Aerosol generating device and control method thereof

Abstract

An aerosol generating device that houses a stick having an aerosol generating material and a susceptor, and includes a plurality of coils that inductively heat the susceptor in the stick, and a control unit that applies a voltage to at least one of the plurality of coils whose measured current value is equal to or less than a predetermined reference current value based on measured current values ​​flowing through each of the plurality of coils when a reference voltage is applied to the plurality of coils.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] An aerosol generating device is a device for extracting 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 efficiently inductively heat a susceptor by controlling the voltages applied to multiple coils.

[0005] It is still another object of the present disclosure to inductively heat a susceptor with at least one coil of a plurality of coils in a manner that corresponds to the arrangement direction of the susceptor. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the subject matter described herein, there is provided an aerosol generating device containing a stick including an aerosol generating material and a susceptor, the stick being inserted into Insertion space isThe susceptor includes a housing including an inner wall opening formed inside and an outer wall surrounding the inner wall; a plurality of coils arranged between the inner wall and the outer wall of the housing for induction heating the susceptor inserted into the insertion space; a power supply electrically connected to the plurality of coils; and a control unit that causes the power supply to apply a reference voltage to the plurality of coils, measures the respective current values ​​flowing through the plurality of coils based on the reference voltage, and causes the power supply to apply a voltage to at least one coil of the plurality of coils having a measured current value less than or equal to a predetermined reference current value. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the susceptor can be efficiently inductively heated by controlling the voltages applied to the multiple coils.

[0008] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the voltages applied to the multiple coils can be controlled to reduce the electrical energy consumed by the multiple coils.

[0009] 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]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 illustrates a method for controlling an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 illustrates a method for controlling an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 illustrates a method for controlling an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 illustrates a method for controlling an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 17] FIG. 1 illustrates a method for controlling an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, the embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. For the sake of simplicity of description with reference to the drawings, identical or similar components will be given the same reference numerals, and redundant description thereof will be omitted.

[0012] The suffixes "module" and "section" for components used in the following description are for ease of description only and do not have any special meaning or role.

[0013] In this disclosure, those well known to those skilled in the art will be omitted for the sake of brevity. It should be understood that the accompanying drawings are intended to facilitate understanding of various technical features, and that the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the present disclosure should be construed as including all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives in addition to those specifically disclosed in the accompanying drawings.

[0014] 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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Referring to FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device 1 may include a casing 30 including an upper part 31 and a lower part 32 , and a cap 20 coupled to the upper part 31 .

[0019] The stick 10 may have an elongated shape. For example, the stick 10 may be formed in a cylindrical shape. A portion of the stick 10 may be inserted into the aerosol generation device 1 through the cap 20. The remainder of the stick 10 may be located outside the aerosol generation device 1.

[0020] The casing 30 can include an upper part 31 and a lower part 32. The upper part 31 and the lower part 32 can form the outer surface of the aerosol generation device 1. The outer surface of the upper part 31 and the outer surface of the lower part 32 can form a continuous surface.

[0021] The cap 20 may have a hole 21 (see FIG. 2) into which the stick 10 is inserted. The cap 20 may be coupled to the upper part 31. The hole 21 of the cap 20 may communicate with an insertion space 42 (see FIG. 2) into which the stick 10 is inserted.

[0022] Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generation device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 3 is a block diagram of an aerosol generation device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] 1 to 3, the aerosol generation device 1 may include a housing 40, a heating unit 50, a sensing unit 60, an output unit 70, a user input unit 80, and a control unit 100.

[0024] The housing 40 may be disposed inside the casing 30. The housing 40 may be combined with the cap 20. The housing 40 may be combined with the upper part 31 and the lower part 32. The housing 40 may be made of a non-conductive material. The housing 40 may include a heating unit 50, a sensing unit 60, and a control unit 100 therein. The housing 40 may include inner walls 43, 45 and an outer wall 46.

[0025] The inner walls 43, 45 may include a side portion 43e and a base portion 45e. The inner walls 43, 45 may provide an insertion space 42 therein. The inner walls 43, 45 may have an open end 43e. The opening 44 of the inner walls 43, 45 may communicate with the hole 21 of the cap 20. The stick 10 may be inserted into the insertion space 42 through the opening 44 of the inner walls 43, 45. The opening 44 of the inner walls 43, 45 may face the base portion 45.

[0026] The base portion 45 can support the stick 10 inserted into the insertion space 42. For example, one surface of the base portion 45 facing the opening 44 can be formed flat. The base portion 45 can be connected to the side portion 43. The side portion 43 can extend elongatedly from the base portion 45. For example, the side portion 43 can be formed cylindrical. An opening 44 can be formed in one end 43e of the side portion 43.

[0027] The insertion space 42 may be formed inside the inner walls 43, 45. The insertion space 42 may have a shape that extends elongatedly along the inner walls 43, 45. A portion of the stick 10 may be inserted into the insertion space 42 through the hole 21 in the cap 20 and the opening 44 in the inner walls 43, 45. A susceptor 15 (see FIG. 3) of the inserted stick 10 may be disposed in a portion S of the insertion space 42.

[0028] Meanwhile, air f outside the aerosol generating device 1 can flow into the insertion space 42 through the hole 21 of the cap 20. The air f that has flowed into the insertion space 42 can flow into the inside of the stick 10 through the gap between the inner walls 43, 45 and the inserted stick 10.

[0029] The outer wall 46 of the housing 40 may surround the inner walls 43, 45. The outer wall 46 may be connected to the inner walls 43, 45. The outer wall 46 may be formed integrally with the inner walls 43, 45. A terminal 103 connected to a power source 101 may be disposed on the outer wall 46. The outer wall 46 may be combined with the casing 30 and the cap 20. The outer wall 46 may provide an accommodating space 41 between the inner walls 43, 45. The outer wall 46 may have a shape that extends elongated along the length direction of the side portions 43 of the inner walls 43, 45.

[0030] The heating unit 50 may include a plurality of coils 51, 52, and 53. The plurality of coils 51, 52, and 53 may include a first coil 51, a second coil 52, and a third coil 53. While this specification describes an example in which the number of coils is three, this is merely for the convenience of description, and the concept and technical scope of the present disclosure are not limited to the case in which the number of coils is three.

[0031] The multiple coils 51, 52, 53 can be arranged sequentially. The multiple coils 51, 52, 53 can surround the side 43 of the inner walls 43, 45. The multiple coils 51, 52, 53 can be located adjacent to the inner walls 43, 45. The multiple coils 51, 52, 53 can face the side 43 of the inner walls 43, 45. For example, the multiple coils 51, 52, 53 can be arranged on a single FPCB (Flexible Printed Circuit Board).

[0032] The first coil 51, the second coil 52, and the third coil 53 may be disposed in the accommodation space 41. The power source 101 may apply an AC voltage to the first coil 51, the second coil 52, and the third coil 53. The first coil 51, the second coil 52, and the third coil 53 may form an induction magnetic field around them. The first coil 51, the second coil 52, and the third coil 53 may inductively heat the susceptor 15.

[0033] The heating unit 50 may be electrically connected to a power source 101. The heating unit 50, receiving electrical energy from the power source 101, may heat the susceptor 15. The heating unit 50 may be connected to a control unit 100. The heating unit 50 may be connected to a sensing unit 60.

[0034] The sensing unit 60 may include a first current sensor 61, a second current sensor 62, and a third current sensor 63. The first current sensor 61 may be connected to the first coil 51. The second current sensor 62 may be connected to the second coil 52. The third current sensor 63 may be connected to the third coil 53. The first current sensor 61 may measure the value of a current flowing through the first coil 51. The second current sensor 62 may measure the value of a current flowing through the second coil 52. The third current sensor 63 may measure the value of a current flowing through the third coil 53.

[0035] The output unit 70 can provide to the outside information about the state of the aerosol generation device 1. For example, the output unit 70 can provide to the outside information about whether the heater 50 can be replaced and whether the power supply 101 can be charged.

[0036] The output unit 70 may include, but is not limited to, at least one of a display unit 71, a haptic unit 72, and an audio output unit 73. For example, if the display unit 71 and a touchpad are layered to form a touch screen, the display unit 71 can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0037] The display unit 71 can visually provide a user with information about the aerosol generation device 1. For example, the information about the aerosol generation device 1 can include various information such as the charging / discharging status of the power supply 101 of the aerosol generation device 1, the insertion / removal status of the stick 10, or a status that restricts the use of the aerosol generation device 1 (e.g., abnormal object detection), and the display unit 71 can output the various information to the outside. For example, the display unit 71 can be in the form of a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), or an LED light emitting element.

[0038] The haptic portion 72 can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical or electrical stimulus and provide the user with tactile information about the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the haptic portion 72 can include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0039] The acoustic output unit 73 can audibly provide the user with information about the aerosol generation device 1. For example, the acoustic output unit 73 can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

[0040] The user input unit 80 can receive information input by a user or output information to a user. For example, the user input unit 80 can be a keypad, a dome switch, a touchpad (contact capacitance type, pressure resistive film type, infrared sensing type, surface ultrasonic conduction type, integral tension measurement type, piezoelectric effect type, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0041] The control unit 100 can control the operation of the heating unit 50 and the sensing unit 60. The control unit 100 can store information in the memory 102. The control unit 100 can store information in the memory 102 or read stored information from the memory 102. The memory 102 is hardware that stores various data processed in the aerosol generating device 1, and can store data processed by the control unit 100 and data to be processed. The memory 102 can include at least one type of storage medium selected from the group consisting of a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card-type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), a random access memory (RAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk.

[0042] The power source 101 can supply power to the aerosol generating device 1. The power source 101 can apply an AC voltage to the multiple coils 51, 52, and 53. The power source 101 can apply a DC voltage to the multiple coils 51, 52, and 53. The power source 101 can be connected to the outside via terminals 103. The power source 101 can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the power source 101 can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited to this.

[0043] The power supply 101 may include at least one switch (not shown), which may turn on and off the electrical energy supplied to the coils 51, 52, and 53. The power supply 101 may supply electrical energy to each of the coils 51, 52, and 53 individually via the switch.

[0044] 4 and 5 show a stick 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the stick 10 can be elongated. For example, the stick 10 can have a cylindrical shape and a circular cross section. The stick 10 can include a medium portion 11, a cooling portion 12, a filter portion 13, a wrapper 14, and a susceptor 15. The medium portion 11, the cooling portion 12, and the filter portion 13 can be arranged consecutively.

[0045] The cooling section 12 may be disposed between the medium section 11 and the filter section 13. The wrapper 14 may wrap the medium section 11, the cooling section 12, and the filter section 13. The medium section 11 may include a medium 113. The medium section 11 may include a first medium cover 111. The medium section 11 may include a second medium cover 112. The medium 113 may be disposed between the first medium cover 111 and the second medium cover 112. The first medium cover 111 may be disposed at one end of the stick 10. The length of the medium section 11 may be 24 mm.

[0046] The medium 113 can be vaporized and / or atomized as an aerosol by receiving heat from the susceptor 15. The medium 113, which is an aerosol-generating material, can contain substances of various components. For example, the substances contained in the medium can be flavor substances of various components. The medium 113 can emit a fragrance by receiving heat from the susceptor 15. For example, the medium 113 can be composed of a plurality of granules. Each of the plurality of granules can have a size of 0.4 mm to 1.12 mm. The length L2 of the medium 113 can be 10 mm.

[0047] The first medium cover 111 may be made of acetate material. The second medium cover 112 may be made of acetate material. The first medium cover 111 may be made of paper material. The second medium cover 112 may be made of paper material. At least one of the first medium cover 111 and the second medium cover 112 may be made of paper material and may have a wrinkled shape, forming multiple gaps between them for air to flow through. The gaps may be smaller than the size of each granule of the medium 113. The length L1 of the first medium cover 111 may be shorter than the length L2 of the medium 113. The length L3 of the second medium cover 111 may be shorter than the length L2 of the medium 113. The length L1 of the first medium cover 111 may be 7 mm. The length L2 of the second medium cover 111 may be 7 mm.

[0048] Therefore, each granule of the medium 113 cannot be separated from the medium portion 11 and the stick 10.

[0049] The cooling section 12 may have a cylindrical shape. The cooling section 12 may have a hollow shape. The cooling section 12 may be disposed between the medium section 11 and the filter section 13. The cooling section 12 may be disposed between the second medium cover 112 and the filter section 13. The cooling section 12 may be formed in a tubular shape surrounding the internal cooling path 121. The cooling section 12 may be thicker than the wrapper 14. The cooling section 12 may be made of a paper material that is thicker than the wrapper 14. The length L4 of the cooling section 12 may be the same as or approximately the same as the length L2 of the medium 113. The length L4 of the cooling section 12 and the cooling path 121 may be 10 mm. When the stick 10 is inserted into the aerosol generation device (see FIG. 3), at least a portion of the cooling section 12 may be exposed to the outside of the aerosol generation device.

[0050] Therefore, the cooling section 12 supports the medium section 11 and the filter section 13, thereby ensuring the rigidity of the stick 10. The cooling section 12 also supports the wrapper 14 between the medium section 11 and the filter section 13, thereby ensuring a location where the wrapper 14 is adhered. The heated air and aerosol can be cooled as they pass through the cooling path 121 inside the cooling section 12.

[0051] The filter part 13 may be made of an acetate filter. The filter part 13 may be disposed at the other end of the stick 10. When the stick 10 is inserted into the aerosol generating device (see FIG. 3), the filter part 13 may be exposed to the outside of the aerosol generating device. A user can inhale air by holding the filter part 13 in their mouth. The length L5 of the filter part 13 may be 14 mm.

[0052] The wrapper 14 may wrap or surround the medium portion 11, the cooling portion 12, and the filter portion 13. The wrapper 14 may form the outer shape of the stick 10. The wrapper 14 may be made of a paper material. The adhesive portion 143 may be formed on one side edge of the wrapper 14. The wrapper 14 wraps the medium portion 11, the cooling portion 12, and the filter portion 13, and the adhesive portion 143 formed on one side edge and the other side edge may be adhered to each other. The wrapper 14 wrapping the medium portion 11, the cooling portion 12, and the filter portion 13 does not have to cover one end and the other end of the stick 10. Therefore, the wrapper 14 may surround the outside of the medium portion 11, the cooling portion 12, and the filter portion 13.

[0053] A medium 113 and a susceptor 15 may be disposed on one side of the stick 10. The susceptor 15 may be embedded within the medium 113. For example, the susceptor 15 may be located at the center of the medium 113.

[0054] The susceptor 15 can be inductively heated by the plurality of coils 51, 52, and 53. The susceptor 15 can be inductively heated and provide heat to the medium 113. The susceptor 15 can have a directional shape. For example, the susceptor 15 can have a plate shape. Therefore, when the stick 10 is inserted into the insertion space 42, the arrangement direction DD of the directional susceptor 15 differs from the predetermined arrangement direction, and the degree to which the susceptor 15 is inductively heated by the plurality of coils 51, 52, and 53 can differ from each other.

[0055] 6 shows that the susceptor 15 is inductively heated by the first coil 51. While FIG. 6 shows the case of the first coil 51, it is equally applicable to the second coil 52 and the third coil 53.

[0056] 6, the heating unit 50 receives electrical energy from the power source 101 and generates an induction magnetic field M. The generated induction magnetic field M can penetrate the susceptor 15. The susceptor 15 can be inductively heated by the generated induction magnetic field M. The sensing unit 60 can measure the value of a current flowing through the heating unit 50.

[0057] The first coil 51 may be configured as a pan coil formed of multiple turns including an innermost turn 512 (see FIG. 7) and an outermost turn 513 (see FIG. 7). As shown in FIG. 6, the direction FD of the first coil 51 may be defined based on the shape of the first coil 51. The direction DD of the susceptor 15, in which the susceptor 15 faces, may be defined based on the arrangement of the susceptor 15.

[0058] 6(a) shows a case where the susceptor 15 and the first coil 51 face each other. FIG. 6(a) also shows a case where the direction FD of the first coil 51 and the arrangement direction DD of the susceptor 15 are aligned with each other. The magnetic field M generated by the first coil 51 can inductively heat the susceptor 15.

[0059] 6(b) shows a case where the arrangement direction DD of the susceptor 15 is changed from that of FIG. 6(a). The changed arrangement direction DD' of the susceptor 15 and the direction FD of the first coil 51 can intersect with each other. Compared to FIG. 6(a), in the case of FIG. 6(b), only a portion of the induction magnetic field M generated by the first coil 51 can penetrate the susceptor 15. In other words, when the same electric energy is supplied to the first coil 51, the degree to which the susceptor 15 is inductively heated may differ depending on whether the arrangement direction DD of the susceptor 15 is changed.

[0060] 7 illustrates a portion of an aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 7, a first coil 51 can include a first wire 511, an innermost turn 512, an outermost turn 513, and a second wire 514.

[0061] The first wire 511 may connect the power source 101 to the innermost turn 512. The first coil 51 may be formed by being wound multiple times from the innermost turn 512 to the outermost turn 513. The second wire 514 may connect the power source 101 to the outermost turn 513. The first coil 51 may be formed as a pan coil.

[0062] The second coil 52 may include a third wire 521, an innermost turn 522, an outermost turn 523, and a fourth wire 524. The third wire 521 may connect the power source 101 to the innermost turn 522. The second coil 52 may be formed by being wound multiple times from the innermost turn 522 to the outermost turn 523. The fourth wire 524 may connect the power source 101 to the outermost turn 523. The second coil 52 may be formed as a pan coil.

[0063] The third coil 53 may include a fifth wire 531, an innermost turn 532, an outermost turn 533, and a sixth wire 534. The fifth wire 531 may connect the power source 101 to the innermost turn 532. The third coil 53 may be formed by being wound multiple times from the innermost turn 532 to the outermost turn 533. The sixth wire 534 may connect the power source 101 to the outermost turn 533. The third coil 53 may be formed as a pan coil.

[0064] Meanwhile, the first wire 511 and the second wire 514 may be positioned adjacent to each other in a region of the outermost turn 513. The first wire 511 and the second wire 514 may extend from a region of the outermost turn 513 toward the power source 101. The third wire 521 and the fourth wire 524 may be positioned adjacent to each other in a region of the outermost turn 523. The third wire 521 and the fourth wire 524 may extend from a region of the outermost turn 523 toward the power source 101. The fifth wire 531 and the sixth wire 534 may be positioned adjacent to each other in a region of the outermost turn 533. The fifth wire 531 and the sixth wire 534 may extend from a region of the outermost turn 533 toward the power source 101.

[0065] The first coil 51 can face the side 43 of the inner walls 43, 45. The second coil 52 can face the side 43 of the inner walls 43, 45. The third coil 53 can face the side 43 of the inner walls 43, 45. The first coil 51, the second coil 52, and the third coil 53 can surround at least a portion of the side 43 of the inner walls 43, 45.

[0066] The susceptor 15 can be inserted into the insertion space 42. The shape of the susceptor 15 can be defined by a first width x, a second width y, and a third width z extending in directions perpendicular to each other. At least two of the first width x, the second width y, and the third width z of the susceptor 15 can be different from each other. For example, the susceptor 15 can be formed in a plate shape as shown in FIG. 7. However, the shape of the susceptor 15 is not limited to a plate shape.

[0067] 7 shows a case where the first width x is different from the second width y, and the second width y is different from the third width z. One surface 151 of the susceptor 15 may face the side 43 of the inner walls 43, 45. The first width x and the third width z, which determine the size of the one surface 151 of the susceptor 15, may be longer than the second width y. The arrangement direction DD of the susceptor 15 may be defined based on the one surface 151 of the susceptor 15.

[0068] 8 shows that the susceptor 15 embedded in the medium 113 is inductively heated by a plurality of coils 51, 52, and 53. Referring to FIG. 8, the susceptor 15 can face the side 43 of the inner walls 43 and 45. The plurality of coils 51, 52, and 53 can face the side 43 of the inner walls 43 and 45. The susceptor 15 can be inserted into the insertion space 42 and positioned to face the first coil 51. Unlike what is shown in FIG. 8, the susceptor 15 can be inserted into the insertion space 42 and positioned to face the second coil 52 or the third coil 53, and not to face any of the plurality of coils 51, 52, and 53.

[0069] The first coil 51 can generate a first induction magnetic field M1, the second coil 52 can generate a second induction magnetic field M2, and the third coil 53 can generate a third induction magnetic field M3.

[0070] The direction FD1 in which the first coil 51 faces can intersect with the direction FD2 in which the second coil 52 faces. The direction FD2 in which the second coil 52 faces can intersect with the direction FD2 in which the third coil 53 faces. The direction FD1 in which the first coil 51 faces can intersect with the direction FD3 in which the third coil 53 faces.

[0071] 8(a) with 8(b) and 8(c), the second induction magnetic field M2 generated by the second coil 52 and the third induction magnetic field M3 generated by the third coil 53 penetrate the susceptor 15 to a relatively greater extent than the first induction magnetic field M1 generated by the first coil 51. Therefore, among the first coil 51, the second coil 52, and the third coil 53, the first coil 51 may be most suitable for inductively heating the susceptor 15.

[0072] 9 shows a change in AC current value during one cycle T measured by the sensing unit 60 when an AC voltage is applied to the heating unit 50. Referring to FIG. 9, when the stick 10 is inserted and an AC voltage is applied to the heating unit 50, the susceptor 15 can be inductively heated by the induced magnetic field. Here, the degree to which the current values ​​I1, I2, and I3 flowing through the respective coils 51, 52, and 53 decrease from the initial current value I0 may vary depending on the degree to which the susceptor 15 is inductively heated.

[0073] The initial current value I0 may refer to the value of a current flowing through each of the coils 51, 52, and 53 when a reference voltage is applied to each of the coils 51, 52, and 53. In other words, it may be defined as the current value measured by each of the current sensors 61, 62, and 63 when the reference voltage is applied to each of the coils 51, 52, and 53 when the stick 10 is not inserted into the insertion space 42. The initial current value I0 may be measured before the stick 10 is inserted, or may be a predetermined value stored in the memory 102.

[0074] Meanwhile, in the case of AC current, the measured current value described in this specification is described based on the maximum value (Peak Value), but it can also be described based on the mean value, root mean square value, etc. Therefore, the idea and technical scope of the present disclosure are not limited to the case where the measured current value is the maximum value.

[0075] 8 and 9 show a state in which the stick 10 is inserted into the insertion space 42. Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, when the reference voltage is applied from the power source 101 to the first coil 51, the first current value I1 detected by the first current sensor 61 may be smaller than the initial current value I0. When the reference voltage is applied from the power source 101 to the second coil 52, the second current value I2 detected by the second current sensor 62 may be smaller than the initial current value I0. When the reference voltage is applied from the power source 101 to the third coil 53, the third current value I3 detected by the third current sensor 63 may be smaller than the initial current value I0. The difference between the first current value I1 and the initial current value I0 may be larger than the difference between the second current value I2 and the initial current value I0. The difference between the first current value I1 and the initial current value I0 may be larger than the difference between the third current value I3 and the initial current value I0.

[0076] The predetermined reference current value I.ref can be a reference value for determining a coil suitable for inductively heating the susceptor 15. That is, when a reference voltage is applied, a coil through which a current smaller than the predetermined reference current value I.ref flows can inductively heat the susceptor 15 more efficiently than a coil through which a current larger than the predetermined reference current value I.ref flows.

[0077] The first current value I1 can be smaller than a predetermined reference current value I.ref. The second current value I2 can be larger than the predetermined reference current value I.ref. The third current value I3 can be larger than the predetermined reference current value I.ref. That is, the first coil 51 can inductively heat the susceptor 15 more efficiently than the second coil 52 and the third coil 53.

[0078] On the other hand, the predetermined reference current value I.ref can be set individually for each of the coils 51, 52, and 53. When the predetermined reference current value I.ref is set individually for each of the coils 51, 52, and 53, deviations due to differences in physical properties among the coils 51, 52, and 53 can be taken into consideration when determining the optimum coil for induction heating the susceptor 15.

[0079] 10 shows current values ​​flowing through each of the coils 51, 52, and 53 measured by the sensing unit 60 when a DC voltage is applied to the heating unit 50 by the power supply 101. Referring to FIG. 10, when the reference voltage is applied to the first coil 51 from the power supply 101, the first current value I1 sensed by the first current sensor 61 may be smaller than the initial current value I0. When the reference voltage is applied to the second coil 52 from the power supply 101, the second current value I2 sensed by the second current sensor 62 may be smaller than the initial current value I0. When the reference voltage is applied to the third coil 53 from the power supply 101, the third current value I3 sensed by the third current sensor 63 may be smaller than the initial current value I0. The difference between the first current value I1 and the initial current value I0 may be larger than the difference between the second current value I2 and the initial current value I0. The difference between the first current value I1 and the initial current value I0 may be greater than the difference between the third current value I3 and the initial current value I0.

[0080] The first current value I1 can be smaller than a predetermined reference current value I.ref. The second current value I2 can be larger than the predetermined reference current value I.ref. The third current value I3 can be larger than the predetermined reference current value I.ref. That is, the first coil 51 can inductively heat the susceptor 15 more efficiently than the second coil 52 and the third coil 53.

[0081] 11(a) and 11(b) show portions of an aerosol generating device according to various embodiments. Referring to FIG. 11(a), a plurality of coils 351, 352, 353, and 354 may be provided as an even number surrounding the side 43 of the inner walls 43, 45. Among the coils 351 and 352 that do not face each other, a suitable coil 352 for inductively heating the susceptor 15 can be determined, and voltage can be applied to both the suitable coil 352 and the coil 354 facing the suitable coil 352, thereby effectively inductively heating the susceptor 15. That is, among the two facing coils 352 and 354, a suitable coil 352 for inductively heating the susceptor 15 can be determined, and voltage can be applied to both the suitable coil 352 and the coil 354 facing the suitable coil 352, thereby effectively inductively heating the susceptor 15.

[0082] 11(b), the plurality of coils 451, 452, 453, 454, and 455 may be provided in odd numbers. For example, the plurality of coils 451, 452, 453, 454, and 455 may be provided in five numbers. The plurality of coils 451, 452, 453, 454, and 455 may surround the side 43 of the inner wall 43, 45. By increasing the number of coils, an induction magnetic field penetrating the susceptor 15 can be generated at various positions.

[0083] 12 illustrates a shielding member 90 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 12, the shielding member 90 may include a first shielding member 91 and a second shielding member 92. The shielding member 90 may be referred to as a shielding unit 90.

[0084] The first shielding member 91 may be disposed between the adjacent coils 52, 53. The first shielding member 91 may be disposed between the adjacent coils 52, 53 in the circumferential direction of the inner wall 43. The first shielding member 91 may be disposed between the first coil 51 and the second coil 52. The first shielding member 91 may be disposed between the second coil 52 and the third coil 53. The first shielding member 91 may be disposed between the third coil 51 and the first coil 51.

[0085] The second shielding member 92 may surround the plurality of coils 51, 52, and 53. The second shielding member 92 may be connected to the first shielding member 91. The second shielding member 92 may be formed integrally with the first shielding member 91. The plurality of coils 51, 52, and 53 may be disposed between the second shielding member 92 and the inner wall 43.

[0086] The first and second shielding members 91 and 92 can prevent the induced magnetic field generated by any one of the coils 51, 52, and 53 from affecting the other coils 51, 52, and 53. In addition, the first shielding member 91 can maintain the distance between the plurality of coils 51, 52, and 53. In addition, the second shielding member 92 can support the inner wall 43 so that the plurality of coils 51, 52, and 53 do not move away from the inner wall 43.

[0087] 13 illustrates a control method for the aerosol-generating device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 13, the control method for the aerosol-generating device 1 identifies at least one heating coil among the multiple coils 51, 52, and 53, and applies a voltage to the heating coil to inductively heat the susceptor 15.

[0088] The heating coil may refer to a coil among the plurality of coils 51, 52, and 53 that receives electricity from a power source 101 and inductively heats the susceptor 15. The control unit 100 may set or determine at least one of the plurality of coils 51, 52, and 53.

[0089] A control method for an aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include steps S11, S12, and S13 of applying the reference voltage to each of the coils 51, 52, and 53, and steps S21, S22, and S23 of measuring the currents I1, I2, and I3 flowing through each of the coils 51, 52, and 53 relative to the reference voltage.

[0090] When the reference voltage is applied to each of the coils 51, 52, and 53, the measured currents I1, I2, and I3 may differ from one another depending on the degree to which the induction magnetic fields generated by each of the coils 51, 52, and 53 inductively heat the susceptor 15.

[0091] The steps of applying the reference voltages to the coils 51, 52, 53 and measuring the resulting currents I1, I2, I3 can be performed simultaneously or sequentially.

[0092] A control method for the aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include steps S31, S32, and S33 of comparing the measured currents I1, I2, and I3 with a reference current value I.ref, and steps S41, S42, and S43 of setting the heating coil.

[0093] The control unit 100 may compare the measured first current I1 with a first reference current I1.ref (S31). If the measured first current I1 is smaller than the first reference current I1.ref, the control unit 100 may set the first coil 51 as the heating coil (S41).

[0094] The control unit 100 may compare the measured second current I2 with a second reference current I2.ref (S32). If the measured second current I2 is smaller than the second reference current I2.ref, the control unit 100 may set the second coil 52 as the heating coil (S42).

[0095] The control unit 100 may compare the measured third current I3 with a reference current I3.ref (S33). If the measured third current I3 is smaller than the reference current I3.ref, the control unit 100 may set the third coil 53 as the heating coil (S43).

[0096] A control method for an aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a step (S5) of applying voltage to the heating coil and a step (S6) of setting some of the multiple coils 51, 52, and 53 as the heating coils.

[0097] The step of applying a voltage to the heating coil (S5) may be a step of applying a voltage to the set heating coil to inductively heat the susceptor 15. The step of setting some of the coils 51, 52, and 53 as the heating coils (S6) will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0098] 14 shows step S6 of setting some of the coils 51, 52, and 53 as the heating coils. Step S6 of setting some of the coils 51, 52, and 53 as the heating coils can be performed when the first current I1 is greater than the first reference current I1.ref, the second current I2 is greater than the second reference current I2.ref, and the third current I3 is greater than the third reference current I3.ref.

[0099] The control unit 100 compares the magnitudes of the first current I1, the second current I2, and the third current I3, and can set the coils 51, 52, and 53 with the smallest measured currents I1, I2, and I3 as the heating coils.

[0100] For example, if the first current I1 is smaller than the second current I2 (S61) and the first current I1 is smaller than the third current I3 (S62), the control unit 100 can set the first coil 51 as the heating coil (S64). For example, if the first current I1 is smaller than the second current I2 (S61) and the second current I2 is smaller than the third current I3 (S63), the control unit 100 can set the second coil 52 as the heating coil (S66). For example, if the first current I1 is smaller than the second current I2 (S61) and the second current I2 is larger than the third current I3 (S62), the control unit 100 can set the third coil 51 as the heating coil (S65). For example, if the first current I1 is greater than the second current I2 (S61) and the second current I2 is greater than the third current I3 (S63), the control unit 100 can set the third coil 53 as the heating coil (S65).

[0101] 15 to 17, the control unit 100 can further set, as the heating coil, a coil having a difference in current value smaller than a reference deviation d based on the difference in current value between the coil having the smallest measured current value I1, I2, I3 and the other coils among the plurality of coils 51, 52, and 53. Meanwhile, the reference deviation d may be a value stored in the memory 102. The reference deviation d may be a predetermined current value.

[0102] Figure 15 shows the step of further setting the second coil 52 or the third coil 53 as the heating coil when the first current I1 is minimum. Figure 16 shows the step of further setting the first coil 51 or the second coil 52 as the heating coil when the third current I3 is minimum. Figure 17 shows the step of further setting the first coil 51 or the third coil 53 as the heating coil when the second current I2 is minimum.

[0103] 15, the control unit 100 may compare the magnitudes of the second current I2 and the third current I3 among the measured currents I1, I2, and I3, excluding the first current I1, which has the smallest value (S641). If the second current I2 is smaller than the third current I3 (S641) and the difference between the second current I2 and the first current I1 is smaller than the reference deviation d (S642), the control unit 100 may designate the first coil 51 and the second coil 52 as the heating coils (S644). If the second current I2 is larger than the third current I3 (S641) and the difference between the third current I2 and the first current I1 is smaller than the reference deviation d (S643), the control unit 100 may designate the first coil 51 and the third coil 53 as the heating coils (S646). If the difference between the second current I2 and the first current I1 is greater than the standard deviation d (S642) or if the difference between the third current I3 and the first current I1 is greater than the standard deviation d (S643), the control unit 100 can set the first coil 51 as the heating coil (S645).

[0104] 16, the first current I1 and the second current I2 are compared among the measured currents I1, I2, and I3, excluding the third current I3, which has the smallest value (S651). If the first current I2 is smaller than the second current I2 (S651) and the difference between the first current I1 and the third current I3 is smaller than the reference deviation d (S652), the control unit 100 may designate the first coil 51 and the third coil 53 as the heating coils (S654). If the first current I1 is larger than the second current I2 (S651) and the difference between the second current I2 and the third current I3 is smaller than the reference deviation d (S653), the control unit 100 may designate the second coil 52 and the third coil 53 as the heating coils (S656). If the difference between the first current I1 and the third current I3 is greater than the standard deviation d (S652) or if the difference between the second current I2 and the third current I3 is greater than the standard deviation d (S653), the control unit 100 can set the third coil 53 as the heating coil (S655).

[0105] 17, the control unit 100 compares the magnitudes of the first current I1 and the third current I3 among the measured currents I1, I2, and I3, excluding the second current I2, which has the smallest value (S661). If the first current I1 is smaller than the third current I3 (S661) and the difference between the first current I1 and the second current I2 is smaller than the reference deviation d (S662), the control unit 100 may designate the first coil 51 and the second coil 52 as the heating coils (S664). If the first current I1 is larger than the third current I3 (S661) and the difference between the third current I2 and the second current I2 is smaller than the reference deviation d (S663), the control unit 100 may designate the second coil 52 and the third coil 53 as the heating coils (S666). If the difference between the first current I1 and the second current I2 is greater than the standard deviation d (S662) or if the difference between the third current I3 and the second current I2 is greater than the standard deviation d (S663), the control unit 100 can set the second coil 52 as the heating coil (S665).

[0106] 1 to 17, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generating device 1 into which a stick 10 having an aerosol generating material 113 and a susceptor 15 on one side is inserted. The aerosol generating device 1 includes a housing 40 including an inner wall 43 having an open end 43e and forming an insertion space 42 inside into which one side of the stick 10 is inserted, and an outer wall 46 surrounding the inner walls 43, 45; a plurality of coils 51, 52, 53 arranged between the inner walls 43, 45 and the outer wall 46 of the housing 40 and inductively heating the susceptor 15 arranged in the insertion space 42; a power source 101 electrically connected to the plurality of coils 51, 52, 53; and a control unit 100 that applies a reference voltage to the plurality of coils 51, 52, 53 and, when the reference voltage is applied, applies a voltage to at least one heating coil whose current value is less than or equal to a predetermined reference current value I.ref based on the current value flowing through each of the plurality of coils 51, 52, 53 of the plurality of coils.

[0107] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, when all of the current values ​​I1, I2, I3 measured in the plurality of coils 51, 52, 53 exceed a predetermined reference current value I.ref, the control unit 100 can apply a voltage to the coil having the smallest measured current value I1, I2, I3 among the plurality of coils 51, 52, 53.

[0108] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, when all of the current values ​​I1, I2, I3 measured in the plurality of coils 51, 52, 53 exceed a predetermined reference current value I.ref, the control unit 100 can apply a voltage to the coil having the smallest measured current value I1, I2, I3 among the plurality of coils 51, 52, 53 and at least one coil whose difference in current value is less than the reference deviation d, based on the difference in current value between the coil having the smallest measured current value I1, I2, I3 and the other coils.

[0109] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the predetermined reference current values ​​I1.ref, I2.ref, and I3.ref may be set individually for each of the plurality of coils 51, 52, and 53.

[0110] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the plurality of coils 51 , 52 , 53 may be disposed adjacent to the inner wall 43 .

[0111] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the plurality of coils 51, 52, 53 may be wound multiple times from the innermost turn 512, 522, 532 to the outermost turn 513, 523, 533, and formed as a pan coil facing the inner wall 43.

[0112] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the directions FD1, FD2, FD3 of the coils 51, 52, 53 facing the inner wall 43 may intersect with each other.

[0113] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the inner walls 43, 45 include a side portion 43 extending from the one end 43e in the longitudinal direction of the inner wall 43 and facing the plurality of coils 51, 52, 53, the susceptor 15 is formed in a plate shape, inserted into the insertion space 42, and positioned to face the inner wall 43, and the plurality of coils 51, 52, 53 can be arranged sequentially in the circumferential direction of the side portion 43 of the inner wall 43.

[0114] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generation device 1 may further include a first shielding member 91 disposed between adjacent coils among the plurality of coils 51, 52, and 53.

[0115] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the housing 40 may further include a second shielding member 92 disposed between the inner wall 43 and the outer wall 46, surrounding the plurality of coils 51, 52, 53, and connected to the first shielding member 91.

[0116] 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.

[0117] 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.

[0118] 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. An aerosol generating device containing a stick including an aerosol generating material and a susceptor, a housing including an inner wall opening having an insertion space into which the stick is inserted, and an outer wall surrounding the inner wall; a plurality of coils disposed between an inner wall and an outer wall of the housing for induction heating the susceptor inserted into the insertion space; a power source electrically connected to the plurality of coils; An aerosol generating device comprising: a control unit that causes the power supply to apply a reference voltage to the plurality of coils, measures the respective current values ​​flowing through the plurality of coils based on the reference voltage, and causes the power supply to apply a voltage to at least one coil of the plurality of coils having a measured current value that is less than or equal to a predetermined reference current value.

2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the control unit further controls the power supply to apply voltage to the coil having the smallest measured current value when the measured current values ​​of all of the plurality of coils exceed the predetermined reference current value.

3. The control unit further controls the power supply to apply voltage to the coil having the smallest measured current value and at least one additional coil having a measured current value that is less than a standard deviation from the smallest measured current value when all measured current values ​​exceed the predetermined reference current value.

4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the predetermined reference current value is set individually for each of the plurality of coils.

5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of coils are disposed adjacent to the inner wall.

6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of coils is wound multiple times from an innermost turn to an outermost turn and is formed as a pan coil facing the inner wall.

7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 6 , wherein the directions in which the coils face each other intersect with each other.

8. The aerosol generating device according to claim 6 , wherein the plurality of coils are arranged in a circumferential direction of the inner wall to inductively heat the plate-shaped susceptor.

9. The aerosol generating device according to claim 6 , further comprising a first shielding member disposed between adjacent coils among the plurality of coils.

10. The aerosol generating device according to claim 9 , further comprising a second shielding member connected to the first shielding member and disposed between the inner wall and the outer wall of the housing to surround the plurality of coils.

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