Aerosol generator

Abstract

An aerosol generating apparatus is disclosed. The aerosol generating apparatus of this disclosure includes a heater for heating an aerosol generating substance, a power supply for supplying power to the heater, and a power conversion unit for converting the voltage output from the power supply into a voltage supplied to the heater, wherein the power conversion unit includes an inductor connected to the power supply, and the inductance of the inductor may be 0.8 μH to 1.2 μH.

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 substance through an aerosol. The medium can contain substances with various components. The substances contained in the medium may be flavor substances with 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 power conversion circuit for supplying power to a heater is used. Through the power conversion circuit, the voltage output from a battery can be converted to match the heater operating voltage. The inductor provided in a conventional power conversion circuit has a problem that a peak current occurs during the power conversion process, thus increasing the operating temperature of the inductor and the power conversion circuit and reducing the operating safety of the circuit.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present disclosure aims to solve the above-described problems and other problems.

[0005] Another object is to provide an aerosol generating device in which the inductor of the power conversion unit has an inductance within a specific range.

[0006] Still another object is to provide an aerosol generating device in which the inductor of the power conversion unit has a DC resistance value within a specific range.

[0007] Still another object is to provide an aerosol generating device including a circuit that cuts off the power supplied to the heater based on the current value flowing through the heater. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to one aspect of this disclosure for achieving the above-mentioned objectives, an aerosol generating apparatus is provided, comprising a heater for heating an aerosol generating substance, a power supply for supplying power to the heater, and a power conversion unit for converting the voltage output from the power supply into a voltage supplied to the heater, wherein the power conversion unit includes an inductor connected to the power supply, and the inductance of the inductor is from 0.8 μH to 1.2 μH. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the inductor of the power conversion unit has an inductance within a specific range, thereby reducing the peak current flowing through the power conversion unit and improving the power conversion efficiency.

[0010] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the inductor of the power conversion unit has a DC resistance value within a specific range, thereby reducing the peak current flowing through the power conversion unit, lowering the operating temperature of the power conversion unit, and improving the safety of the circuit operation.

[0011] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, by providing a circuit that cuts off the power supplied to the heater based on the current value flowing through the heater, it is possible to prevent malfunction of the heater and improve the operational safety of the circuit.

[0012] 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]

[0013] [Figure 1]This is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This figure shows an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] This figure shows an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] This is a front perspective view of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] This is a circuit diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] This is a circuit diagram of the power conversion section of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] This graph compares the peak currents due to the inductance of the inductor in the power conversion section of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] This image shows the temperature at which the power conversion section of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is heated by the inductance of the inductor in the power conversion section. [Figure 9] This flowchart illustrates the power cutoff control of the heater of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] This is a circuit diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] The embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Identical or similar components will be given the same reference numeral even if they are shown in different drawings, and redundant descriptions will be omitted. Similar reference numerals may be used in the description of the drawings for similar or related components.

[0015] The suffixes “module” and “unit” used in the following description for the constituent elements are used or may be used interchangeably solely for the sake of ease of explanation in the specification and do not have a distinct meaning or role in themselves. On the other hand, the suffixes “module” or “unit” may include units embodied by hardware, software, or firmware and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A “module” or “unit” may be a component configured as a whole or the smallest unit or part thereof of such component performing one or more functions. For example, a “module” or “unit” can be embodied in the form of an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit).

[0016] Furthermore, in the description of the embodiments disclosed herein, if a specific description of related known technology could obscure the essence of the embodiments disclosed herein, such detailed description will be omitted. In addition, the accompanying drawings are provided to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein, and should not be construed as limiting the technical ideas disclosed herein and including all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions included in the ideas and scope of this disclosure.

[0017] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as "first," "second," etc., can be used to describe a variety of components, but it should be understood that the components are not limited by such terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0018] When referring to a component being "coupled" or "connected" to another component, it will be understood that it may be directly coupled or connected to the other component, or there may be additional components in between. On the other hand, when referring to a component being "directly coupled" or "directly connected" to another component, it will be understood that there are no additional components in between.

[0019] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0020] Embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented by software including one or more instruction words stored in a storage medium (e.g., memory 17) readable by a machine (e.g., aerosol generating device 1). For example, a processor (e.g., control unit 12) of a machine (e.g., aerosol generating device 1) can call and execute at least one instruction of the one or more instruction words stored in the storage medium. This enables the machine to be operated to execute at least one function by the at least one called instruction word. The one or more instruction words can include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The storage medium readable by the machine can be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, "non-transitory" merely means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not include a signal (e.g., electromagnetic wave), and this term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and temporarily in the storage medium.

[0021] In the present disclosure, based on a Cartesian coordinate system, the direction of the aerosol generating device 1 can be defined. In the Cartesian coordinate system, the x-axis direction can be defined as the left-right direction of the aerosol generating device 1. The y-axis direction can be defined as the front-back direction of the aerosol generating device 1. The z-axis direction can be defined as the up-down direction of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0022] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generator 1 may include a power supply 11, a control unit 12, a sensor unit 13, an output unit 14, an input unit 15, a communication unit 16, a memory 17, and / or heaters 18, 24. However, it will be understood by those 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 1 or the addition of new components.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the sensor unit 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. For example, the sensor unit 13 may include a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, an insertion sensor, a reuse sensor, an overly moist sensor, a cigarette identification sensor, a cartridge sensor, a cap sensor, and / or a motion sensor. On the other hand, the sensor unit 13 may further include a variety of sensors such as a liquid level sensor for sensing the amount of liquid remaining in the cartridge and a water ingress sensor for sensing water ingress into the aerosol generator 1.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the temperature sensor can sense the temperature at which the heaters 18 and 24 are heated. The aerosol generator 1 may include a separate temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the heaters 18 and 24, or the heaters 18 and 24 themselves may act as temperature sensors. As an example, the temperature sensor can be used to measure the impedance to the heater 18. The impedance to the heater 18 may correlate with the temperature of the heater 18. The temperature sensor can measure the current and / or voltage applied to the heater 18 (or induction coil). Based on the measured current and / or voltage, the impedance to the heater 18 can be calculated. The control unit 12 can estimate the temperature of the heater 18 based on the calculated impedance.

[0026] As an example, the temperature sensor may include a resistive element (e.g., a thermistor) whose resistance changes in response to temperature changes in the heaters 18 and 24. The temperature sensor can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistive element, and the control unit 12 can detect the temperature and / or temperature change of the heaters 18 and 24 in response to the signal corresponding to the resistance value.

[0027] As another example, the temperature sensor may include a sensor that detects the resistance values ​​of heaters 18 and 24. The temperature sensor may output a signal corresponding to the resistance values ​​of heaters 18 and 24, and the control unit 12 may detect the temperature and / or temperature change of heaters 18 and 24 in response to the signal corresponding to the resistance value.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the temperature sensor can sense the temperature of the power supply 11. The temperature sensor may be positioned adjacent to the power supply 11. For example, the temperature sensor may be attached to one side of the power supply 11 (e.g., a battery) and / or mounted on one side of a printed circuit board. As an example, the aerosol generator 1 may include a protection circuit module (PCM), and the temperature sensor may be positioned adjacent to the power supply 11 together with the protection circuit module.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the temperature sensor is placed inside the housing (not shown) of the aerosol generator 1, and can also sense the internal temperature of the housing (not shown).

[0030] According to one embodiment, the puff sensor can detect the user's puff.

[0031] As an example, the puff sensor may include a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor can output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generator 1, and the control unit 12 can detect the user's puff in accordance with the signal corresponding to the internal pressure. 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 may be positioned in the aerosol generator 1 corresponding to the airflow path through which the gas flows.

[0032] As another example, the puff sensor may include a temperature sensor. When a user puffs, a temporary temperature drop may occur in the airflow path, the space into which the aerosol product is inserted (hereinafter referred to as the insertion space), heaters 18 and 24, etc. The control unit 12 can detect the user's puff in response to a signal corresponding to the temperature of the airflow path, etc., output from the temperature sensor.

[0033] As yet another example, the puff sensor may also include a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor together. In this case, the temperature sensor can measure the temperature used to calibrate the internal pressure measured by the pressure sensor. For example, the puff sensor can calibrate the signal corresponding to the internal pressure based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and output the calibrated signal. As yet another example, the puff sensor can output a signal corresponding to the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and a signal corresponding to the internal pressure measured by the puff sensor. In this case, the control unit 12 can receive the signals and calibrate the signal corresponding to the internal pressure according to the signal corresponding to the temperature.

[0034] As yet another example, the puff sensor may include a capacitance sensor. In this disclosure, the capacitance sensor may also be called a capacitive sensor. When a user puffs, a temperature change and / or aerosol flow may occur within the insertion space of the aerosol product, and thus the dielectric constant inside the insertion space may change. The control unit 12 can detect the user's puff in accordance with a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant inside the insertion space output from the capacitance sensor.

[0035] The puff sensor is not limited to the examples given above, and can be implemented by a variety of sensors to detect the user's puff.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the insertion sensor can detect the insertion and / or removal of aerosol products. The insertion sensor can be installed around the insertion space.

[0037] As an example, the insertion sensing sensor may include a capacitance sensor. The capacitance sensor may include at least one conductor, which may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space. When an aerosol product is inserted into or removed from the insertion space, the dielectric constant around the conductor may change. The control unit 12 can detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol product in response to a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant inside the insertion space output from the capacitance sensor.

[0038] As another example, the insertion sensing sensor may include an inductive sensor. The inductive sensor may include at least one coil, which may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space. If the aerosol product (e.g., a wrapper for the aerosol product) includes a conductor, a change in the magnetic field may occur around the coil through which current flows when the aerosol product is inserted into or removed from the insertion space. The control unit 12 can sense the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol product containing a conductor based on the characteristics of the current output from or sensed by the inductive sensor (e.g., frequency, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc., of the alternating current). Alternatively, the aerosol product (e.g., the medium portion of the aerosol product) may include a susceptor (SUS), etc. In this case as well, a change in the magnetic field may occur around the coil due to the insertion or removal of the susceptor, etc., into or from the insertion space, and the control unit 12 can also sense the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol product based on the characteristics of the current from the inductive sensor.

[0039] The insertion sensing sensor is not limited to the examples given above and can be embodied by a variety of sensors (e.g., proximity sensors) for sensing the insertion and / or removal of aerosol products. Furthermore, the insertion sensing sensor may include any combination of the examples given above. According to one embodiment, the insertion sensing sensor may also include a switch for sensing pressure by the aerosol product.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the reuse detection sensor can detect whether or not an aerosol product has been reused. For example, the reuse detection sensor may be a color sensor for detecting the hue of the aerosol product. When an aerosol product is used by a user, the generated aerosol or heating may cause a partial change in the hue of the wrapper surrounding the outside of the aerosol product. The color sensor can output a signal corresponding to the optical properties (e.g., wavelength of light) corresponding to the hue of the wrapper based on the light reflected from the wrapper. When the control unit 12 detects a partial change in the hue of the wrapper, it can determine that the aerosol product inserted into the insertion space has already been used.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the over-humidity sensing sensor can sense whether the aerosol product is in an over-humid state. For example, the over-humidity sensing sensor may include a capacitance sensor. The capacitance sensor may include at least one conductor positioned adjacent to the insertion space. The control unit 12 can detect the over-humid state of the aerosol product based on the level of a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant output from the capacitance sensor. As an example, the control unit 12 can check the level range that includes the level of the signal based on a lookup table and determine the amount of moisture in the aerosol product based on the checked level range.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the cigarette identification sensor can sense whether the aerosol product is a normal product and / or sense the type of aerosol product.

[0043] As an example, the cigarette identification sensor may include an optical sensor for sensing an identification substance (or identification mark) located on the outer surface (e.g., the wrapper) of the aerosol product. The optical sensor can irradiate light onto the identification substance (or identification mark) of the aerosol product and sense the authenticity and / or type of the aerosol product based on the reflected light. For example, the identification substance may include a substance that emits light of a specific wavelength range based on the irradiated light. The control unit 12 can detect the authenticity and / or type of the aerosol product based on the wavelength range.

[0044] As another example, a cigarette identification sensor may include a capacitance sensor. The dielectric constant inside the insertion space may differ depending on the type of aerosol product inserted into the insertion space. The control unit 12 can detect the authenticity and / or type of the aerosol product in response to a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant inside the insertion space output from the capacitance sensor.

[0045] As yet another example, a cigarette identification sensor may include an inductive sensor. If the wrapper and / or interior (e.g., the medium portion) of the aerosol product inserted into the insertion space contains a conductor, the characteristics of the current sensed by the inductive sensor when the aerosol product is inserted into the insertion space (e.g., frequency, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc. of the AC current) may differ depending on the type of aerosol product inserted into the insertion space. The control unit 12 can detect the authenticity and / or type of the inserted aerosol product based on the characteristics of the current output from or sensed by the inductive sensor.

[0046] The cigarette identification sensor is not limited to the examples given above and can be embodied by a variety of sensors for sensing the authenticity of an aerosol product and / or the type of aerosol product. Furthermore, the cigarette identification sensor may include any combination of the examples given above.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the cartridge sensing sensor can detect the insertion and / or removal of a cartridge. For example, the cartridge sensing sensor may include an inductive sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, a Hall sensor (Hall IC), and / or an optical sensor.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the cap sensing sensor can sense the attachment and / or removal of the cap. For example, the cap sensing sensor may include an inductive sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistance sensor, a contact sensor, a Hall sensor (Hall IC), and / or an optical sensor. The cap may include a structure that covers at least a portion of the cartridge attached to or inserted into the aerosol generator 1, or that covers at least a portion of the housing of the aerosol generator 1. When the cap sensing sensor is attached to or removed from the housing, it may output a signal corresponding to the attachment or removal, and the control unit 12 may sense the attachment or removal of the cap in accordance with the signal corresponding to the attachment or removal.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the motion sensing sensor can sense the movement of the aerosol generator 1. The motion sensing sensor can be implemented by at least one of an acceleration sensor or a gyro sensor.

[0050] In one embodiment, the sensor unit 13 may further include at least one of the following sensors in addition to the aforementioned sensors: a humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, a Global Positioning System (GPS) sensor, or a proximity sensor. The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by those skilled in the art from its name, so a detailed explanation can be omitted.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the output unit 14 can output information about the status of the aerosol generator 1. The output unit 14 may include, but is not limited to, a display, a haptic unit, and / or an acoustic output unit. For example, information about the aerosol generator 1 may include the charge / discharge status of the power supply 11 of the aerosol generator 1, the preheating status of the heaters 18 and 24, the insertion / removal status of the aerosol product and / or cartridge, the attachment and / or removal status of the cap, or a state in which the use of the aerosol generator 1 is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal item). The display can visually provide the user with information about the status of the aerosol generator 1. For example, the display may include an LED (light-emitting diode) light-emitting element, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), and the like. If the display includes a touchpad, it can also be used as an input unit 15. The haptic unit can tactilely provide the user with information about the status of the aerosol generator 1. For example, the haptic section may include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, an electrical stimulator, etc. The acoustic output section can provide the user with auditory information about the aerosol generator 1. For example, the acoustic output section can convert electrical signals into acoustic signals and output them externally.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the power supply 11 can supply power for the operation of the aerosol generator 1. The power supply 11 may include one or more batteries. The power supply 11 can supply power so that the heaters 18 and 24 can be heated. The power supply 11 can also supply power necessary for the operation of other components included in the aerosol generator 1, such as the control unit 12, sensor unit 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. The power supply 11 may be a replaceable type (detachable battery) (hereinafter referred to as a removable battery). The removable battery may be installed in a battery housing provided in the aerosol generator 1 or removed from the battery housing. The removable battery may also be charged by wire and / or wirelessly.

[0053] According to one embodiment, heaters 18 and 24 can receive power from a power source 11 to heat the aerosol product and / or the medium and / or aerosol generating substance in the cartridge. The aerosol generating apparatus 1 may include a heater 18 for heating the aerosol product and / or a cartridge heater 24 for heating the cartridge (i.e., solid and / or liquid medium).

[0054] According to one embodiment, heaters 18 and 24 may be electrical resistance heaters. For example, electrical resistance heaters may include electrical resistance materials such as metals or metal alloys, including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, and nichrome. Electrical resistance heaters can be embodied by metal heating wires, metal heating plates on which electrical conductive tracks are arranged, ceramic heating elements, and the like.

[0055] According to one embodiment, heaters 18 and 24 may be induction heating heaters. For example, an induction heating heater may include a susceptor that generates heat in response to a magnetic field. An alternating current flowing through the induction coil can generate a magnetic field from the induction coil. The generated magnetic field can penetrate the heater and generate eddy currents in the susceptor. The generation of eddy currents can heat the susceptor. According to one embodiment, the susceptor may be contained inside the aerosol product (e.g., in the medium). In this case as well, the susceptor contained inside the aerosol product can be heated by the induction coil.

[0056] The heaters 18 and 24 are not limited to the examples given above and may include or be replaced by a variety of heating methods, structures, components, etc., for heating aerosol products and / or cartridges.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the input unit 15 can receive information entered by the user. For example, the input unit 15 may include a touch panel, buttons, a keypad, a dome switch, a jog wheel, a jog switch, and the like.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the 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. For example, the 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. For example, the 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.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the communication unit 16 may include at least one component for communication with other electronic devices (e.g., portable electronic devices). For example, the communication unit 16 may include a Bluetooth® communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth® Low Energy) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a WLAN (wireless local area network) communication unit, a Zigbee® communication unit, an infrared (infrared Data Association, IrDA) communication unit, a WFD (Wireless Fidelity Direct) communication unit, a UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant (Adaptive Network Topology) communication unit, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN) communication unit, and the like.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator 1. For example, the control unit 12 may include at least one processor. The control unit 12 may be embodied by an array of numerous logic gates, or by a combination of a general-purpose MCU (microcontroller unit) (or microprocessor) and memory storing a program executable by such an MCU. It will be understood by those ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment belongs that it may also be embodied by other forms of hardware.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the temperature of heaters 18 and 24 by controlling the supply of power from the power supply 11 to heaters 18 and 24. The control unit 12 can control the temperature of heaters 18 and 24 and / or the power supplied to heaters 18 and 24 based on the temperature of heaters 18 and 24 sensed using a temperature sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13). The control unit 12 can control the temperature of heaters 18 and 24 and / or the power supplied to heaters 18 and 24 based on a temperature profile and / or power profile stored in memory 17.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the power (e.g., voltage and / or current) supplied to the heaters 18 and 24 by controlling a power conversion circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the heaters 18 and 24 and the power supply 11. For example, the power conversion circuit may include a DC / DC converter (e.g., a buck converter, buck-boost converter, boost converter, Zener diode, etc.) that converts power to be supplied to the heaters 18 and 24, and a DC / AC converter (e.g., an inverter) that converts power to be supplied to an induction coil (not shown). The DC / AC converter can be embodied by a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit including a plurality of switching elements. For example, the power conversion circuit may include at least one switching element such as a bipolar junction transistor (BJT) or a field-effect transistor (FET).

[0063] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can adjust the current and / or voltage supplied to the heaters 18 and 24 by adjusting the frequency and / or duty cycle of the current pulse input to at least one switching element of a power conversion circuit (not shown). The duty cycle for the on / off operation of the switching element may correspond to the ratio of the output voltage of the power conversion circuit to the output voltage of the power supply 11.

[0064] In one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the power supplied to the heaters 18 and 24 using at least one of the following methods: pulse width modulation (PWM) and proportional-integral-differential (PID). For example, the control unit 12 can use the PWM method to control the supply of current pulses having a predetermined frequency and duty cycle to the heaters 18 and 24. The control unit 12 can control the power supplied to the heaters 18 and 24 by adjusting the frequency and duty cycle of the current pulses. For example, the control unit 12 can determine a target temperature for control based on a temperature profile. The control unit 12 can control the power supplied to the heaters 18 and 24 using the PID method, which is a feedback control method based on the difference between the temperature of the heaters 18 and 24 and the target temperature, the value obtained by integrating the difference over time, and the value obtained by differentiating the difference over time.

[0065] In one embodiment, the control unit 12 can determine a target power to be controlled based on the power profile. The control unit 12 can also control the power supplied to the heaters 18 and 24 over time to correspond to the already set target power.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can detect the user's puff by sensing the power supplied to the heaters 18 and 24. More specifically, the control unit 12 can control the power supplied to the heaters 18 and 24 in a PID manner. When the user's puff occurs, a temporary temperature drop may occur in the space into which the aerosol product is inserted (hereinafter referred to as the insertion space), the heaters 18 and 24, etc. Therefore, a change in the power (or current) supplied to the heaters 18 and 24 may occur during PID power control. The control unit 12 can detect the user's puff based on the change in the controlled power.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can prevent the heaters 18 and 24 from overheating. For example, if the temperature of the heaters 18 and 24 exceeds a previously set limit temperature, the control unit 12 can control the operation of the power conversion circuit to reduce the amount of power supplied to the heaters 18 and 24 or to interrupt the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the charging and discharging of the power supply 11. For example, the control unit 12 can check the temperature of the power supply 11 using a temperature sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13). If the temperature of the power supply 11 is above a first limit temperature, the control unit 12 can cut off charging of the power supply 11. If the temperature of the power supply 11 is above a second limit temperature, the control unit 12 can interrupt the use (e.g., discharge) of the power stored in the power supply 11. The control unit 12 can calculate the remaining amount of power stored in the power supply 11. For example, the control unit 12 can calculate the remaining amount of power in the power supply 11 based on the sensed voltage and / or current of the power supply 11.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 based on the results sensed by the sensor unit 13.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 based on the insertion and / or removal of aerosol products into and from the insertion space. For example, the control unit 12 can use an insertion sensing sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13) to determine that aerosol products have been inserted into the insertion space and control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 to supply power. The control unit 12 can use an insertion sensing sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13) to determine that aerosol products have been removed from the insertion space and cut off the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24. The control unit 12 can also determine that aerosol products have been removed from the insertion space if the temperature of the heaters 18 and 24 is above a limit temperature or if the temperature change gradient of the heaters 18 and 24 is above a set gradient.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the power supply time and / or power supply amount to the heaters 18 and 24 based on the state of the aerosol product. For example, if the control unit 12 determines that the aerosol product is in an over-humidity state using an over-humidity sensing sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13), it can extend the power supply time (e.g., preheating time) to the heaters 18 and 24.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 based on whether or not the aerosol product has been reused. For example, if the control unit 12 determines that the aerosol product has been used, it can cut off the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 based on the coupling and / or removal of the cartridge. For example, if the control unit 12 determines, using a cartridge sensing sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13), that the cartridge is separated, it can interrupt the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 or control the system so that no power is supplied to the heaters 18 and 24.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 based on whether the aerosol-generating material in the cartridge has been exhausted. For example, the control unit 12 can determine that the aerosol-generating material in the cartridge has been exhausted if it determines that the temperature of the heaters 18 and 24 exceeds a limit temperature during preheating (i.e., in the preheating section). If it is determined that the aerosol-generating material in the cartridge has been exhausted, the control unit 12 can cut off the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24.

[0075] In one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 based on whether the cartridge is usable or not. For example, based on the data stored in the memory 17, the control unit 12 can determine that the cartridge is unusable if the current number of puffs is equal to or greater than the maximum number of puffs set for the cartridge. Alternatively, the control unit 12 can determine that the cartridge is unusable if the total time the heaters 18 and 24 have been heated is equal to or greater than the already set maximum time, or if the total amount of power supplied to the heaters 18 and 24 is equal to or greater than the already set maximum amount of power. In this case, the control unit 12 can interrupt the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 or control the system so that power is not supplied to the heaters 18 and 24.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 based on the user's puffs. For example, the control unit 12 can use a puff sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13) to determine whether or not a puff has occurred and / or the intensity of the puff. The control unit 12 can cut off the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 when the number of puffs reaches a previously set maximum number of puffs and / or when no puffs are detected for a previously set time or longer. The control unit 12 can also control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 when a puff is detected.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 based on the authenticity and / or type of the aerosol product (or cartridge). For example, the control unit 12 can detect the authenticity and / or type of the aerosol product using a cigarette identification sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13). As an example, if the control unit 12 detects that the aerosol product (or cartridge) is counterfeit, it can cut off the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24. If the control unit 12 detects that the aerosol product (or cartridge) is normal, it can control (e.g., start) the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24. As another example, the control unit 12 can control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 differently depending on the type of aerosol product (or cartridge). More specifically, when the control unit 12 detects an aerosol product (or cartridge) as a first aerosol product (or first cartridge), it can control the temperature and / or power of the heaters 18 and 24 based on a first temperature profile (or first power profile), and when it detects a second aerosol product (or second cartridge), it can control the temperature and / or power of the heaters 18 and 24 based on a second temperature profile (or second power profile).

[0078] In one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the output unit 14 based on the results sensed by the sensor unit 13. For example, the control unit 12 can control the output unit 14 to visually, tactilely, and / or audibly provide information that the aerosol generator 1 will immediately terminate when the number of puffs counted using the puff sensor (e.g., the sensor unit 13) reaches a previously set number. For example, the control unit 12 can also control the output unit 14 to visually, tactilely, and / or audibly provide information about the temperature of the heaters 18 and 24.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can store and update a history of events in the memory 17 based on the occurrence of a predetermined event. For example, an event may include operations performed by the aerosol generator 1, such as sensing the insertion of an aerosol product, starting the heating of the aerosol product, detecting puffing, ending puffing, detecting overheating of heaters 18 and 24, detecting the application of overvoltage to heaters 18 and 24, ending the heating of the aerosol product, turning the power of the aerosol generator 1 on / off, starting charging of the power supply 11, detecting overcharging of the power supply 11, and ending charging of the power supply 11. For example, the history of an event may include the date and time the event occurred, log data corresponding to the event, etc. For example, if a predetermined event is the sensing of the insertion of an aerosol product, the log data corresponding to the event may include data such as the sensing value of the insertion sensing sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13). For example, if a predetermined event is the detection of overheating in heaters 18 and 24, the log data corresponding to the event may include data such as the temperature of heaters 18 and 24, the voltage applied to heaters 18 and 24, and the current flowing through heaters 18 and 24.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the communication unit 16 to form a communication link with an external device such as the user's mobile terminal.

[0081] According to one embodiment, when the control unit 12 receives authentication data from an external device via a communication link, it can release the restriction on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generator 1 (e.g., heating function). For example, the authentication data may include the user's date of birth, a unique number identifying the user, and whether the user's authentication has been completed.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can transmit data about the status of the aerosol generator 1 (e.g., remaining power 11, operating mode, etc.) to an external device via a communication link. The transmitted data can be output via a display or the like on the external device.

[0083] According to one embodiment, when the control unit 12 receives a request from an external device via a communication link to locate the aerosol generator 1, it can control the output unit 14 to perform an operation corresponding to the location search. For example, the control unit 12 can control the haptic unit to generate vibrations or to output an object corresponding to the display location search and the end of the search.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can perform a firmware update when it receives firmware data from an external device via a communication link.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can transmit data about the sensing values ​​of at least one sensor unit 13 to an external server (not shown) via a communication unit, 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.

[0086] Although not shown in Figure 1, the aerosol generator 1 may further include a protection circuit module. The protection circuit module includes at least one switching element that can interrupt the circuit to the power supply 11 in response to overcharging and / or over-discharging of the power supply 11. The aerosol generator 1 may further include a connection interface, such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, which can connect to other external devices via the connection interface to send and receive information or charge the power supply 11.

[0087] The aerosol products referred to in this disclosure may include at least one aerosol-generating rod (e.g., a medium) and at least one filter rod. The heater 18 is arranged to correspond to at least one aerosol-generating rod and may be designed differently depending on the arrangement order and / or position of the aerosol-generating rod and the filter rod. The aerosol-generating rod may include at least one of nicotine, an aerosol-generating substance, and an additive. For example, the aerosol-generating substance may include glycerin (e.g., vegetable glycerin, VG) and / or propylene glycol (PG), and may also include a variety of other substances. For example, the additive may include flavoring agents and / or organic acids, and may also include a variety of other substances. For example, the aerosol-generating rod may include an aerosol-generating substrate (e.g., a sheet) impregnated with a liquid non-tobacco substance (e.g., an aerosol-generating substance and / or nicotine) and / or a solid tobacco substance (e.g., tobacco leaves, reconstituted tobacco, etc.). Tobacco substances can be contained in the aerosol-generating rod in various forms such as leaf pulp, granules, or powder. According to one embodiment, the additives to the aerosol-generating rod may include a basic substance. Based on the basic substance, the nicotine of the tobacco substance contained in the aerosol-generating rod may have a basic pH (e.g., pH 7.0 or higher). In this case, freebase nicotine can be released from the aerosol-generating rod even at low temperatures. According to one embodiment, the aerosol-generating rod may include two or more aerosol-generating rods, each containing tobacco substance and / or non-tobacco substance. On the other hand, although not shown, at least one aerosol-generating rod and at least one filter rod may each and / or collectively be surrounded by at least one wrapper. In this disclosure, the aerosol product can also be called a stick.

[0088] The cartridges referred to in this disclosure 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. On the other hand, the cartridge may include a storage section containing the aerosol-generating substance and / or a liquid delivery means impregnated with (containing) the aerosol-generating substance. For example, the liquid delivery means may include a wick such as cotton fibers, ceramic fibers, glass fibers, or porous ceramic. The cartridge heater 24 may be included in the cartridge as a coil-shaped structure surrounding (or winding) the liquid delivery means or as a structure in contact with one side of the liquid delivery means. Alternatively, the cartridge heater 24 may be included in an aerosol generator 1 that is separable from the cartridge.

[0089] Figures 2 and 3 show an aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0090] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generator 1 may include a housing 10, a power supply 11, a control unit 12, a sensor unit 13, and / or heaters 182, 183 (for example, heater 18 in Figure 1). However, it will be understood by those ordinary skill in the art relating to this embodiment that the components included in the aerosol generator 1 are not limited to those shown in Figure 2 or Figure 3, and that some components may be omitted or new configurations may be added. The aerosol generator 1 shown in Figure 2 can be described as an "internal heating type" aerosol generator that heats the inside of the aerosol product 2. The aerosol generator 1 shown in Figure 3 can be described as an "external heating type" aerosol generator that heats the outside of the aerosol product 2. In the following drawings, explanations that overlap with Figure 1 will be omitted.

[0091] According to one embodiment, the housing 10 may have an upwardly opening space into which an aerosol product 2 is inserted. In this disclosure, the upwardly opening space can be called an insertion space. The insertion space may be formed by recessing inward to a predetermined depth so that at least a portion of the aerosol product 2 can be inserted. The depth of the insertion space may be greater than or equal to the length of the region in the aerosol product 2 that contains the aerosol-generating substance and / or medium. The lower end of the aerosol product 2 is inserted into the housing 10, and the upper end of the aerosol product 2 may protrude outward from the housing 10. The user can inhale the aerosol by putting the exposed upper end of the aerosol product 2 in their mouth.

[0092] According to one embodiment, heaters 182 and 183 can heat the aerosol product 2.

[0093] Referring to Figure 2, the heater 182 may be an internal heating type heater.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the internal heating element can extend upward in the space into which the aerosol product 2 is inserted (i.e., the insertion space). For example, the internal heating element may include a rod-shaped or needle-shaped heating element as shown in the figure, but it may also include a variety of heating elements such as a tubular heating element or a plate-shaped heating element. The internal heating element can be inserted through the bottom of the aerosol product 2.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the internal heating type heater may include an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heating type heater.

[0096] For example, an electrical resistance heater may contain an electrical resistance material inside (e.g., internal hollow or inner surface) or outside (e.g., outer surface), and be heated by an electric current flowing through the electrical resistance material. In this case, the electrical resistance heater can be electrically connected to a power supply 11 and can directly generate heat by receiving current from the power supply 11. The induction coil 181 may also be omitted.

[0097] For example, in the case of an induction heating type heater, the aerosol generator 1 may include an induction coil 181 that surrounds at least a portion of the internal heating type heater (for example, positioned externally to correspond to the length of at least a portion of the heater). In this case, the induction coil 181 may further include a magnetic flux concentrator or the like to increase the efficiency of induction heating. The induction heating type heater includes a susceptor and can generate heat through the magnetic field generated from the induction coil 181. According to one embodiment, the induction heating type heater (e.g., a susceptor) (or a heater module including the same) may be arranged to be separated from the housing 10.

[0098] In one embodiment, the heater 182 may be a multi-heater. The multi-heater may include a first heater and a second heater and may be inserted into the aerosol product 2. The first heater and the second heater may be arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction. The first heater and the second heater may operate as an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heating heater and may be heated sequentially or simultaneously. In this case, the first heater and the second heater may be positioned respectively at locations corresponding to the longitudinal positions of two or more aerosol generating rods. Alternatively, the first heater and the second heater may be positioned respectively at locations corresponding to the longitudinal positions of a first and second portion of a single aerosol generating rod. On the other hand, if the heater 182 is an induction heating heater, the aerosol generating device 1 may include a first induction coil and a second induction coil, and the first and second induction coils may be positioned respectively at locations corresponding to the longitudinal positions of the first heater and the second heater. Alternatively, the first and second induction coils may be positioned to correspond to the longitudinal positions of the first and second portions of a single heater 182, respectively. Furthermore, the heater and / or induction coils may include three or more components.

[0099] According to one embodiment, the susceptor may be placed (or included) inside the aerosol product 2 (for example, in the medium portion), and the susceptor included inside the aerosol product 2 may be heated by the magnetic field generated from the induction coil 181.

[0100] Referring to Figure 3, the heater 183 may be an external heating type heater.

[0101] According to one embodiment, the external heating element can extend upward around the space into which the aerosol product 2 is inserted (i.e., the insertion space). For example, the external heating element may be positioned to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. As an example, the external heating element may have a tubular form (e.g., cylindrical shape) with a hollow interior. The external heating element may also have a form that includes a hollow interior and surrounds the hollow. In this case, the external heating element may be supported by a polyimide film. A heater supported by such a film can be called a film heater. The external heating element may be positioned to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. The external heating element can heat the outside of the aerosol product 2 inserted into the hollow.

[0102] In one embodiment, the external heating element may include an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heating element, and a description that overlaps with Figure 2 will be omitted. On the other hand, in the case of an induction heating element, the aerosol generator 1 includes an external heating element embodied by a tubular susceptor and may include an induction coil 181 surrounding at least a portion of the external heating element (for example, positioned externally to correspond to the length of at least a portion of the heater). On the other hand, if the external heating element is an electrical resistance heater, the induction coil 181 may be omitted because it can generate heat by the flow of current on the tubular electrical resistance heater (for example, a film heater). On the other hand, an insulating material may be placed outside the external heating element. This can reduce the heat that radiates radially outward from the heater 183 and is transferred to the outside of the housing 10.

[0103] In one embodiment, the heater 183 may be a multi-heater, and the first heater and the second heater may be arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction so as to surround at least a portion of the insertion space, respectively. The first heater and the second heater can operate as an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heating heater, and can be heated sequentially or simultaneously. On the other hand, if the heater 183 is an induction heating heater, the aerosol generator 1 includes a first induction coil and a second induction coil, and the first induction coil and the second induction coil may be arranged respectively at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of the first heater and the second heater. Alternatively, the first induction coil and the second induction coil may be arranged at positions corresponding to the first and second longitudinal positions of a single heater 183, respectively.

[0104] Unlike those shown in Figure 2 or Figure 3, the heater 182 in Figure 2 and the heater 183 in Figure 3 may be included together in the aerosol generator 1. In this case, the heater 182 can heat the inside of the aerosol product 2, and the heater 183 can heat the outside of the aerosol product 2.

[0105] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generator 1 may be equipped with an airflow channel through which air flows. For example, the housing 10 may have a structure (e.g., a hole) through which air from the outside can flow into the housing 10. The air that flows into the housing 10 can flow into the aerosol product 2 through its lower end (i.e., upstream side). The aerosol generated by heating the aerosol product 2 can be inhaled into the user's mouth through its upper end (i.e., downstream side) along with the incoming air.

[0106] Figure 4 is a front perspective view of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0107] Referring to Figure 4, the body 10 (for example, the housing 10 in Figures 2 and 3) may include elongated side walls 101, 102, a cover 103 forming one end, a base 104 forming the other end, and a door 110 for opening and closing the insertion space 43. The body 10 may have a cylindrical shape that extends elongated in one direction.

[0108] The body 10 may include side walls 101 and 102 that form the outer surface. The side walls 101 and 102 may include curved surfaces that extend along the circumferential direction of the body 10.

[0109] The side walls 101 and 102 may include the first side wall 101. The first side wall 101 may extend in the circumferential direction of the body 10. The first side wall 101 may be bent in the circumferential direction of the body 10 to form a space inside. The first side wall 101 may have an opening on one side. The cross-section of the first side wall 101 may have a loop shape with one side open.

[0110] The side walls 101 and 102 may include a second side wall 102. The second side wall 102 may extend along the longitudinal direction of the body 10. The second side wall 102 may be coupled to the first side wall 101. The second side wall 102 may be located between the circumferential ends of the first side wall 101 and may form a continuous surface with the first side wall 101. The second side wall 102 may cover one side of the first side wall 101 that is open laterally.

[0111] The body 10 may include a cover 103 that forms one end in the longitudinal direction. The cover 103 may be coupled to one end in the longitudinal direction of the first side wall 101 and one end in the longitudinal direction of the second side wall 102.

[0112] The body 10 may include a door 110. The door 110 may be coupled to the cover 103. The door 110 can open and close the insertion space 43 (see Figures 2 and 3) in a sliding manner. A rail 105 may be formed in the cover 103. The door 110 can slide along the rail 105.

[0113] The body 10 may include a base 104 that forms the other end in the longitudinal direction. The base 104 may be coupled to the other end in the longitudinal direction of the first side wall 101 and the other end in the longitudinal direction of the second side wall 102.

[0114] The body 10 may include a button 106 (for example, the input section 15 in Figure 1). The button 106 can be inserted into a hole formed on one side of the second side wall 102.

[0115] The body 10 may include a display 141 (for example, the output unit 14 in Figure 1). The display 141 may be located on the second side wall 102. The display 141 may extend along the longitudinal direction of the body 10. The display 141 can visually provide the user with information about the aerosol generator 1. The display 141 may be an LED light-emitting element, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), etc.

[0116] Figure 5 is a circuit diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0117] Referring to Figure 5, the aerosol generator 1 can include at least one of the following: a power supply 11, a heater 18, and a power conversion unit 220.

[0118] 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 provided in the body 10 and / or the stick 2 (for example, the aerosol product 2 in Figures 2 and 3) inserted into the insertion space 43. The heater 18 may have the features of the heater 18 described earlier in Figures 1 to 3.

[0119] 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.

[0120] The power conversion unit 220 may be provided between the heater 18 and the power supply 11. The power conversion unit 220 can convert the voltage output from the power supply 11 or the charging circuit 210 (described later) into a voltage supplied to the heater 18. For example, the power conversion unit 220 can be implemented by a boost converter and a buck boost converter that convert the voltage output from the power supply 11 or the charging circuit 210. The power conversion unit 220 can be described as a booster, converter, or transformer. The power conversion unit 220 can convert the voltage output from the power supply 11 or the charging circuit 210 and output the converted voltage. For example, the magnitude of the voltage output from the power conversion unit 220 may be the same as or greater than the magnitude of the voltage output from the power supply 11 or the charging circuit 210.

[0121] The power conversion unit 220 may include an LC resonant circuit to convert the voltage output from the power supply 11 or the charging circuit 210. The LC resonant circuit may include at least one inductor 221 (see Figure 6) and a capacitor 222 (see Figure 6). The inductor 221 of the power conversion unit 220 may have an inductance value within a specific range. The specific structure of the power conversion unit 220 will be described in detail later based on Figure 6.

[0122] The aerosol generator 1 may include at least one of the following: a control unit 12, a charging circuit 210, first and second switches 230 and 240, and a regulator 250.

[0123] The charging circuit 210 may be connected to the power supply 11, the power conversion unit 220, and the control unit 12. The charging circuit 210 can transmit power supplied from the power supply 11 to the power conversion unit 220 under the control of the control unit 12. The charging circuit 210 can be described as a charger.

[0124] The charging circuit 210 can electrically connect the power supply 11 and the power conversion unit 220. The power supply 11 may be connected to the input terminal 211 of the charging circuit 210, and the power conversion unit 220 may be connected to the output terminal 212 of the charging circuit 210.

[0125] The charging circuit 210 can either charge the power supply 11 or transmit power to the power conversion unit 220 under the control of the control unit 12. For example, when an external power supply (not shown) is electrically connected to the aerosol generator 1, the charging circuit 210 can supply power from the external power supply to the power supply 11 or the power conversion unit 220. The charging circuit 210 can convert power supplied from the external power supply into power suitable for charging the power supply 11. For example, when no external power supply is electrically connected to the aerosol generator 1, the charging circuit 210 can transmit power supplied from the power supply 11 to the power conversion unit 220.

[0126] The charging circuit 210 may include a switching element internally. For example, the charging circuit 210 may include a power switching element such as a field-effect transistor (FET). When the switching element inside the charging circuit 210 is turned ON, power supplied from the power supply 11 can be transmitted to the element connected to the output terminal 212 via the input terminal 211 and output terminal 212 of the charging circuit 210.

[0127] A second switch 240 may be connected to the heater 18. The second switch 240 may have one end connected to the heater 18 and the other end connected to ground (GND). The second switch 240 can electrically connect the heater 18 to ground under the control of the control unit 12. The second switch 240 can supply power output from the power conversion unit 220 to the heater 18. The second switch 240 can be described as a PWM switch or a heater switch.

[0128] The control unit 12 can control the power supplied to the heater 18. By controlling the switching of the second switch 240, the control unit 12 can control whether or not power is supplied to the heater 18. The heater 18 can generate heat when power is supplied, and can not generate heat when power is not supplied.

[0129] The control unit 12 can control the second switch 240 so that pulses having a predetermined frequency and / or duty cycle are supplied to the heater 18. The control unit 12 can adjust the pulse frequency and / or duty cycle via the second switch 240 to control the power supplied to the heater 18.

[0130] The control unit 12 can derive the temperature of the heater 18. The control unit 12 can determine the temperature of the heater 18 in response to a signal output from a temperature sensor (not shown). Based on the determined temperature of the heater 18, the control unit 12 can determine the power to be supplied to the heater 18. The control unit 12 can supply the determined power to the heater 18 by controlling at least one of the power supply 11, the charging circuit 210, the power conversion unit 220, and the second switch 240.

[0131] A first switch 230 can be provided between the heater 18 and the power conversion unit 220. The first switch 230 can connect the power conversion unit 220 and the heater 18. If an abnormal current flows through the heater 18, the first switch 230 can be turned OFF to cut off the power supplied to the heater 18. The first switch 230 can be described as a load switch.

[0132] The control unit 12 receives an output signal from a current sensor (not shown) connected to the heater 18, and can determine whether an abnormal current is flowing through the heater 18 according to the output signal. If the current flowing through the heater 18 is greater than a set threshold, the control unit 12 can control at least one of the charging circuit 210, power conversion unit 220, first switch 230, and second switch 240 to cut off the power supplied to the heater 18.

[0133] Therefore, it is possible to prevent heater malfunctions and improve the safety of circuit operation.

[0134] A regulator 250 may be further provided between the control unit 12 and the charging circuit 210. The regulator 250 can connect the output terminal 212 of the charging circuit 210 to the control unit 12. The regulator 250 can convert the voltage Vsys output from the charging circuit 210. For example, the regulator 250 can be implemented as a low-dropout linear regulator that converts the voltage Vsys output from the charging circuit 210.

[0135] Therefore, the voltage applied to the control unit 12 can be stabilized.

[0136] Although not shown in Figure 5, the charging circuit 210 is connected to the heater 18 and the control unit 12, and depending on the embodiment, at least one sensor (e.g., the sensor unit 13 in Figure 1) and a vibration motor (e.g., the output unit 14 in Figure 1) may be further connected. A regulator (not shown) may be further provided between the charging circuit 210 and at least one sensor. A regulator (not shown) may be further provided between the charging circuit 210 and the vibration motor. Each regulator can convert the voltage output from the charging circuit 210.

[0137] Figure 6 is a circuit diagram of the power conversion section of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0138] Referring to Figure 6, the power conversion unit 220 may have one end connected to the power supply 11 via the charging circuit 210, and the other end connected to the heater 18 or the first switch 230.

[0139] The power conversion unit 220 may include a rectifier element 223 and a booster switch 224. The booster switch 224 may include at least one switching element. For example, the booster switch 224 may include at least one field-effect transistor (FET). The rectifier element 223 may include a diode.

[0140] The power conversion unit 220 may include an inductor 221 and a capacitor 222. The inductor 221 may have one end connected to the input terminal of the power conversion unit 220 and the other end connected to the booster switch 224. The capacitor 222 may have one end connected to the negative terminal (cathode) of the rectifier element 223 and the other end connected to ground. The rectifier element 223 may have its negative terminal connected to the capacitor 222 and its positive terminal (anode) connected to the booster switch 224 and the inductor 221. The booster switch 224 may have one end connected to the positive terminal of the rectifier element 223 and the inductor 221 and the other end connected to ground. If the booster switch 224 is a FET, the drain of the booster switch 224 may be connected to the positive terminal of the rectifier element 223 and the inductor 221, and its source may be connected to ground.

[0141] The power conversion unit 220 can convert power by the on / off operation of the booster switch 224. When the booster switch 224 is on, the inductor 221 is charged, and when the booster switch 224 is off, the energy charged in the inductor 221 can be used to charge the capacitor 222.

[0142] The voltage output from the power conversion unit 220 can be determined by the duty cycle D over which the booster switch 224 is turned on and off. The output voltage Vout of the power conversion unit 220 is proportional to the input voltage Vin and can increase as the duty cycle D increases. The output voltage Vout of the power conversion unit 220 can be expressed by the following formula.

[0143] Vout = Vin * (1 / 1 - D)

[0144] The control unit 12 can control the power conversion unit 220. It can control the switching operation of the booster switch 224 of the power conversion unit 220. The power conversion unit 220 can boost the input voltage. For example, the power conversion unit 220 can boost the voltage output from the power supply 11 to a set heater voltage (e.g., 4.6V or 5V). The power conversion unit 220 can stably transmit the set heater voltage to the heater 18 even when the voltage of the power supply 11 drops to about half of the set heater voltage (e.g., 2.5V).

[0145] Therefore, the lifespan of the power supply can be extended, and a constant voltage can be stably supplied to the heater.

[0146] The inductor 221 of the power conversion unit 220 may have an inductance within a specific range. For example, the inductance of inductor 221 may be 0.8 to 1.2 μH. For example, the inductance of inductor 221 may be 0.9 to 1.1 μH. For example, the inductance of inductor 221 may be approximately 1.0 μH.

[0147] Table 1 below shows the results of comparing the current in inductor 221 based on its inductance. Table 1 shows the results when the output voltage of the power conversion unit 220 is 4.6V.

[0148] [Table 1]

[0149] Referring to Table 1, when the inductance of inductor 221 is 1.5 μH, the maximum current flowing through inductor 221 was measured to be 5.8 A. The current flowing through inductor 221 was generally high during the preheating section of heater 18, and the maximum value was measured during this preheating section. In contrast, when the inductance of inductor 221 is 1.0 μH, the maximum current flowing through inductor 221 was measured to be 5.56 A. Thus, it can be confirmed that when the inductance of inductor 221 is 1.0 μH or within a certain range from there, the peak current value of inductor 221 decreases by about 240 mA.

[0150] The higher the peak current value flowing through the inductor 221, the more unstable the operation of the power conversion unit 220 may become. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, by having the inductance of the inductor 221 be 1.0 μH or within a certain range therefrom, the peak current flowing through the power conversion unit 220 can be reduced, and the power conversion efficiency of the power conversion unit 220 can be increased.

[0151] Figure 7 is a graph comparing the peak currents due to the inductance of the inductor in the power conversion section of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 8 is an image showing the temperature at which the power conversion section is heated due to the inductance of the inductor in the power conversion section of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0152] Referring to Figures 7 and 8 together with Figure 6, the inductor 221 of the power conversion unit 220 can have a DC resistance within a specific range. Here, the DC resistance may refer to the resistance of the inductor 221 when a signal with a frequency close to 0 Hz is applied to it. For example, the DC resistance of the inductor 221 may be less than 20 mΩ. For example, the DC resistance of the inductor 221 may be between 5 mΩ and 10 mΩ. For example, the DC resistance of the inductor 221 may be approximately 7 mΩ.

[0153] Table 2 below shows the results of comparing the current of inductor 221 and the temperature of power conversion unit 220 based on the DC resistance value of inductor 221. Table 2 shows the results when the output voltage of power conversion unit 220 is 4.6V and the inductance of inductor 221 is 1.0μH.

[0154] [Table 2]

[0155] Referring to Figure 7 together with Table 2, when the DC resistance of inductor 221 is 20.0 mΩ (710 in Figure 7), the maximum current I1 flowing through inductor 221 was measured to be 6.42 A. The current flowing through inductor 221 was generally high during the preheating section of heater 18, and the maximum value was measured at a single time point t1 in this preheating section. In contrast, when the DC resistance of inductor 221 is 7.1 mΩ (720 in Figure 7), the maximum current I2 flowing through inductor 221 was measured to be 5.99 A. Thus, it can be confirmed that when the DC resistance of inductor 221 is 7.1 mΩ or within a certain range from there, the peak current value of inductor 221 decreases by approximately 430 mA.

[0156] The higher the peak current value flowing through the inductor 221, the more unstable the operation of the power conversion unit 220 may become. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, by having the DC resistance value of the inductor 221 be 7.1 mΩ or within a certain range therefrom, the peak current flowing through the power conversion unit 220 can be reduced, and the power conversion efficiency of the power conversion unit 220 can be increased.

[0157] Referring to Figure 8 together with Table 2, when the DC resistance of inductor 221 is 20.0 mΩ (Figure 8(a)), the maximum temperature of the power conversion unit 220 was measured to be 65.7 degrees Celsius. The temperature of the power conversion unit 220 was generally higher in the section where the heater 18 was preheated, and the maximum value was measured in this preheating section. In contrast, when the DC resistance of inductor 221 is 7.1 mΩ (Figure 8(b)), the maximum temperature of the power conversion unit 220 was measured to be 58.3 degrees Celsius.

[0158] Thus, it can be confirmed that when the DC resistance of the inductor 221 is 7.1 mΩ or within a certain range from that value, the maximum temperature of the power conversion unit 220 is reduced by approximately 7.4 degrees.

[0159] The higher the peak current flowing through the inductor 221, the more unstable the operation of the power conversion unit 220 may become. According to one embodiment of this disclosure, by having the DC resistance of the inductor 221 be 7.1 mΩ or within a certain range therefrom, the peak current flowing through the power conversion unit 220 can be reduced, thereby reducing the operating temperature of the power conversion unit 220 and improving the safety of the circuit operation.

[0160] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating the power cutoff control of the heater of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0161] Referring to Figure 9 together with Figure 5, the control unit 12 can supply power to the heater 18 by controlling at least one of the power supply 11, the charging circuit 210, the power conversion unit 220, the first switch 230, and the second switch 240 (S910). The heater 18 can generate heat by receiving power from the power supply 11.

[0162] The control unit 12 can control whether or not power is supplied to the heater 18 based on the current flowing through the heater 18. The control unit 12 receives an output signal from a current sensor connected to the heater 18 and can determine the current value flowing through the heater 18 according to the output signal. The control unit 12 can compare the current value flowing through the heater 18 with a first threshold value (S920). The first threshold value may correspond to the maximum current value at which the heater 18 does not fail or deform during the heating process, or the maximum current value at which the components supplying power to the heater 18 can operate normally, as determined by experiments, etc.

[0163] The control unit 12 can control the power supplied to the heater 18 to be cut off if the current value flowing through the heater 18 of the charging circuit 210 is greater than or equal to a first threshold (yes in S930) (S940). For example, the control unit 12 can control at least one of the charging circuit 210, the power conversion unit 220, the first switch 230, and the second switch 240 to cut off the power supplied to the heater 18. Preferably, the control unit 12 can control the first switch 230 to cut off the power supplied to the heater 18. The first switch 230 can be turned off by the control unit 12, thereby cutting off the power supplied to the heater 18.

[0164] On the other hand, if the current flowing through the heater 18 of the charging circuit 210 is less than the first threshold value (no in S930), the control unit 12 can control the system to maintain the state in which power is supplied to the heater 18, and can repeat the S910 process and subsequent processes.

[0165] The impedance between the output terminal and input terminal of the first switch 230 can have a resistance value within a specific range. For example, the impedance between the output terminal and input terminal of the first switch 230 may be 10 mΩ to 20 mΩ. For example, the impedance between the output terminal and input terminal of the first switch 230 may be 15 mΩ.

[0166] If the impedance between the output terminal and input terminal of the first switch 230 is 20 mΩ or more, the power consumed by the first switch 230 may become unnecessarily large while power is supplied to the heater 18, reducing power efficiency. In addition, the voltage drop due to the first switch 230 may increase, causing the voltage applied to the heater 18 to decrease.

[0167] Therefore, it is possible to prevent heater malfunctions and improve the safety of circuit operation. Furthermore, even if a first switch is provided to prevent heater malfunctions, the reduction in power efficiency caused by the first switch can be minimized.

[0168] Figure 10 is a circuit diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed explanations of components that overlap with those shown in Figure 5 are omitted.

[0169] Referring to Figure 10, the aerosol generator 1 may include at least one of the following: a power supply 11, a heater 18, a power conversion unit 220, a charging circuit 210, a second switch 240, and a regulator 250.

[0170] A first resistor R1 may be provided between the heater 18 and the power conversion unit 220. The first resistor R1 can connect the power conversion unit 220 and the heater 18. The first resistor R1 may be a resistor for sensing the current flowing through the heater 18. A current sensor may be connected to the first resistor R1. The first resistor R1 can be called a sensing resistor.

[0171] The control unit 12 receives an output signal from the current sensor and can determine, based on the output signal, whether an abnormal current is flowing through the heater 18. If the current flowing through the heater 18 is greater than a set threshold, the control unit 12 can control at least one of the charging circuit 210, the power conversion unit 220, and the second switch 240 to cut off the power supplied to the heater 18.

[0172] Therefore, it is possible to prevent heater malfunctions and improve the safety of circuit operation.

[0173] The first resistor R1 may have a resistance value within a specific range. For example, the resistance value of the first resistor R1 may be between 1 and 3 mΩ. For example, the resistance value of the first resistor R1 may be 2 mΩ.

[0174] Therefore, malfunction of the heater can be prevented via at least one of the charging circuit 210, the power conversion unit 220, and the second switch 240. Furthermore, by having the resistance value of the first resistor R1 for sensing the current flowing through the heater 18 be smaller than the impedance of the switching element (for example, the first switch 230), the reduction in power efficiency due to the first resistor can be minimized.

[0175] On the other hand, the heater power cutoff control shown in Figure 9 can be similarly applied to the embodiment shown in Figure 10. For example, in step S920, the control unit 12 can determine the current value flowing to the heater 18 in response to the signal output by the current sensor connected to the first resistor R1, and compare this with a first threshold value. For example, in step S940, the control unit 12 can control at least one of the charging circuit 210, the power conversion unit 220, and the second switch 240 to cut off the power supplied to the heater 18.

[0176] As described above, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the inductor of the power conversion unit has an inductance within a specific range, thereby reducing the peak current flowing through the power conversion unit and improving the power conversion efficiency.

[0177] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the inductor of the power conversion unit has a DC resistance value within a specific range, thereby reducing the peak current flowing through the power conversion unit, lowering the operating temperature of the power conversion unit, and improving the safety of the circuit operation.

[0178] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, by providing a circuit that cuts off the power supplied to the heater based on the current value flowing through the heater, it is possible to prevent malfunction of the heater and improve the safety of the circuit operation.

[0179] Referring to Figures 1 to 10, an aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a heater 18 for heating an aerosol generating substance, a power supply 11 for supplying power to the heater 18, and a power conversion unit 220 for converting the voltage output from the power supply 11 into a voltage supplied to the heater 18, wherein the power conversion unit 220 includes an inductor 221 connected to the power supply 11, and the inductance of the inductor 221 may be 0.8 to 1.2 μH.

[0180] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the inductance of the inductor 221 may be 0.9 to 1.1 μH.

[0181] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the power conversion unit 220 may include a boost converter that increases the voltage output from the power supply 11.

[0182] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the DC resistance of the inductor 221 may be less than 20 mΩ.

[0183] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the DC resistance of the inductor 221 may be between 5 mΩ and 10 mΩ.

[0184] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, a load switch 230 may be included that connects the power conversion unit 220 and the heater 18 and transmits the power output from the power conversion unit 220 to the heater 18.

[0185] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the load switch 230 can be turned off when the current flowing through the heater 18 is equal to or greater than a first threshold, thereby cutting off the power supplied to the heater 18.

[0186] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the impedance between the output terminal and the input terminal of the load switch 230 may be 10 mΩ to 20 mΩ.

[0187] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, a first resistor R1 connecting the power conversion unit 220 and the heater 18 may be included.

[0188] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the resistance value of the first resistor R1 may be between 1 mΩ and 3 mΩ.

[0189] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, the power conversion unit 220 can be turned off and cut off the power supplied to the heater 18 when the current flowing through the heater 18 is equal to or greater than a second threshold.

[0190] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, a control unit 12 may be included that controls the operation of at least one of the heater 18 and the power conversion unit 220 to control the power supplied to the heater 18.

[0191] Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, a heater switch 240 is included, one end 241 of which is connected to the heater 18 and the other end 242 of which is grounded, and the control unit 12 can control the heater switch 240 to supply pulses having a predetermined frequency and / or duty cycle to the heater 18.

[0192] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, a charging circuit 210 is included that connects the power supply 11 and the power conversion unit 220 and transmits power supplied from the power supply 11 to the power conversion unit 220.

[0193] 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.

[0194] 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.

[0195] 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. A heater for heating aerosol-generating material, A power supply that provides power to the heater, Includes a power conversion unit that converts the voltage output from the power supply into a voltage supplied to the heater, The power conversion unit includes an inductor connected to the power supply, An aerosol generating apparatus in which the inductance of the inductor is 0.8 μH to 1.2 μH.

2. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inductance of the inductor is 0.9 μH to 1.1 μH.

3. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the power conversion unit includes a boost converter that increases the voltage output from the power supply.

4. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the DC resistance of the inductor is less than 20 mΩ.

5. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the DC resistance of the inductor is 5 mΩ to 10 mΩ.

6. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a load switch that connects the power conversion unit and the heater and transmits the power output from the power conversion unit to the heater.

7. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the load switch turns off when the current flowing to the heater is equal to or greater than a first threshold, thereby cutting off the power supplied to the heater.

8. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the impedance between the output terminal and the input terminal of the load switch is 10 mΩ to 20 mΩ.

9. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a first resistor connecting the power conversion unit and the heater.

10. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the resistance value of the first resistor is 1 mΩ to 3 mΩ.

11. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the power conversion unit turns off when the current flowing to the heater is equal to or greater than a second threshold, thereby cutting off the power supplied to the heater.

12. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit that controls the operation of at least one of the heater and the power conversion unit to control the power supplied to the heater.

13. Includes a heater switch, one end of which is connected to the heater and the other end of which is grounded. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the control unit controls the heater switch so that pulses having a predetermined frequency and / or duty cycle are supplied to the heater.

14. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising a charging circuit that connects the power supply and the power conversion unit and transmits power supplied from the power supply to the power conversion unit.

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