Aerosol generator and its operating method

Abstract

An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment includes a heater that heats a cigarette, a sensor unit that senses parameters related to the operation of the heater, and at the start of a heating event of the heater, initializes the sensor unit, attempts to communicate with the initialized sensor unit, checks whether it is normal, and if it is determined that the communication with the sensor unit is abnormal, a microcontroller unit that retries the communication with the sensor unit.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generator and a method of operating the same, and more specifically, to an initialization function of an aerosol generator. [Background technology]

[0002] Recently, there has been increasing demand for alternative smoking methods to conventional cigarettes. For example, there is growing demand for methods that generate aerosols by heating aerosol-generating substances within a cigarette, rather than by burning the cigarette to produce aerosols. As a result, research into heated cigarettes or heated aerosol generators is progressing actively.

[0003] The aerosol generator includes multiple hardware components, such as a controller and a sensor unit. These hardware components communicate with each other using a predetermined communication method. If communication between the hardware components malfunctions, the aerosol generator may malfunction. For example, if the heater's temperature sensor malfunctions, the cigarette may not be able to be heated to the target temperature, and the user may not be able to receive the desired atomization amount and flavor. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] The present invention provides an aerosol generating apparatus and a method for operating the aerosol generating apparatus that can prevent malfunctions of the apparatus.

[0005] The problems that the embodiments seek to solve are not limited to those described above, and any problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art in which the embodiments pertain from this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An aerosol generator according to one embodiment includes a heater for heating a cigarette, a sensor unit for sensing parameters related to the operation of the heater, and a microcontroller unit that, when a heating event of the heater starts, initializes the sensor unit, attempts to communicate with the initialized sensor unit to check whether it is normal or not, and if it is determined that communication with the sensor unit is abnormal, retries communication with the sensor unit.

[0007] The microcontroller unit can communicate with the sensor unit via a serial data line and a serial clock line using the I2C (Inter Integrated Circuit) communication method, and can supply power to the sensor unit via a power line.

[0008] The microcontroller unit can initialize the sensor unit by changing the power supply from a high level to a low level and changing the signals on the serial data line and the serial clock line from a low level to a high level.

[0009] The sensor unit may include at least one of a temperature sensor and a puff recognition sensor.

[0010] The microcontroller unit can maintain the heating operation of the heater if it determines that communication with the sensor unit is normal.

[0011] The microcontroller unit determines whether the number of retries is equal to or greater than a pre-set number, and if the number of retries is less than the pre-set number, it determines that communication with the sensor unit is normal and can maintain the heating operation of the heater.

[0012] The microcontroller unit determines whether the number of retries is equal to or greater than a pre-set number, and if the number of retries is equal to or greater than a pre-set number, it determines that communication with the sensor unit is abnormal and can stop the heating operation of the heater.

[0013] It further includes a heating IC that provides an electrical signal for performing the heating operation of the heater under the control of the microcontroller unit. When the heater starts heating, the microcontroller unit initializes the heating IC, attempts communication with the initialized heating IC, checks whether it is normal, and if it is determined that the communication with the heating IC is abnormal, the communication with the heating IC can be retried.

[0014] The microcontroller unit communicates with the heating IC in an I2C (Inter Integrated Circuit) communication method via a serial data line and a serial clock line, and can supply power to the heating IC via a power line.

[0015] The microcontroller unit can initialize the heating IC by changing the power from a high level to a low level and changing the signals of the serial data line and the serial clock line from a low level to a high level.

[0016] The operation method of the aerosol generator according to an embodiment includes the steps of initializing the sensor unit at the start of the heating event of the heater, attempting communication with the initialized sensor unit, checking whether it is normal, holding the heating operation of the heater if it is determined that the communication with the sensor unit is normal, retrying the communication with the sensor unit if it is determined that the communication with the sensor unit is abnormal, and determining whether the number of times of retrying the communication with the sensor unit is equal to or more than a preset number of times.

[0017] The sensor unit can receive a control signal in an I2C (Inter Integrated Circuit) communication method via a serial data line and a serial clock line, and can be supplied with power via a power line.

[0018] The step of initializing the sensor can change the power supply from a high level to a low level, and can change the signals of the serial data line and the serial clock line from a low level to a high level.

[0019] The step of determining whether the number of retries is equal to or greater than a preset number, if the number of retries is less than the preset number, determines that the communication with the sensor unit is normal, and can maintain the heating operation of the heater.

[0020] The step of determining whether the number of retries is equal to or greater than a preset number, if the number of retries is equal to or greater than the preset number, determines that the communication with the sensor unit is abnormal, and can stop the heating operation of the heater.

Advantages of the Invention

[0021] An aerosol generating device and its operating method according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can prevent malfunction of the aerosol generating device by initializing the communication line between hardware at the start of a heating event.

[0022] The effects of the embodiments are not limited to the effects described above, and effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the technical field to which the embodiments belong from the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] [Figure 1] It is a drawing for explaining the elements constituting an aerosol generating device including a heater according to some embodiments. [Figure 2] It is a drawing showing an example in which a cigarette is inserted into the aerosol generating device. [Figure 3] It is a drawing showing an example in which a cigarette is inserted into the aerosol generating device. [Figure 4] It is a drawing showing an example in which a cigarette is inserted into the aerosol generating device. [Figure 5A] It is a drawing showing an example of a cigarette. [Figure 5B] This is a diagram showing an example of a cigarette. [Figure 6] This is a schematic block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a diagram illustrating the communication method between the microcontroller unit and the sensor unit. [Figure 8] This is a timing diagram of the serial data line and serial clock line applied to an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a schematic block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a diagram illustrating the communication method between the microcontroller unit and the heating IC. [Figure 11] This is a flowchart illustrating the operation method of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0024] The terminology used in the embodiments has been selected, as far as possible, to be common and widely used terms, taking into account the function of the present invention, although this may vary depending on the intent of the articulators, case law, the emergence of new technologies, etc. In certain cases, the applicant has also arbitrarily selected some 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 this disclosure.

[0025] 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 may be embodied by hardware or software, or by a combination of hardware and software.

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that they can be easily implemented by a person with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. However, the present invention can be embodied in a variety of different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0027] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0028] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the elements constituting an aerosol generating device including a heater according to one embodiment.

[0029] Referring to Figure 1, the aerosol generator 100 may include a heater 110, a coil 120, a battery 130, and a control unit 140. However, it is not limited to these, and other general-purpose elements may be further included in the aerosol generator 100 in addition to the elements illustrated in Figure 1.

[0030] The aerosol generator 100 can generate an aerosol by heating a cigarette contained within the aerosol generator 100 using an induction heating method. The induction heating method refers to a method of heating a magnetic material that generates heat in response to an external magnetic field by applying an alternating magnetic field whose direction changes periodically.

[0031] When an alternating magnetic field is applied to a magnetic material, energy loss occurs due to eddy current loss and hysteresis loss, and the lost energy can be released from the magnetic material as thermal energy. The larger the amplitude or frequency of the alternating magnetic field applied to the magnetic material, the more thermal energy can be released from the magnetic material. The aerosol generator 100 can release thermal energy from the magnetic material by applying an alternating magnetic field, and can transfer the thermal energy released from the magnetic material to the cigarette.

[0032] A magnetic material that generates heat due to an external magnetic field is also a susceptor. The susceptor, in the form of a section, flake, or strip, may be provided in the aerosol generator 100 instead of being contained inside the cigarette. For example, at least a portion of the heater 110 located inside the aerosol generator 100 may consist of a susceptor material.

[0033] At least a portion of the susceptor material may consist of a ferromagnetic material. For example, the susceptor material may contain metal or carbon. The susceptor material may contain at least one of ferrite, ferromagnetic alloy, stainless steel, and aluminum (Al). The susceptor material may also contain at least one of graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, niobium, nickel alloy, metal film, ceramics such as zirconia, transition metals such as nickel (Ni) and cobalt (Co), and metalloids such as boron (B) and phosphorus (P).

[0034] The aerosol generator 100 can accommodate a cigarette. The aerosol generator 100 may have a space for accommodating a cigarette. A heater 110 may be placed in the space for accommodating the cigarette. The heater 110 has a cylindrical shape in which an accommodation space for accommodating a cigarette is formed inside. Therefore, when a cigarette is placed in the aerosol generator 100, the cigarette is placed in the accommodation space of the heater 110, and the heater 110 may be positioned to surround at least a portion of the outer surface of the cigarette.

[0035] The heater 110 can surround at least a portion of the outer surface of the cigarette housed in the aerosol generator 100. For example, the heater 110 can surround at least a portion of the outer surface of the cigarette at a position corresponding to the location of the tobacco medium contained in the cigarette. This allows heat to be transferred more efficiently from the heater 110 to the tobacco medium contained in the cigarette.

[0036] The heater 110 can heat the cigarette contained in the aerosol generator 100. As mentioned above, the heater 110 can heat the cigarette by induction heating. The heater 110 contains a susceptor material that generates heat in response to an external magnetic field, and the aerosol generator 100 can apply an alternating magnetic field to the heater 110.

[0037] A coil 120 may be provided in the aerosol generator 100. The coil 120 can apply an alternating magnetic field to the heater 110. When power is supplied to the coil 120 from the aerosol generator 100, a magnetic field may be formed inside the coil 120. When an alternating current is applied to the coil 120, the direction of the magnetic field formed inside the coil 120 can be continuously changed. If the heater 110 is located inside the coil 120 and exposed to an alternating magnetic field whose direction changes periodically, the heater 110 may generate heat, and the cigarette housed in the heater 110 may be heated.

[0038] The coil 120 may be wound along the outer surface of the heater 110. The coil 120 may be wound along the inner surface of the outer housing of the aerosol generator 100. When the heater 110 is located in the internal space formed by the winding of the coil 120, and power is supplied to the coil 120, an alternating magnetic field generated by the coil 120 may be applied to the heater 110.

[0039] The coil 120 may extend in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generator 100. The coil 120 may extend to an appropriate length along the longitudinal direction. For example, the coil 120 may extend to a length corresponding to the length of the heater 110, or to a length longer than the length of the heater 110.

[0040] The coil 120 can be positioned in a location suitable for applying an alternating magnetic field to the heater 110. For example, the coil 120 can be positioned in a location corresponding to the heater 110. The size and position of such a coil 120 can improve the efficiency of applying the alternating magnetic field of the coil 120 to the heater 110.

[0041] If the amplitude or frequency of the alternating magnetic field formed by coil 120 is changed, the degree to which heater 110 heats the cigarette may also be changed. Since the amplitude or frequency of the magnetic field from coil 120 is changed by the power applied to coil 120, the aerosol generator 100 can control the heating of the cigarette by adjusting the power applied to coil 120. For example, the aerosol generator 100 can control the amplitude and frequency of the alternating current applied to coil 120.

[0042] As an example, coil 120 can be embodied by a solenoid. Coil 120 is also a solenoid wound along the inner surface of the outer housing of the aerosol generator 100, and the heater 110 and cigarette can be located in the internal space of the solenoid. The material of the conductor constituting the solenoid is copper (Cu). However, it is not limited to copper, and alloys containing one or at least one of silver (Ag), gold (Au), aluminum (Al), tungsten (W), zinc (Zn), and nickel (Ni) can also be the material of the conductor constituting the solenoid.

[0043] The battery 130 can supply power to the aerosol generator 100. The battery 130 can supply power to the coil 120. The battery 130 may include a battery that supplies DC current to the aerosol generator 100 and a conversion unit that converts the DC current supplied from the battery into AC current supplied to the coil 120.

[0044] Battery 130 can supply DC current to the aerosol generator 100. The battery is a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery, but is not limited to that. For example, the battery can also be a lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) battery, a lithium titanate battery, etc.

[0045] The conversion unit (not shown) may include a low-pass filter that filters the DC supplied from the battery and outputs an AC to be supplied to the coil 120. The conversion unit may further include an amplifier for amplifying the DC supplied from the battery. For example, the conversion unit may be embodied via a low-pass filter that constitutes the load network of a class-D amplifier.

[0046] The control unit 140 can control the power supplied to the coil 120. The control unit 140 can control the battery 130 so that the power supplied to the coil 120 is adjusted. For example, the control unit 140 can perform control to maintain a constant temperature at which the heater 110 heats the cigarette based on the temperature of the heater 110.

[0047] The control unit 140 can be implemented by an array of numerous logic gates, or by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and memory in which the program executed by the microprocessor is stored. Furthermore, the control unit 140 can be composed of multiple processing elements.

[0048] In the aerosol generator 100, the temperature of the heater 110 may be measured in order to maintain a constant temperature for heating the cigarette, or to change the temperature for heating the cigarette according to a specific heating profile.

[0049] Figures 2 through 4 show examples of a cigarette being inserted into an aerosol generator.

[0050] Referring to Figure 2, the aerosol generator 1 includes a battery 11, a control unit 12, and a heater 13. Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the aerosol generator 1 further includes a vaporizer 14. A cigarette 2 can also be inserted into the internal space of the aerosol generator 1.

[0051] The aerosol generator 1 shown in Figures 2 to 4 illustrates the components related to this embodiment. Therefore, a person with ordinary skill in the technical field related to this embodiment will understand that the aerosol generator 1 also includes other general-purpose components in addition to those shown in Figures 2 to 4.

[0052] Furthermore, although Figures 3 and 4 show that the aerosol generator 1 includes a heater 13, the heater 13 may be omitted if necessary.

[0053] Figure 2 shows the battery 11, control unit 12, and heater 13 arranged in a row. Figure 3 shows the battery 11, control unit 12, vaporizer 14, and heater 13 arranged in a row. Figure 4 shows the vaporizer 14 and heater 13 arranged in parallel. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generator 1 is not limited to what is shown in Figures 2 to 4. In other words, the arrangement of the battery 11, control unit 12, heater 13, and vaporizer 14 can be changed depending on the design of the aerosol generator 1.

[0054] When a cigarette 2 is inserted into the aerosol generator 1, the aerosol generator 1 can activate the heater 13 and / or vaporizer 14 to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generated by the heater 13 and / or vaporizer 14 is transmitted to the user through the cigarette 2.

[0055] If necessary, the aerosol generator 1 can heat the heater 13 even when the cigarette 2 is not inserted into the aerosol generator 1.

[0056] The battery 11 supplies power used to operate the aerosol generator 1. For example, the battery 11 can supply power to heat the heater 13 or the vaporizer 14, and can also supply power necessary for the operation of the control unit 12. In addition, the battery 11 can supply power necessary for the operation of the display, sensors, motors, etc., provided in the aerosol generator 1.

[0057] The control unit 12 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generator 1. Specifically, the control unit 12 controls the operation of not only the battery 11, heater 13, and vaporizer 14, but also other components included in the aerosol generator 1. Furthermore, the control unit 12 can check the status of each component of the aerosol generator 1 and determine whether or not the aerosol generator 1 is in an operational state.

[0058] The control unit 12 includes at least one processor. The processor can be embodied by an array of numerous logic gates and can be embodied by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and memory in which a program executed by the microprocessor is stored. It will also be embodied by other forms of hardware, as will be understood by those with ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment belongs.

[0059] The heater 13 can be heated by power supplied from the battery 11. For example, if a cigarette is inserted into the aerosol generator 1, the heater 13 may be located outside the cigarette. Therefore, the heated heater 13 can raise the temperature of the aerosol-generating material inside the cigarette.

[0060] The heater 13 is also an electrical resistance heater. For example, the heater 13 may include a conductive track, and the heater 13 may be heated by the flow of current through the conductive track. However, the heater 13 is not limited to the above example, and can be any heater that heats up to a desired temperature. Here, the desired temperature may be pre-set in the aerosol generator 1, or it may be set to a desired temperature by the user.

[0061] On the other hand, as another example, heater 13 is also an induction heater. Specifically, heater 13 includes a conductive coil for heating a cigarette by induction heating, and the cigarette may include a susceptor that can be heated by the induction heater.

[0062] For example, the heater 13 includes a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element, and the inside or outside of the cigarette 2 can be heated depending on the shape of the heating element.

[0063] Furthermore, the aerosol generator 1 may have multiple heaters 13. In this case, the multiple heaters 13 may be arranged to be inserted inside the cigarette 2, or to be arranged outside the cigarette 2. Alternatively, some of the multiple heaters 13 may be inserted inside the cigarette 2, while the rest are arranged outside the cigarette 2. Also, the shape of the heater 13 is not limited to the shapes shown in Figures 2 to 4, but can be manufactured in a variety of shapes.

[0064] The vaporizer 14 heats the liquid composition to generate an aerosol, which can then be transmitted to the user through the cigarette 2. That is, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 moves along the airflow passage of the aerosol generator 1, and the airflow passage may be configured so that the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 is transmitted to the user through the cigarette.

[0065] For example, the vaporizer 14 may include, but is not limited to, a liquid storage unit, a liquid transfer means, and a heating element. For instance, the liquid storage unit, the liquid transfer means, and the heating element may be included in the aerosol generator 1 as independent modules.

[0066] The liquid storage section can store a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing tobacco-containing substances, including volatile tobacco flavor components, or a liquid containing non-tobacco substances. The liquid storage section is manufactured to detach from / adhere to the vaporizer 14 and may be manufactured integrally with the vaporizer 14.

[0067] For example, a liquid composition may include water, solvent, ethanol, plant extracts, fragrances, flavoring agents, or vitamin mixtures. Fragrances may include, but are not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, or various fruit fragrance components. Flavoring agents may include components that provide users with a variety of flavors or aromas. Vitamin mixtures may also be mixtures of at least one of vitamins A, B, C, and E, but are not limited to these. Furthermore, a liquid composition may include aerosol-forming agents such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0068] The liquid transfer means can transfer the liquid composition of the liquid storage section to the heating element. For example, the liquid transfer means may be, but is not limited to, a wick such as cotton fibers, ceramic fibers, glass fibers, or porous ceramics.

[0069] A heating element is an element for heating a liquid composition that is transmitted by a liquid transfer means. For example, a heating element may be a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate, a ceramic heater, etc., but is not limited to these. Alternatively, a heating element may be composed of a conductive filament, such as a nichrome wire, and arranged in a structure that is wound around the liquid transfer means. The heating element is heated by an electric current supply, and heat is transferred to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element, thereby heating the liquid composition. As a result, an aerosol may be generated.

[0070] For example, the steam generator 14 is also called a cartomizer or atomizer, but is not limited to these terms.

[0071] On the other hand, the aerosol generator 1 may further include general-purpose components in addition to the battery 11, control unit 12, heater 13, and vaporizer 14. For example, the aerosol generator 1 may include a display capable of outputting visual information and / or a motor for outputting tactile information.

[0072] Furthermore, the aerosol generator 1 may include at least one sensor (such as a puff detection sensor, a temperature detection sensor, a cigarette insertion detection sensor, and a color sensor). In one embodiment, the aerosol generator 1 may use the color sensor to identify the type of cigarette 2 and / or the humidity state of the cigarette 2, and based on the identification result, select a suitable heating profile appropriate for each cigarette 2 and operate the heater 13.

[0073] Furthermore, the aerosol generator 1 can also be manufactured with a structure that allows external air to flow in or internal gas to flow out even when the cigarette 2 is inserted.

[0074] Although not shown in Figures 2 to 4, the aerosol generator 1 may be configured with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle may be used to charge the battery 11 of the aerosol generator 1. Alternatively, the heater 13 may be heated when the cradle and the aerosol generator 1 are coupled together.

[0075] A cigarette according to one embodiment includes at least one of an aerosol generating section, a tobacco filling section, a cooling section, and a filter section (mouthpiece or mouthpiece section). For example, the filter section is usually an acetate filter, and the cooling section and the filter section may contain a capsule and a flavoring agent.

[0076] On the other hand, the materials, order, and length of the aerosol generation section and the tobacco filling section are not limited to specific examples, nor are the materials and length of the cooling section and the filter section limited to specific examples.

[0077] The aerosol generator generates a nicotine-containing aerosol by heating the aerosol generation section and the tobacco filling section, and the aerosol is discharged to the outside after passing through the cooling section and the filter section.

[0078] For example, an aerosol generator may generate an aerosol by heating at least one of the aerosol generating section and the tobacco filling section of a cigarette. Alternatively, the aerosol generator may selectively or entirely heat the inside or outside of the cigarette.

[0079] The following example of cigarette 2 will be explained with reference to Figures 5A and 5B.

[0080] Figures 5A and 5B are diagrams showing examples of cigarettes.

[0081] Referring to Figure 5A, the cigarette 2 includes a tobacco rod 21 and a filter rod 22.

[0082] Figure 5A illustrates the filter rod 22 as a single segment, but it is not limited to this. That is, the filter rod 22 may consist of multiple segments. For example, the filter rod 22 may include a segment for cooling the aerosol and a segment for filtering out a predetermined component contained in the aerosol. Furthermore, the filter rod 22 may include at least one additional segment performing other functions as needed.

[0083] The diameter of cigarette 2 is within the range of 5mm to 9mm, and the length is approximately 48mm, but is not limited to these dimensions. For example, the length of the tobacco rod 21 is approximately 12mm, the length of the first segment of the filter rod 22 is approximately 10mm, the length of the second segment of the filter rod 22 is approximately 14mm, and the length of the third segment of the filter rod 22 is approximately 12mm, but is not limited to these dimensions.

[0084] A cigarette 2 may be packaged by at least one flap 24. The flap 24 may have at least one hole through which external air enters or internal gases exit. For example, a cigarette 2 may be packaged by one flap 24. For example, a cigarette 2 may be packaged in layers by two or more flaps 24. For instance, the tobacco rod 21 may be packaged by a first flap 241, and the filter rod 22 may be packaged by flap 242, 243, and 244. The entire cigarette 2 may then be repackaged by a single flap 245. If the filter rod 22 consists of multiple segments, each segment may be packaged by flap 242, 243, and 244.

[0085] The first and second flaps 241 and 242 can be made from general filter wrapping paper. For example, the first and second flaps 241 and 242 can be porous or non-porous wrapping paper. Alternatively, the first and second flaps 241 and 242 can be made from oil-resistant paper and / or aluminum laminated packaging material.

[0086] The third flap 243 can be made from hard-wound paper. For example, the basis weight of the third flap 243 may be 88 g / m². 2 ~96g / m 2 It is included within the range, preferably 90 g / m². 2 ~94g / m 2 It may fall within this range. Also, the thickness of the third trumpet 243 is within the range of 120 μm to 130 μm, and preferably 125 μm.

[0087] The fourth flap 244 may be made of oil-resistant hard wrapping paper. For example, the basis weight of the fourth flap 244 may be 88 g / m². 2 ~96g / m 2 It is included within the range, preferably 90 g / m². 2 ~94g / m 2 It may fall within this range. Also, the thickness of the fourth trumpet 244 is within the range of 120 μm to 130 μm, and preferably 125 μm.

[0088] The fifth wrapper 245 can be made of sterilized paper MFW. Here, sterilized paper MFW means paper that is specially manufactured so that its tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. are enhanced compared to ordinary paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 245 is within the range of 57 g / m 2 ~63 g / m 2 and preferably is 60 g / m 2 as well. Also, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 245 is within the range of 64 μm to 70 μm and preferably is 67 μm as well.

[0089] A predetermined substance can be added to the fifth wrapper 245. Here, as an example of the predetermined substance, silicon may be applicable, but is not limited thereto. For example, silicon has properties such as heat resistance with little change due to temperature, oxidation resistance that is not oxidized, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency to water, or electrical insulation. However, even if it is not silicon, as long as it is a substance having the above-described properties, it can be applied (or coated) to the fifth wrapper 245 without limitation.

[0090] The fifth wrapper 245 can prevent the phenomenon of the cigarette 2 from burning. For example, if the tobacco rod 210 is heated by the heater 13, the cigarette 2 may burn. Specifically, when the temperature rises above the ignition point of any one of the substances contained in the tobacco rod 310, the cigarette 2 can burn. Even in such a case, since the fifth wrapper 245 contains a non-combustible substance, the phenomenon of the cigarette 2 burning can be prevented.

[0091] The tobacco rod 21 contains 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. In addition, a flavoring liquid such as menthol or a humectant may be added to the tobacco rod 21 by spraying it.

[0092] The tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured in sheet form or strand form. Alternatively, the tobacco rod 21 can be made from shredded tobacco obtained by finely cutting a tobacco sheet. Furthermore, the tobacco rod 21 is surrounded by a heat-conducting material. For example, the heat-conducting material can be, but is not limited to, a metal foil such as aluminum foil. As an example, the heat-conducting material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can uniformly distribute the heat transferred to the tobacco rod 21, improving the thermal conductivity applied to the tobacco rod and thereby improving the tobacco flavor. Additionally, the heat-conducting material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can function as a susceptor heated by an induction heater. Although not shown in the drawings, the tobacco rod 21 may further include additional susceptors in addition to the heat-conducting material surrounding its exterior.

[0093] The filter rod 22 is also 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 can be a cylindrical rod, a tubular rod containing a hollow interior, or a recessed rod. If the filter rod 22 is composed of multiple segments, at least one of the segments may be made to have a different shape.

[0094] The first segment of the filter rod 22 is also a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the first segment is a tubular structure containing a hollow interior. When the heater 13 is inserted through the first segment, it prevents the internal material of the tobacco rod 210 from being pushed backward, and can also generate an aerosol cooling effect. The diameter of the hollow interior of the first segment may be within the range of 2 mm to 4.5 mm, but is not limited to this.

[0095] The length of the first segment may be set to an appropriate length within the range of 4 mm to 30 mm, but is not limited thereto. Preferably, the length of the first segment may be 10 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0096] The hardness of the first segment can be adjusted by controlling the plasticizer content during its manufacture. Alternatively, the first segment can be manufactured by inserting a structure such as a film or tube of the same or different material into its interior (e.g., hollow).

[0097] The second segment of the filter rod 22 cools the aerosol generated when the heater 13 heats the tobacco rod 21. Thus, the user can inhale the aerosol cooled to a suitable temperature.

[0098] The length or diameter of the second segment can be determined in various ways depending on the form of cigarette 2. 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 can be as long as approximately 14 mm, but is not limited to that.

[0099] The second segment may be made by weaving polymer fibers. In this case, a fragrance solution may be applied to the polymer fibers. Alternatively, the second segment may be made by weaving together a separate fiber coated with a fragrance solution and a polymer fiber. Alternatively, the second segment may be formed from a rolled polymer sheet.

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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 a channel means a passage through which a gas (e.g., air or aerosol) passes.

[0102] For example, the second segment, which consists of a rolled 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 is approximately 300 mm². 2 / mm and approximately 1000mm 2 It also falls between / mm. Furthermore, the aerosol cooling element has a specific surface area of ​​approximately 10 mm² / mg and approximately 100 mm 2 It can be formed from materials between / mg.

[0103] On the other hand, the second segment may contain threads containing volatile flavor components. Here, the volatile flavor components may be menthol, but are not limited to it. For example, the threads may be filled with a sufficient amount of menthol so that 1.5 mg or more of menthol is provided to the second segment.

[0104] The third segment of the filter rod 22 is also a cellulose acetate filter. The length of the third segment can be appropriately set within the range of 4 mm to 20 mm. For example, the length of the third segment can be as long as approximately 12 mm, but is not limited to that.

[0105] During the manufacturing process of the third segment, a flavoring liquid may be sprayed onto the third segment to generate flavor. Alternatively, a separate fiber coated with a flavoring liquid may be inserted into the third segment. The aerosol generated in the tobacco rod 21 is cooled by passing through the second segment of the filter rod 22, and the cooled aerosol can be transmitted to the user via the third segment. Therefore, when a flavoring element is added to the third segment, an effect may occur that enhances the persistence of the flavor transmitted to the user.

[0106] Furthermore, the filter rod 22 may contain at least one capsule 23. Here, the capsule 23 may perform the function of generating flavor and the function of generating aerosol. For example, the capsule 23 is also a structure that encloses a liquid containing a flavor with a coating. The capsule 23 may be spherical or cylindrical, but is not limited thereto.

[0107] Referring to Figure 5B, the cigarette 3 may further include a front plug 33. The front plug 33 may be located on the tobacco rod 31 on one side opposite to the filter rod 32. The front plug 33 can prevent the tobacco rod 31 from detaching to the outside and prevent liquefied aerosol from the tobacco rod 31 during smoking from flowing into the aerosol generator (Figures 1 to 3, 1).

[0108] The filter rod 32 may include a first segment 321 and a second segment 322. Here, the first segment 321 may correspond to the first segment of the filter rod 22 in Figure 5A, and the second segment 322 may correspond to the third segment of the filter rod 22 in Figure 5A.

[0109] The diameter and overall length of cigarette 3 may correspond to the diameter and overall length of cigarette 2 in Figure 5A. 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.

[0110] A cigarette 3 may be packaged by at least one flap 35. The flap 35 may have at least one hole through which external air enters or internal gases exit. For example, the front plug 33 may be packaged by a first flap 351, the tobacco rod 31 by a second flap 352, the first segment 321 by a third flap 353, and the second segment 322 by a fourth flap 354. The entire cigarette 3 may then be repackaged by a fifth flap 355.

[0111] Furthermore, at least one perforation 36 may be formed in the fifth trumpet 355. For example, the perforation 36 may be formed in the region surrounding the tobacco rod 31, but is not limited thereto. The perforation 36 can serve to transfer the heat generated by the heater 13 shown in Figures 2 and 3 into the interior of the tobacco rod 31.

[0112] Furthermore, the second segment 322 may include at least one capsule 34. Here, the capsule 34 may perform the function of generating flavor and the function of generating aerosol. For example, the capsule 34 is also a structure that encloses a liquid containing flavor with a coating. The capsule 34 may, but is not limited to, a spherical or cylindrical shape.

[0113] The first wrapper 351 is also a general filter paper to which a metal foil, such as aluminum foil, is bonded. For example, the overall thickness of the first wrapper 351 is within the range of 45 μm to 55 μm, and preferably 50.3 μm. The thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper 351 is within the range of 6 μm to 7 μm, and preferably 6.3 μm. The basis weight of the first wrapper 351 is 50 g / m². 2 ~55g / m 2 It falls within the range, preferably 53 g / m². 2 But so.

[0114] The second and third wrappers 352 and 353 can be made as general filter wrapping paper. For example, the second and third wrappers 352 and 353 can be porous or non-porous wrapping paper.

[0115] For example, the porosity of the second flank 352 is 35,000 CU, but is not limited to that. Also, the thickness of the second flank 352 is within the range of 70 μm to 80 μm, preferably 78 μm. Furthermore, the basis weight of the second flank 352 is 20 g / m². 2 ~25g / m 2 It falls within the range, preferably 23.5 g / m². 2 But so.

[0116] For example, the porosity of the third flank 353 is 24,000 CU, but is not limited to that. Also, the thickness of the third flank 353 is within the range of 60 μm to 70 μm, preferably 68 μm. Furthermore, the basis weight of the third flank 353 is 20 g / m². 2 ~25g / m 2 It is included within the range, preferably 21 g / m² 2 But so.

[0117] The fourth flap 354 can be made from PLA laminate. Here, PLA laminate means a triple layer of paper including a paper layer, a PLA layer, and a paper layer. For example, the thickness of the fourth flap 354 is within the range of 100 μm to 120 μm, and preferably 110 μm. The basis weight of the fourth flap 354 is 80 g / m². 2 ~100g / m 2 It falls within the range, preferably 88 g / m² 2 But so.

[0118] The fifth trumpet 355 can be made from sterile paper (MFW). Here, sterile paper (MFW) refers to paper specially manufactured to have improved tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc., compared to ordinary paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth trumpet 355 is 57 g / m². 2 ~63g / m 2 It is included within the range, preferably 60 g / m². 2Furthermore, the thickness of the fifth trumpet 355 is within the range of 64 μm to 70 μm, and preferably 67 μm.

[0119] The fifth trumpet 355 may have a predetermined substance added to it. Here, an example of a predetermined substance is silicon, but it is not limited to silicon. 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, even if it is not silicon, any substance having the above-mentioned properties may be applied (or coated) to the fifth trumpet 355 without limitation.

[0120] 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 tow. The mono denier of the filament constituting the cellulose acetate tow is in the range of 1.0 to 10.0, preferably in the range of 4.0 to 6.0. More preferably, the mono denier of the filament of the front plug 33 is also 5.0. The cross-section of the filament constituting the front plug 33 is also Y-shaped. The total denier of the front plug 33 is in the range of 20,000 to 30,000, preferably in the range of 25,000 to 30,000. More preferably, the total denier of the front plug 33 is also 28,000.

[0121] Furthermore, if necessary, the front plug 33 may include at least one channel, and the cross-sectional shape of the channel can be manufactured in a variety of ways.

[0122] The tobacco rod 31 can correspond to the tobacco rod 21 described above, as shown in Figure 5A. Therefore, a detailed explanation of the tobacco rod 31 will be omitted below.

[0123] The first segment 321 may be made of cellulose acetate. For example, the first segment may also be a tubular structure containing a hollow interior. The first segment 321 may be made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. 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.

[0124] The second segment 322 may be made of cellulose acetate. The monodenier of the filaments constituting the second segment 322 is in the range of 1.0 to 10.0, preferably in the range of 8.0 to 10.0. More preferably, the monodenier of the filaments of the second segment 322 is also 9.0. The cross-section of the filaments of the second segment 322 is also Y-shaped. The total denier of the second segment 322 is in the range of 20,000 to 30,000, preferably in the range of 25,000.

[0125] Figure 6 is a schematic block diagram of an aerosol generator according to one embodiment. Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the communication method between the microcontroller unit and the sensor unit. Figure 8 is a timing diagram of the serial data line and serial clock line applied to the aerosol generator according to one embodiment.

[0126] Referring to Figure 6, the aerosol generator 600 includes a microcontroller unit 610, a sensor unit 620, a heater 630, and a battery 640. In this case, the microcontroller unit 610 may correspond to the control unit 140 in Figure 1 and the control unit 12 in Figures 2 to 4. The components of the aerosol generator 600 according to one embodiment are not limited thereto, and other components may be added or at least one component may be omitted depending on the embodiment.

[0127] A microcontroller unit 610 according to one embodiment can perform data communication with a sensor unit 620 using a predetermined communication method. For example, the microcontroller unit 610 can perform data communication with the sensor unit 620 based on the I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit; I2C) communication method. The I2C communication method will be described later with reference to Figures 7, 8, and 10.

[0128] The sensor unit 620 can sense parameters related to the operation of the heater 630. In one embodiment, the sensor unit 620 may include a temperature sensor (1222 in Figure 12) and a puff sensor (1226 in Figure 12).

[0129] The temperature sensor can measure the temperature of the heater 630. For example, the temperature sensor may be a contact temperature sensor that measures the temperature while in contact with the heater 630, or a non-contact temperature sensor that measures the temperature without contact with the heater 630. A contact temperature sensor may also be a thermocouple, RTD (resistance temperature detector), thermistor, or temperature label, while a non-contact temperature sensor may also be an infrared temperature sensor. In this embodiment, the temperature sensor is described as measuring the temperature of the heater 630, but is not limited to that, and may measure the temperature around or adjacent to the heater 630.

[0130] A puff sensor can detect a user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow passage or airflow channel. For example, a puff sensor can detect a user's puff based on any one of the following: temperature changes, flow rate changes, voltage changes, and pressure changes. According to one embodiment, when a user's puff is sensed, the heater 630 may switch from preheating mode to operating mode.

[0131] The heater 630 can heat at least a portion of the aerosol product. The heater 630 is also a variety of heaters as described with reference to Figures 1 to 4. The heater 630 can be powered by a microcontroller unit 610 to heat at least a portion of the cigarette. At least a portion of the cigarette means a tobacco rod containing at least one of the aerosol-generating material and tobacco material. In one embodiment, the heater 630 may be powered via the microcontroller unit 610 by temperature profiles corresponding to preheating and heating sections.

[0132] The battery 640 supplies power used to operate the aerosol generator 600. Specifically, the battery 640 can supply power to heat the heater 630. It can also supply power necessary for the operation of other hardware components within the aerosol generator 600, namely the microcontroller unit 610 and the sensor unit 620. The battery 640 may be a rechargeable or disposable battery. For example, the battery 640 may be, but is not limited to, a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery.

[0133] The microcontroller unit 610 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator 600.

[0134] According to one embodiment, the microcontroller unit 610 can initialize the sensor unit 620 when a heating event for the heater 630 is initiated. For example, the microcontroller unit 610 can initiate a heating event for the heater 630 when any one of the following occurs: when a user's heating command is input via the user input unit (1260 in Figure 12), when a cigarette is inserted by the insertion sensing sensor (1224 in Figure 12), or when a user puffs by the puff sensor (1226 in Figure 12).

[0135] In the aerosol generator 600, the heating operation of the heater 630 acts as a direct factor in determining the amount of atomization and flavor of the cigarette, so the proper operation of the heater 630 is important.

[0136] On the other hand, the microcontroller unit 610 can use a temperature sensor to detect whether the heater 630 has been heated to a predetermined temperature or is maintaining an appropriate temperature. Furthermore, after sensing the user's puffs using the puff sensor, the microcontroller unit 610 can switch the heater 630's mode from preheating mode to operation mode, or after counting the number of puffs using the puff sensor, it can interrupt the power supply to the heater 630 if the number of puffs reaches a pre-set number. Thus, the normal operation of the sensor unit 620 must be guaranteed in order for the heater 630 to operate normally. The initialization method for guaranteeing the normal operation of the sensor unit 620 will be described below with reference to Figures 7 and 8.

[0137] Referring to Figures 7 and 8, the microcontroller unit 610 and the sensor unit 620 may be connected to the serial data line SDAL and the serial clock line SCLL to enable data reading and access. Furthermore, the microcontroller unit 610 and the sensor unit 620 may be connected to the power line VDDL for supplying power from the microcontroller unit 610 to the sensor unit 620. In this case, the microcontroller unit 610 may be powered by a battery (640 in Figure 6).

[0138] The microcontroller unit 610 communicates with the sensor unit 620 based on the I2C (Inter Integrated Circuit) communication method. The I2C communication method is a bidirectional two-wire communication method consisting of a serial data line SDAL for data communication and a serial clock line SCL for synchronizing data communication. Hardware connected to the data bus (i.e., the sensor unit 620) can be identified by a unique address and send and receive data.

[0139] The microcontroller unit 610 may transmit a reset indicator RST to initialize the sensor unit 620. The signal on the power line VDDL may be changed from a high level to a low level and then returned to a high level. In other words, the power supply may be interrupted (or rebooted) while the sensor unit 620 is being initialized.

[0140] Furthermore, the signals on the serial data line SDAL and the serial clock line SCLL may be changed from a low level to a high level and then returned to a low level. In other words, the signals on the serial data line SDAL and the serial clock line SCLL may be deactivated while the sensor unit 620 is being initialized.

[0141] In addition to shutting off the power supply (or rebooting) to initialize the sensor unit 620, deactivating the signals on the communication line can also be expected to increase initialization stability.

[0142] Thereafter, a clock signal is applied from the microcontroller unit 610 to the serial clock line SCLL, and a start S signal and data D are applied to the serial data line SDAL. The sensor unit 620 can then transmit an acknowledgment signal (ACK) and valid data to the serial data line SDAL. Thereafter, the microcontroller unit 610 can transmit an acknowledgment signal (ACK) and a stop P signal to the sensor unit 620 via the serial data line SDAL.

[0143] The start S signal can be triggered when a signal on the serial clock line SCLL is at a high level, causing a signal on the serial data line SDAL to be switched from a high level to a low level. After being initiated by the start S signal, the microcontroller unit 610 may transmit the address ADR, and then the read / write indicator R / W, which indicates the direction of data transmission.

[0144] After transmitting the address ADR and the read / write indicator R / W, the microcontroller unit 610 can transfer the serial data line SDAL to a high level. If the sensor unit 620 recognizes its own address ADR, it can transmit an acknowledgment signal ACK to the microcontroller unit 610 by pulling down the signal on the I2C interface. On the other hand, if the sensor unit 620 does not recognize the address ADR, it may transmit a negative response signal NCK to the microcontroller unit 610 by not being at a low level.

[0145] If an acknowledgment signal ACK is transmitted to the microcontroller unit 610, the microcontroller unit 610 or the sensor unit 620 may transmit data D. If the direction of data transmission is the reading direction R, the sensor unit 620 may transmit data D to the microcontroller unit 610; if it is the writing direction W, the microcontroller unit 610 may transmit data D to the sensor unit 620. If an acknowledgment signal ACK is received by the transmitting device (microcontroller unit 610 or sensor unit 620) that transmits data D, the transmitting device may transmit additional data to the receiving device (sensor unit 620 or microcontroller unit 610) that receives data D.

[0146] This process may continue until the transmitting device receives a negative response signal NCK. Subsequently, the microcontroller unit 610 may restart data communication S or terminate it P. Here, the termination P condition is that when a signal on the serial clock line SCLL is at a high level, a signal on the serial data line SDAL may be transitioned from a low level to a high level.

[0147] Referring again to Figure 6, the microcontroller unit 610 attempts to communicate with the initialized sensor unit 620 to check whether it is functioning correctly. Although not shown in Figure 6, the I2C communication method may include a status indicator that shows the operating status of the sensor unit 620. The microcontroller unit 610 can use the status indicator to determine whether communication with the sensor unit 620 is successful.

[0148] The microcontroller unit 610 maintains the heating operation of the heater 630 if it determines that communication with the sensor unit 620 is normal. In other words, if the heating operation of the heater 630 is temporarily suspended while the sensor unit 620 is being initialized, and it is determined that communication between the microcontroller unit 610 and the sensor unit 620 is normal, the heating operation of the heater 630 may be resumed.

[0149] If the microcontroller unit 610 determines that communication with the sensor unit 620 is abnormal, it can retry communication with the sensor unit 620. At this time, the microcontroller unit 610 can reconfirm whether communication with the sensor unit 620 is normal.

[0150] The microcontroller unit 610 determines whether the number of retries to communicate with the sensor unit 620 is equal to or greater than a pre-set number (for example, 3 times). If the number of retries is less than the pre-set number, it determines that communication between the microcontroller unit 610 and the sensor unit 620 is normal and can maintain the heating operation of the heater 630.

[0151] On the other hand, the microcontroller unit 610 determines whether the number of retries to communicate with the sensor unit 620 is equal to or greater than a pre-set number. If the number of retries is equal to or greater than the pre-set number, it determines that the communication between the microcontroller unit 610 and the sensor unit 620 is abnormal and may stop the heating operation of the heater 630.

[0152] Figure 9 is a schematic block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment. Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating the communication method between the microcontroller unit and the heating IC.

[0153] The aerosol generator 600_1 shown in Figures 9 and 10 differs from the aerosol generator 600 shown in Figure 6 only in that a heating IC 650 is positioned between the microcontroller unit 610 and the heater 630; the rest of the configuration is substantially the same. The following explanation will focus on the heating IC 650, omitting redundant explanations.

[0154] The heating IC 650 may include a circuit that utilizes an induction heating method. For example, the heating IC 650 can provide electrical signals to perform the heating operation of the heater 630 under the control of the microcontroller unit 610. Therefore, the normal operation of the heating IC 650 must be guaranteed in advance for the heater 630 to operate normally. The initialization method for guaranteeing the normal operation of the heating IC 650 will be described below with reference to Figures 8 and 10.

[0155] Referring to Figures 8 and 10, the microcontroller unit 610 and the heating IC 650 may be connected to the serial data line SDAL and the serial clock line SCLL to enable data reading and access. Furthermore, the microcontroller unit 610 and the heating IC 650 may be connected to the power line VDDL to supply power from the microcontroller unit 610 to the heating IC 650. In this case, the microcontroller unit 610 may be powered by a battery (640 in Figure 6).

[0156] The microcontroller unit 610 may transmit a reset indicator RST to initialize the heating IC 650. The signal on the power line VDDL may be changed from a high level to a low level and then returned to a high level. In other words, the power supply may be interrupted (or rebooted) while the heating IC 650 is being initialized.

[0157] Furthermore, the signals on the serial data line SDAL and the serial clock line SCLL may be changed from a low level to a high level and then returned to a low level. In other words, the signals on the serial data line SDAL and the serial clock line SCLL may be deactivated while the heating IC 650 is being initialized.

[0158] Thus, in addition to shutting off the power supply (or rebooting) to initialize the heating IC 650, deactivating the signals on the communication line can also be expected to increase initialization stability.

[0159] Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating the operation method of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. It goes without saying that not only the embodiment shown in Figure 11, but also the embodiments described in Figures 1 to 10, apply to the operation method of the aerosol generating device.

[0160] Referring to Figures 1 to 11, the operation method of the aerosol generator includes the steps of initializing the sensor unit 620 when a heating event of the heater 630 starts (S10, S20), attempting to communicate with the initialized sensor unit 620 and confirming whether it is functioning correctly (S30), maintaining the heating operation of the heater 630 if it is determined that communication with the sensor unit 620 is functioning correctly (S40), retrying communication with the sensor unit 620 if it is determined that communication with the sensor unit 620 is functioning incorrectly (S50), and determining whether the number of retries to communicate with the sensor unit 620 is equal to or greater than a previously set number (S60).

[0161] Specifically, at the start of a heating event for the heater 630, during the initialization of the sensor unit 620 (S10, S20), the microcontroller unit 610 can start a heating event for the heater 630 if any one of the following conditions is met: a heating command from the user is input via the user input unit (1260 in Figure 12), a cigarette insertion is detected by the insertion sensing sensor (1224 in Figure 12), or a puff is detected by the user.

[0162] The microcontroller unit 610 and the sensor unit 620 may be connected to the serial data line SDAL and the serial clock line SCLL to enable data reading and access. Furthermore, the microcontroller unit 610 and the sensor unit 620 may be connected to the power line VDDL for supplying power from the microcontroller unit 610 to the sensor unit 620. In this case, the microcontroller unit 610 may be powered by a battery (640 in Figure 6).

[0163] The sensor unit 620 can receive control signals from the microcontroller unit 610 via the serial data line SDAL and serial clock line SCLL using the I2C (Inter Integrated Circuit) communication method, and can be supplied with power via the power line VDDL.

[0164] The microcontroller unit 610 may transmit a reset indicator RST to initialize the sensor unit 620. The signal on the power line VDDL may be changed from a high level to a low level and then return to a high level. In other words, the power supply may be cut off (or rebooted) while the sensor unit 620 is being initialized. In addition, the signals on the serial data line SDAL and the serial clock line SCLL may be changed from a low level to a high level and then return to a low level. In other words, the signals on the serial data line SDAL and the serial clock line SCLL may be deactivated while the sensor unit 620 is being initialized. In addition to cutting off the power supply (or rebooting) to initialize the sensor unit 620 in this way, deactivating the signals on the communication lines can be expected to increase the initialization stability.

[0165] In the step (S30) of attempting to communicate with the initialized sensor unit 620 and confirming whether it is functioning correctly, the I2C communication method may include a status indicator that shows the operating status of the sensor unit 620. The microcontroller unit 610 can use the status indicator to determine whether communication with the sensor unit 620 is successful or not.

[0166] If it is determined that communication with the sensor unit 620 is normal, then in the stage (S40) where the heating operation of the heater 630 is maintained, the heating operation of the heater 630 may be temporarily suspended while the sensor unit 620 is being initialized, and if it is determined that communication between the microcontroller unit 610 and the sensor unit 620 is normal, the heating operation of the heater 630 may be resumed.

[0167] If it is determined that communication with the sensor unit 620 is abnormal, the microcontroller unit 610 can reconfirm whether communication with the sensor unit 620 is normal during the retry stage (S50).

[0168] In the step of determining whether the number of retries to communicate with the sensor unit 620 is equal to or greater than a pre-set number (S60), if the number of retries is less than the pre-set number, the microcontroller unit 610 determines that communication between the microcontroller unit 610 and the sensor unit 620 is normal and can maintain the heating operation of the heater 630. On the other hand, the microcontroller unit 610 determines whether the number of retries to communicate with the sensor unit 620 is equal to or greater than a pre-set number, and if the number of retries is equal to or greater than the pre-set number, it determines that communication between the microcontroller unit 610 and the sensor unit 620 is abnormal and can stop the heating operation of the heater 630 (S70).

[0169] Figure 12 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to yet another embodiment.

[0170] Referring to Figure 12, the aerosol generator 1200 may include a control unit 1210, a sensing unit 1220, an output unit 1230, a battery 1240, a heater 1250, a user input unit 1260, a memory 1270, and a communication unit 1280. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generator 1200 is not limited to that shown in Figure 6. That is, a person with ordinary skill in the art related to this embodiment will understand that depending on the design of the aerosol generator 1200, some of the components shown in Figure 6 may be omitted or new components may be added.

[0171] The sensing unit 1220 can sense the state of the aerosol generator 1200 or the state of the area around the aerosol generator 1200 and transmit the sensed information to the control unit 1210. Based on the sensed information, the control unit 1210 can control the aerosol generator 1200 so that various functions are performed, such as controlling the operation of the heater 1250, restricting smoking, determining whether or not an aerosol product (e.g., cigarettes, cartridges, etc.) has been inserted, and displaying notifications.

[0172] The sensing unit 1220 may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the temperature sensor 1222, insertion sensing sensor 1224, and puff sensor 1226.

[0173] The temperature sensor 1222 may sense the temperature at which the heater 1250 (or the aerosol-generating material) is heated. The aerosol generator 1200 may include a separate temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the heater 1250, or the heater 1250 itself may perform the role of a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 1222 may be positioned around the battery 1240 to monitor the temperature of the battery 1240. In an embodiment, the temperature sensor 1222 may measure the temperature of the heater 1250 before it is heated.

[0174] The insertion sensing sensor 1224 can detect the insertion and / or removal of aerosol products. For example, the insertion sensing sensor 1224 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 a signal change due to the insertion and / or removal of aerosol products. In one embodiment, the insertion sensing sensor 1224 determines that continuous use has occurred if, after detecting the insertion of aerosol products, it detects the insertion of aerosol products again within a predetermined time after one smoking series has ended.

[0175] The puff sensor 1226 can detect a user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow passage or airflow channel. For example, the puff sensor 1226 can detect a user's puff based on any one of the following: temperature changes, flow rate changes, voltage changes, and pressure changes.

[0176] In addition to the aforementioned temperature sensor 1222, insertion sensor 1224, and puff sensor 1226, the sensing unit 1220 may further include at least one of the following: a temperature / humidity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS), a proximity sensor, and an RGB (illuminance) sensor. The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by an average engineer from its name, so a detailed explanation may be omitted.

[0177] The output unit 1230 can output and provide to the user information relating to the status of the aerosol generator 1200. The output unit 1230 may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the display unit 1232, the haptic unit 1234, and the acoustic output unit 1236. If the display unit 1232 and the touchpad form a layered structure to constitute a touchscreen, the display unit 1232 can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0178] The display unit 1232 visually provides the user with information related to the aerosol generator 1200. For example, information related to the aerosol generator 1200 can include various types of information such as the charging / discharging status of the battery 1240 of the aerosol generator 1200, the preheating status of the heater 1250, the insertion / removal status of aerosol products, or a state in which the use of the aerosol generator 1200 is restricted (e.g., detection of abnormal items), and the display unit 1232 can output this information externally. The display unit 1232 can also be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), or an LED light-emitting element.

[0179] The haptic unit 1234 converts electrical signals into mechanical or electrical stimuli to provide the user with tactile information related to the aerosol generator 1200. For example, the haptic unit 1234 may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulator.

[0180] The acoustic output unit 1236 provides the user with auditory information related to the aerosol generator 1200. For example, the acoustic output unit 1236 can convert electrical signals into acoustic signals and output them externally.

[0181] Battery 1240 can supply power used to operate the aerosol generator 1200. Battery 1240 can supply power to heat the heater 1250. Battery 1240 can also supply power necessary for the operation of other components within the aerosol generator 1200 (e.g., sensing unit 1220, output unit 1230, user input unit 1260, memory 1270, and communication unit 1280). Battery 1240 can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, battery 1240 can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited to that.

[0182] The heater 1250 can be powered by the battery 1240 to heat the aerosol-generating material. Although not shown in Figure 12, the aerosol generator 1200 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power from the battery 1240 and supplies it to the heater 1250. Furthermore, if the aerosol generator 1200 generates aerosols using an induction heating method, the aerosol generator 1200 may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power supply of the battery 1240 into an AC power supply.

[0183] The control unit 1210, sensing unit 1220, output unit 1230, user input unit 1260, memory 1270, and communication unit 910 can perform their functions by being powered by the battery 1240. Although not shown in Figure 12, 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 1240 and supply it to each component.

[0184] In one embodiment, the heater 1250 may consist of any suitable electrical resistant material. For example, suitable electrical resistant materials may 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 130 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.

[0185] In other embodiments, the heater 1250 is also an induction heating heater. For example, the heater 1250 may include a susceptor that generates heat via a magnetic field applied by a coil to heat the aerosol-generating material.

[0186] In one embodiment, the heater 1250 may include a plurality of heaters. For example, the heater 1250 may include a first heater for heating a cigarette and a second heater for heating a liquid.

[0187] The user input unit 1260 receives information input from the user or outputs information to the user. For example, the user input unit 1260 may include, but is not limited to, a key pad, a dome switch, a touch pad (using contact-type capacitive, pressure-type resistive, infrared sensing, surface ultrasonic conduction, integral tension measurement, piezoelectric effect, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc. Also, although not shown in Figure 12, the aerosol generator 1200 further includes 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 1240.

[0188] Memory 1270 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generator 1200, and can store data processed by the control unit 1210 and data being processed. Memory 1270 may include 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 1270 can store data such as the operating time of the aerosol generator 1200, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and the user's smoking pattern. In some embodiments, memory 1270 can store multiple temperature profiles. Furthermore, the memory 1270 can store multiple preheating profiles that define preheating intervals within the temperature profile. The memory 1270 can store multiple preheating profiles as described with reference to Figures 8 and 9.

[0189] The communication unit 1280 may include at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 1280 may include a short-range communication unit 1282 and a wireless communication unit 1284.

[0190] The short-range wireless communication unit 1282 may include, 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, etc.

[0191] The wireless communication unit 1284 may include, 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 1284 can verify and authenticate the aerosol generator 1200 within the communication network using subscriber information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)).

[0192] The control unit 1210 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator 1200. In one embodiment, the control unit 1210 may include at least one processor. The processor may be embodied by an array of numerous logic gates and may be embodied by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and memory in which a program executed by the microprocessor is stored. It will also be embodied by other forms of hardware, as will be understood by those ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment belongs.

[0193] Those with ordinary skill in the art relating to this embodiment will understand that it can be embodied in modified forms that do not deviate from the essential characteristics described above. Therefore, the disclosed method should be considered in an explanatory rather than restrictive view. The scope of the invention is shown in the claims, not in the foregoing description, and all differences within an equivalent scope should be interpreted as being included in the invention.

Claims

1. A heater for heating cigarettes, A sensor unit that senses parameters related to the operation of the heater, The microcontroller unit includes, when a heating event of the heater begins, initializes the sensor unit, attempts to communicate with the initialized sensor unit to check whether it is normal or not, and if it is determined that communication with the sensor unit is abnormal, retries communication with the sensor unit. The microcontroller unit is connected to the sensor unit via a data bus consisting of a serial data line and a serial clock line, and a power line. If the microcontroller unit determines that communication with the sensor unit is abnormal, it initializes both the data bus and the power line. Aerosol generator.

2. The aforementioned microcontroller unit is The sensor unit communicates with the serial data line and the serial clock line using the I2C (Interintegrated Circuit) communication method. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein power is supplied to the sensor unit via the power line.

3. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the microcontroller unit initializes the sensor unit by changing the power supply from a high level to a low level and changing the signals of the serial data line and the serial clock line from a low level to a high level.

4. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sensor unit includes at least one of a temperature sensor and a puff recognition sensor.

5. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the microcontroller unit maintains the heating operation of the heater when it determines that communication with the sensor unit is normal.

6. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the microcontroller unit determines whether the number of retries is equal to or greater than a previously set number, and if the number of retries is less than the previously set number, it determines that communication with the sensor unit is normal and maintains the heating operation of the heater.

7. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the microcontroller unit determines whether the number of retries is equal to or greater than a previously set number, and if the number of retries is equal to or greater than a previously set number, it determines that communication with the sensor unit is abnormal and stops the heating operation of the heater.

8. The system further includes a heating integrated circuit (IC) that provides an electrical signal to cause the heater to perform its heating operation under the control of the microcontroller unit, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the microcontroller unit initializes the heating integrated circuit when heating of the heater is started, attempts to communicate with the initialized heating integrated circuit to check whether it is normal or not, and if it is determined that communication with the heating integrated circuit is abnormal, it retries communication with the heating integrated circuit.

9. The aforementioned microcontroller unit is The aforementioned heating integrated circuit communicates via a serial data line and a serial clock line using the I2C (Interintegrated Circuit) communication method. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 8, wherein power is supplied to the heating integrated circuit via a power line.

10. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the microcontroller unit initializes the heating integrated circuit by changing the power supply from a high level to a low level and changing the signals of the serial data line and the serial clock line from a low level to a high level.

11. In a method for operating an aerosol generating apparatus including a heater for heating a cigarette and a sensor unit for sensing parameters related to the operation of the heater, The microcontroller unit initializes the sensor unit when the heater heating event starts, The microcontroller unit attempts to communicate with the initialized sensor unit and confirms whether it is functioning correctly. If the microcontroller unit determines that communication with the sensor unit is normal, the heating operation of the heater is maintained. If the microcontroller unit determines that communication with the sensor unit is abnormal, it will retry communication with the sensor unit. The step includes determining whether the number of times the microcontroller unit has retried communication with the sensor unit is equal to or greater than a previously set number, The microcontroller unit is connected to the sensor unit via a data bus consisting of a serial data line and a serial clock line, and a power line. The initialization step of the sensor unit involves initializing both the data bus and the power line if it is determined that communication between the microcontroller unit and the sensor unit is abnormal. How to operate an aerosol generator.

12. The aforementioned sensor unit is Control signals are received via the serial data line and the serial clock line using the I2C (Interintegrated Circuit) communication method. A method for operating the aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 11, wherein power is supplied via the aforementioned power line.

13. The method for operating an aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the step of initializing the sensor unit involves changing the power supply from a high level to a low level, and changing the signal of the serial data line and the signal of the serial clock line from a low level to a high level.

14. The step of determining whether the number of retries is equal to or greater than a previously set number is, if the number of retries is less than a previously set number, the method of operating an aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the communication with the sensor unit is determined to be normal and the heating operation of the heater is maintained.

15. The step of determining whether the number of retries is equal to or greater than a previously set number is, if the number of retries is equal to or greater than a previously set number, the method of operating an aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the communication with the sensor unit is deemed abnormal and the heating operation of the heater is stopped.

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