Aerosol generating devices and systems

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device and system. An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a heater for heating an aerosol generating material, a power supply unit for supplying power to the heater, and a control unit for controlling the power supplied to the heater. In a first period, the control unit controls the power supplied to the heater such that the aerosol generating material is heated to a first temperature for a first time. In a second period after the first period, the control unit controls the power supplied to the heater such that the aerosol generating material is heated to a second temperature higher than the first temperature. In a third period after the second period, the control unit controls the power supplied to the heater such that the aerosol generating material is maintained at a third temperature lower than the second temperature.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to aerosol generating devices and systems, and more particularly to aerosol generating devices and systems that heat the interior of an aerosol generating product to remove moisture within the aerosol generating product prior to a user's puff. [Background technology]

[0002] The aerosol generating device is for extracting a predetermined component from a medium or substance via an aerosol. The medium may contain a substance having various components. The substance contained in the medium may be a flavoring substance having various components. For example, the substance contained in the medium may contain a nicotine component, a herb component, and / or a coffee component. In recent years, research into heated aerosol generating products or heated aerosol generating devices has been actively conducted.

[0003] Meanwhile, when the inhalation environment is in a hot and humid region or during a hot and humid season, the user may feel heat in the mouth when inhaling the aerosol generated from the heated aerosol generating product. This phenomenon is caused by water vapor present in the aerosol generating product in a hot and humid environment, and is a problem that is particularly severe at the user's first puff.

[0004] Moisture has a higher specific heat than air, and therefore a higher heat capacity than air at the same temperature. Therefore, when a user inhales such moisture, the user may feel a greater heat than if the user inhaled air at the same temperature. Therefore, a method is required to remove (dry) moisture present inside the aerosol generating product before the user's first puff. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device and system that heats the inside of an aerosol generating product prior to a user puff to remove moisture within the aerosol generating product.

[0006] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device and system that removes moisture from an aerosol generating product using a heating method suitable for the aerosol generating product depending on the type of the aerosol generating product.

[0007] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device and system that can control the temperature range of a heater for heating the inside of an aerosol generating product to remove only moisture within the aerosol generating product without losing any aerosol generating material. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention to achieve the above-mentioned object, there is provided an aerosol generating device including a heater for heating an aerosol generating material, a power supply unit for supplying power to the heater, and a control unit for controlling the power supplied to the heater. In a first period, the control unit controls the power supplied to the heater such that the aerosol generating material is heated to a first temperature for a first time. In a second period after the first period, the control unit controls the power supplied to the heater such that the aerosol generating material is heated to a second temperature higher than the first temperature. In a third period after the second period, the control unit controls the power supplied to the heater such that the aerosol generating material is maintained at a third temperature lower than the second temperature.

[0009] According to another aspect of the present invention, the first temperature may be greater than an ambient temperature.

[0010] According to another aspect of the present invention, the temperature may be lower than the volatilization temperature of the aerosol generating material.

[0011] According to another aspect of the present invention, the aerosol generating device may further include a humidity sensor for measuring an outside air humidity, and the control unit may determine the first temperature and the first time based on the outside air humidity measured by the humidity sensor.

[0012] According to another aspect of the present invention, when the outside humidity is high, the control unit can increase at least one of the first temperature and the first time period.

[0013] According to another aspect of the present invention, when the outside air humidity is below a preset value, the control unit can omit control in the first section and control the aerosol generating material to be heated to the second temperature in the second section.

[0014] According to another aspect of the present invention, the aerosol generating device may further include an identification sensor, and the control unit may identify an aerosol generating product including the aerosol generating material based on a signal from the identification sensor.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present invention, the control unit can determine the first temperature and the first time period based on the identified type of aerosol-generating product.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the heater includes at least one of an induction heating heater and a resistance heating heater, and the control unit can control the amount of power supplied to the induction heating heater or the resistance heating heater based on the type of the identified aerosol generating product.

[0017] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit may determine whether the identified aerosol-generating product includes a thermally conductive wrapper corresponding to the type of the identified aerosol-generating product, and if it is determined that the identified aerosol-generating product includes the thermally conductive wrapper, the control unit may control the induction heating heater to heat.

[0018] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit may determine whether the identified aerosol-generating product includes a thermally conductive wrapper corresponding to the type of the identified aerosol-generating product, and if it is determined that the identified aerosol-generating product does not include the thermally conductive wrapper, the control unit may control the resistive heating heater to heat.

[0019] According to another aspect of the present invention, the control unit can control the amount of power supplied to the heater so that the aerosol generating material is gradually heated to a fourth temperature higher than the third temperature in a fourth section after the third section.

[0020] According to another aspect of the present invention, the device may further include a flow rate sensor or a pressure sensor. The control unit may sense the number of puffs generated by the user via the flow rate sensor or the pressure sensor. If the number of puffs generated is equal to or greater than a certain number, or if a second time has elapsed after starting to heat the aerosol generating material to the first temperature, the control unit may cut off power supplied to the heater to stop heating the aerosol generating material.

[0021] According to another aspect of the present invention, the first section includes a heating section and a maintaining section after the heating section, and the maintaining section includes a first maintaining section and a second maintaining section after the first maintaining section. The controller may supply a first power to the heater in the heating section to control the aerosol generating material to be heated to the first temperature.

[0022] The control unit may control the heater so that no power is supplied to the heater during the first maintaining period, and the control unit may control the heater so that a second power less than the first power is supplied to the heater during the second maintaining period.

[0023] According to another aspect of the present invention, the controller may determine whether an event associated with aerosol generation has occurred. If it is determined that the event associated with aerosol generation has occurred, the controller may control the aerosol generating material to be heated to the first temperature for the first time period.

[0024] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating system including an aerosol generating product containing an aerosol generating material, and an aerosol generating device for heating the aerosol generating material. The aerosol generating device includes a heater for heating the aerosol generating material, a power supply unit for supplying power to the heater, and a control unit for controlling the power supplied to the heater. In a first period, the control unit controls the power supplied to the heater such that the aerosol generating material is heated to a first temperature for a first time. In a second period after the first period, the control unit controls the power supplied to the heater such that the aerosol generating material is heated to a second temperature higher than the first temperature. In a third period after the second period, the control unit controls the power supplied to the heater such that the aerosol generating material is maintained at a third temperature lower than the second temperature. Effect of the Invention

[0025] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the interior of the aerosol-generating product may be heated prior to the user's puff to remove moisture within the aerosol-generating product.

[0026] Also, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the heating temperature range of the aerosol-generating substance can be controlled to remove only the moisture within the aerosol-generating product without loss of aerosol-generating material.

[0027] In addition, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, the heat that the user may feel when puffing can be prevented, thereby increasing the satisfaction of the user.

[0028] In addition, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating material is heated using a heating method of a heater included in an existing aerosol generating device, so that moisture in the aerosol generating product can be removed using the existing aerosol generating device without a separate heating device.

[0029] Further scope of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, such as preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, are given by way of example only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0030] The above and other objects, features and other characteristics of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure with an aerosol generating product inserted therein. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure with an aerosol generating product inserted therein. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure with an aerosol generating product inserted therein. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol-generating product. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 1 is a graph showing the temperature control characteristics of a heater in an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 1 is a graph showing the temperature control characteristics of a heater in an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 1 is a graph showing the temperature control characteristics of a heater in an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9]1 is a graph showing the temperature control characteristics of a heater in an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 shows an example of an aerosol generating product for use in an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] 11 is a graph showing heater power supply control characteristics in a first section according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] 11 is a graph showing heater power supply control characteristics in a first section according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] 1 is a flowchart of a heater control method for an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] 1 is a flowchart of a heater control method for an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0032] Hereinafter, the embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. For the sake of simplicity of description with reference to the drawings, the same or similar components are given the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0033] The suffixes "module" and "section" for components used in the following description are for ease of description only and do not have any special meaning or role.

[0034] In this disclosure, those well known to those skilled in the art are omitted for the sake of brevity. It should be understood that the accompanying drawings are for the purpose of making various technical features easily understandable, and that the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the present disclosure should be interpreted as including all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives in addition to those specifically disclosed in the accompanying drawings.

[0035] Terms including ordinal numbers such as first, second, etc. may be used to describe various components, but it should be understood that the components are not limited by the terms. The terms are used only to distinguish one component from another.

[0036] When an element is said to be "connected" to another element, it will be understood that there can be other elements in between, whereas when an element is said to be "directly connected" to another element, it will be understood that there are no other elements in between.

[0037] The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0038] 1 to 3 are diagrams showing an example in which an aerosol-generating product is inserted into an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Referring to Fig. 1, the aerosol generating device 100 includes a power supply unit 120, a control unit 110, and a heater 130. Referring to Figs. 2 and 3, the aerosol generating device 100 further includes a vaporizer 180. An aerosol generating product 200 can be inserted into the internal space of the aerosol generating device 100. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the aerosol generating device 100 can further include other general-purpose components in addition to the components shown in Figs. 1 to 3.

[0040] Fig. 1 shows the power supply unit 120, the control unit 110, and the heater 130 arranged in a line. Fig. 2 shows the power supply unit 120, the control unit 110, the vaporizer 180, and the heater 130 arranged in a line. Fig. 3 shows the vaporizer 180 and the heater 130 arranged in parallel. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 100 is not limited to that shown in Figs. 1 to 3, and the arrangement of the power supply unit 120, the control unit 110, the heater 130, and the vaporizer 180 can be changed.

[0041] When the aerosol-generating product 200 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 100, the aerosol generating device 100 can activate at least one of the heater 130 and the vaporizer 180 to generate an aerosol from at least one of the aerosol-generating product 200 and the vaporizer 180. The aerosol generated by at least one of the heater 130 and the vaporizer 180 passes through the aerosol-generating product 200 and is delivered to a user. If necessary, the aerosol generating device 100 can supply power to the heater 130 even when the aerosol-generating product 200 is not inserted into the aerosol generating device 100.

[0042] The power supply unit 120 supplies power used for the operation of the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the power supply unit 120 may supply power to heat the heater 130 or the vaporizer 180, and may supply power necessary for the operation of the control unit 110. In addition, the power supply unit 120 may supply power necessary for the operation of a display, a sensor, a motor, and the like provided in the aerosol generating device 100.

[0043] The power supply unit 120 may supply power to the heater 130. The power supply unit 120 may be electrically connected to the heater 130. The amount of power supplied to the heater 130 may be adjusted by the control unit 110.

[0044] The power supply unit 120 receives electrical energy from an external separate power source and transmits the electrical energy to the heater 130, thereby supplying necessary power to the heater 130. In this case, the power supply unit 120 may be connected to a cable member such as a power cable, a USB cable, etc. For this purpose, the power supply unit 120 may include a power terminal, a USB terminal, etc. Meanwhile, the power supply unit 120 may be wirelessly connected to an external power source and receive energy in a wireless communication manner. For this purpose, the power supply unit 120 may include a wireless communication module.

[0045] The control unit 110 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 100. Specifically, the control unit 110 controls the operation of the power supply unit 120, the heater 130, and the vaporizer 180 as well as other components included in the aerosol generating device 100. The control unit 110 can also check the state of each component of the aerosol generating device 100 and determine whether the aerosol generating device 100 is in an operable state.

[0046] The control unit 110 includes at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of a number of logic gates, a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor, or other types of hardware.

[0047] The heater 130 may be heated by power supplied from the power supply unit 120 or may inductively heat a susceptor. For example, when the aerosol-generating product 200 is inserted into the aerosol-generating device 100, the heater 130 may be located outside the aerosol-generating product 200 or may be inserted and positioned inside the center of the aerosol-generating product 200. Thus, the heater 130 can increase the temperature of the aerosol-generating material in the aerosol-generating product 200.

[0048] The heater 130 may be an electric resistance heater. For example, the heater 130 may include an electric conductive track, and the heater 130 may be heated by passing an electric current through the electric conductive track. However, the heater 130 is not limited to the above example, and may be applied without limitation as long as it can be heated to a desired temperature. Here, the desired temperature may be pre-set in the aerosol generating device 100, or may be set by a user.

[0049] The heater 130 may be an inductive heater. Specifically, the heater 130 may include an electrically conductive coil for inductively heating the aerosol-generating product 200, and the aerosol-generating product 200 may include a susceptor that may be heated by the inductive heater.

[0050] For example, the heater 130 can include a tubular heating element, a plate heating element, a needle heating element, or a rod heating element, and depending on the shape of the heating element, can heat the inside or outside of the aerosol generating product 200.

[0051] The aerosol generating device 100 may include a plurality of heaters 130. Here, the plurality of heaters 130 may be inserted and disposed inside the aerosol generating product 200, or may be disposed outside the aerosol generating product 200. Also, some of the plurality of heaters 130 may be inserted and disposed inside the aerosol generating product 200, and the rest may be disposed outside the aerosol generating product 200. Also, the shape of the heater 130 is not limited to the shapes shown in Figs. 1 to 3, and may be manufactured in various shapes.

[0052] The vaporizer 180 can heat the liquid composition to generate an aerosol. The generated aerosol can be transmitted to a user through the aerosol-generating product 200. The aerosol generated by the vaporizer 180 can travel along an airflow passage of the aerosol generating device 100, which can be configured to allow the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 180 to be transmitted to a user through the aerosol-generating product 200.

[0053] The vaporizer 180 may include, but is not limited to, a liquid reservoir (not shown), a liquid transfer means (not shown), and a heating element (not shown). For example, the liquid reservoir, the liquid transfer means, and the heating element may be included in the aerosol generating device 100 as independent modules.

[0054] The liquid reservoir can store a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition can be a liquid containing tobacco-containing substances, including volatile tobacco flavor components, or a liquid containing non-tobacco substances. The liquid reservoir can be detachable from the vaporizer 180, or can be integral with the vaporizer 180.

[0055] The liquid composition may include water, a solvent, ethanol, a plant extract, a flavoring, a flavoring agent, or a vitamin mixture. The flavoring agent may include, but is not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, various fruit flavoring ingredients, and the like. The flavoring agent may include ingredients 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.

[0056] The liquid transfer means can transfer the liquid composition in the liquid reservoir to the heating element. For example, the liquid transfer means can be comprised of a wick such as, but not limited to, cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic.

[0057] The heating element is an element for heating the liquid composition transferred by the liquid transfer means. For example, the heating element may be made of, but is not limited to, a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate, a ceramic heater, etc. Also, the heating element may be made of a conductive filament such as a nichrome wire, and may be arranged to have a structure wound around the liquid transfer means. The heating element may be heated by current supply, and may transfer heat to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element to heat the liquid composition.

[0058] The vaporizer 180 may be referred to as, but is not limited to, a cartomizer or an atomizer.

[0059] The aerosol generating device 100 may further include general-purpose components in addition to the power supply unit 120, the control unit 110, the heater 130, and the vaporizer 180. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may include a display capable of outputting visual information and / or a motor for outputting tactile information. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may include at least one sensor (such as a puff detection sensor, a temperature detection sensor, or an aerosol-generating product insertion detection sensor). For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may have a structure that allows external air to flow in or internal gas to flow out even when the aerosol-generating product 200 is inserted.

[0060] Although not shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 3, the aerosol generation device 100 may form a system together with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle may be used to charge the power supply unit 120 of the aerosol generation device 100. For example, the heater 130 may be heated in a state where the cradle and the aerosol generation device 100 are combined.

[0061] The aerosol-generating product 200 may be similar to a typical combustible cigarette. For example, the aerosol-generating product 200 may be divided into a first portion including an aerosol-generating material and a second portion including a filter or the like. For example, the second portion of the aerosol-generating product 200 may also include an aerosol-generating material. For example, the aerosol-generating material formed in the form of granules or capsules may be inserted into the second portion.

[0062] The entire first part may be inserted into the aerosol generating device 100, and the second part may be exposed to the outside. Only a part of the first part may be inserted into the aerosol generating device 100, or the entire first part and a part of the second part may be inserted.

[0063] A user can inhale the aerosol by holding the second portion in their mouth, where the aerosol is generated by external air passing through the first portion, and the generated aerosol passes through the second portion and is delivered to the user's mouth.

[0064] External air can flow in through at least one air passage formed in the aerosol generating device 100. The opening and / or size of the air passage formed in the aerosol generating device 100 can be adjusted by the user. Thus, the amount of spray, smoking sensation, etc. can be adjusted by the user. External air can also flow into the aerosol generating product 200 through at least one hole formed in the surface of the aerosol generating product 200.

[0065] FIG. 4 shows an example of an aerosol-generating product.

[0066] With reference to Figure 4, the aerosol-generating product 200 comprises a tobacco rod 210 and a filter rod 220. The first part comprises the tobacco rod 210 and the second part comprises the filter rod 220 as described above with reference to Figures 1 to 3.

[0067] Although the filter rod 220 is shown as a single segment in Figure 4, it is not limited thereto, and the filter rod 220 may also be comprised of multiple segments.

[0068] For example, the filter rod 220 can include a first segment that cools the aerosol and a second segment that filters certain components contained within the aerosol. Optionally, the filter rod 220 can further include at least one segment that serves another function.

[0069] The aerosol-generating product 200 may be wrapped by at least one wrapper 240. The wrapper 240 may have at least one hole through which external air can flow in or internal gas can flow out. The aerosol-generating product 200 may be wrapped by one wrapper 240 or may be wrapped by two or more wrappers 240 stacked together. For example, after the tobacco rod 210 is wrapped by a first wrapper, the filter rod 220 may be wrapped by a second wrapper. The tobacco rod 210 and the filter rod 220 wrapped by individual wrappers may be combined, and the entire aerosol-generating product 200 may be further wrapped by a third wrapper. If the tobacco rod 210 or the filter rod 13 each comprises a plurality of segments, each segment may be wrapped by an individual wrapper. Then, the entire aerosol-generating product 200, in which the segments wrapped by the individual wrappers are combined, may be further wrapped by another wrapper.

[0070] The tobacco rod 210 includes an aerosol-generating material. For example, the aerosol-generating material may include, but is not limited to, at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol. The tobacco rod 210 may also include other additives, such as flavorants, humectants, and / or organic acids.

[0071] The tobacco rod 210 may be loaded with a flavoring liquid, such as menthol or a humectant, by spraying it onto the tobacco rod 210 .

[0072] The tobacco rod 210 can be manufactured in a variety of ways. For example, the tobacco rod 210 can be manufactured from a sheet or a strand. The tobacco rod 210 can also be manufactured from small pieces obtained by cutting a tobacco sheet into small pieces.

[0073] The tobacco rod 210 may be surrounded by a thermally conductive material. For example, the thermally conductive material may be, but is not limited to, a metal foil such as aluminum foil. As an example, the thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 210 may uniformly distribute heat transferred to the tobacco rod 210, improving the thermal conductivity to the tobacco rod, thereby improving the tobacco taste. The thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 210 may function as a susceptor that is heated by an induction heater. The tobacco rod 210 may further include an additional susceptor in addition to the thermally conductive material surrounding the exterior.

[0074] The filter rod 220 may be a cellulose acetate filter. The shape of the filter rod 220 is not limited. For example, the filter rod 220 may be a cylindrical type rod or a tube type rod having a hollow inside. The filter rod 220 may also be a recess type rod. If the filter rod 220 is composed of a plurality of segments, at least one of the plurality of segments may be manufactured in a different shape.

[0075] The filter rod 220 may be manufactured to emit a flavor. For example, a flavoring liquid may be sprayed onto the filter rod 220, or a separate fiber coated with a flavoring liquid may be inserted into the filter rod 220.

[0076] The filter rod 220 may include at least one capsule 230. Here, the capsule 230 may function to generate flavor or generate aerosol. For example, the capsule 230 may have a structure in which a liquid containing a flavoring agent is enveloped in a coating. The capsule 230 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0077] When the filter rod 220 includes a segment for cooling the aerosol, the cooling segment can be made of a polymeric material or a biodegradable polymeric material. For example, the cooling segment can be made of pure polylactic acid, but is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the cooling segment can be made of a cellulose acetate filter having a plurality of holes formed therein. However, the cooling segment is not limited to the above examples, and can be made of any material that can perform the function of cooling the aerosol.

[0078] Although not shown in Fig. 4, the aerosol-generating product 200 may further include a front-end filter. The front-end filter may be located opposite the filter rod 220 with respect to the tobacco rod 210. The front-end filter may prevent the tobacco rod 210 from falling out and may prevent aerosol liquefied from the tobacco rod 210 during smoking from flowing into the aerosol-generating device.

[0079] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 5, the aerosol generating device 100 may include a control unit 110, a power supply unit 120, a heater 130, and a storage unit 170.

[0081] The control unit 110 controls the power supply unit 120, the heater 130, and the storage unit 170 included in the aerosol generating device 100. The control unit 110 controls the power supply unit 120 to control the power supplied to the heater 130.

[0082] The control unit 110 can control the power supplied to the heater 130 to change the temperature of the aerosol-generating material of the aerosol-generating product 200. The section in which the temperature of the aerosol-generating material changes can be divided into a plurality of sections. The plurality of sections can be divided into three sections, for example, a first section, a second section, and a third section. The plurality of sections can be divided into four sections, for example, a first section, a second section, and a fourth section. The control unit 110 can control the power supplied to the heater 130 for each of the plurality of sections so that the temperature of the aerosol-generating material rises to a specific temperature, falls to a specific temperature, or is maintained constant.

[0083] The power supply unit 120 supplies power to the heater 130 , and the amount of power supplied to the heater 130 can be adjusted by the control unit 110 .

[0084] The heater 130 may be a resistance heating type heater or an induction heating type heater, and may be configured with a plurality of heaters including a resistance heating type heater and an induction heating type heater.

[0085] When the heater 130 is of a resistive heating type, application of a current to the heater 130 causes the heater 130 to heat up, and an aerosol can be generated from an aerosol-generating material that is in contact with or adjacent to the heated heater 130. When the heater 130 is of an inductive heating type, application of a current to an electrically conductive coil of the heater 130 causes heat to be generated in a susceptor that is included in or on the surface of the aerosol-generating product 200 or that is adjacent to the aerosol-generating product 200, and an aerosol can be generated from the aerosol-generating material by the heated susceptor.

[0086] The heater 130 may be powered using at least one of pulse width modulation (PWM) and proportional integral differential control (PID).

[0087] The control unit 110 can determine whether an event related to aerosol generation occurs.

[0088] For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may include an input unit (not shown), and the control unit 110 may determine whether an event related to aerosol generation occurs through the input unit. The control unit 110 may receive a smoking start signal through the input unit. When the control unit 110 receives the smoking start signal, the control unit 110 may determine that a request for aerosol generation has occurred, and may control the power supply unit 120 to supply power to the heater 130.

[0089] For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may include a puff detection sensor (not shown), and the control unit 110 may determine whether an event related to aerosol generation has occurred through the puff detection sensor. The puff detection sensor may be, but is not limited to, a flow rate sensor or a pressure sensor. The control unit 110 may receive a puff signal from the puff detection sensor and determine whether a puff has occurred by the user based on the received puff signal. When the user's first puff occurs, the control unit 110 may determine that an event related to aerosol generation has occurred, and control the power supply unit 120 to supply power to the heater 130.

[0090] The aerosol generating device 100 may further include a temperature sensor 141.

[0091] The temperature sensor 141 may measure the temperature of the heater 130 or the temperature of the aerosol-generating material of the aerosol-generating product 200. The temperature sensor 141 is attached to the heater 130, measures the temperature of the heater 130, and provides the measured temperature information to the control unit 110. The temperature sensor 141 is located in a region of the aerosol-generating device 100 adjacent to the aerosol-generating product 200 inserted into the aerosol-generating device 100, measures the temperature of the aerosol-generating product 200, and provides the measured temperature to the control unit 110. The control unit 110 may control the power supplied to the heater 130 based on the measured temperature of the heater 130 or the temperature of the aerosol-generating material of the aerosol-generating product 200.

[0092] The aerosol generating device 100 may further include a humidity sensor 142.

[0093] The humidity sensor 142 is attached to the aerosol-generating device 100, and can measure the outside air humidity and provide the measured humidity information to the control unit 110. The control unit 110 can calculate the amount of moisture present in the aerosol-generating product 200 based on the measured outside air humidity, and can control the power supplied to the heater 130 based on the measured outside air humidity or the calculated amount of moisture.

[0094] The aerosol generating device 100 may further include an identification sensor 143.

[0095] The identification sensor 143 can identify the aerosol-generating product 200 inserted into the aerosol-generating device 100. The identification sensor 143 can be a sensor that generates a magnetic field signal of a certain frequency and reads the frequency signal of the magnetic field reflected from the aerosol-generating product 200. As another example, the identification sensor 143 can be a sensor that distinguishes the external color of the aerosol-generating product 200 or a band-like shape formed on the aerosol-generating product 200. As yet another example, the identification sensor 143 can be configured to identify the reflection, refractive index, or transmittance of light. As yet another example, the identification sensor 143 can be an optical sensor, an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or the like. The control unit 110 can identify the aerosol-generating product 200 according to the signal from the identification sensor 143 and control the power supplied to the heater 130 based on the type of the identified aerosol-generating product 200.

[0096] The storage unit 170 stores various information for the control unit 110 to control the power supplied to the heater 130. For example, the storage unit 170 may store at least one temperature profile information for the control unit 110 to control the heater 130.

[0097] In this regard, the aerosol generating system may include an aerosol generating product 200 that contains an aerosol generating substance and an aerosol generating device 300 that heats the aerosol generating product 200 .

[0098] The method by which the control unit 110 controls the temperature of the aerosol-generating material of the aerosol-generating product 200 in multiple sections will be described in detail below with reference to the temperature profile curves shown in Figures 6 to 8B and the flowcharts shown in Figures 11 and 12.

[0099] 6 to 9 are graphs showing the temperature control characteristics of the aerosol generating material of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, in which the horizontal axis indicates time and the vertical axis indicates the temperature of the aerosol generating material.

[0100] 6, the section in which the temperature of the aerosol-generating material changes can be divided into three sections: a first section P1, a second section P2, and a third section P3. The second section P2 is a section located after the first section P1 in terms of time, and the third section P3 is a section located after the second section P2.

[0101] The control unit 110 may determine whether an event related to aerosol generation occurs. When an event related to aerosol generation occurs, the control unit 110 may control the heater 130 to supply power to the heater 130 so that the aerosol-generating material is heated to a first temperature T1 for a first time in a first section P1. Specifically, the control unit 110 may control the heater 130 to supply power to the heater 130 so that the aerosol-generating material is heated from an outside air temperature T0 or a temperature close to the outside air temperature T0 to the first temperature T1, and the temperature of the aerosol-generating material is maintained constant at the first temperature T1 for a first time.

[0102] In the first section P1, the control unit 110 may control the heater 130 to supply power in a PID manner. Meanwhile, the control unit 110 may control the heater 130 to supply power in a PWM manner. Meanwhile, the control unit 110 may control the heater 130 to supply power in a PWM manner at the front end of the first section P1 where the temperature of the aerosol generating material rises from the outside air temperature to the first temperature T1, and may control the heater 130 in a PID manner at the rear end of the first section P1 where the temperature of the aerosol generating material is maintained constant at the first temperature T1. However, the method of supplying power to the heater 130 is not limited thereto.

[0103] The first temperature T1 may be higher than an outside air temperature. The first temperature T1 may be lower than the second temperature T2. The first temperature T1 may also be lower than a volatilization temperature of the aerosol-generating substance contained in the aerosol-generating product 200.

[0104] The first temperature T1 may be between 40° C. and 80° C. The first temperature T1 may be higher than 80° C. in some embodiments, but the range of the first temperature T1 is not limited thereto.

[0105] In the first section P1, the aerosol-generating material is kept at a constant temperature higher than the outside air temperature T0 for a first time period, allowing some or all of the moisture contained inside the aerosol-generating product 200 inserted into the aerosol-generating device 100 to evaporate. The first section P1 may be called a pre-heating section or an aerosol-generating material drying section.

[0106] After the first section P1, the control unit 110 may control the heater 130 to supply power so that the aerosol-generating material is heated from the first temperature T1 to the second temperature T2 in the second section P2. The control unit 110 may control the heater 130 to supply power so that the aerosol-generating material is heated to a second temperature T2 higher than the first temperature T1 in the second section P2. Specifically, the control unit 110 may control the heater 130 to apply a power relatively higher than the power applied in the first section P1, so that the aerosol-generating material is heated to the second temperature T2 within a short period of time. The length of the second section P2 may be several seconds to several tens of seconds.

[0107] In the second section P2, the control unit 110 may control the heater 130 to supply power in a PWM manner. Meanwhile, the control unit 110 may control the heater 130 to supply power in a PID manner, or may control the heater 130 in a front end portion of the second section P2 in a PWM manner and in a rear end portion in a PID manner. However, the method of supplying power to the heater 130 is not limited thereto.

[0108] The second temperature T2 may be equal to or higher than the vaporization temperature of the aerosol generating material contained in the aerosol generating product 200. For example, the second temperature T2 may be 340° C. The second temperature T2 may be lower or higher than 340° C., depending on the embodiment. The second temperature T2 may vary depending on the type of aerosol generating material. The second temperature T2 may be termed a target temperature.

[0109] In the second section P2, the temperature of the aerosol-generating material is suddenly increased from the first temperature T1 to the second temperature T2. In the second section P2, the heater 130 heats the aerosol-generating product 200 inserted in the aerosol-generating device 100 to a temperature at which aerosol is easily generated in the aerosol-generating product 200. In the second section P2, aerosol can be generated in the aerosol-generating product 200 heated by the heater 130. The second section P2 can be called a pre-heating section.

[0110] After the second section P2, the controller 110 may control the power supplied to the heater 130 such that the temperature of the aerosol generating material changes from the second temperature T2 to a third temperature T3 in the third section P3. Here, the third temperature T3 may be a temperature lower than the second temperature T2. The controller 110 may control the power supplied to the heater 130 such that the temperature of the aerosol generating material is maintained constant at the third temperature T3 for a certain period of time or more after it drops from the second temperature T2 to the third temperature T3.

[0111] In the third section P3, the control unit 110 may control the heater 130 to supply power in a PID manner. Meanwhile, the control unit 110 may control the heater 130 to supply power in a PWM manner. However, the method of supplying power to the heater 130 is not limited thereto.

[0112] The third temperature T3 may be 300° C. The third temperature may be lower or higher than 300° C. depending on the embodiment. The third temperature T3 may be termed a maintenance temperature.

[0113] In the third section P3, the temperature of the aerosol-generating material drops from the second temperature T2 to the third temperature T3, and then is maintained constant at the third temperature T3. The heater 130 constantly heats the aerosol-generating product 200 inserted in the aerosol-generating device 100 to a temperature at which aerosol is easily generated in the aerosol-generating product 200. In the third section P3, aerosol can be generated in the aerosol-generating product 200 heated by the heater 130. The third section P3 can be called a temperature maintenance section.

[0114] In the third section P3, the temperature of the aerosol-generating material gradually and continuously decreases from the second temperature T2 to the third temperature T3, and there may be no section in which the temperature is maintained constant at the third temperature T3.

[0115] Thus, according to the method for controlling the heater 130 of the aerosol generating device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the period in which the heater 130 is controlled is divided into a plurality of periods, and the aerosol generating material is heated to a constant temperature higher than the outside air temperature before being quickly heated to the target temperature, thereby drying moisture that may be present in the aerosol generating product 200.

[0116] This allows the moisture in the aerosol-generating product to be removed before the user puffs the aerosol, and also prevents the user from feeling hot due to high-temperature moisture present in the aerosol-generating product 200 when the user puffs the aerosol, thereby increasing the user's satisfaction.

[0117] 7, the section in which the temperature of the aerosol generating material changes can be divided into four sections: a first section P1, a second section P2, a third section P3, and a fourth section P4. The second section P2 is a section located after the first section P1 in terms of time, the third section P3 is a section located after the second section P2, and the fourth section P4 is a section located after the third section P3.

[0118] The method in which the control unit 110 controls the heater 130 in the first section P1 to the third section P3 is the same as that in the first section P1 to the third section P3 shown in FIG. 6, and therefore a duplicated description will be omitted.

[0119] During the third section P3, the control unit 110 can control the power supplied to the heater 130 so that the temperature of the aerosol generating material drops from the second temperature T2 to the third temperature T3 and then remains constant at the third temperature T3 for a certain period of time.

[0120] After the third section P3, the controller 110 may control the power supplied to the heater 130 so that the temperature of the aerosol generating material changes from the third temperature T3 to a fourth temperature T4 in the fourth section P4. Here, the fourth temperature T4 may be higher than the third temperature T3. The fourth temperature T4 may be equal to or lower than the second temperature T2.

[0121] In the fourth section P4, the control unit 110 may control the heater 130 to supply power using a PID method. The control unit 110 may control the heater 130 to supply power using a PWM method. However, the method of supplying power to the heater 130 is not limited thereto.

[0122] The fourth temperature T4 may be 340° C. The fourth temperature may be lower than 340° C. depending on the embodiment.

[0123] In the fourth section P4, the temperature of the aerosol-generating material gradually increases from the third temperature T3 to a fourth temperature T4. The heater 130 heats the aerosol-generating product 200 inserted in the aerosol-generating device 100 to a temperature at which aerosol is easily generated in the aerosol-generating product 200. In the fourth section P4, aerosol can be generated in the aerosol-generating product 200 heated by the heater 130. The fourth section P4 can be called a temperature increasing section.

[0124] Within the third section P3, the temperature of the aerosol generating material decreases from the second temperature T2 to the third temperature T3, and there may be no section in which the temperature is maintained constant at the third temperature T3. In this case, after the temperature of the aerosol generating material decreases from the third section P3 to the third temperature T3, it may gradually increase from the third temperature T3 to a fourth temperature T4 in the fourth section P4.

[0125] As the user repeatedly puffs, the aerosol-generating material contained in the aerosol-generating product 200 may gradually decrease. The aerosol-generating device 100 gradually increases the temperature of the aerosol-generating material in the fourth section P4, thereby preventing a decrease in aerosol transmission caused by the decrease in the aerosol-generating material contained in the aerosol-generating product 200.

[0126] As a result, even if the number of times a user puffs increases, the reduction in the amount of aerosol generated by puffs is minimized, thereby increasing the satisfaction of the user.

[0127] The control unit 110 may detect the number of puffs generated by the user. The control unit 110 may detect the number of puffs generated by the user through a puff detection sensor. Specifically, the aerosol generating device 100 may include a flow sensor (not shown) or a pressure sensor (not shown), and the control unit 110 may calculate the number of puffs generated by the user in the third section P3 or the third section P3 and the fourth section P4 based on a signal detected by the flow sensor or the pressure sensor, and determine whether the number of puffs generated is equal to or greater than a certain number.

[0128] The control unit 110 can cut off the power supplied to the heater 130 to stop heating the aerosol generating material if the user generates a certain number of puffs or more, or if a certain amount of time has elapsed since starting to heat the aerosol generating material to a first temperature.

[0129] This reduces the temperature of the aerosol generating material, and the aerosol generating operation of the aerosol generating device 100 can be terminated.

[0130] 8 and 9, the control unit 110 determines the first temperature T1 and the first time in the first section P1, and can control the power supplied to the heater 130. For convenience, although Figs. 8 and 9 show a case where the heater supply power is controlled in the three sections of Fig. 6, a similar configuration can be applied to a case where the heater supply power is controlled in the four sections of Fig. 7.

[0131] The humidity sensor 142 of the aerosol generating device 100 can measure the outside air humidity. The humidity sensor 142 can provide the measured outside air humidity information to the control unit 110.

[0132] The control unit 110 can determine the first temperature T1 and the first time based on the measured outside air humidity information, and control the power supplied to the heater 130.

[0133] 8, the control unit 110 may control the first temperature T1 based on the measured outside humidity. For example, the control unit 110 may set the first temperature T1 so that the higher the measured outside humidity, the higher the first temperature T1, and control the power supplied to the heater 130. For example, the control unit 110 may set the first temperature T1 so that the lower the measured outside humidity, the lower the first temperature T1, and control the power supplied to the heater 130.

[0134] The control unit 110 can set an outdoor air humidity reference value and set a first temperature T1 based on the outdoor air humidity reference value. When the measured outdoor air humidity is higher than the reference value, the control unit 110 can set the first temperature T1 to be T1' higher than T1, and when the measured outdoor air humidity is lower than the reference value, the control unit 110 can set the first temperature T1 to be T1" lower than T1.

[0135] 9, the control unit 110 may control the first time or the length of the first section P1 based on the measured outdoor humidity. Here, the first time may have a value proportional to the length of the first section P1. The control unit 110 may set the length of the first time or the first section P1 so that the length of the first time or the first section P1 is longer as the measured outdoor humidity is higher, and control the power supplied to the heater 130. For example, the control unit 110 may set the length of the first time or the first section P1 so that the length of the first time or the first section P1 is shorter as the measured outdoor humidity is lower, and control the power supplied to the heater 130.

[0136] The control unit 110 may set an outdoor air humidity reference value and set the first time or the length of the first interval P1 based on the outdoor air humidity reference value. When the measured outdoor air humidity is higher than the reference value, the control unit 110 may set the length of the first interval to be P1' longer than P1, and when the measured outdoor air humidity is lower than the reference value, the control unit 110 may set the length of the first interval to be P1'' shorter than P1. In FIG. 9, the length of the first interval P1 is shown as changing for convenience, but the length of the first time may also change in proportion to the length of the first interval P1.

[0137] The control unit 110 can set the first temperature T1 and the first time period based on the measured outside air humidity.

[0138] The control unit 110 can set an outdoor air humidity reference value, and set the first temperature T1 and the first time (or the length of the first interval P1) relative to the outdoor air humidity reference value. When the measured outdoor air humidity is higher than the reference value, the control unit 110 can set the first temperature T1 to be T1' higher than T1 and the length of the first interval P1 to be P1' longer than P1, and when the measured outdoor air humidity is lower than the reference value, the control unit 110 can set the first temperature T1 to be T1'' lower than T1 and the length of the first interval P1 to be P1'' shorter than P1. Here, the length of the first time can change in proportion to the length of the first interval P1.

[0139] The amount of moisture present in the aerosol-generating product 200 may change in proportion to the outside air humidity. Therefore, the control unit 110 sets at least one of the first temperature T1 and the length of the first time to increase as the outside air humidity increases, and sets at least one of the first temperature T1 and the length of the first time to decrease as the outside air humidity decreases, thereby effectively removing (drying) the moisture present in the aerosol-generating product 200.

[0140] Although not shown in the drawings, when the outside air humidity is equal to or lower than a reference value, the control unit 110 can control the power supplied to the heater 130 so that the aerosol generating material is heated from the outside air temperature T0 to a second temperature T2 without a section in which the aerosol generating material is heated to a first temperature T1. That is, the control unit 110 can control the power supplied to the heater 130 so as to omit control of the heater 130 in a first section among a plurality of sections in which the heater 130 is controlled, and to first control the heater 130 in a second section.

[0141] When the humidity of the outside air is below a certain value, even if moisture is present in the aerosol generating product 200, the amount of moisture may be very small. Therefore, the control unit 110 omits the first section, which is a pre-heating section, and immediately heats the aerosol generating material to a target temperature, thereby reducing the time the user must wait for a puff and increasing the user's satisfaction.

[0142] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an aerosol generating product that can be used in an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0143] Referring to FIG. 10, at least a portion of the aerosol-generating product 200 may be surrounded by a wrapping material (thermally conductive wrapper) 250 that includes a thermally conductive material.

[0144] The tobacco rod 210 of the aerosol-generating product 200 may be surrounded by a thermally conductive wrapper 250. The thermally conductive wrapper 250 may surround some or all of the tobacco rod 210. The thermally conductive wrapper 250 may be a metal foil, such as, but not limited to, aluminum foil. The thermally conductive wrapper 250 may act as a susceptor that is heated by an induction heater. The tobacco rod 210 may further include an additional susceptor in addition to the thermally conductive wrapper 250 surrounding the exterior.

[0145] The aerosol-generating product 200 need not include the thermally conductive wrapper 250 .

[0146] When the aerosol-generating product 200 is inserted into the aerosol-forming device 100, the control unit 110 can check the aerosol-generating product 200. The control unit 110 can check the aerosol-generating product 200 before heating the aerosol-generating material (before the first section).

[0147] The identification sensor 143 may generate identification information of the aerosol-generating product 200. The control unit 110 may confirm the type of the aerosol-generating product 200 based on the identification information transmitted by the identification sensor 143.

[0148] The storage unit 170 may store type information of the aerosol-generating product 200 corresponding to the identification information generated by the identification sensor 143. The type information of the aerosol-generating product 200 may include information such as the thickness of the aerosol-generating product 200, the length and volume of the tobacco rod 210 of the aerosol-generating product 200, the amount of aerosol-generating material contained in the aerosol-generating product 200, the presence or absence of a susceptor inside the aerosol-generating product 200, the length and thickness of the thermally conductive wrapper 250, etc. However, the information included in the type information is not limited thereto, and may include any information related to the characteristics of the aerosol-generating product 200 as necessary.

[0149] In the first section, the control unit 110 may heat the aerosol-generating material based on the identified type of the aerosol-generating product 200. The control unit 110 may determine whether or not the thermally conductive wrapper 250 is present inside the aerosol-generating product depending on the identified type of the aerosol-generating product 200.

[0150] The heater 130 may include at least one of an induction heating type heater and a resistance heating type heater.

[0151] For example, the heater 130 can be a resistive heater, and the control unit 110 can control the power supplied to the heater 130 such that the resistive heater is activated in the first section for both cases where the identified aerosol-generating product 200 includes and does not include the thermally conductive wrapper 250.

[0152] For example, the heater 130 may be an induction heating type heater. If the identified aerosol-generating product 200 includes a thermally conductive wrapper 250, the control unit 110 may control the power supplied to the heater 130 so that the induction heating type heater is operated in the first section. If the identified aerosol-generating product 200 does not include a thermally conductive wrapper 250, the control unit 110 may determine whether the identified aerosol-generating product 200 includes a susceptor. If the identified aerosol-generating product 200 includes a susceptor, the control unit 110 may control the power supplied to the heater 130 so that the induction heating type heater is operated in the first section.

[0153] For example, heater 130 may include both resistive and inductive heaters.

[0154] If the identified aerosol-generating product 200 includes a thermally conductive wrapper 250, the control unit 110 may control the power supplied to the heater 130 so that an induction heating type heater is operated in the first section. If the identified aerosol-generating product 200 does not include a thermally conductive wrapper 250, the control unit 110 may control the power supplied to the heater 130 so that a resistance heating type heater is operated in the first section.

[0155] Therefore, by controlling the heater to suit the heating method of the heater included in the aerosol generating device 100, moisture in the aerosol generating product can be removed using the existing aerosol generating device without a separate heating device.

[0156] The control unit 110 may determine the first temperature and the first time according to the type of the identified aerosol-generating product 200, and control the power supplied to the heater 130. For example, the control unit 110 may set at least one of the first temperature T1 or the first time to increase as the thickness of the aerosol-generating product 200 increases, or the length or volume of the tobacco rod 210 increases, or the length or thickness of the thermally conductive wrapper 250 increases, as shown in Figs. 8 and 9. For example, the control unit 110 may set at least one of the first temperature T1 or the first time to decrease as the thickness of the aerosol-generating product 200 decreases, or the length or volume of the tobacco rod 210 decreases, or the length or thickness of the thermally conductive wrapper 250 decreases, as shown in Figs. 8 and 9.

[0157] As a result, the first temperature T1 and the first time period can be determined depending on the type of the aerosol-generating product 200, and moisture within the aerosol-generating product 200 can be effectively removed.

[0158] 11 and 12 are graphs showing heater power supply control characteristics in the first section according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0159] 11, the first section may include a heating section P1-1 and a maintaining section P1-2. The maintaining section P1-2 is a section located after the heating section P1-1 in terms of time. In the heating section P1-1, the controller 110 may apply a first power Pwr1 to the heater 130 so that the temperature of the aerosol generating material rises from an outside air temperature T0 or a temperature close to the outside air temperature T0 to a first temperature T1. After the heating section P1-1, in the maintaining section P1-2, the controller 110 may apply a second power Pwr2 to the heater 130 so that the temperature of the aerosol generating material is maintained constant at the first temperature T1 for a first time. The second power Pwr2 may be a value smaller than the first power Pwr1.

[0160] The control unit 110 may control the heater 130 to supply power in a PID manner during the heating period and the maintaining period, but the method of supplying power to the heater 130 is not limited thereto.

[0161] 12, the first section may include a heating section P1-1, a first maintaining section P1-2a, and a second maintaining section P1-2b. The first maintaining section P1-2a is a section located after the heating section P1-1 in terms of time, and the second maintaining section P1-2b is a section located after the first maintaining section P1-2a.

[0162] In the heating section P1-1, the control unit 110 may apply a third power Pwr3 to the heater 130 so that the temperature of the aerosol generating material rises from the outside air temperature T0 or a temperature close to it to the first temperature T1. The control unit 110 may control the aerosol generating material to reach the first temperature T1 at a high speed by applying a large amount of power to the heater 130 for a short period of time.

[0163] The control unit 110 may not supply power to the heater 130 in a first sustaining section P1-2a after the heating section P1-1, and may apply a second power Pwr2 to the heater 130 in a second sustaining section P1-2b after the first sustaining section P1-2a.

[0164] When a large amount of power is applied to the heater 130 during the heating section P1-1, the temperature of the aerosol generating material may rise to a temperature higher than the first temperature P1. That is, if the temperature of the aerosol generating material rises quickly, an overshoot may occur when the temperature of the aerosol generating material reaches the first temperature T1. Therefore, the controller 110 may control the temperature of the aerosol generating material to rise quickly from the outside temperature T0 to the first temperature T1 and minimize the overshoot of the first temperature T1 by not supplying power to the heater 130 during the first maintenance section P1-2a.

[0165] This allows the length of the first section to be minimized, and allows the temperature of the aerosol-generating material within the first section to be controlled so as to be maintained constant at the first temperature.

[0166] The control unit 110 may control the heater 130 to supply power in a PWM manner during the heating period and the maintaining period. The control unit 110 may control the heater 130 to supply power in a PWM manner during the heating period and in a PID manner during the maintaining period. However, the method of supplying power to the heater 130 is not limited thereto.

[0167] 13 and 14 are flowcharts of a heater control method of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0168] 13, when a request for aerosol generation occurs, the aerosol generating device 100 controls power supplied to a heater so that the aerosol generating material is heated to a first temperature in a first section and maintained at the first temperature for a first time (S1101). Here, the first temperature may be higher than the outside air temperature. The first temperature may be lower than the volatilization temperature of the aerosol generating material. The first temperature and the first time may be determined based on the outside humidity. The first temperature and the first time may be determined according to the type of the confirmed aerosol generating product. Step S1101 may be omitted if the outside humidity is equal to or lower than a preset value.

[0169] After the first section, the aerosol generating device 100 controls the power supplied to the heater in the second section so that the temperature of the aerosol generating material increases to a second temperature higher than the first temperature (S1102).

[0170] After the second section, the aerosol generating device 100 controls the power supplied to the heater so that the temperature of the aerosol generating material drops from the second temperature to the third temperature in the third section (S1103).

[0171] Thereafter, the aerosol generating device 100 controls the power supplied to the heater in the third section so that the aerosol generating material is maintained at the third temperature (S1104).

[0172] In step S1104, if the number of puffs generated by the user is greater than a certain number or if a certain amount of time has elapsed after starting to heat the aerosol generating material to the first temperature (after the start of the first section), the aerosol generating device 100 may cut off the power supplied to the heater so that heating of the aerosol generating material stops.

[0173] 14, the aerosol generating device 100 controls power supplied to a heater in a first section such that the aerosol generating material is heated to a first temperature and maintained at the first temperature for a first time (S1201). Here, the first temperature may be higher than an outside air temperature. The first temperature may be lower than a volatilization temperature of the aerosol generating material. The first temperature and the first time may be determined according to the outside humidity. The first temperature and the first time may be determined according to the type of the identified aerosol generating product. Step S1201 may be omitted if the outside humidity is equal to or lower than a preset value.

[0174] After the first section, the aerosol generating device 100 controls the power supplied to the heater in the second section so that the temperature of the aerosol generating material rises to a second temperature higher than the first temperature (S1202).

[0175] After the second section, the aerosol generating device 100 controls the power supplied to the heater so that the temperature of the aerosol generating material drops from the second temperature to the third temperature in the third section (S1203).

[0176] Thereafter, the aerosol generating device 100 controls the power supplied to the heater in the third section so that the aerosol generating material is maintained at the third temperature (S1204).

[0177] After the third section, the aerosol generating device 100 controls the power supplied to the heater so that the temperature of the aerosol generating material gradually rises to a fourth temperature higher than the third temperature in a fourth section (S1205).

[0178] In step S1104 or S1105, if the number of puffs generated by the user is greater than a certain number or if a certain amount of time has elapsed after starting to heat the aerosol generating material to the first temperature (after the start of the first section), the aerosol generating device 100 may cut off the power supplied to the heater so that heating of the aerosol generating material stops.

[0179] The above-described embodiments of the present disclosure may be embodied in the form of a computer program executable by various components on a computer, and such a computer program may be recorded in a computer-readable recording medium. The computer-readable recording medium may include a hard disk, a magnetic medium such as a floppy disk and a magnetic tape, an optical recording medium such as a CD-ROM and a DVD, a magneto-optical medium such as a floptical disk, and a hardware device specially configured to store and execute program instructions, such as a ROM, a RAM, an SSD, a flash memory, etc.

[0180] Meanwhile, the computer programs may be ones specially designed and constructed for the present disclosure, or they may be ones that are known and available to those skilled in the art of computer software. Examples of computer programs include not only machine code, such as that produced by a compiler, but also high-level language code executable by a computer using an interpreter, etc.

[0181] The specific embodiments of the present disclosure described above or other embodiments are not mutually exclusive or distinct, and the configurations or functions of specific elements or all elements of the embodiments of the present disclosure described above can be combined with other elements or combined with each other.

[0182] For example, configuration A described in one embodiment of this disclosure and the drawings and configuration B described in another embodiment of this disclosure and the drawings can be combined with each other. That is, even if a combination between configurations is not directly described, the combination is possible unless it is described that the combination is not possible.

[0183] Although the embodiments have been described above according to a number of exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that many other variations and embodiments are possible for those skilled in the art that fall within the scope of the principles of the present disclosure. More specifically, various modifications and variations are possible in the components and / or arrangements of the subject combinations within the scope of the present disclosure, the drawings, and the appended claims. In addition to the modifications and variations of the components and / or arrangements, other applications will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A heater for heating the aerosol generating material; A power supply unit that supplies power to the heater; A control unit that controls the power supplied to the heater; A humidity sensor for measuring the outside air humidity, In a first period, the control unit controls power supplied to the heater such that the aerosol generating material is heated to a first temperature for a first time; In a second section after the first section, the control unit controls the power supplied to the heater so that the aerosol generating material is heated to a second temperature higher than the first temperature; In a third section after the second section, the control unit controls the power supplied to the heater so that the aerosol generating material is maintained at a third temperature lower than the second temperature; The control unit determines the first temperature and the first time based on the outside air humidity measured by the humidity sensor, and when the outside air humidity is below a preset value, omits control in the first section and controls the aerosol generating material to be heated to the second temperature in the second section.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the first temperature is higher than an outside air temperature and lower than a volatilization temperature of the aerosol generating substance.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit increases at least one of the first temperature and the first time period when the outside air humidity is high.

4. Further comprising an identification sensor; The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit is configured to identify an aerosol generating product containing the aerosol generating substance based on a signal from the identification sensor.

5. The aerosol generating device of claim 4 , wherein the control unit determines the first temperature and the first time based on the identified type of aerosol generating product.

6. The heater includes at least one of an induction heating heater and a resistance heating heater, The aerosol generating device according to claim 4 , wherein the control unit controls an amount of power supplied to the induction heating heater or the resistance heating heater based on the type of the confirmed aerosol generating product.

7. the control unit determines whether the identified aerosol-generating product includes a thermally conductive wrapper that corresponds to the identified type of aerosol-generating product; The aerosol generating device of claim 6 , wherein when it is determined that the identified aerosol generating product includes the thermally conductive wrapper, the control unit controls the induction heating heater to heat.

8. the control unit determines whether the identified aerosol-generating product includes a thermally conductive wrapper that corresponds to the identified type of aerosol-generating product; 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the controller controls the resistive heater to heat when the identified aerosol-generating product is determined to not include the thermally conductive wrapper. The aerosol generating device is mounted on the

9. The aerosol generating device of claim 1 , wherein the control unit controls the amount of power supplied to the heater so that the aerosol generating material is gradually heated to a fourth temperature higher than the third temperature in a fourth section after the third section.

10. Further comprising a flow sensor or a pressure sensor; The control unit detects the number of puffs generated by the user through the flow rate sensor or the pressure sensor, The aerosol generating device of claim 1 or claim 9, wherein when the number of puffs generated is equal to or greater than a certain number or when a second time has elapsed after starting to heat the aerosol generating material to the first temperature, the control unit cuts off the power supplied to the heater to stop heating the aerosol generating material.

11. The first section includes a heating section and a maintaining section following the heating section, the maintaining interval includes a first maintaining interval and a second maintaining interval following the first maintaining interval, the control unit controls the heater to supply a first power in the heating section so that the aerosol generating material is heated to the first temperature; The control unit controls the heater so that power is not supplied to the heater during the first maintaining period, The control unit controls the heater to be supplied with a second power during the second maintaining period, The aerosol generating device of claim 1 , wherein the second power is less than the first power.

12. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the control unit determines whether an event related to aerosol generation has occurred, and if it determines that an event related to aerosol generation has occurred, controls the aerosol generating material to be heated to the first temperature during the first time.

13. an aerosol-generating product comprising an aerosol-generating material; an aerosol generating device that heats the aerosol generating material; The aerosol generating device comprises: A heater for heating the aerosol generating material; A power supply unit that supplies power to the heater; A control unit that controls the power supplied to the heater; A humidity sensor for measuring the outside air humidity, In a first period, the control unit controls power supplied to the heater such that the aerosol generating material is heated to a first temperature for a first time; In a second section after the first section, the control unit controls the power supplied to the heater so that the aerosol generating material is heated to a second temperature higher than the first temperature; In a third section after the second section, the control unit controls the power supplied to the heater so that the aerosol generating material is maintained at a third temperature lower than the second temperature; The control unit determines the first temperature and the first time based on the outside air humidity measured by the humidity sensor, and when the outside air humidity is below a preset value, omits control in the first section and controls the aerosol generating material to be heated to the second temperature in the second section.

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