Aerosol generating device and method of operation thereof

Abstract

An aerosol generating device and an operating method thereof are disclosed. The aerosol generating device of the present disclosure includes a heater for heating an aerosol generating material, a battery for supplying power to the heater, a temperature sensor disposed adjacent to the battery, and a controller. When charging of the battery is interrupted, the controller monitors a detection value of the temperature sensor. When a result of monitoring the detection value satisfies a predetermined condition related to the battery, the controller determines the detection value of the temperature sensor as the temperature of the battery. When a result of monitoring the detection value does not satisfy the predetermined condition, the controller determines a result value obtained by compensating for the detection value of the temperature sensor as the temperature of the battery.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] An aerosol generating device is used to extract a predetermined component (e.g., an aerosol) from a medium or substance. The medium can contain a variety of components. The components contained in the medium can be flavorings of a variety of components. For example, the components contained in the medium can include nicotine, herbal, and / or coffee components. In recent years, much research has been conducted on such aerosol generating devices. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] The present disclosure is directed to solving the above-mentioned problems and other problems.

[0004] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device and an operating method thereof that can accurately detect the temperature of a battery using a temperature sensor disposed adjacent to the battery.

[0005] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device and an operating method thereof that can interrupt charging as needed depending on the battery temperature while charging the battery. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To achieve the above and other objectives, an aerosol generating device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a heater for heating an aerosol generating material, a battery for supplying power to the heater, a temperature sensor disposed adjacent to the battery, and a controller. When charging of the battery is interrupted, the controller monitors a detected value of the temperature sensor. If the monitored detected value satisfies a predetermined condition related to the battery, the controller determines the detected value of the temperature sensor as the temperature of the battery. If the monitored detected value does not satisfy the predetermined condition, the controller determines a result of compensating the detected value of the temperature sensor as the temperature of the battery.

[0007] To achieve the above and other objectives, an operating method of an aerosol generating device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the following operations: when charging of a battery is interrupted, monitoring the detection value of a temperature sensor positioned adjacent to the battery; when the result of monitoring the detection value satisfies a predetermined condition related to the battery, determining the detection value of the temperature sensor as the temperature of the battery; and when the result of monitoring the detection value does not satisfy the predetermined condition, determining the result of compensating the detection value of the temperature sensor as the temperature of the battery. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the temperature of the battery can be accurately detected using a temperature sensor located adjacent to the battery.

[0009] Furthermore, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, while charging a battery, charging can be interrupted as necessary depending on the battery temperature, thereby improving battery-related safety and product reliability.

[0010] Further scope of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description. However, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art, 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. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] The above and other objects, features and characteristics of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2A] 1 is a diagram referred to in the description of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2B] 1 is a diagram referred to in the description of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram referred to in the description of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram referred to in the description of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] 1 is a perspective view defining the direction of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. [Figure 6] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the aerosol generating device. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the aerosol generating device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] 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, identical or similar components will be given the same reference numerals, and redundant description thereof will be omitted.

[0013] 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.

[0014] In this disclosure, those well known to those skilled in the art will be omitted for the sake of brevity. It should be understood that the accompanying drawings are intended to facilitate understanding of various technical features, and that the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the present disclosure should be construed as including all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives in addition to those specifically disclosed in the accompanying drawings.

[0015] 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.

[0016] When a component is said to be "connected" to another component, it will be understood that there may be other components in between, whereas when a component is said to be "directly connected" to another component, it will be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0017] The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Referring to FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device 100 may include a communication interface 110, an input / output interface 120, an aerosol generating module 130, a memory 140, a sensor module 150, a battery 160, and / or a control unit 170. In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 may be composed of only a main body. In this case, the components included in the aerosol generating device 100 may be located in the main body. In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 may be composed of a cartridge that holds an aerosol generating material and the main body. In this case, the components included in the aerosol generating device 100 may be located in at least one of the main body and the cartridge.

[0020] The communication interface 110 may include at least one communication module for communication with an external device and / or a network. For example, the communication interface 110 may include a communication module for wired communication such as a universal serial bus (USB). For example, the communication interface 110 may include a communication module for wireless communication such as wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth®, Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE), Zigbee®, or near field communication (NFC).

[0021] The input / output interface 120 may include an input device that receives commands from a user and / or an output device that outputs information to a user. For example, the input device may include a touch panel, physical buttons, a microphone, etc. For example, the output device may include a display device that outputs visual information such as a display or a light emitting diode (LED), an audio device that outputs auditory information such as a speaker or a buzzer, a motor that outputs tactile information such as a haptic effect, etc.

[0022] The input / output interface 120 can transmit data corresponding to commands input by a user via the input device to other components (etc.) of the aerosol generating device 100. The input / output interface 120 can output information corresponding to data received from other components (etc.) of the aerosol generating device 100 via the output device.

[0023] The aerosol-generating module 130 can generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. Here, the aerosol-generating material can refer to any one or a combination of two or more substances in various states, such as a liquid state, a solid state, or a gel state, that can generate an aerosol.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the liquid aerosol-forming material may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance, including a volatile tobacco flavor component. According to another embodiment, the liquid aerosol-forming material may be a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance. For example, the liquid aerosol-forming material may include water, solvent, nicotine, plant extracts, flavorings, flavoring agents, vitamin mixtures, etc.

[0025] The solid-state aerosol-forming material may include a solid material based on tobacco raw materials, such as reconstituted tobacco sheets, shredded tobacco, or granulated tobacco. The solid-state aerosol-forming material may also include a solid material containing a taste modifier, a flavoring, or the like. For example, the taste modifier may include calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, calcium oxide, or the like. For example, the flavoring may include natural substances such as herb granules, or silica, zeolite, dextrin, or the like containing flavoring ingredients.

[0026] The aerosol generating material may further include an aerosol forming agent such as glycerin or propylene glycol.

[0027] The aerosol generation module 130 can include at least one heater.

[0028] The aerosol generation module 130 may include an electrical resistive heater. For example, the electrical resistive heater may include at least one electrically conductive track and may be heated by passing an electric current through the electrically conductive track. The heated electrical resistive heater may then heat the aerosol-generating material.

[0029] The electrically conductive tracks may comprise an electrically resistive material. As an example, the electrically conductive tracks may be made of a metal material. As another example, the electrically conductive tracks may be made of a ceramic material, carbon, a metal alloy, or a composite of a ceramic material and a metal.

[0030] The electric resistance heater may include an electrically conductive track formed in a variety of shapes, for example, the electrically conductive track may be formed in any one of a tube shape, a plate shape, a needle shape, a rod shape, and a coil shape.

[0031] The aerosol generation module 130 may include a heater that uses induction heating. For example, an induction heater may include an electrically conductive coil, and an alternating magnetic field whose direction periodically changes may be generated by adjusting the current flowing through the electrically conductive coil. When an alternating magnetic field is applied to a magnetic material, energy loss due to eddy current loss and hysteresis loss may occur in the magnetic material. Furthermore, the lost energy may be released as thermal energy, heating the aerosol-generating material adjacent to the magnetic material. Here, the object that generates heat due to the magnetic field may be referred to as a susceptor.

[0032] On the other hand, the aerosol-generating module 130 can also generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating substance by generating ultrasonic vibrations.

[0033] The aerosol generating device 100 may include multiple aerosol generating modules 130. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may include a first aerosol generating module 131 that generates an aerosol by vaporizing a liquid material and a second aerosol generating module 132 that generates an aerosol by heating a cigarette. The first heater 133 included in the first aerosol generating module 131 may be a coil heater or a mesh heater. The first aerosol generating module 131 may be embodied in the form of a cartridge separate from the main body of the aerosol generating device 100. The first aerosol generating module 131 may be referred to as a cartomizer, atomizer, vaporizer, etc. The second heater 134 included in the second aerosol generating module 132 may be a film heater including an electrically conductive track or a susceptor that heats by induction heating.

[0034] The memory 140 can store programs for signal processing and control within the control unit 170, and can store processed data and data to be processed.

[0035] For example, the memory 140 may store application programs designed to perform various tasks that can be processed by the control unit 170, and may selectively provide some of the stored application programs upon request from the control unit 170.

[0036] For example, the memory 140 may store data such as the operating time of the aerosol generating device 100, the maximum number of puffs generated, the current number of puffs generated, at least one temperature profile, and data on the user's inhalation pattern. Here, a puff may refer to the user's inhalation. Inhalation may refer to the situation in which the user draws air into the user's oral cavity, nasal cavity, or lungs through the mouth or nose.

[0037] The memory 140 may include at least one of volatile memory (e.g., DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, etc.), non-volatile memory (e.g., flash memory, hard disk drive (HDD), solid-state drive (SSD), etc.).

[0038] The sensor module 150 may include at least one sensor.

[0039] For example, the sensor module 150 may include a sensor for detecting the occurrence of a puff (hereinafter, referred to as a puff sensor). Here, the puff sensor may be implemented as a pressure sensor.

[0040] For example, the sensor module 150 may include a sensor for detecting the occurrence of a puff (hereinafter, referred to as a puff sensor). Here, the puff sensor may be implemented by a pressure sensor, a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, a magnetic field sensor, or the like.

[0041] For example, the sensor module 150 may include a sensor (hereinafter referred to as a temperature sensor) that detects the temperature of the heater included in the aerosol generation module 130, the temperature of the aerosol-generating material, etc. Here, the heater included in the aerosol generation module 130 may also function as a temperature sensor. For example, the electrically resistive material of the heater may be a material having a temperature coefficient of resistance. The sensor module 150 may sense the temperature of the heater by measuring the resistance of the heater, which changes depending on the temperature.

[0042] For example, if a cigarette can be inserted into the main body of the aerosol generating device 100, the sensor module 150 may include a sensor that detects the insertion of a cigarette (hereinafter referred to as a cigarette detection sensor).

[0043] For example, if the aerosol generating device 100 includes a cartridge, the sensor module 150 may include a sensor (hereinafter referred to as a cartridge detection sensor) that detects the attachment / detachment and position of the cartridge relative to the main body.

[0044] Here, the cigarette detection sensor and / or cartridge detection sensor may be implemented by an inductance-based sensor, a capacitance-type sensor, a resistance sensor, a hall sensor (hall IC) using the hall effect, or the like.

[0045] For example, the sensor module 150 may include a voltage sensor that detects the voltage applied to a component (e.g., a battery 160) provided in the aerosol generating device 100 and / or a current sensor that detects the current.

[0046] The battery 160 can supply power used for the operation of the aerosol generating device 100 under the control of the control unit 170. The battery 160 can supply power to components provided in the aerosol generating device 100, such as a communication module included in the communication interface 110, an output device included in the input / output interface 120, and a heater included in the aerosol generating module 130.

[0047] The battery 160 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 160 may be, but is not limited to, a lithium-ion battery or a lithium polymer (Li-Polymer) battery. For example, if the battery 160 is rechargeable, the battery's charge rate (C-rate) may be, but is not limited to, 10C and the discharge rate (C-rate) may be, but is not limited to, 10C to 20C. For stable use, the battery 160 may be manufactured to retain 80% or more of its total capacity after 2000 charge / discharge cycles.

[0048] The aerosol generating device 100 may further include a battery protection circuit module (PCM), which is a circuit for protecting the battery 160. The battery protection module (PCM) may be disposed adjacent to the upper surface of the battery 160. For example, to prevent overcharging and over-discharging of the battery 160, the battery protection module (PCM) may cut off the electrical path to the battery 160 when a short circuit occurs in a circuit connected to the battery 160, when an overvoltage is applied to the battery 160, when an overcurrent flows through the battery 160, etc.

[0049] The aerosol generating device 100 may further include a power terminal to which externally supplied power is input. For example, a power line may be connected to the power terminal disposed on one side of the body of the aerosol generating device 100. The aerosol generating device 100 may charge the battery 160 using power supplied through the power line connected to the power terminal. Here, the power terminal may be a wired terminal for USB communication.

[0050] The aerosol generation device 100 can also wirelessly receive power supplied from an external source via the communication interface 110. For example, the aerosol generation device 100 can receive power wirelessly using an antenna included in a communication module for wireless communication. The aerosol generation device 100 can charge the battery 160 using the wirelessly supplied power.

[0051] The control unit 170 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 100. The control unit 170 can be connected to each component included in the aerosol generating device 100. The control unit 170 can transmit and / or receive signals between each component and control the overall operation of each component.

[0052] The control unit 170 may include at least one processor. The control unit 170 may use the processor to control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 100. Here, the processor may be a general processor such as a central processing unit (CPU). Of course, the processor may be a dedicated device such as an ASIC or a processor based on other hardware.

[0053] The control unit 170 can perform any one of a plurality of functions of the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the control unit 170 can execute any one of a plurality of functions of the aerosol generating device 100 (e.g., a preheating function, a heating function, a charging function, a cleaning function, etc.) depending on the state of each component provided in the aerosol generating device 100, a user command received via the input / output interface 120, etc.

[0054] The control unit 170 can control the operation of each component included in the aerosol generating device 100 based on the data stored in the memory 140. For example, the control unit 170 can control the battery 160 to supply a predetermined amount of power to the aerosol generating module 130 based on data about the temperature profile, the user's inhalation pattern, etc. stored in the memory 140.

[0055] The control unit 170 can determine whether a puff has occurred through the puff sensor included in the sensor module 150. For example, the control unit 170 can check a temperature change, a flow rate change, a pressure change, a voltage change, etc. in the aerosol generating device 100 based on the sensing value of the puff sensor, and can determine whether a puff has occurred based on the checked results.

[0056] The control unit 170 can control the operation of each component included in the aerosol generating device 100 depending on whether a puff has occurred and / or the number of puffs that have occurred. For example, when the control unit 170 determines that a puff has occurred, the control unit 170 can control the heater to supply a predetermined amount of power according to the temperature profile stored in the memory 140. For example, the control unit 170 can control the heater to change or maintain its temperature based on the temperature profile stored in the memory 140.

[0057] The control unit 170 may control the power supply to the heater to be cut off under predetermined conditions, such as when the cigarette is removed and the cartridge is detached, when the number of puffs reaches a predetermined maximum number of puffs, when no puffs are detected for a predetermined period of time, or when the remaining charge of the battery 160 is less than a predetermined value.

[0058] The control unit 170 may calculate the remaining amount of power stored in the battery 160. For example, the control unit 170 may calculate the remaining amount of power in the battery 160 based on the sensing values ​​of a voltage sensor and / or a current sensor included in the sensor module 150.

[0059] 2A to 4 are diagrams referred to in describing the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0060] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device 100 can include a body and / or a cartridge.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 2A, an aerosol generating device 100 according to one embodiment may include a body 310 configured to allow a cigarette 201 to be inserted into an interior space defined by a housing 215.

[0062] Cigarette 201 may be similar to a typical combustion-type cigarette. For example, cigarette 201 may be divided into a first portion containing an aerosol-generating material and a second portion containing a filter or the like. Alternatively, the second portion of cigarette 201 may also contain an aerosol-generating material. For example, a flavoring material formed in the form of granules or capsules may be inserted into the second portion.

[0063] The entire first part may be inserted into the aerosol generating device 100, and the second part may be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a portion of the first part may be inserted into the aerosol generating device 100, or both the first part and the second part may be inserted. A user can inhale the aerosol by holding the second part in their mouth. Here, the aerosol is generated by external air passing through the first part, and the generated aerosol can be delivered to the user's mouth through the second part.

[0064] The main body 310 may be formed to have a structure that allows external air to flow into the main body 310 when the cigarette 201 is inserted. Here, the external air that has flowed into the main body 310 may pass through the cigarette 201 and flow into the user's mouth.

[0065] When the cigarette 201 is inserted, the control unit 170 can control the supply of power to the heater based on the power profile stored in the memory 140.

[0066] The control unit 170 can control the supply of power to the heater using at least one of a pulse width modulation (PWM) method and a proportional-integral-differential (PID) method.

[0067] For example, the control unit 170 may control the heater to receive a current pulse having a predetermined frequency and duty ratio in a PWM manner, where the control unit 170 may adjust the frequency and duty ratio of the current pulse to control the power supplied to the heater.

[0068] For example, the control unit 170 can determine a target temperature based on the temperature profile. Here, the control unit 170 can control the power supplied to the heater using a PID method, which is a feedback control method using the difference between the heater temperature and the target temperature, the value obtained by integrating the difference over time, and the value obtained by differentiating the difference over time.

[0069] Meanwhile, although the PWM method and the PID method have been described as examples of control methods for supplying power to the heater, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and various control methods such as a Proportional-Integral (PI) method and a Proportional-Differential (PD) method can be used.

[0070] The heater may be positioned within the body 310 at a location that corresponds to the location of the cigarette 201 when the cigarette 201 is inserted into the body 310. In this drawing, the heater is shown as an electrically conductive heater 220 that includes needle-like electrically conductive tracks, although the disclosure is not limited in this respect.

[0071] The heater can heat the inside and / or outside of the cigarette 201 using power supplied from the battery 160, and an aerosol can be generated in the heated cigarette 201. Here, the user can inhale the aerosol containing the tobacco material by inhaling through one end of the cigarette 201 with their mouth.

[0072] Meanwhile, the control unit 170 may control the heater to supply power under a predetermined condition even when the cigarette 201 is not inserted. For example, when a cleaning function for cleaning the space where the cigarette 201 is inserted is selected according to a command input by the user via the input / output interface 120, the control unit 170 may control the heater to supply a predetermined power.

[0073] The control unit 170 can monitor the number of puffs generated based on the sensing value of the puff sensor from the time the cigarette 201 is inserted.

[0074] When the inserted cigarette 201 is removed, the control unit 170 can initialize the current number of puffs stored in the memory 140.

[0075] 2B, a cigarette 201 according to one embodiment can include a tobacco rod 202 and a filter rod 203. The first portion described above with reference to FIG. 2A can include the tobacco rod 202, and the second portion can include the filter rod 203.

[0076] Although the filter rod 203 is shown in Figure 2B as a single segment, this is not limiting. In other words, the filter rod 203 can be composed of multiple segments. For example, the filter rod 203 can include a first segment that cools the aerosol and a second segment that filters a specific component contained in the aerosol. If necessary, the filter rod 203 can also include at least one additional segment that performs another function.

[0077] The cigarette 201 may be wrapped in at least one wrapper 205. The wrapper 205 may have at least one hole formed therein through which external air can enter or internal gas can escape. As an example, the cigarette 201 may be wrapped in a single wrapper 205. As another example, the cigarette 201 may be wrapped in two or more overlapping wrappers 205. For example, the tobacco rod 202 may be wrapped in a first wrapper, and the filter rod 203 may be wrapped in a second wrapper. The tobacco rod 202 and the filter rod 203 wrapped in separate wrappers may then be combined, and the entire cigarette 201 may then be further wrapped in a third wrapper. If the tobacco rod 202 or the filter rod 203 each consists of multiple segments, each segment may be wrapped in an individual wrapper. The entire cigarette 201, including the combined segments wrapped in the separate wrappers, may then be further wrapped in another wrapper.

[0078] The tobacco rod 202 may contain an aerosol-forming substance. For example, the aerosol-forming substance 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 202 may also contain other additives such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids. A flavoring liquid such as menthol or a humectant may also be added to the tobacco rod 202 by spraying it onto the tobacco rod 202.

[0079] The tobacco rod 202 can be manufactured in a variety of ways. For example, the tobacco rod 202 can be manufactured from a sheet or strand. The tobacco rod 202 can also be manufactured from finely chopped tobacco sheets. For example, the tobacco rod 202 can be surrounded by a thermally conductive material. For example, the thermally conductive material can be, but is not limited to, a metal foil such as aluminum foil. For example, the thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 202 can uniformly distribute heat transferred to the tobacco rod 202, improving thermal conductivity to the tobacco rod and thereby improving the tobacco taste. The thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 202 can also function as a susceptor heated by an induction heater. Although not shown in the drawings, the tobacco rod 202 can further include an additional susceptor in addition to the thermally conductive material surrounding the exterior.

[0080] The filter rod 203 may be a cellulose acetate filter. Meanwhile, the shape of the filter rod 203 is not limited. For example, the filter rod 203 may be a cylindrical rod or a tube-type rod having a hollow inside. The filter rod 203 may also be a recess-type rod. When the filter rod 203 is composed of multiple segments, at least one of the multiple segments may be manufactured in a different shape.

[0081] The filter rod 203 may be manufactured to emit a flavor. For example, a flavoring liquid may be sprayed onto the filter rod 203, or a separate fiber coated with the flavoring liquid may be inserted into the filter rod 203.

[0082] The filter rod 203 may also include at least one capsule 204. The capsule 204 may function to generate a flavor. The capsule 204 may also function to generate an aerosol. For example, the capsule 204 may have a structure in which a liquid containing a flavoring agent is enclosed in a coating. The capsule 204 may have, but is not limited to, a spherical or cylindrical shape.

[0083] If the filter rod 203 includes a segment for cooling the aerosol, the cooling segment may be made of a polymeric material or a biodegradable polymeric material. For example, the cooling segment may be made of pure polylactic acid, but is not limited to this. Alternatively, the cooling segment may be made of a cellulose acetate filter with multiple holes formed therein. However, the cooling segment is not limited to the above examples and may be made of any material that can perform the function of cooling the aerosol.

[0084] 2B, the cigarette 201 according to one embodiment may further include a front filter. The front filter is located on one side of the tobacco rod 202, facing the filter rod 203. The front filter prevents the tobacco rod 202 from detaching to the outside and prevents aerosol liquefied from the tobacco rod 202 from flowing into the aerosol generating device 100 during a user's inhalation.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 3, an aerosol generating device 100 according to one embodiment can include a body 310 that supports a cartridge 320, and the cartridge 320 holds an aerosol generating material.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the cartridge 320 may be configured to be attachable / detachable to the main body 310. According to another embodiment, the cartridge 320 may be configured integrally with the main body 310. For example, the cartridge 320 may be attached to the main body 310 by inserting at least a portion of the cartridge 320 into an internal space formed by the housing 215 of the main body 310.

[0087] The main body 310 may be formed to have a structure that allows external air to flow into the main body 310 when the cartridge 320 is inserted. Here, the external air that has flowed into the main body 310 may pass through the cartridge 320 and flow into the user's mouth.

[0088] The control unit 170 can determine whether the cartridge 320 is attached / detached through a cartridge detection sensor included in the sensor module 150. For example, the cartridge detection sensor can transmit a pulse current through one terminal connected to the cartridge 320 and detect whether the cartridge is attached / detached based on whether the pulse current is received through another terminal.

[0089] The cartridge 320 may include a reservoir 321 that holds an aerosol-generating substance and / or a heater 323 that heats the aerosol-generating substance in the reservoir 321. For example, a liquid transfer means impregnated (containing) the aerosol-generating substance may be disposed inside the reservoir 321, and the electrically conductive track of the heater 323 may be formed to have a structure that wraps around the liquid transfer means. As the liquid transfer means is heated by the heater 323, aerosol may be generated. The liquid transfer means may include a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic.

[0090] The cartridge 320 may include a mouthpiece 325. The mouthpiece 325 is a part that is inserted into the oral cavity of a user, and may have an outlet through which the aerosol is discharged to the outside when a puff is generated.

[0091] Referring to FIG. 4, an aerosol generating device 100 according to one embodiment may include a main body 410 configured to support a cartridge 420 and allow a cigarette 401 to be inserted into an internal space 415, and the cartridge 420 containing an aerosol generating substance.

[0092] The aerosol generating device 100 may include a first heater that heats the aerosol-generating material stored in the cartridge 420. For example, when a user inhales through one end of the cigarette 401, the aerosol generated by the first heater can pass through the cigarette 401. As the aerosol passes through the cigarette 401, the tobacco material is provided, and the aerosol provided with the tobacco material can be inhaled into the user's oral cavity through the one end of the cigarette 401.

[0093] Meanwhile, according to another embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 may include a first heater for heating the aerosol-generating material stored in the cartridge 420 and a second heater for heating the cigarette 401 inserted in the body 410. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may generate an aerosol by heating the aerosol-generating material stored in the cartridge 420 and the cigarette 401 via the first heater and the second heater, respectively.

[0094] FIG. 5 is a perspective view defining the orientation of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0095] The direction of the aerosol generation device 100 can be defined based on a Cartesian coordinate system. In the Cartesian coordinate system, the x-axis direction can be defined as the left-right direction of the aerosol generation device. Here, based on the origin, the +x direction can be the right direction and the -x direction can be the left direction. The y-axis direction can be defined as the front-to-back direction of the aerosol generation device 100. Here, based on the origin, the +y direction can be the forward direction and the -y direction can be the backward direction. The z-axis direction can be defined as the up-to-down direction of the aerosol generation device 100. Based on the origin, the +z direction can be the upward direction and the -z direction can be the downward direction.

[0096] Referring to FIG. 5, an insertion space 520 in which a cigarette 501 is placed may be formed at the upper end of a housing 500 of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0097] The insertion space 520 may be recessed to a predetermined depth toward the interior of the housing 500 so that at least a portion of the cigarette 501 can be inserted therein. The depth of the insertion space 520 may correspond to the length of the region of the cigarette 501 that contains the aerosol-generating material. For example, if the aerosol-generating device 100 is a device that can use the cigarette 201 of FIG. 2B , the depth of the insertion space 520 may correspond to the length of the tobacco rod 202 of the cigarette 201.

[0098] Inside the housing 500 of the aerosol generating device 100, components such as a battery 160, a heater 530, a printed circuit board 540, etc. may be arranged.

[0099] The heater 530 may be disposed adjacent to the insertion space 520. The heater 530 may heat the cigarette 501 disposed in the insertion space 520 using power supplied from the battery 160.

[0100] Each component included in the aerosol generating device 100 may be mounted on one side and / or the other side of the printed circuit board 540. The components mounted on the printed circuit board 540 can transmit or receive signals to each other via the wiring layer of the printed circuit board 540.

[0101] The printed circuit board 540 may be disposed adjacent to the battery 160. For example, the printed circuit board 540 may be disposed so that one surface faces the battery 160.

[0102] A temperature sensor may be mounted on one side of the printed circuit board 540. The temperature sensor may be implemented using a thermistor, which is an element whose resistance changes with temperature. For example, the temperature sensor may include a negative temperature coefficient thermistor (NTC thermistor), which has a property that its resistance decreases as the temperature increases.

[0103] The control unit 170 may be mounted on the printed circuit board 540. The control unit 170 may monitor a detected value of the temperature sensor. For example, the control unit 170 may monitor a detected value corresponding to a resistance value of a thermistor that constitutes the temperature sensor.

[0104] The control unit 170 may determine the temperature of the battery 160 based on the detected value of the temperature sensor. For example, the control unit 170 may determine the detected value of the temperature sensor according to the temperature of the battery 160. For example, the control unit 170 may determine a result of compensating the detected value of the temperature sensor according to a predetermined criterion according to the temperature of the battery 160.

[0105] A power terminal 550 may be disposed on one side of the housing 500 of the aerosol generating device 100. The power terminal 550 may be a wired terminal for wired communication such as USB.

[0106] A power supply circuit (not shown) may be disposed between the battery 160 and the power terminal 550. The power supply circuit may transmit power supplied from an external source to the battery 160 via the power terminal 550.

[0107] A power line 560 for supplying power may be connected to the power terminal 550. For example, the power terminal 550 may be coupled to a connector 565 of the power line 560.

[0108] The control unit 170 may determine whether the power line 560 is connected to the power terminal 550. For example, the control unit 170 may determine whether the power line 560 is connected to the power terminal 550 based on a signal generated in response to the connection between the power terminal 550 and the power line 560.

[0109] When the power line 560 is connected to the power terminal 550, the control unit 170 may start charging the battery 160. When the power line 560 is connected to the power terminal 550, the control unit 170 may control the operation of each component included in the aerosol generating device 100 so that power supplied via the power line 560 is transmitted to the battery 160. For example, when the power line 560 is connected to the power terminal 550 with a cigarette 501 inserted in the housing 500, the control unit 170 may cut off the power supply to the aerosol generating module 130 and start charging the battery 160.

[0110] The structure of the aerosol generating device 100 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 5, and the arrangement of the battery 160, the insertion space 510, the heater 530, the power terminal 550, etc. may vary depending on the embodiment.

[0111] 6 and 7 are flowcharts illustrating a method of operating an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0112] 6, in operation S610, the aerosol generating device 100 can suspend charging of the battery 160. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 can suspend charging of the battery 160 when the power supply terminal 550 and the power line 560 are separated from each other.

[0113] In operation S620, the aerosol generating device 100 can monitor a detection value of a temperature sensor disposed adjacent to the battery 160. For example, the control unit 170 can monitor a detection value corresponding to a resistance value of a thermistor constituting the temperature sensor.

[0114] In operation S630, the aerosol generating device 100 can determine whether the result of monitoring the detected value of the temperature sensor satisfies a predetermined condition related to the battery 160. Here, the predetermined condition related to the battery 160 may correspond to a factor that affects a change in the detected value of the temperature sensor.

[0115] While the battery 160 is being charged, the temperature of the battery 160 may rise due to a reaction of the electrolyte inside the battery 160. Furthermore, when the temperature of the battery 160 rises, the temperature around the battery 160 also rises, which may cause a change in the value detected by the temperature sensor. Here, if the temperature sensor is not in contact with the battery 160 but is placed a predetermined distance away, a difference may occur between the temperature of the battery 160 and the value detected by the temperature sensor. For example, while the battery 160 is being charged, the value detected by the temperature sensor may be higher than the temperature of the battery 160 by a predetermined temperature due to heat generated not only by the battery 160 but also by other components, such as the processor of the control unit 170.

[0116] On the other hand, if the detected value of the temperature sensor changes due to a cause other than charging of the battery 160, the temperature of the battery 160 and the detected value of the temperature sensor may be the same or similar. For example, if the cigarette 501 is heated by the heater 530 or if the ambient temperature of the aerosol generating device 100 changes, the battery 160 and the temperature sensor are equally affected by the temperature change, and the difference between the temperature of the battery 160 and the detected value of the temperature sensor may become smaller than a certain level.

[0117] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the aerosol generating device 100 is requested to start charging the battery 160 after charging of the battery 160 is interrupted, the aerosol generating device 100 may determine whether to start charging the battery 160 based on the temperature of the battery 160. For example, when the power line 560 is connected to the power terminal 550, the aerosol generating device 100 may determine that the start of charging the battery 160 is requested.

[0118] The determination of whether a predetermined condition related to the battery 160 is met will be described with reference to FIG.

[0119] 7, the aerosol generating device 100 may check whether a section in which the temperature sensor detection value increases and / or a section in which the temperature sensor detection value is maintained is being monitored while monitoring the temperature sensor detection value in operation S710. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may determine whether at least a portion of a section corresponding to the entire time during which the temperature sensor detection value is monitored (hereinafter referred to as the entire section) includes a section in which the temperature sensor detection value increases and / or a section in which the temperature sensor detection value is maintained.

[0120] 8, the detected value of the temperature sensor may increase until time t1 when the battery 160 is being charged. That is, as the battery 160 is being charged, the temperature around the temperature sensor may increase due to heat generated by the battery 160.

[0121] Meanwhile, if there are no factors affecting the change in the detected value of the temperature sensor other than the temperature of the battery 160, the detected value of the temperature sensor may decrease throughout the entire period P corresponding to the time from time t1 when charging of the battery 160 ends to time t2. For example, from time t1 when charging of the battery 160 ends, the detected value of the temperature sensor may decrease to a temperature corresponding to the ambient temperature of the aerosol generating device 100. Here, the temperature of the battery 160 may also decrease over time, similar to the detected value of the temperature sensor.

[0122] 9, similar to the graph 810 shown in FIG. 8, the detected value of the temperature sensor may increase until time t1 when the battery 160 is charged, and may decrease from time t1 when the charging of the battery 160 is completed.

[0123] Meanwhile, the entire period P corresponding to the time from time t1 to time t2 may include a period P1 in which the detected value of the temperature sensor is maintained and / or a period P2 in which the detected value of the temperature sensor increases. For example, when the detected value of the temperature sensor reaches a temperature corresponding to the ambient temperature of the aerosol-generating device 100, the detected value of the temperature sensor may be maintained. For example, when the aerosol-generating device 100 heats the cigarette 501 via the heater 530, the detected value of the temperature sensor may increase. For example, when the heating of the cigarette 501 ends, the detected value of the temperature sensor may decrease again.

[0124] In operation S720, the aerosol generating device 100 may check whether a section using power from the battery 160 is being monitored while monitoring the detected value of the temperature sensor. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may determine whether at least a portion of the entire section in which the detected value of the temperature sensor is being monitored includes a section using power from the battery 160.

[0125] The aerosol generating device 100 may monitor the section using the power of the battery 160 depending on whether the aerosol generating device 100 is powered on while monitoring the detected value of the temperature sensor. When the aerosol generating device 100 is powered on, heat may be generated in components other than the battery 160 due to the operation of the processor of the control unit 170. In addition, heat generated in components other than the battery 160 may affect changes in the detected value of the temperature sensor.

[0126] In operation S730, the aerosol generating device 100 can determine that a predetermined condition related to the battery 160 is not met if the interval in which the temperature sensor detection value increases, the interval in which the temperature sensor detection value is maintained, and the interval in which the battery 160 power is used are not monitored.

[0127] If a predetermined condition related to the battery 160 is not satisfied, the aerosol generating device 100 may determine that there are no factors affecting the change in the detected value of the temperature sensor other than the temperature of the battery 160. Here, the aerosol generating device 100 may determine that the difference between the temperature of the battery 160 and the detected value of the temperature sensor is maintained constant throughout the entire period.

[0128] Meanwhile, the aerosol generating device 100 can determine that a predetermined condition related to the battery 160 is met when, in operation S740, at least one of the intervals in which the temperature sensor detection value increases, the interval in which the temperature sensor detection value is maintained, and the interval in which the battery 160 power is used is monitored.

[0129] When a predetermined condition related to the battery 160 is satisfied, the aerosol generating device 100 may determine that there is a factor affecting the change in the detected value of the temperature sensor other than the temperature of the battery 160. Here, the aerosol generating device 100 may determine that the difference between the temperature of the battery 160 and the detected value of the temperature sensor has decreased to less than a certain level over the entire period.

[0130] 6, the aerosol generating device 100 can compensate the detected value of the temperature sensor according to a predetermined criterion in operation S640 if a predetermined condition related to the battery 160 is not satisfied. The aerosol generating device 100 can determine the value obtained by subtracting a predetermined compensation value (e.g., 5°C) from the detected value of the temperature sensor as the result of compensation for the detected value of the temperature sensor.

[0131] The aerosol generating device 100 can determine the temperature of the battery 160 in S650 operation.

[0132] When a predetermined condition related to the battery 160 is satisfied, the aerosol generating device 100 can determine the detected value of the temperature sensor as the temperature of the battery 160. On the other hand, when a predetermined condition related to the battery 160 is not satisfied, the aerosol generating device 100 can determine the compensated result of the detected value of the temperature sensor as the temperature of the battery 160.

[0133] Meanwhile, the aerosol generating device 100 may determine whether to charge the battery 160 depending on the temperature of the battery 160. Here, when determining whether to charge the battery 160, the aerosol generating device 100 may determine the temperature of the battery 160 based on the detected value of the temperature sensor or a result value obtained by compensating the detected value of the temperature sensor.

[0134] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating apparatus 100 may determine whether the temperature of the battery 160 is within a predetermined temperature range (hereinafter referred to as a first temperature range) related to charging when the power line 560 is connected to the power terminal 550. Here, if the temperature of the battery 160 is not within the first temperature range, the aerosol generating apparatus 100 may cut off charging of the battery 160. For example, referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, while the battery 160 is being charged, if the detected value of the temperature sensor is equal to or greater than a detected value T0 corresponding to the highest temperature in the first temperature range, the aerosol generating apparatus 100 may cut off charging of the battery 160.

[0135] Meanwhile, the aerosol generating device 100 may determine whether to use the power stored in the battery 160 depending on the temperature of the battery 160. Here, when determining whether to use the power stored in the battery 160, the aerosol generating device 100 may determine the temperature of the battery 160 depending on the detected value of the temperature sensor.

[0136] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 may determine whether the temperature of the battery 160 is within a predetermined temperature range (hereinafter referred to as a second temperature range) related to discharge when the aerosol generating device 100 is powered on. Here, if the temperature of the battery 160 is not within the second temperature range, for example, if the temperature is equal to or higher than the maximum temperature of the second temperature range, the aerosol generating device 100 may cut off the use of the power stored in the battery 160. Meanwhile, the maximum temperature of the second temperature range may be higher than the maximum temperature of the first temperature range.

[0137] As described above, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the temperature of the battery 160 can be accurately detected using a temperature sensor disposed adjacent to the battery 160 .

[0138] Furthermore, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, while charging the battery 160, charging can be stopped as needed depending on the temperature of the battery 160, thereby increasing safety related to the battery 160 and user confidence in the product.

[0139] 1 to 9 , an aerosol generating device 100 according to one aspect of the present disclosure may include heaters 133 and 134 that heat an aerosol generating material, a battery 160 that supplies power to the heaters 133 and 134, a temperature sensor disposed adjacent to the battery 160, and a controller 170. When charging of the battery 160 is interrupted, the controller 170 may monitor the detected value of the temperature sensor. If the monitored detected value satisfies a predetermined condition related to the battery 160, the controller 170 may determine the detected value of the temperature sensor as the temperature of the battery 160. If the monitored detected value does not satisfy the predetermined condition, the controller 170 may determine the compensated value of the detected value of the temperature sensor as the temperature of the battery 160.

[0140] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, when at least one of a first interval in which the detection value increases and a second interval in which the detection value is maintained is monitored, the control unit 170 may determine that the predetermined condition is met.

[0141] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, when a section using the power of the battery 160 is monitored, the control unit 170 may determine that the predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0142] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit 170 may determine the resultant value as a value obtained by subtracting a predetermined compensation value from the detected value of the temperature sensor.

[0143] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, when a request is made to start charging the battery 160, the control unit 170 may determine whether to start charging the battery based on the determined battery temperature.

[0144] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the device may further include a power terminal 550 disposed on one side of the housing 500. When a power line 560 is connected to the power terminal 550, the control unit 170 may determine that a request to start charging the battery 160 has been made.

[0145] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, when the determined temperature of the battery 160 is equal to or higher than a predetermined first temperature, the control unit 170 may cut off charging of the battery 160.

[0146] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, when the determined temperature of the battery 160 is equal to or higher than a second temperature higher than the first temperature, the control unit 170 can cut off the supply of power to the components included in the aerosol generating device 100.

[0147] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the temperature sensor may include a thermistor mounted on a printed circuit board 540 disposed adjacent to the battery 160 .

[0148] Meanwhile, an operating method of the aerosol generating device 100 according to one aspect of the present disclosure may include an operation of monitoring the detection value of a temperature sensor disposed adjacent to the battery 160 when charging of the battery 160 is interrupted, an operation of determining the detection value of the temperature sensor as the temperature of the battery 160 if the result of monitoring the detection value satisfies a predetermined condition related to the battery 160, and an operation of determining the result of compensating the detection value of the temperature sensor as the temperature of the battery 160 if the result of monitoring the detection value does not satisfy the predetermined condition.

[0149] The specific embodiments or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct, and the structure or function of any or all elements of the embodiments of the present disclosure described above can be combined with other elements or combined with each other.

[0150] For example, configuration A described in one embodiment of the present disclosure and drawings and configuration B described in another embodiment of the present disclosure and 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.

[0151] While the embodiments have been described above in accordance with 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 particularly, 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 uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. a heater for heating the aerosol generating material; a battery that provides power to the heater so that the heater heats the aerosol-forming material; a temperature sensor positioned relative to the battery; a control unit; The control unit After charging of the battery is interrupted, a value of the temperature sensor is monitored; determining the temperature sensor value as a predetermined temperature of the battery if the monitored value of the temperature sensor satisfies a predetermined condition associated with the battery; An aerosol generating device characterized in that, if the monitored value of the temperature sensor does not satisfy the condition determined in relation to the battery, the resulting value obtained by compensating the value of the temperature sensor is determined to be the predetermined temperature of the battery.

2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, characterized in that the control unit further determines that the determined condition is met based on at least one of a first section in which the value of the temperature sensor increases and a second section in which the value of the temperature sensor is maintained constant.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit further determines that the determined condition is satisfied based on a period during which the battery supplies power to the heater.

4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit further determines a compensated value for the temperature sensor value by subtracting a predetermined compensation value from the temperature sensor value.

5. The aerosol generating device of claim 1 , wherein the control unit further determines whether to start charging the battery based on the determined battery temperature when a request is made to start charging the battery.

6. The power supply terminal may further include a power terminal coupled to one side of the housing. The aerosol generating device according to claim 5 , wherein the control unit further determines that a request to start charging the battery has been made when a power line is connected to the power supply terminal.

7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit further cuts off charging of the battery when the determined battery temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined first temperature.

8. The aerosol generating device described in claim 7, characterized in that the control unit further cuts off the supply of power to components included in the aerosol generating device when the determined battery temperature is equal to or higher than a second temperature higher than the first temperature.

9. 2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the temperature sensor includes a thermistor coupled to a printed circuit board disposed adjacent to the battery.

10. 1. A method of operating an aerosol generating device having a temperature sensor and a battery, comprising: monitoring a value of the temperature sensor after charging of the battery is interrupted; determining the temperature sensor value as a determined temperature of the battery if the monitored value of the temperature sensor satisfies a determined condition associated with the battery; A method for operating an aerosol generating device, comprising: if the monitored value of the temperature sensor does not satisfy a condition determined in relation to the battery, determining the resulting value of compensating the value of the temperature sensor as the determined temperature of the battery.

11. a heater for heating the aerosol generating material; a battery that provides power to the heater so that the heater heats the aerosol-forming material; a temperature sensor positioned relative to the battery; a control unit; The control unit After the charging of the battery is stopped, the value of the temperature sensor is checked for a predetermined time period; If the confirmed value of the temperature sensor satisfies a certain condition during the time period, it is determined that the confirmed value of the temperature sensor corresponds to the temperature of the battery; If the confirmed value of the temperature sensor does not satisfy the condition during the time period, the temperature of the battery is determined to be a combination of the confirmed value of the temperature sensor and a compensation value.

12. The aerosol generating device according to claim 11, wherein the control unit further determines whether to start charging the battery based on the determined battery temperature when a request to start charging the battery is received.

13. The control unit further If the temperature of the battery is equal to or greater than a first temperature, interrupting charging of the battery; The aerosol generating device according to claim 11, wherein when the temperature of the battery is equal to or higher than a second temperature higher than the first temperature, power supply to components included in the aerosol generating device is cut off.

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