Aerosol generating device and method controlling the same

Abstract

An aerosol generating device comprises an insert portion in which at least a portion of an aerosol generating article is disposed, a support portion disposed to cover at least a portion of the side of the aerosol generating article disposed in the insert portion, a heater in which at least a portion is disposed between the support portion and the insert portion, a first circuit and a second circuit electrically connected to each other in parallel to the heater, and a processor that controls the first circuit and the second circuit to operate selectively, wherein the processor detects a first current appearing in the heater using the first circuit, determines the current state of the aerosol generating device based on the detected first current, controls the aerosol generating device based on the current state, and the second circuit may be used to heat the aerosol generating article.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The following embodiments relate to an aerosol generating device and a method for controlling the same, specifically to a method for controlling an aerosol generating device comprising a heater disposed around at least a portion of an aerosol generating article. Background Technology

[0003] Recently, the demand for electronic cigarette devices has been gradually increasing. Furthermore, as this demand grows, features related to electronic cigarette devices are being continuously developed. In particular, functions tailored to the types and characteristics of electronic cigarette devices, as well as features designed to enhance their efficiency, are being developed.

[0004] To simplify the structure of an electronic cigarette device and increase efficiency, the simplification of the configuration modules is required. To simplify the structure of the electronic cigarette device, the heater performs various roles, and based on this, the operation of the electronic cigarette device can be controlled. The problem to be solved

[0006] One embodiment may provide an aerosol generating device comprising a heater disposed around at least a portion of an aerosol generating article to be inserted.

[0007] One embodiment may provide an aerosol generating device controlled based on circuits that are electrically connected to a heater and operate selectively, and a method for controlling the same.

[0008] However, technical challenges are not limited to the technical challenges described above, and other technical challenges may exist. means of solving the problem

[0010] According to one embodiment, an aerosol generating device comprises an insertion portion in which at least a portion of an aerosol generating article is disposed, a support portion disposed to cover at least a portion of the side of the aerosol generating article disposed in the insertion portion, a heater in which at least a portion is disposed between the support portion and the insertion portion, a first circuit and a second circuit electrically connected to each other in parallel to the heater, and a processor that controls the first circuit and the second circuit to operate selectively, wherein the processor detects a first current appearing in the heater using the first circuit, determines the current state of the aerosol generating device based on the detected first current, controls the aerosol generating device based on the current state, and the second circuit may be used to heat the aerosol generating article.

[0011] A method for controlling an aerosol generating device, performed by an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises: an insertion portion in which at least a portion of an aerosol generating article is disposed; a support portion disposed to cover at least a portion of the side of the aerosol generating article disposed in the insertion portion; a heater in which at least a portion is disposed between the support portion and the insertion portion; a first circuit and a second circuit electrically connected to each other in parallel with the heater; and a processor that controls the first circuit and the second circuit to operate selectively. The method for controlling the aerosol generating device comprises: an operation of detecting a first current appearing in the heater using the first circuit; an operation of determining the current state of the aerosol generating device based on the detected first current; and an operation of controlling the aerosol generating device based on the current state. The second circuit may be used to heat the aerosol generating article. Effects of the invention

[0013] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device capable of heating an aerosol generating article using a heater disposed around at least a portion of the aerosol generating article to be inserted may be provided.

[0014] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device may be provided that can determine the current state of the aerosol generating device by using a heater disposed around at least a portion of an aerosol generating article to be inserted. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0016] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 illustrates an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a heater assembly according to one embodiment. FIGS. 4a and FIGS. 4b are exploded cross-sectional views of a heater assembly according to one embodiment. FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a control method for an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a control method for an aerosol generating device based on an operating mode according to one embodiment. FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a control method for an aerosol generating device based on a measured capacitance or a change in capacitance according to one embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a control method for an aerosol generating device based on a measured inductance or a change in inductance according to one embodiment. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Identical or similar components are assigned the same reference numeral regardless of the drawing symbols, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. In relation to the description of the drawings, similar drawing symbols may be used for similar or related components.

[0018] The suffixes "module" and "unit" for components used in the following description are assigned or used interchangeably solely for the sake of ease of drafting the specification, and do not inherently possess distinct meanings or roles. Meanwhile, the suffixes "module" or "unit" may include units implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. "Module" or "unit" may be a component formed as a whole, or the smallest unit of said component or a part thereof that performs one or more functions. For example, "module" or "unit" may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0019] In addition, when describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of related prior art may obscure the essence of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, such detailed description is omitted. Furthermore, the attached drawings are intended only to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical concept disclosed in this specification is not limited by the attached drawings; it should be understood that the drawings include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the concept and technical scope of this disclosure.

[0020] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components are not limited by said terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0021] When it is stated that one component is "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, there may also be other components in between. On the other hand, when it is stated that one component is "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0022] A singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0023] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented as software comprising one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., memory (17)) readable by a machine (e.g., aerosol generating device (1)). For example, a processor (e.g., control unit (12)) of the machine (e.g., aerosol generating device (1)) may call at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code that can be executed by an interpreter. The storage medium readable by the machine may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-temporary' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily.

[0024] In the present disclosure, the direction of the aerosol generating device (1) can be defined based on an orthogonal coordinate system. In the orthogonal coordinate system, the x-axis direction can be defined as the left-right direction of the aerosol generating device (1). The y-axis direction can be defined as the front-back direction of the aerosol generating device (1). The z-axis direction can be defined as the up-down direction of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0026] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a power supply (11), a control unit (12), a sensor unit (13), an output unit (14), an input unit (15), a communication unit (16), a memory (17), and / or a heater (18). However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art related to this embodiment that, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device (1), some of the components shown in FIG. 1 may be omitted or new components may be added.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the sensor unit (13) can detect the state of the aerosol generating device (1) or the state around the aerosol generating device (1) and transmit the detected information to the control unit (12). For example, the sensor unit (13) may include a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, an insertion detection sensor, a reuse detection sensor, an overly moist detection sensor, a cigarette identification sensor, a cartridge detection sensor, a cap detection sensor, and / or a motion detection sensor. Meanwhile, the sensor unit (13) may further include various sensors, such as a liquid residue sensor for detecting the liquid residue in the cartridge and a water immersion sensor for detecting the water immersion of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0029] According to one embodiment, a temperature sensor can detect the temperature at which the heater (18) is heated. The aerosol generating device (1) may include a separate temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the heater (18), or the heater (18) itself may perform the role of a temperature sensor. For example, the temperature sensor may be used to measure the impedance of the heater (18). The impedance of the heater (18) may be correlated with the temperature of the heater (18). The temperature sensor may measure the current and / or voltage applied to the heater (18) (or induction coil). Based on the measured current and / or voltage, the impedance of the heater (18) may be calculated. The control unit (12) may estimate the temperature of the heater (18) based on the calculated impedance.

[0030] For example, the temperature sensor may include a resistive element (e.g., a thermistor) whose resistance value changes in response to a temperature change of the heater (18). The temperature sensor may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistive element, and the control unit (12) may detect the temperature of the heater (18) and / or a temperature change based on the signal corresponding to the resistance value.

[0031] As another example, the temperature sensor may include a sensor that detects the resistance value of the heater (18). The temperature sensor may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the heater (18), and the control unit (12) may detect the temperature of the heater (18) and / or a change in temperature based on the signal corresponding to the resistance value.

[0032] According to one embodiment, a temperature sensor can detect the temperature of a power source (11). The temperature sensor may be positioned adjacent to the power source (11). For example, the temperature sensor may be attached to one side of the power source (11) (e.g., a battery) and / or mounted on one side of a printed circuit board. For example, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a protection circuit module (PCM), and the temperature sensor may be positioned adjacent to the power source (11) together with the protection circuit module.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the temperature sensor may be placed inside the housing (not shown) of the aerosol generating device (1) to detect the temperature inside the housing (not shown).

[0034] According to one embodiment, the puff sensor can detect the user's puff.

[0035] For example, the puff sensor may include a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor may output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device (1), and the control unit (12) may detect the user's puff based on the signal corresponding to the internal pressure. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device (1) may correspond to the pressure of the airflow path through which the gas flows. The puff sensor may be positioned in the aerosol generating device (1) in correspondence with the airflow path through which the gas flows.

[0036] As another example, the puff sensor may include a temperature sensor. When a user's puff occurs, a temporary temperature drop may occur in the airflow path, the space where the aerosol generating item is inserted (hereinafter, the insertion space), the heater (18), etc. The control unit (12) can detect the user's puff based on a signal corresponding to the temperature of the airflow path, etc. output from the temperature sensor.

[0037] As another example, the puff sensor may include both a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor. In this case, the temperature sensor may measure the temperature used to correct the internal pressure measured by the pressure sensor. As an example, the puff sensor may correct a signal corresponding to the internal pressure based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and output the corrected signal. As another example, the puff sensor may output a signal corresponding to the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and a signal corresponding to the internal pressure measured by the puff sensor. In this case, the control unit (12) may receive the signals and correct the signal corresponding to the internal pressure based on the signal corresponding to the temperature.

[0038] As another example, the puff sensor may include a capacitance sensor. In the present disclosure, the capacitance sensor may be referred to as a cap sensor or a capacitive sensor. When a user's puff occurs, a temperature change and / or a flow of aerosol may occur within the insertion space of the aerosol generating article, and accordingly, the dielectric constant inside the insertion space may change. The control unit (12) can detect the user's puff based on a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant inside the insertion space, etc., output from the capacitance sensor.

[0039] The puff sensor is not limited to the examples described above and can be implemented as various sensors to detect the user's puff.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the insertion detection sensor can detect the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article. The insertion detection sensor may be installed around the insertion space. Additionally, the insertion detection sensor may include any combination of the examples described above.

[0041] For example, the insertion detection sensor may include a capacitance sensor. The capacitance sensor may include at least one conductor, and the at least one conductor may be disposed adjacent to the insertion space. When an aerosol-generating article is inserted into or removed from the insertion space, the dielectric constant around the conductor may change. The control unit (12) may detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article based on a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant inside the insertion space, etc., output from the capacitance sensor.

[0042] As another example, the insertion detection sensor may include an inductive sensor. The inductive sensor may include at least one coil, and said at least one coil may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space. If the aerosol generating article (e.g., a wrapper of the aerosol generating article) includes a conductor, when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the insertion space or removed from the insertion space, a change in the magnetic field may occur around the coil through which the current flows. The control unit (12) may detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article including the conductor based on the characteristics of the current output from or detected by the inductive sensor (e.g., frequency of alternating current, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc.). Alternatively, a susceptor (SUS), etc., may be included in the aerosol generating article (e.g., the medium part of the aerosol generating article). In this case as well, a change in the magnetic field around the coil may occur based on the insertion or removal of a susceptor, etc., within the insertion space, and the control unit (12) may detect the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article based on the characteristics of the current of the inductive sensor.

[0043] The insertion detection sensor is not limited to the examples described above and may be implemented as various sensors (e.g., proximity sensors, etc.) for detecting the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article. Additionally, the insertion detection sensor may include any combination of the examples described above.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the heater (18) may be part of an insertion detection sensor. If the heater (18) has a pattern, it may have the function of detecting a specific electrical change. For example, the heater (18) having a pattern may be used to measure capacitance or a change in capacitance. For example, the heater (18) having a pattern such as a coil may be used to measure inductance or a change in inductance. Based on the measured capacitance or inductance, the state of the aerosol generating device (1) may be determined. For example, the state of the aerosol generating device (1) may include a state indicating whether an aerosol generating article has been inserted. The control unit (12) may control the aerosol generating device (1) based on the determined state of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0045] According to one embodiment, the insertion detection sensor may include a switch, etc., for detecting pressure caused by an aerosol-generating article.

[0046] According to one embodiment, a reuse detection sensor can detect whether an aerosol-generating article is reused. For example, the reuse detection sensor may be a color sensor for detecting the color of the aerosol-generating article. When the aerosol-generating article is used by a user, a change in color may occur in a part of the wrapper covering the outside of the aerosol-generating article due to the generated aerosol or heating. The color sensor may output a signal corresponding to an optical characteristic (e.g., wavelength of light) corresponding to the color of the wrapper based on light reflected from the wrapper. When the control unit (12) detects a change in color in a part of the wrapper, it may determine that the aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space has already been used.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the over-humidity detection sensor can detect whether an aerosol-generating article is in an over-humid state. For example, the over-humidity detection sensor may include a capacitance sensor. The capacitance sensor may include at least one conductor disposed adjacent to an insertion space. The control unit (12) can detect whether the aerosol-generating article is in an over-humid state based on the level of a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant, etc., output from the capacitance sensor. For example, the control unit (12) can identify a level range in which the level of the signal is included based on a look-up table, and determine the amount of moisture in the aerosol-generating article based on the identified level range. The over-humidity detection sensor is not limited to the examples described above and can be implemented as various sensors for determining the amount of moisture in the aerosol-generating article.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the heater (18) may be part of an over-humidity detection sensor. If the heater (18) has a pattern, it may have the function of detecting specific electrical changes. For example, the heater (18) having a pattern may be used to measure capacitance or changes in capacitance. Based on the measured capacitance or changes in capacitance, the amount of moisture in an aerosol-generating article may be determined.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the cigarette identification sensor can detect whether an aerosol-generating article is genuine or / or detect the type of aerosol-generating article.

[0050] For example, a cigarette identification sensor may include a light sensor for detecting an identification material (or identification mark) located on the outer surface (e.g., wrapper) of an aerosol-generating article. The light sensor may irradiate light toward the identification material (or identification mark) of the aerosol-generating article and detect whether the aerosol-generating article is genuine and / or of a specific type based on the reflected light. For example, the identification material may include a material that emits light of a specific wavelength band based on the irradiated light. The control unit (12) may detect whether the aerosol-generating article is genuine and / or of a specific type based on the range of the wavelengths.

[0051] As another example, the cigarette identification sensor may include a capacitance sensor. The dielectric constant inside the insertion space may vary depending on the type of aerosol-generating item inserted into the insertion space. The control unit (12) can detect whether the aerosol-generating item is genuine and / or of the type based on a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant inside the insertion space, etc., output from the capacitance sensor.

[0052] As another example, the cigarette identification sensor may include an inductive sensor. If a conductor is included in the wrapper and / or interior (e.g., the medium) of the aerosol generating article inserted into the insertion space, the characteristics of the current detected by the inductive sensor when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the insertion space (e.g., frequency of alternating current, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc.) may differ depending on the type of aerosol generating article inserted into the insertion space. The control unit (12) can detect whether the inserted aerosol generating article is genuine and / or of the type based on the characteristics of the current output from or detected by the inductive sensor.

[0053] The cigarette identification sensor is not limited to the examples described above and may be implemented as various sensors for detecting whether an aerosol-generating article is genuine or / or for detecting the type of an aerosol-generating article. Additionally, the cigarette identification sensor may include any combination of the examples described above.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the heater (18) may be part of a cigarette identification sensor. If the heater (18) has a pattern, it may have the function of detecting a specific electrical change. For example, the heater (18) having a pattern may be used to measure capacitance or a change in capacitance. For example, the heater (18) having a pattern may be used to measure inductance or a change in inductance. Based on the measured capacitance or inductance, the type of aerosol generating article may be determined. The control unit (12) may control the aerosol generating device (1) based on the determined type of aerosol generating article.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the cartridge detection sensor can detect the mounting and / or removal of a cartridge. For example, the cartridge detection sensor may include an inductive sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, a Hall sensor (hall IC), and / or an optical sensor.

[0056] According to one embodiment, a cap detection sensor can detect the mounting and / or removal of a cap. For example, the cap detection sensor may include an inductive sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, a contact sensor, a Hall sensor (hall IC), and / or an optical sensor. The cap may include a structure that covers at least a portion of a cartridge mounted or inserted into the aerosol generating device (1), or covers at least a portion of the housing of the aerosol generating device (1). The cap detection sensor may output a signal corresponding to the mounting or removal when the cap is mounted on the housing or removed from the housing, and the control unit (12) may detect the mounting or removal of the cap based on the signal corresponding to the mounting or removal.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the motion detection sensor can detect the movement of the aerosol generating device (1). The motion detection sensor may be implemented as at least one of an accelerometer or a gyro sensor.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the sensor unit (13) may further include at least one of a humidity sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, a position sensor (Global Positioning System, GPS), or a proximity sensor in addition to the aforementioned sensors. According to one embodiment, the heater (18) itself may be an element constituting part of the sensor unit (13).

[0059] Since the function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by a person skilled in the art from its name, a detailed explanation may be omitted.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the output unit (14) may output information regarding the state of the aerosol generating device (1). The output unit (14) may include a display, a haptic unit and / or an acoustic output unit, but is not limited thereto. For example, information regarding the aerosol generating device (1) may include the charging / discharging state of the power supply (11) of the aerosol generating device (1), the preheating state of the heater (18), the insertion / removal state of the aerosol generating article and / or cartridge, the mounting and / or removal state of the cap, or a state in which the use of the aerosol generating device (1) is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal article). The display may visually provide information regarding the state of the aerosol generating device (1) to the user. For example, the display may include an LED (light emitting diode) light-emitting element, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), an Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLED), etc. The display can also be used as an input unit (15) if it includes a touch pad. The haptic unit can provide information about the state of the aerosol generating device (1) to the user tactilely. For example, the haptic unit may include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, an electric stimulation device, etc. The acoustic output unit can provide information about the aerosol generating device (1) to the user audibly. For example, the acoustic output unit can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it externally.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the power source (11) can supply power for the operation of the aerosol generating device (1). The power source (11) may include one or more batteries. The power source (11) can supply power so that the heater (18) can be heated. Additionally, the power source (11) may supply power required for the operation of other components included in the aerosol generating device (1), such as the control unit (12), sensor unit (13), output unit (14), input unit (15), communication unit (16), memory (17), etc. The power source (11) may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the power source (11) may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto. The power source (11) may be a replaceable type (detachable) battery (hereinafter referred to as a removable battery). The removable battery may be mounted in a battery housing provided within the aerosol generating device (1) or removed from the battery housing. The removable battery may also be charged via wired and / or wireless connections.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the heater (18) may heat an aerosol generating article and / or a medium and / or aerosol generating material within a cartridge by receiving power from a power source (11). The aerosol generating device (1) may include a heater (18) for heating an aerosol generating article and / or a cartridge heater for heating a cartridge (i.e., a solid and / or liquid medium).

[0063] According to one embodiment, the heater (18) may be an electric resistive heater. For example, the electric resistive heater may include an electric resistive material such as a metal or metal alloy including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc. The electric resistive heater may be implemented as a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate with an electric conductive track, a ceramic heating element, etc.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the heater (18) may be an induction heating type heater. For example, the induction heating type heater may include a susceptor that generates heat by a magnetic field. A magnetic field may be generated from the induction coil by an alternating current flowing through the induction coil. The generated magnetic field penetrates the heater, and eddy currents may be generated in the susceptor. The susceptor may be heated based on the generation of eddy currents. According to one embodiment, the susceptor may be contained within an aerosol-generating article (e.g., a medium). In this case as well, the susceptor contained within the aerosol-generating article may be heated by the induction coil.

[0065] The heater (18) is not limited to the examples described above and may include or be replaced with various heating methods, structures, components, etc. for heating an aerosol generating article and / or cartridge.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the input unit (15) can receive information input from a user. For example, the input unit (15) may include a touch panel, a button, a keypad, a dome switch, a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the memory (17) is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device (1), and can store data processed by the control unit (12) and data to be processed. For example, the memory (17) may include at least one type of storage medium among a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), 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, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. For example, the memory (17) can store data such as the operating time of the aerosol generating device (1), the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and the user's smoking pattern.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the communication unit (16) may include at least one component for communication with another electronic device (e.g., portable electronic device). For example, the communication unit (16) may include a Bluetooth communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a WLAN (wireless local area network) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared (infrared Data Association, IrDA) communication unit, a WFD (Wireless Fidelity Direct) communication unit, an UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant (Adaptive Network Topology)+ communication unit, a cellular network communication unit, an internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the control unit (12) may include at least one processor. The control unit (12) may be implemented as an array of logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose MCU (micro controller unit) (or microprocessor) and a memory storing a program that can be executed on such MCU. Furthermore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art to which this embodiment belongs that it may be implemented in other forms of hardware.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the temperature of the heater (18) by controlling the supply of power from the power source (11) to the heater (18). The control unit (12) can control the temperature of the heater (18) and / or the power supplied to the heater (18) based on the temperature of the heater (18) detected using a temperature sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). The control unit (12) can control the temperature of the heater (18) and / or the power supplied to the heater (18) based on a temperature profile and / or power profile stored in a memory (17).

[0071] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power (e.g., voltage and / or current) supplied to the heater (18) by controlling a power conversion circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the heater (18) and the power source (11). For example, the power conversion circuit may include a DC / DC converter (e.g., buck converter, buck-boost converter, boost converter, Zener diode, etc.) that converts power to be supplied to the heater (18), and a DC / AC converter (e.g., inverter) that converts power to be supplied to an induction coil (not shown). The DC / AC converter may be implemented as a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit including a plurality of switching elements. For example, the power conversion circuit may include at least one switching element, such as a bipolar junction transistor (BJT) or a field effect transistor (FET).

[0072] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can adjust the frequency and / or duty ratio of a current pulse input to at least one switching element of a power conversion circuit (not shown) to adjust the current and / or voltage supplied to the heater (18). The duty ratio for the on / off operation of the switching element may correspond to the ratio of the output voltage of the power conversion circuit to the output voltage of the power supply (11).

[0073] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18) by using at least one of a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) method and a Proportional-Integral-Differential (PID) method. For example, the control unit (12) can control the supply of a current pulse having a predetermined frequency and duty ratio to the heater (18) by using the PWM method. The control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18) by adjusting the frequency and duty ratio of the current pulse. For example, the control unit (12) can determine a target temperature that is the target of the control based on a temperature profile. The control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18) by using a PID method, which is a feedback control method through the difference value between the temperature of the heater (18) and the target temperature, the value obtained by integrating the difference value over time, and the value obtained by differentiating the difference value over time.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can determine a target power that is the target of control based on a power profile. The control unit (12) may also control the power supplied to the heater (18) to correspond to a preset target power over time.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can detect the user's puff by detecting the power supplied to the heater (18). More specifically, the control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18) using a PID method. When the user's puff occurs, a temporary temperature drop may occur in the space where the aerosol generating item is inserted (hereinafter, insertion space), the heater (18), etc. Accordingly, a change may occur in the power (or current) supplied to the heater (18) during the power control of the PID method. The control unit (12) can detect the user's puff based on the change in the controlled power.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can prevent the heater (18) from overheating. For example, the control unit (12) can control the operation of the power conversion circuit to reduce the amount of power supplied to the heater (18) or stop the power supply to the heater (18) based on the fact that the temperature of the heater (18) exceeds a preset limit temperature.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the charging and discharging of the power source (11). For example, the control unit (12) can check the temperature of the power source (11) using a temperature sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). The control unit (12) can cut off the charging of the power source (11) if the temperature of the power source (11) is above a first limit temperature. The control unit (12) can stop the use (e.g., discharge) of the power stored in the power source (11) if the temperature of the power source (11) is above a second limit temperature. The control unit (12) can calculate the remaining capacity of the power stored in the power source (11). For example, the control unit (12) can calculate the remaining capacity of the power source (11) based on the voltage and / or current sensing values ​​of the power source (11).

[0078] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18) based on the result detected by the sensor unit (13).

[0079] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18) based on the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article into the insertion space. For example, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18) when it is determined that an aerosol-generating article has been inserted into the insertion space using an insertion detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). The control unit (12) can cut off the power supply to the heater (18) when it is determined that an aerosol-generating article has been removed from the insertion space using an insertion detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). The control unit (12) may determine that an aerosol-generating article has been removed from the insertion space when the temperature of the heater (18) is above a limit temperature or the temperature change slope of the heater (18) is above a set slope.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply time and / or power supply amount for the heater (18) based on the state of the aerosol generating article. For example, the control unit (12) can increase the power supply time (e.g., preheating time) for the heater (18) if it is determined that the aerosol generating article is in an over-humid state using an over-humidity detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)).

[0081] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18) based on whether the aerosol-generating article is reused. For example, if the control unit (12) determines that the aerosol-generating article has been used, it can cut off the power supply to the heater (18).

[0082] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18) based on whether the cartridge is connected and / or removed. For example, the control unit (12) can use a cartridge detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)) to determine that the cartridge is separated, and if it is determined that the cartridge is separated, the power supply to the heater (18) can be stopped or the power supply to the heater (18) can be controlled so that power is not supplied to the heater (18).

[0083] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18) based on whether the aerosol generating material of the cartridge is depleted. For example, the control unit (12) may determine that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge is depleted if it determines that the temperature of the heater (18) exceeds a limit temperature while preheating the heater (18) (i.e., during the preheating period). If it determines that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge is depleted, the control unit (12) may cut off the power supply to the heater (18).

[0084] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18) based on whether the cartridge is usable. For example, the control unit (12) may determine that the cartridge is unusable if, based on data stored in the memory (17), the current number of puffs is determined to be greater than or equal to the maximum number of puffs set in the cartridge. Alternatively, the control unit (12) may determine that the cartridge is unusable if the total time the heater (18) is heated is greater than or equal to the preset maximum time, or if the total amount of power supplied to the heater (18) is greater than or equal to the preset maximum amount of power. In this case, the control unit (12) may stop the power supply to the heater (18) or control it so that power is not supplied to the heater (18).

[0085] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18) based on the user's puff. For example, the control unit (12) can determine whether a puff has occurred and / or the intensity of the puff using a puff sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). The control unit (12) can cut off the power supply to the heater (18) when the number of puffs reaches a preset maximum number of puffs or / or when no puff is detected for a preset time or longer. The control unit (12) may also control the power supply to the heater (18) when a puff is detected.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18) based on whether the aerosol generating item (or cartridge) is genuine and / or of a specific type. For example, the control unit (12) can detect whether the aerosol generating item is genuine and / or of a specific type using a cigarette identification sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). For example, if the control unit (12) detects that the aerosol generating item (or cartridge) is counterfeit, it can cut off the power supply to the heater (18). If the control unit (12) detects that the aerosol generating item (or cartridge) is genuine, it can control (e.g., start) the power supply to the heater (18). For another example, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18) differently depending on the specific type of the aerosol generating item (or cartridge). More specifically, the control unit (12) can control the temperature and / or power of the heater (18) based on a first temperature profile (or a first power profile) when it is detected that the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is a first aerosol generating article (or a first cartridge), and control the temperature and / or power of the heater (18) based on a second temperature profile (or a second power profile) when it is detected that the aerosol generating article (or a second cartridge) is a second aerosol generating article (or a second cartridge).

[0087] With reference to FIGS. 5 to 10 below, a method for a control unit (12) to control power supply to a heater (18) based on the state of an aerosol generating device (1) or the state of an aerosol generating article is described in detail.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the output unit (14) based on the result detected by the sensor unit (13). For example, the control unit (12) can control the output unit (14) to provide visual, tactile, and / or auditory information that the aerosol generating device (1) will soon be terminated when the number of puffs counted using the puff sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)) reaches a preset number. For example, the control unit (12) can also control the output unit (14) to provide visual, tactile, and / or auditory information regarding the temperature of the heater (18).

[0089] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) may store and update a history of the event that occurred in the memory (17) based on the occurrence of a predetermined event. For example, the event may include operations performed by the aerosol generating device (1), such as detection of insertion of an aerosol generating item, initiation of heating of the aerosol generating item, puff detection, puff termination, detection of overheating of the heater (18), detection of overvoltage application to the heater (18), termination of heating of the aerosol generating item, power on / off of the aerosol generating device (1), initiation of charging of the power source (11), detection of overcharging of the power source (11), termination of charging of the power source (11), etc. For example, the history of the event may include the time and date when the event occurred, log data corresponding to the event, etc. For example, if the predetermined event is detection of insertion of an aerosol generating item, the log data corresponding to the event may include data regarding the sensing value of the insertion detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). For example, if a predetermined event is the detection of overheating of the heater (18), the log data corresponding to the event may include data regarding the temperature of the heater (18), the voltage applied to the heater (18), the current flowing through the heater (18), etc.

[0090] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the communication unit (16) to form a communication link with an external device, such as a user's mobile terminal.

[0091] According to one embodiment, when the control unit (12) receives authentication data from an external device via a communication link, it may release the restriction on the use of at least one function (e.g., heating function) of the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the authentication data may include the user's birthday, a unique number representing the user, whether the user's authentication is complete, etc.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can transmit data regarding the status of the aerosol generating device (1) (e.g., remaining capacity of the power supply (11), operating mode, etc.) to an external device via a communication link. The transmitted data can be output through a display of the external device, etc.

[0093] According to one embodiment, when a control unit (12) receives a location search request for an aerosol generating device (1) from an external device via a communication link, the control unit (12) can control the output unit (14) to perform an operation corresponding to the location search. For example, the control unit (12) can control the haptic unit to generate vibrations or control the display to output an object corresponding to the location search and the end of the search.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can perform a firmware update when firmware data is received from an external device through a communication link.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) transmits data regarding the sensing value of at least one sensor unit (13) to an external server (not shown) via a communication link, and receives and stores a learning model generated by learning the sensing value through machine learning, such as deep learning, from the server. The control unit (12) can use the learning model received from the server to perform operations such as determining the user's inhalation pattern and generating a temperature profile.

[0096] Although not illustrated in FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a power protection circuit. The power protection circuit may include at least one switching element and may cut off the power supply (11) in response to overcharging and / or over-discharging of the power supply (11). The aerosol generating device (1) may further include a connection interface, such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and may transmit and receive information or charge the power supply (11) by connecting to another external device through the connection interface.

[0097] The aerosol generating article mentioned in the present disclosure may include at least one aerosol generating rod (e.g., a medium part) and at least one filter rod. A heater (18) may be positioned to correspond to at least one aerosol generating rod and may be designed differently depending on the arrangement order and / or position of the aerosol generating rod and the filter rod. The aerosol generating rod may include at least one of nicotine, an aerosol generating material, and an additive. For example, the aerosol generating material may include glycerin (e.g., vegetable glycerin (VG)) and / or propylene glycol (PG), and may include various other materials. For example, the additive may include flavoring agents and / or organic acids, and may include various other materials. For example, the aerosol generating rod may comprise an aerosol generating substrate (e.g., a sheet) impregnated with a liquid non-tobacco material (e.g., an aerosol generating material and / or nicotine), and / or may comprise a solid tobacco material (e.g., leaf tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, etc.). The tobacco material may be included in the aerosol generating rod in various forms, such as whole tobacco, granules, or powder. According to one embodiment, the additive of the aerosol generating rod may comprise a basic material. Based on the basic material, the nicotine in the tobacco material included in the aerosol generating rod may have a basic pH (e.g., pH 7.0 or higher). In this case, freebase nicotine may be released from the aerosol generating rod even at low temperatures. According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating rod comprises two or more aerosol generating rods, and said two or more aerosol generating rods may each comprise a tobacco material and / or a non-tobacco material.Meanwhile, although not illustrated, at least one aerosol generating rod and at least one filter rod may each and / or integrally be wrapped by at least one wrapper. In the present disclosure, the aerosol generating article may be referred to as a stick.

[0098] The cartridge mentioned in the present disclosure may contain an aerosol generating material having any one of the states, such as a liquid state, a solid state, a gaseous state, or a gel state. The aerosol generating material may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing material containing a volatile tobacco flavor component, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco material. Meanwhile, the cartridge may include a storage portion containing the aerosol generating material and / or a liquid delivery means impregnated (containing) the aerosol generating material. For example, the liquid delivery means may include a wick such as a cotton fiber, a ceramic fiber, a glass fiber, or a porous ceramic. A cartridge heater may be included in the cartridge in a coil-shaped structure that surrounds (or winds) the liquid delivery means or in a structure that contacts one side of the liquid delivery means. Alternatively, the cartridge heater may be included in an aerosol generating device (1) that is detachable from the cartridge.

[0100] FIG. 2 illustrates an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment.

[0101] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a housing (10), a power source (11), a control unit (12), a sensor unit (13), a first circuit (262), a second circuit (264), and / or a heater assembly (3). However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art related to this embodiment that the components included in the aerosol generating device (1) are not limited to those shown in FIG. 2, and some of the components may be omitted or new components may be added.

[0102] The aerosol generating device (1) illustrated in FIG. 2 may be referred to as an "external heating type" aerosol generating device that heats the outside of an aerosol generating article (e.g., a cigarette) (2). In the following drawings, descriptions that overlap with FIG. 1 will be omitted.

[0103] According to one embodiment, the housing (10) may include an insertion portion in which at least a portion of an aerosol-generating article (2) is disposed. The insertion portion may be a space that is open upward to allow the aerosol-generating article (2) to be inserted. The insertion portion may be formed by being recessed to a predetermined depth toward the interior of the housing (10) so that at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article (2) can be inserted. The depth of the insertion portion may be greater than the length of the area containing the aerosol-generating substance and / or medium in the aerosol-generating article (2). The bottom of the aerosol-generating article (2) is inserted into the interior of the housing (10), and the top of the aerosol-generating article (2) may protrude outside the housing (10). A user may put the top of the aerosol-generating article (2) exposed to the outside into their mouth and inhale the aerosol.

[0104] In the illustrated embodiment, the housing (10) and the heater assembly (3) are shown as being separated from each other, but according to the embodiment, the housing (10) may contain the heater assembly (3) inside.

[0105] According to one embodiment, the heater assembly (3) can fix an aerosol generating article (2) and heat the fixed aerosol generating article (2). The heater assembly (3) may extend upwardly around the space (i.e., insertion space) into which the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted. For example, the heater assembly (3) may be positioned to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. As an example, the heater assembly (3) may include a tube shape (e.g., a cylindrical shape) containing a hollow inside. The heater assembly (3) may also include a shape containing a hollow inside and surrounding said hollow. The heater assembly (3) may be positioned to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. The heater assembly (3) may heat the outside of the aerosol generating article (2) inserted into said hollow.

[0106] According to one embodiment, the heater assembly (3) may include a heater (18), a support member (22), and a vacuum member (24). The vacuum member (24) may be omitted.

[0107] A heater (18) can be placed around at least a portion of the aerosol generating article (2) inserted into the aerosol generating device (1).

[0108] According to one embodiment, the heater (18) may include an electric resistive heater. For example, the electric resistive heater may contain an electric resistive material on the inside (e.g., inner hollow or inner surface) or on the outside (e.g., outer surface) and may be heated as current flows through the electric resistive material. In this case, the electric resistive heater may be electrically connected to a power source (11) and may be directly heated by receiving current from the power source (11). Additionally, an induction coil may be omitted. If the heater (18) is an electric resistive heater, a separate induction coil may be omitted because heating is possible through the flow of current on a tube-shaped electric resistive heater (e.g., a film heater).

[0109] According to one embodiment, the heater (18) may include an induction heating type heater. For example, in the case of an induction heating type heater, the aerosol generating device (1) may include an external heating type heater implemented as a tubular susceptor and may include an induction coil that surrounds at least a portion of the external heating type heater (e.g., placed externally to correspond to the length of at least a portion of the heater). Additionally, the induction coil may include a fan coil.

[0110] According to one embodiment, the heater (18) may be a multiple heater, and the first heater and the second heater may be arranged side by side along the longitudinal direction to each surround at least a portion of the insertion space. The first heater and the second heater may operate as an electric resistive heater and / or an induction heating type heater, and may be heated sequentially or simultaneously. Meanwhile, if the heater (18) is an induction heating type heater, the aerosol generating device (1) includes a first induction coil and a second induction coil, and the first induction coil and the second induction coil may be respectively arranged at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of the first heater and the second heater. Alternatively, the first heater and the second heater may be respectively arranged at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of the first portion and the second portion of a single heater (18).

[0111] Although not illustrated in FIG. 2, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include an internal heating heater that heats the inside of an aerosol generating article (2). In this case, the internal heating heater heats the inside of the aerosol generating article (2), and the heater (18) can heat the outside of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0112] According to one embodiment, the internal heating type heater may extend upward in a space (i.e., an insertion space) into which an aerosol generating article (2) is inserted. For example, the internal heating type heater may include a rod-shaped or needle-shaped heating element, but may also include various heating elements such as a tubular heating element or a plate-shaped heating element. The internal heating type heater may be inserted through the lower part of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0113] According to one embodiment, the internal heating type heater may include an electric resistance heater and / or an induction heating type heater, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0114] For example, in the case of an induction heating type internal heating heater, the aerosol generating device (1) may include an induction coil that surrounds at least a portion of the internal heating heater (e.g., placed externally to correspond to the length of at least a portion of the internal heating heater). In this case, a magnetic flux concentrator, etc., may be further included outside the induction coil to increase the efficiency of induction heating. The induction heating type internal heating heater may include a susceptor and may generate heat based on a magnetic field generated from the induction coil. According to one embodiment, the induction heating type internal heating heater (e.g., susceptor) (or an internal heating heater module including the same) may be disposed so as to be detachable from the housing (10).

[0115] According to one embodiment, the internal heating type heater may be a multi-heater. The multi-heater may include a first heater and a second heater and may be inserted into an aerosol generating article (2). The first heater and the second heater may be arranged side by side along the longitudinal direction. The first heater and the second heater may operate as electric resistive heaters and / or induction heating heaters, and may be heated sequentially or simultaneously. In this case, the first heater and the second heater may be respectively arranged at positions corresponding to longitudinal positions of two or more aerosol generating rods. Alternatively, the first heater and the second heater may be respectively arranged at positions corresponding to longitudinal positions of a first part and a second part of a single aerosol generating rod. Meanwhile, if the internal heating type heater is an induction heating type heater, the aerosol generating device (1) includes a first induction coil and a second induction coil, and the first induction coil and the second induction coil may be respectively placed at positions corresponding to longitudinal positions of the first heater and the second heater. Alternatively, the first heater and the second heater may be respectively placed at positions corresponding to longitudinal positions of a first part and a second part of a single internal heating type heater. In addition, the heater and / or induction coil may include three or more.

[0116] According to one embodiment, a susceptor may be placed (or included) inside an aerosol generating article (2) (e.g., a medium part), and the susceptor included inside the aerosol generating article (2) may be implemented to generate heat based on a magnetic field generated from an induction coil.

[0117] The support member (22) may include a first support member (222) coupled to the upper part of the cylinder shape when the heater (18) has a cylinder shape, a second support member (224) coupled to the lower part of the cylinder shape, and a tube-shaped support portion (223) having a hollow cylinder shape. The heater (18) may be disposed inside the hollow formed by the support portion (223).

[0118] According to one embodiment, a vacuum member (24) may be disposed on the outside of the heater (18). For example, the vacuum member (24) may enclose at least a portion of the support (223) to which the heater (18) is attached. Through the vacuum member (24), heat radiating outward from the heater (18) and applied to the housing (10) or the outside may be reduced.

[0119] The first circuit (262) and the second circuit (264) may be electrically connected in parallel to the heater (18). For example, the first circuit (262) may be a circuit for measuring or detecting a specific electrical change appearing in the heater (18). For example, the electrical change may be a change in inductance or a change in capacitance. For example, the first circuit (262) may include a third circuit for measuring capacitance or a change in capacitance. For example, the first circuit (262) may include a fourth circuit for measuring inductance or a change in inductance. For example, the second circuit (262) may be a circuit for supplying current to the heater (18). That is, the second circuit (262) may be a heating circuit.

[0120] The control unit (12) can control the first circuit (262) and the second circuit (264) to operate selectively. With reference to FIG. 5 below, the first circuit (262) and the second circuit (264) of the aerosol generating device (1) will be described in more detail.

[0121] According to one embodiment, unlike as illustrated in FIG. 2, the fifth circuit described below with reference to FIG. 8 may be electrically connected in parallel with the first circuit (262) and the second circuit (264) to the heater (18). For example, the fifth circuit may be a circuit that determines the temperature of the heater based on the current detected in the heater (18). That is, the fifth circuit may be a temperature sensing circuit. The type of circuit electrically connected in parallel with the heater (18) is not limited to the examples described, and various circuits may be connected to the heater (18) in accordance with the use of the heater (18).

[0122] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) may be provided with an airflow channel through which air flows. For example, the housing (10) may include a structure (e.g., a hole) through which air from the outside can be introduced into the housing (10). The air introduced into the housing (10) may be introduced into the aerosol generating article (2) through the bottom (i.e., upstream side) of the aerosol generating article (2). The aerosol generated based on the heating of the aerosol generating article (2) may be inhaled into the user's mouth through the top (i.e., downstream side) of the aerosol generating article (2) together with the introduced air.

[0124] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a heater assembly according to one embodiment.

[0125] According to one embodiment, the heater assembly (3) may include a heater (18) and a support member (22). In the following drawings, descriptions that overlap with FIG. 2 will be omitted.

[0126] The support member (22) may include a first support member (222), a second support member (224), and a support portion (223). The support portion (223) may be fixed so that a heater (18) has a cylindrical shape by attaching a heater (18) to the inside of the hollow. For example, the heater (18) may be attached to the inside of the support portion (223) through an insulating material (e.g., glaze). The first support member (222) and the second support member (224) may fix the position of the heater (18) and the support portion (223).

[0127] The support member (223) may be positioned to cover at least a portion of the side of an aerosol generating article placed in the insert of an aerosol generating device (e.g., the aerosol generating device (1) of FIGS. 1 and 2).

[0128] The heater (18) may be positioned at least partially between the support (223) and the insert. The heater (18) may be made of an electrically resistive material and may be heated as current flows through the electrically resistive material.

[0129] The heater (18) may include a conductive part (182), an insulating part (184), a first electrode (186), and a second electrode (188).

[0130] The conductive portion (182) is composed of an electrically resistive material and can carry current. The insulating portion (184) does not carry current. For example, the insulating portion (184) can be formed by laser cutting an electrically resistive material, and the method of forming the conductive portion (182) is not limited. Based on the pattern shape of the conductive portion (182) and the insulating portion (184), the path of the current flowing through the electrically resistive material constituting the heater (18) and the total resistance may vary. For example, the more complex the pattern shape, the longer the path of the current flowing through the heater (18) becomes, and the total resistance of the heater (18) may increase. For example, the simpler the pattern shape, the shorter the path of the current flowing through the heater (18) becomes, and the total resistance may decrease.

[0131] The heater (18) may be cylindrical in shape with a hollow inside, or may be a shape that encloses the hollow inside. The heater (18) can heat and secure an aerosol generating article (e.g., the aerosol generating article (2) of FIG. 2) inserted into an aerosol generating device.

[0132] In one example, the first electrode (186) and the second electrode (188) are arranged side by side and are completely insulated by an insulating part (184). Different voltages may be applied to the first electrode (186) and the second electrode (188) to allow current to flow in the heater (18).

[0133] According to one embodiment, the first electrode (186) and the second electrode (188) may be electrically connected to a circuit (e.g., the second circuit (262) of FIG. 1 or FIG. 2) for measuring or detecting a specific electrical change appearing in the heater and / or a heating circuit (e.g., the first circuit (264) of FIG. 1 or FIG. 2). For example, if the heater (18) is used to heat an aerosol-generating article, a pattern shape of the heater (18) having a fixed resistance over a large area may be determined to heat the aerosol-generating article consistently in response to heating power. For example, if the heater (18) is used to measure capacitance or a change in capacitance, a pattern shape of the heater (18) having a sufficient area to detect an electrical change related to capacitance may be determined. For example, when the heater (18) is used to measure an inductance or a change in inductance, the pattern shape of the heater (18) may be determined to have a length sufficient to detect electrical changes related to the inductance. In one example, so that the heater (18) can perform various functions, the pattern shape of the heater (18) may be a serpentine shape.

[0134] According to one embodiment, the support member (223) may be composed of a material having higher thermal conductivity than the heater. If the area of ​​the aerosol-generating article covered by the heater (18) is narrow or the area of ​​the insulation member (184) is narrow, the aerosol-generating article may not be heated uniformly. The support member (223) supports the heater (18) and simultaneously performs the role of evenly dispersing the heat generated from the heater (18), thereby enabling the aerosol-generating article to be heated uniformly.

[0135] According to one embodiment, the support member (223) may be composed of an electrically conductive material so as to reduce the magnitude of electromagnetic interference appearing on the outside of the support member (223). For example, when an aerosol generating device is used to measure or detect specific electrical changes appearing in a heater, noise may occur in the measurement results of the heater due to electromagnetic interference appearing on the outside of the support member (223) (e.g., static electricity generated from a user's hand). When the support member (223) functions as a shield for the heater (18) as it is electrically conductive, electrical changes occurring in the insertion part that the heater (18) wraps around can be accurately detected. For example, the support member (223) may be electrically connected to the ground or shield pin of a circuit (e.g., the first circuit (262) of FIG. 1 or FIG. 2) for measuring or detecting specific electrical changes appearing in the heater (18) so as to function as a shield for the heater (18).

[0137] FIGS. 4a and FIGS. 4b are exploded cross-sectional views of a heater assembly according to one embodiment.

[0138] According to one embodiment, the heater assembly (3) may include a heater (18) and a support member (22). The support member (22) may include a first support member (222), a second support member (224), and a support portion (223). The heater assembly (3) may further include a vacuum member (24). The vacuum member (24) may surround at least a portion of the heater (18) and the support portion (223) and connect the first support member (222) and the second support member (224). Through the vacuum member (24), heat radiated outward from the heater (18) and applied to the outside may be reduced. In the following drawings, descriptions that overlap with FIG. 2 or FIG. 3 will be omitted.

[0140] FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0141] According to one embodiment, an aerosol generating device (e.g., the aerosol generating device (1) of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2) may include a heater (18), a first circuit (262), a second circuit (264), and a processor (12) (e.g., the control unit (12) of FIG. 1).

[0142] The heater (18) may include a conductive portion (182), an insulating portion (184), a first electrode (186), and a second electrode (188). A heater pattern may be formed by the conductive portion (182) and the insulating portion (184). Although the heater (18) of FIG. 6 is shown to have a serpentine shape, the heater pattern is not limited to the illustrated embodiment.

[0143] The first circuit (262) and the second circuit (264) can be connected in parallel circuitly with respect to the heater (18). The processor (12) can control the first circuit (262) and the second circuit (264) to operate selectively.

[0144] The heater (18) may have a cylindrical shape containing a hollow inside, or a shape containing a hollow inside and surrounding the hollow. Based on a heater pattern formed on the heater (18), the heater (18) may be a part of a sensor that detects electrical changes in the internal hollow of the heater (18).

[0145] For example, the heater (18) may be used as an element to detect a change in capacitance or inductance of the heater (18), and based thereon, the processor (12) may detect the insertion of an aerosol-generating article (e.g., the aerosol-generating article (2) of FIG. 2), detect excessive moisture of the aerosol-generating article, or identify the type of the aerosol-generating article. Examples of electrical states that may be measured or detected based on the heater (18) and of sensors using the heater (18) as part of a component are not limited to the described embodiments.

[0146] According to one embodiment, a heater (18) is disposed inside a tube-shaped support (e.g., a support (223) of FIGS. 2 to 4b) that has a hollow interior, and the support may be made of a material having high thermal conductivity (e.g., metal). If the support covering the area not covered by the heater (18) has high thermal conductivity, the heat generated from the heater (18) is evenly transferred to the area not covered by the heater (18), so that the aerosol generating article can be efficiently heated.

[0147] According to one embodiment, the heater (18) is positioned inside a tube-shaped support having a hollow interior, and the support may be composed of an electrically conductive material (e.g., metal) to reduce the magnitude of electromagnetic interference appearing from the outside of the support. When the support surrounding the outer radius of the heater (18) is used as a shield for shielding electromagnetic interference, noise caused by electromagnetic interference appearing from the outside of the support is reduced, thereby improving the reliability of detecting capacitance or inductance using the heater (18), and the heater (18) may be used as an element of a directional sensor that detects changes in electrical characteristics occurring from the inner radius (e.g., insertion part). For example, the support may be electrically connected to the ground or shield pin of the first circuit for shielding electromagnetic interference.

[0148] In one embodiment, the processor (12) can control the first circuit (262) and the second circuit (264) to operate selectively. The first mode may be a mode in which the processor (12) detects the current appearing in the heater (18) using the first circuit (262). The second mode may be a mode in which the processor (12) supplies current to the heater (18) using the second circuit (264). For example, the first mode and the second mode may operate selectively.

[0149] In one embodiment, the first circuit (262) may be a circuit for measuring or detecting the electrical state of the heater (18). When the processor (12) operates in a first mode, it may use the first circuit (262) to detect the current appearing in the heater (18). The processor (12) may use the first circuit (262) to measure the capacitance or change in capacitance appearing in the heater (18). The processor (12) may use the first circuit (262) to measure the inductance or change in inductance appearing in the heater (18).

[0150] In one embodiment, the processor (12) can determine the current state of an aerosol generating device (e.g., the aerosol generating device (1) of FIGS. 1 and 2) based on a change in capacitance, a change in inductance, or a detected current. For example, the processor (12) can determine at least one of whether an aerosol generating article is inserted, the humidity of the aerosol generating article, or whether the aerosol generating article is genuine, based on a change in capacitance or a change in inductance. That is, the heater (18) can be used as an element of an insertion detection sensor, an over-humidity detection sensor, or a cigarette identification sensor.

[0151] The processor (12) may determine the current state of the aerosol generating device based on at least one of whether an aerosol generating article is inserted, the humidity of the aerosol generating article, or whether the aerosol generating article is genuine. For example, the current state of the aerosol generating device may include a state in which the aerosol generating article is inserted or not inserted, a state in which the moisture content of the aerosol generating article is outside or within a predetermined numerical range, or a state in which the aerosol generating article is genuine or not genuine. The current state of the aerosol generating device is not limited to the described embodiments.

[0152] For example, the processor (12) can determine the current state of the aerosol generating device as a first state when the aerosol generating item is inserted, the moisture content of the aerosol generating item does not exceed a predetermined numerical range, or the aerosol generating item is genuine. For example, the processor (12) can determine the current state of the aerosol generating device as a second state when the aerosol generating item is not inserted, the moisture content of the aerosol generating item exceeds a predetermined numerical range, or the aerosol generating item is not genuine.

[0153] In one embodiment, the processor (12) can control the aerosol generating device based on the current state of the aerosol generating device. For example, if the current state of the aerosol generating device is determined to be a first state, a restriction on the operation of the aerosol generating device (e.g., heating of the heater (18)) may not be necessary. For example, if the current state of the aerosol generating device is determined to be a second state, a restriction on the operation of the aerosol generating device may be necessary. The processor (12) can determine whether the current state of the aerosol generating device requires an operation restriction or not, and can control the aerosol generating device based on this. If the processor (12) determines that the current state of the aerosol generating device does not require an operation restriction, the aerosol generating device may operate in a second mode.

[0154] In one embodiment, the second circuit (264) may be a circuit for supplying current to the heater (18). For example, when the current state of the aerosol generating device is the first state, the aerosol generating device may operate in the second mode. When operating in the second mode, the processor (12) may supply current to the heater (18) using the second circuit (264). For example, when the current state of the aerosol generating device is the second state, the aerosol generating device may not operate in the second mode. When not operating in the second mode, the processor (12) may cut off the supply of current to the heater (18) using the second circuit (264). For example, if the heater (18) includes an electric resistive heater, as current is supplied to the heater (18) in the second mode, the temperature of the electric resistive heater rises and the aerosol generating article can be heated, and as the supply of current to the heater (18) in the second mode is cut off, the heating of the aerosol generating article can be stopped.

[0155] When a single heater (18) is used to determine the state of an aerosol generating device by detecting a change in electrical characteristics and to heat an aerosol generating article, the state of the aerosol generating device can be accurately determined as the change in electrical characteristics is detected over a wide area, and the heating of the aerosol generating article can be performed evenly over a wide area. As no separate element is required for insertion detection, aerosol generating article identification, or over-humidity detection in the aerosol generating device, the structure of the aerosol generating device can be simplified and efficiency can be increased.

[0157] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a control method for an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0158] The following operations 610 to 630 may be performed by an aerosol generating device (e.g., the aerosol generating device (1) of FIGS. 1 and 2) or by a processor of the aerosol generating device (e.g., the control unit (12) of FIGS. 1 and 2 and the processor (12) of FIGS. 6). The aerosol generating device may include a heater (e.g., the heater (18) of FIGS. 1 to 4b), a support (e.g., the support (223) of FIGS. 2 to 4b), a first circuit (e.g., the first circuit (262) of FIG. 2 or FIG. 6), a second circuit (e.g., the second circuit (264) of FIG. 2 or FIG. 6) and a processor.

[0159] In operation 610, the aerosol generating device can detect a first current appearing in the heater using the first circuit. The current may appear due to a change in capacitance or a change in inductance.

[0160] In operation 620, the aerosol generating device may determine the current state of the aerosol generating device based on the detected first current. For example, the current state of the aerosol generating device may include at least one of whether an aerosol generating article (e.g., the aerosol generating article (2) of FIG. 2) has been inserted, whether the moisture content of the aerosol generating article has exceeded a predetermined numerical range, or what type of aerosol generating article has been inserted. The current state of the aerosol generating device is not limited to the described embodiments.

[0161] In operation 630, the aerosol generating device may control the aerosol generating device based on the current state. For example, a second circuit may be used to heat the aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating device may supply current to a heater using the second circuit, and the aerosol generating article may be heated as the temperature of the heater rises due to the current supplied using the second circuit. For example, if the inserted aerosol generating article deviates from a preset standard (e.g., if the moisture content of the aerosol generating article deviates from a preset numerical range or if the aerosol generating article is not genuine), the aerosol generating device may cut off the current supplied to the heater.

[0163] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a control method for an aerosol generating device based on an operating mode according to one embodiment.

[0164] The following operations 710 to 740 may be performed by an aerosol generating device (e.g., the aerosol generating device (1) of FIGS. 1 and 2) or by a processor of the aerosol generating device (e.g., the control unit (12) of FIGS. 1 and 2 and the processor (12) of FIGS. 6). The aerosol generating device may include a heater (e.g., the heater (18) of FIGS. 1 to 4b), a support (e.g., the support (223) of FIGS. 2 to 4b), a first circuit (e.g., the first circuit (262) of FIG. 2 or FIG. 6), a second circuit (e.g., the second circuit (264) of FIG. 2 or FIG. 6), and a processor. For example, with reference to FIG. 6, the aforementioned operation 610 may include operation 710, operation 620 may include operation 720, and operation 630 may include operations 730 and 740.

[0165] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device may operate in a first mode that determines the current state of the aerosol generating device by measuring or detecting the electrical state of a heater, or in a second mode that heats an aerosol generating article by supplying current to a heater.

[0166] In operation 710, when the aerosol generating device operates in the first mode, it can detect a first current appearing in the heater using the first circuit.

[0167] In operation 720, the aerosol generating device of the first mode can determine the current state of the aerosol generating device based on the detected first current.

[0168] In operation 730, the aerosol generating device may determine whether to operate in a second mode based on its current state. The aerosol generating device or the control unit of the aerosol generating device may determine to operate in a second mode if, while operating in a first mode, the current state of the aerosol generating device is determined to be the first state. For example, the first state may include at least one of a state in which an aerosol generating article (e.g., the aerosol generating article (2) of FIG. 2) is inserted into the aerosol generating device, a state in which the moisture content of the aerosol generating article does not exceed a predetermined numerical range, or a state in which the aerosol generating article is genuine.

[0169] In operation 740, when the aerosol generating device operates in a second mode, it can supply a second current to heat the aerosol generating article to the heater using a second circuit.

[0170] According to one embodiment, the processor can supply current to the heater using a second circuit based on a temperature profile.

[0172] FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0173] According to one embodiment, an aerosol generating device (e.g., the aerosol generating device (1) of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2) may include a heater (18), a first circuit (262), a second circuit (264), a fifth circuit (266), and a processor (12) (e.g., the control unit (12) of FIG. 1). The first circuit (262) may include a third circuit (2622) and a fourth circuit (2624).

[0174] The second circuit (264), the third circuit (2622), the fourth circuit (2624), and the fifth circuit (266) can be connected in parallel circuitly to the heater (18). The processor (12) can control the second circuit (264), the third circuit (2622), the fourth circuit (2624), and the fifth circuit (266) to operate selectively.

[0175] The third circuit (2622) can detect a current corresponding to a change in capacitance or capacitance appearing in the heater (18). The processor (12) can measure a change in capacitance or capacitance appearing in the heater (18) using the third circuit (2622). For example, the third circuit (2622) can determine the capacitance of the heater (18) by applying a constant charge to the heater (18) and measuring the rate at which the charge is discharged from the heater (18).

[0176] According to one embodiment, the processor (12) can determine whether an aerosol generating article (e.g., the aerosol generating article (2) of FIG. 2) is inserted or at least one of the humidity of the aerosol generating article based on the capacitance or change in capacitance measured using the third circuit (2622). That is, the heater (18) can be used as an element of an insertion detection sensor or an overhumidity detection sensor.

[0177] The fourth circuit (2624) can detect the inductance or the current corresponding to the change in inductance appearing in the heater (18). The processor (12) can use the fourth circuit (2624) to measure the inductance or the change in inductance appearing in the heater (18). For example, the fourth circuit (2624) can generate a magnetic field by applying an alternating current to the heater (18) and determine the inductance of the heater (18) by measuring the effect of the magnetic field caused by changes in the environment around the heater (18).

[0178] According to one embodiment, the processor (12) can determine at least one of whether an aerosol-generating article is inserted or the type of aerosol-generating article (e.g., whether it is genuine) based on the inductance or change in inductance measured using the fourth circuit (2624). That is, the heater (18) can be used as an element of an insertion detection sensor or a cigarette identification sensor.

[0179] According to one embodiment, the processor (12) can determine the state of the aerosol generating device using the third circuit (2622) and the fourth circuit (2624). For example, the processor (12) can determine whether an aerosol generating item is inserted and whether the aerosol generating item is in an over-humid state using the third circuit (2622), and can determine whether the aerosol generating item is genuine using the fourth circuit (2624). If the processor (12) detects the insertion of the aerosol generating item and the inserted aerosol generating item is not in an over-humid state and is genuine, the processor (12) can determine the current state of the aerosol generating device as suitable for performing heating on the heater (18).

[0180] The fifth circuit (266) is a circuit that detects the current of the heater, and the processor (12) can determine the temperature of the heater based on the detected current. For example, the fifth circuit (266) can measure the current and / or voltage applied to the heater (18). Based on the measured current and / or voltage, the impedance for the heater (18) can be calculated. Based on the calculated impedance, the processor (12) can estimate the temperature of the heater (18). That is, the heater (18) can be used as an element of a temperature sensor.

[0181] Referring to FIG. 5, the description of the heater (18), the first circuit (262), the second circuit (264), and the processor (12) described above may be similarly modified and applied.

[0182] When a single heater (18) is used to detect a change in capacitance, detect a change in inductance, heat an aerosol generating article, or measure the heating temperature of an aerosol generating article, the detection of changes in electrical characteristics or the heating of the aerosol generating article can be performed accurately and efficiently as each of the operations in which the heater (18) is used is performed over a large area at a location close to the aerosol generating article. As a single heater (18) is used for multiple operations, the structure of the aerosol generating device can be simplified and the efficiency can be increased.

[0184] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a control method for an aerosol generating device based on a measured capacitance or a change in capacitance according to one embodiment.

[0185] The following operations 910 to 930 may be performed by an aerosol generating device (e.g., the aerosol generating device (1) of FIGS. 1 and 2) or by a processor of the aerosol generating device (e.g., the control unit (12) of FIGS. 1 and 2 and the processor (12) of FIGS. 6). The aerosol generating device may include a heater (e.g., the heater (18) of FIGS. 1 to 4b), a support (e.g., the support (223) of FIGS. 2 to 4b), a second circuit (e.g., the second circuit (264) of FIG. 2 or FIG. 6), a third circuit (e.g., the third circuit (2622) of FIG. 8), a fifth circuit (e.g., the fifth circuit (266) of FIG. 8), and a processor. For example, with reference to FIG. 6, the aforementioned operation 610 may include operation 910, operation 620 may include operation 920, and operation 630 may include operations 930.

[0186] In operation 910, the aerosol generating device can measure the capacitance or change in capacitance appearing on the heater using a third circuit.

[0187] In operation 920, the aerosol generating device may determine whether an aerosol generating article (e.g., the aerosol generating article (2) of FIG. 2) is inserted or at least one of the humidity of the aerosol generating article based on the measured capacitance or the change in capacitance. For example, the aerosol generating device may determine the current state of the aerosol generating device as a first state when the aerosol generating article is inserted. For example, the aerosol generating device may determine the current state of the aerosol generating device as a first state when the aerosol generating article is inserted and the humidity of the inserted aerosol generating article is within a reference range. The first state may be a state suitable for the aerosol generating device to perform heating for the heater.

[0188] According to one embodiment, when the current state of the aerosol generating device is determined to be a first state, the device can perform heating of the heater and the aerosol generating article by supplying current to the heater using a second circuit.

[0189] In operation 930, the aerosol generating device can determine the temperature of the heater based on the third current detected using the fifth circuit. For example, the aerosol generating device can determine the temperature of the heater at regular intervals while the aerosol generating article is heated. By adjusting the magnitude of the current supplied to the heater based on the determined temperature of the heater, the aerosol generating device can control the temperature of the heater to follow the temperature profile.

[0191] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a control method for an aerosol generating device based on a measured inductance or a change in inductance according to one embodiment.

[0192] The following operations 1010 to 1030 may be performed by an aerosol generating device (e.g., the aerosol generating device (1) of FIGS. 1 and 2) or by a processor of the aerosol generating device (e.g., the control unit (12) of FIGS. 1 and 2 and the processor (12) of FIGS. 6). The aerosol generating device may include a heater (e.g., the heater (18) of FIGS. 1 to 4b), a support (e.g., the support (223) of FIGS. 2 to 4b), a second circuit (e.g., the second circuit (264) of FIG. 2 or FIG. 6), a fourth circuit (e.g., the fourth circuit (2624) of FIG. 8), a fifth circuit (e.g., the fifth circuit (266) of FIG. 8), and a processor. For example, with reference to FIG. 6, the aforementioned operation 610 may include operation 1010, operation 620 may include operation 1020, and operation 630 may include operations 1030.

[0193] In operation 1010, the aerosol generating device can measure the inductance or change in inductance appearing in the heater using the fourth circuit.

[0194] In operation 1020, the aerosol generating device may determine whether to insert an aerosol generating article (e.g., the aerosol generating article (2) of FIG. 2) or at least one of the type of the aerosol generating article based on the measured inductance or the change in inductance. For example, the aerosol generating device may determine the current state of the aerosol generating device as a first state when the aerosol generating article is inserted. For example, the aerosol generating device may determine the current state of the aerosol generating device as a first state when the aerosol generating article is inserted and the inserted aerosol generating article is genuine. The first state may be a state suitable for the aerosol generating device to perform heating for the heater.

[0195] According to one embodiment, when the current state of the aerosol generating device is determined to be a first state, the device can perform heating of the heater and the aerosol generating article by supplying current to the heater using a second circuit.

[0196] In operation 1030, the aerosol generating device can determine the temperature of the heater based on the third current detected using the fifth circuit. For example, the aerosol generating device can determine the temperature of the heater at a constant period while the aerosol generating article is heated. By adjusting the magnitude of the current supplied to the heater based on the determined temperature of the heater, the aerosol generating device can control the temperature of the heater to follow the temperature profile.

[0197] Some or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not exclusive or distinct from one another. Some or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above may be used in combination or combined for their respective configurations or functions.

[0198] For example, this means that configuration A described in a specific embodiment and / or drawing and configuration B described in another embodiment and / or drawing can be combined. That is, even if the combination between configurations is not directly described, it means that combination is possible, except in cases where it is described that combination is impossible.

[0199] The foregoing detailed description should not be interpreted restrictively in all respects and should be considered exemplary. The scope of the invention shall be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the invention are included within the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claim 1 An aerosol generating device comprising: an insert portion in which at least a portion of an aerosol generating article is disposed; a support portion disposed to cover at least a portion of the side of the aerosol generating article disposed in the insert portion; a heater disposed between the support portion and the insert portion, at least a portion thereof; a first circuit and a second circuit electrically connected to each other in parallel to the heater; and a processor that controls the first circuit and the second circuit to operate selectively, wherein the processor detects a first current appearing in the heater using the first circuit, determines the current state of the aerosol generating device based on the detected first current, controls the aerosol generating device based on the current state, and the second circuit is used to heat the aerosol generating article. Claim 2 In claim 1, the processor detects the first current appearing in the heater using the first circuit when operating in the first mode, determines the current state of the aerosol generating device based on the detected first current, determines whether to operate in the second mode based on the current state, and when operating in the second mode, supplies a second current to heat the aerosol generating article to the heater using the second circuit. Claim 3 An aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the first circuit includes a third circuit for detecting the first current corresponding to the capacitance or change in capacitance appearing in the heater, and the processor measures the capacitance or change in capacitance appearing in the heater using the third circuit. Claim 4 In paragraph 3, the processor determines at least one of whether to insert the aerosol generating article or the humidity of the aerosol generating article based on the measured capacitance or the change in the capacitance. Claim 5 An aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the first circuit includes a fourth circuit for detecting the first current corresponding to the inductance or change in inductance appearing in the heater, and the processor measures the inductance or change in inductance appearing in the heater using the fourth circuit. Claim 6 In paragraph 5, the aerosol generating device, wherein the processor determines whether to insert the aerosol generating article or at least one of the type of the aerosol generating article based on the measured inductance or the change in the inductance. Claim 7 An aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the support member has a tube shape including a cylindrical hollow, and the heater is attached to the inside of the support member through an insulating material. Claim 8 An aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the support member is composed of a material having higher thermal conductivity than the heater. Claim 9 An aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the support member is composed of an electrically conductive material capable of reducing the magnitude of electromagnetic interference appearing on the outer side of the support member. Claim 10 In claim 9, the support member is electrically connected to the ground or shield pin of the first circuit, an aerosol generating device. Claim 11 An aerosol generating device according to claim 1, further comprising a vacuum member that surrounds at least a portion of the support member. Claim 12 In claim 1, the heater is an aerosol generating device having a serpentine shape. Claim 13 An aerosol generating device according to claim 1, further comprising a fifth circuit electrically connected in parallel with the first circuit and the second circuit for the heater, wherein the processor determines the temperature of the heater based on a third current detected using the fifth circuit. Claim 14 A method for controlling an aerosol generating device, performed by an aerosol generating device, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises: an insertion portion in which at least a portion of an aerosol generating article is disposed; a support portion disposed to cover at least a portion of the side of the aerosol generating article disposed in the insertion portion; a heater disposed between the support portion and the insertion portion, wherein at least a portion thereof; a first circuit and a second circuit electrically connected to each other in parallel to the heater; and a processor that controls the first circuit and the second circuit to operate selectively, wherein the method comprises: an operation of detecting a first current appearing in the heater using the first circuit; an operation of determining the current state of the aerosol generating device based on the detected first current; and an operation of controlling the aerosol generating device based on the current state, wherein the second circuit is used to heat the aerosol generating article. Claim 15 A computer-readable recording medium storing a program for executing the method according to paragraph 14.

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