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 may include a main body, a cartridge coupled to the main body, a puff sensor for detecting a puff, and a controller. The cartridge may include a heater for heating an aerosol generating material, and a memory for storing data. The controller may determine whether a predetermined condition for the cartridge is satisfied based on the data stored in the memory, and if the predetermined condition is satisfied, control the heater to be supplied with power based on the data stored in the memory, and if the number of times the puff is detected by the puff sensor exceeds a predetermined number, process the data stored in the memory so that the predetermined condition is not satisfied.

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 from a medium or substance via an aerosol. The medium may contain a variety of components. The components contained in the medium may be flavorings of a variety of components. For example, the components contained in the medium may 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 determine information about the cartridge to be used when the cartridge is in use.

[0005] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol generating device and an operating method thereof that can accurately determine information about a heater contained in a cartridge regardless of the surrounding environment.

[0006] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol generating device and an operating method thereof that can prevent reuse of a used cartridge.

[0007] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol generating device and method of operating the same that can prevent the use of unauthorized cartridges. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To achieve the above-mentioned object, an aerosol generating device according to one aspect of the present disclosure may include a main body, a cartridge coupled to the main body, a puff sensor that detects puffs, and a controller. The cartridge may include a heater that heats an aerosol generating material and a memory that stores data. The controller may determine whether a predetermined condition for the cartridge is met based on the data stored in the memory, and if the predetermined condition is met, control the heater to supply power based on the data stored in the memory. If the number of times the puff is detected by the puff sensor exceeds a predetermined number, the controller may process the data stored in the memory so that the predetermined condition is not met.

[0009] To achieve the above-mentioned object, an operating method of an aerosol generating device according to one aspect of the present disclosure can include an operation of determining whether a predetermined condition for the cartridge is met based on data stored in a memory of the cartridge, an operation of supplying power to a heater based on the data stored in the memory if the predetermined condition is met, and an operation of processing the data stored in the memory so that the predetermined condition is not met if the number of times puffs are detected by the puff sensor exceeds a predetermined number. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, information about the cartridge to be used can be accurately determined when the cartridge is in use.

[0011] At least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure allows accurate determination of information about the heater contained in the cartridge regardless of the surrounding environment.

[0012] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, reuse of a used cartridge can be prevented.

[0013] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, use of an unauthorized cartridge can be prevented.

[0014] 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]

[0015] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 illustrates an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 illustrates an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 illustrates a stick according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 illustrates a stick according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 illustrates a stick according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the aerosol generating device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

[0018] The suffixes "module" and "section" for components used in the following description are used solely for the convenience of explanation of the specification. "Module" and "section" do not have different meanings or roles from each other.

[0019] Furthermore, in the following description of the embodiments disclosed herein, detailed descriptions of related known technologies may be omitted if they may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed herein. The accompanying drawings are provided to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein, and do not limit the technical ideas disclosed herein. Therefore, the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as including all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Referring to FIG. 1 , the aerosol generating device 10 may include a communication interface 11 , an input / output interface 12 , an aerosol generating module 13 , a memory 14 , a sensor module 15 , a battery 16 , and / or a control unit 17 .

[0025] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 10 may be composed of only a main body. In this case, the components included in the aerosol generating device 10 may be located in the main body. In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device 10 may be composed of a cartridge that stores the aerosol generating material and the main body. In this case, the components included in the aerosol generating device 10 may be located in at least one of the main body and the cartridge.

[0026] The communication interface 11 may include at least one communication module for communication with an external device and / or a network. For example, the communication interface 11 may include a communication module for wired communication such as a universal serial bus (USB). For example, the communication interface 11 may include a communication module for wireless communication such as wireless fidelity (WiFi), Bluetooth®, Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE), Zigbee®, or near field communication (NFC).

[0027] The input / output interface 12 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.

[0028] The input / output interface 12 can transmit data corresponding to commands input by a user via the input device to other components (etc.) of the aerosol generating device 10. The input / output interface 12 can output information corresponding to data received from other components (etc.) of the aerosol generating device 10 via the output device.

[0029] The aerosol-generating module 13 can generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. Here, the aerosol-generating material can be 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] The aerosol generating material may further include an aerosol forming agent such as glycerin or propylene glycol.

[0033] The aerosol generation module 13 can include at least one heater.

[0034] The aerosol generation module 13 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] The aerosol generation module 13 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. 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.

[0038] On the other hand, the aerosol generation module 13 can also generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating substance by generating ultrasonic vibrations.

[0039] The aerosol generating module 13 may be referred to as a cartomizer, an atomizer, a vaporizer, or the like.

[0040] The memory 14 can store programs for various signal processing and control within the control unit 17, and can store data processed by the control unit 17 and data to be processed.

[0041] For example, memory 14 may store application programs designed to perform various tasks that can be processed by control unit 17, and may selectively provide some of the stored application programs upon request of control unit 17.

[0042] For example, the memory 14 may store the operating time of the aerosol generating device 10, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, the number of times the battery 16 has been charged, the number of times the battery 16 has been discharged, at least one temperature profile, data on the user's inhalation pattern, data on charging and discharging, etc. Here, a puff may refer to the user's inhalation, and inhalation may be a situation in which the user inhales through the mouth or nose into the user's oral cavity, nasal cavity, or lungs.

[0043] The memory 14 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.).

[0044] The sensor module 15 can include at least one sensor.

[0045] For example, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor for detecting a puff (hereinafter referred to as a puff sensor). Here, the puff sensor may be implemented by a proximity sensor such as an IR sensor, a pressure sensor, a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, a magnetic field sensor, or the like.

[0046] For example, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor for detecting 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.

[0047] For example, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor (hereinafter referred to as a temperature sensor) that detects the temperature of the heater included in the aerosol generation module 13, the temperature of the aerosol-generating material, etc. Here, the heater included in the aerosol generation module 13 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 (TCR). The sensor module 15 may sense the temperature of the heater by measuring the resistance of the heater, which changes depending on the temperature.

[0048] For example, if a stick can be inserted into the main body of the aerosol generation device 10, the sensor module 15 can include a sensor that detects the insertion of the stick (hereinafter referred to as a stick detection sensor).

[0049] For example, if the aerosol generation device 10 includes a cartridge, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor (hereinafter referred to as a cartridge detection sensor) that detects the attachment / detachment, position, etc. of the cartridge relative to the main body.

[0050] Here, the stick 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.

[0051] For example, the sensor module 15 may include a voltage sensor that detects the voltage applied to a component (e.g., the battery 16) provided in the aerosol generating device 10 and / or a current sensor that detects the current.

[0052] The battery 16 can supply power used for the operation of the aerosol generation device 10 under the control of the control unit 17. The battery 16 can supply power to other components provided in the aerosol generation device 10. For example, the battery 16 can supply power to a communication module included in the communication interface 11, an output device included in the input / output interface 12, a heater included in the aerosol generation module 13, etc.

[0053] The battery 16 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 16 may be, but is not limited to, a lithium-ion battery or a lithium polymer (Li-Polymer) battery. For example, if the battery 16 is rechargeable, the charge rate (C-rate) of the battery 16 may be, but is not limited to, 10C and the discharge rate (C-rate) of the battery 16 may be, but is not limited to, 10C to 20C. For stable use, the battery 16 may be manufactured to maintain 80% or more of its total capacity even after 2000 charge / discharge cycles.

[0054] The aerosol generating device 10 may further include a battery protection circuit module (PCM), which is a circuit for protecting the battery 16. The battery protection module (PCM) may be disposed adjacent to the upper surface of the battery 16. For example, to prevent overcharging and over-discharging of the battery 16, the battery protection module (PCM) may cut off the electrical path to the battery 16 when a short circuit occurs in a circuit connected to the battery 16, when an overvoltage is applied to the battery 16, when an overcurrent flows through the battery 16, or the like.

[0055] The aerosol generating device 10 may further include a charging terminal to which externally supplied power is input. For example, a charging terminal may be formed on one side of the body of the aerosol generating device 10, and the aerosol generating device 10 may charge the battery 16 using power supplied through the charging terminal. Here, the charging terminal may be a wired terminal for USB communication, a pogo pin, or the like.

[0056] The aerosol generating device 10 may further include a power terminal (not shown) 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 10. The aerosol generating device 10 may charge a battery using power supplied through the power line connected to the power terminal. Here, the power terminal may be a wired terminal for USB communication.

[0057] The aerosol generation device 10 can also wirelessly receive power supplied from an external source via the communication interface 11. For example, the aerosol generation device 10 can receive power wirelessly using an antenna included in a communication module for wireless communication, and can charge the battery 16 using the wirelessly supplied power.

[0058] The control unit 17 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generation device 10. The control unit 17 is connected to each component provided in the aerosol generation device 10, and can transmit and / or receive signals between each component to control the overall operation of each component.

[0059] The control unit 17 may include at least one processor and may use the processor to control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 10. 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.

[0060] The control unit 17 can perform any one of the multiple functions of the aerosol generation device 10. For example, the control unit 17 can execute any one of the multiple functions of the aerosol generation device 10 (e.g., preheating function, heating function, charging function, cleaning function, etc.) depending on the state of each component provided in the aerosol generation device 10, a user command received via the input / output interface 12, etc.

[0061] The control unit 17 can control the operation of each component included in the aerosol generation device 10 based on the data stored in the memory 14. For example, the control unit 17 can control the battery 16 to supply a predetermined amount of power to the aerosol generation module 13 for a predetermined period of time based on data about the temperature profile, the user's inhalation pattern, etc. stored in the memory 14.

[0062] The control unit 17 can determine whether a puff has occurred through the puff sensor included in the sensor module 15. For example, the control unit 17 can check changes in temperature, flow rate, pressure, voltage, etc. within the aerosol generating device 10 based on the sensing value of the puff sensor, and can determine whether a puff has occurred based on the confirmed results based on the sensing value of the puff sensor.

[0063] The control unit 17 can control the operation of each component included in the aerosol generating device 10 depending on whether or not a puff is performed and / or the number of puffs. For example, the control unit 17 can control the heater temperature to be changed or maintained based on the temperature profile stored in the memory 14.

[0064] The control unit 17 can control the power supply to the heater to be cut off under predetermined conditions, such as when the stick is removed and the cartridge is separated, when the number of puffs reaches a preset maximum number of puffs, when no puffs are detected for a preset time, or when the remaining charge of the battery 16 is less than a predetermined value.

[0065] The control unit 17 may calculate the remaining amount of power (hereinafter referred to as the remaining amount) stored in the battery 16. For example, the control unit 17 may calculate the remaining amount of the battery 16 based on the sensing values ​​of the voltage sensor and / or the current sensor included in the sensor module 15.

[0066] The control unit 17 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 17 may use a PWM method to control the supply of a current pulse having a predetermined frequency and duty ratio to the heater, where the control unit 17 may control the power supplied to the heater by adjusting the frequency and duty ratio of the current pulse.

[0068] For example, the control unit 17 can determine a target temperature based on the temperature profile. Here, the control unit 17 can control the power supplied to the heater using a PID method, which is a feedback control method using a difference between the heater temperature and the target temperature, a value obtained by integrating the difference over time, and a 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 invention 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] Meanwhile, the control unit 17 may control the heater to supply power under preset conditions. For example, when a cleaning function for cleaning a space where the stick is inserted is selected according to a command input by the user via the input / output interface 12, the control unit 17 may control the heater to supply a predetermined amount of power.

[0071] 2 and 3 are diagrams illustrating an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0072] According to various embodiments of the present invention, the aerosol generating device 10 can include a body 100 and / or a cartridge 200 .

[0073] The stick 20 may be divided into a first portion containing an aerosol-generating substance and a second portion containing a filter or the like. Alternatively, the second portion of the stick 20 may also contain an aerosol-generating substance. For example, the aerosol-generating substance in the form of granules or capsules may be inserted into the second portion.

[0074] The entire first part may be inserted into the aerosol generation device 10, and the second part may be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a portion of the first part may be inserted into the aerosol generation device 10, 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 by passing through the second part.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 2, an aerosol generating device 10 according to one embodiment can include a body 100 that supports a cartridge 200, and the cartridge 200 stores an aerosol generating substance.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the cartridge 200 may be configured to be detachable from the main body 100. According to another embodiment, the cartridge 200 may be configured integrally with the main body 100. For example, the cartridge 200 may be attached to the main body 100 by inserting at least a portion of the cartridge 200 into an internal space formed by the housing 101 of the main body 100.

[0077] The main body 100 may be formed in a structure that allows external air to flow into the main body 100 when the cartridge 200 is inserted. Here, the external air that has flowed into the main body 100 may flow to the user's mouth through the cartridge 200.

[0078] The control unit 17 can determine whether the cartridge 200 is attached or detached by using a cartridge detection sensor included in the sensor module 15. For example, the cartridge detection sensor can transmit a pulse current through one terminal connected to the cartridge 200. Here, the cartridge detection sensor can detect whether the cartridge 200 is attached or detached based on whether the pulse current is received through another terminal.

[0079] The cartridge 200 may include a heater 210 for heating an aerosol-generating substance and / or a reservoir 220 for storing the aerosol-generating substance. For example, a liquid transfer means impregnated (containing) the aerosol-generating substance may be disposed inside the reservoir 220. The electrically conductive track of the heater 210 may be formed in a structure that wraps around the liquid transfer means. Here, the liquid transfer means may be heated by the heater 210 to generate an aerosol. Here, the liquid transfer means may include a wick made of cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic.

[0080] The cartridge 200 may include an insertion space 230 configured to allow the insertion of the stick 20. For example, the cartridge 200 may include an insertion space formed by an inner wall (not shown) extending circumferentially along the direction in which the stick 20 is inserted. Here, the insertion space may be formed by opening the inside of the inner wall upward and downward. The stick 20 may be inserted into the insertion space 230 formed by the inner wall.

[0081] The insertion space into which the stick 20 is inserted may be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of a portion of the stick 20 to be inserted into the insertion space. For example, if the stick 20 is formed in a cylindrical shape, the insertion space may be formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0082] When the stick 20 is inserted into the insertion space, the outer circumferential surface of the stick 20 is surrounded by the inner wall and can come into contact with the inner wall.

[0083] A part of the stick 20 is inserted into the insertion space 230 of the cartridge 200, and the remaining part can be exposed to the outside.

[0084] A user can inhale the aerosol while holding one end of the stick 20 in their mouth. The aerosol generated by the heater 210 can be delivered to the user's mouth through the stick 20. As the aerosol passes through the stick 20, the substance contained in the stick 20 is added to the aerosol, and the aerosol with the added substance can be inhaled into the user's mouth through one end of the stick 20.

[0085] 3, an aerosol generating device 10 according to one embodiment may include a main body 100 that supports a cartridge 200, and the cartridge 200 stores an aerosol-generating substance. The main body 100 may be configured so that the stick 20 can be inserted into an insertion space 130.

[0086] The aerosol generating device 10 may include a first heater that heats the aerosol-generating material stored in the cartridge 200. For example, when a user inhales through one end of the stick 20 into the mouth, the aerosol generated by the first heater can pass through the stick 20. Here, a flavor can be added to the aerosol as it passes through the stick 20. The flavored aerosol can be inhaled into the user's mouth through one end of the stick 20.

[0087] Meanwhile, according to another embodiment, the aerosol generating device 10 may include a first heater that heats the aerosol generating material stored in the cartridge 200 and a second heater that heats the stick 20 inserted into the main body 100. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may generate an aerosol by heating the aerosol generating material stored in the cartridge 200 and the stick 20 using the first heater and the second heater, respectively.

[0088] 4 to 6 are diagrams illustrating a stick according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0089] 4, a stick 20 according to one embodiment can include a tobacco rod 21 and a filter rod 22. The first portion described above with reference to Figures 2 and 3 can include the tobacco rod 21. The second portion described above with reference to Figures 2 and 3 can include the filter rod 22.

[0090] Although the filter rod 22 is shown in Figure 5 as a single segment, this is not limiting. In other words, the filter rod 22 may be composed of multiple segments. For example, the filter rod 22 may 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 22 may also include at least one additional segment that performs another function.

[0091] The stick 20 may have a diameter ranging from 5 mm to 9 mm and a length of approximately 48 mm, but is not limited thereto. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may have a length of approximately 12 mm, the first segment of the filter rod 22 may have a length of approximately 10 mm, the second segment of the filter rod 22 may have a length of approximately 14 mm, and the third segment of the filter rod 22 may have a length of approximately 12 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0092] The stick 20 may be wrapped in at least one wrapper 24. The wrapper 24 may have at least one hole formed therein, allowing external air to enter or internal gas to escape. As an example, the stick 20 may be wrapped in a single wrapper 24. As another example, the stick 20 may be wrapped in two or more overlapping wrappers 24. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be wrapped in a first wrapper 241. For example, the filter rod 22 may be wrapped in wrappers 242, 243, and 244. The tobacco rod 21 and the filter rod 22 wrapped in individual wrappers may be combined, and the entire stick 20 may be further wrapped in a third wrapper. If each filter rod 22 is composed of multiple segments, each segment may be wrapped in an individual wrapper 242, 243, and 244. The entire stick 20, including the combined segments wrapped in individual wrappers, may be further wrapped in another wrapper.

[0093] The first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be made of a common filter wrapper. For example, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be porous or non-porous. The first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may also be made of oil-resistant paper and / or aluminum laminate packaging material.

[0094] The third wrapper 243 may be made of hard wrapping paper. For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper 243 may be in the range of 88 g / m² to 96 g / m². For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper 243 may be in the range of 90 g / m² to 94 g / m². The thickness of the third wrapper 243 may be in the range of 120 μm to 130 μm. For example, the thickness of the third wrapper 243 may be 125 μm.

[0095] The fourth wrapper 244 may be made of oil-resistant hard wrapping paper. For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 244 may be in the range of 88 g / m² to 96 g / m². For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 244 may be in the range of 90 g / m² to 94 g / m². The thickness of the fourth wrapper 244 may be in the range of 120 μm to 130 μm. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 244 may be 125 μm.

[0096] The fifth wrapper 245 may be made of a sterilized paper (MFW). The sterilized paper (MFW) may be specially manufactured to have improved tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. compared to general paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 245 may be in the range of 57 g / m² to 63 g / m². For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 245 may be 60 g / m². 2 The thickness of the fifth wrapper 245 may be in the range of 64 μm to 70 μm. For example, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 245 may be 67 μm.

[0097] The fifth wrapper 245 may include a predetermined material. An example of the predetermined material may be, but is not limited to, silicon. For example, silicon may have properties such as heat resistance (i.e., small changes due to temperature), oxidation resistance (i.e., no oxidation), resistance to various chemicals, water repellency, and electrical insulation. However, any material other than silicon that has the above-mentioned properties may be applied or coated onto the fifth wrapper 245 without limitation.

[0098] The fifth wrapper 245 can prevent the stick 20 from burning. For example, when the tobacco rod 21 is heated by the heater 210, the stick 20 may burn. Specifically, if the temperature of the tobacco rod 21 rises above the flash point of any one of the materials contained in the tobacco rod 21, the stick 20 may burn. Even in such a case, the fifth wrapper 245 contains a non-flammable material, so the stick 20 can be prevented from burning.

[0099] In addition, the fifth wrapper 245 can prevent the main body 100 from being contaminated by the substance produced in the stick 20. A liquid substance can be produced in the stick 20 when the user puffs. For example, a liquid substance (e.g., water) can be produced when the aerosol produced in the stick 20 is cooled by external air. The fifth wrapper 245 wraps the stick 20, thereby preventing the liquid substance produced in the stick 20 from leaking out of the stick 20.

[0100] The tobacco rod 21 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 21 may also contain other additives such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids. A flavoring liquid such as menthol or a humectant may be added to the tobacco rod 21 by spraying it onto the tobacco rod 21.

[0101] The tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured in a variety of ways. For example, the tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured from a sheet. For example, the tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured from a strand. For example, the tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured from finely chopped tobacco sheets. For example, the tobacco rod 21 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 21 can uniformly distribute heat transferred to the tobacco rod 21 and improve thermal conductivity to the tobacco rod, thereby improving the tobacco taste. The thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can function as a susceptor heated by an induction heater. Although not shown in the drawings, the tobacco rod 21 can further include an additional susceptor in addition to the thermally conductive material surrounding the exterior.

[0102] The filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. However, the shape of the filter rod 22 is not limited. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a cylindrical rod. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a tube-type rod having a hollow interior. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a recess-type rod. When the filter rod 22 is composed of multiple segments, at least one of the multiple segments may be manufactured in a different shape.

[0103] The first segment of the filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the first segment may be a tubular structure having a hollow interior. The first segment prevents the inner material of the tobacco rod 21 from being pushed backward when the heater 110 is inserted, and also provides a cooling effect for the aerosol. The diameter of the hollow interior of the first segment may be an appropriate diameter within the range of 2 mm to 4.5 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0104] The length of the first segment can be an appropriate length within the range of 4 mm to 30 mm, but is not limited thereto. For example, the length of the first segment can be 10 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0105] The second segment of the filter rod 22 cools the aerosol generated by the heater 110 heating the tobacco rod 21. Thus, the user can inhale the aerosol cooled to an appropriate temperature.

[0106] The length or diameter of the second segment can be determined in various ways depending on the shape of the stick 20. For example, the length of the second segment can be appropriately set within the range of 7 mm to 20 mm. Preferably, the length of the second segment can be about 14 mm, but is not limited to this.

[0107] The second segment can be made by weaving polymer fibers, in which case a flavor liquid can be applied to the polymer fibers, or by weaving the polymer fibers together with separate fibers that have been coated with a flavor liquid, or by forming the second segment from a crimped polymer sheet.

[0108] For example, the polymer may be made from a material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PLA), cellulose acetate (CA), and aluminum foil.

[0109] The second segment may be formed from woven polymer fibers or a crimped polymer sheet, such that the second segment includes one or more longitudinally extending channels, where the channels may be passageways through which a gas (e.g., air or aerosol) may pass.

[0110] For example, the second segment of crimped polymer sheet may be formed from a material having a thickness between about 5 μm and about 300 μm, such as between about 10 μm and about 250 μm, and the total surface area of ​​the second segment may be less than about 300 mm 2 / mm and approximately 1000mm 2 / mm. The aerosol cooling element may have a specific surface area of ​​about 10 mm 2 / mg and about 100mm 2 It can be made from materials between 1 / mg.

[0111] Meanwhile, the second segment can include a thread containing a volatile flavor component, which can be, but is not limited to, menthol. For example, the thread can be loaded with a sufficient amount of menthol to provide 1.5 mg or more of menthol to the second segment.

[0112] The third segment of the filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. The length of the third segment may be appropriately selected within a range of 4 mm to 20 mm. For example, the length of the third segment may be approximately 12 mm, but is not limited to this.

[0113] The filter rod 22 may be manufactured to emit a flavor. For example, a flavoring liquid may be sprayed onto the filter rod 22. For example, a separate fiber coated with a flavoring liquid may be inserted into the filter rod 22.

[0114] The filter rod 22 may also include at least one capsule 23. The capsule 23 may function to generate a flavor. The capsule 23 may also function to generate an aerosol. For example, the capsule 23 may have a structure in which a liquid containing a flavoring agent is enclosed in a coating. The capsule 23 may have, but is not limited to, a spherical or cylindrical shape.

[0115] 5, the stick 30 according to one embodiment may further include a front-end plug 33. The front-end plug 33 is located on one side of the tobacco rod 31, facing the filter rod 32. The front-end plug 33 prevents the tobacco rod 31 from detaching to the outside. The front-end plug 33 prevents aerosol liquefied from the tobacco rod 31 during smoking from flowing into the aerosol generation device 10.

[0116] Filter rod 32 can include a first segment 321 and a second segment 322. First segment 321 can correspond to the first segment of filter rod 22 of Figure 5. Second segment 322 can correspond to the third segment of filter rod 22 of Figure 5.

[0117] The diameter and overall length of the stick 30 may correspond to the diameter and overall length of the stick 20 in Figure 5. For example, but not limited to, the length of the front end plug 33 may be about 7 mm, the length of the tobacco rod 31 may be about 15 mm, the length of the first segment 321 may be about 12 mm, and the length of the second segment 322 may be about 14 mm.

[0118] The stick 30 may be wrapped in at least one wrapper 35. The wrapper 35 may have at least one hole formed therein through which external air can enter or internal gas can escape. For example, the front end plug 33 may be wrapped in a first wrapper 351, the tobacco rod 31 may be wrapped in a second wrapper 352, the first segment 321 may be wrapped in a third wrapper 353, and the second segment 322 may be wrapped in a fourth wrapper 354. The entire stick 30 may then be rewrapped in a fifth wrapper 355.

[0119] In addition, at least one perforation 36 may be formed in the fifth wrapper 355. For example, but not limited to, the perforation 36 may be formed in the area surrounding the tobacco rod 31. For example, the perforation 36 may serve to transfer heat generated by the heater 210 shown in FIG. 3 to the interior of the tobacco rod 31.

[0120] The second segment 322 may also include at least one capsule 34. The capsule 34 may also function to generate a flavor. The capsule 34 may also function to generate an aerosol. For example, the capsule 34 may have a structure in which a liquid containing a flavoring agent is enclosed in a coating. The capsule 34 may have, but is not limited to, a spherical or cylindrical shape.

[0121] The first wrapper 351 may be formed by bonding a metal foil, such as aluminum foil, to a common filter wrapper. For example, the total thickness of the first wrapper 351 may be in the range of 45 μm to 55 μm. For example, the total thickness of the first wrapper 351 may be 50.3 μm. The thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper 351 may be in the range of 6 μm to 7 μm. For example, the thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper 351 may be 6.3 μm. The basis weight of the first wrapper 351 may be 50 g / m 2 ~55g / m 2 For example, the basis weight of the first wrapper 351 may be in the range of 53 g / m 2 It could be.

[0122] The second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 may be made of a common filter wrapper, for example, the second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 may be a porous wrapper or a non-porous wrapper.

[0123] For example, the porosity of the second wrapper 352 may be, but is not limited to, 35,000 CU. The thickness of the second wrapper 352 may be in the range of 70 μm to 80 μm. For example, the thickness of the second wrapper 352 may be 78 μm. The basis weight of the second wrapper 352 may be 20 g / m. 2 ~25g / m 2 For example, the basis weight of the second wrapper 352 may be in the range of 23.5 g / m 2 It could be.

[0124] For example, the porosity of the third wrapper 353 may be, but is not limited to, 24000 CU. The thickness of the third wrapper 353 may be in the range of 60 μm to 70 μm. For example, the thickness of the third wrapper 353 may be 68 μm. The basis weight of the third wrapper 353 may be in the range of 20 g / m2 to 25 g / m2. For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper 353 may be 21 g / m2. 2 It could be.

[0125] The fourth wrapper 354 may be made of PLA laminated paper. Here, the PLA laminated paper may be a triple-ply paper including a paper layer, a PLA layer, and another paper layer. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 354 may be in the range of 100 μm to 120 μm. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 354 may be 110 μm. In addition, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 354 may be 80 g / m 2 ~100g / m 2 For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 354 may be in the range of 88 g / m 2 It could be.

[0126] The fifth wrapper 355 may be made of a sterilized paper (MFW). The sterilized paper (MFW) may be specially manufactured to have improved tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. compared to general paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 355 is 57 g / m 2 ~63g / m 2 For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 355 may be in the range of 60 g / m 2 The thickness of the fifth wrapper 355 may be in the range of 64 μm to 70 μm. For example, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 355 may be 67 μm.

[0127] The fifth wrapper 355 may include a predetermined material. An example of the predetermined material may be, but is not limited to, silicon. For example, silicon has properties such as heat resistance (i.e., small changes due to temperature), oxidation resistance (i.e., no oxidation), resistance to various chemicals, water repellency, and electrical insulation. However, any material other than silicon that has the above-mentioned properties may be applied (or coated) to the fifth wrapper 355 without limitation.

[0128] The front end plug 33 may be made of cellulose acetate. For example, the front end plug 33 may be made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulose acetate toe. The mono-denier of the filaments constituting the cellulose acetate toe may be in the range of 1.0 to 10.0. For example, the mono-denier of the filaments constituting the cellulose acetate toe may be in the range of 4.0 to 6.0. For example, the mono-denier of the filaments constituting the front end plug 33 may be 5.0. The cross section of the filaments constituting the front end plug 33 may be Y-shaped. The total denier of the front end plug 33 may be in the range of 20,000 to 30,000. For example, the total denier of the front end plug 33 may be in the range of 25,000 to 30,000. For example, the total denier of the front end plug 33 may be 28,000.

[0129] Optionally, the front end plug 33 may also include at least one channel, the cross section of which may be fabricated in a variety of shapes.

[0130] The tobacco rod 31 may correspond to the tobacco rod 21 described above with reference to Figure 5. Therefore, a detailed description of the tobacco rod 31 will be omitted below.

[0131] The first segment 321 may be made of cellulose acetate. For example, the first segment may be a hollow, tubular structure. The first segment 321 may be made of cellulose acetate to which a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) is added. For example, the mono-denier and total denier of the first segment 321 may be the same as the mono-denier and total denier of the front end plug 33.

[0132] The second segment 322 may be made of cellulose acetate. The mono denier of the filaments constituting the second segment 322 may be in the range of 1.0 to 10.0. For example, the mono denier of the filaments of the second segment 322 may be in the range of 8.0 to 10.0. For example, the mono denier of the filaments of the second segment 322 may be 9.0. The cross section of the filaments of the second segment 322 may be Y-shaped. The total denier of the second segment 322 may be in the range of 20,000 to 30,000. For example, the total denier of the second segment 322 may be 25,000.

[0133] 6, the stick 40 may include a medium portion 410. The stick 40 may include a cooling portion 420. The stick 40 may include a filter portion 430. The cooling portion 420 may be disposed between the medium portion 410 and the filter portion 430. The stick 40 may include a wrapper 440. The wrapper 440 may wrap the medium portion 410. The wrapper 440 may wrap the cooling portion 420. The wrapper 440 may wrap the filter portion 430. The stick 40 may have a cylindrical shape.

[0134] The medium portion 410 may include a medium 411. The medium portion 410 may include a first medium cover 413. The medium portion 410 may include a second medium cover 415. The medium 411 may be disposed between the first medium cover 413 and the second medium cover 415. The first medium cover 413 may be disposed at one end of the stick 40. The length of the medium portion 410 may be 24 mm.

[0135] The medium 411 may contain various substances. The substances contained in the medium may be flavoring substances. The medium 411 may be composed of a plurality of granules. Each of the granules may have a size of 0.4 mm to 1.12 mm. The medium 411 may be filled with the granules approximately 70% of the interior thereof. The length L2 of the medium 411 may be 10 mm. The first medium cover 413 may be made of acetate material. The second medium cover 415 may be made of acetate material. The first medium cover 413 may be made of paper material. The second medium cover 415 may be made of paper material. At least one of the first medium cover 413 and the second medium cover 415 may be made of paper material and may have a wrinkled shape, forming a plurality of gaps between them for air to flow. The gaps may be smaller than the size of each granule of the medium 411. The length L1 of the first medium cover 413 may be shorter than the length L2 of the medium 411. The length L3 of the second medium cover 413 may be shorter than the length L2 of the medium 411. The length L1 of the first medium cover 413 may be 7 mm. The length L2 of the second medium cover 413 may be 7 mm.

[0136] Therefore, each granule of the medium 411 cannot be separated from the medium portion 410 and the stick 40 .

[0137] The cooling portion 420 may have a cylindrical shape. The cooling portion 420 may have a hollow shape. The cooling portion 420 may be disposed between the medium portion 410 and the filter portion 430. The cooling portion 420 may be disposed between the second medium portion 415 and the filter portion 430. The cooling portion 420 may be formed in a tubular shape surrounding the cooling passage 424 therein. The cooling portion 420 may be thicker than the wrapper 440. The cooling portion 420 may be made of a paper material that is thicker than the wrapper 440. The length L4 of the cooling portion 420 may be the same as or approximately the same as the length L2 of the medium 411. The length L4 of the cooling portion 420 and the cooling passage 424 may be 10 mm. When the stick 40 is inserted into the aerosol generation device 10, at least a portion of the cooling portion 420 may be exposed to the outside of the aerosol generation device 10.

[0138] Therefore, the cooling unit 420 supports the medium unit 410 and the filter unit 430, thereby ensuring the rigidity of the stick 40. Furthermore, the cooling unit 420 supports the wrapper 440 between the medium unit 410 and the filter unit 430, thereby ensuring a location where the wrapper 440 is adhered. Furthermore, the heated air and aerosol can be cooled while passing through the cooling passage 424 inside the cooling unit 420.

[0139] The filter part 430 may be made of an acetate filter. The filter part 430 may be disposed at the other end of the stick 40. When the stick 40 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 10, the filter part 430 may be exposed to the outside of the aerosol generating device 10. A user may hold the filter part 430 in their mouth and inhale air. The length L5 of the filter part 430 may be 14 mm.

[0140] The wrapper 440 may wrap or surround the medium portion 410, the cooling portion 420, and the filter portion 430. The wrapper 440 may form the outer shape of the stick 40. The wrapper 440 may be made of a paper material. The adhesive portion 441 may be formed on one side edge of the wrapper 440. The wrapper 440 wraps the medium portion 410, the cooling portion 420, and the filter portion 430, and the adhesive portion 441 formed on one side edge and the other side edge may be adhered to each other. The wrapper 440 wrapping the medium portion 410, the cooling portion 420, and the filter portion 430 does not have to cover one end and the other end of the stick 40.

[0141] Therefore, the wrapper 440 can fix the medium portion 410, the cooling portion 420 and the filter portion 430 and prevent them from coming off the stick 40.

[0142] The first thin film 443 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the first medium cover 413. The first thin film 443 may be disposed between the wrapper 440 and the first medium cover 413, or may be disposed outside the wrapper 440. The first thin film 443 may surround the first medium cover 413. The first thin film 443 may be made of a metal material. The first thin film 443 may be made of an aluminum material. The first thin film 443 may be adhered to or coated on the wrapper 440.

[0143] The second thin film 445 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the second medium cover 415. The second thin film 445 may be disposed between the wrapper 440 and the second medium cover 415, or may be disposed outside the wrapper 440. The second thin film 445 may be made of a metal material. The second thin film 445 may be made of an aluminum material. The second thin film 445 may be adhered to or coated on the wrapper 440.

[0144] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0145] Referring to FIG. 7, the aerosol generating device 10 can include a main body 100 and a cartridge 200.

[0146] The main body 100 may include a control unit 17, a memory 140, and / or a puff sensor 150 that detects a puff.

[0147] The cartridge 200 may include a heater 210 and / or a memory 240 .

[0148] The memory 140 of the main body 100 may store data corresponding to the components included in the main body 100. For example, the memory 140 of the main body 100 may store data regarding the total capacity of the battery 16.

[0149] The memory 240 of the cartridge 200 may store data corresponding to the configuration included in the cartridge 200. For example, the memory 240 of the cartridge 200 may store data regarding the resistance of the heater 210, data regarding the temperature profile, data regarding the aerosol-generating material contained in the storage portion 220, and data regarding the predetermined number of puffs.

[0150] The main body 100 and the cartridge 200 may each include at least one connection terminal 180, 280. When the main body 100 and the cartridge 200 are coupled together, the connection terminal 180 of the main body 100 and the connection terminal 280 of the cartridge 200 may be electrically connected.

[0151] The control unit 17 of the main body 100 and the memory 240 of the cartridge 200 can communicate with each other. For example, the control unit 17 of the main body 100 and the memory 240 of the cartridge 200 can communicate with each other using a single-wire communication interface (1-wire interface) according to a predetermined protocol. Here, signals can be transmitted between the control unit 17 of the main body 100 and the memory 240 of the cartridge 200 via the connection terminals 180, 280 of the main body 100 and the cartridge 200.

[0152] The control unit 17 can acquire data from the memory 240 of the cartridge 200. For example, the control unit 17 can receive at least a portion of the data stored in the memory 240 of the cartridge 200 from the memory 240 of the cartridge 200.

[0153] The control unit 17 can check the data stored in the memory 240 of the cartridge 200. For example, the control unit 17 can check the resistance value of the heater 210 corresponding to a reference temperature and the temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) of the heater 210 based on the data about the heater 210 among the data stored in the memory 240 of the cartridge 200. For example, the control unit 17 can check the components and composition ratio of the aerosol-generating material based on the data about the aerosol-generating material among the data stored in the memory 240 of the cartridge 200.

[0154] The control unit 17 can process the data stored in the memory 240 of the cartridge 200. For example, the control unit 17 can add new data to the data stored in the memory 240 of the cartridge 200. For example, the control unit 17 can change or delete the data stored in the memory 240 of the cartridge 200.

[0155] The control unit 17 can determine whether the data stored in the memory 240 of the cartridge 200 is valid. For example, the control unit 17 can determine whether the data about the heater 210 is valid based on whether the resistance value of the heater 210 included in the data about the heater 210 is within a predetermined resistance range. For example, the control unit 17 can determine whether the data about the heater 210 is valid based on whether the temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) of the heater 210 included in the data about the heater 210 is within a predetermined TCR range. For example, the control unit 17 can determine whether the data about the temperature profile is valid based on whether a predetermined number of temperature profiles are stored in the data about the temperature profile. For example, the control unit 17 can determine whether the data about the temperature profile is valid based on whether a predetermined number of temperature profiles are stored in the data about the temperature profile.

[0156] According to one embodiment, the data stored in memory 240 of cartridge 200 may be encrypted data.

[0157] The control unit 17 can decrypt data stored in the memory 240 of the cartridge 200 according to a predetermined standard. For example, the control unit 17 can decrypt data stored in the memory 240 of the cartridge 200 based on an encryption key stored in the memory 140 of the main body 100. Here, when the decryption of the data stored in the memory 240 of the cartridge 200 is completed, the control unit 17 can determine that the cartridge 200 is an authenticated cartridge.

[0158] The control unit 17 can add encrypted data to the memory 240 of the cartridge 200 according to a predetermined standard. For example, the control unit 17 can transmit data about the number of times puffs are detected via the puff sensor 150, encrypted based on an encryption key stored in the memory 140 of the main body 100, to the memory 240 of the cartridge 200.

[0159] In the present disclosure, a Symmetric Key Cryptography (SKC) method is used in which the encryption key used for encryption and the encryption key used for decryption are the same, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0160] The control unit 17 can determine the temperature of the heater 210 based on the data stored in the memory 240 of the cartridge 200. For example, the control unit 17 can determine the resistance value and the temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) of the heater 210 based on the data about the heater 210 stored in the memory 240 of the cartridge 200. Here, the control unit 17 can calculate the current temperature of the heater 210 based on the resistance value of the heater 210 corresponding to a reference temperature, the temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) of the heater 210, and the current resistance value of the heater 210 using a calculation formula for calculating the temperature of the heater 210. Here, the calculation formula for calculating the temperature of the heater 210 can be expressed as the following mathematical formula 1. TCR = (R1 - R0) / R0 ÷ (T1 - T0)

[0161] In Equation 1, TCR is the temperature coefficient of resistance of the heater 210, T1 is the current temperature of the heater 210, R1 is the current resistance value of the heater 210, T0 is the reference temperature, and R0 is the resistance value of the heater 210 corresponding to the reference temperature.

[0162] 8 and 9 are flowcharts illustrating a method of operating an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0163] 8, the aerosol generation device 10 can determine in operation S810 whether a predetermined condition for the cartridge 200 is satisfied. For example, the aerosol generation device 10 can determine whether a predetermined condition for the cartridge 200 is satisfied based on the coupling of the main body 100 and the cartridge 200. For example, the aerosol generation device 10 can determine whether a predetermined condition for the cartridge 200 is satisfied based on the insertion of the stick 20. This will be described with reference to FIG. 9.

[0164] 9, in operation S910, the aerosol generating device 10 can decrypt the data stored in the memory 240 of the cartridge 200. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 can decrypt each piece of data stored in the memory 240 of the cartridge 200 based on the encryption key stored in the memory 140 of the main body 100.

[0165] In operation S920, the aerosol generating device 10 can determine whether decryption of the data stored in the memory 240 of the cartridge 200 is complete. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 can determine that decryption is complete if all of the data stored in the memory 240 of the cartridge 200 has been decrypted based on the encryption key.

[0166] When the aerosol generating device 10 completes the decoding of the data stored in the memory 240 of the cartridge 200 in operation S930, it can determine whether the data stored in the memory 240 of the cartridge 200 is valid.

[0167] In operation S940, if all of the data stored in the memory 240 of the cartridge 200 is valid, the aerosol generating device 10 can determine that the predetermined conditions for the cartridge 200 are met.

[0168] On the other hand, if the aerosol generating device 10 is unable to decode at least some of the data stored in the memory 240 of the cartridge 200 during operation S950, or if at least some of the data stored in the memory 240 of the cartridge 200 is invalid, it can determine that the specified conditions for the cartridge 200 are not met.

[0169] 8 , in operation S820, if a predetermined condition for the cartridge 200 is satisfied, the aerosol generating device 10 can supply power to the heater 210 based on data stored in the memory 240 of the cartridge 200. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 can supply power to the heater 210 based on a temperature profile stored in the memory 240 of the cartridge 200.

[0170] In operation S830, the aerosol generating device 10 can determine whether the number of puffs detected via the puff sensor 150 exceeds a predetermined number. Here, the predetermined number can be set based on data regarding a predetermined number of puffs among data stored in the memory 240 of the cartridge 200.

[0171] The aerosol generating device 10 can continue to supply power to the heater 210 based on the temperature profile when the number of puffs detected via the puff sensor 150 is equal to or less than a predetermined number.

[0172] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 10 can add data about the number of times a puff is detected via the puff sensor 150 to the memory 240 of the cartridge 200, encrypted based on an encryption key stored in the memory 140 of the main body 100.

[0173] In operation S840, if the number of times puffs are detected via the puff sensor 150 exceeds a predetermined number, the aerosol generating device 10 can process the data stored in the memory 240 of the cartridge 200 so that a predetermined condition for the cartridge 200 is not met. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 can change or delete at least a portion of the data stored in the memory 240 of the cartridge 200.

[0174] Meanwhile, the aerosol generating device 10 can cut off the supply of power to the heater 210 when the number of times that puffs are detected via the puff sensor 150 exceeds a predetermined number.

[0175] Referring to FIG. 10, the data stored in memory 240 of cartridge 200 can include data 1010 about heater 210, data 1020 about the temperature profile, and data 1030 about the aerosol-generating material.

[0176] The data 1010 about the heater 210 may include a resistance value of the heater 210. The data 1020 about the temperature profile may include at least one temperature profile. The data 1030 about the aerosol-generating material may include components and composition ratios of the aerosol-generating material.

[0177] The aerosol generation device 10 can change the data stored in the memory 240 of the cartridge 200 so that a predetermined condition for the cartridge 200 is not satisfied. The aerosol generation device 10 can change at least a portion of the data stored in the memory 240 of the cartridge 200 to dummy data. For example, the aerosol generation device 10 can change the values ​​of at least a portion of the data stored in the memory 240 of the cartridge 200 to null values.

[0178] According to one embodiment, if at least a portion of the data stored in memory 240 of cartridge 200 is changed to dummy data, the data may become undecryptable. According to one embodiment, if at least a portion of the data stored in memory 240 of cartridge 200 is changed to dummy data, the data may be determined to be invalid.

[0179] As previously described, at least one embodiment of the present disclosure allows information about the cartridge 200 to be accurately determined when the cartridge 200 is in use.

[0180] At least one embodiment of the present disclosure allows accurate determination of information about the heater 210 contained in the cartridge 200 regardless of the surrounding environment.

[0181] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, reuse of a used cartridge 200 can be prevented.

[0182] At least one embodiment of the present disclosure may prevent the use of an unauthorized cartridge 200.

[0183] 1 to 10, an aerosol generating device 10 according to one aspect of the present disclosure may include a main body, a cartridge coupled to the main body, a puff sensor for detecting puffs, and a controller. The cartridge may include a heater for heating an aerosol generating material and a memory for storing data. The controller may determine whether a predetermined condition for the cartridge is met based on the data stored in the memory, and if the predetermined condition is met, control the heater to supply power based on the data stored in the memory. If the number of times the puff is detected by the puff sensor exceeds a predetermined number, the controller may process the data stored in the memory so that the predetermined condition is not met.

[0184] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit may determine that the specified condition is met if all of the data stored in the memory is valid, and may determine that the specified condition is not met if at least some of the data stored in the memory is invalid.

[0185] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the data stored in the memory may include at least one of data regarding the resistance value of the heater, data regarding a temperature profile, data regarding the aerosol-generating material, and data regarding the predetermined number of times.

[0186] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit may change at least a portion of the data stored in the memory to dummy data if the number of times the puff is sensed exceeds the predetermined number.

[0187] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the main body may include a connection terminal protruding from the main body, and the controller may access data stored in the memory through the connection terminal using a single-wire communication interface.

[0188] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit can decrypt the data stored in the memory based on an encryption key and determine whether the specified condition is met based on the decrypted data.

[0189] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit may determine that the predetermined condition is not met if at least a portion of the data stored in the memory cannot be decrypted.

[0190] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit can encrypt the number of times the puff is detected by the puff sensor based on an encryption key and store data regarding the encrypted number of times in the memory.

[0191] Meanwhile, an operating method of the aerosol generating device 10 according to one aspect of the present disclosure may include an operation of determining whether a predetermined condition for the cartridge is met based on data stored in the memory of the cartridge, an operation of supplying power to the heater based on the data stored in the memory if the predetermined condition is met, and an operation of processing the data stored in the memory so that the predetermined condition is not met if the number of times puffs are detected by the puff sensor exceeds a predetermined number.

[0192] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the operation of determining whether the predetermined condition is met may include an operation of determining that the predetermined condition is met if all of the data stored in the memory is valid, and an operation of determining that the predetermined condition is not met if at least a portion of the data stored in the memory is invalid.

[0193] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the operation of processing the data stored in the memory may include an operation of changing at least a portion of the data stored in the memory to dummy data.

[0194] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the operation of determining whether the predetermined condition is met may include an operation in which a control unit included in a main body coupled to the cartridge checks the data stored in the memory via a connection terminal disposed on the main body so as to protrude outside the main body using a single-wire communication interface (1-wire interface).

[0195] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the operation of determining whether the predetermined condition is met may include an operation of decrypting data stored in the memory according to a predetermined criterion, an operation of determining that the predetermined condition is not met if at least a portion of the data stored in the memory cannot be decrypted, and an operation of determining whether the predetermined condition is met based on the decrypted data if the decoding of the data stored in the memory is completed.

[0196] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the operation of supplying power to the heater may include an operation of encrypting the number of times the puff is detected by the puff sensor based on an encryption key, and an operation of storing data about the encrypted number of times in the memory.

[0197] 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.

[0198] 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.

[0199] 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. The main body and a cartridge coupled to the main body, the cartridge including a heater for heating an aerosol generating material by supplied power and a memory for storing data; A puff sensor that detects puffs, a control unit; The control unit determining whether a predetermined condition for use of the cartridge is met based on the data stored in the memory; controlling the power supplied to the heater when the predetermined condition is met; An aerosol generating device characterized in that, when the number of times the puff is detected by the puff sensor exceeds a predetermined number, the data stored in the memory is processed to indicate that the predetermined condition is not met.

2. The control unit further If all of the data stored in the memory is valid, it is determined that the predetermined condition is met; The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the predetermined condition is determined not to be satisfied if at least a portion of the data stored in the memory is invalid.

3. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the data stored in the memory includes at least one of data regarding the resistance value of the heater, data regarding the temperature profile, data regarding the aerosol generating material, and data regarding the predetermined number of times.

4. 2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit further changes at least a portion of the data stored in the memory to dummy data when the number of times the puffs are sensed exceeds the predetermined number.

5. The body includes: The control unit; a connection terminal coupled to the main body and protruding outward from the main body, The aerosol generating device described in claim 1, characterized in that the control unit further accesses the data stored in the memory via the connection terminal using a single wire communication interface (1-wire interface).

6. The control unit further decrypting the data stored in the memory based on an encryption key; The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein it is determined whether the predetermined condition is satisfied based on the decoded data.

7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 6, wherein the control unit further determines that the predetermined condition is not satisfied if at least a portion of the data stored in the memory cannot be decrypted.

8. The control unit further encrypting data relating to the number of times the puff is sensed by the puff sensor based on an encryption key; The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the data stored in the memory is updated to include the encrypted data.

9. 1. A method of operating an aerosol generating device having a cartridge, comprising: determining whether a predetermined condition for use of the cartridge is met based on data stored in a memory associated with the cartridge; providing power to a heater if the predetermined condition is met; A method for operating an aerosol generating device, comprising: updating the data stored in the memory to indicate that the predetermined condition is not met if the number of times puffs are detected by the puff sensor exceeds a predetermined number.

10. The operation of determining whether the predetermined condition is satisfied includes: determining that the predetermined condition is met if all of the data stored in the memory is valid; The method for operating the aerosol generating device described in claim 9, characterized in that it includes an operation of determining that the predetermined condition is not met if at least a portion of the data stored in the memory is invalid.

11. The method for operating an aerosol generating device described in claim 9, characterized in that the data stored in the memory includes at least one of data regarding the resistance value of the heater, data regarding the temperature profile, data regarding the aerosol generating material, and data regarding the specified number of times.

12. The method of claim 9, further comprising: changing at least a portion of the data stored in the memory to dummy data when the number of times the puffs are sensed exceeds the predetermined number.

13. The method for operating the aerosol generating device described in claim 9, further comprising an operation of accessing the data stored in the memory through a connection terminal located on the body of the aerosol generating device so as to protrude outside the body of the aerosol generating device using a single wire communication interface (1-wire interface).

14. The operation of determining whether the predetermined condition is satisfied includes: decoding the data stored in the memory according to a predetermined criterion; determining that the predetermined condition is not met if at least a portion of the data stored in the memory cannot be decrypted; The method for operating the aerosol generating device described in claim 9, further comprising: an operation of determining that the predetermined condition is satisfied if the decoding of the data stored in the memory is successful.

15. encrypting data relating to the number of times the puff is sensed by the puff sensor based on an encryption key; The method of claim 9, further comprising: updating data stored in the memory to include the encrypted data.

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