Aerosol generator

Abstract

An aerosol generating device is disclosed, which includes a battery, a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of the battery, a plurality of heaters, and a controller, which determines a threshold value for a duty ratio corresponding to an output of the battery based on the temperature of the battery, and adjusts at least one duty ratio corresponding to each of the plurality of heaters when a total duty ratio corresponding to the plurality of heaters is equal to or greater than the threshold value.

Description

Technical Field

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[0005]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device.

Background Art

[0002] An aerosol generating device is for extracting a predetermined component from a medium or a substance through an aerosol. The medium can contain substances with various components. The substances contained in the medium can be flavor substances with various components. For example, the substances contained in the medium can include a nicotine component, a herb component, and / or a coffee component, etc. In recent years, many studies have been conducted on such aerosol generating devices.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] The present disclosure aims to solve the above-mentioned problems and other problems.

[0004] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device that can ensure the control stability and heating performance of a heater based on the temperature of a battery.

[0005] Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device that can ensure the control stability and heating performance of a heater based on the current output voltage of a battery.

[0006] Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device that can ensure the control stability and heating performance of a heater based on the time when power is supplied from a battery.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] An aerosol generating apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure for achieving the above-described objectives may include a battery, a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the battery, a plurality of heaters, and a control unit. The control unit can determine a threshold for the duty ratio corresponding to the output of the battery based on the temperature of the battery, and can adjust the duty ratio corresponding to at least one of the plurality of heaters if the overall duty ratio corresponding to the plurality of heaters is greater than or equal to the threshold.

[0008] An aerosol generating apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure for achieving the above-described objectives may include a battery, a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the battery, a heater, and a control unit. The control unit can determine a threshold for the duty ratio corresponding to the output of the battery based on the temperature of the battery, and can adjust the duty ratio corresponding to the heater if the duty ratio corresponding to the heater is greater than or equal to the threshold. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, control stability and heating performance for the heater can be ensured based on the battery temperature.

[0010] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, control stability and heating performance for the heater can be ensured based on the current output voltage of the battery.

[0011] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, control stability and heating performance for the heater can be ensured based on the time that power is supplied from the battery.

[0012] Any additional applicable scope of this disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description. However, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of this disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, the detailed description and specific embodiments, such as preferred embodiments of this disclosure, should be understood to be given only as examples.

[0013] The foregoing and other purposes, features and other characteristics of this disclosure will be clearly understood from the subsequent detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This figure illustrates an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] This figure illustrates an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] This figure illustrates an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] This is a diagram illustrating a stick according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] This is a diagram illustrating a stick according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] This flowchart shows the operation method of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] This flowchart shows the operation method of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] This figure illustrates the operation of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] This figure illustrates the operation of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] This figure illustrates the operation of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] This figure illustrates the operation of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] It is a diagram for explaining the operation of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] It is a diagram for explaining the operation of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] It is a diagram for explaining the operation of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Even if the same or similar components are illustrated in different drawings, the same reference numerals are given, and redundant descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0016] Suffixes “module” and “unit” for components used in the following description are used only for the ease of explanation in the specification. “Module” and “unit” do not have different meanings or roles from each other.

[0017] Also, in the following description of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if a specific description of related known technologies may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. Also, the accompanying drawings are for facilitating understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical idea disclosed in this specification is not limited by the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the accompanying drawings should be construed to include all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives included in the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0018] Terms including ordinal numbers such as first, second, etc. can 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 for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0019] When we say that one component is "linked" to another, it is understandable that other components may exist in between. On the other hand, when we say that one component is "directly linked" to another, it is understandable that there are no other components in between.

[0020] A singular expression includes plural expressions unless explicitly indicated otherwise in the context.

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

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, the aerosol generator 10 may include a communication interface 11, an input / output interface 12, an aerosol generation module 13, a memory 14, a sensor module 15, a battery 16, and / or a control unit 17.

[0023] In one embodiment, the aerosol generator 10 may consist only of a main body. In this case, the components included in the aerosol generator 10 may be located in the main body. In another embodiment, the aerosol generator 10 may consist of a cartridge for storing the aerosol-generating substance and a main body. In this case, the components included in the aerosol generator 10 may be located in at least one of the main body and the cartridge.

[0024] The communication interface 11 may include at least one communication module for communication with external devices and / or networks. For example, the communication interface 11 may include a communication module for wired communication such as USB (Universal Serial Bus). For example, the communication interface 11 may include a communication module for wireless communication such as WiFi (Wireless Fidelity), Bluetooth®, Bluetooth® Low Power (BLE), Zigbee®, or NFC (Near Field Communication).

[0025] The input / output interface 12 may include an input device that receives commands from the user and / or an output device that outputs information to the user. For example, the input device may include a touch panel, physical buttons, a microphone, etc. For example, the output device may include a display device that outputs visual information such as a display or light-emitting diode (LED), an audio device that outputs auditory information such as a speaker or buzzer, or a motor that outputs tactile information such as a haptic effect.

[0026] The input / output interface 12 can transmit data corresponding to commands input by the user via the input device to other components (etc.) of the aerosol generator 10. The input / output interface 12 can output information corresponding to data received from other components (etc.) of the aerosol generator 10 via the output device.

[0027] The aerosol generation module 13 can generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating substance. Here, the aerosol-generating substance may be one or more substances in any of the various states that can generate aerosols, such as liquid, solid, or gel states, or a combination of two or more substances.

[0028] In one embodiment, the liquid aerosol-generating substance may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance that includes volatile tobacco flavor components. In other embodiments, the liquid aerosol-generating substance may be a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance. For example, the liquid aerosol-generating substance may include water, solvent, nicotine, plant extracts, fragrances, flavorings, vitamin mixtures, and the like.

[0029] Solid aerosol-generating substances can include solid materials based on tobacco raw materials such as reconstituted tobacco sheets, shredded tobacco, and tobacco granules. They can also include solid materials containing flavor modifiers, seasonings, etc. For example, flavor modifiers can include calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, calcium oxide, etc. Seasonings can include natural substances such as herbal granules, silica containing aromatic compounds, zeolite, dextrin, etc.

[0030] Furthermore, the aerosol-generating substance may further contain aerosol-forming agents such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

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

[0032] The aerosol generation module 13 may include an electrical resistance heater. For example, the electrical resistance heater may include at least one electrical conductive track, which can be heated by an electric current flowing through the electrical conductive track. Here, the aerosol-generating material can be heated by the heated electrical resistance heater.

[0033] Electrically conductive tracks may contain electrically resistive materials. For example, an electrically conductive track may be formed from a metallic material. Another example is that an electrically conductive track may be formed from a ceramic material, carbon, a metal alloy, or a composite material of a ceramic material and a metal.

[0034] Electrical resistance heaters can include electrically conductive tracks formed in various shapes. For example, the electrically conductive tracks can be formed in any one of the following shapes: tubular, plate-shaped, needle-shaped, rod-shaped, or coil-shaped.

[0035] The aerosol generation module 13 may include a heater using induction heating. For example, an induction heating heater may include an electrically conductive coil, and by adjusting the current flowing through the electrically conductive coil, an alternating magnetic field with periodically changing direction can be generated. When an alternating magnetic field is applied to a magnetic material, energy loss may occur in the magnetic material due to eddy current loss and hysteresis loss, and the lost energy is released as thermal energy, which can heat the aerosol-generating material adjacent to the magnetic material. Here, the object that generates heat due to the magnetic field can be called a susceptor.

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

[0037] The aerosol generation module 13 can be described as a cartomizer, atomizer, or vaporizer.

[0038] The memory 14 can store programs for each signal processing and control within the control unit 17, and can also store data processed by the control unit 17 and data to be processed.

[0039] For example, the memory 14 stores application programs designed for the purpose of performing various tasks that can be processed by the control unit 17, and can selectively provide some of the stored application programs when requested by the control unit 17.

[0040] For example, the memory 14 can store the operating time of the aerosol generator 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 about the user's inhalation pattern, and data about charging and discharging. Here, a puff can mean the user's inhalation, which may be a situation in which the user draws something into their oral cavity, nasal cavity, or lungs through their mouth or nose.

[0041] The memory 14 may include at least one of the following: volatile memory (e.g., DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, etc.) or non-volatile memory (e.g., flash memory, hard disk drive (HDD), solid-state drive (SSD), etc.).

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

[0043] For example, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor that detects puffs (hereinafter referred to as the puff sensor). Here, the puff sensor can be embodied by proximity sensors such as IR sensors, pressure sensors, gyroscopes, accelerometers, magnetic field sensors, and the like.

[0044] For example, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor that detects puffs (hereinafter referred to as the puff sensor). Here, the puff sensor can be embodied by a pressure sensor, a gyroscope, an accelerometer, a magnetic field sensor, and the like.

[0045] For example, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor (hereinafter referred to as a temperature sensor) that senses the temperature of the heater included in the aerosol generation module 13, the temperature of the aerosol generating material, etc. Here, the heater included in the aerosol generation module 13 can also serve as the temperature sensor. For example, the electrical resistive material of the heater may be a material that has a temperature coefficient of resistance. The sensor module 15 can sense the temperature of the heater by measuring the resistance of the heater, which changes with temperature.

[0046] For example, if a stick can be inserted into the main body of the aerosol generator 10, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor that detects the insertion of the stick (hereinafter referred to as the stick detection sensor).

[0047] For example, if the aerosol generator 10 includes a cartridge, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor (hereinafter referred to as a cartridge sensing sensor) that senses the attachment / detachment of the cartridge to / from the main unit, its position, etc.

[0048] Here, the stick sensing sensor and / or cartridge sensing sensor can be implemented by an inductance substrate sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, a Hall sensor (Hall IC) using the Hall effect, and the like.

[0049] For example, the sensor module 15 may include a voltage sensor that senses the voltage applied to a component (e.g., a battery 16) provided in the aerosol generator 10, and / or a current sensor that senses the current.

[0050] The battery 16 can supply power used to operate the aerosol generator 10 under the control of the control unit 17. The battery 16 can also supply power to other components of the aerosol generator 10. For example, the battery 16 can supply power to the communication module included in the communication interface 11, the output device included in the input / output interface 12, the heater included in the aerosol generation module 13, and so on.

[0051] Battery 16 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, battery 16 may be, but is not limited to, a lithium-ion battery or a lithium polymer (Li-Polymer) battery. For example, if battery 16 is rechargeable, its charge rate (C-rate) may be 10C and its discharge rate (C-rate) may be 10C to 20C, but is not limited to these. Furthermore, for stable use, battery 16 may be manufactured to ensure that more than 80% of its total capacity is maintained even after 2000 charge-discharge cycles.

[0052] The aerosol generator 10 may further include a protection circuit module (PCM), which is a circuit for protecting the battery 16. The protection circuit module (PCM) may be positioned adjacent to the top surface of the battery 16. For example, the protection circuit module (PCM) can interrupt the circuit to the battery 16 in cases such as when a short circuit occurs in a circuit connected to the battery 16, when an overvoltage is applied to the battery 16, or when an overcurrent flows through the battery 16, in order to prevent overcharging and over-discharging of the battery 16.

[0053] The aerosol generator 10 may further include a charging terminal into which power supplied from an external source is input. For example, a charging terminal may be formed on one side of the main body of the aerosol generator 10, and the aerosol generator 10 can charge the battery 16 using power supplied through the charging terminal. Here, the charging terminal may consist of a wired terminal for USB communication, a pogo pin, or the like.

[0054] The aerosol generator 10 can also wirelessly receive power supplied from an external source via the communication interface 11. For example, the aerosol generator 10 can receive power wirelessly using an antenna included in the communication module for wireless communication, and can charge the battery 16 using the wirelessly supplied power.

[0055] The control unit 17 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator 10. The control unit 17 is connected to each component of the aerosol generator 10 and can transmit and / or receive signals to and from each component to control the overall operation of each component.

[0056] The control unit 17 may include at least one processor, which can be used to control the overall operation of the aerosol generator 10. Here, the processor may be a general-purpose processor such as a CPU (central processing unit). Of course, the processor may be a dedicated device such as an ASIC or a processor on another hardware base.

[0057] The control unit 17 can perform any one of several functions of the aerosol generator 10. For example, the control unit 17 can execute any one of several functions of the aerosol generator 10 (e.g., preheating function, heating function, charging function, cleaning function, etc.) depending on the state of each component of the aerosol generator 10, user commands received via the input / output interface 12, etc.

[0058] The control unit 17 can control the operation of each component of the aerosol generator 10 based on data stored in the memory 14. For example, based on data such as temperature profiles and user inhalation patterns stored in the memory 14, the control unit 17 can control the supply of a predetermined amount of power from the battery 16 to the aerosol generation module 13 for a predetermined time.

[0059] The control unit 17 can determine the occurrence of puffs via the puff sensor included in the sensor module 15. For example, the control unit 17 can check temperature changes, flow rate changes, pressure changes, voltage changes, etc., within the aerosol generator 10 based on the sensing values ​​of the puff sensor, and can determine the occurrence of puffs based on the results of the checks using the sensing values ​​of the puff sensor.

[0060] The control unit 17 can control the operation of each component of the aerosol generator 10 depending on whether or not puffing is performed and / or the number of puffs. For example, the control unit 17 can control whether the heater temperature is changed or maintained based on the temperature profile stored in the memory 14.

[0061] The control unit 17 can control the power supply to the heater to shut off under predetermined conditions. For example, the control unit 17 can control the power supply to the heater to shut off when the stick is removed and the cartridge is separated, when the number of puffs reaches a predetermined maximum number of puffs, when no puffs are detected for a predetermined period of time or when the remaining charge of the battery 16 falls below a predetermined value.

[0062] The control unit 17 can calculate the remaining amount of power stored in the battery 16 (hereinafter referred to as "remaining amount"). For example, the control unit 17 can calculate the remaining amount of battery 16 based on the sensing values ​​of the voltage sensor and / or current sensor included in the sensor module 15.

[0063] The control unit 17 can control the supply of power to the heater using at least one of the following methods: pulse width modulation (PWM) and proportional-integral-differential (PID).

[0064] For example, the control unit 17 can use a PWM method to control the supply of current pulses having a predetermined frequency and duty cycle to the heater. Here, the control unit 17 can control the power supplied to the heater by adjusting the frequency and duty cycle of the current pulses.

[0065] For example, the control unit 17 can determine a target temperature for control based on the temperature profile. Here, the control unit 17 can control the power supplied to the heater using a PID method, which is a feedback control method that uses the difference between the heater temperature and the target temperature, the value obtained by integrating the difference over time, and the value obtained by differentiating the difference over time.

[0066] On the other hand, while PWM and PID methods were described as examples of control methods for supplying power to the heater, the present invention is not limited to these, and various control methods such as proportional-integral (PI) and proportional-differential (PD) methods can be used.

[0067] On the other hand, the control unit 17 can control the heater to supply power under pre-set conditions. For example, if a cleaning function is selected to clean the space in which the stick is inserted according to a command input by the user via the input / output interface 12, the control unit 17 can control the heater to supply a predetermined amount of power.

[0068] Figures 2 to 4 illustrate an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0069] According to various embodiments of the present invention, the aerosol generating device 10 may include a main body 100 and / or a cartridge 200.

[0070] Referring to Figure 2, the aerosol generating device 10 according to one embodiment may include a main body 100 configured so that a stick 20 can be inserted into the space formed by the housing 101.

[0071] The stick 20 may be similar to a typical combustible cigarette. For example, the stick 20 may be divided into a first part containing an aerosol-generating substance and a second part containing a filter or the like. Alternatively, the second part of the stick 20 may also contain an aerosol-generating substance. For example, an aerosol-generating substance formed in the form of granules or capsules may be inserted into the second part.

[0072] The entire first part can be inserted into the aerosol generator 10, while the second part can be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a portion of the first part can be inserted into the aerosol generator 10, or both the first and second parts can be inserted. The user can inhale the aerosol while holding the second part in their mouth. Here, the aerosol is generated when outside air passes through the first part, and the generated aerosol can pass through the second part and be transmitted to the user's mouth.

[0073] The main body 100 may be formed to have a structure that allows external air to flow into the main body 100 when the stick 20 is inserted. Here, the external air that flows into the main body 100 can pass through the stick 20 and flow into the user's mouth.

[0074] The heater may be positioned within the body 100 at a location corresponding to the position of the stick 20 when the stick 20 is inserted into the body 100. In this drawing, the heater is shown as an electrically conductive heater 110 including needle-shaped electrically conductive tracks, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0075] The heater can heat the inside and / or outside of the stick 20 using power supplied from the battery 16. Here, an aerosol can be generated in the heated stick 20. Here, the user can inhale the tobacco-flavored aerosol by inhaling through one end of the stick 20 with their mouth.

[0076] On the other hand, the control unit 17 can also control the heater to supply power even when the stick 20 is not inserted, under pre-set conditions. For example, if a cleaning function is selected to clean the space where the stick 20 is inserted, according to a command input by the user via the input / output interface 12, the control unit 17 can control the heater to supply a predetermined amount of power.

[0077] The control unit 17 can monitor the number of puffs based on the sensing value of the puff sensor from the moment the stick 20 is inserted.

[0078] The control unit 17 can initialize the current puff count stored in the memory 14 when the inserted stick 20 is removed.

[0079] Referring to Figure 3, an aerosol generating device 10 according to one embodiment may include a main body 100 that supports a cartridge 200 and a cartridge 200 that stores aerosol generating material.

[0080] In one embodiment, the cartridge 200 may be configured to be detachably attached to the main body 100. In another embodiment, the cartridge 200 may be configured integrally with the main body 100. For example, the cartridge 200 may be attached to the main body 100 by inserting at least a portion of the cartridge 200 into the internal space formed by the housing 101 of the main body 100.

[0081] The main unit 100 may be constructed in such a way that external air can flow into the interior of the main unit 100 when the cartridge 200 is inserted. Here, the external air that flows into the main unit 100 can flow through the cartridge 200 to the user's mouth.

[0082] The control unit 17 can determine whether the cartridge 200 is attached or detached using the cartridge sensing sensor included in the sensor module 15. For example, the cartridge sensing sensor can transmit a pulse current through one terminal connected to the cartridge 200. Here, the cartridge sensing sensor can sense whether the cartridge 200 is connected or not based on whether a pulse current is received through the other terminal.

[0083] The cartridge 200 may include a first heater 210 for heating an aerosol-generating substance and / or a storage section 220 for storing the aerosol-generating substance. For example, a liquid transfer means impregnated (containing) the aerosol-generating substance may be located inside the storage section 220. The electrically conductive track of the first heater 210 may be formed in a structure that winds around the liquid transfer means. Here, an aerosol can be generated by heating the liquid transfer means with the first heater 210. Here, the liquid transfer means may include a wick made of cotton fibers, ceramic fibers, glass fibers, or porous ceramic. The storage section 220 for storing the liquid can be called a chamber 220.

[0084] The cartridge 200 may include an insertion space 230 into which a stick 20 can be inserted. For example, the cartridge 200 may include an insertion space formed by an inner wall (not shown) extending circumferentially along the direction in which the stick 20 is inserted. Here, the insertion space may be formed by the inner side of the inner wall being open at the top and bottom. The stick 20 can be inserted into the insertion space 230 formed by the inner wall.

[0085] The insertion space into which the stick 20 is inserted can be formed in a shape corresponding to a part of the shape of the stick 20 inserted into the insertion space. For example, if the stick 20 is formed in a cylindrical shape, the insertion space can be formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0086] When the stick 20 is inserted into the insertion space, the outer surface of the stick 20 is surrounded by the inner wall and may come into contact with the inner wall.

[0087] A portion of the stick 20 is inserted into the insertion space 230 of the cartridge 200, while the remaining portion can be exposed to the outside.

[0088] The user can inhale the aerosol by holding one end of the stick 20 in their mouth. The aerosol generated by the first heater 210 can pass through the stick 20 and be transmitted to the user's mouth. As the aerosol passes through the stick 20, substances contained in the stick 20 are added to the aerosol, and the aerosol with the added substances can be inhaled into the user's oral cavity through one end of the stick 20.

[0089] The cartridge 200 may include a second heater 215 for heating the stick 20. The second heater 215 may be positioned in the cartridge 200 at a location corresponding to the position of the stick 20 when the stick 20 is inserted into the insertion space 230. The second heater 215 may consist of an electrically conductive heater and / or an induction heater. The second heater 215 can heat the inside and / or outside of the stick 20 using power supplied from the battery 16.

[0090] Referring to Figure 4, an aerosol generating device 100 according to one embodiment may include a main body 100 that supports a cartridge 200, and a cartridge 200 that stores an aerosol generating substance. The main body 100 may be configured so that a stick 20 can be inserted into an insertion space 130.

[0091] The aerosol generator 100 may include a first heater 210 for heating the aerosol-generating substance stored in the cartridge 200 and a second heater 115 for heating the stick 20 inserted into the main body 100. For example, the aerosol generator 100 can generate an aerosol by heating the aerosol-generating substance stored in the cartridge 200 and the stick 20, respectively, using the first heater 210 and the second heater 115.

[0092] The following description is based on an embodiment in which the stick 20 is inserted into the insertion space 130 formed in the housing 101 of the main body 100.

[0093] Figures 5 and 6 illustrate a stick according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0094] Referring to Figure 5, the cigarette 20 according to one embodiment may include a tobacco rod 21 and a filter rod 22. Referring to Figure 2, the first part described above may include the tobacco rod 21. Referring to Figure 2, the second part described above may include the filter rod 22.

[0095] Figure 5 shows the filter rod 22 as a single segment, but is not limited to this. In other words, the filter rod 22 may consist of multiple segments. For example, the filter rod 22 may include a first segment for cooling the aerosol and a second segment for filtering out predetermined components contained in the aerosol. Furthermore, the filter rod 22 may optionally include at least one additional segment that performs other functions.

[0096] The diameter of the stick 20 is in the range of 5mm to 9mm, and its length may be, but is not limited to, approximately 48mm. For example, the length of the tobacco rod 21 may be, but is not limited to, approximately 12mm, the length of the first segment of the filter rod 22 may be, approximately 10mm, the length of the second segment of the filter rod 22 may be, approximately 14mm, and the length of the third segment of the filter rod 22 may be, but is not limited to, approximately 12mm.

[0097] The stick 20 may be wrapped by at least one wrapper 24. The wrapper 24 may have at least one hole formed therein, through which external air enters or internal gases exit. As an example, the stick 20 may be wrapped by one wrapper 24. As another example, the stick 20 may be wrapped in layers by two or more wrappers 24. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be wrapped by a first wrapper 241. For example, the filter rod 22 may be wrapped by wrappers 242, 243, and 244. The tobacco rod 21 and filter rod 22 wrapped by individual wrappers may be joined together, and the entire stick 20 may be further wrapped by a third wrapper. If each of the filter rods 22 consists of multiple segments, each segment may be wrapped by individual wrappers 242, 243, and 244. The entire stick 20, with the segments wrapped by individual wrappers joined together, may be further wrapped by other wrappers.

[0098] The first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 can be made from general filter packaging paper. For example, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be porous packaging paper or non-porous packaging paper. Alternatively, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be made from oil-resistant paper and / or aluminum laminate packaging material.

[0099] The third wrapper 243 can be made from hard wrapping paper. For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper 243 may be in the range of 88 g / m² to 96 g / m². For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper 243 may be in the range of 90 g / m² to 94 g / m². Also, the thickness of the third wrapper 243 may be in the range of 120 μm to 130 μm. For example, the thickness of the third wrapper 243 may be 125 μm.

[0100] The fourth wrapper 244 can be made from oil-resistant hard packaging paper. For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 244 may be in the range of 88 g / m² to 96 g / m². For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 244 may be in the range of 90 g / m² to 94 g / m². Also, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 244 may be in the range of 120 μm to 130 μm. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 244 may be 125 μm.

[0101] The fifth wrapper 245 can be made from sterile paper (MFW). Here, sterile paper (MFW) may be a specially manufactured paper that has improved tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc., compared to ordinary paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 245 may be in the range of 57 g / m2 to 63 g / m2. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 245 may be 60 g / m2. Also, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 245 may be in the range of 64 μm to 70 μm. For example, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 245 may be 67 μm.

[0102] The fifth wrapper 245 may contain a predetermined substance. Here, an example of the predetermined substance may be silicon, but is not limited to silicon. For example, silicon may have properties such as heat resistance with little change due to temperature, oxidation resistance without oxidation, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency, or electrical insulation. However, any substance having the above-mentioned properties can be applied or coated to the fifth wrapper 245 without limitation, even if it is not silicon.

[0103] The fifth wrapper 245 can prevent the stick 20 from burning. For example, when the tobacco rod 21 is heated by the heater 210, the stick 20 may burn. Specifically, if the temperature rises above the flash point of any one of the materials contained in the tobacco rod 21, the stick 20 may burn. Even in such cases, the fifth wrapper 245 contains a non-combustible material, so it can prevent the stick 20 from burning.

[0104] Furthermore, the fifth wrapper 245 can prevent the main body 100 from being contaminated by substances generated in the stick 20. Liquid substances may be generated in the stick 20 by the user's puffing. For example, liquid substances (e.g., water) may be generated when the aerosol generated in the stick 20 is cooled by the outside air. By wrapping the stick 20 with the fifth wrapper 245, liquid substances generated in the stick 20 can be prevented from leaking out of the stick 20.

[0105] The tobacco rod 21 may contain an aerosol-generating substance. For example, the aerosol-generating substance may include, but is not limited to, at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol. The tobacco rod 21 may also contain other additives such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids. Furthermore, a flavoring liquid such as menthol or a humectant may be added to the tobacco rod 21 by spraying it.

[0106] The tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod 21 can be made from a sheet. For example, the tobacco rod 21 can be made from a strand. For example, the tobacco rod 21 can be made from finely cut pieces of tobacco sheet. For example, the tobacco rod 21 can be surrounded by a heat conductive material. For example, the heat conductive material can be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited to this. As an example, the heat conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can evenly distribute the heat transferred to the tobacco rod 21, improving the heat conductivity to the tobacco rod. Thus, the tobacco flavor can be improved. The heat conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can function as a susceptor heated by an induction heater. Here, although not shown in the drawings, the tobacco rod 21 may further include additional susceptors in addition to the heat conductive material surrounding the outside.

[0107] The filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. On the other hand, there are no restrictions on the shape of the filter rod 22. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a cylindrical (type) rod. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a tubular (type) rod with a hollow interior. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a recessed (type) rod. If the filter rod 22 is composed of multiple segments, at least one of the multiple segments may be manufactured in a different shape.

[0108] The first segment of the filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the first segment may be a tubular structure containing a hollow interior. The first segment can prevent the internal material of the tobacco rod 21 from being pushed backward when the heater 110 is inserted, and can also provide a cooling effect for the aerosol. The diameter of the hollow interior of the first segment can be within the range of 2 mm to 4.5 mm, but is not limited to this.

[0109] The length of the first segment can be set to an appropriate length within the range of 4 mm to 30 mm, but is not limited to this. For example, the length of the first segment could be 10 mm, but is not limited to this.

[0110] The second segment of the filter rod 22 cools the aerosol generated when the heater 110 heats the tobacco rod 21. Thus, the user can inhale the aerosol cooled to a suitable temperature.

[0111] The length or diameter of the second segment can be determined in various ways depending on the form of the stick 20. For example, the length of the second segment can be appropriately adopted within the range of 7 mm to 20 mm. Preferably, the length of the second segment may be about 14 mm, but is not limited to this.

[0112] The second segment can be manufactured by weaving polymer fibers. In this case, a flavoring liquid can be applied to the polymer fibers. Alternatively, the second segment can be manufactured by weaving together a separate fiber coated with a flavoring liquid and a polymer fiber. Alternatively, the second segment can be formed from a crimped polymer sheet.

[0113] For example, polymers can be made from materials selected from the group consisting of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PLA), cellulose acetate (CA), and aluminum foil.

[0114] Since the second segment is formed from woven polymer fibers or a crimped polymer sheet, the second segment may include one or more longitudinally extending channels, where the channels may be passages through which a gas (e.g., air or aerosol) passes.

[0115] For example, the second segment, which consists of a crimped polymer sheet, may be formed from a material having a thickness between approximately 5 μm and approximately 300 μm, for example, between approximately 10 μm and approximately 250 μm. The total surface area of ​​the second segment may be between approximately 300 mm² / mm and approximately 1000 mm² / mm. The aerosol cooling element may be formed from a material with a specific surface area between approximately 10 mm² / mg and approximately 100 mm² / mg.

[0116] On the other hand, the second segment may include a thread containing a volatile flavor component. Here, the volatile flavor component may be, but is not limited to, menthol. For example, the thread may be filled with a sufficient amount of menthol to provide 1.5 mg or more of menthol to the second segment.

[0117] The third segment of the filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. The length of the third segment can be appropriately adopted within the range of 4 mm to 20 mm. For example, the length of the third segment may be approximately 12 mm, but is not limited to this.

[0118] The filter rod 22 may be manufactured to generate flavor. For example, a flavoring liquid may be sprayed onto the filter rod 22. For example, a separate fiber coated with a flavoring liquid may be inserted into the filter rod 22.

[0119] Furthermore, the filter rod 22 may include at least one capsule 23. Here, the capsule 23 may perform the function of generating flavor. The capsule 23 may also perform the function of generating aerosol. For example, the capsule 23 may have a structure in which a liquid containing a flavor is enclosed in a film. The capsule 23 may be spherical or cylindrical, but is not limited to these.

[0120] Referring to Figure 6, the stick 30 according to one embodiment may further include a front plug 33. The front plug 33 is located on one side of the tobacco rod 31 opposite the filter rod 32. The front plug 33 can prevent the tobacco rod 31 from detaching to the outside. The front plug 33 can prevent liquefied aerosol from the tobacco rod 31 from flowing into the aerosol generator 100 during smoking.

[0121] The filter rod 32 may include a first segment 321 and a second segment 322. The first segment 321 may correspond to the first segment of the filter rod 22 in Figure 5. The second segment 322 may correspond to the third segment of the filter rod 22 in Figure 5.

[0122] The diameter and overall length of stick 30 may correspond to the diameter and overall length of stick 20 in Figure 5. For example, the length of the front plug 33 may be approximately 7 mm, the length of the tobacco rod 31 may be approximately 15 mm, the length of the first segment 321 may be approximately 12 mm, and the length of the second segment 322 may be approximately 14 mm, but are not limited to these.

[0123] The stick 30 may be wrapped by at least one wrapper 35. The wrapper 35 may have at least one hole through which external air enters or internal gases exit. For example, the front plug 33 may be wrapped by a first wrapper 351, the tobacco rod 31 by a second wrapper 352, the first segment 321 by a third wrapper 353, and the second segment 322 by a fourth wrapper 354. The entire stick 30 may then be rewrapped by a fifth wrapper 355.

[0124] Furthermore, at least one perforation 36 may be formed in the fifth wrapper 355. For example, the perforation 36 may be formed in the region surrounding the tobacco rod 31, but is not limited to this. For example, the perforation 36 may serve to transfer heat generated by the heater 210 shown in Figure 3 into the interior of the tobacco rod 31.

[0125] Furthermore, the second segment 322 may include at least one capsule 34. Here, the capsule 34 may also function to generate flavor. The capsule 34 may also function to generate aerosol. For example, the capsule 34 may have a structure in which a liquid containing a flavor is enclosed in a film. The capsule 34 may, but is not limited to, a spherical or cylindrical shape.

[0126] The first wrapper 351 can be made by bonding a metal foil, such as aluminum foil, to a general filter packaging paper. For example, the total thickness of the first wrapper 351 may be in the range of 45 μm to 55 μm. For example, the total thickness of the first wrapper 351 may be 50.3 μm. Also, the thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper 351 may be in the range of 6 μm to 7 μm. For example, the thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper 351 may be 6.3 μm. Also, the basis weight of the first wrapper 351 may be in the range of 50 g / m2 to 55 g / m2. For example, the basis weight of the first wrapper 351 may be 53 g / m2.

[0127] The second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 can be made from general filter packaging paper. For example, the second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 may be porous packaging paper or non-porous packaging paper.

[0128] For example, the porosity of the second wrapper 352 may be, but is not limited to, 35,000 CU. The thickness of the second wrapper 352 may be in the range of 70 μm to 80 μm. For example, the thickness of the second wrapper 352 may be 78 μm. The basis weight of the second wrapper 352 may be in the range of 20 g / m² to 25 g / m². For example, the basis weight of the second wrapper 352 may be 23.5 g / m².

[0129] For example, the porosity of the third wrapper 353 may be, but is not limited to, 24,000 CU. The thickness of the third wrapper 353 may be in the range of 60 μm to 70 μm. For example, the thickness of the third wrapper 353 may be 68 μm. The basis weight of the third wrapper 353 may be in the range of 20 g / m² to 25 g / m². For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper 353 may be 21 g / m².

[0130] The fourth wrapper 354 can be made from PLA laminated paper. Here, the PLA laminated paper may be a triple-layered paper containing a paper layer, a PLA layer, and another paper layer. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 354 may be in the range of 100 μm to 120 μm. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 354 may be 110 μm. Also, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 354 may be in the range of 80 g / m2 to 100 g / m2. For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 354 may be 88 g / m2.

[0131] The fifth wrapper 355 can be made from sterile paper (MFW). Here, sterile paper (MFW) may be a specially manufactured paper that has improved tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc., compared to ordinary paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 355 may be in the range of 57 g / m2 to 63 g / m2. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 355 may be 60 g / m2. Also, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 355 may be in the range of 64 μm to 70 μm. For example, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 355 may be 67 μm.

[0132] The fifth wrapper 355 may contain a predetermined substance. Here, an example of the predetermined substance may be silicon, but is not limited to it. For example, silicon has properties such as heat resistance with little change due to temperature, oxidation resistance that prevents oxidation, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency, or electrical insulation. However, any substance having the above-mentioned properties can be applied (or coated) to the fifth wrapper 355 without limitation, even if it is not silicon.

[0133] The front plug 33 can be made from cellulose acetate. For example, the front plug 33 can be made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulose acetate toe. The mono denier of the filament constituting the cellulose acetate toe can be in the range of 1.0 to 10.0. For example, the mono denier of the filament constituting the cellulose acetate toe can be in the range of 4.0 to 6.0. For example, the mono denier of the filament of the front plug 33 may be 5.0. Also, the cross-section of the filament constituting the front plug 33 may be Y-shaped. The total denier of the front plug 33 can be in the range of 20,000 to 30,000. For example, the total denier of the front plug 33 may be in the range of 25,000 to 30,000. For example, the total denier of the front plug 33 may be 28,000.

[0134] Furthermore, the front plug 33 may include at least one channel, if necessary. The cross-section of the channel can be manufactured in a variety of shapes.

[0135] The tobacco rod 31 can correspond to the tobacco rod 21 described above, as shown in Figure 5. Therefore, a detailed explanation of the tobacco rod 31 will be omitted below.

[0136] The first segment 321 may be made from cellulose acetate. For example, the first segment may be a tubular structure containing a hollow interior. The first segment 321 can be made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulose acetate. For example, the monodenier and total denier of the first segment 321 may be the same as the monodenier and total denier of the front plug 33.

[0137] The second segment 322 can be made from cellulose acetate. The mono denier of the filament constituting the second segment 322 can be in the range of 1.0 to 10.0. For example, the mono denier of the filament of the second segment 322 can be in the range of 8.0 to 10.0. For example, the mono denier of the filament of the second segment 322 may be 9.0. Also, the cross-section of the filament of the second segment 322 may be Y-shaped. The total denier of the second segment 322 can be in the range of 20,000 to 30,000. For example, the total denier of the second segment 322 may be 25,000.

[0138] Figures 7 and 8 are flowcharts showing the operation method of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0139] Referring to Figure 7, the aerosol generator 10 can detect the temperature of the battery 16 via a temperature sensor that senses the battery temperature in S710 operation. For example, the aerosol generator 10 can be turned on when the stick 20 is inserted into the insertion space 130 formed in the housing 101. Here, the aerosol generator 10 can sense the temperature of the battery 16. For example, the aerosol generator 10 can sense the temperature of the battery 16 at a predetermined interval.

[0140] The process of sensing the temperature of the battery 16 will be explained with reference to Figure 9.

[0141] Referring to Figure 9, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an insertion space for a cigarette 20 may be formed at the upper end of the housing 201 of the aerosol generating device 10.

[0142] The insertion space may be formed by recessing the housing 201 inward to a predetermined depth so that at least a portion of the cigarette 20 can be inserted. The depth of the insertion space may correspond to the length of the region of the cigarette 20 containing the aerosol-generating material. For example, in the case of an aerosol generator 10 that can use the cigarette 20 shown in Figure 5, the depth of the insertion space may correspond to the length of the tobacco rod 21 of the cigarette 20.

[0143] A battery 16, a printed circuit board 910, and a heater may be placed inside the housing 201 of the aerosol generator 10.

[0144] Each component of the aerosol generator 10 may be mounted on one and / or the other side of the printed circuit board 910. The components mounted on the printed circuit board 910 can transmit or receive signals from each other via the wiring layers of the printed circuit board 910. For example, the printed circuit board 910 may be mounted with at least one communication module included in the communication interface 11, at least one sensor included in the sensor module 15, and the control unit 17.

[0145] The printed circuit board 910 may be positioned adjacent to the battery 16. For example, the printed circuit board 910 may be positioned so that one side faces the battery 16.

[0146] A display 920 may be positioned on one side of the housing 201. The display 920 can display a screen in response to signals transmitted from the control unit 17.

[0147] A power terminal 930 may be located on one side of the housing 201 of the aerosol generator 10. The power terminal 930 may be a wired terminal for wired communication such as USB.

[0148] A power supply circuit may be placed between the battery 16 and the power terminal 930. The power supply circuit can transmit power supplied from an external source via the power terminal 930 to the battery 16. A power line 935 that supplies power may be connected to the power terminal 930. For example, the power terminal 930 may be coupled to a connector for the power line 935. The control unit 17 can determine whether the power line 935 is connected to the power terminal 930. For example, the control unit 17 can determine whether the power line 935 is connected to the power terminal 930 by the signal generated when the power terminal 930 and the power line 935 are connected.

[0149] A motor 940 that generates vibrations may be located inside the housing 101. The motor 940 can adjust the period and / or intensity of the vibrations based on signals transmitted from the control unit 17.

[0150] A temperature sensor 950 for sensing the temperature of the battery 16 may be placed inside the housing 101. The temperature sensor 950 may be placed adjacent to the battery 16. For example, the temperature sensor 950 may be attached to one side of the battery 16. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 950 may be mounted on one side of the printed circuit board 910.

[0151] Temperature sensors can be implemented using thermistors, which are elements that utilize the property that resistance changes with temperature. For example, a temperature sensor may include a negative temperature coefficient thermistor (NTC thermistor), which has the property that its resistance decreases as the temperature rises.

[0152] The structure of the aerosol generator 10 is not limited to that shown in Figure 9, and the arrangement of components such as the battery 16, printed circuit board 910, display 920, power terminal 930, motor 940, and temperature sensor 950 may vary depending on the embodiment.

[0153] The aerosol generator 10, in S720 operation, can determine a threshold value (hereinafter referred to as the power threshold) for the duty cycle corresponding to the output of the battery 16, based on the temperature of the battery 16.

[0154] If the temperature of the battery 16 falls below a certain temperature level, the performance of the battery 16 may deteriorate due to reasons such as a significant decrease in lithium-ion mobility. In this case, if the output voltage of the battery 16 drops due to the deterioration in battery 16's performance, the user may be unable to use the aerosol generator 10 due to the operation of the protection circuit module (PCM). Taking these points into consideration, the aerosol generator 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can determine a power threshold based on the temperature of the battery 16. The determination of the power threshold based on the temperature of the battery 16 will be explained with reference to Figure 8.

[0155] Referring to Figure 8, the aerosol generator 10 can determine a threshold corresponding to the temperature of the battery 16 in operation S810. For example, the aerosol generator 10 can determine a threshold corresponding to the temperature of the battery 16 based on a lookup table of correspondences between the temperature of the battery 16 and the threshold stored in memory 14. Here, the threshold corresponding to the temperature of the battery 16 can increase in response to an increase in the temperature of the battery 16 within a predetermined temperature range.

[0156] Referring to Figure 10, the aerosol generator 10 can determine that power cannot be supplied to the heaters 115 and 210 if the temperature of the battery 16 is below a predetermined minimum temperature (for example, -15°C). Here, the aerosol generator 10 can determine that the threshold corresponding to the temperature of the battery 16 is 0% when the temperature of the battery 16 is below the predetermined minimum temperature of -15°C. By determining that the threshold corresponding to the temperature of the battery 16 is 0%, the power supply to the heaters 115 and 210 can be shut off.

[0157] If the temperature of the battery 16 is above a predetermined minimum temperature (e.g., -15°C), the threshold corresponding to the temperature of the battery 16 can be increased in proportion to the rise in the temperature of the battery 16. The threshold corresponding to the temperature of the battery 16 can be increased up to a predetermined maximum duty cycle (Dmax). Here, the maximum duty cycle (Dmax) may be a predetermined duty cycle (e.g., 90%) that takes into account the stable power supply to the components of the aerosol generating device 10, such as the heaters 115 and 210.

[0158] On the other hand, if the temperature of the battery 16 is above a predetermined reference temperature (for example, 10°C), the aerosol generator 10 can determine a threshold corresponding to the temperature of the battery 16 as the maximum duty cycle (Dmax).

[0159] The aerosol generator 10 can adjust a threshold corresponding to the temperature of the battery 16 based on the time that power is supplied to the heaters 115 and 210 (hereinafter referred to as the heating time) in S820 operation. Here, the heating time may be the time elapsed from the time when power is supplied to the heaters 115 and 210 after the power of the aerosol generator 10 is turned on. For example, the aerosol generator 10 can start supplying power to the heaters 115 and 210 when the stick 20 is inserted into the insertion space 130 formed in the housing 101.

[0160] When the aerosol generator 10 is powered on and power supply from the battery 16 begins, a drop in the output voltage of the battery 16 may occur. For example, if an inrush current flows due to the charge state of the capacitor in the configuration of the aerosol generator 10, a drop in the output voltage of the battery 16 may occur. Taking this into consideration, the aerosol generator 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can adjust a threshold corresponding to the temperature of the battery 16 based on the heating time. On the other hand, according to one embodiment, the aerosol generator 10 can adjust a threshold corresponding to the temperature of the battery 16 based on the time elapsed from the time when power supply from the battery 16 begins after the aerosol generator 10 is powered on.

[0161] The threshold adjusted based on the heating time may be less than or equal to the threshold corresponding to the temperature of the battery 16. Here, the difference between the threshold corresponding to the temperature of the battery 16 and the threshold adjusted based on the heating time can decrease in proportion to the increase in heating time. That is, the more the heating time increases, the less the degree to which the threshold corresponding to the temperature of the battery 16 is adjusted by the heating time can be reduced.

[0162] Referring to Figure 11, the aerosol generator 10 can adjust a threshold corresponding to the temperature of the battery 16 based on an adjustment ratio corresponding to the heating time. The aerosol generator 10 can determine the threshold adjusted based on the heating time as the result of multiplying the threshold corresponding to the temperature of the battery 16 by the adjustment ratio corresponding to the heating time.

[0163] The adjustment ratio corresponding to the heating time can be increased in proportion to the increase in heating time. For example, the adjustment ratio can be gradually increased in increments of 10%, starting from a minimum ratio of 20%, in proportion to the increase in heating time. Here, the adjustment ratio can be increased up to a maximum ratio of 100%. On the other hand, once a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of power supply to the heaters 115 and 210, the adjustment ratio can be set to 100%. In other words, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of power supply to the heaters 115 and 210, the adjustment of the threshold corresponding to the temperature of the battery 16 based on the heating time can be omitted.

[0164] The aerosol generator 10 can determine, in S830 operation, whether the output voltage of the battery 16 is below a predetermined reference voltage. Here, the reference voltage may correspond to the voltage level at which the protection circuit module (PCM) operates to prevent over-discharge of the battery 16. For example, the aerosol generator 10 can determine whether the output voltage of the battery 16 is below the reference voltage of 2.8V.

[0165] In S840 operation, the aerosol generator 10 can increase the cumulative number of times the output voltage of the battery 16 is below the reference voltage if the output voltage of the battery 16 is below the reference voltage. For example, the aerosol generator 10 can increase the cumulative number by 1 if the output voltage of the battery 16 is below the reference voltage.

[0166] On the other hand, the aerosol generator 10 can reset the cumulative count when the output voltage of the battery 16 is equal to or greater than the reference voltage in S850 operation. For example, the aerosol generator 10 can reset the cumulative count to 0 when the output voltage of the battery 16 is equal to or greater than the reference voltage.

[0167] The aerosol generator 10 can adjust a threshold corresponding to the temperature of the battery 16 based on the cumulative number of cycles in S860 operation. For example, the aerosol generator 10 can further adjust the threshold corresponding to the temperature of the battery 16, which has been adjusted based on the heating time, based on the cumulative number of cycles.

[0168] The threshold adjusted by the cumulative number of cycles may be less than or equal to the threshold corresponding to the temperature of the battery 16. Here, the difference between the threshold corresponding to the temperature of the battery 16 and the threshold adjusted by the cumulative number of cycles can increase in proportion to the increase in the cumulative number of cycles. That is, the more times the output voltage of the battery 16 is below the reference voltage, the greater the degree to which the threshold corresponding to the temperature of the battery 16 is adjusted by the cumulative number of cycles. For example, the aerosol generator 10 can reduce the threshold corresponding to the temperature of the battery 16 by 1% when the cumulative number of cycles is 1. For example, the aerosol generator 10 can reduce the threshold corresponding to the temperature of the battery 16 by 5% when the cumulative number of cycles is 5.

[0169] Referring to Figure 7, the aerosol generator 10 can determine the overall duty cycle corresponding to the heater in S730 operation. For example, if the aerosol generator 10 is equipped with multiple heaters 115 and 210, the overall duty cycle can be determined by summing the duty cycles corresponding to each of the multiple heaters 115 and 210. For example, if the duty cycle corresponding to the first heater 210 is 50% and the duty cycle corresponding to the second heater 115 is 30%, the overall duty cycle can be calculated as 80%.

[0170] Referring to Figure 12, if the aerosol generator 10 is equipped with multiple heaters 115, 210, it may include a power supply circuit 1210, a first switching element 1220 corresponding to the first heater 210, and / or a second switching element 1230 corresponding to the second heater 115.

[0171] The power supply circuit 1210 can be electrically connected to the battery 16. Based on the power stored in the battery 16, the power supply circuit 1210 can supply power to each component of the aerosol generator 10. For example, the power supply circuit 1210 can supply power to each of the multiple heaters 115, 210.

[0172] According to one embodiment, the power supply circuit 1210 can convert the voltage output from the battery 16. For example, the power supply circuit 1210 may include a buck converter that steps down the voltage output from the battery 16. In this disclosure, a buck converter is described as an example of a voltage conversion configuration, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the power supply circuit 1210 may also include a buck-boost converter, a Zener diode, and the like.

[0173] According to one embodiment, the power supply circuit 1210 can output an alternating current of a predetermined frequency. The power supply circuit 1210 can output an alternating current based on the DC voltage of the battery 16. On the other hand, although this disclosure describes the power supply circuit 1210 as outputting an alternating current, it can also be understood as outputting an alternating voltage, an alternating power source, etc. For example, if the second heater 115 is an induction heating type heater, the power supply circuit 1210 can output an alternating current of a predetermined frequency to the second heater 115.

[0174] The power supply circuit 1210 may include an inverter that converts direct current to alternating current. The inverter can output alternating current by switching multiple switching elements on and off. For example, if the multiple switching elements included in the inverter are IGBTs (insulated gate bipolar transistors), the control unit 17 can output a switching signal corresponding to a predetermined frequency to the gate terminals of the switching elements. Here, the switching signal can cause the switching elements to switch on and off, thereby enabling the power supply circuit 1210 to output alternating current at a predetermined frequency. Here, the switching signal may be a PWM signal. On the other hand, while IGBTs are described as an example of switching elements in this disclosure, the disclosure is not limited to them.

[0175] The first switching element 1220 and / or the second switching element 1230 can be turned on and off based on control signals PWM1 and PWM2 output from the control unit 17. The first switching element 1220 and / or the second switching element 1230 may be transistor elements. For example, the first switching element 1220 and / or the second switching element 1230 can be embodied by a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), a field-effect transistor (FET), and the like. On the other hand, while this disclosure describes a transistor element as an example of the first switching element 1220 and / or the second switching element 1230, it is not limited to this.

[0176] The control signals PWM1 and PWM2 output from the control unit 17 may be current pulses having a predetermined duty cycle. The control unit 17 can adjust the power supplied to at least one of the multiple heaters 115 and 210 by adjusting the duty cycle of the control signals PWM1 and PWM2 input to the first switching element 1220 and / or the second switching element 1230.

[0177] The aerosol generator 10 can determine the total duty cycle corresponding to the heater by summing the duty cycles of the control signals PWM1 and PWM2 input to the first switching element 1220 and / or the second switching element 1230.

[0178] According to one embodiment, if the aerosol generator 10 is equipped with one heater (for example, heater 110), the duty cycle corresponding to that heater can be determined as the overall duty cycle.

[0179] The aerosol generator 10 can determine, in S740 operation, whether the overall duty cycle corresponding to the heater exceeds the power threshold.

[0180] The aerosol generator 10 operates in S750 mode, and if the overall duty cycle corresponding to the heater exceeds a power threshold, the duty cycle corresponding to the heater can be adjusted.

[0181] According to one embodiment, if the aerosol generator 10 is equipped with one heater (for example, heater 110), the duty cycle corresponding to heater 110 can be adjusted.

[0182] Referring to Figure 13, the aerosol generator 10 can reduce the duty cycle corresponding to the heater 110 to below the power threshold (1310). Here, the power supplied to the heater 110 can be reduced to below the power corresponding to the power threshold in accordance with the reduction in the duty cycle corresponding to the heater 110 (1320).

[0183] According to one embodiment, if the aerosol generator 10 is equipped with a plurality of heaters 115, 210, the duty cycle corresponding to at least one of the plurality of heaters 115, 210 can be adjusted.

[0184] Referring to Figure 14, the aerosol generator 10 can reduce the duty cycle of any one of the multiple heaters 115, 210 by the difference between the overall duty cycle and the power threshold (1410, 1420). Here, the power supplied to heater 110 can be reduced to a power level corresponding to the power threshold in accordance with the reduction in the duty cycle of heater 110 (1430).

[0185] On the other hand, the aerosol generator 10 can also reduce the duty cycles corresponding to each of the multiple heaters 115 and 210. Here, the sum of the reductions in the duty cycles corresponding to each of the multiple heaters 115 and 210 can correspond to the difference between the overall duty cycle and the power threshold.

[0186] According to one embodiment, if the aerosol generator 10 is equipped with multiple heaters 115, 210, the duty cycle corresponding to at least one of the multiple heaters 115, 210 can be adjusted based on the priority given to the multiple heaters 115, 210. Here, the priority given to the multiple heaters 115, 210 can be changed by user input. For example, the priority given to the first heater 210 that heats the liquid aerosol generating material may be higher than the priority given to the second heater 115 that heats the stick 20. Here, the aerosol generator 10 can reduce the duty cycle corresponding to the second heater 115, which has a lower priority among the multiple heaters 115, 210, by the difference between the overall duty cycle and the power threshold.

[0187] On the other hand, the aerosol generator 10 can reduce the duty cycles of all of the heaters 115 and 210. Here, if the priority of the first heater 210 is higher than that of the second heater 115, the reduction in the duty cycle of the second heater 115 may be greater than the reduction in the duty cycle of the first heater 210. On the other hand, the sum of the reductions in the duty cycles of the first heater 210 and the second heater 115 may correspond to the difference between the overall duty cycle and the power threshold.

[0188] The aerosol generator 10 can supply power to the heaters in S760 operation based on the duty cycle corresponding to each heater. For example, if the aerosol generator 10 has multiple heaters 115, 210, it can supply power to each of the multiple heaters 115, 210 based on the duty cycle corresponding to each of the multiple heaters 115, 210.

[0189] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generator 10 can perform an operation to adjust the duty cycle corresponding to the heater based on a power threshold determined based on the temperature of the battery 16 at a predetermined interval. For example, the aerosol generator 10 can perform operations such as determining a power threshold based on the temperature of the battery 16 and adjusting the duty cycle corresponding to the heater based on the power threshold, using a control cycle of a PID (Pulse Input Method) which is a feedback control method.

[0190] According to one embodiment, if the aerosol generator 10 is equipped with multiple heaters 115 and 210, the phase of the on-duty interval in which power is supplied to the multiple heaters 115 and 210 can be adjusted when the overall duty cycle corresponding to the heaters exceeds a power threshold.

[0191] Referring to Figure 15, the aerosol generator 10 can adjust the phase of the on-duty interval corresponding to any one of the multiple heaters 115 and 210 so that the on-duty intervals corresponding to each of the multiple heaters 115 and 210 do not overlap with each other (1510, 1520). Here, the power supplied to heater 110 can be less than or equal to the power corresponding to the power threshold in the on-duty interval corresponding to each of the multiple heaters 115 and 210 (1530).

[0192] As described above, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, control stability and heating performance for the heaters 115 and 210 can be ensured based on the temperature of the battery 16.

[0193] Furthermore, according to at least one of the embodiments of this disclosure, control stability and heating performance for the heaters 115 and 210 can be ensured based on the current output voltage of the battery 16.

[0194] Furthermore, according to at least one embodiment of this disclosure, control stability and heating performance for the heaters 115 and 210 can be ensured based on the time that power is supplied from the battery 16.

[0195] Referring to Figures 1 to 15, an aerosol generator 10 according to one aspect of the present disclosure may include a battery 16, a temperature sensor 950 for sensing the temperature of the battery 16, a plurality of heaters 115, 210, and a control unit 17. The control unit 17 determines a threshold for the duty ratio corresponding to the output of the battery 16 based on the temperature of the battery 16, and if the overall duty ratio corresponding to the plurality of heaters 115, 210 is greater than or equal to the threshold, it can adjust the duty ratio corresponding to at least one of the plurality of heaters 115, 210.

[0196] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the aerosol generator may further include a chamber 220 for storing liquid and a housing 101 having a long insertion space 130. The plurality of heaters 115, 210 may include a first heater 1210 for heating the liquid and a second heater 115 for heating a stick inserted into the insertion space 130.

[0197] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, the control unit 17 can reduce the duty cycle of the heater 115, 210 with the lowest priority among the plurality of heaters 115, 210, based on the priority of the plurality of heaters 115, 210.

[0198] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, the control unit 17 reduces the duty cycle corresponding to each of the plurality of heaters 115, 210 based on the priority of the plurality of heaters 115, 210, and if the priority of the first heater 210 is higher than the priority of the second heater 115 among the plurality of heaters 115, 210, the reduction in the duty cycle corresponding to the second heater 115 may be greater than the reduction in the duty cycle corresponding to the first heater 210.

[0199] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, the control unit 17 determines a first threshold corresponding to the temperature of the battery 16, and determines a second threshold less than or equal to the first threshold as a threshold for the overall duty cycle based on the heating time during which power is supplied to at least one of the plurality of heaters 115, 210, and the difference between the first threshold and the second threshold can decrease in proportion to the increase in heating time.

[0200] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, the control unit 17 calculates the second threshold value as the result of multiplying the adjustment ratio corresponding to the heating time by the first threshold value, and the adjustment ratio can be increased in accordance with an increase in the heating time.

[0201] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, the control unit 17 determines a first threshold corresponding to the temperature of the battery 16, and determines a second threshold less than or equal to the first threshold as a threshold for the overall duty cycle based on the cumulative number of times the output voltage of the battery 16 is below a predetermined reference voltage, and the difference between the first threshold and the second threshold can increase in accordance with the increase in the cumulative number of times.

[0202] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, the control unit 17 can initialize the cumulative count if the output voltage of the battery 16 is equal to or greater than the reference voltage, and increase the cumulative count if the output voltage of the battery 16 is less than the reference voltage.

[0203] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the aerosol generating apparatus 10 may further include a first switching element 1220 electrically connected to the first heater 210 among the plurality of heaters 115, 210, and a second switching element 1230 electrically connected to the second heater 115 among the plurality of heaters 115, 210. The control unit 17 can control the operation of the first switching element 1220 and the second switching element 1230, respectively, based on the duty cycles corresponding to each of the plurality of heaters 115, 210.

[0204] On the other hand, an aerosol generating device 10 according to one aspect of the present disclosure may include a battery 16, a temperature sensor 950 for sensing the temperature of the battery 16, a heater 110, and a control unit 17. The control unit 17 determines a threshold for the duty ratio corresponding to the output of the battery 16 based on the temperature of the battery 16, and can adjust the duty ratio corresponding to the heater 110 if the duty ratio corresponding to the heater 110 is greater than or equal to the threshold.

[0205] The specific or other embodiments of the above-mentioned embodiments of the present disclosure are not mutually exclusive or distinguishable. The specific or all elements of the above-mentioned embodiments of the present disclosure can be combined with or combined with other elements in terms of configuration or function.

[0206] For example, configuration A described in one embodiment of this disclosure and drawings and configuration B described in another embodiment of this disclosure and drawings can be combined with each other. That is, even if combinations between configurations are not directly described, such combinations are possible unless otherwise stated as impossible.

[0207] While the embodiments have been described above with reference to numerous exemplary examples, those skilled in the art in the field relating to the principles of this disclosure should understand that many other modifications and embodiments are possible. More specifically, a variety of modifications and variations are possible in the components and / or arrangements of the subject combinations within the scope of this disclosure, drawings, and appended claims. In addition to the modifications and variations of the components and / or arrangements, other applications will also become apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. Battery and A temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the aforementioned battery, Multiple heaters, Includes a control unit, The control unit, Based on the temperature of the battery, a threshold value is determined for the duty cycle corresponding to the output of the battery. If the total duty cycle corresponding to the multiple heaters is greater than or equal to the threshold, adjust at least one of the duty cycles corresponding to the multiple heaters. The control unit, A first threshold corresponding to the temperature of the aforementioned battery is determined, A second threshold less than or equal to the first threshold is determined as the threshold for the overall duty cycle. The second threshold is determined based on the heating time during which power is supplied to at least one of the plurality of heaters. An aerosol generating apparatus characterized in that the difference between the first threshold and the second threshold decreases as the heating time increases.

2. A battery and A temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the aforementioned battery, Multiple heaters, Includes a control unit, The control unit, Based on the temperature of the battery, a threshold value is determined for the duty cycle corresponding to the output of the battery. If the total duty cycle corresponding to the multiple heaters is greater than or equal to the threshold, adjust at least one of the duty cycles corresponding to the multiple heaters. The control unit, A first threshold corresponding to the temperature of the aforementioned battery is determined, A second threshold less than or equal to the first threshold is determined as the threshold for the overall duty cycle. The second threshold is determined based on a counter indicating the cumulative number of times the output voltage of the battery is determined to be below a predetermined reference voltage. The difference between the first threshold and the second threshold is a counter that indicates an increase in the cumulative count. An aerosol generating device characterized by increasing as the amount increases.

3. A chamber for storing liquid, A housing with a long insertion space is formed, and further includes The aforementioned multiple heaters are A first heater for heating the aforementioned liquid, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a second heater for heating a stick inserted into the insertion space.

4. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control unit adjusts the duty cycle of at least one heater by reducing the duty cycle of the heater having the lowest priority among the plurality of heaters.

5. The control unit adjusts the duty cycle of at least one heater by reducing the duty cycle corresponding to each of the multiple heaters based on the corresponding priority order of the multiple heaters. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that, among the plurality of heaters, if the priority of the second heater is higher than the priority of the first heater, the first reduction in the duty cycle corresponding to the first heater is greater than the second reduction in the duty cycle corresponding to the second heater.

6. The second threshold is calculated by multiplying the first threshold by an adjustment ratio corresponding to the heating time. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the adjustment ratio increases in response to an increase in the heating time.

7. The control unit, If the output voltage of the battery is equal to or greater than the reference voltage, the counter indicating the cumulative number of times is initialized. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the counter increases when the output voltage of the battery is less than the reference voltage.

8. A first switching element electrically connected to the first heater among the plurality of heaters, The present invention further includes a second switching element electrically connected to the second heater among the plurality of heaters, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the control unit controls the operation of the first switching element and the second switching element based on the duty cycles corresponding to the plurality of heaters.

9. Battery and A temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the aforementioned battery, A heater and Includes a control unit, The control unit, Based on the temperature of the battery, a threshold value is determined for the duty cycle corresponding to the output of the battery. If the duty cycle corresponding to the heater is greater than or equal to the threshold, the duty cycle corresponding to the heater is adjusted. The control unit, A first threshold corresponding to the temperature of the aforementioned battery is determined, A second threshold less than or equal to the first threshold is determined as the threshold for the duty cycle. The second threshold is determined based on the heating time during which power is supplied to the heater. An aerosol generating apparatus characterized in that the difference between the first threshold and the second threshold decreases as the heating time increases.

10. A battery and A temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the aforementioned battery, A heater and Includes a control unit, The control unit, Based on the temperature of the battery, a threshold value is determined for the duty cycle corresponding to the output of the battery. If the duty cycle corresponding to the heater is greater than or equal to the threshold, the duty cycle corresponding to the heater is adjusted. The control unit, A first threshold corresponding to the temperature of the aforementioned battery is determined, A second threshold less than or equal to the first threshold is determined as the threshold for the duty cycle. The second threshold is determined based on a counter indicating the cumulative number of times the output voltage of the battery is determined to be below a predetermined reference voltage. The difference between the first threshold and the second threshold is a counter that indicates an increase in the cumulative count. An aerosol generating device characterized by increasing as the amount increases.

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