater 18.

[0164] The control unit 12 can transmit data about the status of the aerosol generator 1 to the external device via a communication link formed with the external device. Based on the received status data, the external device can output the remaining capacity of the power supply 11 of the aerosol generator 1, the operating mode, and other information via the external device's display.

[0165] An external device can transmit a location search request to the aerosol generator 1 based on an input that initiates a location search for the aerosol generator 1. When the control unit 12 receives a location search request from the external device, it can 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 can generate vibrations in response to the location search request. For example, the display 141 can output an object corresponding to the location search and the end of the search in response to the location search request.

[0166] The control unit 12 can control the aerosol generator 1 to perform a firmware update when it receives firmware data from an external device. The external device can check the current firmware version of the aerosol generator 1 and determine if a new firmware version is available. When the external device receives an input requesting a firmware download, it can receive the new firmware data and transmit the new firmware data to the aerosol generator 1. When the control unit 12 receives the new firmware data, it can control the aerosol generator 1 to perform a firmware update.

[0167] The control unit 12 can transmit data about the sensing values ​​of at least one sensor 13 to an external server (not shown) via the communication unit 16, learn the sensing values ​​from the server via machine learning such as deep learning, and receive and store the generated learning model. Using the learning model received from the server, the control unit 12 can perform operations such as determining the user's inhalation pattern and generating a temperature profile. The control unit 12 can store the 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 can store a database of each component provided in the aerosol generator 1, weights and biases that make up the artificial neural network (ANN) structure, etc., for training the artificial neural network (ANN). The control unit 12 can learn the data about the sensing values ​​of at least one sensor 13, the user's inhalation pattern, the temperature profile, etc., stored in the memory 17, and generate at least one learning model used for determining the user's inhalation pattern and generating a temperature profile.

[0168] As described above, according to at least one of the embodiments of this disclosure, by applying a heater made of a carbonaceous material, the time required to heat the heater can be reduced, thereby increasing user satisfaction.

[0169] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the power supplied to the heater can be controlled by the heater's heating rate, thereby preventing the heater from heating up too quickly and causing circuit instability.

[0170] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, by driving the voltage applied to the heater in a negative manner, the overshoot and inrush current of the applied voltage can be reduced, and the circuit can operate stably.

[0171] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, by providing a heat diffusion section on the outside of the heater, heat generated locally by the heater can be diffused, reducing the amount of heat generated by the heater that escapes to the outside of the heater, and thereby increasing the heating efficiency of the aerosol generating device.

[0172] Referring to Figures 1 to 12, an aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a body 10, a heater 18 disposed in the body 10 and containing a carbonaceous material, a temperature sensor 131 that outputs a signal related to the temperature of the heater 18, a power supply 11 that supplies power to the heater 18, a heater drive circuit 200 electrically connected to the heater 18 and the power supply 11, and a control unit 12 that controls the power supplied to the heater 18. The control unit 12 determines the heating rate of the heater 18 in response to a signal received from the temperature sensor 131, and if the heating rate is greater than or equal to a previously set rate, it can control the heater drive circuit 200 to cut off the power supplied to the heater 18.

[0173] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the carbonaceous material may include at least one of graphene and carbon nanotubes.

[0174] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, the heater drive circuit 200 includes a first circuit 210 electrically connected to a first terminal 182 of the heater 18 and applying a first voltage Va of a constant magnitude to the first terminal 182, and a second circuit 220 electrically connected to a second terminal 183 of the heater 18 and applying a second voltage Vb to the second terminal 183, wherein the magnitude of the second voltage Vb is 0V or greater and the magnitude of the first voltage Va is V1 or less.

[0175] Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the second circuit 220 includes a first resistor 222 connected to the power supply 11 and the second terminal 183, and a switch 223 connected to the first resistor 222, wherein the voltage Vb applied to the second terminal 183 can be varied based on the on / off operation of the switch 223.

[0176] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, the control unit 12 can control the on / off operation of the switch 223 and cut off the power supplied to the heater 18 if the heating rate is greater than or equal to a previously set rate.

[0177] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, the control unit 12 can control the on / off operation of the switch 223 such that the first voltage Va is applied to the second terminal 183 when the heating rate is equal to or greater than a previously set rate.

[0178] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, the control unit 12 can determine a duty cycle based on the heating rate if the heating rate is less than a previously set rate, and control the operation of the switch 223 based on the determined duty cycle.

[0179] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, the control unit 12 may determine the duty cycle such that the duty cycle is inversely proportional to the heating rate.

[0180] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, the control unit 12 may determine the duty cycle based on the heating rate such that the duty cycle is 20% or less.

[0181] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, the control unit 12 can determine the temperature of the heater 18 in response to a signal received from the temperature sensor 131, and if the temperature is above a previously set temperature, it can cut off the power supplied to the heater 18.

[0182] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the body 10 may include an insertion space 43 that is open on one side, and the heater 18 may be cylindrical in shape and surround the insertion space 43.

[0183] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, a heat diffusion portion 188 may be further included, which is located outside the heater 18 and is in contact with at least a portion of the heater 18.

[0184] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the heat diffusion section 188 may include at least one of a hollow graphite sheet, a vacuum tube, and a heat pipe.

[0185] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the temperature sensor 131 may include a negative temperature coefficient thermistor.

[0186] The specific or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinguishable. The specific or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above may be used in combination or in combination with each other in terms of their respective configurations or functions.

[0187] For example, this means that configuration A described in a particular embodiment and / or drawing can be combined with configuration B described in other embodiments and / or drawings. In other words, even if a combination of configurations is not directly described, it means that such a combination is possible unless it is explicitly stated that such a combination is not possible.

[0188] The foregoing detailed description should not be interpreted restrictively in any way and should be considered illustrative. The scope of the invention should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the invention are included within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. The body and, The body is arranged to include a heater containing a carbonaceous material, A temperature sensor that outputs a signal related to the temperature of the heater, A power supply that provides power to the heater, A heater drive circuit electrically connected to the heater and the power supply, The set includes a control unit that controls the power supplied to the heater, The control unit determines the heating rate of the heater in response to a signal received from the temperature sensor, and if the heating rate is greater than or equal to a previously set rate, controls the heater drive circuit and cuts off the power supplied to the heater, in an aerosol generating device.

2. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the carbonaceous material comprises at least one of graphene and carbon nanotubes.

3. The heater drive circuit is A first circuit is electrically connected to the first terminal of the heater and applies a first voltage of a certain magnitude to the first terminal, The circuit includes a second circuit that is electrically connected to the second terminal of the heater and applies a second voltage to the second terminal, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the magnitude of the second voltage is 0V or greater and less than or equal to the magnitude of the first voltage.

4. The second circuit is, The power supply and the first resistor connected to the second terminal, Includes a switch connected to the first resistor, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the voltage applied to the second terminal is varied based on the on / off operation of the switch.

5. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the control unit controls the on / off operation of the switch and cuts off the power supplied to the heater when the heating rate is greater than or equal to a previously set rate.

6. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the control unit controls the on / off operation of the switch so that the first voltage is applied to the second terminal when the heating rate is greater than or equal to a previously set rate.

7. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the control unit determines a duty cycle based on the heating rate when the heating rate is less than a previously set rate, and controls the operation of the switch based on the determined duty cycle.

8. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the control unit determines the duty cycle such that the duty cycle is inversely proportional to the heating rate.

9. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the control unit determines the duty cycle based on the heating rate such that the duty cycle is 20% or less.

10. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines the temperature of the heater in accordance with a signal received from the temperature sensor, and if the temperature is above a previously set temperature, it cuts off the power supplied to the heater.

11. The body includes an insertion space that is open on one side. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the heater is cylindrical in shape and surrounds the insertion space.

12. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising a heat diffusion section disposed on the outside of the heater and in contact with at least a portion of the heater.

13. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the heat diffusion section includes at least one of a hollow graphite sheet, a vacuum tube, and a heat pipe.

14. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the temperature sensor includes a negative temperature coefficient thermistor.

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