Aerosol generating device and method of operation thereof

Abstract

An aerosol generating device and an operating method thereof are disclosed. The aerosol generating device of the present disclosure includes a heater for heating an aerosol generating material, a battery for supplying power to the heater, a resistance detection sensor for outputting a signal corresponding to a resistance value of the heater, a switching element electrically connected to the heater, and a controller for controlling an operation of the switching element. The controller controls the switching element to be turned on in a first period in which power is supplied to the heater, determines a duty ratio based on a resistance value of the heater corresponding to a signal from the resistance detection sensor in the first period, and adjusts a switching operation of the switching element based on the determined duty ratio in a second period after the first period in which power is supplied to the heater.

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 method for operating the same that can accurately determine the resistance value of a heater while the heater is being heated.

[0005] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device and an operating method thereof that can prevent the temperature of the heater from decreasing while the resistance value of the heater is being detected.

[0006] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol generating device and an operating method thereof that can minimize over-discharge of a battery while a heater is being heated. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above-mentioned object, an aerosol generating device according to one aspect of the present disclosure may include a heater for heating an aerosol generating material, a battery for supplying power to the heater, a resistance detection sensor for outputting a signal corresponding to a resistance value of the heater, a switching element electrically connected to the heater, and a controller for controlling an operation of the switching element. The controller may control the switching element to be turned on during a first period in which power is supplied to the heater, determine a duty ratio during the first period based on the resistance value of the heater corresponding to a signal from the resistance detection sensor, and adjust a switching operation of the switching element during a second period after the first period in which power is supplied to the heater based on the determined duty ratio.

[0008] To achieve the above-mentioned object, a method of operating an aerosol generating device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an operation of turning on a switching element electrically connected to a heater that heats an aerosol generating material in a first section in which power is supplied from a battery to the heater; an operation of determining a duty ratio based on a signal from a resistance detection sensor that outputs a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the heater in the first section; and an operation of adjusting the switching operation of the switching element based on the determined duty ratio in a second section after the first section in which power is supplied from the battery to the heater. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the resistance of the heater can be accurately determined while the heater is being heated.

[0010] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent the temperature of the heater from decreasing while the resistance value of the heater is being detected.

[0011] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the heater can minimize over-discharge of the battery while heating.

[0012] 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]

[0013] 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.

[0014] [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] 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] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating the operation of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating the operation of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11]1 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating an aerosol generating device according to one 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. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] 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 .

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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).

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] The aerosol-generating module 13 can generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. Here, the aerosol-generating material can refer to any one or a combination of two or more substances in various states, such as a liquid state, a solid state, or a gel state, that can generate an aerosol.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] The aerosol generating material may further include an aerosol forming agent such as glycerin or propylene glycol.

[0031] The aerosol generation module 13 can include at least one heater.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] On the other hand, the aerosol generation module 13 can also generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating substance by generating ultrasonic vibrations.

[0037] The aerosol generating module 13 may be referred to as a cartomizer, an atomizer, a vaporizer, or the like.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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, a puff can refer to the user's inhalation, and inhalation can refer to the situation in which the user inhales through the mouth or nose into the user's oral cavity, nasal cavity, or lungs.

[0041] 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.).

[0042] The sensor module 15 can include at least one sensor.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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).

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 2 to 4 are diagrams illustrating an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0070] According to various embodiments of the present invention, the aerosol generating device 10 can include a body 100 and / or a cartridge 200 .

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] When the inserted stick 20 is removed, the control unit 17 can initialize the current number of puffs stored in the memory 14.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] The cartridge 200 may include a heater 210 that heats the aerosol-generating substance and / or a reservoir 220 that stores the aerosol-generating substance. The reservoir 220 may be referred to as a chamber. 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 5 and 6 are diagrams illustrating a stick according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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.

[0101] The fifth wrapper 245 may be made of a sterilized paper (MFW). Here, sterilized paper (MFW) may refer to paper that is 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.

[0102] 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.

[0103] 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.

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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.

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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.

[0111] 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.

[0112] 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.

[0113] 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.

[0114] 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 a channel may refer to a passageway through which a gas (e.g., air or aerosol) passes.

[0115] 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.

[0116] 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.

[0117] 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.

[0118] 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.

[0119] 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.

[0120] 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.

[0121] 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.

[0122] 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.

[0123] 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.

[0124] 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.

[0125] 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.

[0126] 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.

[0127] 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.

[0128] 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.

[0129] 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.

[0130] The fourth wrapper 354 may be made of PLA laminated paper. Here, PLA laminated paper may refer to 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.

[0131] The fifth wrapper 355 may be made of a sterilized paper (MFW). Here, the sterilized paper (MFW) may refer to a paper that is 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.

[0132] 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.

[0133] 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.

[0134] 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.

[0135] 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.

[0136] 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.

[0137] 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.

[0138] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0139] 7, the aerosol generation device 10 may include a battery 16, a resistance detection sensor 150, a switching element 160, and / or a heater 210. The aerosol generation device 10 may further include a voltage sensor 151 that detects the voltage of the battery 16.

[0140] The battery 16, the resistance detection sensor 150, the switching element 160 and / or the voltage sensor 151 may be disposed in the main body 100. The heater 210 may be included in the cartridge 200.

[0141] Battery 16 may be electrically coupled to heater 210. Battery 16 may provide power to heater 210. Heater 210 may heat a liquid aerosol-generating substance contained in chamber 220 based on the power provided by battery 16. For example, heater 210 may heat a wick coupled to chamber 220.

[0142] The resistance detection sensor 150 may be electrically connected to the heater 210. The resistance detection sensor 150 may be electrically connected to the switching element 160. The resistance detection sensor 150 may be electrically connected to the heater 210 via the switching element 160. For example, the resistance detection sensor 150 may be electrically connected to the heater 210 when the switching element 160 is turned on.

[0143] The switching element 160 may be electrically connected to the heater 210. In the present disclosure, the switching element 160 is described as a field effect transistor (FET) as an example, but is not limited to this. For example, the switching element 160 may be embodied as a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), a relay, etc.

[0144] The control unit 17 may control the operation of the switching element 160. For example, the control unit 17 may control the on / off of the switching element 160 by adjusting the voltage applied to the gate terminal of the switching element 160. When the switching element 160 is turned on, power may be supplied from the battery 16 to the heater 210. When the switching element 160 is turned off, the supply of power from the battery 16 to the heater 210 may be cut off.

[0145] The control unit 17 may adjust the power supplied to the heater 210. The control unit 17 may adjust the power supplied to the heater 210 by control based on a duty ratio. For example, the control unit 17 may turn on / off the switching element 160 according to the duty ratio. Here, as the duty ratio increases, the power supplied to the heater 210 may increase, and as the duty ratio decreases, the power supplied to the heater 210 may decrease.

[0146] The resistance detection sensor 150 may output a signal corresponding to the resistance of the heater 210 based on the voltage V2 applied to the shunt resistor. When the heater 210 and the resistance detection sensor 150 are electrically connected via the switching element 160, the same level of current may flow through the heater 210 and the resistance detection sensor 150. Here, the resistance Rs of the shunt resistor included in the resistance detection sensor 150 may be a value that does not change depending on the temperature of the shunt resistor. Meanwhile, the resistor of the heater 210 is a material having a resistance temperature coefficient, and the resistance Rh of the heater 210 may change depending on the temperature of the resistor. Therefore, the voltage V2 applied to the shunt resistor of the resistance detection sensor 150 may change depending on the resistance Rh of the heater 210. For example, as the resistance Rh of the heater 210 increases, the voltage V2 applied to the shunt resistor of the resistance detection sensor 150 may decrease.

[0147] The control unit 17 can calculate the current flowing through the heater 210 based on the resistance value Rs of the shunt resistor and the voltage V2 applied to the shunt resistor. The control unit 17 can calculate the resistance value of the heater 210 based on the voltage V1 of the battery 16 calculated via the voltage sensor 151 and the voltage V2 applied to the shunt resistor. For example, the control unit 17 can calculate the voltage applied to the heater 210 based on the difference (V1-V2) between the voltage V1 of the battery 16 and the voltage V2 applied to the shunt resistor. Here, the voltage applied across the switching element 160 can be determined based on a resistance value previously set for the switching element 160. The control unit 17 can calculate the resistance value Rh of the heater 210 based on the voltage applied to the heater 210 and the current flowing through the heater 210.

[0148] The control unit 17 can calculate the temperature of the heater 210. For example, the control unit 17 can calculate the temperature of the heater 210 based on the resistance temperature coefficient of the heater 210, the resistance value Rh of the heater 210, and the resistance value of the heater 210 at a reference temperature. Here, the calculation formula for calculating the temperature of the heater 210 can be expressed by the following mathematical formula 1.

[0149] (Number 1) TCR = (R1 - R0) / R0 ÷ (T1 - T0)

[0150] In Equation 1, TCR is the temperature coefficient of resistance of the heater 210, T1 is the temperature of the heater 210, R1 is the resistance of the heater 210, T0 is the reference temperature, and R0 is the resistance of the heater 210 at the reference temperature, where T0 is 25°C and R0 is the resistance of the heater 210 at 25°C.

[0151] Meanwhile, in the present disclosure, a current sensor connected in series to the heater 210 is described as an example of the resistance detection sensor 150, but is not limited thereto. A voltage sensor that detects a voltage applied to the heater 210 may also be provided as the resistance detection sensor 150.

[0152] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0153] Referring to FIG. 8, the aerosol generating device 10 may detect the resistance value of the heater 210 using a constant voltage in the first section in which power is supplied to the heater 210 in operation S810.

[0154] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 10 can turn on the switching element 160 in the first section. While the switching element 160 maintains its on state, a constant voltage corresponding to the voltage of the battery 16 can be constantly applied to the heater 210. Here, the aerosol generating device 10 can detect the resistance value of the heater 210 based on a signal from the resistance detection sensor 150 while the constant voltage corresponding to the voltage of the battery 16 is being applied to the heater 210. Therefore, even while the resistance value of the heater 210 is being detected, power is continuously supplied to the heater 210, so that the temperature of the heater 210 does not drop.

[0155] In operation S820, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine the duty ratio based on the resistance value of the heater 210. According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 10 may calculate the temperature of the heater 210 based on the resistance value of the heater 210. Here, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine the duty ratio based on the difference between the target temperature determined based on the temperature profile and the calculated temperature of the heater 210. For example, the duty ratio may increase as the difference between the target temperature and the calculated temperature of the heater 210 increases.

[0156] In operation S830, the aerosol generating device 10 may heat the heater 210 based on a duty ratio determined based on the resistance value of the heater 210 in a second section subsequent to the first section in which power is supplied to the heater 210. The aerosol generating device 10 may turn on / off the switching element 160 based on the determined duty ratio. Here, a current pulse having a duty ratio may flow to the heater 210 based on the on / off of the switching element 160 according to the duty ratio. Here, the power supplied to the heater 210 may correspond to the duty ratio of the current pulse flowing to the heater 210. The duty ratio of the current pulse flowing to the heater 210 may correspond to the duty ratio determined based on the resistance value of the heater 210.

[0157] Meanwhile, the first and second sections may be alternately repeated while power is supplied to the heater 210. For example, the second section may start when the first section ends, and the first section may start when the second section ends.

[0158] On the other hand, the first time period corresponding to the first interval may be shorter than the second time period corresponding to the second interval. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 determines the duty ratio during 10 ms of the first time period corresponding to the first interval, and turns the switching element 160 on / off according to the duty ratio during 200 ms of the second time period corresponding to the second interval.

[0159] 9 and 10, power may be supplied to the heater 210 from time t1 to time t2 with a duty ratio determined to be 50% at time t1. Also, the temperature of the heater 210 may increase from time t1 to time t2 in accordance with the duty ratio of 50%.

[0160] Meanwhile, power may be supplied to the heater 210 from time t2 to time t3 due to the duty ratio increasing to 60% at time t2. Furthermore, the temperature of the heater 210 may increase from time t2 to time t3 in accordance with the duty ratio of 60%. Here, the second temperature gradient corresponding to time t2 to time t3 may be greater than the first temperature gradient corresponding to time t1 to time t2. That is, as the duty ratio increases, the power supplied to the heater 210 increases, and the temperature of the heater 210 may increase by a larger amount.

[0161] Meanwhile, power may be supplied to the heater 210 from time t3 to time t4 due to the duty ratio being reduced to 10% at time t3. Here, the third temperature gradient corresponding to time t3 to time t4 may be smaller than the first temperature gradient or the second temperature gradient. That is, as the duty ratio is smaller, the power supplied to the heater 210 is reduced, and the increase in the temperature of the heater 210 may be smaller.

[0162] Meanwhile, the supply of power to the heater 210 may be cut off from time t4 to time t5 due to the duty ratio being reduced to 0% at time t4. Here, the temperature of the heater 210 may gradually decrease from time t4 to time t5. For example, if the calculated temperature of the heater 210 is equal to or higher than the target temperature determined based on the temperature profile, the duty ratio may be determined to be 0%.

[0163] 11 is a flowchart showing a method of operating an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed description of the content that overlaps with the content described in FIG. 8 will be omitted.

[0164] 11 , the aerosol generation device 10 can start generating aerosol in operation S1110. For example, the aerosol generation device 10 can supply power to the heater 210 based on the insertion of the stick 20 into the insertion space 130, 230 detected by a stick detection sensor. For example, the aerosol generation device 10 can supply power to the heater 210 based on the detection of a puff by a puff sensor.

[0165] In operation S1120, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine the time corresponding to the first interval based on the voltage of the battery 16 confirmed via the voltage sensor 151. Here, the time corresponding to the first interval may be equal to or greater than the minimum time it takes for the control unit 16 to determine the duty ratio based on the signal of the resistance detection sensor 150.

[0166] According to one embodiment, when the voltage of the battery 16 is equal to or higher than a predetermined voltage, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine the time corresponding to the first interval as a time set for detecting the resistance value of the heater 210 (hereinafter referred to as the detection time). When the voltage of the battery 16 is lower than the predetermined voltage, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine the time corresponding to the first interval as a time shorter than the predetermined detection time. Here, when the voltage of the battery 16 is lower than the predetermined voltage, the time corresponding to the first interval may be determined in proportion to the voltage of the battery 16. That is, when the voltage of the battery 16 is lower than the predetermined voltage, the lower the voltage of the battery 16, the shorter the time corresponding to the first interval may be. Therefore, when the voltage of the battery 16 is lower than the predetermined voltage, by turning on the switching element 150 in the first interval, over-discharge of the battery 16 can be minimized while power is supplied to the heater 210.

[0167] Meanwhile, when the voltage of the battery 16 detected through the voltage sensor 151 is lower than a predetermined minimum voltage, the supply of power to the heater 210 may be cut off. Here, the minimum voltage may be a voltage value set for a case where the supply of power to the heater 210 is likely to cause over-discharge of the battery 16.

[0168] The aerosol generating device 10 can turn on the switching element 160 in the first section corresponding to the determined time in operation S1130. Here, the aerosol generating device 10 can detect the resistance value of the heater 210 based on the signal of the resistance detection sensor 150 while a constant voltage corresponding to the voltage of the battery 16 is applied to the heater 210.

[0169] In operation S1140, the aerosol generating device 10 can determine the duty ratio based on the resistance value of the heater 210.

[0170] In operation S1150, the aerosol generating device 10 can heat the heater 210 based on the determined duty ratio in a second interval following the first interval in which power is supplied to the heater 210. Here, the time corresponding to the second interval may be a specific time set for heating the heater. Here, the specific time may be set to a time longer than the predetermined detection time.

[0171] The aerosol generating device 10 may determine whether aerosol generation is to be terminated in operation S1160. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may terminate aerosol generation if the stick is removed, the cartridge is separated, the number of puffs reaches a predetermined maximum number of puffs, no puffs are detected for a predetermined time, or the remaining capacity of the battery 16 is less than a predetermined value.

[0172] 12, a first period in which the switching device 160 maintains an on state and a second period in which the switching device 160 is turned on / off according to a duty ratio may be alternately repeated. Here, the time corresponding to the first period may gradually shorten over time. That is, in the first periods 1210 and 1220, which correspond to the case in which the voltage of the battery 16 is sufficiently above a predetermined voltage, the switching device 160 may maintain an on state for 10 ms.

[0173] Meanwhile, in the first section 1230, 1240, 1250, which corresponds to the case where the voltage of the battery 16 drops below a predetermined voltage, the lower the voltage of the battery 16, the shorter the time period during which the switching element 160 maintains the ON state. Here, the time period corresponding to the first section may be equal to or greater than 1 ms, which is the minimum time required for the control unit 16 to determine the duty ratio based on the signal of the resistance detection sensor 150.

[0174] As described above, at least one embodiment of the present disclosure allows for accurate determination of the resistance of a heater while the heater is being heated.

[0175] Furthermore, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent the temperature of the heater from decreasing while the resistance value of the heater is being detected.

[0176] Furthermore, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to minimize over-discharge of the battery while the heater is heating.

[0177] 1 to 12, an aerosol generating device 10 according to one aspect of the present disclosure may include a heater 210 for heating an aerosol generating material, a battery 16 for supplying power to the heater 210, a resistance detection sensor 150 for outputting a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the heater 210, a switching element 160 electrically connected to the heater 210, and a controller 17 for controlling the operation of the switching element 160. The controller 17 controls the switching element 160 to be turned on during a first period in which power is supplied to the heater 210, determines a duty ratio based on the resistance value of the heater 210 corresponding to the signal from the resistance detection sensor 150 during the first period, and adjusts the switching operation of the switching element 160 based on the determined duty ratio during a second period in which power is supplied to the heater 210 after the first period.

[0178] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first and second periods may be alternately repeated while power is supplied to the heater 210.

[0179] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a first time period corresponding to the first interval may be less than a second time period corresponding to the second interval.

[0180] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the battery 16 may further include a voltage sensor 151 that detects the voltage of the battery 16. The control unit 17 may determine the time corresponding to the first interval based on the voltage of the battery 16 detected by the voltage sensor 151.

[0181] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the time corresponding to the first interval may be equal to or greater than the minimum time it takes for the control unit 17 to determine the duty ratio based on the signal of the resistance detection sensor 150.

[0182] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the time corresponding to the second section may be a time set for heating the heater 210.

[0183] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit 17 can cut off the supply of power to the heater 210 when the voltage of the battery 16 is less than a predetermined minimum voltage.

[0184] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device may further include a voltage sensor 151 that detects the voltage of the battery 16. When the voltage of the battery 16 is equal to or higher than a predetermined voltage, the control unit 17 may determine the time corresponding to the first interval as the time set for detecting the resistance value of the heater 210. When the voltage of the battery 16 is lower than the predetermined voltage, the control unit 17 may determine the time corresponding to the first interval in proportion to the voltage of the battery 16.

[0185] Meanwhile, a method of operating the aerosol generating device 10 according to one aspect of the present disclosure may include an operation of turning on a switching element 160 electrically connected to a heater 210 that heats an aerosol generating material in a first section in which power is supplied from a battery 16 to the heater 210; an operation of determining a duty ratio based on a signal from a resistance detection sensor 150 that outputs a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the heater 210 in the first section; and an operation of adjusting the switching operation of the switching element 160 based on the determined duty ratio in a second section after the first section in which power is supplied from the battery 16 to the heater 210.

[0186] 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.

[0187] 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.

[0188] While the embodiments have been described above in accordance with a number of exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that many other variations and embodiments are possible for those skilled in the art that fall within the scope of the principles of the present disclosure. More particularly, various modifications and variations are possible in the components and / or arrangements of the subject combinations within the scope of the present disclosure, the drawings, and the appended claims. In addition to the modifications and variations of the components and / or arrangements, other uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. a heater for heating the aerosol generating material; a battery for powering the heater; a resistance detection sensor that provides an output corresponding to the resistance value of the heater; a switching element electrically coupled to the heater, the switching element allowing the supply of power to the heater and cutting off the supply of power to the heater; a voltage sensor for detecting the voltage of the battery; a control unit that controls the switching element, The control unit determining a time corresponding to a first interval for supplying power to the heater based on the voltage of the battery; In the first section, the switching element maintains an on state, determining a resistance value of the heater based on an output from the resistance detection sensor in the first section; determining a duty ratio for a second section subsequent to the first section based on the determined resistance value of the heater; In the second section, the supply of power to the heater is alternately permitted and interrupted according to the determined duty ratio; The time corresponding to the first section is When the voltage of the battery detected by the voltage sensor is equal to or greater than a predetermined voltage, the predetermined first time is determined; When the voltage of the battery detected by the voltage sensor is lower than a predetermined voltage, the lower the voltage of the battery, the shorter the time period. Aerosol generator.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the first section and the second section are alternately repeated.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein a first time corresponding to the first interval is less than a second time corresponding to the second interval.

4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the time corresponding to the first interval is equal to or longer than the minimum time required for the control unit to determine the duty ratio.

5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 4 , wherein the time corresponding to the second section is a predetermined second time.

6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit further cuts off the power supplied to the heater when the voltage of the battery is less than a minimum voltage.

7. further comprising a cartridge containing the aerosol generating substance in liquid form; The heater is disposed in the cartridge to heat the aerosol generating material. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 .

8. 1. A method of operating an aerosol generating device, comprising: determining, based on a voltage of the battery, a time corresponding to a first interval during which power from the battery is supplied to a heater that heats the aerosol generating material; an operation of turning on a switching element electrically coupled to the heater in the first section; determining a resistance value of the heater based on an output from a resistance detection sensor associated with the heater during the first period; determining a duty ratio for a second section subsequent to the first section based on the determined resistance value of the heater; In the second section, an operation of switching the operation of the switching element according to the determined duty ratio to alternately allow and cut off the supply of power to the heater; Including, The time corresponding to the first section is When the voltage of the battery detected by the voltage sensor is equal to or greater than a predetermined voltage, the predetermined first time is determined; When the voltage of the battery detected by the voltage sensor is lower than a predetermined voltage, the lower the voltage of the battery, the shorter the time period. Method of operating an aerosol generating device.

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