Aerosol generating apparatus and its operating method

Abstract

According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device includes a heater that heats at least a portion of the aerosol product, a puff sensor that detects a user's puffs, and a processor electrically connected to the heater and the puff sensor, wherein the processor detects the number of remaining puffs for the aerosol product through the puff sensor, compares the detected number of remaining puffs with a predetermined number of puffs, and if the detected number of remaining puffs is less than the predetermined number of puffs, stops supplying power to the heater for a predetermined time, and after the predetermined time has elapsed, supplies power to the heater so that the temperature of the heater reaches a target temperature corresponding to the number of remaining puffs. Various other embodiments are possible as will be understood throughout the specification.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device and an operating method thereof, and more particularly, to an aerosol generating device that controls power supply to a heater based on the remaining puff number for an aerosol generating article.

Background Art

[0002] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for alternative methods to overcome the disadvantages of conventional cigarettes. For example, there has been an increasing demand for a system that generates an aerosol by heating a cigarette or an aerosol generating substance using an aerosol generating device, rather than a method of generating an aerosol by burning a cigarette.

[0003] When an aerosol generating article is inserted into the accommodation space of an aerosol generating device, the device can heat the aerosol generating article according to a predetermined temperature profile. At this time, the temperature profile means temperature change data of the heater or the aerosol generating article during a smoking operation. Therefore, the predetermined temperature profile is a temperature profile set so that a certain amount of aerosol is generated when the aerosol generating article is heated.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When the aerosol generating device controls the power supply to the heater according to a temperature profile over time, an inconsistent amount of aerosol may be generated during the user's smoking operation. In particular, the amount of atomization decreases towards the latter half of the smoking operation, which provides an unsatisfactory smoking experience for the user.

[0005] Also, when the aerosol generating device controls the power supply according to a temperature profile over time, although the puff cycle varies for each user during the smoking operation, different amounts of atomization, smoking tastes, etc. are provided for each user, so the user's smoking feeling may decrease.

[0006] In various embodiments of the present invention, the objective is to provide an aerosol generating device that can generate a constant amount of aerosol during smoking by controlling the power supply to the heater based on the remaining number of puffs of the aerosol product.

[0007] The problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to those described above, and any problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by a person with ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments belong, based on this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment includes a heater for heating at least a portion of the aerosol product, a puff sensor for sensing the user's puffs, and a processor electrically connected to the heater and the puff sensor. The processor detects the number of remaining puffs for the aerosol product through the puff sensor, compares the detected number of remaining puffs with a predetermined number of puffs, and if the detected number of remaining puffs is less than the predetermined number of puffs, it interrupts the power supply to the heater for a predetermined time, and after the predetermined time has elapsed, it can supply power to the heater so that the heater temperature reaches a target temperature corresponding to the number of remaining puffs.

[0009] An operating method of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment includes the steps of: detecting the number of remaining puffs for an aerosol product through a puff sensor that senses the user's puffs; comparing the detected number of remaining puffs with a predetermined number of puffs; if the detected number of remaining puffs is less than the predetermined number of puffs, interrupting the power supply to a heater that heats at least a portion of the aerosol product for a predetermined time; and, after the predetermined time has elapsed, supplying power to the heater so that the heater's temperature reaches a target temperature corresponding to the number of remaining puffs. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to various embodiments of the present invention, the power supplied to the heater can be controlled based on the remaining number of puffs, thereby appropriately controlling the power supply to reflect the user's puff cycle and smoking level.

[0011] However, the effects of the embodiments are not limited to those described above, and any effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by a person with ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments belong from this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This flowchart shows a method by which an aerosol generator according to one embodiment controls the power supply to a heater. [Figure 3A] This is a graph showing the relationship between the number of residual puffs and the power supplied by an aerosol generator according to one embodiment. [Figure 3B] This graph shows the temperature profile of an aerosol generator according to one embodiment, based on the number of residual puffs. [Figure 4A] This graph shows the relationship between the number of residual puffs and the power supplied by an aerosol generator according to another embodiment. [Figure 4B] This graph shows the temperature profile of an aerosol generator based on the number of residual puffs in another embodiment. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows a method in which an aerosol generator according to one embodiment controls the power supply to the heater when no user puffs are detected. [Figure 6] Figure 5 shows a graph of the power supply to the aerosol generator. [Figure 7] This flowchart shows a method by which an aerosol generator according to one embodiment changes a predetermined number of puffs based on the initial heating rate of the heater. [Figure 8] This is an illustrative diagram showing an aerosol generator according to one embodiment that reduces a predetermined number of puffs based on the initial heating rate of the heater. [Figure 9] This is an illustrative diagram showing an aerosol generator according to one embodiment that increases a predetermined number of puffs based on the initial heating rate of the heater. [Figure 10] This is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] The terminology used in the embodiments is selected as widely used and general terms as possible, taking into account the function of the present invention, although this may vary depending on the intent of the articulators in the field, case law, the emergence of new technologies, etc. In certain cases, the applicant may have arbitrarily selected terms, in which case their meaning will be described in detail in the description of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention are not merely names of terms, but must be defined based on the meaning of the term and the overall content of the present invention.

[0014] Throughout the specification, when a part "includes" a component, it means, unless otherwise specified, that it does not exclude other components, but rather that it may include other components. Furthermore, terms such as "...part" and "...module" used in the specification mean a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which is embodied by hardware or software, or by a combination of hardware and software.

[0015] As used herein, when an expression such as “at least one of the following” precedes a set of elements, it modifies the entire set of elements, not each of the elements themselves. For example, the expression “at least one of a, b, and c” must be interpreted as including a, b, c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c.

[0016] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device is also a device that electrically heats a cigarette housed in an internal space to generate an aerosol.

[0017] The aerosol generating device includes a heater. In one embodiment, the heater is also an electric resistance heater. For example, the heater includes a conductive track, and when an electric current flows through the conductive track, the heater can be heated.

[0018] The heater includes a tubular heating element, a plate-like heating element, a needle-like heating element, or a rod-like heating element, and can heat the inside or outside of the cigarette depending on the shape of the heating element.

[0019] The cigarette includes a tobacco rod and a filter rod. The tobacco rod can be made in the form of a sheet or a strand, and can be made of shredded tobacco in which the tobacco sheet is finely cut. Also, the tobacco rod is surrounded by a heat conductive material. For example, the heat conductive material is a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited thereto.

[0020] The filter rod is also a cellulose acetate filter. The filter rod can be composed of at least one or more segments. For example, the filter rod includes a first segment that cools the aerosol and a second segment that filters a predetermined component contained in the aerosol.

[0021] In other embodiments, the aerosol generating device is also a device that generates an aerosol using a cartridge holding an aerosol generating substance.

[0022] The aerosol generator includes a cartridge containing an aerosol-generating substance and a main body that supports the cartridge. The cartridge is detachably coupled to the main body, but is not limited to this arrangement. The cartridge may be integrally formed with the main body or assembled and fixed in place so that it cannot be detached by the user. The cartridge may be mounted on the main body with the aerosol-generating substance contained inside, but is not limited to this arrangement; the aerosol-generating substance may also be injected into the cartridge while it is coupled to the main body.

[0023] The cartridge contains an aerosol-generating substance that exists in one of several states, such as liquid, solid, gaseous, or gel. The aerosol-generating substance may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance that includes volatile tobacco flavor components, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance.

[0024] The cartridge operates via electrical or wireless signals transmitted from the main unit, converting the phase of the aerosol-generating material inside the cartridge to a gas phase and generating an aerosol. An aerosol refers to a gaseous state in which vaporized particles generated from the aerosol-generating material and air are mixed.

[0025] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generator may generate an aerosol by heating a liquid composition, and the generated aerosol may be transmitted to the user through a cigarette. That is, the aerosol generated from the liquid composition moves along an airflow passage of the aerosol generator, and the airflow passage may be configured so that the aerosol is transmitted to the user through a cigarette.

[0026] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating device is also a device that generates aerosols from aerosol-generating material using an ultrasonic vibration method. In this case, the ultrasonic vibration method refers to a method of generating aerosols by atomizing the aerosol-generating material with ultrasonic vibrations generated by a transducer.

[0027] The aerosol generator includes a transducer, which generates short-period vibrations to atomize aerosol-generating materials. The vibrations generated by the transducer are ultrasonic vibrations, and the frequency range of ultrasonic vibrations is approximately 100 kHz to 3.5 MHz, but is not limited to this range.

[0028] The aerosol generator may further include a core that absorbs the aerosol-generating material. For example, the core may be positioned to surround at least one region of the oscillator or to be in contact with at least one region of the oscillator.

[0029] When a voltage (e.g., AC voltage) is applied to the transducer, heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations are generated from the transducer, and these heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations are transmitted to the aerosol-generating material absorbed in the core. The aerosol-generating material absorbed in the core is converted into a gas phase by the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations transmitted from the transducer, and as a result, an aerosol is generated.

[0030] For example, aerosols are generated when the viscosity of the aerosol-generating material absorbed into the core decreases due to the heat generated from the transducer, and the aerosol-generating material with reduced viscosity is atomized by ultrasonic vibrations generated from the transducer, but this is not the only way in which aerosols are formed.

[0031] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating apparatus is also a device that generates aerosols by heating the aerosol product contained within the aerosol generating apparatus using induction heating.

[0032] The aerosol generator includes a susceptor and a coil. In one embodiment, the coil can apply a magnetic field to the susceptor. Power is supplied to the coil from the aerosol generator, forming a magnetic field inside the coil. In one embodiment, the susceptor is a magnetic material that generates heat in response to an external magnetic field. The aerosol product is heated when the susceptor is located inside the coil and generates heat due to the application of a magnetic field. Alternatively, the susceptor can be selectively located within the aerosol product.

[0033] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generator may further include a cradle.

[0034] The aerosol generator can be configured as a system with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle can charge the aerosol generator's battery. Alternatively, the heater can be heated when the cradle and the aerosol generator are coupled together.

[0035] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings, so as to be easily implemented by a person with ordinary skill in the art. The present invention may be implemented in a form that can be embodied in the aerosol generating apparatus of the various embodiments described above, or in a variety of different forms, and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0036] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0037] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0038] Referring to Figure 1, the aerosol generator 100 includes a processor 110, a heater 120, and a puff sensor 130. However, the internal hardware components of the aerosol generator 100 are not limited to those shown in Figure 1. A person with ordinary skill in the art according to this embodiment will understand that some of the hardware components shown in Figure 1 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol generator 100.

[0039] The following description will explain the operation of each component in the aerosol generator 100 without limiting the space in which each component is located.

[0040] In one embodiment, the heater 120 can heat at least a portion of the aerosol product inserted into the aerosol generator 100. For example, the heater 120 is powered by a battery (not shown) through the control of a processor 110, and can generate an aerosol by heating at least a portion of the aerosol product through the supplied power.

[0041] In one embodiment, the heater 120 may be a resistance heating heater or an induction heating heater. For example, if the heater 120 is a resistance heating heater, it may be made of any electrical resistant material or be represented by a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate with conductive tracks, a ceramic heating element, etc. In another example, if the heater 120 is an induction heating heater, it may be represented by a susceptor that is heated through a magnetic field applied by an induction coil.

[0042] In one embodiment, the puff sensor 130 can detect the user's puff and transmit the detected information to the processor 110.

[0043] In one embodiment, the puff sensor 130 is also a pressure sensor that detects a user's puff by measuring the pressure caused by changes in the internal airflow of the aerosol generator 100. For example, the puff sensor 130 is placed in the airflow passage or opening end of the aerosol generator 100 to measure the internal pressure of the aerosol generator 100, but the placement area of ​​the puff sensor 130 is not limited to these locations. In this case, the puff sensor 130 is one of the following pressure sensors: an absolute pressure sensor, a gauge pressure sensor, or a differential pressure sensor.

[0044] However, the puff sensor 130 is not limited to these, and may be at least one of a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or a sensor that detects changes in electrical characteristics.

[0045] In one embodiment, the processor 110 can detect the remaining number of puffs on the aerosol product through the puff sensor 130. In this case, "remaining number of puffs" means the number of times the user can puff the aerosol product, and the processor 110 can detect the remaining number of puffs by subtracting the number of puffs detected from the number of times the aerosol product can be puffed.

[0046] For example, if a single aerosol product has 15 puffs available and the user has already inhaled 10 puffs, the processor 110 can detect 5 remaining puffs.

[0047] In one embodiment, the processor 110 can compare the detected remaining puff count with a predetermined puff count and control the power supply to the heater 120. For example, the processor 110 can control the power supply to the heater 120 based on pulse width modulation (PWM) control, proportional integral differential (PID) control, or the like.

[0048] In this case, the "default puff count" refers to the reference puff count at which the processor 110 interrupts the power supply to the heater 120. For example, if the remaining puff count detected through the puff sensor 130 (e.g., 13) is greater than or equal to the default puff count (e.g., 12), the processor 110 can supply power to the heater 120. As another example, if the remaining puff count detected through the puff sensor 130 (e.g., 11) is less than the default puff count (e.g., 12), the processor 110 can interrupt the power supply to the heater 120.

[0049] In one embodiment, the default number of puffs can be changed based on the initial heating rate of the heater 120, which will be explained in detail later in Figures 7 to 9.

[0050] Furthermore, if no puff is detected for a critical period after the puff sensor 130 detects a user's puff, the processor 110 can interrupt the power supply to the heater 120 for a predetermined period of time. A detailed explanation of this will be provided later in Figures 5 and 6.

[0051] Figure 2 is a flowchart showing how an aerosol generator according to one embodiment controls the power supply to the heater. Descriptions of Figure 2 that correspond to or are identical or similar to those described above will be omitted.

[0052] Referring to Figure 2, the processor (for example, the processor 110 in Figure 1) can detect the remaining number of puffs in operation 201 through a puff sensor (for example, the puff sensor 130 in Figure 1). For example, when an aerosol product is inserted into the aerosol generator (for example, the aerosol generator 100 in Figure 1), the processor 110 can supply power for preheating the heater (for example, the heater 120 in Figure 1). Also, once the user starts smoking after the preheating period of the heater 120 has ended, the processor 110 can sense the user's puffs through the puff sensor 130. At this time, the processor 110 can detect the remaining number of puffs by subtracting the number of puffs sensed from the number of times the inserted aerosol product can be puffed (i.e., the maximum number of puffs).

[0053] For example, if the maximum number of puffs for one aerosol product is 15, and 10 puffs have already been detected as inhaled by the user, the processor 110 can detect 5 remaining puffs.

[0054] In one embodiment, the number of times an inserted aerosol product can be puffed is stored in a separate memory (not shown). In this case, if the number of times aerosol products can be puffed differs depending on the type of aerosol product, the memory can store the maximum number of puffs for each type of aerosol product. For example, if the maximum number of puffs for the first aerosol product (first type) is 15 and the maximum number of puffs for the second aerosol product (second type) is 10, the memory can store the maximum number of puffs data for each type of aerosol product (for example, the maximum number of puffs for the first aerosol product is "15" and the maximum number of puffs for the second aerosol product is "10").

[0055] Next, the processor 110 can sense the type of aerosol product inserted into the device 100 through a separate sensor (not shown), and can obtain maximum puff count data from memory based on the sensed type of aerosol product.

[0056] According to one embodiment, in operation 203, the processor 110 can compare the detected remaining puff count with a predetermined puff count. In this case, the "default puff count" refers to a reference puff count at which the processor 110 interrupts the power supply to the heater 120.

[0057] In one embodiment, if the detected number of remaining puffs is less than a predetermined number of puffs, the processor 110 may interrupt the power supply to the heater 120 for a predetermined period of time in operation 205. In another embodiment, if the detected number of remaining puffs is equal to or greater than a predetermined number of puffs, the processor 110 may return to operation 201 and repeat the following operations.

[0058] For example, if the detected number of remaining puffs is greater than or equal to a predetermined number of puffs, the processor 110 supplies power to the heater 120 based on the first temperature profile, and if the detected number of remaining puffs falls below the predetermined number of puffs, the power supply to the heater 120 can be interrupted for a predetermined period of time.

[0059] In this case, the "first temperature profile" is a temperature profile with respect to the remaining number of puffs detected through the puff sensor 130, and is a temperature profile that includes a temperature rise interval in which the temperature of the heater 120 rises to the critical temperature.

[0060] Furthermore, the "predetermined time" during which the power supply is interrupted refers to the time it takes for the heater 120 temperature to decrease to a predetermined temperature, and corresponds to a predetermined number of puffs by the user (for example, 2 to 5 times). The "predetermined time" may also be set in advance by the manufacturer's design.

[0061] For example, if the remaining number of puffs detected through the puff sensor 130 is 11 and the default number of puffs is 12, the processor 110 may interrupt the power supply to the heater 120 for a predetermined time (e.g., 30 seconds). However, even if the power supply to the heater 120 is interrupted for the predetermined time, the heater 120 still maintains a substantially high temperature (i.e., a temperature that can heat the aerosol product and generate an aerosol), so the user can perform the smoking operation during the predetermined time.

[0062] This method improves power efficiency compared to conventional methods that reduce the heater temperature by decreasing the power supply, by interrupting the power supply to the heater 120 for a predetermined period of time. In other words, even if the power supply is interrupted for a predetermined period of time, the temperature of the heater 120 will gradually decrease, so by adjusting the "predetermined period" during which the power supply is interrupted, the temperature of the heater 120 can be reduced to the target temperature, thereby improving power efficiency.

[0063] According to one embodiment, if the power supply to the heater 120 is interrupted and a predetermined time has elapsed, the processor 110 may, in operation 207, supply power based on a second temperature profile so that the temperature of the heater 120 reaches a target temperature corresponding to the remaining number of puffs.

[0064] In this case, "remaining puff count" refers to the remaining puff count after a predetermined time has elapsed since the power supply to the heater 120 was interrupted.

[0065] Furthermore, the "second temperature profile" is a temperature profile with respect to the number of remaining puffs detected through the puff sensor 130, and is a temperature profile in which the target temperature increases as the number of remaining puffs decreases.

[0066] For example, if the remaining number of puffs detected through the puff sensor 130 is 11 and the default number of puffs is 12, the processor 110 can interrupt the power supply to the heater 120 for a predetermined time (e.g., 30 seconds). In this case, if the user performs two puff operations during the predetermined time, the processor 110 can detect that the remaining number of puffs at the end of the predetermined time is 9.

[0067] Next, the processor 110 can supply power to the heater 120 so that its temperature reaches a target temperature (for example, 250°C) corresponding to the remaining number of puffs, which is "8". Furthermore, as the number of remaining puffs decreases, such as to "7", "6", "5", etc., the target temperature corresponding to the remaining puffs increases, such as to "265°C", "280°C", "295°C", etc.

[0068] Figure 3A is a graph showing the relationship between the power supply and the number of remaining puffs in an aerosol generator according to one embodiment. Figure 3B is a graph showing the relationship between the temperature profile and the number of remaining puffs in an aerosol generator according to one embodiment.

[0069] Referring to Figures 3A and 3B, the processor (for example, the processor 110 in Figure 1) can control the power supplied to the heater (for example, the heater 120 in Figure 1) by the first section 310, the second section 315, and the third section 320. In this case, the first section 310 corresponds to the section where the number of remaining puffs is between 15 and 11, the second section 315 corresponds to the section where the number of remaining puffs is between 11 and 8, and the third section 320 corresponds to the section where the number of remaining puffs is between 8 and 1. The power supplied to the heater 120 may be interrupted and resumed for the number of remaining puffs that overlap in each section (for example, "11" and "8").

[0070] In one embodiment, the first section 310 corresponds to a section in which power is supplied to the heater 120 within a power supply range 330 so that the temperature of the heater 120 is controlled based on a first temperature profile. The second section 315 corresponds to a section in which the power supply to the heater 120 is interrupted so that the temperature of the heater 120 decreases substantially. The third section 320 corresponds to a section in which power is supplied to the heater 120 within a power supply range 330 so that the temperature of the heater 120 is controlled based on a second temperature profile different from the first temperature profile.

[0071] In this case, the first temperature profile and the second temperature profile include a temperature rise interval in which the temperature of the heater 120 increases as the number of remaining puffs decreases, and in particular, the first temperature profile includes a temperature rise interval in which the temperature of the heater 120 increases up to the critical temperature 340.

[0072] For example, if the default number of puffs, 300, which is the reference number of puffs at which the processor 110 interrupts the power supply to the heater 120, is set to "12 times", the processor 110 can interrupt the power supply to the heater 120 after supplying power to it until the remaining number of puffs in the first interval 310 becomes "11 times", which is less than the default number of puffs, 300.

[0073] At this time, the final power supplied to the heater 120 in the first section 310 is the maximum value of the power supply range 330, which can cause the temperature of the heater 120 to rise to the critical temperature 340.

[0074] The processor 110 may interrupt the power supply to the heater 120 during the second interval 315, which corresponds to a predetermined time (e.g., 30 seconds). During this time, the temperature of the heater 120 may gradually decrease from the critical temperature 340 during the second interval 315, and user smoking may be detected during the second interval 315. For example, even if the power supply to the heater 120 is interrupted during the second interval 315, the number of puffs can still be counted by detecting user puffs.

[0075] The processor 110 can resume supplying power to the heater 120 after a predetermined time has elapsed and a user puff has been detected. For example, if the number of remaining puffs after a predetermined time (e.g., 30 seconds) has elapsed is "8", the processor 110 can supply power to the heater 120 so that its temperature reaches a target temperature (e.g., 250°C) corresponding to the number of remaining puffs, which is "8".

[0076] At this time, the initial power supplied to the heater 120 in the third section 320 is the minimum value of the power supply range 330, which allows the temperature of the heater 120 to reach the target temperature. Subsequently, as the number of remaining puffs decreases in the third section 320, the target temperature of the heater 120 increases, so the processor 110 can gradually increase the power supplied to the heater 120.

[0077] Figure 4A is a graph showing the relationship between the power supply and the number of residual puffs in an aerosol generator according to another embodiment. Figure 4B is a graph showing the relationship between the temperature profile and the number of residual puffs in an aerosol generator according to another embodiment.

[0078] Referring to Figures 4A and 4B, the processor (for example, the processor 110 in Figure 1) can control the power supplied to the heater (for example, the heater 120 in Figure 1) by the first section 410, the second section 415, and the third section 420. In this case, the first section 410 corresponds to the section where the number of remaining puffs is between 15 and 11, the second section 415 corresponds to the section where the number of remaining puffs is between 11 and 8, and the third section 420 corresponds to the section where the number of remaining puffs is between 8 and 1. The power supplied to the heater 120 may be interrupted and restarted for the number of remaining puffs that overlap in each section (for example, "11" and "8").

[0079] In one embodiment, the first section 410 corresponds to the section in which power is supplied to the heater 120 within the power supply range 430 so that the temperature of the heater 120 is controlled based on a first temperature profile. The second section 415 corresponds to the section in which the power supply to the heater 120 is interrupted so that the temperature of the heater 120 decreases substantially. The third section 420 corresponds to the section in which power is supplied to the heater 120 within the power supply range 430 so that the temperature of the heater 120 is controlled based on a second temperature profile different from the first temperature profile.

[0080] In this case, the first temperature profile includes a temperature rise section in which the temperature of the heater 120 increases to a critical temperature of 440, and a temperature fall section in which the temperature of the heater 120 decreases after reaching the critical temperature of 440, while the second temperature profile includes only the temperature rise section in which the temperature of the heater 120 increases as the number of residual puffs decreases.

[0081] For example, if the default number of puffs, 400, which is the reference number of puffs at which the processor 110 interrupts the power supply to the heater 120, is set to "12 times", the processor 110 can interrupt the power supply to the heater 120 after supplying power to it until the remaining number of puffs in the first interval 410 becomes "11 times", which is less than the default number of puffs, 400.

[0082] At this time, the final power supplied to the heater 120 in the first section 410 is a power value smaller than the maximum value of the power supply range 430, which allows the temperature of the heater 120 to rise to the critical temperature 440 and then decrease.

[0083] The processor 110 may interrupt the power supply to the heater 120 during the second interval 415, which corresponds to a predetermined time (e.g., 30 seconds). During this time, the temperature of the heater 120 may gradually decrease, and the user's smoking action may be detected during the second interval 415. For example, even if the power supply to the heater 120 is interrupted during the second interval 415, the number of puffs can still be counted by detecting the user's puffs.

[0084] The processor 110 can resume supplying power to the heater 120 after a predetermined time has elapsed and a user puff has been detected. For example, if the number of remaining puffs after a predetermined time (e.g., 30 seconds) has elapsed is "8", the processor 110 can supply power to the heater 120 so that its temperature reaches a target temperature (e.g., 250°C) corresponding to the number of remaining puffs, which is "8".

[0085] At this time, the initial power supplied to the heater 120 in the third section 420 is the minimum value of the power supply range 430, which allows the temperature of the heater 120 to reach the target temperature. Subsequently, as the number of remaining puffs decreases in the third section 420, the target temperature of the heater 120 increases, so the processor 110 can gradually increase the power supplied to the heater 120.

[0086] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing a method in which an aerosol generator according to one embodiment controls the power supply to the heater when no user puffs are detected.

[0087] Referring to Figure 5, the processor (e.g., processor 110 in Figure 1) may, in operation 501, after a user puff is detected via the puff sensor (e.g., puff sensor 130 in Figure 1), interrupt the power supply to the heater (e.g., heater 120 in Figure 1) for a predetermined period of time if no puff is detected for a critical time.

[0088] For example, if the processor 110 detects the user's most recent puff through the puff sensor 130 and no further puffs are detected for a critical time (e.g., 1 minute), it may suspend power supply to the heater 120 for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 20 seconds).

[0089] When the aerosol generator according to the present invention (for example, the aerosol generator 100 in Figure 1) controls the power supply to the heater 120 based on the number of user puffs, if it continues to supply a constant power to the heater 120 even though no user puffs are detected for a long period of time, defects such as overheating of the heater 120 and malfunction of the aerosol generator 100 may occur. As a result, if no user puffs are detected during the critical time, the processor 110 can determine that the user puffs have been temporarily interrupted and interrupt the power supply to the heater 120 for a predetermined period of time.

[0090] According to one embodiment, in operation 503, the processor 110 can supply power to the heater 120 after a predetermined time, corresponding to the minimum value of the power supply range for the heater 120.

[0091] For example, the processor 110 can resume supplying power to the heater 120 after a predetermined time (e.g., 20 seconds) has elapsed since the power supply to the heater 120 was interrupted. At this time, the power supplied to the heater 120 corresponds to the minimum value of the power supply range for the heater 120.

[0092] This is to determine that the user's puff has been temporarily interrupted and to interrupt the power supply to the heater 120 for a predetermined period of time, while preventing the temperature of the heater 120 from dropping to a substantially low temperature (i.e., a temperature at which aerosols cannot be generated from the aerosol product). However, in order to prevent a rapid rise in the temperature of the heater 120 and unnecessary power consumption, the processor 110 may supply power to the heater 120 corresponding to the minimum value of the power supply range.

[0093] Figure 6 is a graph showing the relationship between the power supply of the aerosol generator shown in Figure 5 and the power supply.

[0094] Referring to Figure 6, the processor (for example, processor 110 in Figure 1) can detect the user's most recent puff 600 through a puff sensor (for example, puff sensor 130 in Figure 1). Then, if no user puffs are detected after the most recent puff 600 during the critical time 610, the processor 110 can suspend power supply to the heater (for example, heater 120 in Figure 1) for a predetermined time 620.

[0095] Next, the processor 110 can resume supplying power to the heater 120 after a predetermined time 620 has elapsed since the power supply to the heater 120 was interrupted. When resuming power supply after the predetermined time 620 has elapsed, the processor 110 can supply power to the heater 120 that corresponds to the minimum value of the power supply range for the heater 120.

[0096] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating how an aerosol generator according to one embodiment changes a predetermined number of puffs based on the initial heating rate of the heater. Figure 7 is a flowchart that details the operation prior to operation 201 in Figure 2.

[0097] Referring to Figure 7, the processor (for example, processor 110 in Figure 1) can detect the initial heating rate of the heater (for example, heater 120 in Figure 1) during operation 701. In this case, the "initial heating rate" means the rate at which the temperature of heater 120 reaches the target preheating temperature during the preheating section in which heater 120 is preheated. The initial heating rate of heater 120 may vary depending on the state of the aerosol product inserted into the aerosol generator (for example, aerosol generator 100 in Figure 1).

[0098] According to one embodiment, the processor 110 can determine in operation 703 whether the initial heating rate of the heater 120 exceeds the critical rate range. In this case, the "critical rate range" refers to the heating rate range of the heater 120 in the preheating section when the aerosol product inserted into the aerosol generator 100 is in a normal state.

[0099] In one embodiment, if the initial heating rate of the heater 120 exceeds the critical rate range, the processor 110 can determine that the thickness of the inserted aerosol product is excessively thin, which is a first abnormal state. That is, the first abnormal state means that the thickness of the aerosol product is excessively thin, and the heat generated from the heater 120 is not transferred to the aerosol product.

[0100] According to one embodiment, if the initial heating rate of the heater 120 exceeds the critical rate range, the processor 110 may change the default number of puffs to a lower number of puffs in operation 705. For example, the processor 110 may supply power to the heater 120 based on a temperature rise interval profile that increases the temperature of the heater 120 until the remaining number of puffs for the aerosol product reaches a default number of puffs. However, if the aerosol product falls under the first abnormal state and heat generated from the heater 120 is not transferred, the processor 110 may set a longer temperature rise interval that increases the temperature of the heater 120 by changing the default number of puffs to a lower number of puffs.

[0101] According to one embodiment, the processor 110 can determine in operation 707 whether the initial heating rate of the heater 120 is below the critical speed range.

[0102] In one embodiment, if the initial heating rate of the heater 120 is below the critical rate range, the processor 110 can determine that the inserted aerosol product is in a second abnormal state, meaning it contains a large amount of moisture. That is, the second abnormal state means that the aerosol product is in an over-humid state, containing a large amount of moisture due to external environmental conditions or manufacturing conditions.

[0103] According to one embodiment, if the initial heating rate of the heater 120 is below the critical rate range, the processor 110 may change the default number of puffs to a higher number of puffs in operation 709. For example, the processor 110 may supply power to the heater 120 based on a profile of a temperature rise interval that increases the temperature of the heater 120 until the remaining number of puffs for the aerosol product reaches a default number of puffs. However, if the aerosol product falls under the second abnormal state and an excessive amount of water vapor is generated from the aerosol product, the processor 110 may shorten the temperature rise interval that increases the temperature of the heater 120 by changing the default number of puffs to a higher number of puffs.

[0104] Figure 8 is an illustrative diagram showing an aerosol generator according to one embodiment that reduces a predetermined number of puffs based on the initial heating rate of the heater.

[0105] Referring to graph (a) in Figure 8, the heating rate of the heater (e.g., heater 120 in Figure 1) may differ during the preheating phase of the heater (e.g., heater 120 in Figure 1) depending on the state of the aerosol product inserted into the aerosol generator (e.g., aerosol generator 100 in Figure 1).

[0106] For example, when the aerosol product inserted into the aerosol generator 100 is in a normal state 800, the heater 120 will heat up at a rate within the critical speed range during the preheating section. As another example, when the aerosol product inserted into the aerosol generator 100 is in a first abnormal state (i.e., the aerosol product is excessively thin) 810, the heater 120 will heat up at a rate exceeding the critical speed range during the preheating section.

[0107] Referring to graph (b) in Figure 8, the processor 110 can change the default puff count based on the initial heating rate of the heater 120 during the preheating phase. For example, when the aerosol product inserted into the aerosol generator 100 is in a normal state 800, the initial heating rate of the heater 120 falls within the critical rate range, and the processor 110 can maintain the default puff count at the existing default puff count of 820 without changing it. As another example, when the aerosol product inserted into the aerosol generator 100 is in a first abnormal state 810, the initial heating rate of the heater 120 exceeds the critical rate range, and the processor 110 can change the existing default puff count of 820 to a new reference puff count of 830.

[0108] Figure 9 is an illustrative diagram showing an aerosol generator according to one embodiment that increases a predetermined number of puffs based on the initial heating rate of the heater.

[0109] Referring to graph (a) in Figure 9, the heating rate of the heater (e.g., heater 120 in Figure 1) may differ during the preheating phase of the heater (e.g., heater 120 in Figure 1) depending on the state of the aerosol product inserted into the aerosol generator (e.g., aerosol generator 100 in Figure 1).

[0110] For example, when the aerosol product inserted into the aerosol generator 100 is in a normal state 900, the heater 120 will heat up at a rate within the critical speed range during the preheating section. As another example, when the aerosol product inserted into the aerosol generator 100 is in a second abnormal state (i.e., an over-humidified state of the aerosol product) 910, the heater 120 will heat up at a rate below the critical speed range during the preheating section.

[0111] Referring to graph (b) in Figure 9, the processor 110 can change the default puff count based on the initial heating rate of the heater 120 during the preheating phase. For example, when the aerosol product inserted into the aerosol generator 100 is in a normal state 900, the initial heating rate of the heater 120 falls within the critical rate range, and the processor 110 can maintain the default puff count at the existing default puff count of 920 without changing it. As another example, when the aerosol product inserted into the aerosol generator 100 is in a second abnormal state 910, the initial heating rate of the heater 120 is below the critical rate range, and the processor 110 can change the existing default puff count of 920 to a new reference puff count of 930.

[0112] Figure 10 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to yet another embodiment.

[0113] The aerosol generator 1000 includes a control unit 1010, a sensing unit 1020, an output unit 1030, a battery 1040, a heater 1050, a user input unit 1060, a memory 1070, and a communication unit 1080. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generator 1000 is not limited to that shown in Figure 10. That is, a person with ordinary skill in the art according to this embodiment will understand that some of the components shown in Figure 10 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol generator 1000.

[0114] The sensing unit 1020 can sense the state of the aerosol generator 1000 or the state of the area surrounding the aerosol generator 1000, and transmit the sensed information to the control unit 1010. Based on the sensed information, the control unit 1010 can control the aerosol generator 1000 to perform various functions such as controlling the operation of the heater 1050, restricting smoking, determining whether or not an aerosol product (e.g., cigarettes, cartridges, etc.) has been inserted, and displaying notifications.

[0115] The sensing unit 1020 includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the temperature sensor 1022, the insertion sensing sensor 1024, and the puff sensor 1026.

[0116] The temperature sensor 1022 can sense the temperature at which the heater 1050 (or the aerosol generating material) is heated. The aerosol generating device 1000 may include a separate temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the heater 1050, or the heater 1050 itself may act as the temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 1022 may be positioned around the battery 1040 to monitor its temperature.

[0117] The insertion sensing sensor 1024 can detect the insertion and / or removal of aerosol products. For example, the insertion sensing sensor 1024 includes at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, a light sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, and an infrared sensor, and can detect signal changes due to the insertion and / or removal of aerosol products.

[0118] The puff sensor 1026 can detect a user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow passage or airflow channel. For example, the puff sensor 1026 can detect a user's puff based on any one of the following: temperature changes, flow rate changes, voltage changes, and pressure changes.

[0119] In addition to the aforementioned temperature sensor 1022, insertion sensing sensor 1024, and puff sensor 1026, the sensing unit 1020 may further include at least one of the following: a temperature / humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS), a proximity sensor, and an RGB sensor (illuminance sensor). The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by an average engineer from its name, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0120] The output unit 1030 can output and provide to the user information about the status of the aerosol generator 1000. The output unit 1030 includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the display unit 1032, the haptic unit 1034, and the acoustic output unit 1036. When the display unit 1032 and the touchpad form a layered structure and constitute a touchscreen, the display unit 1032 can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0121] The display unit 1032 can visually provide the user with information about the aerosol generator 1000. For example, the information about the aerosol generator 1000 can include various types of information such as the charge / discharge status of the battery 1040 of the aerosol generator 1000, the preheating status of the heater 1050, the insertion / removal status of aerosol products, or a state in which the use of the aerosol generator 1000 is restricted (e.g., detection of abnormal items), and the display unit 1032 can output this information to the outside. The display unit 1032 can be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), or an LED light-emitting element.

[0122] The haptic unit 1034 can convert electrical signals into mechanical or electrical stimuli, providing the user with tactile information about the aerosol generator 1000. For example, the haptic unit 1034 may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulator.

[0123] The acoustic output unit 1036 can provide the user with auditory information about the aerosol generator 1000. For example, the acoustic output unit 1036 can convert electrical signals into acoustic signals and output them externally.

[0124] The battery 1040 can supply power used to operate the aerosol generator 1000. The battery 1040 can supply power to heat the heater 1050. The battery 1040 can also supply power necessary for the operation of other components within the aerosol generator 1000 (e.g., the sensing unit 1020, the output unit 1030, the user input unit 1060, the memory 1070, and the communication unit 1080). The battery 1040 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 1040 is a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited to that.

[0125] The heater 1050 is powered by the battery 1040 and can heat the aerosol-generating material. Although not shown in Figure 10, the aerosol generator 1000 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power from the battery 1040 and supplies it to the heater 1050. Furthermore, if the aerosol generator 1000 generates aerosols by induction heating, the aerosol generator 1000 may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power supply of the battery 1040 into AC power supply.

[0126] The control unit 1010, sensing unit 1020, output unit 1030, user input unit 1060, memory 1070, and communication unit 1080 can function by being powered by the battery 1040. Although not shown in Figure 10, the system may further include power conversion circuits, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that convert the power from the battery 1040 and supply it to each component.

[0127] In one embodiment, the heater 1050 may be formed from any suitable electrical resistant material. For example, suitable electrical resistant materials include, but are not limited to, metals or metal alloys, including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, and nichrome. The heater 1050 may also be embodied by, but are not limited to, a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate on which conductive tracks are arranged, or a ceramic heating element.

[0128] In other embodiments, the heater 1050 is also an induction heating heater. For example, the heater 1050 may include a susceptor that generates heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil to heat the aerosol-generating substance.

[0129] The user input unit 1060 can receive information input from the user or output information to the user. For example, the user input unit 1060 may include, but is not limited to, a key pad, a dome switch, a touch pad (contact-type capacitive type, pressure-type resistive type, infrared sensing type, surface ultrasonic conduction type, integral tension measurement type, piezoelectric effect type, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc. Also, although not shown in Figure 10, the aerosol generator 1000 may further include a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and can connect to other external devices via a connection interface such as a USB interface to send and receive information or charge the battery 1040.

[0130] Memory 1070 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generator 1000, and can store data processed by the control unit 1010 and data being processed. Memory 1070 includes at least one type of recording medium from among flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia card micro type, card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), ROM (Read-Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk. Memory 1070 can store data such as the operating time of the aerosol generator 1000, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and data related to the user's smoking pattern.

[0131] The communication unit 1080 includes at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 1080 includes a short-range communication unit 1082 and a wireless communication unit 1084.

[0132] The short-range wireless communication unit 1082 includes, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth® communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth® Low Energy) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee® communication unit, an infrared (IrDA: infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, a UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, and others.

[0133] The wireless communication unit 1084 includes, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN) communication unit. The wireless communication unit 1084 can also verify and authenticate the aerosol generator 1000 within the communication network using subscriber information (e.g., International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)).

[0134] The control unit 1010 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator 1000. In one embodiment, the control unit 1010 includes at least one processor. The processor may be embodied as an array of numerous logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor. It will be understood by those ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment belongs that it may also be embodied by other forms of hardware.

[0135] The control unit 1010 can control the temperature of the heater 1050 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 1040 to the heater 1050. For example, the control unit 1010 can control the power supply by controlling the switching of a switching element between the battery 1040 and the heater 1050. As another example, the direct heating circuit can also control the power supply to the heater 1050 by a control command from the control unit 1010.

[0136] The control unit 1010 can analyze the results sensed by the sensing unit 1020 and control subsequent processing. For example, based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 1020, the control unit 1010 can control the power supplied to the heater 1050 so that the heater 1050 starts or stops operating. As another example, based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 1020, the control unit 1010 can control the amount of power supplied to the heater 1050 and the power supply time so that the heater 1050 is heated to a predetermined temperature or maintains an appropriate temperature.

[0137] The control unit 1010 can control the output unit 1030 based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 1020. For example, if the number of puffs counted through the puff sensor 1026 reaches a predetermined number, the control unit 1010 can notify the user that the aerosol generator 1000 will soon shut off through at least one of the display unit 1032, the haptic unit 1034, and the acoustic output unit 1036.

[0138] One embodiment also embodies a recording medium containing computer-executable instructions, such as program modules executed by a computer. Computer-readable media are any available media accessed by a computer, and include both volatile and non-volatile media, and isolated and non-isolated media. Computer-readable media also include both computer recording media and communication media. Computer recording media include both volatile and non-volatile, isolated and non-isolated media, embodied by any method or technique for storing information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Communication media typically include computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data such as modulated data signals, or other transmission mechanisms, and include any information transmission medium.

[0139] The above-described embodiments are merely examples, and any person with ordinary skill in the art will understand that a variety of modifications and equivalent other embodiments are possible therefrom. Therefore, the true scope of protection of the invention must be determined by the claims, and all differences that are equivalent to those described in the claims should be interpreted as being included within the scope of protection determined by the claims.

Claims

1. In an aerosol generating device, A heater for heating at least a portion of the aerosol product, A puff sensor that detects the user's puff, The system includes a processor electrically connected to the heater and the puff sensor, The aforementioned processor, The number of remaining puffs for the aerosol product is detected through the puff sensor, The remaining puff count detected above is compared with the predetermined puff count. If the detected remaining puff count is less than the predetermined puff count, the power supply to the heater is interrupted for a predetermined period of time. An aerosol generating apparatus that, after the predetermined time has elapsed, supplies power to the heater so that the heater's temperature reaches a target temperature corresponding to the remaining number of puffs.

2. The aforementioned processor, If the detected number of remaining puffs is equal to or greater than the predetermined number of puffs, power is supplied to the heater based on the first temperature profile. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein if the detected number of remaining puffs is less than the predetermined number of puffs, power is supplied to the heater based on a second temperature profile different from the first temperature profile.

3. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first temperature profile and the second temperature profile are temperature profiles with respect to the number of remaining puffs detected through the puff sensor.

4. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first temperature profile is a temperature profile that includes a temperature rise interval in which the temperature of the heater rises to a critical temperature.

5. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the second temperature profile is a temperature profile in which the target temperature increases as the number of remaining puffs decreases.

6. The aforementioned processor, If no puff is detected for a critical period after the user's puff is detected through the puff sensor, the power supply to the heater is interrupted for a predetermined period of time. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein power corresponding to the minimum value of the power supply range for the heater is supplied to the heater after the predetermined time.

7. The aforementioned processor, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined number of puffs is changed based on the initial heating rate of the heater.

8. The aforementioned processor, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 7, wherein if the initial heating rate exceeds the critical rate range, the predetermined number of puffs is changed to a number of puffs lower than the predetermined number of puffs.

9. The aforementioned processor, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 7, wherein if the initial heating rate is below the critical rate range, the predetermined number of puffs is changed to a number of puffs higher than the predetermined number of puffs.

10. In the operation method of an aerosol generating device, The process involves detecting the remaining number of puffs on the aerosol product via a puff sensor that detects the user's puff, and The process involves comparing the detected remaining puff count with a predetermined puff count, If the detected number of remaining puffs is less than the predetermined number of puffs, the power supply to the heater that heats at least a portion of the aerosol product is interrupted for a predetermined period of time. A method for operating an aerosol generator, comprising the step of supplying power to the heater such that, after a predetermined time has elapsed, the heater's temperature reaches a target temperature corresponding to the remaining number of puffs.

11. A method for operating an aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising the steps of supplying power to the heater based on a first temperature profile if the detected number of remaining puffs is equal to or greater than the predetermined number of puffs, and supplying power to the heater based on a second temperature profile different from the first temperature profile if the detected number of remaining puffs is less than the predetermined number of puffs.

12. If no puff is detected for a critical period after the user's puff is detected through the puff sensor, the power supply to the heater is interrupted for a predetermined period of time. A method for operating an aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising the step of supplying power to the heater after the predetermined time, the power corresponding to the minimum value of the power supply range for the heater.

13. A method for operating an aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising the step of changing the predetermined number of puffs based on the initial heating rate of the heater.

14. The method for operating an aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising the step of changing the predetermined number of puffs to a number lower than the predetermined number of puffs if the initial heating rate exceeds the critical rate range.

15. A method for operating an aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising the step of changing the predetermined number of puffs to a higher number of puffs if the initial heating rate is below the critical rate range.

Images