Aerosol generating device and method of operation thereof

Abstract

An aerosol generating device and an operating method thereof are provided. The aerosol generating device includes a housing having an insertion space into which a stick is inserted, a battery, a display, and a controller, and when the remaining power stored in the battery is less than a predetermined power amount, the controller calculates the number of sticks corresponding to the remaining power amount and outputs the calculated number of sticks through the display.

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 allow intuitive switching of screens displayed on a display.

[0005] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol generating device and an operating method thereof that can provide a user with various information about the remaining power of a battery.

[0006] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device and an operating method thereof that can notify a user of the number of sticks that can be used depending on the remaining power of the battery.

[0007] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device and an operating method thereof that allow a user to variably change settings related to power consumption so that the user can consume the desired number of sticks. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to one aspect of the subject matter described in this application, an aerosol generating device includes a housing having an insertion space into which sticks are inserted, a battery, a display, and a control unit, and when the remaining amount of power stored in the battery is less than a predetermined amount of power, the control unit calculates the number of sticks corresponding to the remaining amount of power and outputs the calculated number of sticks via the display.

[0009] According to another aspect of the subject matter described herein, there is provided a method for operating an aerosol generating device, the method including: when a remaining amount of power stored in a battery of the aerosol generating device is less than a predetermined amount of power, calculating a number of sticks corresponding to the remaining amount of power; and outputting the calculated number of sticks via a display of the aerosol generating device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the screen displayed on the display can be intuitively switched.

[0011] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, information about the remaining power of the battery can be provided to the user in a variety of ways.

[0012] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the number of sticks that can be used can be notified to the user based on the remaining power of the battery.

[0013] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the user can change various settings related to power consumption to consume the desired number of sticks.

[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.

[0015] 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. [Brief explanation of the 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 an aerosol generating device 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] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8A] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating the operation of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8B] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating the operation of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating the operation of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10A] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating the operation of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10B] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating the operation of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11A]1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating the operation of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11B] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating the operation of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11C] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating the operation of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating the operation of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13A] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating the operation of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13B] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating the operation of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13C] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating the operation of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13D] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating the operation of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14A] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating the operation of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14B] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating the operation of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14C] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating the operation of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14D] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating the operation of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 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 can 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, "puff" can refer to the user's inhalation, and inhalation can 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"), where 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"), where 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. 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 generating 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 protection circuit module (PCM), which is a circuit for protecting the battery 16. The protection circuit 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 protection circuit 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 100. 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 to 4 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] Referring to FIG. 2, an aerosol generating device 10 according to one embodiment may include a main body 100 configured to allow the stick 20 to be inserted into a space formed by a housing 101.

[0074] The stick 20 may be similar to a typical combustible cigarette. For example, 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 formed in the form of granules or capsules may be inserted into the second portion.

[0075] 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.

[0076] The main body 100 may be formed to have a structure that allows external air to flow into the main body 100 when the stick 20 is inserted. Here, the external air that has flowed into the main body 100 may pass through the stick 20 and flow into the user's mouth.

[0077] The heater may be positioned within the body 100 at a location that corresponds to the location of the stick 20 when the stick 20 is inserted into the body 100. In this drawing, the heater is shown as an electrically conductive heater 110 that includes needle-like electrically conductive tracks, although the invention is not limited in this respect.

[0078] The heater can heat the inside and / or outside of the stick 20 using power supplied from the battery 16. An aerosol can be generated in the heated stick 20. A user can inhale the tobacco-flavored aerosol by inhaling through one end of the stick 20 with their mouth.

[0079] Meanwhile, the control unit 17 may control the heater to supply power under preset conditions even when the stick 20 is not inserted. For example, when a cleaning function for cleaning the space into which the stick 20 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.

[0080] The control unit 17 can monitor the number of puffs based on the sensing value of the puff sensor from the time the stick 20 is inserted.

[0081] When the inserted stick 20 is removed, the control unit 17 can initialize the current number of puffs stored in the memory 14.

[0082] Referring to FIG. 3, an aerosol generating device 100 according to one embodiment can include a body 100 that supports a cartridge 200, and the cartridge 200 that stores an aerosol generating substance.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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 into the user's mouth through the cartridge 200.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 4, an aerosol generating device 100 according to one embodiment may include a main body 100 supporting a cartridge 200, and the cartridge 200 storing an aerosol-generating substance. The main body 100 may be configured so that the stick 20 can be inserted into an insertion space 130.

[0093] The aerosol generating device 100 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.

[0094] Meanwhile, according to another embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 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 100 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.

[0095] 5 and 6 are diagrams illustrating a stick according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0096] 5, 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 FIG. 2 can include the tobacco rod 21. The second portion described above with reference to FIG. 2 can include the filter rod 22.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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.

[0101] The third wrapper 243 may be made from hard wrapping paper. For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper 243 is 88 g / m 2 ~96g / m 2 For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper 243 may be in the range of 90 g / m 2 ~94g / m 2 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.

[0102] The fourth wrapper 244 may be made from a grease-resistant hard wrapper paper. For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 244 is 88 g / m 2 ~96g / m 2For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 244 may be in the range of 90 g / m 2 ~94g / m 2 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.

[0103] 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 is 57 g / m 2 ~63g / m 2 For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 245 may be in the range of 60 g / m 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.

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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.

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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.

[0111] 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.

[0112] 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.

[0113] 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.

[0114] 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.

[0115] 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.

[0116] 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.

[0117] 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 1 / mg of material.

[0118] 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.

[0119] 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.

[0120] 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.

[0121] 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.

[0122] 6, 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 can prevent the tobacco rod 31 from detaching to the outside. The front-end plug 33 can prevent aerosol liquefied from the tobacco rod 31 during smoking from flowing into the aerosol generation device 100.

[0123] 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.

[0124] 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.

[0125] 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.

[0126] 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.

[0127] 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.

[0128] 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.

[0129] 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.

[0130] 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.

[0131] 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 20 g / m 2 ~25g / m 2 For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper 353 may be in the range of 21 g / m 2 It could be.

[0132] 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.

[0133] 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.

[0134] 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.

[0135] 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.

[0136] 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.

[0137] 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.

[0138] 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.

[0139] 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.

[0140] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0141] 7, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine in operation S710 whether the remaining power of the battery 16 is less than a predetermined amount of power. Here, the predetermined amount of power may refer to an amount of power set as a criterion for notifying the user of information about the remaining power of the battery 16. For example, the predetermined amount of power may be an amount of power corresponding to 30% of the maximum amount of power stored in the battery 16.

[0142] When the remaining power of the battery 16 is equal to or greater than a predetermined power amount, the aerosol generating device 10 can continuously monitor whether the remaining power of the battery 16 is less than the predetermined power amount. Here, the aerosol generating device 10 can output the remaining power of the battery 16 through a display. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 can output a home screen including an indicator showing the remaining power of the battery 16 through a display.

[0143] Referring to FIG. 8A, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an insertion space in which a cigarette 20 is placed may be formed at the upper end of the housing 201 of the aerosol generating device 10.

[0144] The insertion space may be formed by recessing the housing 201 to a predetermined depth so that at least a portion of the cigarette 20 can be inserted therein. The depth of the insertion space may correspond to the length of the region of the cigarette 20 that contains the aerosol-generating material. For example, if the aerosol-generating device 10 is an apparatus that can use the cigarette 20 of FIG. 5 , the depth of the insertion space may correspond to the length of the tobacco rod 21 of the cigarette 20.

[0145] A battery 16, a printed circuit board 810, and a heater may be arranged inside the housing 201 of the aerosol generating device 10.

[0146] Each component included in the aerosol generation device 10 may be mounted on one side and / or the other side of the printed circuit board 810. The components mounted on the printed circuit board 810 may transmit or receive signals to each other via the wiring layer of the printed circuit board 810. For example, at least one communication module included in the communication interface 11, at least one sensor included in the sensor module 15, and the control unit 17 may be mounted on the printed circuit board 810.

[0147] The printed circuit board 810 may be disposed adjacent to the battery 16. For example, the printed circuit board 810 may be disposed so that one surface faces the battery 16.

[0148] A temperature sensor may be mounted on one side of the printed circuit board 810. The temperature sensor may be implemented using a thermistor, which is a device that changes resistance depending on 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.

[0149] The control unit 17 can determine the temperature of the battery 16 based on the detected value of the temperature sensor. For example, the control unit 17 can determine the detected value of the temperature sensor as the temperature of the battery 16. For example, the control unit 17 can determine the result of compensating the detected value of the temperature sensor according to a predetermined standard as the temperature of the battery 16.

[0150] A display 820 may be disposed on one side of the housing 201. The display 820 may display a screen in response to a signal transmitted from the control unit 17.

[0151] A power terminal 830 may be arranged on one side of the housing 201 of the aerosol generating device 10. The power terminal 830 may be a wired terminal for wired communication such as USB.

[0152] A power supply circuit (not shown) may be disposed between the battery 16 and the power terminal 830. The power supply circuit may transmit power supplied from an external source to the battery 16 via the power terminal 830.

[0153] A power line 835 for supplying power may be connected to the power terminal 830. For example, the power terminal 830 may be coupled to a connector 565 of the power line 835.

[0154] The control unit 17 may determine whether the power line 835 is connected to the power terminal 830. For example, the control unit 17 may determine whether the power line 835 is connected to the power terminal 830 based on a signal generated in response to the connection between the power terminal 830 and the power line 835.

[0155] When the power line 835 is connected to the power terminal 830, the control unit 17 can start charging the battery 16. When the power line 835 is connected to the power terminal 830, the control unit 17 can control the operation of each component provided in the aerosol generation device 10 so that power supplied via the power line 835 is transmitted to the battery 16. For example, when the power line 835 is connected to the power terminal 830 with a cigarette 20 inserted in the housing 201, the control unit 17 can cut off the power supply to the aerosol generation module 130 and start charging the battery 16.

[0156] At least one motor 840 that generates vibrations for a haptic effect may be disposed inside the housing 101. The motor 840 may be mounted on another surface of the printed circuit board 810. For example, the motor 840 may be embodied as, but is not limited to, a linear actuator.

[0157] The structure of the aerosol generating device 10 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 8A, and the arrangement of the battery 16, printed circuit board 810, display 820, power terminal 830, motor 840, etc. may vary depending on the embodiment.

[0158] Referring to FIG. 8B, the display 820 can include a cover glass 821, a display panel 823, and / or a touch panel 825.

[0159] The cover glass 821, together with the housing 201, can form the exterior of the aerosol generating device 10. The cover glass 821 can come into contact with a part of the user's body. The cover glass 821 can protect the display panel 823 and / or the touch panel 825 from external impact.

[0160] The display panel 823 may be disposed in a direction from the cover glass 821 toward the inside of the housing 201. For example, the display panel 823 may be disposed parallel to the cover glass 821.

[0161] The display panel 823 can output an image in response to a signal transmitted from the control unit 17. For example, the display panel 823 can be implemented as a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) panel, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0162] The touch panel 825 may be disposed in a direction from the cover glass 821 toward the inside of the housing 201. For example, the touch panel 825 may be disposed parallel to the cover glass 821 and the display panel 823.

[0163] The touch panel 825 can sense a touch corresponding to contact with an object, for example, the touch panel 825 can sense a touch corresponding to contact with a part of the user's body.

[0164] The touch panel 825 may include at least one touch sensor for detecting a touch, including, but not limited to, a capacitive touch sensor, a resistive touch sensor, a surface acoustic wave touch sensor, and an infrared touch sensor.

[0165] A plurality of touch sensors included in the touch panel 825 may receive a driving signal at a predetermined cycle. For example, a plurality of touch sensors included in the touch panel 825 may receive a driving signal at a predetermined cycle. Here, each touch sensor may output an electrical signal corresponding to a state (e.g., pressure, magnetic field, capacitance, or light intensity) according to the driving signal.

[0166] The controller 17 may determine whether a touch input is received by monitoring a signal output from the touch panel 825. The controller 17 may perform a determination on the touch input based on the signal output from the touch panel 825. For example, the controller 17 may perform a determination on the coordinates, touch area, single touch, multi-touch, touch strength, etc. For example, the controller 17 may perform a determination on a long touch input in which a touch is sensed for more than a predetermined time, a short touch input in which a touch is sensed for less than a predetermined time, a sweeping touch input in which the position of the touch input is continuously changed in a specific direction, etc.

[0167] Alternatively, the display panel 823 and the touch panel 825 may be implemented as a single panel. For example, the touch panel 825 may be inserted (on-cell type or in-cell type) into the display panel 823. For example, the touch panel 825 may be an add-on type on the display panel 823.

[0168] 9 , the aerosol generating device 10 can output a home screen 900 via the display 820. For example, when the display 820 is turned on from an off state, the home screen 900 can be displayed via the display 820.

[0169] The home screen 900 may include at least one indicator. For example, the home screen 900 may include an indicator 910 indicating the operating status of the aerosol generating device 10, an indicator 920 indicating the communication status, an indicator 930 indicating the remaining power of the battery 16, an indicator 940 indicating the current time, etc.

[0170] Meanwhile, the aerosol generation device 10 can change the screen displayed via the display 820 by touch input to the display 820 while the screen of the display 820 is displayed.

[0171] Referring to Figures 10A and 10B, when the aerosol generating device 10 receives a left-direction sweeping touch input 1001 while the home screen 900 is displayed, the home screen 900 displayed via the display 820 can be converted to an application screen 1010.

[0172] According to one embodiment, when the aerosol generating device 10 receives a short touch input 1002 touching the right edge area of ​​the home screen 900 while the home screen 900 is displayed, the aerosol generating device 10 can convert the home screen 900 displayed via the display 820 into an application screen 1010.

[0173] The application screen 1010 may include at least one object corresponding to an application installed in the aerosol generating device 10. Here, when a user selects one of the objects included in the application screen 1010 through a touch input, the aerosol generating device 10 may execute the application corresponding to the selected object.

[0174] Meanwhile, referring to Figures 11A to 11C, when the aerosol generating device 10 receives a right-side sweeping touch input 1101 while the home screen 900 is displayed, it can convert the home screen 900 displayed via the display 820 to a setting screen 1110.

[0175] According to one embodiment, when the aerosol generating device 10 receives a short touch input 1102 touching the left edge area of ​​the home screen 900 while the home screen 900 is displayed, the home screen 900 displayed via the display 820 can be converted to a settings screen 1110.

[0176] The setting screen 1110 can include at least one object (hereinafter referred to as a "setting object") corresponding to a setting item related to the operation, function, status, etc. of the aerosol generation device 10.

[0177] On the other hand, when there are multiple setting objects, not all of the multiple objects may be included on the screen displayed via the display 820. Here, when the aerosol generating device 10 receives an upward sweeping touch input 1103 while the setting screen 1110 is displayed, the setting objects included on the setting screen 1110 may be changed depending on the order of the setting objects.

[0178] Also referring to FIG. 7, in operation S720, the aerosol generating device 10 can calculate the number of sticks 20 corresponding to the remaining power amount of the battery 16 when the remaining power amount of the battery 16 is less than a predetermined power amount.

[0179] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 10 can calculate the number of sticks 20 corresponding to the remaining power of the battery 16 based on the amount of power supplied to the heater and the amount of power supplied to the remaining components excluding the heater.

[0180] Here, the amount of power supplied to the heater may correspond to the amount of power supplied to the heater while the user uses one stick 20 for a predetermined number of puffs (e.g., 14 puffs). The amount of power supplied to the remaining components excluding the heater may correspond to the amount of power supplied to components such as the display 820 according to the currently set settings while the user uses one stick 20 for a predetermined number of puffs (e.g., 14 puffs).

[0181] Meanwhile, when settings related to the operation, function, state, etc. of the aerosol generation device 10 are changed, the amount of power supplied to the heater and / or the amount of power supplied to the remaining components excluding the heater may be changed. For example, the aerosol generation device 10 may change the amount of power supplied to the heater when a setting related to the amount of atomization is changed. For example, the aerosol generation device 10 may change the amount of power supplied to the remaining components excluding the heater when a setting related to the output of the display 820 is changed.

[0182] In operation S730, the aerosol generating device 10 can output the number of sticks 20 corresponding to the remaining power of the battery 16 via the display 820. For example, if the display 820 is in an off state, the aerosol generating device 10 can turn on the display 820 and output the number of sticks 20 corresponding to the remaining power of the battery 16.

[0183] Referring to FIG. 12, the aerosol generating device 10 can output, via the display 820, a notification screen 1200 that notifies the user of the number of sticks 20 corresponding to the remaining power of the battery 16.

[0184] The notification screen 1200 may include an object 1210 corresponding to the number of sticks 20 that the user can use depending on the amount of power remaining in the battery 16 .

[0185] Referring to Figures 13A to 13D, when the aerosol generating device 10 receives a short touch input 1301 touching a setting object corresponding to the display 820 while the setting screen 1110 is displayed, it can output a first screen 1300 via the display 820 for determining setting items related to the display 820.

[0186] The first screen 1300 may include a user interface for changing settings related to the display 820. For example, the first screen 1300 may include an object 1310 corresponding to the brightness of the display 820, an object 1320 corresponding to the output time of the display 820 (i.e., a screen timeout), etc.

[0187] When the aerosol generating device 10 receives a short touch input 1302 touching an object 1310 corresponding to the brightness of the display 820 while the first screen 1300 is displayed, it can determine a brightness value corresponding to the position of the short touch input 1302.

[0188] The aerosol generating device 10 can change the amount of power supplied to the remaining components excluding the heater based on the brightness value corresponding to the position of the short touch input 1302. For example, if the brightness value of the display 820 is decreased by the short touch input 1302, the amount of power supplied to the remaining components excluding the heater can be decreased. Here, as the amount of power supplied to the remaining components excluding the heater is decreased, the number of sticks 20 corresponding to the remaining power of the battery 16 can be increased.

[0189] When the aerosol generating device 10 receives a short touch input 1303 touching an object 1330 that ends the display of the first screen 1300 while the first screen 1300 is displayed, the aerosol generating device 10 can switch the screen output via the display 820.

[0190] Here, when the number of sticks 20 corresponding to the remaining power of the battery 16 changes due to a change in the settings of the aerosol generation device 10, the aerosol generation device 10 may output the notification screen 1200 again through the display 820. For example, when the brightness value of the display 820 decreases and the number of sticks 20 corresponding to the remaining power of the battery 16 changes, the aerosol generation device 10 may switch the screen displayed through the display 820 from the first screen 1300 to the notification screen 1200.

[0191] On the other hand, when the settings of the aerosol generating device 10 are changed but the number of sticks 20 corresponding to the remaining power of the battery 16 is not changed, the aerosol generating device 10 can convert the screen displayed via the display 820 from the first screen 1300 to the setting screen 1110.

[0192] 14A to 14D, the notification screen 1200 may further include an object 1220 related to a change in the number of sticks 20 corresponding to the remaining power amount of the battery 16.

[0193] When the aerosol generating device 10 receives a short touch input 1401 of touching an object 1220 related to changing the number of sticks 20 corresponding to the remaining power of the battery 16 while the notification screen 1200 is displayed, the aerosol generating device 10 can output a second screen 1400 via the display 820 that changes the number of sticks 20 corresponding to the remaining power of the battery 16.

[0194] The second screen 1400 may include a user interface for changing the number of sticks 20 corresponding to the amount of remaining power of the battery 16. For example, the second screen 1400 may include at least one object 1410 corresponding to the number of sticks 20.

[0195] Here, the range of the number of changeable sticks 20 can be determined based on the extent to which the amount of power supplied to the remaining components excluding the heater is changed as the settings of the aerosol generating device 10 are changed.

[0196] When the aerosol generating device 10 receives a short touch input 1402 touching one of the objects 1410 corresponding to the number of sticks 20 while the second screen 1400 is displayed, it can determine the number of sticks 20 corresponding to the position of the short touch input 1402.

[0197] The aerosol generating device 10 can change the amount of power supplied to the remaining components excluding the heater based on the number of sticks 20 corresponding to the position of the short touch input 1402. For example, if the number of sticks 20 increases due to the short touch input 1402, the amount of power supplied to the remaining components excluding the heater can be reduced. Here, the reduction in the amount of power supplied to the remaining components excluding the heater can reduce the brightness value and / or output time of the display 820.

[0198] When the aerosol generating device 10 receives a short touch input 1403 touching an object 1430 that ends the display of the second screen 1400 while the second screen 1400 is displayed, the aerosol generating device 10 can convert the screen output via the display 820 to the notification screen 1200.

[0199] As described above, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the screen displayed on the display 820 can be intuitively switched.

[0200] Furthermore, at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure can provide the user with information about the remaining power of the battery 16 in a variety of ways.

[0201] Furthermore, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the number of sticks that can be used can be notified to the user based on the remaining power of the battery 16.

[0202] Furthermore, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the user can change various settings related to power consumption so that the user can consume the desired number of sticks.

[0203] 1 to 14D, an aerosol generation device 10 according to one aspect of the present disclosure may include a housing 201 having an insertion space into which sticks 20 are inserted, a battery 16, a display 820, and a control unit 17. When the remaining amount of power stored in the battery 16 is less than a predetermined amount of power, the control unit 17 may calculate the number of sticks 20 corresponding to the remaining amount of power and output the calculated number of sticks 20 via the display 820.

[0204] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, when a setting related to the use of the power stored in the battery 16 is changed, the control unit 17 can also calculate the number of sticks 20 corresponding to the remaining power amount according to the changed setting.

[0205] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit 17 can also calculate the number of sticks 20 corresponding to the remaining power amount when at least one of the brightness of the screen displayed on the display 820 and the output time for which the screen is displayed is changed.

[0206] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device may further include an input device 825 for receiving user input. The control unit 17 may output a user interface related to changing the number of the sticks 20 via the display 820, and may change settings related to the output of the display 820 according to the input for changing the number of the sticks 20 received via the input device 825.

[0207] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, when the number of sticks 20 corresponding to the remaining power amount decreases, the control unit 17 may again output the decreased number of sticks 20 via the display 820.

[0208] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit 17 can calculate the number of sticks 20 corresponding to the remaining amount of power based on the remaining amount of power and the amount of power consumed while one stick 20 is in use.

[0209] Meanwhile, an operating method of an aerosol generating device 10 according to one aspect of the present disclosure may include, when the remaining amount of power stored in the battery 16 of the aerosol generating device is less than a predetermined amount of power, an operation of calculating the number of sticks 20 corresponding to the remaining amount of power, and an operation of outputting the calculated number of sticks 20 via the display 820 of the aerosol generating device.

[0210] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the method may further include, if a setting related to the use of power stored in the battery 16 is changed, calculating again the number of sticks 20 corresponding to the remaining power amount according to the changed setting.

[0211] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the method may further include an operation of calculating the number of sticks 20 corresponding to the remaining power amount when at least one of the brightness of the screen displayed on the display 820 and the output time for which the screen is displayed is changed.

[0212] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the method may further include an operation of outputting a user interface related to changing the number of sticks 20 via the display 820, and an operation of changing settings related to the output of the display 820 based on input for changing the number of sticks 20 received via the input device 825 of the aerosol generating device.

[0213] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the method may further include an operation of, if the number of sticks 20 corresponding to the remaining power amount decreases, again outputting the decreased number of sticks 20 via the display 820.

[0214] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the operation of calculating the number of sticks 20 corresponding to the remaining amount of power may include an operation of calculating the number of sticks 20 corresponding to the remaining amount of power based on the remaining amount of power and the amount of power consumed while one stick 20 is in use.

[0215] 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.

[0216] 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.

[0217] 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 housing including an insertion space into which the aerosol-generating stick is inserted; A heater and Battery and The display and an input device for receiving user input; a control unit; The control unit Calculating the number of sticks corresponding to the remaining power of the battery; outputting the calculated number of sticks via the display; The control unit further outputting a user interface for changing the number of sticks through the display; An aerosol generating device characterized in that, when receiving an input via the input device to change the number of sticks, it changes settings related to power supply to a default configuration excluding the heater.

2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the control unit further calculates the number of sticks corresponding to the remaining amount of power when settings related to the use of battery power of the aerosol generating device are changed.

3. A housing including an insertion space into which an aerosol-generating stick is inserted; Battery and The display and a control unit; The control unit If the remaining power of the battery is less than a predetermined power amount, calculate the number of sticks corresponding to the remaining power amount; outputting the calculated number of sticks via the display; The aerosol generating device is further characterized in that the control unit calculates the number of sticks corresponding to the remaining power amount when at least one of the brightness setting and display time setting of the display is changed.

4. An aerosol generating device as described in claim 1, characterized in that the settings related to the power supply to the default configuration excluding the heater include settings related to the output of the display.

5. The aerosol generating device of claim 1 , wherein the control unit further outputs the changed number of sticks through the display when the number of sticks corresponding to the remaining power amount is changed.

6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the number of sticks corresponding to the remaining amount of power is calculated based on the remaining amount of power and the amount of power consumed while one stick is being used.

7. 1. A method of operating an aerosol generating device containing an aerosol generating stick, comprising: An operation of calculating the number of sticks corresponding to the remaining battery power of the aerosol generating device; outputting the calculated number of sticks via a display of the aerosol generating device; outputting a user interface for changing the number of sticks through the display; A method for operating an aerosol generating device, comprising: when receiving an input to change the number of sticks via an input device of the aerosol generating device, changing settings related to power supply to a default configuration excluding the heater of the aerosol generating device.

8. The method for operating an aerosol generating device described in claim 7, further comprising the operation of calculating the number of sticks corresponding to the remaining amount of power when settings related to the use of battery power of the aerosol generating device are changed.

9. A method of operating an aerosol generating device containing an aerosol generating stick, comprising: When the remaining power of the battery of the aerosol generating device is less than a predetermined power amount, an operation of calculating the number of sticks corresponding to the remaining power amount; outputting the calculated number of sticks via a display of the aerosol generating device; A method for operating an aerosol generating device, comprising: when at least one of the brightness setting or display time setting of the display is changed, calculating the number of sticks corresponding to the remaining power amount.

10. A method of operating the aerosol generating device described in claim 7, characterized in that the settings related to the power supply to the default configuration excluding the heater include settings related to the output of the display.

11. The method of claim 7, further comprising outputting the changed number of sticks through the display when the number of sticks corresponding to the remaining power amount is changed.

12. The method for operating an aerosol generating device according to claim 7, characterized in that the number of sticks corresponding to the remaining amount of power is calculated based on the remaining amount of power and the amount of power consumed while one stick is being used.

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