Aerosol generating device and method of operation thereof

Abstract

The aerosol generating device includes a main body including a control unit and a battery, as well as a detachable heater module including a heater for heating an aerosol product and a first memory, which is detachably connected to the main body, the first memory storing heater module information related to the unique characteristics of the detachable heater module obtained during the manufacturing process of the detachable heater module, and the control unit obtains the heater module information from the first memory when the detachable heater module is connected to the main body, determines control conditions corresponding to the detachable heater module using the obtained heater module information, and controls the aerosol generating device based on the determined control conditions.

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for alternative methods to overcome the shortcomings of conventional cigarettes. For example, there has been an increasing demand for aerosol generating devices that generate aerosols by heating an aerosol generating substance contained in an aerosol generating product (e.g., a cigarette) without combustion. As a result, research into heated aerosol generating devices has been actively conducted. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] The aerosol generating device is manufactured as an integrated device with all parts connected, and is provided to the user. If the integrated aerosol generating device breaks down, even if the broken parts are replaced, there may be slight differences in the manufactured product, and the smoking experience may be different. Therefore, even if only one part breaks down, the user may have to purchase the entire device.

[0004] Various embodiments provide an aerosol generating device and an operating method thereof. The technical problem to be solved by the present disclosure is not limited to the technical problem described above, and other technical problems can be inferred from the following embodiments. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to one aspect, an aerosol generating device includes a main body including a control unit and a battery, as well as a removable heater module including a heater for heating an aerosol product and a first memory, which is detachably connected to the main body, the first memory storing heater module information related to the unique characteristics of the removable heater module obtained during a manufacturing process of the removable heater module, and the control unit obtains the heater module information from the first memory when the removable heater module is connected to the main body, and determines the removable heater module information using the obtained heater module information.

[0006] According to another aspect, the aerosol generating device includes a main body including a control unit and a battery, and a removable heater module including a heater for heating an aerosol product and a module identifier, the removable heater module being removably connected to the main body, the module identifier being an image displayed on an outer surface of the heater module and including heater module information related to unique characteristics of the removable heater module that can be read by scanning, and the control unit acquires the heater module information and uses the acquired heater module information to determine the removable heater module information.

[0007] According to yet another aspect, a method for operating an aerosol generating device includes the steps of acquiring heater module information relating to unique characteristics of a detachable heater module acquired during a manufacturing process of the detachable heater module, the detachable heater module being detachably coupled to a main body and having a heater for heating an aerosol product, using the acquired heater module information to determine control conditions corresponding to the detachable heater module, and controlling the aerosol generating device based on the determined control conditions. Effect of the Invention

[0008] As described above, the aerosol generating apparatus can be easily repaired by replacing defective parts. In addition, the aerosol generating apparatus can perform a uniform heating operation even if parts are replaced. Furthermore, the aerosol generating apparatus can accurately measure the heater temperature without a separate correction using an external measuring device.

[0009] The effects of this embodiment are not limited to those described above, and effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment pertains from this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1A] 1A-1C are diagrams illustrating various types of aerosol generating devices having a detachable heater module and a main body coupled thereto according to one embodiment. [Figure 1B] 1A-1C are diagrams illustrating various types of aerosol generating devices having a detachable heater module and a main body coupled thereto according to one embodiment. [Figure 1C] 1A-1C are diagrams illustrating various types of aerosol generating devices having a detachable heater module and a main body coupled thereto according to one embodiment. [Figure 1D] 1A-1C are diagrams illustrating various types of aerosol generating devices having a detachable heater module and a main body coupled thereto according to one embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an aerosol generating device having a replaceable, detachable heater module in accordance with one embodiment. [Diagram 3] A block diagram for explaining the hardware configuration of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. [Figure 4A] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a method of controlling an aerosol generating device using new heater parameters when a removable heater module is replaced, according to one embodiment. [Figure 4B]11 is a graph illustrating a comparison between a case in which the control unit uses heater parameters before replacement and a case in which the control unit uses heater parameters of a replaced removable heater module, according to one embodiment. [Figure 5A] A diagram for explaining a method of controlling an aerosol generating device using new heater parameters when a removable heater module is replaced in another embodiment. [Figure 5B] 11 is a graph illustrating a comparison between when a removable heater module is replaced and when the control unit uses the heater parameters before replacement and when the control unit uses the heater parameters of the replaced removable heater module in another embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a method for utilizing heater parameters to determine a frequency to be applied to a heater, according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method for applying a voltage to a heater using heater parameters according to one embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram intuitively illustrating the difference between the temperature of the heater measured by the temperature sensor and the actual temperature of the heater, according to one embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a method in which a calibration temperature is determined by a polynomial calculated based on the rate of change of temperature measured by a temperature sensor, according to one embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a graphical illustration of a graph of correction temperature versus actual heater temperature according to one embodiment. [Figure 11] 1 is a flow chart illustrating a method for determining a calibration temperature using temperature sensor parameters, according to one embodiment. [Figure 12] 11A and 11B are diagrams for explaining a structure for coupling a detachable heater module to a main body according to one embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a block diagram for explaining an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. [Figure 14]11 is a flowchart illustrating a method for acquiring removable heater module information according to another embodiment. [Figure 15] 1 is a flow chart illustrating a method of operating an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] The terms used in this embodiment are currently widely used and common terms, as far as possible, selected while taking into consideration the functions in this embodiment, but they may vary depending on the intentions of engineers in this field, precedents, or the emergence of new technologies. In addition, in certain cases, the applicant may arbitrarily select some terms, and in such cases, the meanings of the terms will be described in detail in the description of the relevant invention. Therefore, the terms used in this invention must be defined based on the meanings of the terms and the overall content of the present invention, rather than simply the names of the terms.

[0012] Throughout the specification, when a part "includes" a certain component, it does not mean excluding other components, but may further include other components, unless otherwise specified to the contrary. Furthermore, terms such as "module" and "unit" in the specification mean a unit that processes at least one function or operation, and they may be realized in hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0013] As used herein, when a phrase such as "at least one" precedes an array of elements, it modifies the entire array and not each individual element in the array. For example, the phrase "at least one of a, b, and c" should be interpreted as including a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c.

[0014] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In the following, with reference to the accompanying drawings, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail so that a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains can easily carry out the embodiment. However, the present invention may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0016] 1A to 1D are diagrams illustrating various types of aerosol generating devices in which a removable heater module and a main body are combined according to one embodiment.

[0017] The aerosol generating device 100 also includes an induction heating heater 130. Specifically, the heater 130 in FIG. 1A also includes a coil 131 and a susceptor 132 for heating an aerosol product by induction heating. The aerosol generating device 100 can generate an aerosol by heating an aerosol product accommodated in the aerosol generating device 100 by induction heating. The induction heating method may refer to a method of applying an alternating magnetic field, the direction of which is periodically changed, to a magnetic material to heat the magnetic material.

[0018] The aerosol generating device 100 can apply an alternating magnetic field to a magnetic body to cause the magnetic body to emit thermal energy, and can transfer the thermal energy emitted from the magnetic body to an aerosol product to heat the aerosol product. In Fig. 1A, the magnetic body that generates heat by an external magnetic field is also a susceptor 132. In other embodiments, the susceptor 132 is in the shape of a piece, flake, or strip, and is also included inside the aerosol product.

[0019] The aerosol generating device 100 can accommodate an aerosol product. A space for accommodating the aerosol product can be formed in the aerosol generating device 100. A susceptor 132 can be disposed around the space accommodating the aerosol product. For example, the susceptor 132 can have a cylindrical shape. Therefore, when the aerosol product is accommodated in the accommodating space, the susceptor 132 can surround at least a part of the outer surface of the aerosol product. However, the shape of the susceptor 132 is not limited thereto and can be various. For example, the susceptor 132 can have a sewing needle shape so that the susceptor 132 can be inserted into the aerosol product.

[0020] The coil 131 is wound around the outer surface of the susceptor 132 and can apply an alternating magnetic field to the susceptor 132. When power is supplied from the aerosol generating device 100 to the coil 131, a magnetic field can be formed in the internal region of the coil 131. When an alternating current or an alternating voltage is applied to the coil 131, an alternating magnetic field can be formed inside the coil 131. When the susceptor 132 is located inside the coil 131 and exposed to the alternating magnetic field, the susceptor 132 generates heat, and the aerosol product contained in the susceptor 132 can be heated.

[0021] The battery 110 can supply power to the coil 131 for heating operation of the aerosol generating device 100, for example, the heater 130.

[0022] The control unit 120 can control the heating operation of the heater 130 by controlling the voltage or current supplied to the coil 131. For example, the control unit 120 can control the heating operation of the heater 130 so that the temperature to which the aerosol product is heated by the susceptor 132 is maintained constant.

[0023] Referring to FIG. 1B, the aerosol generating device 100 also includes a battery 110, a control unit 120, and a heater 130.

[0024] 1C and 1D, the aerosol generating device 100 further includes a vaporizer 140. An aerosol product 300 may be inserted into the inner space of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0025] 1A to 1D show components related to the present embodiment in the aerosol generating device 100. Therefore, a person having ordinary skill in the art related to the present embodiment can understand that the aerosol generating device 100 may further include other general components in addition to the components shown in FIG. 1A to 1D.

[0026] 1A and 1B, the battery 110, the control unit 120, and the heater 130 are illustrated as being arranged in a row. Also, in FIG. 1C, the battery 110, the control unit 120, the vaporizer 140, and the heater 130 are illustrated as being arranged in a row. Also, in FIG. 1D, the vaporizer 140 and the heater 130 are illustrated as being arranged in parallel. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 100 is not limited to that illustrated in FIGS. 1A to 1D. That is, the arrangement of the battery 110, the control unit 120, the heater 130, and the vaporizer 140 may be changed depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0027] When the aerosol production article 300 is inserted into the aerosol generation device 100, the aerosol generation device 100 can activate the heater 130 and / or the vaporizer 140 to generate an aerosol from the aerosol production article 300 and / or the vaporizer 140. The aerosol generated by the heater 130 and / or the vaporizer 140 passes through the aerosol production article 300 and is delivered to a user.

[0028] If necessary, the aerosol generating device 100 can heat the heater 130 even when the aerosol production item 300 is not inserted in the aerosol generating device 100 .

[0029] The battery 110 supplies power used for operating the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the battery 110 can supply power to heat the heater 130 or the vaporizer 140, and can supply power necessary for the control unit 120 to operate. The battery 110 can also supply power necessary for the display, sensor, motor, and the like provided in the aerosol generating device 100 to operate.

[0030] The control unit 120 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generation device 100. Specifically, the control unit 120 controls the operation of not only the battery 110, the heater 130, and the vaporizer 140, but also other components included in the aerosol generation device 100. The control unit 120 can also check the state of each component of the aerosol generation device 100 and determine whether the aerosol generation device 100 is in an operable state.

[0031] The control unit 120 includes at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program that can be executed by the microprocessor is stored. Those skilled in the art will understand that the controller 120 may also be embodied in other forms of hardware.

[0032] The heater 130 is also heated by the power supplied from the battery 110. For example, if the aerosol production product 300 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 100, the heater 130 may be located outside the aerosol production product 300. Thus, the heated heater 130 can increase the temperature of the aerosol generating material within the aerosol production product 300.

[0033] The heater 130 may be an electrically resistive heater. For example, the heater 130 may include an electrically conductive track, and the heater 130 may be heated by passing an electric current through the electrically conductive track. However, the heater 130 is not limited to the above example, and may be any heater that heats up to a desired temperature. Here, the desired temperature may be a temperature that is already set in the aerosol generating device 100, or a temperature that is set by a user.

[0034] For example, the heater 130 may include a tubular heating element, a plate heating element, a needle heating element, or a rod heating element, which, depending on the configuration of the heating element, may heat the interior or exterior of the aerosol product article 300 .

[0035] The aerosol generating device 100 may also be provided with a plurality of heaters 130. In this case, the plurality of heaters 130 are arranged so as to be inserted inside the aerosol product 300 and also arranged outside the aerosol product 300. Some of the plurality of heaters 130 are arranged so as to be inserted inside the aerosol product 300 and the rest are arranged outside the aerosol product 300. The shape of the heater 130 is not limited to the shapes shown in Figs. 1A to 1D, and various shapes may also be produced.

[0036] The vaporizer 140 can heat the liquid composition and generate an aerosol, which passes through the aerosol product 300 and is also delivered to a user. That is, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 140 can travel along an airflow passage of the aerosol generating device 100, which is also configured to allow the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 140 to pass through the aerosol product 300 and be delivered to a user.

[0037] For example, the vaporizer 140 may include, but is not limited to, a liquid reservoir, a liquid delivery means, and a heating element, and the liquid reservoir, the liquid delivery means, and the heating element may also be included in the aerosol generating device 100 as separate modules.

[0038] The liquid reservoir can store a liquid composition, for example, a liquid containing tobacco-containing material including volatile tobacco aroma components, or a liquid containing non-tobacco material. The liquid reservoir can be made to be removable / attachable to / from the vaporizer 140, or can be made integral with the vaporizer 140.

[0039] For example, the liquid composition may include water, solvent, ethanol, plant extract, fragrance, flavoring agent, or vitamin mixture. The fragrance may include, but is not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, various fruit fragrance components, etc. The flavoring agent may include components that can provide a variety of flavors or tastes to the user. The vitamin mixture may include, but is not limited to, at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E. The liquid composition may also include an aerosol forming agent, such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0040] The liquid transfer means can transfer the liquid composition in the liquid reservoir to the heating element, for example, but not limited to, a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic.

[0041] The heating element is an element for heating the liquid composition transferred by the liquid transfer means. For example, the heating element can be, but is not limited to, a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate, a ceramic heater, etc. The heating element can also be made of a conductive filament such as a nichrome wire, and can be arranged in a structure wound around the liquid transfer means. The heating element can also be heated by current supply, and can transfer heat to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element, thereby heating the liquid composition. As a result, an aerosol can be generated.

[0042] For example, the vaporizer 140 may also be called, but is not limited to, a cartomizer or an atomizer.

[0043] Meanwhile, the aerosol generation device 100 further includes a general-purpose configuration in addition to the battery 110, the control unit 120, the heater 130, and the vaporizer 140. For example, the aerosol generation device 100 also includes a display capable of outputting visual information, and / or a motor for outputting tactile information. The aerosol generation device 100 also includes at least one sensor (such as a puff sensor, a temperature sensor, or an aerosol product insertion sensor). The aerosol generation device 100 can also be fabricated in a structure in which external air flows in and internal gas flows out even when the aerosol product 300 is inserted.

[0044] Although not shown in Fig. 1A to Fig. 1D, the aerosol generating device 100 can also configure a system together with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle can also be used to charge the battery 110 of the aerosol generating device 100. Alternatively, the heater 130 can heat the aerosol generating device 100 in a state where the cradle and the aerosol generating device 100 are combined.

[0045] The aerosol-producing article 300 is similar to a typical combustion-type cigarette. For example, the aerosol-producing article 300 is divided into a first portion including an aerosol-generating material and a second portion including a filter or the like. Alternatively, the second portion of the aerosol-producing article 300 also includes an aerosol-generating material. For example, the aerosol-generating material in the form of granules or capsules is inserted into the second portion.

[0046] The entire first part is inserted into the aerosol generating device 100, and the second part is exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a part of the first part may be inserted into the aerosol generating device 100, and the entire first part and a part of the second part may be inserted. A user can inhale aerosol while holding the second part in his / her mouth. In this case, the aerosol is generated by external air passing through the first part, and the generated aerosol passes through the second part and is delivered to the user's mouth.

[0047] For example, the outside air is also introduced through at least one air passage formed in the aerosol generation device 100. For example, the opening and closing of the air passage formed in the aerosol generation device 100 and / or the size of the air passage can be adjusted by the user. As a result, the amount of atomization, smoking sensation, etc. can be adjusted by the user. As another example, the outside air is also introduced into the aerosol product 300 through at least one hole formed on the surface of the aerosol product 300.

[0048] Various types of aerosol generating devices in which a detachable heater module is combined with a main body have been described above with reference to Figures 1A to 1D. In the following, an aerosol generating device having a replaceable detachable heater module will be described with reference to Figure 2.

[0049] 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining an aerosol generating device having a replaceable detachable heater module according to one embodiment. The aerosol generating device 200 in FIG. 2 corresponds to the aerosol generating device 100 described in FIG. 1A to FIG. 1D.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 2, the aerosol generating device 200 also includes a removable heater module 210 a and a main body 220 .

[0051] A typical integrated aerosol generating device is manufactured as an integrated device in which all parts are connected so that they cannot be separated from each other, and is provided to users. The integrated aerosol generating device must provide the same smoking experience to various users, but even if the same parts are used to manufacture the integrated aerosol generating device, minute errors occur during the manufacturing and assembly stages of each part, resulting in uneven smoking experience. Therefore, in order to correct the minute errors, the integrated aerosol generating device is subjected to a separate calibration procedure by the manufacturer before being shipped, so that the finished product performs the same operation or a uniform operation with a deviation within a predetermined range.

[0052] Therefore, if only one component of a purchased aerosol generating device fails, the user may have to purchase a new integrated aerosol generating device in which minute errors have been pre-corrected instead of replacing the failed component.

[0053] In the aerosol generating device 200 of the present disclosure, even if the previously used detachable heater module 210a breaks down, it can be easily replaced with one of the other detachable heater modules 210b, 210c, and 210d of the same type. Furthermore, when one of the detachable heater modules 210b, 210c, and 210d of the same type is coupled, the main body 200 can be controlled to perform a uniform heating operation despite the different inherent characteristics of the detachable heater modules 210b, 210c, and 210d.

[0054] The removable heater modules 210a, 210b, 210c, and 210d may also include various elements such as heaters and temperature sensors. Depending on the manufacturing method, materials, and interactions of the elements, the removable heater modules 210a, 210b, 210c, and 210d may have different information about the characteristics of the elements. Such information about the elements included in the removable heater modules 210a, 210b, 210c, and 210d may be referred to as heater module information hereinafter.

[0055] The removable heater modules 210a, 210b, 210c, and 210d can store respective heater module information, for example, the heater module information being obtained during the manufacturing process in which each of the removable heater modules 210a, 210b, 210c, and 210d is manufactured and also being stored in each of the removable heater modules 210a, 210b, 210c, and 210d.

[0056] The main body 220 can use the heater module information of the detachable heater modules 210a, 210b, 210c, and 210d to control the aerosol generating device 200. For example, even if certain of the detachable heater modules 210a, 210b, 210c, and 210d are coupled to the main body 220, the aerosol generating device 200 can control the heaters to perform uniform heating according to a preset temperature profile.

[0057] In the following, a method of controlling the aerosol generation device 200 to perform a uniform heating operation using heater module information will be described with reference to Figs. 3 to 13 .

[0058] Fig. 3 is a block diagram for explaining a hardware configuration of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. A heater 211, a controller 221, and a battery 223 in Fig. 3 are components corresponding to the heater 130, the controller 120, and the battery 110 in Figs. 1A to 1D, respectively, and can perform the same functions as those described in Figs. 1A to 1D above.

[0059] 3, the aerosol generating device 200 also includes a main body 220 and a detachable heater module 210 detachably coupled to the main body 220. The detachable heater module 210 includes a heater 211, a temperature sensor 213, and a sub-memory 215a, and the main body 220 also includes a control unit 221, a battery 223, a communication unit 225, a user interface 227, and a main memory 229. However, the hardware components inside the aerosol generating device 200 are not limited to those shown in FIG. 3. It will be understood by those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field related to this embodiment that some of the hardware components shown in FIG. 3 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 200.

[0060] The temperature sensor 213 can measure the temperature of the heater 211. For example, the temperature sensor 213 can measure the temperature of the heater 211 when the heater 211 performs a heating operation.

[0061] The temperature sensor 213 may provide a measured value to the control unit 221. The control unit 221 may determine a calibration temperature to be finally used in controlling the aerosol generating device 200 using the measured value of the temperature sensor 213. That is, the control unit 221 may control the heating operation of the heater 211 by recognizing the calibration temperature as the actual temperature of the heater 211. The calibration temperature may be used in various ways in the subsequent control of the aerosol generating device 200. For example, the control unit 221 may monitor whether the heater 211 performs a normal heating operation according to a preset temperature profile using the calibration temperature, and may perform control such as stopping the heating operation, adjusting the voltage provided to the heater 211, and providing information related to an abnormal operation to a user based on the monitoring result. The method of determining the calibration temperature will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 8 to 11.

[0062] The sub-memory 215a may store heater module information. When the detachable heater module 210 is coupled to the main body 220, the sub-memory 215a may provide the stored heater module information to the controller 221 through an electrical connection with the controller 221.

[0063] The sub-memory 215a is also a non-volatile memory capable of storing heater module information even when the removable heater module 210 is not coupled to the main body 220. The type of the non-volatile memory is not limited. For example, it may be embodied in various types such as a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPRROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a flash memory, a ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM), a magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM), a phase-change random access memory (PRAM), and a resistive random access memory (RRAM).

[0064] The heater module information stored in the sub-memory 215a is also information related to the inherent characteristics of the elements included in the detachable heater module 210. For example, the heater module information includes heater parameters related to the inherent characteristics of the heater and temperature sensor parameters related to the inherent characteristics of the temperature sensor.

[0065] The heater parameters are parameters for determining the voltage applied to the heater 211, and the temperature sensor parameters are also parameters for compensating so that the measurement value of the temperature sensor 213 can be trusted as the actual temperature of the heater 211.

[0066] The heater parameters include parameters related to the inherent characteristics of the heater 211 that affect the heating operation of the heater 211. For example, the heater parameters include the resistance value of the heater 211, the inductance value of the heater 211, the capacitance value of the heater 211, and if the heater 211 is an induction heating type heater (e.g., 130 in FIG. 1A), the resonant frequency value of the heater 211, and the voltage level provided by the time required for the heater 211 to perform a uniform heating operation. The capacitance value is also the value of a capacitor provided in the removable heater module 210 to be electrically connected to the heater 211.

[0067] There is no limit to the number and arrangement of the capacitors electrically connected to the heater 211. For example, the capacitors may be disposed in the detachable heater module 210, in the main body 220, in both the detachable heater module 210 and the main body 220, or may be omitted depending on the design.

[0068] The temperature sensor parameters include parameters related to the inherent characteristics of the temperature sensor 213 that affect the determination of the correction temperature, such as the measured values ​​of the temperature of the heater 211 measured by the temperature sensor 213, the actual temperatures of the heater 211 corresponding to the measured values, the relationship between the measured values ​​and the actual temperatures, and a polynomial that mathematically represents the relationship between the actual temperatures and the measured values. The actual temperature is also the temperature of the heater 211 measured using an independent IR (infrared radiation) measuring device.

[0069] The heater module information is acquired in advance by an external measuring device during the manufacturing process of the removable heater module 210, and is also stored in the sub-memory 215a. For example, the resistance value and / or the inductance value of the heater 211 may be measured by the external measuring device. The resistance value and / or the inductance value of the heater 211 may have slight deviations depending on the material, manufacturing method, etc. during the manufacturing process of the heater 211.

[0070] In the manufacturing process of the detachable heater module 210, the accurate resistance value and / or inductance value of each heater 211 can be measured by an external measuring device. By storing the accurate resistance value and / or inductance value of each heater 211 in the sub-memory 215a, the main body 220 can control the voltage applied to the heater so as to perform a uniform heating operation according to a preset temperature profile, even if the resistance value and / or inductance value of the heater 211 have deviations. The temperature profile is information indicating the temperature to which the aerosol generation device 200 is heated over time, and the temperature profile is also stored in the main memory 229 or the sub-memory 215a.

[0071] For example, the inductance value, resistance value, and capacitance value are measured during the manufacturing process by an external measuring device that measures impedance, and are also stored in the sub-memory 215 a. For example, the voltage or current for heating the heater 211 according to a preset temperature profile is obtained during the manufacturing process by an external measuring device, and is also stored in the sub-memory 215 a.

[0072] For example, the relationship between the actual temperature of the heater 211 and the measured value of the temperature sensor is acquired in advance during the manufacturing process by an external measuring device and is also stored in the sub-memory 215a. The external measuring device is also an IR measuring device for measuring the actual temperature of the heater 211 while the heater 211 is being heated. The IR measuring device is equipment that irradiates infrared rays in the direction in which the heater 211 is located and measures the temperature.

[0073] An external measuring device capable of precise measurement is relatively expensive and large in size, and cannot be mounted on an aerosol generating device carried by a user. The heater module information is measured in advance by an external measuring device during the manufacturing process of the detachable heater module 210 and stored in the sub-memory 215a, so that the aerosol generating device 200 can indirectly utilize the precise measurement performance of the expensive external measuring device.

[0074] When the detachable heater module 210 is coupled to the main body 220, the control unit 221 can acquire heater module information from the sub-memory 215a and can use the heater module information to control the aerosol generation device 200. For example, the control unit 221 can use the acquired heater module information to determine control conditions corresponding to the detachable heater module 210 and control the aerosol generation device 200 based on the determined control conditions.

[0075] The control conditions are also conditions under which the heater 211 provided in the detachable heater module 210 performs a heating operation at a temperature defined by a preset temperature profile. Even if the heater module information of the newly attached detachable heater module 210 is different from that of the existing detachable heater module 210, the aerosol generating device 200 can perform a consistent heating operation according to the preset temperature profile by determining different control conditions. For example, the control unit 221 can determine different voltages to be applied to the heater 211, or determine different correction temperatures using the measured value of the temperature sensor 213.

[0076] For example, when the removable heater module 210 is replaced with another removable heater module 210b (FIG. 2), the controller 221 may determine different control conditions for the newly installed removable heater module 210b based on the heater module information acquired from the removable heater module 210b, and control the aerosol generating device 200 under the different control conditions so that the heating operation is consistently performed according to a preset temperature profile. For example, the controller 221 may determine a voltage to be provided to the heater 211 based on the heater module information. A specific manner of determining the voltage to be provided to the heater 211 will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 4A to 7.

[0077] In addition, the control unit 221 may determine a correction temperature used to control the aerosol generating device 200 based on the heater module information. A specific method for determining the correction temperature will be described in detail later with reference to Figs. 8 to 11.

[0078] The communication unit 225 is a hardware component supporting a wired or wireless communication function, and may provide a function for the aerosol generating device 200 to communicate with an external electronic device. The communication unit 225 may provide a terminal for performing data communication or receiving charging power, and a communication interface module for performing wireless communication (e.g., WI-FI, WI-FI Direct, Bluetooth, NFC (near-field communication), etc.) with the external electronic device.

[0079] The user interface 227 may provide the user with information related to the status of the aerosol generating device 200 and may receive information required for the operation of the aerosol generating device 200 from the user. The user interface 227 may include various interface means such as a display or lamp that outputs visual information, a motor that outputs tactile information, a speaker that outputs sound information, and an input / output (I / O) interface means (e.g., a button or a touch screen) that receives information input by the user and outputs information to the user.

[0080] However, the aerosol generating device 200 may be embodied by selecting only some of the various communication units 225 and the various user interfaces 227 described above.

[0081] The communication unit 225 and / or the user interface 227 may also be used to obtain heater module information in another embodiment that utilizes a module identifier 215d (FIG. 13) instead of the sub-memory 215a. Other methods of obtaining heater module information will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14.

[0082] The main memory 229 is hardware that stores various data processed in the aerosol generating device 200, and the main memory 229 can store data processed by the control unit 221 and data to be processed. For example, when the detachable heater module 210 is coupled to the main body 220 for the first time, the main memory 229 can store heater module information acquired from the sub-memory 215a via the control unit 221. After the detachable heater module 210 is coupled to the main body 220 for the first time, the control unit 221 can acquire the heater module information from the main memory 229.

[0083] The main memory 229 may be implemented in various types, such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), or electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM).

[0084] The main memory 229 may store data related to the operation time of the aerosol generating device 200, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and the smoking pattern of the user, etc. In addition, the main memory 229 may store heater module information acquired from the removable heater module 210.

[0085] 4A is a diagram for explaining a method of controlling an aerosol generating device using new heater parameters when a removable heater module is replaced according to an embodiment. The aerosol generating device 400a shown in the upper part shows a state in which the first removable heater module 210a is coupled to the main body 220, and the aerosol generating device 400b shown in the lower part shows a state in which the first removable heater module 210a is replaced with the second removable heater module 210b. It is assumed that the aerosol generating device 400a performs heating operation accurately according to a preset temperature profile.

[0086] 4A, the heater module information also includes heater parameters related to the inherent characteristics of the heaters 211a and 211b, including the resistance and inductance values ​​of the heaters 211a and 211b included in the removable heater modules 210a and 210b.

[0087] The control unit 221 can control the aerosol generating device 400b using heater parameters so that the heater 211b performs an accurate heating operation according to a preset temperature profile as before, even if another detachable heater module 210b is coupled to the body 220. The detachable heater modules 210a and 210b may have different inherent characteristics of the heaters 211a and 211b due to deviations in the manufacturing process. For example, if the heaters 211a and 211b are induction heating heaters as described in FIG. 1A, the heaters 211a and 211b may have different resistance and inductance values.

[0088] The main memory 229 can store the correlation between the heater parameters and the voltage or current applied to the heaters. The control unit 221 can determine the voltage to be applied to the heaters 211a and 211b by using the correlation between the heater parameters and the voltage or current applied to the heaters 211a and 211b.

[0089] For example, if the new second heater 211b has a resistance value R2 and an inductance value L2 that have a predetermined deviation from the resistance value R1 and inductance value L1 of the existing first heater 211a, the control unit 221 can perform the same heating operation according to a pre-set temperature profile by applying a voltage V2 to the second heater 211b based on the correlation between the heater parameters and the voltages applied to the heaters 211a and 211b.

[0090] A correlation between the heater parameters and the voltages applied to the heaters 211a and 211b may be stored in the main memory 229. The correlation may indicate that a voltage V1 corresponds to a resistance value R1 and an inductance value L1 of the first heater 211a, and a voltage V2 corresponds to a resistance value R2 and an inductance value L2 of the second heater 211b.

[0091] In the first detachable heater module 210a, the controller 221 can provide a voltage V1 to the first heater 211a. If the first detachable heater module 210a is replaced with a second detachable heater module 210b and the same voltage V1 is provided to the second heater 211b, the second heater 211b cannot perform a uniform heating operation according to a preset temperature profile because the resistance value R2 and the inductance value L2 of the first heater 211a are different.

[0092] 4B is a graph illustrating a comparison between a case where the controller 221 uses heater parameters before replacement and a case where the controller 221 uses heater parameters of a replaced removable heater module, according to an embodiment. Referring to FIG. 4B, a first graph 410 is a graph illustrating a state where the first removable heater module 210a of FIG. 4A is controlled by a voltage V1, and a second graph 430 is a graph illustrating a state where the second removable heater module 210b of FIG. 4A is still controlled by the same voltage V1.

[0093] In the induction heating heater, different frequencies may be applied to the heaters 211a and 211b in order to heat the heaters 211a and 211b at the same temperature for the same period of time. The frequency refers to the frequency of the voltage applied to the heaters 211a and 211b, and in the following description, the controller 221 applies a predetermined frequency to the heaters 211a and 211b, which also means that the controller 221 controls the voltage of the battery 223 to be applied to the heaters 211a and 211b at the predetermined frequency.

[0094] The heaters 211a and 211b may have different heating efficiencies depending on the frequency applied to the heaters 211a and 211b. For example, in the case of the induction heating type heater 130 (FIG. 1A) described in FIG. 1A, a predetermined frequency is applied to the coil 131 (FIG. 1A) to form an alternating magnetic field of the predetermined frequency, and the susceptor 132 (FIG. 1A) may be exposed to the alternating magnetic field to generate heat. The heating efficiency may mean the degree to which the susceptor 132 is heated (i.e., the heating temperature) at the applied frequency. The control unit 221 may determine the frequency of the voltage or current applied to the coil 131 using the heater parameters.

[0095] The frequencies used to heat the heaters 211a and 211b may be different from each other. The frequencies used to heat the heaters 211a and 211b may also be determined to maximize the heating efficiency of the heaters 211a and 211b. The frequency that maximizes the heating efficiency of the heaters 211a and 211b may also be determined based on the resonance frequency of the heaters 211a and 211b. For example, the frequency that maximizes the heating efficiency of the heaters 211a and 211b may be the resonance frequency of the heaters 211a and 211b, or a frequency within a predetermined range from the resonance frequency.

[0096] There are various methods for the control unit 221 to obtain the resonant frequency of the heaters 211a and 211b. For example, the control unit 221 can calculate the resonant frequency value based on the resistance values ​​of the heaters 211a and 211b, the inductance values ​​of the heaters 211a and 211b, the heater modules 210a and 210b, or the capacitance values ​​included in the main body 220. The control unit 221 can also obtain the resonant frequency value that has already been set during the manufacturing process from the sub-memory 215a (FIG. 2).

[0097] In the following, for ease of explanation, it is assumed that the frequency that maximizes the heating efficiency of the first heater 211a is 140 kHz, the frequency that maximizes the heating efficiency of the second heater 211b is 150 kHz, and the main body 220 does not know the frequency that maximizes the heating efficiency of the second heater 211b until the second heater 211b is coupled.

[0098] Referring to the first graph 410 and the second graph 430, it can be seen that the first heater 211a is heated to 290° C. and the second heater 211b is heated to 250° C. until time T. That is, at room temperature, the first heater 211a can be heated to 290° C. if a frequency of 140 kHz is applied from the start of the heating operation to time T. However, since the second heater 211b has different inherent characteristics from the first heater 211a, even if a voltage of 140 kHz is applied to the second heater 211b like the first heater 211a from the start of the heating operation to time T, the second heater 211b can only be heated to 250° C. at room temperature. According to one embodiment, the control unit 221 can apply a voltage of 150 kHz to the second heater 211b so that the second heater 211b is heated to 290° C. at time T when the first removable heater module 210a is replaced with the second removable heater module 210b.

[0099] The control unit 221 can determine the frequency of the voltage or current applied to the heaters 211a and 211b using the heater parameters. The control unit 221 can determine the frequency of the voltage or current applied to the coil 131 (FIG. 1A) based on at least one of the heater parameters, such as the inductance value L1 of the second heater 211b, the resistance value R1 of the heater, and a resonant frequency value obtained during the manufacturing process.

[0100] For example, the controller 221 may obtain a resistance value R2 and an inductance value L2 of the second heater 211b from the second detachable heater module 210b, and may determine that when a voltage V2 having a frequency of 150 kHz is applied to the second heater 211b, the second heater 211b may be heated to 290° C. at a time T. For example, the controller 221 may obtain a resonant frequency from the second detachable heater module 210b, and may determine that the frequency of the voltage V2 applied to the second heater 211b is 150 khz based on the resonant frequency.

[0101] If a voltage V2 having a frequency of 150 kHz is applied to the second heater 211b, the second heater 211b can perform a heating operation according to a preset temperature profile as shown in the first graph 410 of FIG. 4B, even though the second heater 211b has different inherent characteristics from the first heater 211a. The control unit 221 can improve power efficiency by applying a frequency corresponding to the optimal heating efficiency of the heaters 211a and 211b. In the above, it has been described by way of example that, when the heaters 211a and 211b are induction heating type heaters, the frequency of the voltage provided to perform a uniform heating operation according to the preset temperature profile for each of the heaters 211a and 211b may be different. In another embodiment, the heaters 211a and 211b may be electrical resistive heaters. Hereinafter, it will be described with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B that the voltages applied to each electrical resistive heater may be different in order to perform a uniform heating operation.

[0102] FIG. 5A is a diagram for explaining a method of controlling an aerosol generating device using new heater parameters when a removable heater module is replaced according to another embodiment. The aerosol generating device 500a shown in the upper part shows a state in which the first removable heater module 210a is coupled to the main body 220, and the aerosol generating device 500b shown in the lower part shows a state in which the first removable heater module 210a is replaced with the second removable heater module 210b. It is assumed that the aerosol generating device 500a performs heating operation accurately according to a preset temperature profile. FIG. 5B is a graph for explaining a comparison between a case in which the control unit 221 uses heater parameters before replacement and a case in which the control unit 221 uses heater parameters of a replaced removable heater module according to another embodiment. Referring to FIG. 5B, a first graph 510 is a graph showing the first removable heater module 210a of FIG. 5A being controlled by a voltage V3, and a second graph 530 is a graph showing the second removable heater module 210b of FIG. 5B being still controlled by the same voltage V3.

[0103] 5B, even if the same voltage V3 is applied to each heater 211a and 211b, since the resistance values ​​R3 and R4 of each heater 211a and 211b are different, at time T, the first heater 211a is heated to 290° C. and the second heater 211b is heated to 250° C. For example, it can be assumed that the first heater 211a has a resistance value of 5Ω and the second heater 211b has a resistance value of 5.1Ω due to deviations in the manufacturing process. That is, if a voltage of 10V is applied to the first heater 211a from the start of the heating operation until time T, the first heater 211a can be heated to 290° C. at room temperature. However, since the second heater 211b has a different resistance value from the first heater 211a, even if a voltage of 10 V is applied to the second heater 211b until time T, the second heater 211b can be heated up to 250° C. at room temperature.

[0104] When the first detachable heater module 210a is replaced with the second detachable heater module 210b, the control unit 221 can apply a voltage V4 higher than 10 V to the second heater 211b so that the second heater 211b can also be heated to 290° C. at the time T. At this time, the voltage V4 can be determined using the correlation between the heater parameters and the voltages applied to the heaters 211a and 211b.

[0105] The controller 221 can obtain a resistance value R4 of the second heater 211b from the second detachable heater module 210b and can determine a voltage V4 to be applied to the second heater 211b using the resistance value R4. The controller 221 can provide a voltage V4 to the second heater 211b instead of the voltage V3 that was conventionally applied to the first heater 211a. When the voltage V4 is applied to the second heater 211b, the second heater 211b can perform a uniform heating operation according to a preset temperature profile as shown in the first graph 510 of FIG. 5B, despite having different inherent characteristics from the first heater 211a.

[0106] The values ​​described in Figures 4A to 5B are merely exemplary values ​​selected for the purpose of clear explanation, and the resistance value of the heater, the inductance value of the heater, and the magnitude and frequency of the voltage applied to the heater are not limited to the above values.

[0107] 4B and 5B, for convenience of explanation, the voltages applied to the heaters 210a and 210b from the start of the heating operation to time T have been described. However, it goes without saying that the magnitude or frequency of the voltages applied to the heaters 210a and 210b is determined, or both the magnitude and frequency are determined, in order to perform the heating operation according to a preset temperature profile over time even after time T.

[0108] In FIG. 4A to FIG. 5B, it has been described that the voltage applied to each heater 211a and 211b is determined by the control unit 221 using the acquired resistance value and / or inductance value. However, the value of the voltage provided to each heater 211a and 211b to perform a heating operation according to a preset temperature profile may also be measured in advance during the manufacturing process and stored in the removable heater modules 210a and 210b. For example, the value of the voltage provided to each heater to perform a heating operation according to a preset temperature profile may be included in a voltage profile. That is, the voltage profile may also include information related to the magnitude and / or frequency of the voltage applied to the heaters 211a and 211b over time to perform a heating operation according to the preset temperature profile. The control unit 221 may obtain the voltage profile included in the removable heater modules 210a and 210b according to the voltage profile and apply a voltage to the heaters 211a and 211b.

[0109] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a method for determining the frequency of the voltage applied to the heater using heater parameters according to one embodiment.

[0110] 6, when the main body 220 is coupled to the detachable heater module 210, the control unit 221 may determine a voltage to be applied to the heater 211 by using a main body heater parameter related to a circuit unit of the main body 220 electrically connected to the heater 211. The main body heater parameter may be measured during a manufacturing process of the main body 220 and stored in the main memory 229. For example, the main body heater parameter may be a capacitance value of the circuit unit.

[0111] The heaters 211 of the detachable heater module 210 have different inherent characteristics, and the characteristics of the circuit unit of the main body electrically connected to the heaters 211 also differ for each main body 220. The control unit 221 can determine the frequency applied to the heaters 211 more accurately by taking into account both the main body heater parameters and the heater parameters of the heaters 211.

[0112] For example, the inductance value of the heater 211 is L [H], the resistance value of the heater 211 is R [Ω], and the capacitance value of the circuit part electrically connected to the heater 211 is C [F]. The above values ​​are also stored in the sub memory 215a and / or the main memory 229. The control unit 221 can determine the resonant frequency based on the already stored values, and can determine the frequency that maximizes the heating efficiency of the heater 211 (e.g., the resonant frequency or a frequency within a predetermined range from the resonant frequency).

[0113] FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating a method for applying a voltage to a heater using heater parameters, according to one embodiment.

[0114] 7, in step 701, the main body 220 can obtain heater parameters from the removable heater module 210. If heater parameters obtained when the removable heater module 210 is first coupled to the main body 220 are stored in the main memory 229, the control unit 221 of the main body 220 can obtain the heater parameters from the main memory 229.

[0115] In step 702, the body 220 can utilize the heater parameters to determine a voltage to be applied to the heater. In step 703, the body 220 can apply the determined voltage to the heater 211.

[0116] The heater 211 can heat the heater 211 to a temperature exceeding 300° C. depending on the type of aerosol product. The temperature sensor 213 provided for measuring the temperature of the heater 211 is generally not directly attached to the heater 211 to prevent damage caused by heating the heater 211. In this case, the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 213 may not be accurate.

[0117] The control unit 221 can acquire the measurement value measured by the temperature sensor 213 and use the temperature sensor parameters to determine the calibration temperature to be used for controlling the aerosol generating device 200 after going through a series of calibration processes.

[0118] The temperature sensor parameters required for correcting the heater temperature (e.g., the measured value) sensed by the temperature sensor 213 may differ for each removable heater module 210. The control unit 221 can accurately determine the corrected temperature used to control the aerosol generating device 200 by using the temperature sensor parameters specific to the temperature sensor 213 and the measured value of the temperature sensor 213. In the following, an exemplary method for determining the corrected temperature will be described with reference to Figs. 8 to 11, and the heater 211 will be described on the assumption that it is heated according to a preset temperature profile over time.

[0119] The temperature sensor parameters also include parameters related to the inherent characteristics of the temperature sensor 213, such as the measurement value of the temperature sensor 213 obtained by measuring the temperature of the heater 211 included in the removable heater module 210, the actual temperature of the heater 211, the relationship between the measurement value and the actual temperature, and a polynomial modeled based on the relationship between the actual temperature and the measurement value.

[0120] FIG. 8 is a diagram intuitively illustrating the difference between the temperature of the heater measured by the temperature sensor and the actual temperature of the heater, according to one embodiment.

[0121] 8, it can be seen that the temperature graph 810 sensed by the temperature sensor 213 always has a higher value than the actual temperature graph 830 of the heater 211. That is, Fig. 8 shows that the temperature of the heater 211 measured by the temperature sensor 213 is generally higher than the actual temperature of the heater 211, and in order for the control unit 221 to properly correct the temperature of the heater 211 measured by the temperature sensor 213, the temperature of the heater 211 measured by the temperature sensor 213 must be corrected with an appropriate compensation value.

[0122] 8, the temperature of the heater 211 measured by the temperature sensor 213 is higher than the actual temperature of the heater 211, so the compensation value is a negative number, but in one embodiment, the temperature of the heater 211 measured by the temperature sensor 213 may be lower than the actual temperature of the heater 211. In that case, the compensation value may be a positive number.

[0123] In order to minimize the deviation as described above, the control unit 221 may correct the measurement value of the temperature sensor 213 using a compensation value, and determine the corrected measurement value to be a correction temperature that is the same as or close to the actual temperature of the heater 211. The compensation value used by the control unit 221 to correct the measurement value of the temperature sensor 213 is also a value calculated using the temperature sensor parameters.

[0124] The control unit 221 can determine the correction temperature using the temperature sensor parameter. The temperature sensor parameter is also determined based on the rate of change of the temperature measured by the temperature sensor while the heater is heated in the manufacturing process of the removable heater module. For example, the correction temperature is also determined by a polynomial calculated based on the rate of change of the temperature measured by the temperature sensor.

[0125] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a method for determining a calibration temperature by a polynomial calculated based on a rate of change of a temperature measured by a temperature sensor according to an embodiment.

[0126] First, a left diagram 91 in FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a result of comparing a graph relating to the temperature of the heater 211 measured by the temperature sensor 213 as in FIG. 8 and the actual temperature of the heater 211. As shown in FIG.

[0127] The graph in the drawing 91 on the left side is divided into a first section 910, a second section 930, and a third section 950. The first section 910 refers to a section in which the temperature of the heater 211 is maintained constant after reaching a maximum temperature (about 310° C.). The second section 930 refers to a section in which the temperature of the heater 211, which was maintained constant in the first section 910, drops at a constant rate and is then maintained constant at the dropped temperature. The third section 950 refers to a section in which the temperature of the heater 211, which was maintained constant in the second section 930, drops again at a constant rate.

[0128] A right-side drawing 92 in Fig. 9 shows a graph of a certain polynomial. Specifically, the right-side drawing 92 is a graph of a polynomial for calculating a correction temperature to which a compensation value has been added, and the control unit 221 can determine the correction temperature to which a compensation value has been added based on the polynomial according to the right-side drawing 92.

[0129]

number

[0130] Equation 1 shows a polynomial related to the diagram 92 on the right. In Equation 1, x means the correction temperature to which the compensation value is added, and y means the temperature of the heater measured by the temperature sensor 213. For example, referring to the diagram 91 on the left, in the first section 910, the temperature of the heater measured by the temperature sensor 213 is maintained at about 349°C, in the second section 930, the temperature of the heater measured by the temperature sensor 213 is maintained at about 290°C, and in the third section 950, the average of the heater temperatures measured by the temperature sensor 213 is about 233°C. By substituting the temperature values ​​349°C, 290°C, and 233°C observed in the diagram 91 on the left into y in Equation 1, respectively, the x values ​​obtained using the inverse function of Equation 1 are 310°C, 260°C, and 213°C, respectively, and are also used as the calibration temperatures to which these x values ​​are added.

[0131] In conclusion, by combining the diagram 92 on the right side with Equation 1, it can be seen that the compensation value in the first section 910 of the diagram 91 on the left side is 39°C obtained by subtracting 310°C from 349°C, the compensation value in the second section 930 is 30°C obtained by subtracting 260°C from 290°C, and the compensation value in the third section 950 is 20°C obtained by subtracting 213°C from 233°C.

[0132] Equation 1 is an example of a polynomial determined based on the rate of change of temperature measured by the temperature sensor 213. The polynomial is also modeled by utilizing the fact that the deviation in the first section 910 of the left diagram 91 exceeds 35° C., the deviation in the second section 930 is equal to 30° C., and the deviation in the third section 950 is less than 30° C. The polynomial referred to by the control unit 221 to determine the calibration temperature may be different from Equation 1. For example, Equation 1 is a quadratic polynomial, but the equation used by the control unit 221 to determine the calibration temperature may be a polynomial of a different form other than a quadratic polynomial depending on the embodiment.

[0133] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a graph of correction temperature versus actual heater temperature according to one embodiment.

[0134] Comparing FIG. 10 with the left diagram 91 of FIG. 9, it can be seen that the deviation between the correction temperature to which the compensation value is added and the actual temperature of the heater 211 is significantly reduced. For example, in the first section, the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 213 is about 349°C, but by adding the compensation value of -37°C, the temperature is adjusted to 312°C, which is a correction temperature that is very close to 310°C, which is the actual temperature of the heater 211. It can be seen from FIG. 10 that the correction temperature to which the compensation value is added in the second and third sections is not significantly different from the actual temperature of the heater 211.

[0135] The polynomial may be stored in the sub-memory 215a in any manner. For example, the entire polynomial may be stored, or the coefficients of the polynomial may be stored, or data corresponding to the x and y values ​​of the polynomial may be stored in the form of a matching table without modeling the polynomial separately. The control unit 221 may determine the calibration temperature by referring to the polynomial stored in the sub-memory 215a.

[0136] By utilizing the temperature sensor parameters of each removable heater module 210, the aerosol generating device 200 can determine a reliable correction temperature that can be utilized for overall control of the aerosol generating device, despite the different inherent characteristics of the temperature sensors included in each removable heater module.

[0137] FIG. 11 is a flow chart illustrating a method for determining a calibration temperature using temperature sensor parameters, according to one embodiment.

[0138] 11, in step 1101, the main body 220 can obtain temperature sensor parameters from the removable heater module 210. The main body 220 can obtain a measurement value, which is the temperature of the heater 211 measured by the temperature sensor 213, when the heater 211 of the removable heater module 210 performs a heating operation.

[0139] The control unit 221 of the main body 220 may acquire the temperature sensor parameters. For example, when the removable heater module 210 is coupled to the main body 220, the temperature sensor parameters are acquired and stored in the main memory 229 of the main body 220, and the control unit 221 of the main body 220 may acquire the temperature sensor parameters from the main memory 229.

[0140] In step 1102, the main body 220 can use the temperature sensor parameters to determine the correction temperature. The control unit 221 uses the temperature sensor parameters and the measurements of the temperature sensor 213 to determine the correction temperature that is ultimately used to control the aerosol generating device.

[0141] The temperature sensor parameters required for correcting the heater temperature (e.g., the measurement value) sensed by the temperature sensor 213 may differ for each removable heater module 210. The control unit 221 can accurately determine the correction temperature that is ultimately used to control the aerosol generating device 200 by using the temperature sensor parameters specific to the temperature sensor 213 and the measurement value of the temperature sensor.

[0142] In step 1103, the main body 220 can use the correction temperature to control the aerosol generating device 200. For example, when the main body 220 determines that the correction temperature is in an overheated state having a deviation of a predetermined range or more from a preset temperature profile, the main body 220 can interrupt the power supply to the heater 211 or reduce the amount of power supplied from the battery 223 to the heater 211.

[0143] 12 is a diagram illustrating a structure in which a detachable heater module and a body are coupled together according to an embodiment. Referring to FIG. 12, the detachable heater module 210 includes a first connection terminal 1210 that provides an electrical connection with the body 220 when the detachable heater module 210 and the body 220 are coupled together, and the body 220 also includes a second connection terminal 1220 that corresponds to the first connection terminal 1210.

[0144] The detachable heater module 210 and the main body 220 each include various electronic components, and each component may form multiple electrical connections. For example, the heater 211 may form an electrical connection 1231 with the battery 223, the temperature sensor 213 may form an electrical connection 1233 with the controller 221, and the sub-memory 215a may form an electrical connection 1235 with the controller 221.

[0145] The control unit 221 can control the heater module 210 and receive information from the heater module 210 via the electrical connections 1231, 1233, and 1235. For example, the control unit 221 can apply a voltage or current to the heater 211 via the electrical connection 1231 between the heater 211 and the battery 223, obtain a measurement value from the temperature sensor 213 via the electrical connection 1233 between the temperature sensor 213 and the control unit 221, and obtain heater module information from the electrical connection 1235 between the control unit 221 and the sub-memory 215a.

[0146] The removable heater module 210 also includes at least one first connection terminal 1210 for forming the aforementioned electrical connection. For example, the first connection terminal 1210 is connected to the heater 211 and is also used to form an electrical connection 1231 between the battery 223 and the heater 211. The heater 211 can receive power from the battery 223 via the first connection terminal 1210.

[0147] For example, the first connecting terminal 1210 is connected to the temperature sensor 213 and is also used to form an electrical connection 1233 between the controller 221 and the temperature sensor 213. The controller 221 can obtain a measurement value of the temperature sensor 213 from the temperature sensor 213 via the first connecting terminal 1210.

[0148] For example, the first connection terminal 1210 is connected to the memory 215a and is also used to form an electrical connection 1235 between the controller 221 and the memory 215a. The controller 221 can obtain heater module information from the sub-memory 215a via the first connection terminal 1210.

[0149] Although FIG. 12 shows one each of the first connection terminal 1210 and the second connection terminal 1220, the number of the first connection terminals 1210 and the second connection terminals 1220 may be appropriately selected to have a 1:1 or 1:n ratio depending on the number of electrical connections required by the removable heater module 210.

[0150] The first connecting terminal 1210 and the second connecting terminal 1220 are also shaped to be interdigitated with each other. For example, the first connecting terminal 1210 may be recessed or protruded from the outer surface of the detachable heater module 210, and the second connecting terminal 1220 may be recessed or protruded from the outer surface of the body 220. Since the first connecting terminal 1210 and the second connecting terminal 1220 are formed to be interdigitated with each other, the detachable heater module 210 and the body 220 may be firmly connected to each other structurally as well as electrically.

[0151] The electrical connection 1235 between the sub-memory 215a and the controller 221 in FIG. 12 may be omitted if the sub-memory 215a is replaced with another configuration for storing heater module information.

[0152] Fig. 13 is a block diagram for explaining an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. When compared with the embodiment described with reference to Figs. 2 to 12, the other embodiment of Fig. 13 is different in that it includes a module identifier 215b instead of the sub-memory 215a. The aerosol generating device 200 of Fig. 13 can fabricate a detachable heater module 210 at a lower cost than the sub-memory 215a by using the module identifier 215b instead of the sub-memory.

[0153] The module identifier 215b also includes heater module information related to unique characteristics of the removable heater module 210. The module identifier 215b may also be text or an image displayed on an exterior surface of the removable heater module 210 such that heater module information related to unique characteristics of the removable heater module 210 may be obtained by reading the module identifier 215b. For example, the text or image may be a product code, a quick response (QR) code, a barcode, etc.

[0154] The heater module information can also be obtained via the module identifier 215b by an external electronic device having an image scanning function. For example, an external electronic device (e.g., a smartphone) can scan a QR code to obtain the heater module information. The external electronic device can transmit the heater module information to the main body 220 using the communication unit 225.

[0155] The control unit 221 can acquire heater module information from an external electronic device using at least one of the communication unit 225 and the user interface 227. For example, a user can acquire heater module information from a QR code using an external electronic device, and the control unit 221 can acquire the heater module information via the communication unit 225.

[0156] The method of acquiring the heater module information from the module identifier 215b is not limited to the above-mentioned method using an external electronic device. For example, the main body 220 may include a separate means for acquiring the heater module information from the module identifier 215b.

[0157] The aerosol generating apparatus 200 of Fig. 13 may store the acquired heater module information in the main memory 229. In this case, even if the heater module information is acquired only once, the aerosol generating apparatus 200 may perform the operations of the aerosol generating apparatus 200 described with reference to Figs. 2 to 12 using the heater module information stored in the main memory 229.

[0158] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a method for acquiring heater module information according to another embodiment.

[0159] 14, in step 1401, the external electronic device 230 can acquire heater module information by scanning the module identifier 215b displayed on the outer surface of the removable heater module 210. For example, the external electronic device 230 can acquire heater module information from a QR code.

[0160] In step 1402 , the main body 220 can obtain heater module information from the external electronic device 230 using at least one of the communication unit 225 and the user interface 227 .

[0161] For example, the external electronic device 230 can transmit heater module information to the communication unit 225 , and the control unit 221 of the main body 220 can obtain the heater module information via the communication unit 225 .

[0162] In step 1403, the main body 220 can use the heater module information to control the aerosol generating device 200. The method for controlling the aerosol generating device 200 is also the control method for the aerosol generating device 200 described in Figs.

[0163] Fig. 15 is a flowchart of an operation method of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. Referring to Fig. 15, the operation method of the aerosol generating device 200 is also composed of steps performed by the aerosol generating device 200 described above. Therefore, even if omitted below, the contents described for the aerosol generating device 200 in the above drawings also apply to the method in Fig. 15.

[0164] In step 1501, the control unit 221 can acquire heater module information relating to the unique characteristics of the detachable heater module 210 from the detachable heater module 210, which is detachably coupled to the main body and has a heater 211 for heating the aerosol product.

[0165] In step 1502, the control unit 221 can use the acquired heater module information to determine control conditions corresponding to the removable heater module 210.

[0166] In step 1503, the control unit 221 can control the aerosol generating device based on the determined control conditions.

[0167] The above-described embodiment may also be embodied in the form of a recording medium including computer executable commands such as a program module executed by the computer. A computer readable medium is any available medium that can be accessed by a computer, including both volatile and non-volatile media, and both separate and non-separate media. The computer readable medium also includes both computer storage media and communication media. A computer storage medium includes both volatile and non-volatile, separate and non-separate media embodied in any method or technology for storing information such as computer readable commands, data structures, program modules, or other data. A communication medium typically includes computer readable commands, data structures, other data in a modulated data signal such as a program module, or other transmission mechanism, and includes any information delivery medium.

[0168] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in various modified forms without departing from the essential characteristics described above. Therefore, the disclosed method should be considered from an illustrative rather than a restrictive perspective. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not the above description, and all differences within the scope of the claims should be interpreted as being included in the present invention.

Claims

1. In the aerosol generating device, A main body including a control unit and a battery; a removable heater module that includes a heater for heating the aerosol product, a temperature sensor for measuring a temperature of the heater, and a first memory, and that heats the aerosol product and is detachably coupled to the main body; the first memory stores heater module information relating to an inherent characteristic of the removable heater module acquired during a manufacturing process of the removable heater module; When the detachable heater module is coupled to the main body, the control unit acquires heater module information from the first memory, determines control conditions corresponding to the detachable heater module using the acquired heater module information, and controls the aerosol generating device based on the determined control conditions; The heater module information includes temperature sensor parameters related to inherent characteristics of the temperature sensor; The control unit calculates a compensation value based on the temperature sensor parameters, corrects a measurement value indicating the temperature of the heater measured by the temperature sensor based on the compensation value, and determines a corrected temperature to be used for controlling the aerosol generating device based on the corrected measurement value. Aerosol generating device.

2. The control condition is The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the condition is such that the heater provided in the detachable heater module performs a heating operation according to a preset temperature profile.

3. The heater module information further includes a first heater parameter related to an inherent characteristic of the heater, the control conditions include a voltage or a current applied to the heater; the control unit determines the voltage or the current to be applied to the heater based on a preset correlation between the first heater parameter and the voltage or the current to be applied to the heater. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 .

4. An aerosol generating apparatus comprising: A main body including a control unit and a battery; a detachable heater module for heating the aerosol product, the detachable heater module including a heater for heating the aerosol product and a first memory, the detachable heater module being detachably coupled to the body; the first memory stores heater module information relating to an inherent characteristic of the removable heater module acquired during a manufacturing process of the removable heater module; When the detachable heater module is coupled to the main body, the control unit acquires heater module information from the first memory, determines control conditions corresponding to the detachable heater module using the acquired heater module information, and controls the aerosol generating device based on the determined control conditions; The heater module information includes a first heater parameter related to an inherent characteristic of the heater, the heater includes a coil that generates a magnetic field by a voltage or a current provided by the battery, and a susceptor that generates heat by the magnetic field; the control conditions include a frequency of a voltage or a current applied to the coil; The control unit determines a frequency of a voltage or a current to be applied to a coil based on at least one of an inductance value of the heater, a resistance value of the heater, and a resonant frequency value obtained during a manufacturing process, which are included in the first heater parameter. Aerosol generating device.

5. An aerosol generating device, comprising: A main body including a control unit and a battery; a detachable heater module for heating the aerosol product, the detachable heater module including a heater for heating the aerosol product and a first memory, the detachable heater module being detachably coupled to the body; the first memory stores heater module information relating to an inherent characteristic of the removable heater module acquired during a manufacturing process of the removable heater module; When the detachable heater module is coupled to the main body, the control unit acquires heater module information from the first memory, determines control conditions corresponding to the detachable heater module using the acquired heater module information, and controls the aerosol generating device based on the determined control conditions; The heater module information includes a first heater parameter related to an inherent characteristic of the heater; the control conditions include a voltage or a current applied to the heater; The body includes: a second memory configured to store a second heater parameter associated with a circuit portion of the body that is electrically connected to the heater when the body is coupled to the detachable heater module; The control unit is determining the voltage or the current applied to the heater using the second heater parameter and the first heater parameter; Aerosol generating device.

6. The aerosol generating device of claim 1 , wherein the temperature sensor parameter is determined based on a rate of temperature change of the heater measured by the temperature sensor while the heater is heated during a manufacturing process of the removable heater module.

7. The removable heater module includes: at least one first connection terminal that, when coupled to the body, forms an electrical connection between the heater and the battery and an electrical connection between the controller and the first memory; The body includes: The heater module includes at least one second connection terminal corresponding to the first connection terminal, and applies a voltage or a current to the heater through an electrical connection between the heater and the battery, and obtains the heater module information from the first memory through an electrical connection between the controller and the first memory. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 .

8. The first connection terminal is The removable heater module is recessed or protruded from an outer surface of the removable heater module, The second connection terminal is a protruding or recessed portion formed on an outer surface of the body so as to engage with the first connection terminal; The aerosol generating device according to claim 7.

9. The control unit is When the removable heater module is replaced by a new removable heater module, determine new control conditions using new heater module information obtained from the new removable heater module, and control the aerosol generating device based on the new control conditions so that the aerosol generating device performs the same heating operation. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 .

10. In the aerosol generating device, A main body including a control unit and a battery; A heater for heating the aerosol product and a module identifier a detachable heater module detachably coupled to the main body; the module identifier is an image displayed on an outer surface of the removable heater module, and includes heater module information relating to unique characteristics of the removable heater module that can be read by scanning; The control unit acquires the heater module information, determines a control condition corresponding to the detachable heater module using the acquired heater module information, and controls the aerosol generating device based on the determined control condition. Aerosol generating device.

11. The body includes: a communication unit capable of communicating with an external electronic device having a function of scanning the image, The control unit is acquiring the heater module information acquired by scanning the image in the external electronic device from the external electronic device via the communication unit; The aerosol generating device according to claim 10.

12. 1. A method of operating an aerosol generating device, comprising: obtaining temperature sensor parameters related to inherent characteristics of a temperature sensor obtained during a manufacturing process of a detachable heater module from a detachable heater module having a heater for heating an aerosol product and a temperature sensor for measuring a temperature of the heater, the temperature sensor parameters being detachably coupled to the body; calculating a compensation value based on the acquired temperature sensor parameters, correcting a measurement value indicating the temperature of the heater measured by the temperature sensor based on the compensation value, and determining a corrected temperature used to control the aerosol generating device based on the corrected measurement value; and controlling the aerosol generating device based on the determined correction temperature. A method of operating an aerosol generating device.

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