Aerosol generating device and method of operation thereof

Abstract

An aerosol generating device and an operating method thereof are provided, the aerosol generating device including a cartridge having a chamber for storing an aerosol generating material, a body coupled to the cartridge, a liquid transfer part connected to the chamber, a heater for heating the liquid transfer part, and at least one processor for controlling power supplied to the heater, the at least one processor further controlling power supplied to the heater when the cartridge is coupled to or separated from the body to raise the temperature of the heater to or above a vaporization temperature of the aerosol generating material in the liquid transfer part.

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 removes residual aerosol generating material remaining in the liquid transmission portion when the cartridge attached to the body is changed or the aerosol generating material selected by the user is changed.

[0005] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device and an operating method thereof that minimizes mixing of the scent of the residual aerosol generating material remaining in the liquid delivery portion with the scent of the changed aerosol generating material when the cartridge or the selected aerosol generating material is changed.

[0006] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device and an operating method thereof that minimize the sense of strangeness that a user may experience when using different types of aerosol generating materials due to mixing of the aerosol generating materials. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to one aspect of the subject matter described in the present application, an aerosol generating device includes a cartridge having a chamber for storing an aerosol generating material, a body coupled to the cartridge, a liquid transfer portion connected to the chamber, a heater for heating the liquid transfer portion, and at least one processor for controlling power supplied to the heater, wherein the at least one processor further controls power supplied to the heater when the cartridge is coupled to or separated from the body to raise the temperature of the heater above the vaporization temperature of the aerosol generating material in the liquid transfer portion.

[0008] According to another aspect of the subject matter described herein, there is provided a method for operating an aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device including a heater, a cartridge having a chamber, a liquid transfer portion connected to the chamber, and a body to which the cartridge is coupled, the method including: detecting whether the cartridge is coupled to or separated from the body; and, when detecting whether the cartridge is coupled to or separated from the body, controlling power supplied to the heater to raise the temperature of the heater above the vaporization temperature of the aerosol generating material in the liquid transfer portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, when the cartridge connected to the body is changed or the aerosol generating material selected by the user is changed, residual aerosol generating material remaining in the liquid transmission portion can be removed.

[0010] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, changing the cartridge or the selected aerosol generating material can minimize the mixing of the scent of the residual aerosol generating material remaining in the liquid delivery portion with the scent of the changed aerosol generating material.

[0011] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, when different types of aerosol-generating materials are used, it is possible to minimize the sense of strangeness that a user may feel due to mixing of the aerosol-generating materials.

[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] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an aerosol generating device. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an aerosol generating device. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an aerosol generating device. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an aerosol generating device. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the aerosol generating device. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the aerosol generating device. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the aerosol generating device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] 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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] 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 .

[0022] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 10 may be composed of only the body 100. In this case, the components included in the aerosol generating device 10 may be located in the body 100. In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device 10 may be composed of the body 100 and a cartridge 200 that stores an aerosol generating material. In this case, the components included in the aerosol generating device 10 may be located in at least one of the body 100 and the cartridge 200.

[0023] 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).

[0024] The input / output interface 12 may include an input device 121 that receives commands from a user and / or an output device that outputs information to a user. For example, the input device 121 may include a touch panel, physical buttons, a microphone, etc. For example, the output device may include a display device that outputs time 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.

[0025] The input / output interface 12 can transmit data corresponding to commands input by a user via the input device 121 to other components (etc.) of the aerosol generation device 10. The input / output interface 12 can output information corresponding to data received from other components (etc.) of the aerosol generation device 10 via the output device.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] The aerosol generating material may further include an aerosol forming agent such as glycerin or propylene glycol.

[0030] The aerosol generation module 13 can include at least one heater 131 .

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] On the other hand, the aerosol generation module 13 can also generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating substance by generating ultrasonic vibrations.

[0036] The aerosol generating module 13 may be referred to as a cartomizer, an atomizer, a vaporizer, or the like.

[0037] When the aerosol generating device 10 is composed of a body 100 and a cartridge 200 that holds an aerosol generating substance, the aerosol generating module 13 may be disposed in at least one of the body 100 and the cartridge 200 .

[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 from 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] For example, the memory 14 may store type information of the cartridge 200 to be coupled to the body 100. The memory 14 may store type information of the cartridge 200 currently coupled to the body 100, and may store type information of cartridges 200 previously coupled to the body 100.

[0042] For example, the memory 14 may store information about a chamber selected by a user from among multiple chambers provided in the cartridge 200 .

[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 memory 14 may be disposed in at least one of the body 100 and the cartridge 200. The memory 14 may be disposed in each of the body 100 and the cartridge 200. For example, the memory of the body 100 may store information about the components disposed inside the body 100, such as information about the total capacity of the battery 190. For example, the memory of the body 100 may store cartridge information received from a cartridge 200 previously or currently coupled to the body 100, and the memory of the cartridge 200 may store cartridge information including cartridge identification information (ID information), cartridge type information, etc. For example, the memory of the body 100 may store information about a chamber selected by a user from among multiple chambers provided in the cartridge 200.

[0045] The sensor module 15 can include at least one sensor.

[0046] For example, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor for detecting a puff (hereinafter referred to as a puff sensor). Here, the puff sensor may be implemented by a proximity sensor such as an IR sensor, 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 senses the temperature of the heater 131 included in the aerosol generation module 13, the temperature of the aerosol generation material, etc.

[0048] Here, the heater 131 included in the aerosol generation module 13 may also function as a temperature sensor. For example, the electrically resistive material of the heater 131 may be a material having a temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR). The sensor module 15 can sense the temperature of the heater 131 by measuring the resistance of the heater 131, which changes depending on the temperature.

[0049] 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).

[0050] For example, if the aerosol generating device 10 includes a cartridge 200, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor (hereinafter referred to as a cartridge detection sensor) 153 that detects the attachment / detachment, position, etc. of the cartridge 200 relative to the body 100.

[0051] Here, the stick detection sensor and / or cartridge detection sensor 153 may be implemented using an inductance-based sensor, a capacitance-type sensor, a resistance sensor, a Hall sensor (hall IC) using the Hall effect, etc. According to some embodiments of the present invention, the cartridge detection sensor 153 may include a connection terminal. The connection terminal may be provided on the body 100, and may be electrically connected to an electrode provided on the cartridge 200 when the cartridge 200 is coupled to the body main body 100.

[0052] 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.

[0053] For example, the sensor module 15 may include at least one sensor (hereinafter referred to as a motion sensor) that senses the motion of the aerosol generating device 10. Here, the motion sensor may be embodied by at least one of a gyro sensor and an acceleration sensor.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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 full capacity even after 2000 charge / discharge cycles.

[0056] The aerosol generating device 10 may further include a battery protection circuit module (PCM), which is a circuit for protecting the battery 16. The battery protection module (PCM) may be disposed adjacent to the upper surface of the battery 16. For example, to prevent overcharging and over-discharging of the battery 16, the battery protection module (PCM) may cut off the electrical path to the battery 16 when a short circuit occurs in a circuit connected to the battery 16, when an overvoltage is applied to the battery 16, when an overcurrent flows through the battery 16, or the like.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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 CPU (central processing unit). Of course, the processor may be a dedicated device such as an ASIC, or a processor based on other hardware.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] The control unit 17 can determine whether a puff has occurred using 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.

[0064] 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 temperature of the heater 131 to be changed or maintained based on the temperature profile stored in the memory 14.

[0065] The control unit 17 may control the heater 131 to cut off the power supply under predetermined conditions. For example, the control unit 17 may control the heater 131 to cut off the power supply when the stick is removed and the cartridge 200 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.

[0066] The control unit 17 may calculate the remaining amount of power stored in the battery 16. For example, the control unit 17 may calculate the remaining amount of power in the battery 16 based on the sensing values ​​of the voltage sensor and / or the current sensor included in the sensor module 15.

[0067] The control unit 17 can control the supply of power to the heater 131 using at least one of a pulse width modulation (PWM) method and a proportional-integral-differential (PID) method.

[0068] For example, the control unit 17 may use a PWM method to control a current pulse having a predetermined frequency and duty ratio to be supplied to the heater 131. Here, the control unit 17 may control the power supplied to the heater 131 by adjusting the frequency and duty ratio of the current pulse.

[0069] For example, the control unit 17 can determine a target temperature based on the temperature profile, and can control the power supplied to the heater 131 using a PID method, which is a feedback control method using a difference between the temperature of the heater 131 and the target temperature, a value obtained by integrating the difference over time, and a value obtained by differentiating the difference over time.

[0070] For example, the control unit 17 can control the power supplied to the heater 131 based on the temperature profile. The control unit 17 can control the length of the heating section in which the heater 131 is heated, the amount of power supplied to the heater 131 during the heating section, etc. The control unit 17 can control the power supplied to the heater 131 based on the target temperature of the heater 131.

[0071] Meanwhile, although the PWM method and the PID method have been described as examples of control methods for supplying power to the heater 131, 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.

[0072] The control unit 17 can determine the temperature of the heater 131 and can adjust the power supplied to the heater 131 depending on the temperature of the heater 131. For example, the control unit 17 can determine the temperature of the heater 131 by checking the resistance value of the heater 131, the current flowing through the heater 131, and / or the voltage applied to the heater 131.

[0073] Meanwhile, the control unit 17 may control the heater 131 to supply power under preset conditions. For example, when a cleaning function for cleaning a space into which 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 131 to supply a predetermined amount of power.

[0074] 2 and 3 are diagrams illustrating an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 2, the aerosol generating device 10 can include a body 100 and a cartridge 200 .

[0076] The body 100 can support a cartridge 200, which can hold an aerosol-generating material.

[0077] The cartridge 200 may be configured to be detachable from the body 100. For example, the cartridge 200 may be attached to the body 100 by inserting at least a portion of the cartridge 200 into an internal space formed by a housing of the body 100.

[0078] The body 100 may be formed in a structure that allows external air to flow into the body 100. Here, the external air that has flowed into the body 100 may pass through the cartridge 200 and flow into the user's mouth.

[0079] The cartridge 200 may include a chamber C1 that holds an aerosol-generating material. The cartridge 200 may include a flow path P1 that communicates with the chamber C1 and through which the aerosol-generating material can flow. The flow path P1 may include a second liquid transfer member 210 that is impregnated (contains) the aerosol-generating material and is involved in transporting the aerosol-generating material. The aerosol-generating material in the chamber C1 may be impregnated into the second liquid transfer member 210. For example, the second liquid transfer member 210 may include a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, porous ceramic, or the like. For example, the second liquid transfer member 210 may include felt. The second liquid transfer member 210 may be disposed at an end that contacts the body 100 when the cartridge 200 is coupled to the body 100.

[0080] The body 100 may include a heater 131 and a first liquid transfer part 132. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the heater 131 may be a porous ceramic heater. The heater 131 may be in contact with the first liquid transfer part 132. The heater 131 may have a plate shape to maximize the contact area with the first liquid transfer part 132. However, the shape of the heater 131 is not limited thereto.

[0081] The first liquid transfer part 132 may be disposed at an end that contacts the cartridge 200 when the cartridge 200 is coupled to the body 100. The first liquid transfer part 132 may include a wick made of cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, porous ceramic, etc. The first liquid transfer part 132 may include felt.

[0082] When cartridge 200 is coupled to body 100, flow path P1 may be in contact with first liquid transfer member 132. If flow path P1 includes second liquid transfer member 210, second liquid transfer member 210 may be in contact with first liquid transfer member 132. The aerosol-generating material in chamber C1 may move to first liquid transfer member 132 of body 100 via flow path P1 and / or second liquid transfer member 210.

[0083] The electrically conductive track of the heater 131 may be formed in a structure that wraps around the first liquid transfer part 132. The heater 131 may heat the first liquid transfer part 132 using power supplied from the battery 16. Here, aerosol may be generated in the heated first liquid transfer part 132.

[0084] The aerosol generated in the first liquid transfer part 132 can flow through a first aerosol flow path 135 formed in the body 100 and a second aerosol flow path 235 formed in the cartridge 200. A mouthpiece (not shown) can be coupled to one side of the cartridge 200, and a user can inhale the aerosol by holding the mouthpiece in their mouth. The aerosol generated by the heater 131 can be delivered to the user's mouth through the mouthpiece.

[0085] The control unit 17 may determine whether the cartridge 200 is coupled to or separated from the body 100 through the cartridge detection sensor 153 included in the sensor module 15. For example, the cartridge detection sensor 153 may transmit a pulse current through one terminal coupled to the cartridge 200. Here, the cartridge detection sensor 153 may detect the coupling and / or separation of the cartridge 200 based on whether the pulse current is received through the other terminal.

[0086] 3, the cartridge 200 may include an insertion space 230 into which the stick 20 can be inserted. For example, the cartridge 200 may include an insertion space 220 formed by an inner wall (not shown) extending circumferentially along the direction in which the stick 20 is inserted. Here, the insertion space 220 may be formed by the inside of the inner wall being open at the top and bottom. The stick 20 may be inserted into the insertion space 220 formed by the inner wall. In this case, a second aerosol flow path 235 formed in the cartridge 200 may be connected to the insertion space 220.

[0087] 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 material and a second portion containing a filter or the like. Alternatively, the second portion of the stick 20 may also contain an aerosol-generating material. For example, the aerosol-generating material manufactured in the form of granules or capsules may be inserted into the second portion.

[0088] The insertion space 220 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 220. For example, if the stick 20 is formed in a cylindrical shape, the insertion space 220 may be formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0089] When the stick 20 is inserted into the insertion space 220, the outer circumferential surface of the stick 20 is surrounded by the inner wall and can come into contact with the inner wall. A portion of the stick 20 can be inserted into the insertion space 220 of the cartridge 200, and the remaining portion can be exposed to the outside.

[0090] The heater 131 can heat the inside and / or outside of the aerosol delivery stick 20 using power supplied from the battery 16. Here, aerosol can be generated in the heated stick 20.

[0091] A user can inhale the aerosol while holding one end of the stick 20 in their mouth. The aerosol generated by the heater 131 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] 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. When the inserted stick 20 is removed, the control unit 17 can initialize the current number of puffs stored in the memory 14.

[0093] Meanwhile, the body 100 may be configured so that the stick 20 is inserted into an insertion space (not shown).

[0094] The aerosol generating device 10 may include a first heater that heats the aerosol-generating material stored in the cartridge 200. For example, when a user inhales through one end of the stick 20 into the mouth, the aerosol generated by the first heater can pass through the stick 20. Here, a flavor can be added to the aerosol as it passes through the stick 20. The flavored aerosol can be inhaled into the user's mouth through one end of the stick 20.

[0095] Meanwhile, according to another embodiment, the aerosol generating device 10 may include a first heater that heats the aerosol-generating material stored in the cartridge 200 and a second heater that heats the stick 20 inserted into the 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.

[0096] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0097] Referring to FIG. 4, the current sensor 162 of the body 100 may be electrically connected to the heater 131 .

[0098] The power supply circuit 161 disposed inside the body 100 can supply the power stored in the battery 16 to the heater 131. Here, the power supplied from the power supply circuit 161 to the heater 131 can be adjusted under the control of the control unit 17.

[0099] The same level of current may flow through the heater 131 and the current sensor 162. Here, the resistance value Rs of the shunt resistor included in the current sensor 162 may be a value that does not change depending on the temperature.

[0100] The control unit 1700 can determine the voltage V1 applied to the heater 131 and the current sensor 162 based on the power supplied from the power supply circuit 161 to the heater 131, the current flowing through the heater 131 and the current sensor 162, etc. The control unit 17 can calculate the voltage V2 applied to the shunt resistor based on the current flowing through the shunt resistor of the current sensor 162 and the resistance value Rs of the shunt resistor. Here, the control unit 17 can calculate the voltage applied to the heater 131 as the difference (V1-V2) between the voltage V1 applied to the heater 131 and the current sensor 162 and the voltage V2 applied to the shunt resistor. The control unit 17 can also calculate the resistance value Rh of the heater 131 based on the voltage applied to the heater 131 and the current flowing through the heater 131.

[0101] Therefore, even while the first liquid transmission part 132 is being heated by the heater 131, the control part 17 can determine the temperature of the heater 131 in real time using the current flowing through the heater 131 calculated via the current sensor 162.

[0102] Meanwhile, the resistor of the heater 131 may be a material having a temperature coefficient of resistance, and the resistance value Rh of the heater 131 may change depending on the temperature of the resistor. The control unit 17 can calculate the temperature of the heater 131 based on the temperature coefficient of the resistor of the heater 131, the resistance value Rh of the heater 131, and the resistance value of the heater 131 at a reference temperature using a calculation formula for calculating the temperature of the heater 131. Here, the calculation formula for calculating the temperature of the heater 131 can be expressed as the following mathematical formula 1.

[0103]

number

[0104] In Equation 1, TCR is the temperature coefficient of resistance of the heater 131, T1 is the temperature of the heater 131, R1 is the resistance value of the heater 131, T0 is the reference temperature, and R0 is the resistance value of the heater 131 at the reference temperature, where T0 is 25°C and R0 is the resistance value of the heater 131 at 25°C.

[0105] However, the resistance value of the heater 131 at the reference temperature may differ for each cartridge 200 due to manufacturing errors of the cartridge 200, etc. In consideration of this, a separate memory may be provided in which data on the resistance value of the heater 131 is stored. Furthermore, the control unit 17 may determine the reference temperature T0 and / or the resistance value R0 of the heater 131 at the reference temperature T0, which are used in a calculation formula for calculating the temperature of the heater 131, based on the data stored in the memory of the cartridge 200.

[0106] Meanwhile, in the drawings, the current sensor 162 connected in series to the heater 131 has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto. A temperature sensor disposed adjacent to the heater 131 to detect the temperature of the heater 131, and a voltage sensor to detect the voltage applied to the heater 131 may also be provided.

[0107] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0108] Referring to FIG. 5, the aerosol generating device 10 can detect that the cartridge 200 is coupled to the body 100 or separated (removed) from the body 100 in operation S810.

[0109] The cartridge detection sensor 153 of the body 100 can detect whether the cartridge 200 is coupled to or separated from the body 100 .

[0110] The cartridge detection sensor 153 may be implemented by an inductance-based sensor, a capacitance-type sensor, a resistance sensor, a Hall sensor (hall IC) using the Hall effect, etc. The cartridge detection sensor 153 may include a connection terminal. The connection terminal is provided on the body 100, and when the cartridge 200 is coupled to the body 100, the connection terminal may be electrically connected to an electrode provided on the cartridge 200.

[0111] The aerosol generating device 10 can detect whether the cartridge 200 is attached to or detached from the body 100 by detecting a change in the signal output from the cartridge detecting sensor 153 .

[0112] In operation S820, the aerosol generating device 10 can control the power supplied to the heater 131 when the cartridge 200 is connected to or separated from the body 100. The aerosol generating device 10 can supply power stored in the battery 16 to the heater 131 via the power supply circuit 161. The aerosol generating device 10 can control the power supplied to the heater 131 to raise the temperature of the heater 131 to or above the vaporization temperature of the aerosol generating material in the first liquid transmitting portion 132. The heater 131 can heat the aerosol generating material in the first liquid transmitting portion 132 to vaporize it.

[0113] When the cartridge 200 is separated from the body 100, some aerosol generating material may remain in a liquid state without being vaporized in the first liquid transmitting part 132 of the body 100. The aerosol generating device 10 controls the power supplied to the heater 131 to raise the temperature of the heater 131 to a temperature equal to or higher than the vaporization temperature of the aerosol generating material in the first liquid transmitting part 132, thereby heating and vaporizing the residual aerosol generating material remaining in the first liquid transmitting part 132.

[0114] For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may heat the remaining aerosol generating material for a predetermined time. The aerosol generating device 10 may supply a predetermined amount of power to the heater 131 for a predetermined time. When the cartridge 200 is coupled to or separated from the body 100, the aerosol generating device 10 may control the power supplied to the heater 131 for a predetermined time to heat the remaining aerosol generating material in the first liquid transmitting part 132. Here, the predetermined time is a time period during which the aerosol generating material contained in the first liquid transmitting part 132 can be completely vaporized without any additional aerosol generating material being supplied to the first liquid transmitting part 132, or a time period longer than that, and may be set based on experimental data, etc.

[0115] For example, the aerosol generation device 10 may monitor the temperature of the heater 131 while supplying power to the heater 131, and may cut off the power supplied to the heater 131 if the temperature of the heater 131 is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature. When the cartridge 200 is connected to or separated from the body 100, the aerosol generation device 10 may control the power supplied to the heater 131 to heat the remaining aerosol-generating material in the first liquid transfer unit 132 and monitor the temperature of the heater 131. If the monitored temperature of the heater 131 is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, the aerosol generation device 10 may cut off the power supplied to the heater 131. The aerosol generation device 10 may heat the remaining aerosol-generating material in the first liquid transfer unit 132 until the heater 131 is heated to the predetermined temperature.

[0116] Here, the predetermined temperature may be the temperature of the heater 131 when the aerosol generating material impregnated in the first liquid transmitting part 132 has been completely vaporized and depleted. The predetermined temperature may be a temperature higher than the vaporization temperature of the aerosol generating material. When the aerosol generating material contained in the first liquid transmitting part 132 is completely vaporized without any additional aerosol generating material being supplied to the first liquid transmitting part 132, the temperature of the heater 131 may rise rapidly. Therefore, the predetermined temperature may be set to the temperature at which the temperature of the heater 131 begins to rise after the aerosol generating material contained in the first liquid transmitting part 132 has been completely vaporized. The predetermined temperature may be set based on experimental data, etc.

[0117] The resistor of the heater 131 is a material having a resistance temperature coefficient, and the resistance value Rh of the heater 131 may change depending on the temperature of the resistor. The aerosol generation device 10 can calculate the resistance temperature coefficient of the heater 131, the resistance value Rh of the heater 131, and the temperature of the heater 131 corresponding to the resistance value of the heater 131 at the reference temperature using a calculation formula for calculating the temperature of the heater 131.

[0118] Meanwhile, the aerosol generating device 10 may include a temperature sensor disposed adjacent to the heater 131 to detect the temperature of the heater 131, a voltage sensor to detect the voltage applied to the heater 131, etc. The aerosol generating device 10 may calculate the temperature of the heater 131 based on a signal output from the temperature sensor.

[0119] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0120] 6, in operation S910, the aerosol generating device 10 can store type information of the cartridge 200 currently being used and coupled to the body 100. The memory 14 of the aerosol generating device 10 can store type information of the cartridge 200 currently being used and coupled to the body 100, as well as type information of cartridges that were used and coupled to the body 100 before using the currently coupled cartridge 200.

[0121] The aerosol generating device 10 can store in the memory 14 type information of the cartridge 200 currently coupled to the body 100 and the type information of the cartridge 200 most recently coupled to the body 100, in addition to the cartridge 200 currently coupled to the body 100.

[0122] Meanwhile, when the cartridge 200 is coupled to the body 100, the aerosol generating device 10 can match the time information of the coupling of the cartridge 200 with the type information of the cartridge 200 and store it in the memory 14. The multiple cartridge information (type information and coupling time information) stored in the memory 14 is sorted based on the coupling time, and the aerosol generating device 10 can identify the type information of the cartridge 200 that was most recently coupled to the body 100 in addition to the cartridge 200 currently coupled to the body 100.

[0123] In operation S920, the aerosol generating device 10 can detect that the cartridge 200 has been separated from the body 100. Based on the signal output from the cartridge detection sensor 153, the aerosol generating device 10 can detect that the cartridge 200 has been separated from the body 100.

[0124] In operation S930, the aerosol generating device 10 can detect that the cartridge 200 is coupled to the body 100. After the cartridge 200 is separated from the body 100, the aerosol generating device 10 can continuously and / or repeatedly detect that the cartridge 200 is coupled to the body 100 based on a signal output from the cartridge detection sensor 153. The cartridge 200 coupled to the body 100 may be the same cartridge as the separated cartridge, or may be a different cartridge from the separated cartridge.

[0125] Upon detecting that the cartridge 200 is coupled to the body 100, the aerosol generating device 10 can determine the type of cartridge 200 coupled to the body 100 in operation S940.

[0126] For example, the aerosol generating device 10 can receive information about the cartridge 200 from the cartridge 200 coupled to the body 100. When the cartridge 200 is coupled to the body 100, the aerosol generating device 10 can receive information about the cartridge 200 through the cartridge detection sensor 153.

[0127] The information about the cartridge 200 may include cartridge identification information (ID information), cartridge type information, etc. The aerosol generating device 10 can determine the type of cartridge from the received cartridge information. Here, the cartridge type information may have different values ​​depending on the type of aerosol-generating material stored in the chamber C1 and / or the type of fragrance or flavoring agent contained in the aerosol-generating material stored in the chamber C1.

[0128] For example, the aerosol generating device 10 can determine the type of cartridge 200 based on a characteristic portion (not shown) of the cartridge 200 coupled to the body 100. The characteristic portion of the cartridge 200 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the type of cartridge 200. For example, the characteristic portion of the cartridge 200 may be formed in a recessed shape on the outer surface of the cartridge 200 to a depth corresponding to the type of cartridge. The characteristic portion of the cartridge 200 may be formed on the outer surface that comes into contact with the body 100 when the cartridge 200 is coupled to the body 100.

[0129] The cartridge detection sensor 153 may be disposed on one side of the body 100 so as to contact a characteristic portion of the cartridge 200 when the cartridge 200 is coupled to the body 100. The cartridge detection sensor 153 may be disposed so as to protrude from one side of the body 100. A portion of the cartridge detection sensor 153 may be inserted into a recessed portion of the characteristic portion of the cartridge 200 so as to contact the characteristic portion of the cartridge 200 when the cartridge 200 is coupled to the body 100.

[0130] The cartridge detection sensor 153 may include a contact portion that contacts the feature portion and an elastic member that elastically supports the contact portion. When the cartridge detection sensor 153 contacts the feature portion, the degree to which the elastic member is pressed may vary depending on the depth of the recessed portion of the feature portion. The cartridge detection sensor 153 may output a signal corresponding to the magnitude of the force generated by pressing the elastic member. The cartridge detection sensor 153 may include a force sensor.

[0131] The aerosol generating device 10 can determine the type of cartridge 200 coupled to the body 100 based on the output signal of the cartridge detection sensor 153. The memory 14 of the aerosol generating device 10 can store force magnitude information corresponding to each type of cartridge 200. The aerosol generating device 10 can determine the type of cartridge 200 by comparing the output signal of the cartridge detection sensor 153 with the force magnitude information corresponding to the type of cartridge 200 stored in the memory 14.

[0132] In operation S950, the aerosol generating device 10 can determine whether the type information of the cartridge 200 coupled to the body 100 corresponds to the type information of a cartridge previously coupled to and used with the body 100 among the type information of cartridges stored in the memory 14.

[0133] The aerosol generating device 10 can determine whether the type information of the cartridge 200 currently coupled to the body 100 is the same as the type information of the cartridge most recently coupled to and used with the body 100 among the cartridge type information stored in the memory 14.

[0134] In operation S960, the aerosol generating device 10 can control the power supplied to the heater 131 based on whether the type information of the cartridge 200 corresponds to the type information of the cartridge that was used in combination with the body 100 before the cartridge was combined with the body 100.

[0135] For example, if the type information of the cartridge 200 currently coupled to the body 100 is different from the type information of a cartridge most recently coupled to the body 100 and used, the aerosol generating device 10 may supply power to the heater 131 to raise the temperature of the heater 131 to or above the vaporization temperature of the aerosol generating material in the first liquid transmitting part 132. The heater 131 may heat and vaporize the remaining aerosol generating material in the first liquid transmitting part 132.

[0136] For example, if the type information of the cartridge 200 currently coupled to the body 100 is the same as the type information of a cartridge recently coupled to and used in the body 100, the aerosol generating device 10 may not perform the operation of supplying power to the heater 131 to heat the remaining aerosol generating material in the first liquid transmission portion 132.

[0137] If the type information of the cartridge currently coupled to the body 100 is the same as the type information of the cartridge most recently coupled to the body 100 and used, the type of aerosol-generating material impregnated in the first liquid transmitting unit 132 and / or the type of fragrance / flavoring contained in the aerosol-generating material may be the same even if the cartridge is replaced. Therefore, if the type information of the cartridge 200 currently coupled to the body 100 is different from the type information of the cartridge most recently coupled to the body 100 and used, the aerosol generating device 10 heats the remaining aerosol-generating material in the first liquid transmitting unit 132, thereby preventing mixing of different aerosol-generating materials and / or fragrances / flavorings contained in the aerosol-generating material in the first liquid transmitting unit 132.

[0138] 7 and 8 are diagrams showing an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0139] Of the components of the aerosol generation device shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, redundant explanations of components that are the same as or similar to the components of the aerosol generation device shown in FIG. 2 will be omitted.

[0140] Referring to FIG. 7, the aerosol generating device 10 according to this embodiment may include a body 100 and a cartridge 200.

[0141] Cartridge 200 may include multiple chambers C11, C12 that hold aerosol-generating materials. Cartridge 200 may include a first chamber C11 that holds a first aerosol-generating material and a second chamber C12 that holds a second aerosol-generating material. However, the number of chambers is not limited thereto, and cartridge 200 may include three or more chambers.

[0142] Cartridge 200 may include flow paths P11 and P12 that communicate with the respective chambers C11 and C12 and through which the aerosol-generating material can flow. Cartridge 200 may include a first flow path P11 that communicates with the first chamber C11 and a second flow path P12 that communicates with the second chamber C12.

[0143] The first flow path P11 may include a second liquid transfer part 210A that is impregnated with (contains) a first aerosol-generating material and is involved in the transfer of the first aerosol-generating material. The second flow path P12 may include a third liquid transfer part 210B that is impregnated with (contains) a second aerosol-generating material and is involved in the transfer of the second aerosol-generating material. The second liquid transfer part 210A and the third liquid transfer part 210B may include a core made of cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, porous ceramic, or the like. The second liquid transfer part 210A and the third liquid transfer part 210B may include felt.

[0144] The second liquid transfer part 210A and the third liquid transfer part 210B may be disposed at the end that contacts the body 100 when the cartridge 200 is coupled to the body 100.

[0145] The body 100 may include a heater 131 and a first liquid transfer part 132. The heater 131 may be in contact with the first liquid transfer part 132. The heater 131 may have a plate shape to maximize the contact area with the first liquid transfer part 132. However, the shape of the heater 131 is not limited thereto.

[0146] The first liquid transfer portion 132 may include a wick made of cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, porous ceramic, etc. The first liquid transfer portion 132 may include felt.

[0147] The body 100 may include an opening / closing portion 133 and body channels 134A, 134B, and 134C. The body channels may include a first body channel 134A, a second body channel 134B, and a third body channel 134C.

[0148] When the cartridge 200 is coupled to the body 100, the first flow path P11 may communicate with the first body flow path 134A. When the cartridge 200 is coupled to the body 100, the second flow path P12 may communicate with the second body flow path 134B.

[0149] One end of the third body channel 134B may be connected to the first liquid transfer part 132. The other end of the third body channel 134B may be connected to the opening / closing part 133.

[0150] The first body channel 134A and the second body channel 134B may be connected to the third body channel 134C via an opening / closing unit 133. The opening / closing unit 133 may connect either the first body channel 134A or the second body channel 134B to the third body channel 134C by opening or closing the opening / closing unit 133. For example, the opening / closing unit 133 may be a valve.

[0151] When the cartridge 200 is connected to the body 100 and the first body flow path 134A is connected to the third body flow path 134C by the opening / closing portion 133, the first aerosol-generating material in the first chamber C11 can flow to the first liquid transfer portion 132 of the body 100 through the first flow path P11, the first body flow path 134A, and the third body flow path 134C.

[0152] When the cartridge 200 is combined with the body 100 and the second body flow path 134B is connected to the third body flow path 134C by the opening / closing portion 133, the second aerosol-generating material in the second chamber C12 can flow to the first liquid transfer portion 132 of the body 100 through the second flow path P12, the second body flow path 134B, and the third body flow path 134C.

[0153] The heater 131 may heat the first liquid transfer part 132 using power supplied from the battery 16. Here, aerosol may be generated in the heated first liquid transfer part 132.

[0154] 8, an opening / closing unit and a structure for opening and closing the flow paths by the opening / closing unit may be included in the cartridge 200. In this case, one end of the first flow path P11 may be connected to the first chamber C11, and the other end may be connected to the opening / closing unit 233. One end of the second flow path P12 may be connected to the second chamber C12, and the other end may be connected to the opening / closing unit 233. One end of the third flow path P13 may be connected to the opening / closing unit 133. When the cartridge 200 is coupled to the body 100, the other end of the third flow path P13 may be disposed at the end that contacts the body 100.

[0155] The first flow path P11 and the second flow path P12 can be connected to the third flow path P13 via the opening / closing unit 233. The opening / closing unit 233 can connect either the first flow path P11 or the second flow path P12 to the third flow path P13 by opening and closing the opening / closing unit 233.

[0156] When the cartridge 200 is coupled to the body 100, the third flow path P13 may be in contact with the first liquid transfer part 132. The first aerosol-generating material in the first chamber C11 or the second aerosol-generating material in the second chamber C12 may move to the first liquid transfer part 132 of the body 100 through the third flow path P13.

[0157] When the cartridge 200 is connected to the body 100 and the first flow path P11 is connected to the third flow path P13 by the opening / closing portion 233, the first aerosol-generating material in the first chamber C11 can flow to the first liquid transfer portion 132 of the body 100 through the first flow path P11 and the third flow path P13.

[0158] When the cartridge 200 is connected to the body 100 and the second flow path P12 is connected to the third flow path P13 by the opening / closing portion 233, the second aerosol-generating material in the second chamber C12 can flow to the first liquid transfer portion 132 of the body 100 through the second flow path P12 and the third flow path P13.

[0159] 9, the aerosol generation device 10 can receive a chamber selection signal in operation S1010. The aerosol generation device 10 can receive the chamber selection signal from the input device 121 that receives user input. For example, the chamber selection signal can include a first chamber C11 selection signal or a second chamber C12 selection signal. The aerosol generation device 10 can identify the chamber selected by the user based on the user input received from the input device 121.

[0160] The aerosol generation device 10 can determine whether the chamber has been changed in operation S1020. The aerosol generation device 10 can identify the chamber selected by the user from among the plurality of chambers C11 and C12 based on the received chamber selection signal. The aerosol generation device 10 can determine whether the selected chamber is the same as the chamber previously selected and used. The aerosol generation device 10 can store the user's chamber selection information in the memory 14. Based on the information stored in the memory 14, the aerosol generation device 10 can compare the received chamber selection signal with the previously selected and used chamber selection signal stored in the memory 14. If the chamber selected by the user is different from the previously selected and used chamber, the aerosol generation device 10 can determine that the chamber has been changed.

[0161] In operation S1030, when the chamber is changed, the aerosol generating device 10 can control the power supplied to the heater 131 to heat and vaporize the remaining aerosol generating material in the first liquid transfer portion 132.

[0162] For example, the aerosol generating device 10 can supply power to the heater 131 for a predetermined time to raise the temperature of the heater 131 to or above the vaporization temperature of the aerosol generating material in the liquid transmitting portion 132. The heater 131 can heat and vaporize the remaining aerosol generating material in the first liquid transmitting portion 132.

[0163] For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may monitor the temperature of the heater 131 while supplying power to the heater 131, and may cut off the power supplied to the heater 131 if the temperature of the heater 131 is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature. The aerosol generating device 10 may heat the remaining aerosol generating material in the first liquid transfer portion 132 until the heater 131 is heated to the predetermined temperature.

[0164] On the other hand, if the aerosol generating device 10 determines in operation S1020 that the chamber has not been changed, it may not perform the operation of supplying power to the heater 131 to heat the remaining aerosol generating material in the first liquid transmission portion 132.

[0165] If the user selects the same chamber as before, the type of aerosol-generating material impregnated in the first liquid transmitting portion 132 and / or the type of fragrance / flavoring agent contained in the aerosol-generating material may be the same. Therefore, the aerosol generating device 10 can prevent different aerosol-generating materials and / or fragrances / flavoring agents contained in the aerosol-generating material from being mixed in the first liquid transmitting portion 132 by heating the remaining aerosol-generating material in the first liquid transmitting portion 132 only when the chamber is changed.

[0166] Meanwhile, after operation S1030, the aerosol generating device 10 can connect either the first body flow path 134A or the second body flow path 134B to the third body flow path 134C by controlling the opening / closing part 133 so that the aerosol generating material in the chamber selected by the user is impregnated into the first liquid transmission part 132.

[0167] The aerosol generating device 10 vaporizes the remaining liquid using the heater 131, and then controls the operation of the opening / closing unit 133 to prevent different aerosol generating materials from being simultaneously impregnated into the first liquid transmitting unit 132 due to a change in the chamber.

[0168] As described above, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, when the cartridge connected to the body is changed or the aerosol generating material selected by the user is changed, residual aerosol generating material remaining in the liquid transmission portion can be removed.

[0169] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, changing the cartridge or the selected aerosol generating material can minimize the mixing of the scent of the residual aerosol generating material remaining in the liquid delivery portion with the scent of the changed aerosol generating material.

[0170] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, when different types of aerosol-generating materials are used, it is possible to minimize the sense of strangeness that a user may feel due to mixing of the aerosol-generating materials.

[0171] 1 to 9, an aerosol generating device 10 according to one aspect of the present disclosure may include a cartridge 200 including a chamber C1 for storing an aerosol generating material, a body 100 coupled to the cartridge 200, a liquid transfer part 132 connected to the chamber C1, a heater 131 for heating the liquid transfer part 132, and a control part 17 for controlling power supplied to the heater 131. When the cartridge 200 is coupled to or separated from the body 100, the control part 17 controls power supplied to the heater 131 to raise the temperature of the heater 131 to a temperature equal to or higher than the vaporization temperature of the aerosol generating material in the liquid transfer part 132.

[0172] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit 17 can control the power supplied to the heater 131 for a predetermined time when the cartridge 200 is connected to or separated from the body 100 to raise the temperature of the heater 131 above the vaporization temperature of the aerosol-generating material in the liquid transfer unit 132.

[0173] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit 17 can monitor the temperature of the heater 131 and cut off the power supplied to the heater 131 when the temperature of the heater 131 is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature.

[0174] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the resistance value of the heater 131 changes depending on the temperature of the heater 131, and the control unit 17 can determine the temperature of the heater 131 based on the resistance temperature coefficient of the heater 131.

[0175] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device may further include a cartridge detection sensor 153 that detects attachment and detachment of the cartridge 200. The control unit 17 may detect that the cartridge 200 is attached to or detached from the body 100 based on a signal received from the cartridge detection sensor 153.

[0176] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device may further include a memory 14 that stores type information of the cartridge 200 to be coupled to the body 100. The cartridge detection sensor 153 receives information about the cartridge 200 when the cartridge 200 is coupled to the body 100, and the control unit 17 determines the type of the cartridge 200 based on the information received from the cartridge detection sensor 153, and controls the power supplied to the heater 131 based on whether the type of the cartridge 200 corresponds to the type of cartridge that was coupled to the body 100 and used before the cartridge 200 was coupled to the body 100.

[0177] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit 17 can control the power supplied to the heater 131 to raise the temperature of the heater 131 above the vaporization temperature of the aerosol generating material in the liquid transfer unit 132 when the type of the cartridge 200 is different from the type of the previously used cartridge.

[0178] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the type of cartridge may be determined based on the type of aerosol-generating material stored in the chamber C1 or the type of fragrance or flavoring agent contained in the aerosol-generating material stored in the chamber C1.

[0179] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device may further include an input device 121 that receives user input. The cartridge 200 includes a plurality of chambers C11 and C12, each storing a different aerosol generating material. The control unit 17 identifies a chamber selected by a user from the plurality of chambers C11 and C12 based on the user input via the input device 121. If the selected chamber is changed based on the user input, the control unit 17 controls the power supplied to the heater 131 to raise the temperature of the heater 131 to a temperature equal to or higher than the vaporization temperature of the aerosol generating material in the liquid transfer unit 132.

[0180] Meanwhile, an operating method of an aerosol generating device according to one aspect of the present disclosure may include an operation of detecting that the cartridge 200 is connected to or separated from the body 100, and an operation of controlling the power supplied to the heater 131 when the cartridge 200 is connected to or separated from the body 100 to raise the temperature of the heater 131 above the vaporization temperature of the aerosol generating material in the liquid transfer part 132 connected to the chamber C1 of the cartridge.

[0181] 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.

[0182] 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.

[0183] 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 cartridge having a chamber for storing an aerosol-generating material; a body coupled to the cartridge; a liquid transfer part connected to the chamber; a heater for heating the liquid transfer portion; a cartridge detection sensor that detects when the cartridge is coupled to and separated from the body; at least one processor that controls power supplied to the heater; The at least one processor further controls power supplied to the heater when the cartridge is coupled to or separated from the body to raise the temperature of the heater above a vaporization temperature of the aerosol generating material in the liquid communication portion; The cartridge detection sensor further receives information about the cartridge when the cartridge is coupled to the body; The at least one processor determines the type of the cartridge based on information received by the cartridge detection sensor, and if the determined cartridge type does not correspond to the type of cartridge most recently used in combination with the body, controls the power supplied to the heater to raise the temperature of the heater above the vaporization temperature of the aerosol generating material in the liquid transmission portion.

2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor further controls the power supplied to the heater for a predetermined time when the cartridge is connected to or separated from the body, thereby raising the temperature of the heater above the vaporization temperature of the aerosol generating material in the liquid transfer portion.

3. The at least one processor: monitoring the temperature of the heater; The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein when the temperature of the heater is equal to or higher than a reference temperature, power supplied to the heater is cut off.

4. the heater has a resistance that varies with the temperature of the heater; The aerosol generating device of claim 3 , wherein the at least one processor is further configured to determine the temperature of the heater based on a temperature coefficient of resistance of the heater.

5. The aerosol generating device of claim 1 , wherein the at least one processor further senses that the cartridge is coupled to or separated from the body based on a signal received from the cartridge detection sensor.

6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , further comprising a memory for storing type information of a cartridge coupled to the body.

7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the type of cartridge is determined based on the type of aerosol generating material stored in the chamber or the type of fragrance or flavoring agent contained in the aerosol generating material stored in the chamber.

8. further comprising an input device for receiving user input; the cartridge includes a plurality of chambers, each chamber storing a different aerosol-generating material; The at least one processor further comprises: identifying a user-selected chamber from the plurality of chambers based on user input received by the input device; The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein when the selected chamber is changed based on the user input, the power supplied to the heater is controlled to raise the temperature of the heater above the vaporization temperature of the aerosol generating material in the liquid transfer portion.

9. 1. A method for operating an aerosol generating device including a heater, a cartridge having a chamber, a liquid transfer part connected to the chamber, a body to which the cartridge is coupled, and a cartridge detection sensor that detects when the cartridge is coupled to the body and when it is separated from the body, comprising: sensing that the cartridge is coupled to or separated from the body; and when detecting that the cartridge is coupled to or separated from the body, controlling power supplied to a heater to raise the temperature of the heater to a vaporization temperature of the aerosol-generating material in the liquid transfer portion or higher; receiving information about the cartridge by the cartridge detection sensor when the cartridge is coupled to the body; determining a type of the cartridge based on information received by the cartridge detection sensor; The method for operating an aerosol generating device further includes the operation of controlling the power supplied to the heater to raise the temperature of the heater above the vaporization temperature of the aerosol generating material in the liquid transmission portion if the determined cartridge type does not correspond to the type of cartridge most recently used in combination with the body.

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