Aerosol generating apparatus and method for controlling the aerosol generating apparatus

Abstract

The aerosol generating device and the method for controlling the aerosol generating device include, when a cigarette is inserted into the aerosol generating device, using a heater assembly to heat the cigarette for aerosol generation during a pre-heating section and a smoking section following the pre-heating section, detecting the temperature of the heater assembly during the pre-heating section and the smoking section using a temperature sensor, identifying the cigarette type of the cigarette based on the trend of temperature change detected within a predetermined temperature range in the pre-heating section using a control unit, and controlling heating of the heater assembly during the smoking section according to a temperature profile corresponding to the identified cigarette type.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device and a method for controlling an aerosol generating device, and more particularly to a method for determining the type of cigarette inserted into the aerosol generating device and controlling the heating of the heater with a temperature profile corresponding to the type of cigarette inserted. [Background technology]

[0002] Recently, there has been increasing demand for alternative methods to overcome the shortcomings of conventional cigarettes. For example, there is growing demand for methods that generate aerosols by heating aerosol-generating material, rather than by burning the cigarette. This has led to active research into heated aerosol generators. Meanwhile, research is progressing on various methods for controlling heater heating optimized by the cigarette inserted into the aerosol generator, in order to provide users with a more appropriate smoking experience. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0003] The technical problem of the present invention is to provide an aerosol generator and a method for controlling the aerosol generator that recognize the type of cigarette inserted into the aerosol generator and control the heating of the heater with a temperature profile corresponding to the inserted cigarette type, in order to solve the problem that when the heater is controlled with a single temperature profile without considering the type of cigarette, optimized heating may not be achieved depending on the type of cigarette, and the user may be provided with an unsatisfactory smoking experience. The technical problem of the present invention is not limited to what has been stated above, and other technical problems can be inferred from the embodiments below. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] A one-sided aerosol generating device includes: a heater assembly that heats the cigarette for aerosol generation during a preheating section and a smoking section thereafter when a cigarette is inserted into the aerosol generating device; a temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the heater assembly during the preheating section and the smoking section; and a control unit that identifies the cigarette type of the cigarette based on the trend of temperature changes sensed within a predetermined temperature range of the preheating section, and controls the heating of the heater assembly during the smoking section using a temperature profile corresponding to the identified cigarette type.

[0005] A method for controlling an aerosol generator by other means includes the steps of: controlling the preheating of a heater assembly in a preheating section when a cigarette is inserted into the aerosol generator; sensing the temperature of the heater assembly within a predetermined temperature range in the preheating section; identifying the cigarette type of the cigarette based on the perceived temperature change trend within the predetermined temperature range; and controlling the heating of the heater assembly during a smoking section using a temperature profile corresponding to the identified cigarette type. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] As mentioned above, the aerosol generator can identify the cigarette type and control the heating of the heater assembly with a temperature profile customized for each cigarette type, without requiring any separate user input. This allows the user to experience a smoking sensation optimized for each cigarette type. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1A] This is a diagram showing an aerosol generation system according to one embodiment. [Figure 1B] This is a drawing showing an aerosol generation system according to another embodiment. [Figure 2A] This is a drawing showing different types of cigarettes according to one embodiment. [Figure 2B]A drawing showing different types of cigarettes according to an embodiment. [Figure 2C] A drawing showing different types of cigarettes according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] A block diagram showing the hardware configuration of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] A drawing for explaining a temperature profile for controlling the heating of a heater assembly according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] A drawing for explaining a method of identifying cigarette types within a predetermined temperature range in a preheating section according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] A drawing for explaining a method of calculating a gradient value corresponding to a tendency of temperature change within a predetermined temperature range in a preheating section according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] A drawing for explaining that different gradient values are provided for different cigarette types within a predetermined temperature range in a preheating section according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] A drawing for explaining a method of identifying cigarette types using a gradient value corresponding to a tendency of temperature change according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] A drawing for explaining controlling the heating of a heater assembly during a smoking section using a temperature profile corresponding to an identified cigarette type according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] A detailed flowchart of a method for controlling an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. [Figure 11] A flowchart of a method for controlling an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] A one-sided aerosol generating device includes: a heater assembly that heats the cigarette for aerosol generation during a preheating section and a smoking section thereafter when a cigarette is inserted into the aerosol generating device; a temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the heater assembly during the preheating section and the smoking section; and a control unit that identifies the cigarette type of the cigarette based on the trend of temperature changes sensed within a predetermined temperature range of the preheating section, and controls the heating of the heater assembly during the smoking section using a temperature profile corresponding to the identified cigarette type.

[0009] The terminology used in these embodiments has been selected, as far as possible, to be commonly used terms, taking into account the functions of these embodiments. However, this may vary depending on the intentions of engineers in the art, case law, the emergence of new technologies, etc. In certain cases, the applicant may have arbitrarily selected some terms, in which case their meanings will be described in detail in the relevant sections. Therefore, the terminology used in these embodiments must be defined not merely as names of terms, but based on the meanings they possess and the overall content of these embodiments.

[0010] 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.

[0011] 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 in the set. 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.

[0012] Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that it can be easily implemented by a person with ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment belongs. However, this embodiment can also be embodied in various other forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0013] This embodiment will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0014] Figure 1A is a diagram showing an aerosol generation system according to one embodiment.

[0015] Referring to Figure 1A, the aerosol generation system 1 may include an aerosol generating device 10 and an aerosol product 20. Hereinafter, the aerosol product 20 will also be referred to as a cigarette.

[0016] The aerosol generating device 10 includes a cavity 11 which is an insertion space (or containment space) into which the aerosol product 20 is inserted, and can generate an aerosol by heating the aerosol product 20 inserted into the cavity 11. The aerosol product 20 is a type of aerosol generating substrate and may contain an aerosol generating substance.

[0017] The aerosol generating device 10 may include a battery 110, a control unit 120, and a heating unit 130. The heating unit 130 is also referred to as a heater assembly. The heating unit 130 may be a heater assembly that heats the aerosol product 20 using various heating methods such as resistance heating, induction heating, dielectric heating, or ultrasonic heating. When the heating unit 130 heats the aerosol product 20 using induction heating, the heating unit 130 may include a susceptor 131 and an induction coil 132. The following describes an embodiment in which the heating unit 130 heats the aerosol product 20 using induction heating, but is not limited thereto.

[0018] On the other hand, the internal structure and arrangement of the aerosol generator 10 are not limited to those shown in Figure 1. Anyone with ordinary skill in the art related to this embodiment will understand that, depending on the design of the aerosol generator 10, some of the hardware configurations shown in Figure 1 may be omitted or new configurations may be added, and each hardware configuration can be arranged in a variety of ways.

[0019] The aerosol generator 10 can generate aerosols by heating the aerosol product 20 contained within the aerosol generator 10 using an induction heating method. The induction heating method may refer to a method of heating a magnetic material that generates heat due to an external magnetic field by applying an alternating magnetic field whose direction changes periodically.

[0020] When a variable magnetic field is applied to a magnetic material, energy loss occurs in the magnetic material 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 variable magnetic field applied to the magnetic material, the more thermal energy can be released from the magnetic material. The aerosol generator 10 can cause the magnetic material to release thermal energy by applying a variable magnetic field, and can transfer the thermal energy released from the magnetic material to the aerosol product 20.

[0021] A magnetic material that generates heat due to an external magnetic field is also a susceptor material. The susceptor 131 is provided in the aerosol generator 10 in the form of a section, a thin section, or a strip. For example, at least a portion of the susceptor 131 placed inside the aerosol generator 10 may be made of a susceptor material.

[0022] 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).

[0023] The susceptor 131 may be tubular or cylindrical and may be positioned outside the susceptor 131 so as to surround the cavity 11 into which the aerosol product 20 is inserted. Therefore, once the aerosol product 20 is inserted into the cavity 11 of the aerosol generator 10, the susceptor 131 may be positioned outside the aerosol product 20 so as to surround it. This can increase the temperature of the aerosol-generating material within the aerosol product 20 due to the heat transferred from the susceptor 131.

[0024] The induction coil 132 can apply a variable magnetic field to the susceptor 131. When power is supplied to the induction coil 132 from the aerosol generator 10, a magnetic field can be formed inside the induction coil 132. When an alternating current is applied to the induction coil 132, the direction of the magnetic field formed inside the induction coil 132 can be continuously changed. When the susceptor 131 is located inside the induction coil 132 and exposed to a periodically changing variable magnetic field, the susceptor 131 may generate heat, and the aerosol product 20 contained in the cavity 11 may be heated.

[0025] The induction coil 132 may be wound along the outer surface of the susceptor 131. Alternatively, the induction coil 132 may be wound along the inner surface of the outer housing of the aerosol generator 10. The susceptor 131 may be located in the internal space formed by the winding of the induction coil 132. When power is supplied to the induction coil 132, a variable magnetic field generated by the induction coil 132 may be applied to the susceptor 131.

[0026] The induction coil 132 may extend in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generator 10. The induction coil 132 may extend to an appropriate length along the longitudinal direction. For example, the induction coil 132 may extend to a length corresponding to the length of the susceptor 131, or it may extend to be longer or shorter than the length of the susceptor 131.

[0027] The induction coil 132 may be positioned in a location suitable for applying a variable magnetic field to the susceptor 131. The efficiency of applying the variable magnetic field of the induction coil 132 to the susceptor 131 may vary depending on the size, length, or position of the induction coil 132.

[0028] When the amplitude or frequency of the variable magnetic field formed by the induction coil 132 is changed, the degree of heating of the susceptor 131 (e.g., the temperature of the susceptor 131) is changed, and this can also change the degree to which the aerosol product 20 is heated by the susceptor 131. Since the amplitude or frequency of the magnetic field from the induction coil 132 can be changed by the power applied to the induction coil 132, the aerosol generator 10 can control the heating of the aerosol product 20 by adjusting the power applied to the induction coil 132. For example, the aerosol generator 10 can control the amplitude and frequency of the alternating current applied to the induction coil 132.

[0029] As an example, the induction coil 132 can be embodied by a solenoid. The induction coil 132 is also a solenoid wound along the inner surface of the outer housing of the aerosol generator 10, and the susceptor 131 and the aerosol product 20 may be located in the internal space of the solenoid. The material of the conductor constituting the solenoid can be 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.

[0030] Battery 110 can supply power to induction coil 132. Battery 110 is a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery, but is not limited to that. For example, battery 110 can also be a lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) battery, a lithium titanate battery, a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, etc.

[0031] The control unit 120 can control the power supplied to the induction coil 132 and the overall function and operation of the aerosol generator 10. The control unit 120 can control the power supplied from the battery 110 to the induction coil 132 so that it is adjusted. For example, the control unit 120 can control the power supplied to the induction coil 132 so that the susceptor 131 reaches or maintains a target temperature on the temperature profile.

[0032] On the other hand, although not shown in Figures 1A and 1B, the aerosol generator 10 can be configured with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle can be used to charge the battery 110 of the aerosol generator 10. Alternatively, the induction coil 132 can be heated while the cradle and the aerosol generator 10 are coupled together.

[0033] Figure 1B is a diagram showing an aerosol generation system according to another embodiment.

[0034] The aerosol generator 15 in Figure 1B is equipped with a heating section 135 using a different heating method compared to the aerosol generator 10 in Figure 1A.

[0035] The heating unit 135 is also an external heating type heater assembly that heats the outside of the aerosol product 20 by power supplied from the battery 110 when the aerosol product 20 is inserted into the aerosol generator 15. Therefore, the heating unit 135 can be embodied in a tubular or cylindrical structure.

[0036] The heating element 135 can be implemented as an electrical resistive heater. For example, the heating element 135 may include a conductive track, and the heating element 135 may be heated by the flow of current through the conductive track.

[0037] In other words, Figures 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating an example of an aerosol generator equipped with an external heating heater assembly for heating the outside of the aerosol product (i.e., a cigarette). This embodiment, described below, can be easily modified and implemented in the aerosol generators 10 and 15 of Figures 1A and 1B. On the other hand, this embodiment can also be implemented in an aerosol generator employing an external heating method other than the one described in Figures 1A and 1B.

[0038] Figures 2A to 2C are diagrams showing different types of cigarettes according to one embodiment.

[0039] Referring to Figures 2A to 2C, cigarettes 21, 22, or 23 may correspond to the aerosol product 20 in Figures 1A and 1B. Cigarettes 21, 22, or 23 are divided into a first part 201, a second part 212, 222, or 232, a third part 203, and a fourth part 204, each of which may include an aerosol-generating element, a tobacco medium element, a cooling element, and a filter element, respectively. Specifically, the first part 201 comprises an aerosol-generating substance, the second parts 212, 222, or 232 comprises a tobacco substance and a humectant, the third part 203 comprises means for cooling the airflow passing through the first part 201 and the second parts 212, 222, or 232, and the fourth part 204 may comprise a filter substance.

[0040] The first section 201, the second section 212, 222, or 232, the third section 203, and the fourth section 204 may be aligned sequentially with respect to the longitudinal direction of the cigarette 21, 22, or 23. Here, the longitudinal direction is the direction in which the length of the cigarette 21, 22, or 23 extends, and is also the direction from the first section 201 to the fourth section 204. This allows aerosols generated in the first section 201 and at least one of the second section 212, 222, or 232 to pass sequentially through the first section 201 to the fourth section 204, forming an airflow, thereby allowing the user to inhale aerosols from the fourth section 204.

[0041] Part 1 201 may include an aerosol-generating element. Part 1 201 may include other additives such as flavoring agents, humectants and / or organic acids, and may include a fragrance liquid such as menthol or a humectant. Here, the aerosol-generating element may include, for example, at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol and oleyl alcohol.

[0042] Part 1 201 includes a crimped sheet, and aerosol-generating elements may be included in Part 1 201 in an impregnated state within the crimped sheet. Other additives such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids, and flavoring liquids may also be included in Part 1 201 in an absorbed state within the crimped sheet. The crimped sheet is a sheet composed of a polymer material. For example, the polymer material may include at least one of paper, cellulose acetate, lyocell, or polylactic acid. For example, the crimped sheet may also be a paper sheet that does not produce a heat-induced off-odor even when heated to high temperatures, but is not limited to this.

[0043] The first section 201 extends to a point approximately 7–20 mm from the end of the cigarette 21, 22, or 23, and the second section 212, 222, or 232 may extend to a point approximately 7–20 mm from the end of the first section 201. However, the lengths are not necessarily limited to such numerical ranges, and the extending lengths of the first section 201 and the second section 212, 222, or 232 can be appropriately adjusted within a range that can be easily changed by an ordinary technician.

[0044] Parts 212, 222, or 232 may contain tobacco-based elements. Cigarette types may be distinguished by the type of tobacco-based elements contained in Parts 212, 222, or 232.

[0045] Specifically, referring to Figure 2A, the second part 212 provided in the cigarette 21 may include a filter material impregnated with nicotine solution. Here, the nicotine solution may correspond to a nicotine solution containing tobacco-containing substances including volatile tobacco flavor components, or to a solution to which nicotine salts have been added. The filter material may be a fiber bundle of cellulose acetate fiber strands bound together, or a rolled paper sheet. In other words, the cigarette 21 corresponds to a cigarette type in which the second part 212 contains a tobacco medium in which nicotine solution is impregnated into the filter material.

[0046] Referring to Figure 2B, the second part 222 provided in the cigarette 22 may contain a plurality of tobacco granules. The plurality of tobacco granules may be embedded between filter material. The filter material may be, for example, a bundle of cellulose acetate fiber strands bound together, or a rolled paper sheet. The plurality of tobacco granules may be arranged in a form uniformly dispersed between the cellulose fibers, or the plurality of tobacco granules may be uniformly dispersed within the rolled paper sheet. In other words, the cigarette 22 corresponds to a cigarette type that contains a tobacco medium of tobacco granules in the second part 222.

[0047] Referring to Figure 2C, the second part 232 provided in the cigarette 23 may include shredded tobacco, tobacco particles, or a tobacco sheet. That is, the cigarette 23 corresponds to a type of cigarette in which the second part 232 contains solid tobacco material such as tobacco leaves, tobacco veins, puffed tobacco, shredded tobacco, flat-leaf shredded tobacco, or reconstituted tobacco.

[0048] The third part 203 may include means for cooling the airflow passing through the first part 201 and the second parts 212, 222, or 232. The third part 203 may be made of a polymer or biodegradable polymer and may have a cooling function. For example, the third part 203 may be made of polylactic acid (PLA) fibers, but is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the third part 203 may be made of a cellulose acetate filter with multiple pores formed therein. However, the third part 203 is not limited to the examples given above and may be any material that performs the function of cooling an aerosol. For example, the third part 203 may also be a hollow tube filter or a paper tube filter.

[0049] The fourth part 204 may contain a filter material. For example, the fourth part 204 may also be a cellulose acetate filter. On the other hand, there are no restrictions on the shape of the fourth part 204. For example, the fourth part 204 may be a cylindrical rod, a tubular rod containing a hollow interior, or a recessed rod. If the fourth part 204 is composed of multiple segments, at least one of the segments may be made to have a different shape.

[0050] The fourth section 204 is also constructed to generate flavor. For example, a flavoring liquid may be sprayed onto the fourth section 204, and a separate fiber coated with the flavoring liquid may be inserted into the interior of the fourth section 204.

[0051] Cigarettes 21, 22, or 23 may include a horn 250 surrounding at least part of the first to fourth parts 201 through 204. Alternatively, cigarettes 21, 22, or 23 may include a horn 250 surrounding any of the first to fourth parts 201 through 204. The horn 250 is located on the outermost periphery of cigarettes 21, 22, or 23, and the horn 250 may be a single horn or a combination of multiple horns.

[0052] The trumpet 250 may contain a heat-conducting material. For example, the heat-conducting material may be, but is not limited to, metal foils such as silver foil (Ag), aluminum foil (Al), or copper foil (Cu). The heat-conducting material provided in the trumpet 250 uniformly distributes the heat transferred to the first part 201 or the second parts 212, 222, or 232, thereby improving the thermal conductivity and potentially improving the tobacco flavor. The heat-conducting material provided in the trumpet 250 can also function as a susceptor.

[0053] On the other hand, the thermal conductive material of the trumpet 250 is used as an electromagnetic induced for cigarette detection. The thermal conductive material of the trumpet 250 can change the inductance of the cigarette detection means. The aerosol generator (10 in Figure 1) can determine whether a cigarette 21, 22, or 23 has been inserted into or removed from the aerosol generator 10 based on the detected change in inductance.

[0054] In this embodiment, three types of cigarettes shown in Figures 2A to 2C were given as examples, but the aerosol generation system 1 can use a variety of cigarettes other than the cigarette types containing tobacco medium elements described in Figures 2A to 2C. Also, in this embodiment, cigarettes 21, 22, or 23 were described as having a structure distinguished into four parts, but the system is not limited to this, and cigarettes can also be realized by a variety of cigarette structures containing tobacco medium elements.

[0055] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of an aerosol generator according to one embodiment.

[0056] Referring to Figure 3, the aerosol generator 10 may include a battery 110, a control unit 120, a susceptor 131, an induction coil 132, a temperature sensor 140, and a memory 150. The components of the aerosol generator 10 according to this embodiment are shown in the figure. However, a person with ordinary skill in the art relating to this embodiment will understand that the aerosol generator 10 may also include other general-purpose components in addition to those shown in Figure 3. On the other hand, the operation of the aerosol generator 10 described in Figure 1 can be directly applied to the aerosol generator 10 in Figure 3.

[0057] The battery 110 supplies the power used to operate the aerosol generator 10. Specifically, the battery 110 can supply power to the induction coil 132 so that the susceptor 131 is heated. The battery 110 can also supply the power necessary for the operation of other components within the aerosol generator 10, namely the control unit 120, the heater assembly 310, the temperature sensor 140, and the memory 150. The battery 110 can be either a rechargeable or disposable battery.

[0058] The control unit 120 is a hardware configuration including at least one processor and controls the overall operation of the aerosol generator 10.

[0059] The heater assembly 310 includes a susceptor 131 and an induction coil 132. The heater assembly 310 generates an aerosol using the susceptor 131, which is positioned to inductively heat the aerosol product 20 (or the cigarette 21, 22, or 23 in Figures 2A to 2C) contained in the aerosol generator 10. In this process, the control unit 120 can control the power supplied to the heater assembly 310 through a method such as pulse width modulation (PWM). In one example, the control unit 120 may also include a separate heating IC (integrated circuit) for controlling only the power supply to the induction coil 132.

[0060] The temperature sensor 140 can sense the temperature of the heater assembly 310 (specifically, the susceptor 131). The temperature sensor 140 can measure the temperature of the susceptor 131 by directly contacting it. Alternatively, it can indirectly measure the temperature of the susceptor 131 by being placed around it and sensing the ambient temperature of the susceptor 131. For example, the temperature sensor 140 can be implemented by various temperature measurement methods such as resistance measurement, current measurement, thermocouple, thermistor (NTC), and thermocouple.

[0061] On the other hand, the temperature sensor 140 may be configured to sense the temperature of the cigarette lighter 21, 22, or 23, rather than the temperature of the heater assembly 310. In the present embodiment described below, the temperature sensor 140 is described as operating by sensing the temperature of the heater assembly 310, but is not limited thereto, and the present embodiment described below can be modified and applied to the extent that the temperature sensor 140 operates by sensing the temperature of the cigarette lighter 21, 22, or 23.

[0062] The control unit 120 can control the temperature of the susceptor 131 based on temperature information sensed by the temperature sensor 140. The control unit 120 can control the power supplied to the induction coil 132 in order to maintain the temperature of the susceptor 131 at a target temperature, according to a pre-configured temperature profile.

[0063] The memory 150 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generator 10, and can store data processed by the control unit 120 and data being processed. The memory 150 can be implemented in various forms such as RAM (random access memory) like DRAM (dynamic random access memory) and SRAM (static random access memory), ROM (read-only memory), and EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory).

[0064] The memory 150 can store various data used for the operation of the aerosol generator 10, such as various analytical data for identifying the type of aerosol product 20 and temperature profiles corresponding to the type of aerosol product 20.

[0065] The aerosol generator 10 may further include a cigarette sensing means. The cigarette sensing means can sense whether or not an aerosol product 20 has been inserted into the aerosol generator 10 (i.e., the cavity 11). Alternatively, the cigarette sensing means can sense the extraction of the aerosol product 20. The cigarette sensing means can be embodied by an inductive sensor, capacitance sensor, optical sensor, resistance sensor, etc. The control unit 120 can control the aerosol generator 10 so that heating starts automatically without additional external input if the insertion of the aerosol product 20 is detected. However, this embodiment is not limited thereto, and the aerosol generator 10 may not be equipped with a cigarette sensing means, in which case the control unit 120 can control the aerosol generator 10 so that heating starts only when there is additional external user input.

[0066] On the other hand, the aerosol generator 10 according to this embodiment can identify the type of cigarette 21, 22, or 23 inserted into the aerosol generator 10 and control the heating of the heater assembly 310 using a temperature profile corresponding to the identified cigarette type. For example, the cigarette types available for use with the aerosol generator 10 are also the cigarettes 21, 22, and 23 described in Figures 2A and 2C. However, such cigarette types are merely examples, and other cigarette types may be used.

[0067] Cigarettes 21, 22, and 23 contain different types of tobacco medium elements, which means that the vaporization temperatures of each tobacco medium element may differ from one another. Therefore, the optimized heating temperature range for aerosol generation to provide the appropriate smoking sensation may differ for each cigarette 21, 22, and 23. In other words, the optimized temperature profile may differ for each cigarette type.

[0068] The aerosol generator 10 according to this embodiment grasps the temperature change characteristics in the preheating section of the temperature profile in order to identify the cigarette type.

[0069] Specifically, the control unit 120 determines the temperature change trend based on the time it takes for the temperature of the heater assembly 310 to rise from a first temperature to a second temperature during the preheating section. Here, the temperature change trend may be distinguished by the type of tobacco medium element contained in the cigarette 21, 22, or 23. The control unit 120 then identifies the cigarette type by determining which of the multiple gradient ranges, each separated by cigarette type, the gradient value corresponding to the temperature change trend belongs to.

[0070] When a cigarette type is identified, the control unit 120 controls the heating of the heater assembly 310 during the smoking section after the preheating section using a temperature profile corresponding to the identified cigarette type. As a result, the aerosol generator 10 according to this embodiment can generate aerosols by performing heating using a temperature profile optimized for each cigarette type, thereby providing the user with an optimized smoking experience.

[0071] The following describes in more detail how the aerosol generator 10 identifies cigarette types and how a customized temperature profile is applied to the identified cigarette types.

[0072] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating a temperature profile for controlling the heating of a heater assembly according to one embodiment.

[0073] Referring to Figure 4, the temperature profile 400 shows the temperature change of the heater assembly 310 from the start of heating to the end of heating. The temperature change defined in the temperature profile 400 is a pre-set value, and the control unit 120 controls the heater assembly 310 so that its actual temperature matches the temperature on the temperature profile 400.

[0074] The temperature profile 400 includes a preheating section 410 and a smoking section 420.

[0075] After the heating of the heater assembly 310 is started, a large amount of power is instantaneously supplied from the battery 110 to the heater assembly 310 in the preheating section 410, so that the temperature of the heater assembly 310 reaches the preheating target temperature T Pre-target in a controlled section. Therefore, in the preheating section 410, a rapid temperature change occurs until the temperature of the heater assembly 310 reaches the preheating target temperature T Pre-target .

[0076] The smoking section 420 means a section in which the user can smoke while performing a series of puffs after the preheating is completed (that is, after the preheating section).

[0077] The way the temperature changes in the preheating section 410 and the smoking section 420 of the temperature profile 400 shown in FIG. 4 is merely an example and is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the temperature change in the smoking section 420 is not one that gradually decreases, but also a way that decreases until a specific time and then rises again. That is, this embodiment is not limited to the temperature profile 400 in FIG. 4, and temperature profiles including other temperature changes can also be used.

[0078] On the other hand, the control unit 120 can identify the cigarette type based on the tendency of the temperature change of the heater assembly 310 in the predetermined temperature range 450 of the preheating section 410 sensed by the temperature sensor 140. Here, the predetermined temperature range 450 is a temperature range between the lower limit temperature T Lower and the upper limit temperature T Upper , and the upper limit temperature T Upper of the predetermined temperature range 450 corresponds to a temperature lower than the preheating target temperature T Pre-target .

[0079] The predetermined temperature range 450 is desirably set lower than the preheating target temperature T Pre-target . For example, the upper limit temperature T Upper of the predetermined temperature range 450 is the preheating target temperature T Pre-targetIt is preferable to set the temperature approximately 5°C to 10°C lower, but it is not necessarily limited to that. Furthermore, it is desirable that the specified temperature range of 450 be set to include the temperature after a certain period of time (e.g., 30 seconds, 60 seconds, etc.) has elapsed since the start of preheating. This is because the temperature rises rapidly immediately after the start of preheating, and the temperature change trends cannot be distinguished by cigarette type.

[0080] During the preheating section 410, the control unit 120 identifies the cigarette type by determining the trend of temperature change within a predetermined temperature range 450, and during the smoking section 420, it controls the heating of the heater assembly 310 using the temperature profile corresponding to the identified cigarette type.

[0081] Meanwhile, the control unit 120 sets the upper limit temperature T of a predetermined temperature range in the preheating section. Upper Until it reaches that point, regardless of the cigarette type, the preheating of the heater assembly 310 is controlled by supplying a predetermined amount of power to the heater assembly 310.

[0082] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating a method for identifying cigarette type within a predetermined temperature range in a preheating section according to one embodiment.

[0083] Referring to Figure 5, the predetermined temperature range is the lower limit temperature T Lower and upper limit temperature T Upper It is a range between [values]. For example, the lower temperature limit T Lower It is approximately 200°C, and the upper temperature limit T Upper It is also approximately 270°C. And the preheating target temperature T in the preheating section. Pre-target This is approximately 285°C, and is the upper limit temperature T of the specified temperature range. Upper The preheating target temperature T Pre-target This corresponds to a lower temperature. However, the lower temperature limit T explained in Figure 5 is not applicable. Lower , upper limit temperature T Upper and preheating target temperature T Pre-target The values ​​shown are merely examples, and this embodiment is not limited thereto; each temperature value can be varied and implemented depending on the temperature profile to be used.

[0084] Within the predetermined temperature range of the preheating section, the temperature change trends may differ for each type of cigarette. Figure 5 illustrates this by comparing three different types of cigarettes: Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3.

[0085] Specifically, when preheating is performed with a Type 1 cigarette 501 inserted, the temperature of the heater assembly 310 reaches the lower limit temperature T. Lower From the point where it reaches the upper temperature T Lower The time to reach this point is relatively short. Then, when preheating is performed with the second type cigarette 502 inserted, the temperature of the heater assembly 310 reaches the lower limit temperature T Lower From the point where it reaches the upper temperature T Lower The time it takes to reach this point is longer than when a Type 1 cigarette 501 is inserted. Finally, when preheating is performed with a Type 3 cigarette 503 inserted, the temperature of the heater assembly 310 reaches the lower limit temperature T Lower From the point where it reaches the upper temperature T Lower The time it takes to reach that point is relatively the longest.

[0086] For example, the first type cigarette 501 is a cigarette type that includes a tobacco medium element containing a filter material impregnated with nicotine solution as described in Figure 2A, the second type cigarette 502 is a cigarette type that includes a tobacco medium element containing tobacco granules as described in Figure 2B, and the third type cigarette 503 is a cigarette type that includes a tobacco medium element containing solid tobacco material as described in Figure 2C. Thus, cigarette types are distinguished by the type of tobacco medium element contained within the cigarette.

[0087] The temperature change trend within a predetermined temperature range of the preheating section can be distinguished by the type of tobacco medium element. That is, the gradient value showing the temperature change trend within a predetermined temperature range of the preheating section may differ depending on the type of tobacco medium element contained in the cigarette. This is because the heating rate of the heater assembly 310 differs depending on whether the tobacco medium element is closer to a liquid medium or closer to a solid medium. Therefore, this embodiment makes it possible to identify what type of cigarette is currently inserted into the aerosol generator 10 by utilizing the principle that there are differences in temperature change depending on the type of cigarette.

[0088] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating a method for calculating a gradient value corresponding to the trend of temperature change within a predetermined temperature range of a preheating section, according to one embodiment.

[0089] Referring to Figure 6, the control unit 120 determines that the temperature 600 of the heater assembly 310 is the lower limit temperature T of a predetermined temperature range. Lower The time t1 at which this is reached is determined. Thereafter, as preheating continues, the control unit 120 determines that the temperature 600 of the heater assembly 310 is above the upper limit temperature T of the predetermined temperature range. Lower The time point t2 at which the condition is reached is determined. Once time points t1 and t2 are determined, the control unit 120 calculates the gradient value Δ using the following formula 1.

[0090]

number

[0091] The gradient value Δ calculated by Equation 1 is a value that indicates the trend of temperature change within a specific temperature range in the preheating section due to the material properties of the tobacco medium elements contained in the cigarette, and can be used as a criterion for determining the type of cigarette.

[0092] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating, according to one embodiment, that different cigarette types have different gradient values ​​within a predetermined temperature range in the preheating section.

[0093] Referring to Figure 7, the lower limit temperature T within the preheating section can be seen. Lower and upper limit temperature T Upper The gradients Δ1 for the first type cigarette 501, Δ2 for the second type cigarette 502, and Δ3 for the third type cigarette 503, calculated within a predetermined temperature range, are shown. Here, the gradient values ​​differ for each cigarette type, and there is a relationship such as Δ1 > Δ2 > Δ3.

[0094] The control unit 120 can identify the cigarette type by determining which of the multiple gradient ranges, each categorized by cigarette type, the gradient value corresponding to the temperature change trend belongs to.

[0095] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating a method for identifying cigarette types using a gradient value corresponding to the trend of temperature change, according to one embodiment.

[0096] Referring to Figure 8, the control unit 120 can determine, for example, which of the three types of cigarettes it corresponds to, based on the currently calculated gradient value Δ. The control unit 120 then determines which of the multiple gradient ranges, divided according to the cigarette type, it belongs to.

[0097] For example, the first gradient range corresponding to a first type of cigarette 810 containing medium 1 is gradient Δ first_lower and Δ first_upper This is also the range that includes gradient values ​​between Δ. The second gradient range corresponding to the second type of cigarette 820 containing medium 2 is gradient Δ second_lower and Δ second_upper This is also the range that includes gradient values ​​between Δ. The third gradient range corresponding to the third type of cigarette 830 containing medium 3 is gradient Δ third_lower and Δ third_upper This range also includes the gradient values ​​between [the specified points]. Here, the first to third gradient ranges are also ranges that do not overlap with each other.

[0098] Referring to Figure 8, the first type of cigarette 810 containing medium 1 is also a cigarette type equipped with a tobacco medium element containing a filter material impregnated with nicotine solution as described in Figure 2A; the second type of cigarette 820 containing medium 2 is also a cigarette type equipped with a tobacco medium element containing tobacco granules as described in Figure 2B; and the third type of cigarette 830 containing medium 3 is also a cigarette type equipped with a tobacco medium element containing solid tobacco material as described in Figure 2C. Thus, the third gradient range may include gradient values ​​smaller than the second gradient range, and the second gradient range may include gradient values ​​smaller than the first gradient range.

[0099] The control unit 120 determines which of the first to third gradient ranges the currently calculated gradient value Δ belongs to. If the gradient value Δ belongs to the first gradient range, the control unit 120 identifies the inserted cigarette as a first-type cigarette.

[0100] In this manner, the control unit 120 can identify the cigarette type by determining the gradient range to which the gradient value belongs.

[0101] On the other hand, in this embodiment, the identification of cigarette types was illustrated using cigarettes 21, 22, and 23 in Figures 2A and 2C. However, this embodiment can also be embodied in other ways, such as identifying cigarette types from two types of cigarettes (e.g., liquid medium cigarettes and solid medium cigarettes), or identifying cigarette types from four or more types of cigarettes. Alternatively, even with the same solid medium cigarette, it can be embodied in a method for identifying cigarettes containing other solid tobacco materials, such as shredded tobacco medium, plate-leaf shredded tobacco medium, or reconstituted tobacco medium. In other words, according to this embodiment, if cigarettes contain different tobacco medium elements, the cigarette type can be identified by determining the trend (i.e., gradient) of temperature change within a predetermined specific temperature range in the preheating section.

[0102] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating, in one embodiment, the heating of the heater assembly during the smoking interval using a temperature profile corresponding to an identified cigarette type.

[0103] The control unit 120 controls the heating of the heater assembly during the smoking section 420 using a temperature profile corresponding to the identified cigarette type. That is, the heating of the heater assembly in the smoking section 420 may be controlled by different temperature profiles depending on the cigarette type. Here, temperature profiles for each cigarette type are pre-stored in the memory 150, and the control unit 120 can read the required temperature profile from the memory 150 and control the heating of the heater assembly 310.

[0104] Referring to Figure 9, it is illustrated that different cigarette types are controlled by different temperature profiles during the smoking section 420. For example, the heating of the heater assembly 310 may be controlled using the first temperature profile 901 for the first type of cigarette, the heating of the heater assembly 310 may be controlled using the second temperature profile 902 for the second type of cigarette, and the heating of the heater assembly 310 may be controlled using the third temperature profile 903 for the third type of cigarette. For example, during the smoking section 420, the target temperature of the first temperature profile 901 is lower than the target temperature of the third temperature profile 903. This is because, assuming that the first type of cigarette is a cigarette type equipped with a tobacco medium element containing a filter material impregnated with nicotine liquid, and the third type of cigarette is a cigarette type equipped with a tobacco medium element containing solid tobacco material, the vaporization temperature of the liquid is lower than that of the solid.

[0105] In other words, according to this embodiment, during the smoking interval, the heating of the heater assembly can be controlled under heating conditions of a temperature profile in which a target temperature optimized for each cigarette type is set, thereby satisfying the smoking sensation demanded by the user for each cigarette type.

[0106] On the other hand, the control unit 120 determines a temperature profile corresponding to the identified cigarette type before the temperature of the heater assembly 310 reaches the preheating target temperature of the preheating section. Thus, as explained in Figure 9, the temperature profile after the start of the smoking section 420 may be applied differently for each cigarette type. However, without limitation, the control unit 120 may also apply different temperature profiles for each cigarette type in the remaining preheating section after the cigarette type has been identified. For example, the time during which the temperature is maintained constant after reaching the preheating target temperature and before the start of the smoking section may be applied differently for each cigarette type. In other words, if the cigarette type has been identified, this embodiment can perform control to apply different temperature profiles for each cigarette type to at least one of the preheating section and smoking section at a given time.

[0107] Figure 10 is a detailed flowchart of a method for controlling an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0108] The control method in Figure 10 corresponds to the stages processed chronologically in the aerosol generator 10 described earlier in the drawings. Therefore, even if the details omitted below are described earlier in the drawings, they can also be applied to the control method in Figure 10.

[0109] In step 1001, the control unit 120 preheats the heater assembly 310 in order to generate an aerosol from the cigarette inserted into the aerosol generator 10. Preheating can be initiated by the cigarette sensing means detecting the insertion of a cigarette, or by external user input.

[0110] Preheating of the heater assembly 310 can be achieved by supplying a large amount of power to the heater assembly 310 instantaneously from the battery 110.

[0111] At step 1002, the temperature sensor 140 senses the temperature of the heater assembly 310 as it changes during the preheating phase.

[0112] In step 1003, the control unit 120 determines that the temperature of the heater assembly 310 is at the lower limit temperature T of the predetermined temperature range. Lower It is determined whether the temperature has reached the first temperature. If it is determined that the temperature of the heater assembly 310 is below the first temperature, step 1002 is performed again. However, if it is determined that the temperature of the heater assembly 310 has reached the first temperature, the process proceeds to step 1004.

[0113] In step 1004, the control unit 120 determines the time t1 at which the first temperature is reached.

[0114] In step 1005, the control unit 120 determines that the temperature of the heater assembly 310 is above the upper limit temperature T of the predetermined temperature range. Upper The system determines whether the second temperature has been reached. If the temperature of the heater assembly 310 is determined to be below the second temperature, the temperature sensor 140 continues to monitor the temperature of the heater assembly 310. However, if the temperature of the heater assembly 310 is determined to have reached the second temperature, the system proceeds to step 1006.

[0115] In step 1006, the control unit 120 determines the time t2 when the second temperature is reached, and calculates the gradient corresponding to the trend of temperature change within a predetermined temperature range in the preheating section. In this case, the gradient can be calculated using the aforementioned formula 1.

[0116] In step 1007, the control unit 120 identifies the cigarette type by determining which of the multiple gradient ranges, each divided by cigarette type, the gradient belongs to. For example, let's assume we are determining which of three types of cigarettes it is. If the calculated gradient is determined to belong to the first gradient range corresponding to the first type of cigarette, the control unit 120 determines that the cigarette type is the first type and proceeds to step 1008. If the calculated gradient is determined to belong to the second gradient range corresponding to the second type of cigarette, the control unit 120 determines that the cigarette type is the second type and proceeds to step 1009. If the calculated gradient is determined to belong to the third gradient range corresponding to the third type of cigarette, the control unit 120 determines that the cigarette type is the third type and proceeds to step 1010.

[0117] If a first type cigarette is identified at step 1008, the control unit 120 controls the heating of the heater assembly 310 with a first temperature profile for the duration of the smoking interval for the first type cigarette.

[0118] If a second type cigarette is identified at step 1009, the control unit 120 controls the heating of the heater assembly 310 with a second temperature profile for the duration of the smoking interval for the second type cigarette.

[0119] If a third type cigarette is identified at step 1010, the control unit 120 controls the heating of the heater assembly 310 with a third temperature profile for the duration of the smoking interval for the third type cigarette.

[0120] Figure 11 is a flowchart of a method for controlling an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0121] The control method shown in Figure 11 corresponds to the stages processed chronologically in the aerosol generator 10, as previously described in the drawings. Therefore, even if some details are omitted below, the information previously described in the drawings can also be applied to the control method shown in Figure 11.

[0122] In step 1101, the control unit 120 controls the preheating of the heater assembly 310 in the preheating section when a cigarette is inserted into the aerosol generator 10.

[0123] At step 1102, the temperature sensor 140 senses the temperature of the heater assembly 310 within a predetermined temperature range of the preheating section.

[0124] In step 1103, the control unit 120 identifies the cigarette type of the cigarette based on the perceived trend of temperature change within a predetermined temperature range.

[0125] In step 1104, the control unit 120 controls the heating of the heater assembly 310 during the smoking interval using a temperature profile corresponding to the identified cigarette type.

[0126] The method described above can be created with a program that can be executed on a computer and can be implemented by a general-purpose digital computer that runs the program on a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium. Furthermore, the data structure used in the method described above can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium by various means. The computer-readable recording medium includes recording media such as magnetic recording media (e.g., ROM (read-only memory), RAM, USB, floppy disk, hard disk, etc.) and optical recording media (e.g., CD-ROM, DVD, etc.).

[0127] Those with ordinary skill in the art relating to this embodiment will understand that it may 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. In an aerosol generating device, When a cigarette is inserted into the aerosol generating device, a heater assembly heats the cigarette for aerosol generation during the preheating section and the smoking section following the preheating section, A temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the heater assembly in the preheating section and the smoking section, Includes a control unit that identifies the cigarette type of the cigarette based on the trend of temperature change sensed within a predetermined temperature range of the preheating section, and controls the heating of the heater assembly during the smoking section using a temperature profile corresponding to the identified cigarette type, The cigarette type is distinguished by the type of tobacco medium element contained within the cigarette. The aforementioned temperature change trend is distinguished by the type of tobacco medium element in the aerosol generating apparatus.

2. The control unit determines the trend of the temperature change based on the time it takes for the temperature of the heater assembly to rise from a first temperature to a second temperature in the preheating section. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second temperature is lower than the preheating target temperature of the preheating section.

3. The control unit, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, which identifies the cigarette type by determining which of a plurality of gradient ranges, each divided according to the type of cigarette, the gradient value corresponding to the temperature change trend belongs to.

4. The control unit, If the gradient value corresponding to the temperature change trend falls within a first gradient range, the cigarette is identified as a first type cigarette; if the gradient value falls within a second gradient range, the cigarette is identified as a second type cigarette; and if the gradient value falls within a third gradient range, the cigarette is identified as a third type cigarette. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first type of cigarette is a cigarette type comprising a tobacco medium element containing a filter material impregnated with nicotine solution, the second type of cigarette is a cigarette type comprising a tobacco medium element containing tobacco granules, and the third type of cigarette is a cigarette type comprising a tobacco medium element containing a solid tobacco material.

5. The third gradient range includes gradient values ​​smaller than the second gradient range. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the second gradient range includes gradient values ​​smaller than the first gradient range.

6. The control unit, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the temperature of the heater assembly is determined before the temperature of the preheating section reaches the preheating target temperature, and a temperature profile corresponding to the identified cigarette type is determined before the temperature of the heater assembly reaches the preheating target temperature of the preheating section.

7. The control unit, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the preheating of the heater assembly is controlled by supplying a predetermined amount of power to the heater assembly, regardless of the cigarette type, until the upper limit temperature of the predetermined temperature range is reached in the preheating section.

8. The control unit, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the heating of the heater assembly is controlled with different temperature profiles depending on the type of cigarette in the smoking section.

9. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined temperature range includes a temperature range of 200°C to 270°C.

10. In a method for controlling an aerosol generating device, When a cigarette is inserted into the aerosol generating device, the steps include controlling the preheating of the heater assembly in the preheating section, A step of sensing the temperature of the heater assembly within a predetermined temperature range of the preheating section, A step of identifying the cigarette type of the cigarette based on the perceived trend of temperature change within the predetermined temperature range, The step includes controlling the heating of the heater assembly during the smoking interval using a temperature profile corresponding to the identified cigarette type, The cigarette type is distinguished by the type of tobacco medium element contained within the cigarette. The aforementioned temperature change trend is distinguished by the type of tobacco medium element, in a method.

11. The process further includes determining the trend of the temperature change based on the time it takes for the temperature of the heater assembly to rise from a first temperature to a second temperature in the preheating section. The method according to claim 10, wherein the second temperature is lower than the preheating target temperature of the preheating section.

12. The aforementioned identification step is, The method according to claim 10, wherein the cigarette type is identified by determining which of a plurality of gradient ranges, each divided according to cigarette type, the gradient value corresponding to the temperature change trend belongs to.

13. The method according to claim 10, further comprising the step of determining a temperature profile corresponding to the identified cigarette type before the temperature of the heater assembly reaches the preheating target temperature of the preheating section.

14. If the gradient value corresponding to the temperature change trend falls within a first gradient range, the cigarette is identified as a first type cigarette; if the gradient value falls within a second gradient range, the cigarette is identified as a second type cigarette; if the gradient value falls within a third gradient range, the cigarette is identified as a third type cigarette. The method according to claim 10, wherein the third gradient range includes gradient values ​​smaller than the second gradient range, and the second gradient range includes gradient values ​​smaller than the first gradient range.

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